Dog eat Dog

Kuni Purinas Sasuchi sat in the great circle in his morning mediation.  The veil of piety was over his face.

Rover the blond girl with long legs bowed as she entered the ring of meditation

His strong beautiful voice seemed to smile under the veil "The new one has come to be.  His making was this morning." The Master said.

"You are positive?" Rover asked confidentially.

"There is a new magic in Barie.  It is in the circle.  I can feel it on my skin."

"And the new one."

"Check the markets.  Go veiled to hide your face from Boisseau's men."

"Very well, my master."  Rover said.

Rover left the presence of the man she called master.  She would never leave his side. It was a shame to be so beautiful and so powerful at the same time and yet so untouchable.

***

Marron woke up on a bench in a city park.  He could see leaves in the slits of his eyes.

"What a nightmare.  To think I thought that…"

Marron floated over himself.  The other him poked him in the eye.

"OWW!"

"Marron."  The piping chipper voice cut into his nerves.

            Marron looked again.

"HAAAAAH!"

            "Marron." Tira said, "You're awake."

"I've never seen anyone faint with rage."

Carrot poked him "I'm sorry, Tei-chan.  I really thought you were well… the fake."

"Let's just out of here." Marron said, "This place is psychotic." He rubbed his eye.  "The longer we stay here the worse it will get. This place is-."

"We can't leave." Gateau said,

Marron closed his eyes, knowingly.

"This is our duty." Tira said.

"The Forbidden magic must be sealed." Marron said sternly.

"That's right.  If we don't do something fat what is going to happen to all those poor dogs like Lil Marron Number 2?"

Marron looked at his brother "Don't call that sorcerous construction, Marron."

"What do we call him then?"

"Marron Marron!" the Simulacrum smiled.

"Marron? No.  It doesn't have a name. How could anyone fall for it?" Marron said, "I don't look like that."

"What is…"?

Marron glowered.

"That is not me that looks nothing like me."

"Me me me.  That looks nothing like me."  The Simulacrum mimicked his inflection and voice tone.  It was frightening how the simulacrum could copy his speech patterns. He then let out and inane giggle.  "Marron is grumpy."

"Grrrrrrr." Marron voiced his anger.

"Grrrrrr Grrrrrrrr Rufff Fufff." The simulacrum barked. Then snapped his teeth at the other Marron. "Rufff ruff."

            "All right Buddy heel. Heel." Carrot grabbed onto the simulacrum, his shabby white collar bent a little.

            Marron sat down like a dog.

"Well the one who barks is probably not Marron." Chocora said

Marron grabbed the hairbrush with the glamour.

"Here.  So we can tell the difference. He'll have a streak of blond hair."

"Marron is pretty."  The simulacrum cheered.  He stared in the back of the brush.  "Marron is boy."  The creature looked fascinated by his reflection "Why is Marron, Boy?

"Well this will have to do for now." Marron said.

Tira shook her head. She approached the creature and touched his face "It's uncanny.  The robes are really cheap quality. But that's it. He looks like you.  Except for the wrinkle between your eyes."

"And the bleary red eyes and those bags under them." Chocora said.

"Oh yeah and the little pimple on your-" Carrot pointed

"Actually he looks like you with makeup. You know a little better." Chocora said.

Marron sighed.  "This is going to be a long day.

***

The Maroons sat next to each other. 

"So the DuBerries made a copy of Marron. But why?"

"Maybe they knew he knew about the forbidden magic." Tira said.

"Forbidden magic corrupts even the purest intentions." Marron said softly

"Maybe that Boissenne had a crush on you." Gateau said.

"What?"

"Maybe it was no coincidence you won the contest.  She probably rigged it so she could get you in her clutches." Gateau said.

The simulacrum had opened all his buttons trying out his thumbs.  He was delighted at the novelty.  Marron sat trying to ignore the creature next to him.  Thank the Gods he had Practice with his brother.

"Buttons." The simulacrum laughed.  "I broke them.  How do button?"

"Carrot can't you keep the clothing on his body."

"Whoa stop it.  Keep on your clothes Lil Marron 2."

"Itches."  The simulacrum whined.

"No wonder you can't have a dog." Tira said.
            Carrot displayed the skill of buttoning on the Simulacrum's robe.

"We're going to need to get you some traveling clothes.  This thing is ripping already."

The simulacrum unbuttoned himself again.

Carrot laughed to himself and repeated his action.

"I guess those Dog Catchers can't take you away now."

"Marron like you."  He finished buttoning the robe by himself. Quickly.  Then just unbuttoned himself again.

"I can't believe that used to be my dog." Carrot said. 

"He's pretty good. He only saw you do it once." Tira said.

"Well twice." Gateau blushed. "He saw me do it when

The simulacrum laid down on the bench.

"Hungry.  Hungry Marron."

