Entry tags:

i am robbing bakerstreet again

PET PERSON MEME

>> 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 no 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.
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

[Vash just sort of watches this whole exchange play out without really being able to get a word in, but it's probably for the best. His arm needs to function as an arm, nothing more, nothing less. Vash will leave the shooting capabilities to his actual gun, which stays strapped to his hip at all times anyway. He feels a little bad though, if Eve hadn't stepped in Vash probably would have just let Add tinker with his arm...but he's off within moments, leaving just the two of them as Eve apologizes in his stead, earning a shake of the head from Vash.]

No...it's alright. He reminds me of someone, actually.

[Bradd. He's 100% Bradd, back when Bradd was a younger man and didn't trust him at all, yet was the top technological mind of Ship Three. He came around eventually, despite his prickliness, and now is the one Vash has to thank for having this arm in the first place. He cares deep down, even if he's a little brusque about showing it.]

I wouldn't have minded letting him look at it more, if he wanted...

He normally means no harm, but you'll regret letting him look at anything you don't want to be "upgraded".

[He tried to dissect her once.]

He can be persuaded not to do that, but it's an uphill battle. He thoroughly enjoys science and robotics, so it's easy to bond with him over that, if you wanted to try.

[Here, she takes Vash's arm in her hands again, and delivers a small electric shock to the exposed, broken parts. When it twitches in her grip, she hums. Everything still works, it seems, but some things need to be replaced and refreshed. It's a delicate balance, to create a robotic arm...]

If you wouldn't mind, can I observe how it attaches to you?

[That might just be something he does during his time here...why wouldn't he want to make friends with Ain's friends, after all? They've confessed their love to each other at this point, so...he's likely going to be sticking around for a while. And hey, as long as Add doesn't destroy it, or render his arm unusable? Vash wouldn't complain if he wanted to do a little experimenting.

A little.

For now though, he wants it fixed. Then he can worry about other things later.

Vash nods and reaches for the arm with his good hand after taking a moment to shrug off his jacket, exposing where said arm connects to the rest of his body so that Eve can see. There isn't just a completely bare, exposed stump there, but instead a metal, cybernetic casing that seems to have been surgically implanted into him, similar to how Add has cybernetic implants of his own. These sorts of scars and modifications litter Vash's body, though most are hidden underneath his clothing unseen. His arm...is a different story entirely.

Said arm hooks into the base, slotting into it and locking into place. After making sure it's secure, Vash taps a few latches along the sides to finalize the connection, the entire arm spasming once as it rewires itself to Vash's nervous system. Now is when he winces, gritting his teeth as a jolt of pain rushes through it, signaling that, well. It's working, kindof...he's able to feel pain from the way it's malfunctioning, that's for sure.]

It...deflected a bullet a couple weeks ago. [He admits, though doesn't elaborate on how that came about.] The damage spread from there.

[She sees. The spasming is a bad sign, but it seems to her like it responds to general electrical signals — makes sense — which means external forces could cause it to degrade too. Walking into an electric fence or getting struck by lightning... those would affect the human body too, but it's more of a liability with cybernetics due to the metal. Knowing how it's attached and that it rewires itself is good, and the casing attached to him doesn't seem to be damaged. It's just the appendage itself.

It makes the job a bit easier. Were Vash to need actual surgery, she would have to get Add back here, since he did those implants himself (against everyone's better judgement, since the man is squeamish as all fuck) and her familiarity with the human body (plant body) is lacking.]

That would do it, wouldn't it? It only seems to be the arm itself that's damaged, luckily. There hasn't been any electrical feedback that has negatively impacted the base here, as far as I can see.

[With that, she'll go ahead and detach it for him.]

It is, however, delicate. I'll need time to work with it. Can you go without for a few days?

[Vash nods sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.]

It'll be fine, yeah. I've been longer without it before...

[Like when he first lost his arm, in fact. That was one hell of a recovery process, because the arm didn't just exist the next day or anything...]

I'll just need something to tie back my sleeve, otherwise it's no problem.

[Mostly because he's going to want to keep wearing his jacket. Could he just not wear it for a couple days? Sure...but it wouldn't feel right, so he won't.]

Thank you for this, by the way. I really do owe you.

[Eve shakes her head.]

