bakerstreet | I wanna be your dog

I wanna be your dog

>> premise

Hello, and welcome to The Care and Keeping of Your Pet! As you surely know, a pet is a big responsibility, and we're so glad you've decided to be a concientious master. A safe pet is a happy pet, and this handbook is certain to keep your precious lifelong friend as content as can be.

The history of the animal person is a long and difficult one, with their origins not being known even to this day. However, scientists believe that despite our common appearance - most animal people have humanoid forms except for the ears, tails, and sometimes teeth - we share no common ancestry, even if the ascent of this species corresponds with that of the homo sapien. We gained dominance over each breed thousands of years ago, beginning with the dog type, who have long been considered "man's best friend." Most breeds these days are docile and perfect for owners of any speed.

Of course, it is our duty as the superior species to take care of these animal creatures, and this is inherent in their genetic makeup. Everyone knows that an animal person, when matched with their correct human master, is loyal for life - a true "soulmate," if you will. Far be it for us to turn this away! Ever since the Great Domestication, these intelligent and loving animals have served us as friends, workmates, guardians, servants, and sexual companions and will for years to come. Despite recent hubbub from so-called "Pet People's Rights Activists," this way of life is wholesome and good. Scientific research shows that the natural desire of the pet person is to be owned and cared for by a human.

So, it's your first pet. What do you need to know?

As previously stated, pet people come in as many breeds as you can possibly think of. By far and away the most popular are the dog and cat types, but exotic birds and lizards have been gaining popularity among trendsetters from L.A. to Tokyo!
All pet types are best suited for certain jobs, and when hunting for one, it is best to search for a type that suits your needs best.
However, a "True Match" - when a pet person bonds with you and only you for the rest of their natural lives - comes naturally, and sometimes takes time before you can find the pet you will be able to give a forever home to.
According to all current research, pet people are completely sentient and like us in many ways. However, it is important to remember that they have many animalistic and feral characteristics. Do not be foolish and think that your pet is a person, despite the facts that many are clothed and may be allowed to read, write, and have "hobbies." Some traditional pet owners may eschew these frivolities, and that is within their right.
Pet people age more quickly than humans, at least physically, and many types have long lifespans. It is not uncommon for pets to be passed through the family. When getting your child their first pet, it's important to keep in mind that just because the pup is tiny now, a grown pet can be jumpy around a small child.
It is important to train a pet. Discipline will be necessary. This does not make you a bad owner. Failure to train early will result in a rebellious pet. Training is especially important if you want your pet to serve as a household servant.
Remember, your pet will be extremely protective of you, especially if you are Truly Bonded. It is best to socialize them early. A socialized pet is a perfect family pet.
These days, unowned and unbonded pet people are allowed to live as strays or "Frees" in certain designated areas. Some even hold "jobs." This is against their best interest, and owners who adopt these strays are to be rewarded. Still, the best place to get pets are from liscenced kennels or breeders.
Some masters find it beneficial to participate in activities with their pets, such as shows and other competitions.
Finally, much has been made about the sexual relationship between pet and master. This is a normal facet of the bond, and humans are sure to find pet people sexually alluring. But beyond that, it is only responsible and prudent for owners to care for their pet's needs. It is a well-known fact that the libidos of pet people are remarkably strong, and when they go into heat, it is usually more convenient for a master to relieve them. There is no risk of pregnancy. All rumors of hybrids are urban legends.
Despite this, masters must remember to not view their pets as romantic partners. Humans should stay with humans.

With that said, thank you and welcome to your first day as a pet's master!

>> how to play

Needless to say, The Care and Keeping of Your Pet is a bit biased and full of propaganda, but it gives a good idea of the world your character is now AU's into. They are either a pet person or a human master, and what that means for them varies.

So are they a devoted pet or a rebellious animal person looking to buck the system? A generous master or a cruel sexual sadist? Just a normal pet owner? Most likely they're something in between, but when you're raised in this world, it's difficult to see anything different on the horizon.

Rules

Comment with your character and say whether they'd be a master or a pet. Ideally, they could be played as both. Mention what kind of each they'd be and what they'd be like, (ie: "Xx-chan is a bunny girl who is happy to please her master" or "Asterothia is a cat boy who is aloof but loyal to his true master"). For pets, be sure to include features ("wolf ears, tail, teeth).

