Proofread by me so if it's messy... that's why

New Dogs, Old Tricks

Intro 4

Lucky... you're a winner, I guess that's game over for me...

Usually, I'd hate losing... but, hehe, that was just too much fun!

I've never played with someone like you before! You sure are hard to read.

Maybe... we should play more in the future.

How's that sound... partner?

Harbingers Of Newcoming Death

There's a big secret I keep from everyone... and it's that I have the same dream every night.

I'm always surprised when I have a dream. The world is so bleak and boring, yet teacher told me it was impossible. I would never be able to escape and dream. And yet seeing the colors around me I grin at the thought that I defied the impossible.

No black and white. No monochrome. The world is beautiful in dreams.

I know it's a dream because it always starts with the colors first. The colors are always bubbly and cheerful, swirling around like clouds on a summer day when I open my eyes, big, puffy colors... like cotton candy almost. There's bright sunshine and pink skies shining above a rolling green field. The space is so vast there's no wrong direction... I could take a step anywhere and it'd be the correct answer.

I always remember the birds the most. They are the only animals in my dream. They fly freely up into that sacred heaven, their feathers falling in soft motions into my hand. They go higher and higher above the field, and I watch them, their bodies glimmering as they call out to me. I want to join them... to reach out into that glistening sky.

But my dreams always end the same way too.

I watch them rise up and up and up... further into the sun, while I'm shackled, forced to witness their small bodies burn up. I don't make a sound when they die... no cries... not even a scream. I simply watch as an observer, as the world returns to black and grey.

The reason it's secret is... I'm not supposed to dream. I know humans dream all the time, but they always forget them. It's a shame such beautiful stories are lost in their empty heads, while I'm not supposed to even exist. To live in a world not fit for me, is the biggest tragedy of all. Everyone is climbing to new heights, while I'm wrapped in chains, always watching... always hoping... to join them.

So it's thrilling... to know something belongs to me. That rolling field... the birds... the burning of their feathers. It's all mine. And someday... I wanna make that dream, my future. A future that I can call mine... no matter what anyone else says.

...

Tell me... is that selfish?

In this world where everyone is fighting for their futures... is it selfish for me to even have one? Is it selfish that despite not having a heart, I live while so many others die? Is it selfish I look on at their corpses with indifferent regard... despite being a corpse myself?

Tell me...

Tell me...

Tell me...

Am I selfish... for existing at all?

...

What's the right answer... my friend?

...

"We'll be best friends forever and ever!"

Stop lying to me with those innocent eyes.

...

"You listen to me you ungrateful little shit! I've given you everything life has to offer! How dare you disobey me!"

You're such a disgusting creature with that filthy potty mouth.

...

"I promise I'll never leave you, no matter what stands between us."

All humans ever do is lie to get their way, stop hurting me.

...

"You'll get to see your friends soon enough, just be patient."

I'm tired of waiting, I'm tired of being put on the side like an obedient dog. I'm tired of you.

...

"...are you ready to play... Laurel?"

...

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock. I pass the hours by mimicking the clock.

I click my tongue on the plastic surface of my mouth, swishing my legs back and forth as I wait. The doll joints pop into place as I kick my legs, but it's satisfying to hear, as is me clicking my tongue on the roof of my mouth.

It's all to pass the time in the dark room. It was empty except for the clock, a perch for Baboo, and a chair for me to sit on. It was much smaller than my old room, and the metal door was locked tight so I wouldn't be stretching my legs for a while. I had counted about five hours had passed since we were led here, the preparations must be serious if it's been that long.

I wonder if it's because the playmates aren't cooperating. That'd be fun to think about.

My only companion in this shared space was Baboo, who sat on the bird perch with serious eyes. He looked down at me as I swung my legs, and clicked my tongue. I could tell it was driving him crazy, so I kept doing it, eyeing him as well for his reaction.

"Madam Laurel, will you please cease that noise at once? It's disturbing the quiet we established."

