What if Muse were chibified? What if those chibi Muses could be kept as pets? Oh, and there are a bunch of them.
That was the driving force behind this work. Sorry in advance if you don't like this sort of thing.
There are many mysterious beings that exist in this world. One such being is known as a Pet Muse. Pet Muse are beings that have based their appearance on Otonokizaka's school idol group Muse, but they are smaller and cuter. With the maximum height of an average five year old child and the appropriate mental age, they require lots of care and attention. There are nine main variations of Pet Muse, one for each member of the group.
This is how to take care of a Pet Muse.
Hoshizora Rin
Hoshizora Rin, known simply as Rin, are one of the nine variations of Pet Muse. This Pet Muse loves cats and exhibits cat-like behavior. Rins are commonplace, being just as popular a choice as a normal kitten due to their behavior.
"I would have gotten a kitten, but my mother has cat allergies. So I got a Rin instead!"
Rins, like other Pet Muse, are biologically close to humans. This means that they will not cause allergic reactions in people allergic to cat fur.
Rins eat a variety of food. Their preference is fish, but it is fine with them if you do not feed them fish often.
"Rin-chan, I'm sorry but we've been eating fish for the last few days." The Rin doesn't respond but continues to stare at the fish tank. Her owner can't pry her away until a fish has been added to the basket of groceries for that day's meal.
Rins are playful. They will play with nearly anything, even if they get in their owner's way.
*beep* "That was my homework, Rin-chan!" The Rin looks up at her distraught owner, then down at the keyboard she is lying on. She hesitantly lifts her hand up from the power button on the laptop.
"Rin is sorry! Don't be mad at Rin!"
Rins have a strong sense of responsibility. If they do something wrong and you tell them, they will try to fix their mistake.
"Didn't I tell you that cookies are for dessert only, Rin-chan?!" Her owner presents her with the wrapper of a chocolate chip cookie. Rin shakes her head.
"It wasn't Rin!" The Rin denies, cookie crumbs flying from her cheeks.
Most of the time, anyway.
"Rin-chan?" Her owner shows her the crumbs that have dropped. The Rin cowers, knowing that she has been found out.
"I'm sorry…."
Rins will get along with other Pet Muse, but their best friends are found in Hanayos. If you try to separate a Rin from a Hanayo after they have been introduced, well...good luck.
"No, Kayo-chin is Rin's friend! You will not take Kayo-chin away!" The owner reaches out to pick up the Hanayo and Rin slaps the hand away.
This is the only scenario in which a Rin will become aggressive. Unless specifically told that you will not be taking the Hanayo away from her, a Rin will protect her Hanayo against all.
Koizumi Hanayo
Koizumi Hanayo, otherwise known as Hanayo or Kayo-chin (though the latter term is only used by Rins), is another variation of the Pet Muse species. This Pet Muse is timid; a lot of time spent together is required to earn her trust. As such, a Hanayo is not a good choice for first-time Pet Muse owners.
"I was thinking of getting a Hanayo. I have plenty of free time, so it should be fine, right nya?"
Hanayos must be given rice with each meal. They eat a lot of rice for their small body, so be careful of accidentally overfeeding them.
"Can I have seconds?"
"Of course you can, Kayo-chin!" The Hanayo looks happy with her rice bowl refill, which is packed full of rice.
Hanayos will try to stay out of your way if they see that you are busy with another task. If you ask them to help, they will do their best.
"Kayo-chin, can you help me fold the laundry?" The Hanayo nods, eager to assist her owner with a task.
But if they mess up, they will fall into a depression.
The Hanayo sobs, entangled in a large shirt. Her owner gently untangles her and hugs her close. "It's okay, Kayo-chin. I'm not upset, so don't cry."
Hanayos get along with most Pet Muse, particularly Rins. A Hanayo will become more trusting of her owner quicker if she is with a Rin. Hanayos that have the company of a Rin are also more out-going and adventurous than when alone.
"Rin-chan, I love you!"
"Rin loves Kayo-chin too!"
(The above is a common back-and-forth conversation between Rins and Hanayos when in the same area.)
Nishikino Maki
Nishikino Maki, known as Maki, are the third variation of Pet Muse. Makis are highly intelligent, and all can play the piano beautifully regardless of whether they've had contact with one before. They can also be taught to play other instruments with various rates of success.
Makis aren't picky with their food but feeding them tomatoes will increase the likelihood that your Maki will listen to you.
"Maki-chan, if I give you a tomato, will you put the laundry in the dryer?"
"I will!"
But make sure to give her the reward after her task has been completed.
"Um...what about the laundry?" The Maki wipes the residual tomato juice onto her clothes.
"I don't wanna do it."
In order to get your Maki to play the piano for you, you can use one of two methods. The first method: You can ask one of your other Pet Muse to ask her to play the piano.
"Umi-chan. I want you to ask Maki-chan to play the piano, okay? Play the piano." The Umi saluted her owner and trotted off to find Maki.
This method may yield one of two results. The Maki may still refuse to play the piano even if asked by another Pet Muse.