"Sorry Lil Marron 2.  I don't got any food."

"Okay then.  I find food."  Marron shoved Carrot aside.

The simulacrum ran off into the market.

"Wait! Come back." Carrot shouted.  It was too long before they caught up.

            Nearby stood a small butcher shop.  As the patrons bought food, the boy who only looked so intelligent and beautiful watched. The sausages and rolls hung from strings on the ceiling

            "Hello sir.  What do you want?"

Marron's simulacrum reach up his human arms and grabbed the sausage just like the humans.  He shoved it in his mouth casing and all.

"You must be hungry."

The Simulacrum gnawed the casing.  Trying to tear it open, but his teeth were blunt.  The other customers began to stare.  A little girl asked her mommy what the man was doing.

"That Mayers is 20 granoles. Pay up man and get outta here."

"They made me out of Dog parts." He smiled.

"Look give me money.  For the food."

Marron 2 was busy trying to swallow the meat.

"I'm going to call the cops if you don't pay.  You know…"

"Oh man." Carrot said "No Down boy.  Bad dog."

The Simulacrum whined.

"Oh great.  Do we have enough money left?" Tira asked.

"20 copper granoles for a bologna sausage.  What a rip-off." Chocora said.  "It's all fat."

"Just get that freaky dog kid out of here. He's scaring away my customers."

"Tell you what I'll give you 6 for it and I-" Chocora fished around her travel purse.

"Chocora this is no time to bargain." Marron slammed the coins on the counter, "We have to apologize, but we're leaving."

The guy rubbed his eyes. 'Are you twins sir? Wait…"

"It's a long story." Marron said.

"Well this town does have a lot of twins these days.  Every pretty girl seems to have three that look just like her.  I just haven't seen any male twins.  You just take him out of my store."

"Come on. Let's go." Carrot said enthusiastically.

The simulacrum frowned as the others glared at him.  He spit out the sausage. He handed the sausage towards Marron.

"Is the Marron hungry?" The other Marron asked sweetly.

"This is disturbing." Marron said.

"You just eat your bologna, Marron 2."  Carrot said petting the creation. We are going to figure this out."

"Stop calling him that.  Let's just leave him here.  The DuBerries will find him" Marron said, "We'll walk away and…"

"We can't leave him here."

"We aren't responsible."

"Yes we are.  I promised that guy I would leash him." Carrot said.  "He'll get in a lot of trouble."

The simulacrum's ears twitched.

"Marron…" Gateau shook his head "We can't leave it here alone."

"Wait Wait.  Marron go with Gateau."

"What?"

 "Marron stay with Gateau."

The boy simulacrum clutched onto him.  The big man balked "What?"

"Marron be with Gateau."  The simulacrum grabbed him crawled up on him and wrapped his legs around him.

"Ho boy."

"Down boy down down dog." Carrot said. "Heel Heel."

The people across the street began whispering.  The simulacrum yipped and barked playfully.

"The young are so shameless. Carrying on like that in public."

"We should get a hose."

Gateau had the air squeezed out of him by the frail thing.  He toppled over.  He tried to crawl away

"Get back." Gateau gasped.

"Marron like Gateau!"

"Look um.  I don't know if I feel comfortable…  I mean I only just met you, but I've known Marron, but… no no."

Chocora held the simulacrum back so Gateau could hide behind Tira.

Gateau peeled the fake Marron off of him.

"Stay with Gateau." Marron lifted Tira off her feet and glomped onto Gateau cuddling adorably.

"Why do you want to be with Gateau?" Chocora asked.

Carrot scoffed "Yeah I mean look at him. He's Gateau.  If I wasn't in this group I'd certainly ditch him."

The creature's brow furrowed in adorable concentration. "The man.  The Duberrie man. He told me to follow him and go have sex with him.  Then I would get a surprise."

Gateau lost the ability to stand on his own power toppling over into Chocora and Tira's arms.

"Ewww.  Sex with Gateau." Carrot winced "Oh now I have a picture in my mind." Carrot bashed himself over the head.

"Gateau." Tira groaned.  "Get off."

"I think he passed out."

"Have… with the…" Gateau muttered.

"Yes.   I remember now." The simulacrum said.

Marron hid his hands under his robe and dangerously floated towards him.  The girls had to hide him from Marron's grasp.  The mage's eyes were aflame with anger.  His voice was like the soft rattle of a snake.  Gateau had three beads of sweat on his face.

"You hired a thing that looks like me to have sex?"

"Marron No I wouldn't."

"You pervert."

"I would never go with a simulacrum. I thought…"

"You sick-"

"I never asked for a simulacrum.  They are disgusting."

"Yeah right." Marron drilled one finger into his chest.  Gateau winced.  It must have been some pressure point.

"Ouch. Marron.  You came on…  I mean he came onto me.  He was the one that approached me.  I couldn't tell the difference."