He's an owl, I forgot which type, but they are usually silent when stalking prey. I remember that at least. I probably could never hunt with him, I'd make too much noise, but it's fun to play around with him. He's really big and has brown and black feathers, with two bigger feathers over his eyes shaping into what looked like horns.

"Just a little longer..." I mumble as I keep clicking my tongue along with the clock. My dress swishes as I kick my legs, the large flowers on it shifting as I sway from side to side.

Baboo mutters something and flies from his perch onto my shoulder. "Madam Laurel I mean it. It's rather distracting." He warns, sounding exhausted somehow despite not needing to sleep. "We wouldn't want to cause a disturbance before the event, now would we?"

"But it's boring." I speak matter a factly as he taught me. "There's nothing in here, what am I supposed to do?"

"You could play with me in the meantime." He extended a wing, his large eyes sparkling as he took on a formal tone. "We could do many fun things, Madam Laurel. What are you in the mood to do?"

"I don't wanna play with you." Baboo's eyes widen when I say that, it's cute to see him momentarily stunned. His eyes do this thing where they sparkle when they are wide... and it's like he's all starry. I want eyes like that, but mine are leaking flowers, besides I'm too bored to ask for upgrades. "We've already played in the last hour... I want new playmates."

Baboo was fun for sure, but the idea of having fresh faces to toy with caused my eyes to stir for once. There was a whole wide world out there and now finally it was being brought to me... I could hardly wait. Feelings I can only describe as anxiety and excitement coursed through my body, it was even better than having that dream every night, the dream no one else knew but me

"New playmates? You don't want to play with me, Madam?" Baboo interrupted my train of thought as he look unsatisfied, his wings slumping dejectedly. "I thought we had great fun together."

"We do, but you're idea of fun is dull." I sigh. "I'd rather not study history facts before the big show..." I was especially bored by that idea.

"What's wrong with learning history?" He perks up. "So many fascinating things have happened before our time, great wars, changing politics, our economy. You could really learn a lot."

"But I wanna learn new stuff, not the same stuff. It's just boring with you sometimes. I want new playmates."

My voice remained neutral but probably came out harsher as Baboo grew quiet. "I see, well... I assure you they should be arriving soon." He nodded, his wings fluttering a bit. "And when the time comes you'll get to play as much as you want. But please focus on the task at hand after the fact as well when they arrive. We can't disappoint-"

"I know... I know..." I mumble. He was probably stressed over teacher dealing with us, but truthfully my brain was racing with possibilities. "I just want to see them. Who is the weirdest... and strongest... and the quietest. Who would be my friend out of them all."

"But aren't we friends Madam Laurel?" Baboo questioned blankly.

I force a smile, a stiff hand petting his rigid and plastic feathers. "You're like teacher actually, but yeah we're friends."

He seemed proud of that and puffed out his chest a bit. "Um... well I'm glad I'm setting a good example."

"But that's different..." I continue, my voice rising in excitement as I gaze around. "I know everything about you. Everything has gotten stale... predictable." I can't help but sour at the words, my eyes unmoving as I stare at this monochrome world. "But new faces are just what the school needs. We could do so much with them... so much to them as well. It's fun to think about, isn't it?"

I gesture around the cell Baboo and I are placed in, knowing just outside the walls is a school rich for playing in. The halls are eerily empty, and the classes are always silent... but now we will get new friends, and the thought couldn't make me happier. Maybe the learning will be easier with new perspectives around... and I could shape them to be better as we play.

Baboo thought on this idea and nodded quietly. "perhaps fun isn't the word I used, but I'm certainly intrigued along with you. The group teacher said was coming in were... interesting individuals. Many have worked hard to get to where they are."

"Because of their titles right?" I remember the little fact when researching them. Ultimates... they're called. Well, some are called Supreme's... I suppose since they're better.

"That's right." Baboo acknowledged my answer as he continued to think. "they were patient in their pursuit of their talents, but still lack proper etiquette befitting of a talented example for society. Some even have... bizarre traits I fear."

