Part the Fourth: In which games are played and Marron has a bad dream
Marron and the Dog Mage walked in the gardens.
"Your life is very serene."
"It is the best way. Without distraction or temptation. I have long since come to resist the temptations of the flesh. It has never swayed me like some."
"Nii-san." Marron said instinctively.
"I live in peace and tranquility. Removed from the company of humanity. To focus my power. Nothing is more important to the mage then cool and heartless focus. To protect ones power from troubles and persecution."
"I wish I could boast. But there is too much danger in the world. Being here is like walking into peace itself.
Marron looked out at the still pond and the curling pensive ivy. He closed his eyes and breathed in the smell of serenity.
And was toppled by a huge tackle.
"MARRRRRRRON!"
Marron grunted. Barroni cheered.
"I got ya!" Barroni cheered, "I win." He hugged Marron.
"Get off of me." Marron peeled him off
"Carrot plays fetch. Oh it is fun. It is. You have to find the ball." Barroni ran to Marron and Kuni.
Kuni smirked. Marron brushed back his hair.
"Are you doing good things?" Barroni asked.
"Well we were talking."
"No talking Fetch. We'll have fun."
"I get dragged into these games often." Master said smiling. "Simulacrum love to play it."
"Please. Let's play."
Barroni grabbed the ball.
"I found it."
Marron had long since left the scene, with a long string of less than polite words in his head.
"Marron is angry at me." Barroni tilted his head. "I was only having fun to give Marron."
"Oh no not you." Master said, "He could not blame you."
Barroni sighed.
"Gods you are beautiful."
Master Kuni noticed the tear in his robes.
"What is this Barroni? What's happening to your clothes?"
"Barroni broke his clothes." Barroni said with a look on his face. His robe was leaving an unhealthy amount of his chest exposed and his breeches looked worse for wear.
"I think I have some extra breeches. I could lend him. We don't have horses so I might as well give them up."
"Your clothes?" Marron's voice broke.
"Well he has a nice body. I just can't bare some of my old clothes."
"Too sedate, too modest." Marron muttered under his breath.
"Pardon?" Gateau said.
"Nothing."
"You are a bitch on wheels when you don't get any sleep." Chocora said.
"Yeah Marron wouldn't be caught dead in Chocora's clothes." Tira said.
"We can completely change your image." Chocora threw her arm around Barroni "It will be like dress up."
"Remember when we used to dress Marron up in pretty dresses and makeup." Tira said "Yeah he was so beautiful."
"What's the difference now?" Gateau said smiling
"Yeah he still wears a dress." Carrot said pointed.
"It is a warrior's tunic, nii-san." Marron said "A cheongsam."
"Shut up dress boy." Carrot said.
"Still I think I can find some extra clothes for him. We wouldn't want him running around buck naked."
Gateau was about to interject a comment.
"Gateau you realize with your mouth open like that I might be able to shove an ofuda down it" Marron said.
***
"Barroni, one leg goes in the leg hole and the other goes in the…"
Barroni put the pants on his legs this time.
"Barroni did it." He cheered.
"He can dress himself." Tira smiled, "What a smart boy." She rubbed his bare tummy.
Barroni fit in black leather breeches, cutting off at knee length and rather tight. They would get a lot of good wear and tear. Tira got a good long at Barroni and shook her head.
"Goddamnit, Marron's got a nice ass." Tira shook her head almost painfully, "How come Carrot doesn't look like this?"
"Marron's certainly more muscular than we thought. Still girly though." Chocora said, "Oh we should get real Marron to dress like this."
Barroni stretched comfortably. Marron couldn't even conceive of showing off like this. It was very strange to see how easily Barroni slipped into this revealing and gorgeous clothing.
"They were always too long. They fit great." Chocora slapped him on the ass.
Barroni yelped.
"Well we can't give him a vest. I'm far too much woman. My figure is far too."
"Chocora's boobs are big." Barroni said poking one. She slammed her fist into his face.
"I like him." Chocora straightened herself out.
He nuzzled Tira's short red cape. "Red is pretty."
"Oh yes."
"Tira is very pretty."
"Here try it on." Tira untied the cape part. Leaving the cloak around her body.
"I have my supply of Red capes. And cloaks too. I lose so many when we fight."
"Red red red. Pretty red." Barroni seemed
"He likes it."