REMEMBER, pet does not automatically equal submissive and master automatically equal dominant. This is not a BDSM setting though BDSM can be included. How far you want to go with the actual "pet" aspect is up to you, as well. Your pet could just be your slightly-furry roommate or soulmate!
Comment to others.
Play out the scene.

>> prompts

This by now means an all-inclusive list, but it should get you going in the right direction.

First Time Pet/Owner: Usually, pets are gotten at a young age; you're an old dog. Can you learn new tricks?
True Bond: What all masters and pets yearn for...the pet's loyalty and adoration for life.
Love: It's expected for masters to love their pets, but to love them? Romance is strictly forbidden.
Old "Couple": Master and pet have grown together and know each other. You know, know each other.
Loss of Master: The pet has lost their master, perhaps even their True Bond. Is it possible to move on?
Young Master/Older Pet: Pets age quicker than masters, so it's possible to end up with a bit of an "age" difference.
Family Pet: This pet's been raised as part of the family. What happens when their feelings for a family member get more than platonic.
For Your Protection: You don't want to be a master, but you have to take in a pet for their protection lest they be in danger from the general public.
Stray: You're a stray or a "Free." Can you live like this with your biology screaming for you to make a match?
Servant: You're more servant than pet.
All Sex, All the Time: The only purpose for this pet is to service the master, and not in a way that means cleaning their house.
Guard: You're a loyal bodyguard, a service pet. You'll do anything for your master. Anything.
Pet Play: This is for those who prefer to keep their animals on leashes, have them eat from bowls, and keep away from clothing.
Breaking In: Training is important with any pet.
In Love with Another Master...or Pet: To lust after another's master is no better than treason, and to wish to be with another pet just cruel!
Punishment: Bad dog, no nookie!
Heat: All pets go into heat, and it's the responsibility of the owner to take care of this problem. After all, unchecked dry humping kills thousands every year.
Breeding: Breeders know the best qualities in each type and mate the cream of the crop together to continue lines. It's a hobby for some, a calling for others.
Pregnancy: So, about that whole "hybrid" thing. It maaaay be more true than you think, even if pet/human pregnancies are the stuff of salacious tabloids.
Territorial: Hey, hey, other dog person! This is your apartment. Stay the fuck out!
Kennel: Kennels are where unadopted pets are kept. They're generally agreed to be depressing places. Why not volunteer at one, keeping the pets healthy and happy with the kind of affection only humans can show?
Rebelling Against the System: Damn the Man! Pet people are people, too! Just be careful not to get talk. You know what happens to bad pets.
Instant Attraction: You ever just look at someone and know they're the one? That they're...your master? But what if you've been trying to fight it? Well, don't try!
Dominant Pet: You might be the pet, but you call the shots, at least in the bedroom.
Pet Show: Everyone wants to show off how perfect their animal is. Look at that ass! And you'll never believe their special skills...
Therapeutic: Pets, especially those bred for their kindliness, are perfect therapy for those who've been through trauma and heartache.
Jealousy: Who's that around your master? Oh, hell no. They better not be touching them!
Petting: Pet people are absolutely gaga for being touched. Even the most steely ones turn to mush for rubs.
Games: Playing with your pet and giving them exercise is a key to happiness. Of course, with a pet person, you might want to use other toys instead of a ball.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[Already accustomed to Peony's oddness, Jade doesn't think much of the staring, although he does feel unsettled after a few seconds, unused to being the one being scrutinized. But he's also unwilling to voice his discomfort, so he carries on the conversation as if nothing is amiss.]

That would be quite a drastic move. But I'm afraid I don't understand. Is it normal for royalty to be so restricted?

[Maybe he shouldn't be getting involved with political business, but it's also difficult to stifle his curiosity.]

[He seems to realize what he's doing after another few seconds and looks just a little abashed.]

Ah - well, it depends on what's foretold in their Score, I suppose. I'm personally not a fan of the Score and I don't get readings, so that makes a lot of people nervous.

[And their reaction to that nervousness is to try overly hard to keep him safe. In Peony's opinion, trying to dodge those good intentions is less grating than having the Score read to find out what he should eat for dinner.]

[Sometimes he forgets how important the Score is to most people. But he's more curious about why Peony is so against the Score when it could jeopardize his position, considering how highly it's valued by the populace and by Daath.]

That's quite a dangerous attitude for the Malkuth Emperor to hold.