I smiled at the thought. It was because they were human after all. Even if they were the calmest and most understanding people in the world, competition and negative emotions will always drag someone down to be lesser than they are. "Isn't that interesting? I wanna see them because of that." I frown. "What's taking so long?"

"You'll get to see them," Baboo affirmed quietly, his eyes unblinking. "But patience is key now. You must remember the principles of what makes a good member of society. Someone who is willing to wait for their opportunity, rather than rush their life."

"You're only saying that because you're an owl. How can I wait...? What if when they get here I'm not good enough... like last time?"

This was stupid. Why was I freezing up at the thought of them meeting me? Would they like me back? Would they despise me? I didn't want them to hate me like my old playmates, that wouldn't be fun at all. I wanted this time to be different... to be a thrilling chance to change my future.

Maybe Baboo got into my head, but I was a bit unsure now. Did I dress nicely? Was my hair okay? I really put my all into my dress, which flowed to my knees in black and white fabrics. I had roses all over that were fake but could smell like them a bit... and even the sharp laurel crown on my head smelled nice. And my hair I was most proud of, as it swopped down into two large black pigtails that curled at the end.

But even that might've not been enough. Even though I hid all my doll joints, my fake skin couldn't pass as human... I was too pale... and I barely acted like a person oughta. If I couldn't even fit in with them... would I ever make that dream a reality from before?

"Just remember what you were taught." Baboo hooted, his large wings gesturing to his head. "We can't go wrong listening to teacher after all. With the guidance we've gotten, we can handle this group."

"Right..." I say, my eyes glazed over as I stared into that unseen future. Maybe if I stared hard enough I would be there already, taking my playmates by the hand and starting our game together.

"Hey, are you listening to me?" Baboo suddenly asked, his eyes squinting. He's going to see right through me if I don't reply. "I was trying to speak to you."

"Of course. I can hear everything... at all times, remember?"

"Yeah, but you're not really listening Madam Laurel." Baboo deadpanned. Guess my acting isn't as good as I thought... even though I'm always smiling. "I'll just say what I think teacher would say... and as a friend so you know I'm genuine."

...

"Madam Laurel, they're going to hate you no matter what."

...

The comment made the room go quiet. Baboo was talking seriously, as he always does, but his expression was grave as his feathers seemed to bristle with irritation. He really did mean those words, and some part of me... was both disappointed and almost relieved to hear that.

"Really? You think they will?"

Baboo nodded, reminding me of the reality of the situation. "Games are fun to those that agree to play, but they didn't agree to this, and they'll fight back. This is new territory for them as much as it is for you, so, it's better not to care what they think. We should have fun with it... just us two... like you want."

"Just us?" My fingers click into position as I let my fingers trail over Baboo's feathers, memorizing each one as he speaks to me. To have fun with this game is what I always wanted... but hearing him say that... made the dream seem a little more real.

"Yes, just us Madam Laurel." Baboo said darkly, a red glow emitting beneath his eyes. "No matter how much you think you can befriend them, we are opposed on different ends. They have a place in the world, and we have a job to do in this school. But we can have fun with it like you want as we show them the right way. How does that sound?"

...

"If we're opposed, are we the bad guys then?" I ask quietly, a small twitch of a smile expressing itself in my mouth. "Like last time?"

"Not necessarily bad..." Baboo tried to soften the idea with a touch of sincerity as he formally spoke. "But they won't look at us favorably. But there's no shame in that. We have our own dreams to share with them..." he said quietly. "And I hope you know that whatever dream you have in mind Madam Laurel, I'll be with you every step of the way... I assure you that much."

I sat in the darkness for a while thinking about it. Being the bad guy sounded fun, but also... a little isolating. In the stories I've read, they were always defeated, and no one remembered their names. It's like they never even existed. So, if that's all that was waiting for me when this game ended... then perhaps I would be okay with that. But if I won... then maybe I also could do more games... or drawings... and stories. I mean, if the Tragedy is still remembered, maybe I can make an impact.