"I can see all the colors now." Barroni swirled around.
"Here Barroni. You hold onto that"
"Tira is good girl." He glomped her, "Tira go have with Barroni."
"What?" Tira said. Barroni smiled. The poor dear should have wagged his tail.
Barroni snuggled up next to Tira, innocently, "Sex?" Barroni asked.
"No."
Barroni looked wounded.
"Stop being weird. I couldn't I-"
"What did Barroni do wrong?"
"Oh sweetie. No it's just we just met."
Barroni was utterly bewildered. "Tira give Barroni present."
"You don't have to do anything. Just cause I'm nice to you."
"I like Tira."
"Well okay. Yes but I think you just want to be my friend."
"Friend." Barroni bit his lip and shrugged "Okay. I won't have sex with Tira." Barroni wrapped himself in the red over cape, quite content, in fact much too content. She should have been upset that his attempts at seduction were pitiful at best.
"Wow. You're really bad at being sexy." Chocora said. Tira swatted her "Yes. Now you have your own clothes. Maybe Marron will get off the rag
****
Master Kuni walked down the hall. Perhaps he should check on Young Barroni. He paused and walked down the opposite direction.
He came to the room where Barroni was going to sleep. He watched the boy in the mirror, or watched the boy watching himself in the mirror. He let out a soundful breath of delight that used his air. He was stricken.
There was beauty in his formed young flesh. He gasped at himself at being so distracted. It was a shame. The charms he had were so cultivated to one or two aspects. Rather than his whole soul. He was so innocent and naive of the cruel world.
He was beautiful of form. The simulacrum had never been ugly, but never so irresistible, so powerless to escape. He would have been their masterpiece of desire.
The boy didn't lift up his head "Kuni wants to look at Barroni."
"Excuse me." The master bowed his head and tried to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"No where."
"Friend Tira gave it to me. They dress me so Marron does not get so angry. I don't like robes. They are too heavy.
"Red suits you." Kuni smiled.
Barroni smiled "Is Barroni pretty?"
Kuni was breathless, at the sight of watching the boy spin around, his dark hair floating over the pale air. The glimmer in his wide eyes was like hazel, but also gold, amber. Everything. What a perfect treasure.
"Yes you are very pretty." He said softly.
Barroni purred and hugged his new Master.
"Thank you."
Kuni's ears filled with blood.
"I- I-"
"Well thank you for saying it." Barroni smiled, "Barroni feels very pretty now."
"Barroni misses his tail. Barroni liked his tail."
"Well. I'm sure it was a nice tail." Kuni paused; his hand was tempted to touch the soft velvet back peeking through at him, pale and flawless skin.
"So you know?"
Barroni paused.
"When I'm the dog inside. Kind of…"
"Your mind is expanding."
"I'm not like a dog anymore." Barroni said.
"No."
"My eyes are different my nose is different."
"You are going to go through several changes very fast. Soon you will forget what it was like to be a dog. You will be human."
"But Barroni doesn't understand why? Why is he boy now?"
"If you can ask yourself that it may to late to be a dog like you were again. A dog would not ask that… It would only accept."
"I'm scared a little bit. I miss myself." Barroni said.
"There is no need to be scared, Barroni. I will let nothing happen to you. I am always at your service."
"You know what it is like to be different on the inside than the out…"
Barroni softly caressed his wide nose.
"Yes. I know what that is like. But no one is as they appear.
Barroni nodded with a huge smile on his face.
Kuni caught himself imagining how smooth the skin on his arms would be. How slight his hips would be. He caught himself before touching his whiteness and his smoothness.
"I'm going to go find Carrot man… Maybe we can play."
Barroni left.
Kuni shook his head. This was certainly corrupt, salacious, wicked. His own cruel lusts inflicted upon an innocent creature. He must expunge such thoughts. He had more important and appropriate things to think about. He castigated himself for his foul thoughts longer than he should have. Maybe it's because they were so intractable.
He walked down the hall trying to leave the moment behind him, "I'm such a pervert."
****
Carrot saw the bevy of long doggie gals curled up in a pile sleeping on each other. How could he decide? Red heads, brunettes, Blondes? Sure they might be dogs, but these were hot girls.
"Well if that Master isn't around, it won't hurt him if he doesn't know."