Edited (typo and rephrasing) 2014-02-07 15:06 (UTC)

Maybe. I'd honestly rather chance a fatal accident than just follow the planet's memory of what I should do, though. That's not living at all, it's just following directions. What's the point of that?

[If he had his way, he'd be rid of the whole thing. Unfortunately, it does give quite a few people comfort to be told what to do. It would be more upheaval than it's worth.]

Most people are quite fond of living, even if it means giving up some freedoms.

[Which is probably what differentiates him from Peony. It's simply easier this way, more convenient. While he doesn't have any interest in getting his Score read, he can understand its appeal.]

But if that's the way you prefer it - [and there's a barely-concealed sigh in his tone] - I suppose I'll have to join the rest of your guards in attempting to keep you safe. Would having a personal bodyguard give you more freedom?

[He's beginning to understand why everyone is so keen to keep Peony inside the palace. But at the same time, he'd rather Peony have more freedom of movement, which would afford him that same freedom by extension.]

Why, are you volunteering?

[The talk about registering him as a guard cat had mostly been to give him a little freedom. Peony doesn't particularly want a babysitter, even if he probably does need one. Having a friend who just happens to be proficient in combat tagging along with him, however, would be more than welcome.]

[Having to tag along after Peony everywhere would probably be exhausting, but Jade is also quick to realize that it would allow him to go places and learn things he otherwise would never have the opportunity to do so.]

[That, and the thought of Peony being in danger makes something in him twist.]

As charming as the life of a pampered pet is, I'm afraid I'll quickly grow bored if I have nothing to do.

[There's his research, but he doesn't mind sacrificing a few hours to dedicate himself to another task. There will still be time for it. After all, Peony wouldn't require guarding all the time, would he...?]

Well, I don't really want a bodyguard. If you want to come along as a friend I won't complain. But...

[The emperor's arm around him tightens just a bit, going from simply resting on him to actively holding on.]

Is your research "nothing"? Seems a little silly to risk your life over that.

[Peony most certainly did not forget their unfinished conversation, and with such a good opportunity to bring it up again, how can he resist?]

[Their closeness means it will be difficult not to feel the way Jade stiffens in Peony's hold, caught by surprise at the sudden change of topic, and the way Peony's question is phrased.]

[It only takes a second for him to calm down again and remember the careful explanation he had prepared, even though it doesn't account for his willingness to risk his life.]

I'm afraid I have a bad habit of getting carried away with my hobbies. I admit, my research is slightly dangerous, which is why the texts I needed were sealed away in the forbidden section.

[He smiles, trying to mimic the rueful grins he had seen on the faces of people caught doing something foolish.] I suppose it was rather silly.

[From what he can tell, Jade is a cautious man. It doesn't sound quite right, and something about his sheepish smile rings false. He "hmms" to himself skeptically, wondering if he should push it or not. In the end he decides against it, lifting his arm from his shoulders and giving him some literal space along with the figurative. He doesn't approve of the evasive behavior, but they have just met.]

If it's that dangerous, maybe you should attend the military academy a bit. You seem to have a pretty good grasp of things on your own, but have you had any formal schooling in that sort of thing?

[Having some space to himself is both a relief and a disappointment at the same time. He knows he's not off the hook, but at least Peony doesn't seem like he's about to continue pushing for information.]

No, I've never had formal schooling of any sort. [Well, technically speaking, Professor Nebilim had been a teacher, and she had taught him what she could while he was still under her care. But a conventional classroom? No, that had been something he had never experienced.]

[He's more rattled than he'd like to admit by Peony's prying, especially in conjunction to the mention of schooling, all of which brought memories of the Professor vividly to mind. Not knowing what else to do, Jade tries to steer the topic towards a different direction the best he can; the thought of being trapped in a room full of humans isn't particularly appealing anyway.]

Are you so eager to get rid of me already?

[Peony has no idea just how hard his remark on school hit, but he can tell that Jade is uncomfortable now. He peers at him searchingly for a moment, only to break out in a small smile when Jade asks if he wants to get rid of him. Is that what's bothering him?]

It's right here in the city, I wouldn't be getting rid of you. I just don't want you getting into some sort of accident. There's only so much you can learn from a book, after all.

[Of course, Jade's already had someone to teach him, and he's already been in a terrible accident. Going off to an academy now certainly wouldn't change that. Peony has other reasons for mentioning it though, and he voices them without any further prompting.]