"What ever gave you the right to think that I would ever want to… with you anyway?"

"I thought you knew.  You were drunk and I don't know. Maybe you felt guilty about getting my kicked out last night.  The heart is a mystery."

"The HEART is a mystery. You are all too obvious." Marron said.

            "Marron."

            "I don't want to look at you, I don't want to talk to you.  I don't even want to think about you.  Just leave me alone." Marron said.

            Marron tried to shove him aside.  Gateau looked at the anger in his face and let him pass.

"Oooh boy." Tira said.

"Holy Chritchen.  I think Marron has finally gone off the deep end." Chocora said.

"Well.  It served Gateau right.  Always trying to…" Carrot said half-heartedly. When he saw the pain and betrayal in Gateau's eyes he hushed up. He couldn't put too much of a fight.  Gateau was a big dumb goober.  He couldn't help falling in love with someone who was hopelessly out of his league.

Marron looked at his double.

"This is all your fault."

"Hi.  Marron like sausage too?"

Marron grabbed the sausage and threw it on the ground

"You started all this nonsense.  Huh?  What do you have to say for yourself?"

Marron tried to turn his back on it.  But it began whimpering hiding its tears.

"Oh no."

"Go back to them and leave us alone."

"I….  They'll melt me."

"But you aren't alive.  Why should you care?"

"I like Gateau better than melting.  I'll stay here?"

"It's not your choice.  The Forbidden spells must be sealed."

The creature shrunk back "Don't melt Marron…  Please!"

"Marron, Yeah just because he's stupid doesn't mean he deserves to die." Carrot said. "He's not like the others." Carrot held Marron's hand  "It's only fair.  I promised I would take care of him.  We can't kill him."

"It's Gateau's fault." Chocora said, "He's just an innocent creature.  A disgusting dog sure… but…"

"It's not just some spell. He's alive.  I know it.  I'd know if he really were one of those things.  Their eyes are cold.  His eyes are friendly." Carrot said.

"There is no discussion.  He is a spell"

"Look in his eyes."

The simulacrum looked at Marron with questioning eyes full of tears.

"You melt Marron?"

"You are not Marron." Marron said softly.  He swung around trying not to let his emotions change his mind. "We better keep him safe.  Until we can find out what we need to do."

"Hooray I always wanted a pet." Carrot said, "You're going to need a good name."

"Bologna?"  The pet offered.

"Barroni."  Carrot said, "That is cool." The boy stuck his hand out "I am Carrot.  You are Barroni."

"Barroni." He repeated, "Barroni."

"Shake."  Carrot said.  Barroni placed both of his hands over Carrot's hand. 

Carrot replaced it "Humans shake like this."

Barroni laughed "Barroni, Barroni!"

"Wow I'll teach him how to fetch and play ball and take him hunting." Carrot said gleefully, "Welcome to the Human Race. Barroni.  What a cute name."

"Barroni is human."

"You know Gateau and Big Marron already."

Marron sighed.

****

            The Master had been divining all morning searching for the new creation.  In utter silence he had immersed himself trying to determine what the new infusion he had felt was. But his power revealed no locations.  He felt something change in the air.  Could it be the Duberries had been unsealed? No, it was too different.  Perhaps they had enlisted outside assistance this time. Perhaps the DuBerrie had hired mercenaries.

A dark haired girl with amazing knockers bowed to Master and Rover.

"What do you have to report Spot?" The Master asked her.

"Strangers are in the Market.  They come from outside the city.  There is a magician."

"The DuBerrie have a magic user on their side." Master said.  "I felt him enter the city in the Sacred Ring." He stood up "Mage or Sorcerer?  This is very important.  There are many Sorcerers who would assist them to oppress us further."

"I think it was Mage sir. I didn't here."

Three girls came in.

"Hello girls. I know you were watching.  You might as well learn something."

"Hello Master."  They said.

"What is mage?" the red haired girl said curiously.

"Is like mange?

"Eww." The girls shivered and itched.

"No.  It is a person. It is a worker of Magic."

"Like Master." She said, hugging him.

"Yes Buffy." He pet the girl.  She used to be a lapdog and love to be pet in his lap, "But not all of us are good.  The DuBerrie can use magic to create you.  Which is wonderful.  But remember how scared you were when you were made?"
            They nodded at him.

"They did not care if they harmed you are not and that is bad.  You are very wonderful, all of you. And the Gods love you all very much. And you must never let people treat your feelings carelessly."

The girls smiled.

"We love you master."

"Yes.  But I think that they will also use it to do bad things to the humans in the town. So if you see anyone strange while you are out playing today come straight and tell Master. okay."

"Yes Master."

Buffy hugged him again.

"Let's go play tag."