We owe you for keeping Ain out of trouble. ["We". They really are a big, dumb family.] I'm not sure if you've had to deal with this, but he has the tendency to wander off and get himself into unsavoury situations. We were concerned, when he said he was leaving one day, that we wouldn't see him again.

[Ties, ties... oh, you know who has ties in abundance? She turns and waves Chung over, the dog-boy from before, and after a short explanation, he procures Several strong ties from his pockets. That hair has to be held up somehow (by a heavy metal clip and prayers). She'll tie Vash's sleeve back with that.]

Mm...something like that.

[It's funny. Ain had never outright disappeared on him without proper notice, but....at the same time, he can't forget the Fountain Incident. But that was less dangerous and more troublesome...disturbing the peace, maybe. He can understand what Eve is getting at, though. It sounds like, back before Ain left, that he was building up to leaving for quite a while...they must have been worried about him.

Just as worried as Vash is now.

Vash makes sure to thank Chung too even though they've only semi just met, giving an experimental roll of his shoulder once the sleeve of his jacket has been properly tied back.]

He's been pretty good about sticking close by. It's just other things he does that worry me...like getting sick and not telling me about it.

Ahh, yeah, he does that.

[Hi, Chung is Speaking now. He's a short little thing, barely five-foot-five, and you wouldn't believe it based on his features but the man is absolutely shredded under that shirt. Like, intimidatingly so.]

I'm sure you'll have time to talk to him about it when he wakes up. I don't think he entirely understands not being self-sacrificing. [Because he learnt it from Elsword. It's all Elsword's entire-ass fault.] In any case, not to change the subject... this is Chung, one of our friends. I take it you haven't been toured around yet?

Well...I'm not really great about not doing that either.

[Vash is, how you say, a bit of a hypocrite in that regard. It's not entirely on purpose, he just has a very strong drive to help and protect people, which...in hindsight, if it's something Ain has learned from Elsword? Then he's getting a double-dose from Vash, accidentally.

Huh.

Vash sighs, leaning forward in his chair a bit with his good arm draped across his knees, glancing up at Chung as Eve brings him into the conversation. Hi, Chung.]

Oh no, not yet. We got here and pretty much came to you right away. I'd really like to see where Ain lived before I met him, though.

[Then, with a nod to Chung.]

Vash.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Vash!

[Yes he is this way don't worry about it. If you tell him to quit being formal, he will, but otherwise...

Anyway, Chung holds his hand out for Vash to shake, and then has to course-correct to hold the other one out to accommodate for the missing arm. He's so sorry.]

I can show you around! I heard Ain was under the weather... [When. How did you hear that. You were across the room when it was brought up—]

[Vash seems unperturbed and simply shakes Chung's hand once he manages to make it to him, glancing over at Eve as he rises to his feet.]

As long as there's nothing else I need to do here...?

[It sounds like his arm is in good hands, and won't be needed for refitting purposes for some time.]

[He looks to Eve, who shakes her head. She has work to be doing, it seems, and once Vash is up out of the desk chair, she sits down at it. She's got that laser-focused look on her face Chung recognizes as the one she makes when she repairs Moby & Remy (who are still hovering nearby going beebeep), so.]

It doesn't look like it. Ahhh... I'm sure Ain will be a little grumpy when he realises I stole his tour, so you'll have to say "sorry" for me! A lot has changed since he's been here last. Let's see...

[Chung takes a few broad steps forward, then spins around and flails his arms out to either side of him in a "tah-dah" type of motion.]

This is the workshop! Some of us work here to keep the lights on and build other things, too. We have a stock of "just in case" weapons on hand. [As grim as that is — and now he's motioning to where the bunny-woman from earlier is sitting and going "?" at them.] That's Rose. She's our communications and radio expert. And our sharpshooting expert.

[She waves.]

In the back is where Add normally is. He does all of the electrical and robotics work with Eve. The city operates on an independent grid from what's above us, otherwise we'd get caught. I don't really understand how or why, though... but that's what he says.

[They'll shuffle along outside at this point; the entire warehouse-factory-thing is visible from the door, if you can crane your neck around the giant piles of scrap anyhow. There's nothing impressive about it other than the fact it Exists.]

He'll be fine. He needs to rest, after all.