And maybe keep dreaming... like Baboo says.

That sounded exhilarating... being able to dream... forever after this. To keep playing with my friend... and maybe... changing things.

...if they were going to hate me regardless... I guess it didn't matter then. I wanted to play, and that was that.

"Thanks, Baboo... maybe I'll be okay with meeting them then," I hugged him tighter as the clock ticked on, and he seemed relieved as he accepted the hug. It sounded louder than before. "By the way... since you're a bird, the saying would probably be every 'wing flap of the way' not 'every step of the way'."

"I don't think the specifics matter with that saying, Madam Laurel." He mumbled, a little flustered.

I giggle a bit as I let him go. "But you always taught me to be specific."

"I did, and yet you're still calling me Baboo..." he muttered, trying to keep up his appearance. "It's Barneby. And I'm not a baboon... I'm a great horned owl, remember?"

Ah, so that's what he was, it was at the tip of my tongue before. Well, regardless I still petted him as we sat together. "I still like Baboo more. Besides friends give each other nicknames."

Baboo... or Barneby... rolled his eyes at this but softly hooted. "I suppose so. And I'm glad I could help you. After all, that's what friends are for... right?"

That was right. We would always be friends against the tide of the storm. No matter what happens in this school, he'll be there for me, and I can keep playing with everyone. And maybe then...

...

"Baboo... how did you know I could dream?" I realized.

*CLANK*

Suddenly the metal door opened wide before he could answer, a brilliant light invading the dark room as the clock seemed to stop. I couldn't help but stand right away, my gears shifting and whirring at the new motion. From the door, a shadow, gestured to me. And right then and there all my fears were waved away as I stared into the light with the faintest of smiles.

"Is it time?" I asked softly, even though I already knew the answer.

Baboo composed a formal look once again, but even I can tell deep down he probably was excited. "I believe so. They've all been picked up now. Shall we?"

I stared into Baboo's eyes, and although he never answered my question, I decided to leave it be for the moment. After all... my dream would be answered in a different way soon.

No matter how much blood needs to be spilled.

{Author's Note}

This is by far one of the shorter chapters, but I'm pleased to show you all the mascot of this story Laurel and her best pal Barneby (Baboo). As the mascots of the upcoming game, will they get their way against the rest of the cast as bad guys? And what are their true motives behind everything? All will be revealed soon I assure you.

This was one of the easier chapters for me to write, personally because it's both short... and this story honestly is centered around my ideas for these two. There's still some mystery around them, but I can't wait for them to be fully introduced in the story with the cast in mind. I really love the dynamic of Laurel and Barneby, they are kinda funny with Laurel being the classic insane kid with Barneby being a formal mentor tired of the shenanigans. They went under some reworks, but I love how they turned out here, I hope you like them!

The next chapter will show the cast reveal, so after the deadline hits. It's still July 23rd, but PLEASE message me if you need an extension past that, I'm willing to give more time. Next chapter will also probably be GH since I posted two SOT updates in a row. I just had this one done sooner and figured... might as well!

The submissions have really picked up and I'm so pleased with everyone's interest in this story. It really makes me wanna bust out the writing gears and get to work! I might be slow reaching out to some of you and working on these stories but I assure you all your interest won't go to waste! I'll keep working on these two stories for however long I need! (with appropriate breaks). For last-minute character ideas, I'm satisfied with what I'm seeing, but two points of interest... I would love more Supreme Mentors to choose from since the student cast is getting filled up with a bunch of competition! And I also would like hot headed characters if that makes sense! But please still submit whatever you plan to do! Seeing the creativity and passion in the forms always makes me smile.

That's all for now. I've been very busy and going through a lot this summer but your guys's interest in my story makes me happy. I know I keep saying that but seriously you make my day with your reviews and submissions! I appreciate all of you!

Take Care

Candlefire45