"Maki, can you play the piano for me?"
"I don't want to." The Umi returned to her owner with the answer.
"Okay, little me. I want you to ask Maki-chan to play the piano. This should work since Maki-chan seems to like you better." The Honoka bounced with excitement at being given a task and dashed off to find Maki.
Some of the Pet Muse have a shorter attention span and thus will forget what they were supposed to do.
"Maki-chan!"
"What?"
"Let's eat bread together!"
The other method involves you, the owner, playing the piano. If you play it horribly enough, your Maki will kick you off the seat and show you the 'proper' way to play the piano.
Honoka sat down at the piano. Except for when Maki-the actual one, not her pet-attempted to teach her how to play, she had never touched the instrument. She proceeded to press the keys at random, banging them as loudly as she could.
"That's not how you play!" Maki scrambled onto the seat and pushed at Honoka until she stood up. "I show you how!"
Pros of this method: You get Maki to play the piano for you.
Cons of this method: Maki will remain irritated with you for at least a day.
"Maki-chan, I'm sorry about the piano…"
"Go away!"
Makis will get along with all Pet Muse if she spends enough time with them. She has no preference for one Pet Muse over another.
"Which do you like better? Umi-chan or little me?"
"Doesn't matter."
She only gains a preference if her only contact is with one specific Pet Muse.
Kousaka Honoka
Kousaka Honoka, or Honoka, are the best Muse Pet choice for first time owners. Their adaptability and ability to befriend anyone they met make them easy to take care of.
"So...even someone who doesn't have any experience can take care of her? ...Alright, I'll take her home then. Don't tell anyone else I was here though!"
A Honoka's favorite food is bread.
"Hey, do you want bread for lunch?"
"Want!"
Honokas will eat nearly everything, but feeding her Japanese sweets will make her unhappy.
"Here. Manjuu." The Honoka nibbles on it. "What's wrong?"
"I don't want it…"
Honokas will get in the way when they are playing, as they enjoy games that involve physical activity.
*crash* "Don't worry! Honoka isn't hurt!"
"Oh thank god that vase didn't cost too much…"
The best companions for a Honoka are Kotoris and Umis, though the Honoka will get along with any Pet Muse.
Minami Kotori
Minami Kotori, or Kotori, exhibits a behavior pattern closer to that of a pet bird. Kotoris like chirping, or perhaps they just like the sound of their own voice. Their favorite word to chirp is 'onegai'.
"Onegai~Onegai~"
"Um...is this normal?"
There doesn't seem to be any reason behind the Kotori's strange repetition of the word. Umis, on the other hand, are noted to become agitated when they hear this. Perhaps Kotoris and Umis have a special relationship, though there is no proof of this.
"Onegai~ Onegai~"
"Where is she?!" *crash* The owner quickly comforts the Umi in the aftermath of her hitting her head against the table.
Kotoris have also shown a preference for being in high places. They will climb up to the top of shelves, cabinets, and any other 'tall' structure.
"Kotori? Where'd you go? It's not funny!" A Kotori sits on top of her owner's bookshelf as her owner searches the house.
Be careful while walking under possible perches if you own a Kotori. If they see you below them, they will jump down on you. This phenomenon is known as "Koto-bombing", named after the Kotori.
"Kotori! Stop hiding, please?!" The unsuspecting owner walks below the shelf a Kotori is sitting on.
"Banzaiiii!"
"Gah!"
Make sure to catch your Kotori before she hurts herself.
"K-Kotori...are you o-okay?"
"Kotori is super!"
"T-That's...good…"
Kotoris like being with Umis more than any other Pet Muse, though they get along just fine with other Pet Muse. Just don't leave them alone for too long.
Sonoda Umi
Sonoda Umi, or Umi, is one of the more intelligent variations of Pet Muse. Umis have shown to be capable of writing long passages or song lyrics if they put their mind to it.
"Here! For you!"
"Thanks…'I can't even read this…?'"
Umis do not have a favorite food or any special preference. However, they will object to being treated like a child.
"Here, Umi-chan, say 'ah~'"
"I can feed myself!" The Umi takes the fork from her surprised owner and eats the food herself.
If left with a Honoka and a Kotori for a prolonged period of time, the Umi may suffer from headaches or become stressed out. Umis will also become stressed out if too much pressure is placed onto her.
"Umi-chan, can you help me write a letter?"
"Yes!"
"I need it in by tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"Leave it to me!" The next day, the owner mails her letter while comforting the Umi (who was upset that she couldn't finish the letter.)
Umis also become embarrassed easily. They dislike displays of affection, especially if it is directed at them when they don't expect it.
"Umi-chan~"
"Please leave me alone!" An Umi's response to a Kotori's advances.
Watch over your Umi gently.
Ayase Eri
Ayase Eri, otherwise known as Eri or Erichi, is a Pet Muse that possesses a serious personality. Despite this, they are gullible and can be tricked easily.
"I'm going to have lots of fun with this…"
Eris will eat nearly anything, but their preference is chocolate.
"Here, Eri-chi."
