“Over there is the training room," Shadow says as he gestures toward a spacious room filled with humanoid dummies. “Oh, and down there is where the kitchen is. Are you hungry?"

What an odd thought it is that Shadow and I first met five years ago. He was the first canine demon I'd seen since my arrival. Although I was aware of the existence of a variety of demons, I never gave them much thought before putting an end to their lives. The good news for him and the other generals was that I had already put my plans into motion. The first was sparing demons after defeating them, with Shadow being the first general I'd spared since the beginning of the war.

I had him just where I wanted him, at the tip of my blade, and then I turned my back and walked away. I'm relieved that everything worked out since I have a soft spot for dogs even now, and to my surprise, canine demons were no exception. To be honest, I feel my defenses weakening by the second as I'm confronted with his joyful demeanor. Though I am curious why he is being so kind. Weird as he may have seemed when we first met, he took our battle seriously.

Now, I would chuckle at how absurd it is if someone had stated that this was “Shadow, the commander of the undead army." But there's no doubt it's him. The fur, the eyes, and even the unusual mixed breed. One half is definitely wild, like a wolf, while the other is gentler, resembling a Husky or German Shepard. My resolve is slipping away. When was the last time I petted a dog?

To think there are no dogs in this world is a tragedy. Not even any kind of crazy magical dog or something like that. Various animals from our world are absent but clearly an evolved species in the demon's world. It makes me wonder if perhaps these are parallel universes that split from our timeline. I can't say for sure, but it makes me wonder.

“Alexander?" Shadow brings my attention with a wave of his hand. “Are you alright?"

“Sorry, I was just lost in thought."

He cocks his head. “What for?"

“To be honest, Shadow. It's you. You're not the general I met all those years ago."

His worry fades as his smile grows. “Ah, that makes sense. Would you mind joining me somewhere more private?"

“I don't mind."

“Thank you."

I follow Shadow as he leads. Like the dogs of our world, I get the impression that Shadow is being painfully clear about how he feels. If any of the other generals had asked me to accompany them alone, I would have refused on the spot. I can only assume that once we are alone, he will explain why he is so thrilled to be in my presence. After leading me for some time, he enters a room and waves for me to join. Closing the door behind me, I glance at what I guess is his bedroom.

He walks past me toward a table and waves to a seat.

“Please, join me." I take a seat as the sound of his tail wagging fills the air. He just stared at me for a minute without a single word. “Do you remember what you told me the day I lost?" He asks.

I pause for a second to reflect. What I said to him before I left is still crystal clear in my mind because it was sincere.

“I'd rather die than kill man's best friend," I answer.

“Man's best friend," he repeats. “Where did that come from?"

“It's a story that might come off as insulting," I warn.

“I have an open mind. Please, tell me."

I realize why I've been keeping my distance from Shadow; I can't deny how badly I want to squish and pull all the excess skin around his face. As I get back on track, I shake off those wandering thoughts.

“You're aware of what a hero is, right?"

He nods. “You were summoned to this world to save the humans."

“My world is vastly different from both the human and the demon world. For instance, we have creatures that look like you but also aren't."

As the grin on his face grows, so does the speed of his tail.

“Go on."

“A long time ago, we humans used to live in our own little packs. One day, a curious thing happened. A wolf had come close to our camps, but rather than show hostility, it was curious." At Shadow's ever-growing joy, I continue my tale. “Humans are curious too. So we invited the wolf with scraps of food and soon a bond was formed. Throughout our history, we had kept those wolves close. Over time, they had changed to become a variety of different breeds. We called them dogs and they hold the title of “Man's best friend."."

I look at the table as I think about our dogs. “I have a soft spot for canines. So when I met you in battle, I knew my fate was already sealed. I couldn't kill you, even if I wanted to. I love dogs too much to do so."

When he puts my hands in his, I flinch slightly. I raise my gaze to his starry eyes.

“We love you too!" He states, with an expression that is not love of another, so much as it is the awe one could feel upon encountering God.

“We?" I ask, confused.

“A-Apologies." He lets go of my hand. “In the canine tribes, there has always been a universal story we've passed down from generation to generation." He clears his throat. “Before our awakening, we were taken in by a loving and strong creature. Blood, sweat and tears were shared between our kind. A love made from the flames of survival. After we ascended to their level, the creatures we owed our lives to were never seen again. All we know, all we've ever known about them, is that they were our best friends."

Shadow is completely honest, which almost guarantees that there was some type of diverging universe that separated the history of people and dogs I know from the ascension of the canine demon. This explains a great deal about why Shadow is behaving the way he is. In contrast to the humans of this planet, I am special to his people. Perhaps not a god, but a long-lost family member.

“That's a strange coincidence." I try to brush it off.

“I don't think so." Shadow insists. “Was it also a coincidence that you were chosen to be the hero? Why not just give the ability to someone living in this world? Why a human at all? Why specifically a human who once was known as my kins best friend and one who claims dogs to be 'mans' best friend?" A smile crosses his face as he laughs. “Dog... Perhaps it's also a coincidence that you've used a term we hold in high regard? Never has a single canine demon uttered that word in either world. And yet, here you are, the hero, using a word that is sacred to my people. How can this be a coincidence?"

When I gaze into Shadow's eyes, I can't help but be swept away by them. He wears his feelings on his sleeves. The straightforward attitude. He embodies everything I adore about dogs.

“Alright. Let's say it's not a coincidence. What does this all mean in the end?" I add, almost losing myself again in wanting to stroke his fur.

“It doesn't have to mean anything," he admits. “Just that I hope we never have to fight again. As I saw the heartbreak in your eyes when we fought, I too can't deny the pain in my chest at the thought of hurting you. How could I possibly betray my best friend?"

“Shadow... Do you understand what you're saying? If the other generals, let alone the demon queen heard this, you'd likely not live to see another day."

“I understand, but is it not expected to die for a friend?" He answers with pure sincerity.

I see the door is locked upon glancing at it. On top of that, I performed a spell before entering the room to ensure no one could eavesdrop. I've reached my breaking point; it's time to treat myself to something I've been needing. Despite Shadow's puzzled expression, I rise out of my chair and approach him.

“I hope you'll forgive me for this."

“Forgive you for wha-"

I don't even wait for him to finish speaking before pinching both of his cheeks and pulling on the skin, briefly causing his face to seem larger before squeezing it in. He looks baffled by this, but I'm not letting up. I move my hands up to his ears, one scratching the back of his left while my other thumb and index finger massage from the base of his right ear to the tip.

His tongue hangs lazily while his eyes roll back in his head. This is not good—exactly the response I was hoping for! I move my hands lower to his neck as I continue to pet his fur before leaning in and taking in his scent. I've missed this so much. It's primal; something from our ancestors living with dogs for decamillennium programmed this response in me. A sense of tranquility that can only be reached by forming a lifelong friendship with another species.

Shadow is completely absorbed in the euphoria caused by my treatment of him. But I know we can't keep on like this forever. It'll only be a matter of time until someone comes to investigate. Despite my soul's plea to remain, I let go of Shadow and return to my seat. By the time my racing heart slows down, Shadow has come to his senses again.

“W-What was that?" he asks in a daze.

“Sorry, I haven't been able to do that with a dog in a very long time. I took it out on you."

“You mean you do that regularly?"

“Whenever I could."

His tail is back to wagging as the haze clears from his eyes.

“I'm not opposed to doing that again if you want... What are friends for?"

I really don't like how he's so willing to give me something I crave.

“We'll have to table that for the time being." I take a breath to steady my nerves. “I'd be a pretty shitty friend if I let you get hurt because of this. So I'll speak to Azure about what's going on, so at the very least, she won't think you've betrayed her."

“Thank you." He rubs the back of his neck nervously before looking up at me. “U-Um, would it be alright if we talked more about humans and dogs? Maybe not right now, but I'd also love for you to come and meet our eldest. She is the daughter of the first ascended and the one who passed down the stories."

“That is definitely interesting," I remark. “But first, I want to make sure Azure is moving with the whole ceasefire thing. After that's all set up, maybe I can do a bit more learning about the demon world."

“Great!" He gets up from his seat. “Let's continue your tour."

“Very well."

Azure is sitting on her throne as three of her four generals flank her while ten higher demons stand in the middle of the room looking shocked by what they've just heard. A small male calico, standing around three feet, takes a step forward with a raised hand. Azure turns her gaze to him and gives a quick nod.

“But why?" He simply asks. “Now that we have these seeds, why honor the agreement? Shouldn't we just attack?"

“Do you believe such a thing to be easy with the hero around? If he catches wind of any deceit, he will act accordingly. He only promised to remain peaceful so long as we do the same."

“Then why not set up a trap?" Stepping up next is a female horse with a dirty blond mane and sandy fur. “If we manage to kill him, then this war is over."

“So you think your measly tricks are enough to kill him when I couldn't in a head-on fight?" Azure rises from her seat; the flood of aura seeping from her is almost enough to choke everyone around. “I'll take that idea as a challenge for my throne."

The equine quickly backs down as a lion takes her place.

“Perhaps we should consider who is to hold the throne?" He questions. “We only picked you because we thought you would do anything to assure our victory. Perhaps you've grown sof-"

It happened in an instant. When the lion was talking, his head disappeared. No explosion of gore or fragments of his skull. One moment it was there and then gone the next as his body crumbled to the ground, the blood finally seeping from his neck. Azure's right arm is colossal and that of a feral dragon. She shakes her arm, some blood splattering on the floor as it returns to humanoid size.

“Since we're being honest, I'm in a really bad mood today," Azure admits, locking her gaze on the other higher demons. “Would anyone else like to question my position as the demon queen?" All the higher demons understand the difference between them and Azure as they all lower their heads to the floor. “Good. You're dismissed. Expect your respective clansmen to return shortly from the frontlines. Enjoy this moment, because the war will start again, that I have no doubt about."