He smiled.  It was their innocence that would lift him through this dark day.  He would never let another person harm them in any way. He had hoped never to see another Magic user and if he was helping the DuBerrie.  He found it odd that a mage would come here at all.  What business would magic users have in Barie?  He watched the girls run about.

****

Barroni sniffed and looked at things.

"My nose hurts."

"Stop smelling things."

Barroni scratched his nose.  He looked around.  He was getting an entirely new view of the world. He was as tall as a person

"Ooooooh."  He picked up an apple transfixed, "It's so pretty."

"Well it's an apple."

"But it's… It's…" he could not describe this brilliant effect.

He yanked Tira's cloak "Look this it's so bright. It was not so bright.  No Barroni can see."

"What's so great about an apple?"

"I read somewhere dogs can't see colors very well.  Even bright ones."

"Apple." He held the apple and smelled it. "It smells like a fruit.  Is this a fruit?"

Gateau smiled "You sure seem excited about stuff.  It must be strange for you."

Barroni rifled through the fruit babbling, "I don't have a tail.  I can't smell. Is my nose hurt?  Everything is so bright.  Barroni can see so much." Barroni smiled. Great light filled his eyes. 

"It must be wonderful to look on the world with such fresh eyes." Tira said.

"He's like a child." Chocora said, "Now wonder he and Darling get on so well."

The dog returned and cuddled the strange fruit.

"I have an apple.  He the fruit man said I could have it.  It was a pente. He said I touched it too much."

"Well if it keeps you quiet." Marron said a little surly.  Would it ever shut up?

            Barroni shrunk back at Marron's comment.  He could detect sarcasm, "Barroni give apple to Marron to make him happy."

            "You can hold it.  I'm not hungry." Marron said.

"We suggest that you be quiet.  The markets close upon these hours."

            "You folk better get back.  This is the Siesta. Everybody goes home for lunch."

            "Well then we better get going."

            "Besides you don't want to be about when the demons roam."

            The girl simulacrums were hoping about the empty market place.

            "Master says that we can't run like this.  We have to run on our legs."

            "Master isn't here.  Come on."

            "It's hard not to run on two legs."

            "You go slow."

            The girls laughed at their friend crawling on her knees.

            "Stand up silly."

            Carrot twitched an ear.

            "I hear something."

            Gateau and Marron froze.  Tira itched toward her whip.

            "The lady said they were demons."

            "Well we'll just have to prepare for the worst.

            "Oh SWEEEEEEEEEEET." Carrot howled.

            Into the square came pretty tall red heads laughing and playing.

            "Lookie." The simulacrum girl with braids pointed.

            "Hello."

            "It's a funny man."

            The girls sat down.

            "My dream.  Twins." Carrot said

Another girl showed up with the same face.

            "Make that triplets." Gateau said.

            "Quadruplets." Marron said.

            "How many are there?" Tira asked incredulously.

The girls whispered to themselves, "What is man doing out here?  Master says no comes during lunchtime."

            "Well…"

            "Is silly men." The other girls laughed.

            Barroni twitched his head.  There was something familiar in their eyes and their manners.

            "They are like me." Barroni said.

            "Barroni." Tira asked, "What are you doing?"

"You." The girls looked at him.

            "Hello." The braided girl said.

            "My name is Barroni.  They are my friends."

            "Come with us Barroni."

"Okay." Barroni held out his hand.

"Master said you come with us."

"Master be so happy to found you."  A girl hugged him.

"You can't just walk off with our friend." Tira jumped in.

            The girls surrounded him

            They paused.

            "What did we do?"

"Wait a second who are you?"  Marron asked suspiciously.

            One of the girls looked at him "Back off.  Bad Original man.  He comes with us."

            Tira backed off.

            "I don't like these girls flirting with darling.  I'm getting out my hat."

            "Don't do it.  They are just little girls."

            "They are positioning.  They aren't going to give him up.

            "What's going on?" Carrot said

            "Look at them.  Look at their eyes."

            "They look like..."

            Soon the girl's soft faces had hardened into growls.  A deep threatening growl as they surrounded the simulacrum boy.

            "Dogs."

            "They are like Barroni."

"They have the minds of dogs.  Dogs are loving and loyal but they are fierce fighters and hunters.  Nothing in the world could fight a whole pack of vicious dogs."

            "What do we do?"

            "We can run." Marron smiled uneasy.

            The girls hunched over and pounced.

            "Whoa here they come." Carrot said.

            Three pounced on Gateau.  Gateau didn't even have time to think and gouged at his eyes.

            One toppled and tore at Marron's ofuda.

            Tira rolled out of the way.  Chocora was about to spear one.

            "Chocora. Don't use your wire!"

            Even the sounds of dogs set her teeth on edge.  She tried knocking the girl off Marron.  But even in a headlock she wouldn't budge.  The girl tossed her off.

            "Okay which is my ultimate fantasy.  Hot dog babes or hot dog babes in a cat fight."