He woke one up. He approached a tall blond with legs up to her face and huge bazongas. Wow.
"Hey miss. You want to go on a date with me."
"What's a date?" she yawned.
"It's the best thing in the whole world. You get to have fun with me."
"Have fun? I love fun."
"Yeah." Carrot said.
"Can I bring my sister?"
Carrot smiled "Wow one at a time…"
"We're going on a date." She shouted.
"A date. Spot went on a date. She said it was fun."
"Ladies. There is plenty to go around."
****
Tira was petting a puppy.
"They are wretched creatures."
"Oh come on Nee-san."
"They are over affectionate, disgusting, slobbering, tactless, they sniff your crotch and drool all over you."
"Who would want that?" Carrot said rolling his eyes, and speaking in a tone reserved for people who had never heard sarcasm.
She grabbed Carrot. "I'm so glad you agree." She jumped in his lap and tried to kiss him.
Gateau had found the dogs play room. Marron groaned.
"Ooh look! A mirror. Room length."
Rover said she passed it without a second look "Yes. The animals like to look at themselves. Simple creatures are fascinated by their reflection…"
Gateau walked into the room transfixed. "Hello Gorgeous."
"…." Marron shook his head.
Barroni passed.
Gateau posed lifting his arms over his head "Nice."
Barroni clutched Marron.
"Gateau is so big and strong. He is wonderful."
"…" Marron said.
"What is he doing?" Barroni practically rubbed against Marron.
"He is flexing. He does it to impress people with his muscles." Marron said sarcastically.
Barroni stared weaving his head back and forth, "Ooooooh."
"Look at how big his muscles are. Do you think he let Barroni watch him?"
"What? Why would you want to watch him posture like an ape?"
"He looks good." Barroni giggled, "Barroni think Gateau is sexy. He is good kisser. Barroni want to have at it with him. Even if DuBerrrie man not say."
Marron grimaced.
"I'll go sneak in." Barroni said, "Don't tell him okay."
Marron's wrinkles doubled in size.
****
Gateau spun around to find he had an audience.
Barroni clapped.
"Yeah."
"Oh uh Barroni. You know for a second I thought you were…."
"No. Barroni is me. Marron is busy being angry."
"He's angry?"
Barroni smiled "You like Barroni."
"Well yeah. You're-"Gateau faced him. Barroni had a less than innocent look on his face. "So what you doing?"
"I'm watching you. You're so big. Can Barroni watch you?"
"Well…" Gateau never had anyone stare at him like that before while he was flexing in the mirror. At least he didn't notice anyone staring "Okay. But why don't I flex for you?"
"For me. Gateau." Barroni tittered "You make Barroni feel good."
"Well."
"Gateau,"
"Yes Barroni sweetie."
"Does Marron hate Barroni?"
"Of course not. Who could hate a sweet little guy like you?"
Barroni squealed in joy the approval like a little puppy.
****
"I hate him. I hate him."
Marron fluffed the pillow on the bed till its feather poking out through the material.
"Marron-chan." Tira said, "The pillow won't take any more fluffing."
"I'm going to bed." Marron said practically and smoothly, "I think I need a nap to ease my troubles. I did not get enough sleep last night."
"Okay Marron-chan. Yes you do look a little unmade."
When Tira left.
"I hate hate hate hate hate..." Marron slammed the pillow against the wall "Stupid dog." Marron balled his fist.
****
Gateau flexed.
"How big are you Gateau?" Barroni asked.
"Oh about 6' 7", maybe six feet eight, about 16 and a half stone."
"How much can you lift?"
"Oh I don't know most of the boulders I work with. The Fighting Katas only work on speed. They don't build big muscles. So I lift things, chop wood, that sort of thing. Most folks have iron clubs to build up their muscles. I use boulders, logs. I never can tell how much they weigh. Once I lifted twenty stone clubs. It was pretty easy. I would do it again.
"You could lift Barroni?"
"Oh yeah. I could toss you up in the air and catch you."
"Ooooh. Such a strong Gateau." Barroni cooed.
"I guess. I'm good at being big. It isn't such a big deal. But it's useful."
Barroni crawled to the top of the tall dresser.
"Catch me."
Barroni jumped off and slammed Gateau in the gut.
****
Kuni heard a light laugh. A new one for sure. He didn't recognize that. He was not accustomed to snooping on the others. But there could be something wrong.
