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! |
mafuyu asahina ♡ project sekai ♡ ota
as a master she's gentle and kind, but notably reliant on her pet for comfort - given her home life, it's no wonder. she worries about the pet being taken away if she somehow doesn't satisfy her mother's standards... and it's a very real worry. )
Heat (oh god i'm so sorry for this novel)
The first thing she learned when her breeder had finally found someone willing to pay their exorbitant price for her, was that Lady Asahina was a woman who valued appearances. She was wealthy, extravagently so, but she was careful in how she expressed that. She wasn't tacky; from the colors of the rooms to the art on the walls, everything matched with soft, cool colors. It was simply meant to highlight their positions in this world - herself a homemaker involved in local political and social circles, her husband a doctor, and their beloved daugher studying hard to follow in his footsteps - rather than shine a spotlight on it.
It was the main reason why she had bought Kanade for Mafuyu. Many of the local breeders were all about showing off in a stifling way, from rare breeds to bright fur or feather or scale patterns that took them years to perfect. Macaws with feathers so bright they almost seemed to glow, chameleons who could match any color or pattern. They were highly sought after, but she sought out something with a more ethereal beauty for her daughter. So Kanade, with her silver-furred ears and tail that matched so well with her hair, so beautiful but not flamboyantly so, had been gifted to Mafuyu several years ago - a surprise for scoring at the top of her class upon graduation.
"If my dear daughter is going out in the world soon, she deserves a pet that can truly compliment her. One that can glow just as well as she can!"
... And they'd been inseparable since. Kanade was the perfect accessory; Mafuyu had given her the companionship she so desperately craved, that light in the stifling dark of loneliness that had threatened to smother her since she was a kit, and she was content to be the pretty little thing that trailed after Mafuyu during social events, always two steps behind, ears pulled back in a constant show of submission. Nobody questioned how close such a well-behaved, quiet pet was to her master, and so nobody questioned those times where she'd occasionally nudge against Mafuyu's side, or brush her hand against Mafuyu's. Those times she could sense the stress starting to twist itself up inside of Mafuyu, threatening to choke her or tear her apart inside.
Constant touch. Small gestures like that in public, or in private where she'd curl herself around Mafuyu and let her run her fingers through her hair or along her tail for hours on end until that tension coiling inside of her eases. It was this comfort that she was most happy to give Mafuyu, and she never once failed in providing it.
So it killed her, when her heat had come on fast. Her heats were unfortunately irregular, a result of somewhat frail health, so she wasn't always able to track them. She thought she'd be fine, at least for another few days or so, but she woke up burning, like there were warm coals resting just beneath her skin. Even the act of dressing for the evening - a suit so dark blue it was nearly black, with silver embroidery along the lapels and cuffs - was torture, the fabric almost feeling like sandpaper as it rubbed against her skin. She just wanted out, to find a way to cool this fire burning inside of her, to... to...
But no. She had to keep up appearances. So she pushed that feeling down, fangs biting on the inside of her cheek, and fell a few more steps behind Mafuyu than usual. Kanade hated it, but she couldn't touch her like this...
It was easy to keep quiet and keep her head bowed as Mafuyu made the rounds, chatting to her mother's friends and her father's coworkers. But as time went on, as the guests' focus shifted from Mafuyu back to her parents... it was hard, to remain in control. Kanade's steps fell a bit heavier behind Mafuyu, her breathing going just a little ragged. And should Mafuyu turn to her, she'll see Kanade's face flushed, looking somewhat clammy. But all throughout this, she doesn't say a word.]
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except, a few people look a bit.. almost worried? as she ends the pleasantries, looking not at her but past her. frowning, mafuyu glances over to kanade and... oh. oh dear. she almost looks sick- surely her parents will understand if she steps out to put her to bed. )
Are you not feeling well...? You don't have to stay. It's alright.
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N-No, I'm-
[Even her voice sounds off; what's normally such a soft and gentle tone now sounds rough and scratchy. Her ears droop low and her tail tucks close to the back of her knees, looking the very image of shamed.]
It's... It's nothing that can't wait until I'm alone.
[She hopes Mafuyu can understand the implication there. It's... a lot, but it's nothing serious. Anything wrong with her is never to be worried about. She'll suffer through her discomfort for another few hours, then deal with the guilt of leaving Mafuyu alone for the night once she's been allowed to escape from her mother's watchful eye...]
pet!kuja. symbolic secret keeping....
That's why the pet trader lied about his actual species. That's why Mafuyu('s mother) had picked him out. He really seemed like an excellent cat. He was fully grown, would even read to entertain himself, and kept himself impeccably groomed. Kuja came home with Mafuyu with a pair of fluffy cat ears astride his head -- and when she woke up the next morning, and took a look over at the handsome silver cat still dozing by the windowsill... two things had abruptly changed in the night.
Her cat had lost his ears, and he'd turned a dazzling, ruby red, in the morning sun. ]
AY MA THERE'S A WEIRD CAT INSIDE
okay.
so.
that's... definitely something that absolutely no one was expecting. mafuyu stares for a moment. someone lied to mom. but mom
would blame what was available.
after that moment ends, mafuyu is at his side, gently but urgently trying to rouse him. )
I'm sorry. Mom likes to check on me when I get up.