[Vash has no problem apologizing for Chung in his stead; Vash has had to do plenty of that already with Ain for various reasons, so it'll be fiiine.

For now, he follows after Chung as he begins to explain what the workshop is about, finally taking a moment to tip his head back and really get a scope of how large this place is. And this is just a small fraction of a bigger whole, he realizes.]

So the robotics you guys have down here...all of that is pretty common, huh?

Mm! Eve was created to foster in a revolution and make organic and inorganic beings coexist. Some of her siblings are around here too. If we run into them, I'll introduce you.

["Around here" meaning "in this underground secret pet city" and not "this specific warehouse".]

Ah, but... she's hundreds of years old, [pardon] and she was dormant for a long time, so the work is really only just getting started. And Add... [Chung looks off to the far back of the room before sweeping his eyes forward, then shoving open the heavy iron doors that, again, do not look like childsplay to open. How strong are these people—] He always liked robotics, but he has a unique situation compared to the rest of us. [Chung points at his own neck; surely Vash saw the heavy scarring on it when they spoke earlier.] I wouldn't ask, if I were you. He'll tell you when he's ready.

[A process that could take between two business days to four years.]

Oh, and, um! Raven, you'll probably meet him soon, but he has an arm like yours, Mr. Vash!

[Into the "daylight" they go now, with "daylight" being more like very bright artificial lights meant to simulate a day-night cycle, but it works. Whatever the tech nerds in that workshop have going on back there, it works.]

[She was...created?

Vash feels something deep in the pit of his stomach go sour. He manages to keep it out of his expression though, because this isn't that. This isn't...the same sort of situation. And what these people are using to power their city...

It's not them. If they're trying to stay off the grid of the main society up above, it couldn't be.

He shucks his hand through his hair to push those thoughts down, though it's not helped when Chung continues to explain how she's hundreds of years old. Gee, where has he heard that before?]

Oh...don't worry, I won't. I understand.

[Vash, having become a human pincushion on more than one occasion, understands. He noticed the scarring of course, but he never would have pointed it out unprompted. That's just rude.

Also, Chung, wtf. You're like 12 how on earth do you keep pushing open these massive doors.]

Haha...you don't have to call me Mr, by the way. Just Vash is fine.

[He's glad for his glasses, even though they don't really function like proper sunglasses or anything, because even if it's artificial the light is fucking bright out here compared to the workshop, or even the light he and Ain had been flying by for so long since they were doing most of their traveling at night.]

[Don't worry Vash, it's absolutely not the same. Her dad sucks. And don't worry about his upper body strength either listen he's Ripped under that frilly little shirt.

Of course, when Vash corrects his politeness, his tail starts wagging. Dogs.]

Okay! Just Vash, then! [wagwagwagwagwag] I'm sure you heard, but this city is on a grid system, and we denote what's what with letters. Right now, we're on Grid B. There's another entrance to this place on Grid D, north of here. A few years ago, we only used to have a small amount of space, but we've expanded out bit by bit. A lot of pets who come here start families. It's cute!

[His tail has not stopped as he sort of stops in the middle of the dirt street, glances left and right, and decides they're headed toward the lefthand side of the city for now.]

We try to make everything ourselves, but there's some things we can't do. For example, some of us head out of hiding to pretend to be regular members of society so we can purchase items "for our owners". In a city this big, it works pretty well. That's also how this place got so big so fast, though... haha, sometimes you see someone in need and you take them in.

[Cute...

Vash lets his good arm hang loose at his side as they make their way down the street, taking note of the entrances as Chung points them out. It'll be good to know these things, just in case...even if he doesn't expect anything to happen, he did the same when they first got acquainted with that little mountain town. It's a precaution, nothing more.]

I can see that. I wouldn't even know this was underground, if you hadn't told me about it!

[It's really quite impressive, what they've managed to accomplish here. It's just sad that it ever had to happen...but if a pet wants to live freely out from under the thumb of the law, where else would they go?]

If you guys need any help securing supplies while I'm staying here, I don't mind going above for you if you need.

[It might sound like a horribly stupid thing to offer for Vash, and it is! But Vash...would not be buying things above. He would be sneaking around and stealing them and leaving money behind when he has enough, which is something he's had to make peace with as a necessity.]

