Savoring Friendship (Part 1) (Patreon)
Content
One sunny morning, as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the home of the Kang family, Jasper burst into Sirius' room with a mischievous grin on his face. "Sirius, my friend, today is the day we embark on a culinary quest like no other! I've heard rumors of a hidden market on the outskirts of town, where mysterious ingredients and secret recipes await us."
Sirius, always up for an adventure, had been abruptly woken by the burrdogs eagerness. “Wha? Journey? Now?”
“Well.. yes,” replied the fluffy orange furred hybrid. He pushed his pudgy fingers together. “You said when I was ready you’d join me since Feng can’t leave his own duties.”
The Wakita slowly roused from his slumber, sat up on his bed, and gave out a big yawn. “I did say that, didn't I?”
Again Jasper shook his head vigorously, that gleam in his eyes returning.
“Then what are we waiting for?”
“It’s been rather calm and safe here the last few weeks,” added Sirius, looking out his bedroom window. “I could take some leave myself.”
After the large beefy canine had gotten himself ready for the day and to come venture, he joined up with the shorter and rounder pup. The two of them waved and said their goodbyes to the rest of the household before the duo set off towards the outskirts of the city and beyond.
“So I take it you found something during your own studies Jasper,” asked Sirius.
“I did! I found this old paper that was stuffed inside one of Feng’s cook books.”
The Wakita leaned down to take a look at it. “That does look like his paw writings for sure. I do remember him saying that he had made a trek across this area sometime ago.”
Jaspers eyes swelled even bigger. “Y-You mean I’ll be going to the same places he did!”
Sirius chuckled, seeing his adorable friend get even more stoked to begin this adventure. “Seems so. If they are still around. His time was like twenty-five years ago when he did it.”
“Still!,” he brought the paper back to his own eyes. “To know me, his pupil can see some of the sights he did.”
A huge white and black furred paw landed on his soft shoulder. “Hey. I’m not being a downer here. I’m excited to see some of these places to and doing it with you couldn’t be better.”
The eyes of the burrdog grew wet with tenderness as the huge canine offered his own support. “Then let’s find this market first. It’s called… Last Morsel.”
Sirius raised a brow. “Sounds like they sell some special things.”
“Sure does! Now let’s find it and see what I can learn.”
The search for the elusive market lasted for days as they continued their friendly trek. They navigated through dense forests, crossed babbling brooks, and finally stumbled upon a clearing where a vibrant market suddenly appeared.
“Whoa,” came Jasper, darting his head backwards, seeing the bushes they had come through now turned into a solid wall. “Uh… Siri.”
“I see it too,” he said, already looking at the same wall. “Looks like we might have found it if it’s magically enchanted like this.”
The pair turned their sights back towards the market. Stalls lined with exotic spices, rare herbs, and unusual fruits greeted them. Jasper's eyes gleamed with excitement as he envisioned the culinary masterpieces he could create with these unique ingredients or maybe ones that his master had done during his time.
“Siri,” he jittered, clenching his fist full of energy. “We made it!”
Another chuckle sounded out of the Wakita, looking down at his pup. “We sure did. You are a fine guide if I do say.”
A blush lit along his cheeks at the praise and deepened even more so when he heard both of their stomachs make a low growl. “Guess we better hurry or these things we’ll be making more noise.”
Sirius patted at his middle, showing his own blushed state. “Yes, let’s. Don’t want to be too much of a noise alert here.”
The friends wandered through the market, sampling delicacies and gathering ingredients for their journey. Some of them certainly tasted familiar upon the burrdogs palette, taking him back to days where the golden tiger chef would test out his very own dishes on him. As the day rolled on and the sun began to set, he had certainly had his fill as he waddled himself towards the one he came to see as a father figure.
Sirius turned his head to see the indulgent burrdog rub at his bloated middle. “I see you had a feast for yourself.”
“It was all so good,” he groaned, stifling a belch. “I ccouldn’t stop trying everything.”
“Nor would I want you too hun.”
Jasper’s cheeks reddened once more, even though this was the norm for him around his fluffy Papa. “I was able to figure out some recipes I could try if you wouldn’t mind…”
“Mind? Why I’d happily help you discover your own set of dishes to show off to Feng.”
The burrdogs unending smile seemed to stretch even wider hearing those promising words. “Thank you pops!”
The Wakita rubbed at his nose, catching a sniff. “I figured you’d want to do so. That’s why I got us a little rest home to stay in.”
Jasper curiously tilted his head. “Stay? Where?”
Sirius pointed off. “Over there. Not too far from here. It’s mostly for those who work here but there are a few places for travelers.”
“Wow. That’s really thinking ahead.”
With great pride, the Wakita lifted his head, giving a beaming smile of his own. He held both arms at his side, while planting both paws at his hips. He took a deep breath, inflating that chest of his and offering a simple nod.
Jasper could only giggle at the posture of the other which only made his stomach bubble from the day's indulgence. “Oof… I think I should sit down soon.”
“Then let’s get you there and we can map out what that sweet mind of yours has cooking up.”