New Breed?! Tremendous Dog Fairy!

## Story

Kirito and his friends hear that circus animals escaped their circus and have been reverting to wild in various regions of ALfheim. According to some circus group, some fairies took those animals away. Kirito and his friends have no idea what's about to happen to them.

Part of the Furry Morphin' Time

Story 1

Yui: That's correct. Wild animals throughout Alfheim have suddenly begun attacking fairies.
Kirito: That's...odd. We're living in a fantasy world, so animals here are either "neutral" or "murder" mode. There were those beasties Yuuki made for that event that caused havoc... That sort of thing again?
Yui: Rumors say the animals attacking people include lions and tigers and bears...oh my. Monkeys too.
Kirito: Yikes. It sounds like a madhouse out there... Hey, waaait a sec... That animal lineup sounds pretty familiar...
Leafa: Oh!
Sinon: Ahh, I get it. All the creatures you just named were those that the circus NPCs used for their tricks.
Kirito: Well, then that means... The circus animals all broke free and are running wild?
Leafa: That can't be it... The trainers were really nice to those animals, and they all loved each other.
Sinon: I'm with Leafa here. The animals were treated well, and there was no cruelty I could see.
Kirito: Well, let's go swing by the circus and ask. Maybe they know something.
Circus Woman: Yes, that's right. Somehow all the animals slipped out of their cages and left us... We did have one eyewitness. They say a group of fairies kidnapped our animals...
Kirito: Fairies, huh?
Leafa: Well, each fairy race in ALO looks different. Maybe we can narrow it down? Hey do you know what race those fairies were?
Circus Woman: No... But I think they all had big ears.
Sinon: Hmm...
Kirito: Cait Sith?
Circus Woman: Hmm... No, I think they were a little... different.
Leafa: Well, that's vague...

Story 2

Leafa: Yeah. Or at least, that's what the circus lady would have us believe! Of course, the circus animals were seen running rampant over here, so...yeah.
Sinon: We're pretty close to Cait Sith territory...
Kirito: Hold on, I know that tone... You're upset that it might be Cait Sith that're causing all this trouble, aren't you?
Sinon: Well... Yeah.
Leafa: Hey, don't worry! The circus lady said it wasn't a Cait Sith, you can trust her!
Sinon: But Cait Sith are the only fairies in ALO with big ears, right?
Kirito: Truth.
Sinon: And secondly, there's the animal connection. Those beasties were happy where they were, and quite friendly. Now they're running wild. The only explanation I can think of is that someone used the taming skill on them.
Kirito: I have to agree. It seems like the most logical conclusion.
Leafa: Well, how about this theory? There are gods or druids that can control animals inNorse mythology, right? How about that?
Kirito: Well, okay. There could be a unique NPC involved here. We've seen them before.
Sinon: I mean, maybe, but... Hold up!
Leafa: Incoming!
Kirito: What? What happened? What am I missing?!
Leafa: I hear a bunch of footsteps! Something's trying to sneak up on us!
Sinon: I can see sunlight flashing off the eyes of sneaky things trying to hide in those shadows. They're stealthy and slinking through the shadows...like a pack of wolves.
Kirito: Wow. Sylph ears and Cait Sith eyes are awesome! I can't see or hear them at all! So... Are we being attacked or what?
Leafa: Hmm... It looks like they're keeping an eye on us from a distance for now.
Sinon: Yeah. I don't think they're after us... AH! Danger!
Kirito: What?! Where?! Oh, above us!!
Leafa: An aerial attack?!
Sinon: Grr! You're gonna regret that!

Story 3

Kirito: ...
Sinon: \*sigh\*...
Leafa: I'm beat...
Asuna: Whoa, what're those! They're...adorable!! Where'd you get them? Is it a unique hat for something? Spill!
Kirito: No way, can't you tell? This is most definitely not equipment...
Sinon: An enemy got the drop on us.
Leafa: I never imagined they were just distracting us while their friends snuck up on us from the sky...
Asuna: Wait... You mean the bad guys got you?
Kirito: Yup...
Asuna: So... Who were they? What did they look like?
Kirito: Honestly, no idea. We barely got a glimpse of them. All we know is that they're strong and fast, they're master tamers, and they can polymorph their enemies. Multiple fairies, at least.
Asuna: Wow... Doesn't that sound a little OP?
Leafa: It totally was! Fairies are supposed to have strong and weak points, right?! But these guys were broken good! I call hacks!
Sinon: I'm going to agree with Leafa. They were so fast, I was only able to catch a glimpse of their wings. And they were, without a doubt, fairy wings. We're in a Norse-themed game, and Norse gods generally use magic or items to fly, not wings.
Kirito: Yeah, which means the god angle's a bust. So... Who in the world were they?
Asuna: Still, bad guys or not... You guys are just TOO CUTE!!
Kirito: H-Hey, back off! No touching!
Asuna: Fine, no love for you. Some here, Leafa! You too, Sinonon! I'mma rub you!
Leafa: Waah! D-Don't rub my ears like that!!
Sinon: Asuna! Not there! It's sensitive! Huh, what's this...? Also, seriously, Asuna, stop.
Asuna: Is that a message? From who?
Sinon: Alicia... She says... Cait Sith territory is being attacked by fairies no one's ever seen before?!
Kirito: Whaaat?!

Story 4

Sinon: Ugh... I'm getting seriously tired of having to explain this every time I see someone new.
Leafa: Yeah, but you can't blame 'em.
Kirito: So, here's what happened...
Alicia: Wow, tough luck. But it sounds like the ones who got you are the same ones attacking our territory. The ridiculously high physical stats, the group tactics, and that big ears that aren't Cait Sith... It's the same story out here. But you know, the more look, the more I realize Kirito and Leafa's ears are similar to theirs.
Sinon: Just Kirito and Leafa? Not me? So...dog ears?
Leafa: Yeah, I think me and Kirito are both doggies. You've got... What are those, bunny?
Sinon: Aren't bunny ears longer and straighter and leads floppy?
Kirito: Degree of flop depends on the bunny, but I think we should get back to the enemy invasion now. So you've got a horde of angry dog-eared fairies attacking the kitty cat Cait Sith, right, Alicia? Which makes them...what? Doig Sith?
Sinon: Ha ha. Anywhy, it sounds like they can tame too. So I guess all beast fairies have animal affinity?
Alicia: Maybe? But I've never heard of "beast-type fairies" as a category before. I thought we were special.
Leafa: Dog fairies, dog fairies... Hmm...
Kirito: Leafa? You okay there?
Leafa: I read something about dog fairies in a book on Irish folklore once. They were called "Cu Sith"
Kirito: Cu Sith, huh? Sounds a lot like "Cait Sith" to me. Let's call them that for now at least.
Sinon: Fine, Cu Sith it is. So, Alicia... Has anyone else been polymorphed like us by these Cu Sith?
Alicia: No, not that I know of.
Kirito: That's weird. Why just us?
Leafa: I'd like to know too, but I'm more interested in finding a way to turn us back.
Sinon: Agreed. I suggest we find these Cu Sith and have a sit-down chat with them.
Kirito: Seconded.

Story 5

Kirito: Maybe. Yuuki and I ran into a bunch of rare fairies a while back. The Dwarfs. So maybe there's some sort of limited trial period for this new fairy race or something?
Sinon: Well, whatever's going on, We need to talk to them if we ever want to get rid of these ears. Of course, we already know they aren't just going to sit down for tea. We'll have to beat 'em first.
Asuna: What, no! Keep the ears, Sinonon! They're SO cute!
Sinon: Asuna. Look at me. See this expression? It means "no."
Leafa: We've got a whole bunch of enemies to beat with ridiculous physical abilities. Asuna, help us!
Asuna: Sure! Besides, I can't just sit on the sidelines while they're attacking the Cait Sith.
Kirito: You'd probably end up having to fight them sooner or later, so I'm glad you're with us now.
Asuna: Hehe, this is exciting! A mysterious new fairy race! I can't wait!
Sinon: You really are a warrior at heart. Most people would hesitate to fight enemies this powerful.
Asuna: Well, duh! The stronger the enemy, the more fun the fight!
Kirito: Hmm. New classes or races in games are usually more powerful than launch ones, huh.
Leafa: These Cu Sith may be NPCs for now, but you think they'll be available for us players soon too?
Kirito: There's a decent chance, I say.
Sinon: That'd be lame. All the newbies would pick Cu Sith.
Kirito: Ha ha, you really don't like these dog fairies, do you, Sinon?
Asuna: Hehe, well, cats and dogs don't get along, right?

Story 6

Kirito: We've finally cornered you!
Asuna: So you're the Cu Sith!
Leafa: Why have you attacked Cait Sith territory?! What do you hope to gain?!
Sinon: And where did you mutts come from in the first place? Also,CHANGE US BACK, NOW!!
Asuna: Um, girls? They're NPCs. I don't think they can handle all these complex questions.
Sinon: Yeah, I know. Sorry. I'm just really, really, REALLY filled with seething rage about all this.
Kirito: No worries. We do have a lot of questions for them too.
Cu Sith: Flank them!
Kirito: What?!
Leafa: Uh oh! Where did all these guys come from, and when did they surround us?!
Asuna: They must have amazing stealth skills, or some sort of detection avoidance buff!
Sinon: Ugh, I hate these guys so much. They're way too overpowered!
Cu Sith: **Grawr!**
Kirito: They're attacking! HYAAAH! What...?! Ngh...! Wh-What's with this guy?!
Asuna: Kirito! Are you okay?!
Kirito: I parried this guy's attack, but I'm still hurt somehow! Aha! His other hand! He isn't holding a weapon, but...
Asuna: Yikes, look at how long those claws are! Wasn't he just using a one-handed sword?!
Leafa: His claws weren't that long to begin with! They must be able to change their claw size at will!
Cu Sith: Grrrrrr...
Sinon: And look at that one's fangs... Those are definitely deadly weapons.
Kirito: Ouch... Weapons, claws, fangs... These guys are way too powerful!

Story 7

Kirito: Alicia!
Sinon: Barely. But we've got a bunch of wounded down here.
Leafa: Sorry! I can't heal everyone fast enough!
Alicia: No worries! It looks like our side is still doing pretty well!
Asuna: Are we looking at the same battle? What part of this is "doing pretty well"?!
Alicia: You should see the other places these guys attacked.
Kirito: The Cu Sith have been using monsters to help them fight too. I'm not surprised thing are bad.
Leafa: So they can tame animals AND monsters... Ugh.
Alicia: Yeesh. These guys are ridiculous. But seriously, what are they after?
Asuna: Maybe they're trying to conquer Cait Sith territory, or change the balance of power? Mm, I don't think so...
Kirito: Yeah. They just kinda caused a ruckus, then wandered off...
Leafa: They are wild dogs... They probably finished their hunt and decided to go home.
Alicia: Well, thanks for helping us out. Head to the safe zone and get some rest. I'll come meet you in a bit. I want to talk future strategy.
Sinon: Sounds good.
Kirito: ...
Asuna: What is it, Kirito?
Kirito: I was just thinking about those Cu Sith...
Asuna: Ah. I can see why. We know so little about them.
Kirito: The only NPC-exclusive fairy races we've encountered so far have been the Alfs and the Dwarfs. Maybe these Cu Sith are the same deal? A sort of temporary event quest that introduces them?
Asuna: Maybe... Then again, in the end, the Alfs were just a fairy tale. I think it'd be hard to add a new race to ALO too.
Kirito: Yeah, I agree. And if they did, they'd probably have a big announcement and update...
Asuna: So if they're not introducing a new race, then this whole event is a bit of a mystery.
Kirito: It really is. I wonder if it's supposed to be a puzzle that we have to figure out.
Asuna: We could be reading too deep into this, but I doubt it's just something they added for fun.
Kirito: Heh, you might have a point there.
Leafa: Hey guys! Get over here!
Kirito: What's up?
Leafa: Me and Sinon just figured something out! Look, check your stats!
Kirito: Alright, sure...