"Yay!" An Eri receives a chocolate from her owner.
But they cannot tell if you replace the chocolate with something that looks similar.
"?!"
"Ufufu~" The Eri responds negatively to finding out that the chocolate was in fact a sour candy.
Eris are afraid of the dark. Always keep a light source around your Eri, especially at night.
"Are you still there?"
"Yep." *click*
*screams* "Turn the light back on!"
"Okay, okay." *click* *click*
"more screams*
Eris are intelligent enough to organize schedules and make sure that other Pet Muse follows them. When she remembers that such a schedule exists, that is.
"Didn't I ask you to do help me sweep the floor at 2?"
"I'm sorry!"
Eris will occasionally cry out "harasho" or "chika" at times. There doesn't seem to be a reason behind her cries.
"Chika!"
"Let's call her Erichika from now on."
An Eri's favorite Pet Muse to play with are Nozomis. Research shows that an Eri without any contact to a Nozomi for a period (usually around a day) will lead to the Eri losing the will to survive. The contact doesn't need to be long, but for the sake of your Eri, it is probably best to obtain a Nozomi.
Toujou Nozomi
Toujou Nozomi, otherwise known as Nozomi or Nontan, is a Pet Muse with a mischievous personality. She is a natural at manipulation, though more often than not, it is easy to tell when she is trying to manipulate you.
"The cards say that fortune will come if you buy yakiniku for tonight's dinner!"
"Uh-huh…" A Nozomi attempts to convince her owner to purchase yakiniku.
Nozomis like eating yakiniku and will spend endless hours making complicated plans to get her owner to make it for her. Most of these plans go unused, thankfully.
"AAH!"
"Now will you buy niku?"
"Nozomi, setting up a rope trap in the front walk is not how you get someone to buy you something."
"It's not?"
When not planning pranks or begging for their meat, Nozomis will play with tarot cards. Their predictions have a chance of coming true, so it is best to just listen to them.
"Bring an umbrella! The cards say it's going to rain!"
"No, it's sunny right now."
"And the forecast said it would be sunny all day…" The owner resigns herself to trudging home in the pouring rain.
Nozomis like all of the other Pet Muse, though they will take it upon themselves to play pranks and tease the other Pet Muse. As such, most other Pet Muse aren't too happy with spending prolonged periods of time with a Nozomi. Except for Eris.
Yazawa Nico
Yazawa Nico, or Nico, is a Pet Muse that requires lots of attention and care directed towards her. If she doesn't receive what she perceives to be the appropriate amount of attention, she will grow unruly.
"It's the super idol, Nico-Nii!"
"Yay!" A Nico poses while her owner claps enthusiastically.
Nicos strive to be the center of attention, and will fight for that position if she feels threatened by other Pet Muse.
"Who's next?"
"It's Rin's tur-"
"I'll go!" Nicos will jostle others out of their way to be noticed.
A Nico that has been given the amount of attention she desires and has been raised in a household with other Pet Muse will grow protective of them. She treats them like her younger siblings.
"Here, you have a crumb."
"Thank you, Nico-chan!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I take my Pet Muse to a veterinarian or a doctor when she becomes sick?
Please take your Pet Muse to a doctor. They are biologically closer to humans.
They keep crashing into things. How do I stop them from hurting themselves?
Install baby fences into your home or invest in a playpen. This will keep them in a small area to play and limit the amount of damage they cause to things or themselves.
My Pet Muse likes to walk outside on her own! How do I make sure she returns safely?
If your Pet Muse likes to explore by herself, make sure to show her how to get back home by giving her a map. You could also purchase a tracker bracelet for your Pet Muse and see where she is using an app on your phone.
I've heard of 'rare' Pet Muse. What do they look like?
Pet Muse come with their original outfit, but are capable of changing outfits if you provide them with one. However, some will be so attached to their outfit that they will not change from it. These are the 'rare' ones. (Think SR and UR cards from SIF :D)
How do I get my Pet Muse to take off her clothes so I can wash them?! She's been wearing the same thing for the last few days and it's getting dirty…
If you want to wash the outfit of your Pet Muse (we're assuming you're talking about a 'rare' one), you simply have to get her into a shower or a bath. Then, while she is cleaning herself, you must quickly wash and dry her outfit.
If you are looking to own a Pet Muse of your own, please contact us in any one of these ways.
Email: otono-muse-petproj
Phone: 1-800-PET-MUSE (1-800-738-6873)
This is just a random idea I had while chatting with another Love Live fan. If you enjoy this, I'm taking requests for this AU. (Such as: Honoka with Pet Maki) I'll be doing requests based on when they come in. No guarantee on when they'll be updated but they usually be up within a week of the request being made. (Unless if the requests have built up a lot. Then it takes a little longer to get them out.)
Don't actually send emails to that email address or call that number. I made it up for this story but I don't know if those are in use by someone.
Update: Please have a user account before sending in a request. It makes it easier to communicate with you if I need clarification about your request. I will not be doing requests made by guest reviewers for this reason; I hope you understand.