            He ducked and weaved.  

            "Get off me." Gateau squealed. "Gods.  You are crazy"

            A voice came out of the sky

            "Girls what are you doing?"

            "Master."  The girls stopped.

            "Oh girls.  Stop that at once."

            "Master he…"

            "STOP!  Heel. Down girls."  

            The girls ran to a small cluster and bowed on the ground.

"You will not fight.  You are human beings now."

            The girls whimpered and cried.

            "Sorry Master." They wailed.

            "Come back to the Sanctuary, now."

            The girls all stood up and walked away.

            The Sorcerer Hunters panted.

            "Did we win?"

            "Not really."

            "I think I got a fingernail gouged in my shoulder." Marron moved.

            "That little girl tore you up Marron." Carrot said.

            Marron was beginning to count again.

            "We should follow them. They obviously could cause trouble."

            "Yes."

            "Where are girls going?" Barroni asked.

They ran after them down the streets, into the deeper section of town.  The cobblestones were cracked and there were no streetlights. And yet it was quiet and safe.  Bare and desolate.  Did anyone live here at all?"

A sign pointed them in the right direction.

"Look here the Sanctuary of Unfortunate Dogs."

"That Pamplemousse dude fellow told us about this place."

"So they've been hiding in a Dog Pound."

"What more unfortunate fate for a dog than turn into a human being."

"We aren't going to dump him here.  We can't leave Barroni at a pound." Carrot said.

"You pound Barroni?" The simulacrum cuddled next to Gateau; for protection Marron gave the creature a sharp look his eyes.

"No.  It's where they keep dogs that have no homes." Marron said.  "Don't let him do that."

Gateau smacked his head "Do what?"

"Marron stop picking on him." Tira said.

"This would be the place to bring him.  He's an unfortunate dog all right."

"But he's not really a dog anymore." Carrot said, "He's our friend."

"Well we have to put him somewhere.  While we figure this out." Marron said trying not to shout at someone.

"But abandoning him just seems mean." Tira said

"Well I can't figure out what else we should do?" Marron said crisply.  He was not about to argue.  He had let the thing live.  That didn't mean that he'd tolerate its shrill weird voice and all his nonsense.

Carrot groaned, "Come on I'll feed him and everything."

Barroni whispered, "I have to go for a walk."

The iron door open and a girl stared. She had short dark hair and amazing knockers.

"Oh sweetie. Did I mention I am an animal lover?"

"I'm Spot. Can I help you?" she said

"Hi.  Look um…  This is the Sanctuary for stray dogs.  We need your help with this guy we found." Tira said.

            "This is not a place for humans."

"Well then we better just leave him here. Because he used to be a dog at least."

"Used to…  Excuse me."

The girl closed the door and ran back inside.

            The Master was surrounded by weeping girls

            "Oh girls don't cry now." He said softly.

            "Master." They clutched his legs.

            "I didn't mean to shout.  But you must not hunt or fight in the market.  Humans do not do that."

            "Master.  We have visitors at the gate."

The Master looked at them out the window.

"Human males are forbidden from this point. The girls are shaken up as it is.  They say they saw strangers when they were out playing."

"I see four females and two males." Spot said

"Wait, those two are male." Rover peered closer, "Those dark ones."

"Really?

The simulacrum boy walked in.  His nostrils quivered.

Such beauty in his form he did not know existed. Pale and slender boy with curious bright eyes.  He had never seen such a thing in this world, in art or nature.  He walked straight in with long dark hair brightening the world.

The Master paused.

The boy sniffed him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.  Rover sniffed him too.

"You."

"Hi.  I'm Marron… I mean.. I am Barroni."

The Master was frozen.

Barroni stuck out his hand.

"Shake.  I'm a good shaker."

"Nice shake."  The Master said.

"Barroni. Watch yourself." Marron said from the background.

The Master smiled "I am Master Kuni Purinas Sasuchi and I am at your service, Barroni"

"Puri...Sassuu… Kuni." Barroni was satisfied "Hi Kuni!" he hugged the tall veiled man. 

"Kuni?" As if he didn't hear it right.  No one called him that.  Not even his mother.

"Can't say the others.  Kuni." Barroni said. "I is Barroni and You is Kuni." He touched his face.

"Yes.  You may call me that." The Master Kuni said to him.

Carrot, Marron and Gateau followed with the girls bringing up the rear.

The Sorcerer's eyes smiled.  The Triangle on his brow was covered by dark red hair. 

"I am the master of this sanctuary."   

"What do Wizards care of the life of one Simulacrum?" Rover said.

"He is my responsibility. After all he is… was gonna be… my dog.  I'll handle this one Marron."  He motioned his brother back.

"We saved him from those DuBerrie dog freaks. Twice." Carrot said.

"Any enemy of the DuBerrie is welcome here." Rover said.

"I do not trust human males.  They will defile our place." The Master said.

"My Master, The Boy will not leave his friends.  I would die before abandoning a true master.  Can you expect any less of a dog?"

"Your words grow pointed Rover."

"I have learned from the best."

The Simulacrum clutched his hand.

"Yes.  I don't know if you should come in.  Sometimes humans upset them. Humans do not treat the simulacrum kind well.  They abuse and snarl at them.  They call them demons." The Master closed his eyes.  His dark eyes.  They were eternal and wise, underneath their lashed lids.

"We won't do anything stupid." Carrot said "Scout's Honor."

"Rover escort Brother Barroni and these humans into our home.

Rover bowed and came out.

"WOOOOOW." Carrot howled.  This Rover was an amazing dark blond with peachy tan skin.

"He sounds like a simulacrum too."

"Let Carrot in.  Barroni likes Carrot.  Carrot be is good."

"Very well." The Master said, "But mind yourself.  Some of the temptations are too much for the average man to bear.

The temple was gutted of pews, but it's altar and pool remained.  Ivy grew all over the place, delicately.  It was a place of ancient beauty. The walls were overgrown in the open atrium but other wise the building was bright and clean.  Dogs sniffed around and slept in the son.

And Carrot Glace popped.

In the pool frolicked gorgeous beautiful female simulacrum.  They laughed splashed in the water. Red heads, brunettes, blue hair, black hair all in a luscious display of nudity.  Their towels were on the pillars of the pool.

"This is the Sanctuary of Unfortunate Dogs."

"Oh my god.  These are hot babes.  Twins."

"No not twins.  These are more Simulacrum."

Carrot began running.

Master Kuni held out his arm to protect their bodies from foreign eyes. Carrot ran neck first into it.

"Girls please. Put on your clothes we have guests."

"Oh. No clothes. They are itchy." The one girl said

"Bad clothes."

"Put on your clothes girls."  Kuni said "Or no dessert."

Gateau turned bright red. Marron averted his eyes.  Tira and Chocora laughed to themselves.

"You don't have to it—" Carrot said, "If they insist."

"They never listen." Master Kuni shook his head. "We shall take tea in the meeting hall.

            At the meeting hall there were several long benches which the simulacrum and Master Kuni, across from the human guests.  Barroni the simulacrum, sat on his side staring at him.  He lowered his face to his companions.

            The man did not take off his veil and drank nothing in their presence.

"We are the Sorcerer Hunters.  The agents of Mama.  We punish evil Sorcerers and destroy the Forbidden Magics." Gateau Mocha said.

"Hmmm.  Interesting.  And so you have come for The DuBerrie?"

"No.  We were traveling to the Hall of Paeno." The Original said, "I am Marron Glace.  Gateau Mocha, Tira Misu, Chocora Misu…"

"And me the Love God, Carrot Glace."  Carrot said making a kissie face at some of the girls.

Marron Glace held him by his shirt collar as the pink haired girl bashed him on the head with a mallet, "We were at the Inn Du Berrie and well this happened."

"Ah you're friend was copied, against his will while he was staying there.  Probably offered a free room." Rover repeated as if she was bored by the story.

"Exactly."

"Oh the turmoil of this.  That damn Boisseau.  I'll see her in her grave before she ruins more lives."

The Simulacrum nodded "I'm Barroni and not Marron. Marron is Marron."

"If they can make male simulacrum.  This is worse than we thought…"

"You care for these creations as if they were your children." Tira said.

The master found him absently patting Barroni's head "They are innocent creatures.  They have lives and souls of their own." The Master said, "The dogs who die who are corpses, well, we cannot save them.  But some live.  The DuBerrie are callous enough to melt them while they scream. All my life I have provided them with a warm place and I try to teach them how to live as human beings.  But it's hard for them to break their patterns."

Rover added "Not impossible.  Our minds are expanded when we become human, but no one realizes this.  They think we do not feel.  They think we are nothing but an evil spell.  That we should be destroyed when they are the ones" He voice rose to an angered shout as she pounded her cup. Rover growled.

"Heel Rover."

She silenced "Forgive me."

"Well you seem mighty real to me." Carrot said "and a knockout."

"Back off little man." Rover growled.

"How did all this happen?" Tira said.  "If the power existed before how come we only have seen it here?"

"Remember the Mesatanian flowers.  It is an ancient art, with many mysterious practices."

"You know the Mesatanian magic? My compliments on your training."

"The last time I heard that I was nearly killed by a Sorcerer."

The Master held up a glass bubble "Many years ago, in the Ancient days of war of the mother.  A magical circle was made to raise human beings from the dead, to raise vast armies.  Later this became the great magic of the Red Flowers."

"Isn't that that creepy neck kissing, neck romancing stuff?" Carrot said.