He saw indeed the tall young Hunter lifting Barroni off of the ground.
"Well."
"Yay." Barroni clapped his hands.
Immediately Kuni's heart snagged in a sharp feeling. Must the man continue such loathsome behavior? Didn't he understand what self-control was? Kuni felt his chest become heavy. How could anyone pursue something that was wicked, with someone so beautiful and innocent? How could anyone ever try to hurt someone like that?
Gateau smiled.
Kuni quelled the desire to act. To watch the man suffocate in pain…. Barroni could not know the low intentions of some people. He would not ever understand the stirrings of a wicked and lonely heart. Master Kuni returned deciding that he would keep a close eye on that Gateau.
****
Barroni was still shirt less as Gateau lifted him in a chair above his head.
"See you're very light." Gateau said.
Barroni squealed, "You're so strong."
****
Marron pulled the covers over his head. Marron twisted in his bed. He could hear Barroni giggling inanely. They couldn't even contain their mindless flirtation in one room. Marron put the pillow on top of his head.
****
Kuni stand up and walked by the mirror in the hall, often he was afraid to remove the guard against his face. A mirror was not a thing to see oneself, but something else. He did not like mirrors, something so sad.
He dropped the veil. He saw the shade of himself. It was a dark face, aged by grief more then anything. Evil black eyes, dark and unyielding, like tar, with no more stars left in them. His hair was like red moss, clumping and brushing his long cheeks. Nothing like the mother he knew. In the mirror his face was like no one else's. Did he carry some bitter lineage? Something of his father. What a cruel thing to resemble him, if only in the mirror.
In the mirror he could see he had a proud chin and sleek clean skin the color of milk. In the mirror he could not see himself. His birthright, an illusion, or maybe a horrid truth.
He brushed his inverted triangle trying to trace the shape of his face. The Hunters were beautiful. Gateau was a ruggedly handsome face with icy eyes and a perfect smirk. His hair was something golden. And to all accounts, in their short acquaintance Marron did resemble the fair form of Barroni, but beauty does not last in a cruel world. Marron's porcelain brow seemed cleft by at least one wrinkle and it seemed he always smelled something bad. The mage had a cold face.
He saw nothing of himself in that mirror. He touched the mirror wear his triangle appeared
They walked past the shut door and heard Marron fighting with his pillow.
"Men are as clueless as dogs when it comes to matters of the heart." Chocora said.
"Sounds awful militant Chocora." Tira said.
"What does that mean?"
"It sounds like you are switching teams all of a sudden."
****
Barroni landed feather light on the ground, his hands still around Barroni's waist. Barroni looked up at Gateau with shining eyes.
"Gateau." He said.
"Yes sweetie."
"Can I… feel your muscles?" Barroni whispered in his ear.
Gateau made a bicep for him. Barroni walked his fingers along it. Barroni gave Gateau a long heavy lidded look.
"So big and hard. Like iron."
"Well." Gateau smirked bashfully.
Barroni stroked his hand against his shoulder.
"So safe. And strong."
"Well." Gateau was blushing.
"Gateau." Barroni grred under his breath.
"Yes Sweetie." Gateau was powerless in Barroni's gaze.
"Make love to Barroni."
"Yayie." Gateau's eyes bugged out.
"Kiss Barroni."
They kissed furiously.
Marron opened the door.
"Gateau?" Marron yelped.
"Oh it's only Marron." Gateau rolled his eyes.
"Go away Marron." Barroni laughed "He's so nosey."
"What are you two doing in here?"
"You had your chance Glace." Gateau picked Barroni into his arms, 'But I'm much happier with Barroni now."
"What?"
"Look at him. He's darling. He's nice to me. He doesn't look down his nose on me. He actually likes to be around me."
"I like to be around…" Marron cut himself off "Gateau you can't like him. He's not even human."
"Sorry Marron I made my decision."
But you can't. Ah…" Marron began growling. He felt his body change, he felt cold hands on his flesh.
Marron screamed.
He pulled the cold dream hands off his neck… Where had he heard that voice.
He ripped off the covers. He shook the cold hands off his body.
His dreams were getting crazed. What garbage was that? He should have never tried to sleep before sundown.
"Marron are you alright?"
"I had a nightmare."