[As they walk, Chung points out certain buildings. This one is a tailor's, this one here sells plants, this one...

At the suggestion to let Vash go outside, Chung makes a noise in the back of his throat, a little thoughtful hum. He doesn't want to harsh on the guy's vibes and say "sir you are literally a criminal, what," so he opts for the more neutral route, though... Chung is a notoriously bad liar, so it might be obvious what he's doing.]

Oh! No one would make you do that! You only just arrived!

["Sir please we all know who you are and we don't want you to get arrested". Etc.]

You should relax. You're Ain's... friend, [yeah he heard that too, dogs amirite,] and it sounds like you had quite the journey to get here, right?

[Judging based on the fact that Ain is ill with some sort of flu and Vash's arm had bullet damage; Chung is connecting these dots when they're really not that connected.]

[It's okay, Vash gets it. He knows there's inherent danger with him just being here as well...if the city above learned that Vash the Stampede had been spotted, the authorities would turn the world upside down to find him. They might even discover this place, and Vash cannot think of a worse case scenario.

...perhaps it's best he just. Stays down here, actually.

Vash laughs softly, because yeah he and Ain are "friends" of a sort, definitely, how long until people realize oh they're fucking actually-]

It was...definitely something! But what matters is that we made it here. Ain was pretty insistent on this being the place we came to, and I can see why.

[Oh it'll be very quickly, Ain doesn't have a filter, every time he's brought a guy home it's been full-stop "we're fucking" and it makes Ciel die laughing every time. If he doesn't say anything, well... they'll figure it out when everyone sees the Collar.

Eve probably already has.]

Was it a fun adventure, at least? [He asks, knowing that Vash is going to have to recount any stories to others Later as well.] Knowing him, it was probably pretty exciting, right?

[Was it fun? He's never actually had a moment to think about it before...they've been so busy, so on the run, that he hasn't had a chance to really reflect.

But when given the chance to think about it...Vash smiles, and he nods.]

It was fun. We stayed in a little mountain village last week...that was my favorite part.

Ain kept climbing into the water fountain though...

Haha, really? That sounds right. You've probably never... been friends with a bird before, have you? Aisha does that too.

[Vash will meet her eventually. She tends to be better at curbing instinct... most of the time, anyway.]

We have lots of space to give in to instinct, though. The lights here are meant to simulate the sun, so we can grow plants under them. We have parks and farmland and all! One of our friends requested simulating the night sky, so that's become a project, but we haven't completed it yet. Apparently we need to replace all the... um... LEDs?

[He doesn't say it L-E-Ds, he says it "leads". RIP.]

I haven't. Ain's instincts are stronger than most pets I've met, though...not that that's a bad thing.

[He has to WORSH.

Also...oh my god. Honey. Baby.]

...do you mean L-E-Ds?

[Vash loves you. He will now die for you.]

I hope you guys are able to do it. The night is one of my favorite times of day...you deserve to get to see it, just like they do up there.

[...ah. He means LEDs.]

...yeah. LEDs. [Said correctly this time.] See, that's why I'm not in charge of any of this!

[Though, he really can't help but laugh a little bit at himself. Let the techies do the tech stuff; Chung is better with heavy lifting. Building, protecting people, things like that.

As they're walking down the strip and he's still pointing things out, he veers down a path leading into a much greener part of their underground city. It's a park of a sort, an open space between the shops.]

Everyone here barters to get by. If you can't trade something for something else, you work for a bit to pay it off. To save space, everyone lives above whatever business they operate in little apartments. It's not the grandest, but it works. All of us live above the workshop, though, that's one of the exceptions. While you're here, someone might ask you to work for a few hours or a day to pay for something. ...um! But you don't have to pay us back for right now!

[When Chung hesitates about mentioning paying them back, Vash simply shakes his head, waving his hand a little.]

I'll help around any time you need me. It doesn't matter if I'm paying for something or not.

[Let! Vash help!! He will help u!! Especially since Ain is going to be fucking dead for a week probably, he's going to need to pick up the slack for both of them.]

What is it that you do here?

PET PERSON MEME

no subject

no subject

no subject

eve is way too smart for me i am Making This Up as i go

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

finally a journal i have-

THE BABY THE LEGEND

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject