The chubby rat on the table and giggled with glee at seeing his imaginary friend come to life. "You've said that before, but not to me."
"I did, although I think I was confused."
"Get used to that. I'm often confused. Every time you speak, you are taking a little inspiration from my own mind."
Risto grinned. "I like and appreciate that, my Lord. I exist solely for your pleasure."
Buddy blushed. "Oh, but you should take care of your own pleasure too. Come on. You gotta enjoy yourself. Promise me you will be a good hedonist for daddy rat."
"I promise," assured the jackal.
"I mean... Gawd. Look at your bulge. I bet you're hung as hell."
"All thanks to you, my Lord."
Buddy giggled, enjoying Risto's loyalty, but then the rat became somewhat grave. "Look, Risto, I'm about to get into trouble. I might end up somewhat indisposed, and I don't know how long or bad it will be. I kind of want to keep it away from my friends so they don't get into trouble. I need you to take care of my wife and two sons. Can you do that for me?"
"What about the one called Fluke?" asked Risto.
"Oh, he can take care of himself. You know he is a deity, right?"
Risto appeared thoughtful. "I think he may have told me, but I had somehow let it slip. I suppose I have been very focused on you."
"Like I said, get used to being confused from time to time," returned Buddy. "In fact, it might be okay to embrace it once in a while."
"I love everything that you are," said Risto passionately.
"As far as Fluke, ask him to fill you in on the rest of my books. He might be able to get you some copies to read."
"I would love that. There are some stories I have missed."
Buddy nodded with a long sigh. "I'm not really worried about Scritch City. I don't know if its going to survive or be lost, but either way is fine with me. If you think you can help restore it, go ahead, but if you find yourself in any immediate danger, use your power to make a swift exit. Take your friends with you.
"Also embrace hedonism. Live for pleasure. I want you to experience all forms in my name."
"I will do so, my Lord," said Risto. "Thank you so much for giving me such opportunities, but I want you to understand something."
"Yeah?" Buddy smiled softly.
"Is there any way at all I can save you from whatever this bad thing is?"
"I don't want you to. I've done this to myself. Stay back. Don't interfere."
"That's what you want, my Lord?"
"That's what I want."
Risto took a step back. "Know that I will always be at your service. Please call upon me at any time."
"Thank you so much. And also... yer so fucking sexy, Risto. I'm so fucking gay for you."
Risto grinned and nodded proudly.