"What was it?"
"I—I dreamt about Barroni. The DuBerries are still out there… We'd be careful not to get too comfortable."
"Marron, you're stressed out. I think you're going to need more than a nap." Tira said.
"But never-the-less. If the DuBerrie are planning something, we must find out what it is, and stop them." Marron rubbed his face. "I hate this town."
****
Gateau panted and lay on the floor, quite exhausted.
Barroni was still hopping around the room.
"Can you hold this?"
"No."
"But you are very strong."
"I'm tired."
Barroni lifted up the Vanity over his head with one hand.
"Could you do this?"
Gateau sprung back up "How did you do that? That thing must way four times your weight."
"Well… Barroni is strong. But so is Gateau."
Gateau clutched his head.
"Did I do something wrong."
Barroni was so adorable, big golden eyes. It wasn't just that. Could it? He was having thoughts about a dog of all things. He was twitching his ears, listening intently. He wished Marron could see how low he had sunken.
He was actually thinking about kissing a dog.
Barroni poked him in the eyelid.
"Why are you looking at me?" Barroni asked "Is there something wrong?"
Gateau sighed and rubbed his eye. "That hurt."
"Are you looking cause I am pretty?" Barroni smiled.
"Well yes. I like beautiful things. You are very pretty too."
"Oh. Then OK. Barroni thought you were mad."
"I'm sorry for staring. You just look like him."
"Him?" Barroni thought "Oh Marron."
"Of course you won't laugh at me. You're too nice." Gateau said.
Barroni turned away when he didn't speak. From behind it was indistinguishable. He could have been sitting behind Marron (and that would be a lovely thing.) Gateau took his time getting every eyeful he could before Barroni hit him. God he was a pervert.
"What?"
"You just look so much like him.
"Okay. You know I could never say all this stuff to him."
"Did you fall asleep?" Barroni asked
"No." Gateau shook his head laughing
"Were you eating food in your mouth?"
"No Barroni. I was… am nervous."
"Barroni you can help me."
"Help Gateau how?"
"Think of it as practice. If I can talk to you, why not to him?"
"But Marron will be angry, Marron is Marron and Barroni is not. He will get angry."
"Well we can keep it secret. We can pretend you are Marron. Just for a while."
Barroni looked at him.
"Okay. So I will say I am Marron, but not really. I will sound like Marron."
"See you get it. You're very smart. You catch on fast."
Gateau closed his eyes and opened them.
In front of him a placid face with golden eyes looked up at him. Pale creamy skin. Hair like a starry night. Gateau lost himself in the sight of Marron.
"You look awfully pretty Marron."
"Thank you." Barroni said in Marron's dulcet pitch, an octave below his own. He was softer gentler. Reserved, but powerful. That was Marron.
"I think that… you are beautiful as well… Gateau." He could even speak with Marron's speed, his pitch.
Gateau smiled, this play was going better for him all the time.
"But remember I'm not Marron all the time. I am Barroni." The actor editorialized.
"Yes."
"Do you know about pretending? This is what pretending is."
"Okay. Barroni will pretend again."
"I can't believe we're here like this, Gateau." Barroni gave a soft Marron smile, looking softly at Gateau. The blond put his arm around Barroni. He was a nice snug fit. Barroni/Marron purred deeply.
"Marron." Gateau smiled. His hands were twining through his raven hair. Barroni was not exactly sure if he was doing it right, but it was fun and nice being with Gateau. Gateau was very happy at his performance.
His hands reached back. Barroni wondered what he was doing with them.
"There is something I always wanted to show you. Would you like to see it?"
Barroni nodded. He disengaged.
Barroni waited quietly letting Gateau take control. It was nice to be kissed and held and all those things. Barroni could wish for more, but what was Gateau going to do. What did Gateau want?
"Marron. I never thought in a million years that we'd be alone like this."
"Gateau…" Barroni was not sure who said it. Marron or himself.
"I really think you're special. Gods I feel like a freaking virgin."
Barroni fluttered his eyes in concern. Barroni could feel his breath catch.
Gateau rustled his wide vest, opening it slightly.
Barroni smirked.
"Marron…" He almost stopped.
"Please don't Gateau… Please, go on." Barroni said.
Gateau chewed on his lip.
"I might as well… risk everything.
He reached in.