Story 8

Sinon: So you got them too?
Leafa: Yeah! Special skills! Fang attack! Claw attack! Rawr! Both me and you got the same skills, Kirito! From the names, they have to be the same abilities that those Cu Sith had, right?
Kirito: Looks that way, yeah. But I'm positive we didn't have these when we first go transformed.
Sinon: I don't have new attacks, but I've gotten some new abilities to hide in bushes and shadows. I guess you get different abilities depending on the animal you're transformed into.
Asuna: So you didn't have these right away? Hmm... In which case, I guess you get them by fighting and gaining EXP?
Kirito: I'm more focused on the fact that I think I have badass beast skills now!
Leafa: I know, it's awesome!! Besides, it was cheap when only they had them, but now? Ha ha ha!
Kirito: Let's go try them out! Maybe we're actually Cu Sith now too!
Leafa: I cannot wait to get my claws on!
Sinon: Hmm... Hey, this is a bit of a stretch, but... Do you think those Cu Sith we met are also just polymorphed fairies?
Asuna: Huh. That's a thought.
Kirito: That's it! That makes so much sense! In ALO, most transformation magic is just an illusion, right? It doesn't change your stats or anything. But, what if there's polymorph magic that does? I think that gets to the heart of Sinon's brilliant stroke of insight just now.
Leafa: Illusion magic... I remember that crazy scary giant demon you turned into a little while back.
Kirito: Yeah, that was fun. Still, whatever it looked like, it was just an illusion. But if this is magic that changes your character itself, then it all makes sense!

Story 9

Asuna: They're back!
Leafa: We won't lose this time! Why, you ask? We've got your powers, that's why!
Cu Sith: ...!
Leafa: You'll regret doing this to me, fairy doggies! Take THIS!
Cu Sith: Nngh!
Asuna: Nice one, Leafa!
Leafa: Thanks! One hand, sword! The other hand, claws! Also fangs! I'm like that famous triple sword wielder!
Asuna: Looking good! Aww, I wish I could get transformed into a cute animal and get cool abilities too!
Leafa: No, you don't, Asuna! Trust me! It's not as awesome as it looks! Just...mostly as awesome!
Asuna: You get to look cute and get a power buff. Seems like a good deal to me.
Leafa: Well, yeah... But who cares about stats and skills and buffs! I want to stay a Sylph!
Cu Sith: These guys are trouble... Retreat!
Asuna: They're trying to run!
Leafa: Hold it right there!
Monster: **GRWARGH!!**
Animal: **Graaawr!!**
Asuna: Is this their taming abilities at work again?!
Leafa: Looks like it! And these animals, they're from the circus!
Asuna: That's so mean! They're using them as animal shields while they run away!
Leafa: Rats... They got us... If they were monsters, we could just cut our way through them. But innocent animals...
Asuna: Yeah... Let's return them to the circus safe and sound.
Animal: **Grrr...**
Asuna: They're attacking!
???: Hiyah!
Asuna: Huh?!
Leafa: What's all this powder falling on the animals?
Sinon: Sorry for the late entrance!
Asuna: Sinonon! What did you just do?
Sinon: I used a rare Cait Sith item, the "Powder of Light's Awakening." It removes all taming effects.
Leafa: Wow, I never knew that item existed! How convenient!
Sinon: It's not an item you use every day, that's for sure. Took forever to learn how to make it. Still, with this...
Monster: Rrr?
Animal: Rrrawr?
Asuna: The animals and monsters have calmed down!
Sinon: We got lucky. It's random chance whether or not it works.
Leafa: But now we can chase those Cu Sith! Let's go, guys!
Asuna: Yeah!