Feeling as if staying any longer wouldn't be good for their long-term health, the demons quickly exit the throne room, leaving Azure, her generals and the body of the higher demon.

“Only one dead this time. That's a new record." Bane states as Lilith walks over and kicks the corpse.

“What did he expect to happen? I never could understand the felines." She turns to Lacey. “No offense."

“The males have always been useless boastful idiots." Lacey sighs. “They're a dime a dozen."

“Where's Shadow?" Lilith asks. “No point in wasting the body."

Lacey lights up her staff before turning to the door. “He's right here."

Shadow comes walking in with the hero beside him. He's all smiles until he notices the body and looks at Azure.

“Again?"

“Just deal with the body," she states before turning her attention to the hero. “So, Hero. How was your little tour? Have a fun time?"

Her tone is dripping in sarcasm, but I look away from the body as I have no care about who she kills here. With one exception though.

“All castles are the same in the end," I remark. “I take it from the corpse that things aren't looking too good?"

“They're going as expected."

I watch as Shadow walks over to the body and performs a ritual before the skin sheds away, and all that's left is a headless skeleton that picks itself up and turns to face Shadow.

“Go with the others," He commands.

It walks past me without a glance as I look over at Shadow, who rubs the back of his neck nervously. This entire scenario is odd, but it appears business as usual for the demons. Either way, I walk over to Azure as she sneers at me, clearly not in a good mood.

“How have the seeds been doing?"

“Well enough."

“I'd like to discuss something in private if that's alright with you."

A low growl leaves her. “It's the last thing I want to do." She turns her gaze to the other generals. “Give me a few minutes."

Already knowing Azure isn't in a good mood, they don't question her as they leave. I attempt to cast a privacy spell but note it shatters in an instant.

“And what would you need that for?" Azure asks.

“I want to assure that what we talk about next is just between us."

She locks her eyes to mine for a moment before scoffing and snapping her fingers. A large privacy bubble is made.

“So, what requires all this privacy, Hero?"

“As I said before, you can call me Alex." I start.

“Don't hold your breath."

“Right..." I try to calm myself. Expecting anything from her so early is impossible. I just need to focus on what I can do. “I wanted to talk about Shadow."

She raises a brow. “Is that so?"

“Yes. I believe my plan will only work if we learn to trust one another, so while I may lie to everyone else, I'll never do the same with you."

Once again, she growls. “Rather than waste my time, speak."

“Far-fetched as it may seem, I believe Shadow's species to be a part of my people's history. Long before what he is now. Something primitive, but a friend nonetheless."

For once since I stepped foot into this throne room, Azure's angered demeanor shifts to genuine shock.

“Did you just say “friend"?"

“Yes."

Falling to a neutral expression, Azure mulls this over.

“What significance does this have?" She asks.

“He believes the same thing. I'd be upset if one day I entered this throne room to find his corpse lying on the floor for betrayal."

“You, upset?" A smile creeps onto her lips. “Well, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?"

“And the last mistake you'd ever make," I answer back with no room for questions. “Do not take my kindness as a weakness. Neither world is my home, so my loyalty lies with no one. I'll burn it all down, leaving only the ashes for you to play in, Demon Queen."

That smile fades as a frown takes its place. “More and more I'm thinking the humans didn't summon a hero."

“We have a lot more in common than you'd admit," I state. “Either way... Perhaps our history is just coincidence, but in the end, he wishes to remain loyal to you. So take his attitude as harmless curiosity."

Azure is looking me in the eye, but then it shifts lower. Rising from her throne, she walks closer to me before plucking something off the exposed shoulder of my armor. I glance over to see her examining a pitch black strand of fur.

“Hmph." She tosses it aside before returning to her seat. “So long as he is loyal, I care not what toys he plays with. That is the only rule I care about in my army."

“Good." I look out a nearby window to find that night will come soon. “I'll be camping outside the castle for the night. Call for me, should you need to."

Just as I'm about to back away, I pause as the slap of Azure's tail grabs my attention.

“Seeing as you're so acquainted with one of my generals, I believe Shadow would simply adore having a companion to fill his bed. That request isn't too much for a “friend", right?"

If the smirk on her muzzle is any indication, she undoubtedly believes I'd be against it; but the joke's on her, I want nothing more than to snuggle with Shadow.

“Very well."

That smirk vanished as quickly as it had appeared, but I didn't wait for her to say anything further before leaving the throne room where the four generals stood in wait. I turn my attention to Shadow.

“Azure said you're to watch me tonight."

A little tremor of excitement sets in, but he swiftly recovers in front of the others.

“Her wish is my command."

His tail is wagging the whole way back to his room. I need to keep my emotions in check moving forward because there's a lot at stake, and I can't afford to fail at the starting line.