He pulled it out, "I wrote you a poem."
Barroni looked at him beaming.
Gateau stood up, "Yes. I wrote it just for you."
"A poem? What is an a poem?"
Gateau stood up and held the paper in front of him timidly. He seemed to want to hide his body behind it. Barroni crossed his legs and watched Gateau speak.
Golden Eyes
Ebon Locks
You are Kawai
What a fox.
Eyes of hazel
Hair that's sable
I am willing
If you're able
There are such strange eruptions of time and fate
Let not our love arrive too late
Marron Marron Marron."
Immediately Gateau sat down, before anything bad could happen.
"Oh well I mean we never are alone and well… It's stupid. I know you think I'm an idiot. It's not very good. I only just started. My handwriting isn't even good. It's all lumpy and the rhyme isn't any good…"
Barroni kissed his hand "Barroni can't even write."
"Yes."
"Well?"
"Hmm. Gateau should say a poem to Marron. That way he will have something to say and not run away."
Gateau paused, "Yes. But."
"Why did you give Barroni a poem when a poem was supposed to be for Marron? Now the a poem is mine."
"I guess it could be about you too." Gateau said, "You have the same eyes and hair."
"I like A Poem."
"Yeah, well he reads a lot. He probably would hate it. Or laugh." Gateau said, "I'd die if he laughed at me."
Barroni
stood up "Die? No don't do that! Don't die Gateau." Barroni threw his arms
around him "Gateau can't die… Barroni
wants to have sex with Gateau. Barroni
likes Gateau."
"No no. Barroni let go. I don't mean that."
"You said it."
"I say… I-"
Barroni frowned "Will Gateau die?"
"No."
"Well then why is it bad to talk to Marron? If it is bad don't do it."
"Compulsion, obsession, desire. There is no why. There is nothing I can do about it. I like Marron. I like talking to him. I like being with him."
Barroni stared at kneeling Gateau.
"I'm going to get food. I am hungry. I don't want to be Marron."
"I'm sorry Barroni."
"What for? You are the one who is the crazy one. You want to be with Marron but you be with Barroni. You want to talk to him but can't. It hurts my head."
"I shouldn't burden you. As if you don't have enough problems."
"Let's go eat food." Barroni said. Immediately he lifted Gateau by his hand.
****
As Barroni and Gateau walked down the hall, they saw Carrot trailing after the tall blond named Rover.
"Get away from me. I don't like humans." Rover said.
"Oh trust me ask my friends, I ain't nothing but a hound dog."
"He's a slobbering beast all right."
"Yeah I'm the most inhuman person I know." Carrot said.
"Get that man away from me. I have serious business to attend. If he interrupts me again, I will serve him his manhood on a silver platter."
Rover slammed the door.
"Thank god I'm neutered."
"I almost have her."
"Rover? No way she hates people." Spot, the guard said.
"She doesn't even play fetch." Buffy said tossing up her toy bone."
She does not play nicely. She was fixed. Well Rover was a police dog. Fine stud too. Was awkward to be reborn in a woman's body."
"You mean…." Carrot sputtered then passed out.
"I didn't know that they could do that."
"We had lives before. Families. Not all of us were strays. I was my old masters best sleuth hound." Arrow said the tall blond who could have been Rover's sister. "I could get any dead thing and picked up the dead thing and I'd come back and bring it to him and he liked me the best. I was Queen of the kennel. But then the younger hounds started beating me to the kill. Stupid puppies."
"I had a boy and girl and a mother to protect. I was taking a walk and they took me away while I was marking a lamppost." Spot said, "My girl was so shocked when she saw I was still alive." Spot said, "That's why master lets me guard the sanctuary."
"You mean the DuBerrie just take people's dogs away."
"Oooh People." Buffy raised her hand "I lived in a house, and there was a lady and she was a nice lady and she bought me food and then she fed me and I ran around and I barked when I didn't like people…" Buffy threw her doll in the air "Then there was a time when I saw a man who had a box and I barked at him. I had to bark at a lot of things to keep the lady safe. Then there was this guy…"
"Stop her now or she'll go on all night about the cricket."
"Oh I remember that was scary…." Buffy shivered.
"Don't worry Buffy. I can kill that cricket for you… You just."
Chocora shoved a potted plant in his mouth.
"Darling. You are such a dolt."