Besides - if you're really intending to look after me, I want to be sure you can handle yourself. I'd never forgive you if you got yourself killed for my sake.

[That does make sense. While Jade is reasonably confident that there's little he can learn from the academy in terms of fonic artes, his other combat skills are...lacklustre, to say the least. Which is hardly surprising considering his usual method of dealing with physical confrontation is to use a fonic arte to surprise an enemy then escape while they're distracted.]

Well, I do have nine lives. [Not that he intends to sacrifice himself for Peony's sake.] But, I suppose receiving some formal training won't go amiss.

[A small pause.] I wasn't aware that animals were allowed to attend the academy.

They'll let you go if I say I'll let you guard me afterward.

[Only a cat would be able to keep up with the way Peony routinely ducks his protection, anyway. Aslan and Jasper (the humans, of course) might even be grateful.]

Do you know how to fight? I can always teach you if you like.

[Perhaps he sounds a bit too eager to do exactly that. Rough housing is one of Peony's favorite things, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that he's excited at the prospect.]

[He probably shouldn't lie here, when both his and Peony's safety may be on the line.]

I'm afraid I don't have much experience with physical combat. [Aside from scratching and biting. He fights dirty, and isn't ashamed of it.]

Some tutelage would be appreciated, although I'm not sure if it's wise for the two of us to be fighting in the same style.

[Although he's curious to see how Peony fights. He must practice fairly often, considering how well-muscled he is, although Jade wouldn't be surprised if he got those muscles by chasing after his rappigs all day and carrying them around.]

[His theory definitely has some merit. Aslan is one of the smaller rappigs. His largest weighs more than the average adult male, though thankfully it's nowhere near the size of some of the behemoths out on the meat market. He's adopted the runts for the most part.]

The basics are the same for everyone, but you're probably right. You don't have much weight to throw around, do you?

[Peony certainly does. His favorite move involves slamming his hips into an opponent, and it elicits disbelief from the people receiving it and embarrassment from those watching.]

No, I'm afraid I'm very light and delicate.

[In fact, he probably weighs less than some of Peony's rappigs.]

Edited 2014-02-08 05:24 (UTC)

Delicate, are you?

[It seems as if he doesn't entirely believe that. Someone who's survived as a stray for so long can't be particularly delicate. Peony will play along, either way.]

I'll have to be gentle with you then, won't I?

[He's not completely lying; while he can hold his own, he'd likely be overwhelmed in a prolonged, close-quarters fight against a larger opponent.]

Indeed. It would be quite a pity if I were to sustain some sort of permanent injury. I'd have no choice but to keep staying here, then.

[While Jade might not be skilled in physical combat, he's definitely a master of sending mixed signals.]

[After giving Aslan another scratch and snuggle he stands up, taking a few steps back and lifting his hands.]

Let's see how squishy you are, then. Show me what you've got!

Now? [A sigh.] Oh, very well.

[Jade gets up to his feet too, standing light on his toes as if he's about to lunge at Peony.]

[Instead, he starts quickly gathering fonons for a weaker version of his simplest attack.]

O mighty explosion! Energy Blast!

W -

[All right, fonic artes were not what he was expecting. It's such a quick cast that he doesn't really have time to dodge properly, so instead he throws himself forward to attempt to wrestle Jade to the ground. There won't be any casting if he's this close, right? Unfortunately he does have to take the blow, but since Jade was pulling his punches anyway he seems mostly okay after a grunt and a wince.]

Come on, you don't need help with fonic artes do you?!

[He had been planning on taking advantage of the surprise his spellcasting should cause and then lunging forward to clock Peony in the jaw, but Peony throws himself forward instead, and Jade abandons that plan in favour of quickly dodging to the side.]

[Not wasting any breath on replying, he scrambles to regain his balance and tries to throw himself on Peony's back and get an arm around his neck.]

[Which Peony lets him do, but judging from the stance he takes right before Jade leaps on him he's got something in mind. With one of his arms up to guard his windpipe, if Jade persists in jumping on him he grabs hold of the arm that wraps around him and makes use of his superior weight by hurling forward to try and flip the man to the ground.]

[It works shamefully well. Already off-balance and being propelled forward by the momentum of his jump, the flip sends him crashing right to the ground.]

[He lies there for a moment, completely winded and dazed from the impact with the ground, and from the fact that he had lost so quickly.]

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