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! |
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totherelentless2023-05-18 05:04 am
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[He takes it back, then, and for now it goes back into the box so that he's not stinking up the place with nicotine. Wouldn't want to get asked to leave, when he's here for a reason.]
Three hours left until euthanasia, huh, irmão?
[The particularly hostile pets get a list on their cage, like any other pet would. "Likes pats behind the ears and eating gourmet food", except it's very specifically "DEATH DATE: XX/XX at XX:XX. Charges include arson, murder, and abandonment of post."
Looking at the piece of paper and the guy inside, Tyki almost thinks they've got the wrong fox for this, but alas...]
What do you say, [he begins, with a playful lilt in his voice like he didn't just remind this guy that he's about to die soon,] do you still want to live? Or have you given up?
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And while it would make sense for him to respond negatively, or despondently...Vash actually laughs nervously. Sheepishly, even, as he tilts his head up a little.]
Ah...has that much time passed already?
[He thought he had at least the better part of the day left. Five hours, at the very least...
His feet shuffle for a moment, his ears swiveling back.]
I think if I wanted to die, I would have a long time ago. [He replies, matter-of-factly.] I'm usually pretty good at getting away...but this time I messed up.
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[He asks, in a way that's only semi-genuine. Dumb luck has its ways.]
You seem a bit sullen about it, still. Not exactly the pep I'd expect from someone who wants to live. [An observation he can make, because he has, erm, murdered a few people before. Don't worry about it.] I can extend a sympathetic hand to a trapped animal.
[Instead of crouching by the bars, he stands, all too casual despite the dire situation. Every other cage nearby is empty, likely because those pets were all adopted or euthanized prior, which makes the selection process easy. Thing is, Tyki wants one that has a bit more zest for life, one that thrashes against metaphorical bonds and fights for his right to walk this earth, or else he gets goddamn bored.
People are more fun when they're squirming.]
I'll ask again. Do you want to live, or do you want to die in some shady clinic?
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But wanting to save others, and the desire to keep living, are different things. They're not mutually exclusive, and if he were to die, then how is he supposed to accomplish any of the things he's been trying to up until now?
Not that he knows what those things are, exactly.
The fennec brings his fingertips together, watching the way the real and mechanical don't quite connect properly, soft against a firm, unyielding surface. He's watching Tyki out of the corner of his eye, now, trying to discern what this guy is getting at. He can tell he isn't asking him this just because he's curious what his answer is going to be.]
...I don't want to die. Not here.
[Not like this. But Vash knows that there's no point in asking anyway. He's been set up for euthanasia. He's a criminal in the eyes of not just this facility, but the law in general.]
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Bom menino~. I have some paperwork to fill out, then.
[Hint hint, adoption on the table. Tyki makes his way out, to the front where he can tell the person running the place that he's decided to do a Good Deed and adopt an Unruly Pet, yadda yadda blah blah blah. It involves paperwork. Loads of it. Release forms saying he won't sue if the fennec decides to turn on him and gouge his eyes out, that he won't sue if any of the families the guy has hurt come after him or Tyki, legal jargon...
The thing is, you'd have to have a death wish to come after him in the first place, so Tyki's not all that concerned. He signs on the dotted lines, and in the end, it's him given the keys to the cell. The staff apparently don't want to deal with someone "dangerous", but they're apparently fine with cleaning up a corpse if Tyki gets mauled.
Makes sense.
Back to the Kill section of the shelter he goes, twirling the keychain around his finger.]
Your name?
[He asks, as he shoves the key into the lock and it clicks, and he steps aside to let Vash free.]
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Tyki turns to leave just as Vash is on his feet suddenly, moving to the bars to grip them with both hands as he watches the man disappear back to the front. In spite of his best efforts, Vash can't quite quell the way his heart leaps in his chest, finding its way into his throat and settling there. Pets such as him already on death row getting adopted out isn't unheard of, exactly, but it definitely isn't common. Most wouldn't take that kind of risk, and with all of the marks on Vash's record thus far...he's not at all desirable. He's seen as a deserter as much as he is dangerous, and that some owners despise more than his supposed crimes. After all, having a pet for some is a status thing.