"Yes.  But the magic was lost.  The Necromicon destroyed.  But the memory of it lived on.  There was one family who passed it's dark magic from generation to generation. Each generation telling the story until it was only a story.  About how one could use dead bodies to make living ones."

"See I knew those creeps were Necromancers." Carrot said "And now they want to get lil Barroni and all these hot sweeties." Carrot hugged on Rover, "I can't stand it.  It makes me ill. Hold me."

"Hands off."  Rover crushed his hand.

The Master looked to the ivy.

"In any war all creatures suffer: the birds, the wild beasts, the animals of the field. Nothing is spared during a war. When the land suffers the people suffer.  This is the law of War."

            He began to tell the story.

"While some see the Tale of Barie as a triumph. It was still a war. It is as sad as it is great.  Such suffering. Such Death.  Lord Black would use any magic to oppress his people, he would experiment and waste human life to find the deadliest spells.  He was as bad as any magical engineer could have been, but there was no one to stop him.  He ravaged the land with his abuses."

"The People prayed for the Sorcerer Hunters to come. But none could.  The mountains make this city hard for the Mother to penetrate with her magic.  They could not reach her.  The people starved on potatoes and lumps of bread, and the experiments continued.  To find the ultimate dark magic based on a silly children's tale." 

"At last the people stood up they died in great droves to reach the palace.  His magic was dark.  He swatted them dead by the dozens but they pressed on. Until he was torn apart in the deep sea."

"I guess that is why they gave Marron such a hard time for knowing magic."

"To this day no magic may be used in Barie, unless the entire town agrees. Healing spells, toys, the smallest magical trinket must be accounted for." Rover said.

"Of course that also applies to magical creatures." Spot said, "That's us."

"What nonsense is this?" Chocora bellowed, "You can't use a magic comb, but they can turn dogs into human beings.  That is crazy."

"Well that came later.  When the dogs…" Rover said. "When the dark times came for the dogs.

"For years after the dogs of the city were without masters.  Soon they were starving and feral.  They would attack children. They were a menace. You couldn't walk down the street.  Bounties were set on large dogs.  People even ate them when the cattle died.  They called those "the Dog Years".  It has taken all this time to build their city again.  Most of the citizens fled, but those who were strong enough rebuilt the marvelous city you see today.  I came here in those Dog Years.  They will haunt my nightmares forever."

"So the DuBerrie offered to get rid of the dogs? And they thought their problems were over." Tira said.

"But their problems had only begun." Chocora nodded.

"Their problems were over. Everyone was so happy.  It seemed that the old wounds had been healed.  But later they found out they kidnapped them and killed them to make their little sex toys. To work in their bordellos or to work as slaves.  The people have turned a blind eye to it.  Now the city is happy.  Life is peaceful and prosperous again.  Why should anyone care what happens to a few dead dogs or courtesans?  They think it is the price of order and peace."

"As long as one being in the world suffers then their will never be true justice." Marron said, "It is a hard truth."

Gateau leaned back "But there will always be the big dogs and the little ones, fighting it out.  I guess this is where you get that phrase Dog eats Dog.  It can't change.  Maybe it can't be equal for everyone." Gateau said. "Maybe we are just kidding ourselves."

"Still, our job is to bring evil Sorcerers to justice." Tira said.

"But think about it. Even where there are supposed to be no sorcerers, no magic, everyone still has these problems:  Oppression, abuse, and poverty. It's a crazy world." Gateau said.

They stared at the blank walls with their dark contemplations.

Carrot put his hand on The Master's shoulder "You know man, that all sucks but you got some real nice bitches up in here."

"Carrot."

"It's accurate."

Tira strangled him until his head wobbled

Marron developed a huge drop of sweat along his eyes.

"Dolt."

The Master smiled "Thank you. Whenever I look at my girls, it gives me hope to the future.  They are all very beautiful in spirit.

"I'll say."

"And should any wish to exploit them for their bodies. I'll unman them with my teeth."

"Unman.  You mean like…"

Chocora made a scissors  "I'll join you."

Carrot froze and took a sip of tea "Uh good tea." A huge bead of sweat formed on his brow.

"I will let nothing happen to them." The Master said, "I trusted you to come in here.  I know I have made a wise decision.  If you are Saint Mama's Sorcerer Hunters than you will help us."

"We will try Master Purinas." Marron said

"You're kind of dragged into it, if you're an Original." Spot said to Marron.

"What?"

"They sought you because you are a mage." Rover said.  "They plan to use the forbidden magic with your soul.  Because you have power they can steal."

"And you're very beautiful." Gateau said, "Those DuBerrie chicks were all over you dude."

Marron didn't react to yet another come-on.

"They try to crush what is beautiful." The Master said, "To exploit it for dark purposes.  For the traffic of carnality is as painful and tragic as death itself.  I would give my life to see it end."