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Mm? It's that time already...?
[ open your eyes and see your own fur color, stupid "cat" ]
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( and if mom sees, there'll be something. it won't be pleasant for anyone. )
Please. I don't want something to happen to you because of it.
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[ NOW he's awake. He shifts up to sit with his back to the window, a knee pulled up to his chest. Then he pats at where the fluffy cat ears are SUPPOSED to be, on his head. ]
..Ah. That different. I suppose you don't happen to have the hair of a real cat handy, do you? That was supposed to last a fortnight.
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[It made him feel wretched, but he could only refuse so many times. Finally he caved and …started to look. He thought perhaps if he could give a pet a nice home, that would be doing his part from letting them fall into the wrong hands. He found this particular breeder not because of their high quality pets, but because rumors of their pets being …troubled tipped him off. He would try to take in one of them. Maybe that would redeem his guilt of doing this at all when in reality he was…]
[With the papers signed, and the breeder ecstatic that an idol had chosen one of their pets, Mayoi made sure to have everything ready for her arrival. His apartment wasn’t huge and luxurious, but it was nice by most people’s standards, and he made sure she had plenty of space for her comfort. He could only hope that eventually she might recover from whatever this breeder put her through with some time and care.]
[And perhaps she might not immediately resent him for existing. After all, he does not smell completely human himself. He wonders if she will figure out the truth.]
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it's no wonder that even though the handler coming to drop her off is especially delighted and eager, mafuyu herself is quiet and subdued. her ponytail has been traded for a thick braid, her black clothes traded for a simple but elegant white dress while her lop ears are left to frame her face- it wouldn't do to make a poor first impression for her new master.
the handler is content to just drop her and her suitcase - some spare clothes and books, mostly- off with mayoi. he doesn't notice a thing. but she does. after a moment of silent observation, she glances up to her new master. )
... Is there another pet here...?
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[There is a pause, but then Mayoi quickly busies himself with taking her things and setting them where they belong. He shakes his head.]
Ah …there is not. I believe that there might have been one here in the apartment before I moved in.
[It’s an easy enough white-lie. Mayoi lies a lot, after all. It’s all he knows how to do. After a moment he will turn to smile at her.]
I-I hope it will not be bothersome for you. If it is …I can look into hiring a cleaning service to sort it out. [Ah, he feels like he may already be fumbling. He really isn’t sure how he’s “supposed” to behave around a “pet”.] …That aside …my name is Mayoi. I hope …that you will be comfortable here.
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( good girls don't have preferences.
mafuyu bows with a half-curtsy, just as she was taught; it wouldn't do if her master told others that pets from her breeder were rude or without manners, after all. )
I am Mafuyu, unless you choose to rename me. I will happily take what is offered, Master.
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[He smiles at her, something gentle, though a little nervous. He bows his head just a little in response to her curtsy.]
Mafuyu is a lovely name.
[He pauses, a little awkwardly before he moves towards his little kitchenette and then gestures for Mafuyu to have a seat at the little dining table. Mayoi's apartment is small, but nice, and its decorated in a more western style, with bold but dark colors and western furniture. He's a little bit of an eccentric it seems.]
Have you eaten...? If you would like, we can chat over lunch. I-I would like to know more about you ...and I can explain a little why I was looking for a companion. I'm unsure how much your ...ah, breeder might have told you.
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( it's offered with a weak smile, one that certainly doesn't meet her eyes. not that anything has, yet. despite being dolled up so prettily, being so contently passive at a glance, this poor rabbit girl is clearly haunted by something.
she still takes a seat as directed, hands folded in her lap. )
She told me that as a pet of my quality, it is my duty to fulfil any wish you may have with grace. Whatever it is you seek, I will be sure to grant it.
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Very well. [He keeps his ton gentle.] I will put on some tea, and you may have some should you desire.
[Not an order, but an offer. She has the freedom to refuse, if she decides and he hopes it will not put any pressure on her. He will set the teapot in the center of the table and then take a seat, lighting the element below.]
I see. I am certain you will do very well. I am ...
[Where does he even start.]
I am an idol, and my job is one of great joy but also great stress. I ...have weaknesses that I have struggled to keep on top of, and my unitmates and friends have suggested for some time that a companion may help.
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( she isn't quite trained for that as exclusively as she maybe should be, but she'll study hard while he's busy. she must- she can't afford to let him down, especially if it's his health. )
... I'll do my best. I promise.
( she doesn't take the a cup for herself, but she does move her hands from her lap to the tabletop, idly running her thumb over the back of her other hand. )
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Someone to help ensure I do not hurt myself by fainting in crowded places ...and occasionally running errands when I cannot handle them myself. It ...is embarrassing and dreadful to admit, but I struggle with the outside terribly. Ah ...and my constitution is weak to sunlight.
[Mayoi has a few theories as to why that may be. Certain instincts of his battling against each other.]
Later in the afternoon ...once we've had a rest, I will take you to the nearby market and show you around. Most of my errands will not require us to go very far.
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( she'd have to take classes in that case... which doesn't seem too bad, actually. it would be nice, to be of more use. though... with his constitution, should he really be an idol? what if it hurts his health more? )
... Understood. I'll see to my duties with care.