Story 10

Leaf: Whoa, more monsters! Get out of our way!
Asuna: Sinonon! Do you have any more of that powder?!
Sinon: I'm out. This is, what, the tenth batch of tamed monsters so far?
Asuna: Then I guess we have no choice but to fight...
Leafa: Well, at least they're not regular animals, just monsters. That means we can kill them, no regrets.
Asuna: Any word from Kirito yet?
Sinon: No, but I really wish he'd show up...
Cu Sith: Go, my beasties! Crunch their bones and scratch out their eyes!
???: Not today, bad guy!
Asuna: Hey look, it's Kirito.
Leafa: Where have you been?!
Kirito: Sorry! It took me a while to learn my handy new spell!
Sinon: So you were able to find the one we need?
Kirito: Yeah. ALO doesn't really have much in the way of dispel magic, but I found just the thing. It's extremely specific, but it lets you dispel polymorph magic and change someone back to normal. It was added in the most recent update, so I bet they put it in just for this event.
Cu Sith: ...?
Sinon: Well, let's try it out and see if my theory is right. The fact that my powder worked was the clue we needed... Because it's only supposed to work on monsters tamed by CAIT Sith!
Kirito: Yeah, nice thinking! Let's get to the bottom of this "Cu Sith" mystery! Show us your true form, "Cu Sith"!
Cu Sith: Hrrngh?!

Story 11

Asuna: It's working!
Leafa: The Cu Sith is turning into a Cait Sith!
Cait Sith: H-Huh?! What's going on?!
Kirito: I knew it. There never were any dog fairies to begin with. The Cu Sith were Cait Sith all along. Just people who were polymorphed by a high-level spell. It's an impressive spell, but it's a shame it was used for evil.
Sinon: Still, we should've figured it out sooner. Fairies taming in Cait Sith territory equal Cait Sith.
Leafa: Now that they're just normal Cait Sith again, they should be pushovers! Let's beat them up!
Sinon: Phrasing, Leafa. You just implied that all Cait Sith are weak. I am displeased.
Leafa: S-Sorry! I didn't mean it like that!
Sinon: Heh, just kidding. Besides, it's true that the Cait Sith form was overpowered stat-wise.
Kirito: You speak the truth.
Cait Sith: Ugh, whatever! Go, beasties! Devour them!
Monster: **Graaawr!!**
Asuna: Don't let your guard down! Their taming abilities are still dangerous!
Kirito: Roger that! Come on, guys, it's fight time!
Leafa: Oh yeah!
Sinon: Let's kill them!

Story 12

Sinon: Yup.
Asuna: "But in the end, they got away from us...
Kirito: I'm sure they'll be back to cause trouble.
Leafa: Still, we were totally wrong about their motives. They weren't outsiders attacking the Cait Sith. They were homegrown bad guys, stirring up trouble.
Kirito: Yeah, just imitation Cu Sith. But if we ever have to fight the real thing, it'll be a grueling battle for sure.
Asuna: This was just a temporary trial to test the Cu Sith out, but the debs might one day add them for real. That'll shake up ALO for sure.
Sinon: Ugh, more dog fairies. Not looking forward to that. Anyway, Kirito...
Kirito: Yeah?
Sinon: Can you use that magic to turn us back to normal now? Please? I'm sick of these ears.
Kirito: Oh yeah, I totally forgot to do that. Still, why ere we the only ones to get polymorphed?
Leafa: Huh. Good question... Maybe they were trying to freak us out to something?
Kirito: They definitely shocked us. And they got away while we were confused...
Sinon: Seriously, stop talking and change me back.
Asuna: No! Don't do it! You three have to stay the way you are! You're WAY cuter this way!
Sinon: No. Just, no.
Asuna: Awww, come on! Do it for me? Besides, it's not just cute, but powerful too!
Sinon: My bunny abilities are terrible!
Kirito: Uhh... So am I changing us back, or what?
Sinon: Do it already!
Asuna: Don't do it!
Kirito: ...
Leafa: Change us back later! We have to bring the animals back to the circus!
Asuna: Oh, yeah! Perfect excuse! Let's do that! Come on, Sinonon! Stop sulking! Let's go help some animals!
Sinon: **Asuna! We're not done here!**
Kirito: Ha ha ha...