"Yeah if a girl wants to do it. A guy shouldn't have to pay for it." Carrot said, "It's for fun."

Tira grabbed her mallet.

"Anyone who abuses any creature deserves death."

"You hear that Gateau." Marron said.

"Look I didn't order him.  He just started following me."

"My friend has none of your integrity." Marron said.

            "What do you mean?"

            "It's not my fault.  You guys have no faith in me."

            Tira said "I believe you Gateau."

Chocora said "See here's the scoop. Master Sausage. G-cake has the hots for Marron over here.  He's got it bad.  So he probably hired Mini Marron to you know."

"What do I know?" The master said.

"I would never…"

"Oh come on.  If I didn't love Darling so much I might even be attracted to him.  Hmmm I wonder if they could make a Simulacrum Carrot. Grrrrr.  Hang on. I'm having a fantasy.  I'll be right back."

"Such a disgusting tale."

"I know.  To think he is my friend." Marron shook his head

The veiled sorcerer looked to him. "You would exploit this dark magic for cheap sexual entertainment." The Master's eyes grew black inside and dark with his power.

"I'm not that kind of guy.  Why doesn't anyone trust me?"

"If you have done this may the Gods pity you."

"I'm not letting some Sorcerer look down his nose at me. It's none of your business if I like Marron or not, Chocora.  And I'm certainly not going to let you…"

The Master grabbed shirt."

"Anyone who should abuse these innocents is worthy of death."

"Oh great. What now?"

"What?" Marron said "Death." Marron grabbed the sleeve, "Master, do not behave rashly. He is too stupid to know better."

"I do know better. I didn't do anything wrong." Gateau defended.

"Do not harm him."

"Yeah Marron is the one he hurt

"His crime is inexcusable to me." The Master said "You-

Gateau stood to defend himself.

Then all of a sudden.

Barroni walked between them.  He held out his arms shielding Gateau.  Instead of bright and wide, his eyes were razor sharp. Even angrier than Marron's.  And anger less than human.

"Gateau never say anything.  Leave Gateau man alone."

The Simulacrum looked at them both.

"Mister and Mistress say. Gateau is nice and gentle.  He is big too."

Gateau shook his head, "Stay out of this kid it's not your fault."

"Barroni want Gateau cause he was nice and sexy too.  Gateau never make Barroni do bad things." Barroni said coldly, "Barroni wants Gateau.  That is why Barroni save Gateau."

"Is this true?"  Marron said, "He didn't force you to do anything?"

The simulacrum was puzzled. His face softened "What is true mean?"

Marron was startled at the odd question, "I-" he sputtered for an answer."

Master Kuni looked at the boy as if he had this conversation before. "The truth or what is true, It is what is.  It is not a lie."

Barroni considered his words, "When I lived with the old man he would throw a ball and we would play fetch.  Sometimes he would throw the ball but keep it in his hand.  I would get confused and look for the ball.  And then it was in his hand…  He laughed.  It was very fun. That is lie.  What is not"?

The Master of the Sanctuary lowered his head, in shame.  Every human did.

"Human's do that a lot.  Say what is not. A dog does not usually understand." Barroni said softly. "Dogs can hide.  But why does the human need to do it not to hide?  He does it for a game."

"We can trust the boy." Master Kuni said.

"You should be nice, Kuni.  He is nice.  And you can be nice too." Barroni smiled.  He grabbed the Master's hand and lead him to Gateau, "You will be friends." Barroni smiled.

"Barroni."

"If you aren't friends I will be sad.  So even if it is the not 'true', and it not how it really is, you can make it… true.  You can make it true, right?  You can be friends." Barroni cocked his head to the side.

"Okay Barroni.  I'll behave." Gateau said.

"I will trust his judgment." Master Kuni said, "If he says that you are not a criminal.  I will not punish you."

"You can shake now."  Barroni hugged Kuni.

Marron stared unbelieving.  He had both of them obeying him a stupid dog.

"Good boy.  He's certainly good at charming people." Carrot said.

"I thought they would have fought for sure." Tira said.

Chocora smiled "The boy certainly has them wrapped around his little finger."

Marron frowned and stare, "I wonder why. It's such a big mystery." Marron hissed bitterly under his breath "What a bimbo."

He was just a dog.  Why would anyone listen to him?  Then it became all to clear.  Why did Gateau do anything?  Barroni was beautiful in an empty-headed shallow meaningless way.  Golden eyes, shining black hair, pale creamy skin.  And Gateau did like the way that Marron looked.  He was only doing it to…

"That shallow pervert." Marron whispered under his breath.

"You will stay in the sanctuary we have spare rooms this month." The Master said.

"Barroni will have his own rooms until he desires to leave." The Master shook his hand. "I am ever at you're your service."

Barroni smiled. "Kuni, are a good shaker too."