Vash...isn't sure what to think. What to do, really, as he stands there waiting for Tyki to return. He almost expects it to be some sort of anesthetic enduced dream to make his passing easier...at least until he hears the click of the lock, ears perking as he's snapped back to reality. He takes a step back as the door swings open, looking beyond the threshold like he's waiting for it to turn out to be some sort of trick.
Only then does he step forward, over and out. Even though he can't see them, he knows the folks at the front are probably watching over their shoulders, waiting for the sounds of Tyki's screams that will never actually come.]
Vash.
[...]
...are you sure?
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[No, he doesn't need that. Between his niece and the other shit he has to do, he gets plenty of that "excitement". Living a double-life gets him excitement. Really, he's just adding to it. This fennec — Vash — seems nice and like his crimes weren't actually His. That, or maybe he's acting nice because he was on death row until thirty minutes ago, when Tyki swore up and down he wouldn't sue.
Either way, the way out is clear — the front door, which means Vash will have to walk by some terrified workers who think he's going to set fire to the whole building and dance in their ashes or something. Tough luck.]
Tyki Mikk, by the way, [he says, casually pulling a cig from the box he keeps in his pocket and holding it to his lips. They're not even outside yet, he's just preparing for when they are, okay.] It's a long walk to the train station, so stay close by.
[Aka do not veer off and go claw someone, and also stick close so that he can kick anyone who tries something in the balls—]
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Instead, he focuses on the way it feels to walk back outside. Out into the sunlight, the fresh air...he tilts his head a little in Tyki's direction as the introduction is given, taking note of the way he's going for another cig right away. Something to be conscious of if they're to spend any length of time together, he imagines.]
O-of course!
[He chirps, and just like that...Tyki is going to have a puppy following him around, more or less. Vash has no intention of slipping away, at least not now in broad daylight. He'll walk the line and behave for the time being, the tip of his tail swaying as they walk.]
I wasn't expecting to get so lucky, this time...thank you.
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It would be nice if they could just instantly teleport to the station. It took a lot of newspaper reading to even find out about this shady-ass kill shelter, and of course it's in the middle of a town where the nearest transportation is a long walk away. They could take a carriage, but it's too much effort to hail one some days. Like today, when the thoroughfares are packed with people out and about — some with pets, some not.
If Tyki were more mistrustful, he'd have Vash on a leash. Or maybe it's the fact that he doesn't entirely care if the fox runs off to go wreak havoc and kill. Shit's funny.]
There's no need to thank me, but you're quite welcome either way. I need someone to play cards with, and you need to live. Life is all about the simple things.
[Isn't it?]
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It's suspicious is what it is. But at least for the time being, nothing has exploded yet. Nobody's died, nobody's lost an arm, for better or for worse.
Still, Vash tries to maintain his usual, low...ish profile. He keeps his eyes to himself, though he can't help but steal the occasional glance at his new owner. He's been trying to figure him out, see what makes him tick...and so far, he seems like a pretty laid-back sort of guy. He sure didn't seem to care that he was adopting a pet that could potentially kill him in his sleep, after all, so he isn't sure if he's reckless, brave, or stupid, or all of the above. Not that Vash would ever say that.]
So you came to a kill shelter...specifically?
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Not that anyone will find Tyki's face on any wanted posters here.]
I like to live life on the edge. [This will become apparent very, very soon.] Isn't it much more enjoyable that way, pequena raposa?
["Life is about simple things" and "I dance with death literally on the daily" are two thoughts that can and should coexist, because one can't enjoy the simple things if they're constantly safe from being mauled or something. Luxury pets are a commodity few can afford; run-of-the-mill ones are abundant; the ones that are wired to kill are far more interesting.]
Don't take this the wrong way, but you seem... [he exhales smoke through his lips, pausing on the words,] far from dangerous, to me specifically.
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At that, Vash rubs the back of his neck nervously, his hair flopping forward along with his ears as he ducks his head slightly.]
I guess so, yeah!
[Vash, who never asked for this life, constantly living on the edge because he has no other choice, someone please help him-]
Well, it's...it's a bit of a long story, actually...
[He straightens back up with a slow exhale, looking up at the clouds that he wasn't even sure he'd ever get to see again, before today.]
Bad luck kindof follows me around. And when you couple that with being an exotic...
[He gestures with his good hand in a sort of "you know" kind of way.]