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Mar 21, 2019 12:00:30 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 21, 2019 12:00:30 GMT -5
Shortly after his research, Aaron walked right into Warrens. He had never been here before, and seeing the full line products for human pets, he noticed various collars, various leashes, various children's toys, soaps from Central City Labs (secretly hoping not to ever go there because he heard rumors of Cobra being awful.) Maximus was awful, too. He even heard phoenix being kind, but firm in his approaches. He hadn't been examined by a vet and knew that he faced better chances with Phoenix than Cobra-- clothes, shoes, and various strange funny costumes.
Aaron regardless walked over to the collars and leashes. It made him queasy even as he picked a collar and leash. His student credit card had plenty of money on it. His guardians always allowed him an allowance for school. And he could always say he was doing a research paper on pets. So, it wouldn't worry them too much. Would it?
He picked out a blue collar and matching blue leash. This was so low and embarrassing to him. And he was still with his guardians. His guardians didn't treat him like a pet. He didn't wait for Melody? Or a shopkeeper to come out from the back. He paid for his purchase (collar, leash, and an outfit.) and left Warrens. The items were bagged in a bag. Who should he visit next?
He passed by the Central City Bar and walked right in. Forget it about the restrictions! He was curious. It stunk and he walked right back out. "Ugh! How can anyone drink that stuff?!" He held his nose, and his bag in another hand. He ran off towards 'home'. He had some things to do before he was 18.
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Mar 21, 2019 20:50:56 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2019 20:50:56 GMT -5
Melody heard the bell from the back and had a helper help her with the human she was grooming. When she walked out, she noticed that a boy had immediately left. When she walked to the door and peeked out, she saw the boy, rushing home with a bag. She realized the boy was a human and he wasn't of age yet. It puzzled her as to why he was in such a hurry to leave.
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Mar 21, 2019 20:53:56 GMT -5
Post by Maximus on Mar 21, 2019 20:53:56 GMT -5
Maximus was hot on his trail, even after visiting the library. He nearly bumped into Melody as he followed the boy. Maximus was quickly gaining on his trail and finally issued an order. "Hold up, young one. Where are you going in such a hurry?"
Maximus blocked his exit to find out more.
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Mar 21, 2019 21:01:59 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 21, 2019 21:01:59 GMT -5
Aaron stopped and looked at the ground, avoiding a glance at the council member. Oh no! What'd he do to warrant the council member's attention? He spoke ever so softly. "Preparing myself to be a pet." He mentioned almost so low that no one could hear him, but the council member. "Purchasing pet supplies so my new 'owner' doesn't have to. My guardians give me an allowance to buy school stuffs and I used my school stuff money for my new collar, leash, and one article of pet clothes. That's what it says in those books I read- I reach 18 years old and I got no rights under ape law anymore and I'm given a choice to go to the wilds or be an apprentice to a family- I don't know." He continued to look at the ground.
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Mar 21, 2019 21:33:39 GMT -5
Post by Maximus on Mar 21, 2019 21:33:39 GMT -5
Maximus stroked his chin, as he had never been, really kind or understanding. But this human was still too young to be let loose in the wilds no less given a choice. Then he noticed that he was avoiding his stare and he was speaking so low that he could barely hear him.
Maximus rubbed the back of his neck, considering that the human in front of him was troubled and well aware. "You do have a choice, but not right now. You're still 17, are you not?" Maximus asked slowly.
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Mar 21, 2019 21:46:34 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 21, 2019 21:46:34 GMT -5
"Yes, but- when I won't know my new owner. And I don't want to leave my guardians!" He found himself saying in a type of flustered fit and trying not to flap his hands. He was wringing his hands over and over. "I'll never see my guardians again and I don't want to go to that place! I already seen it! I don't want to go to the c-cages. It's not fair! I'm an ape, aren't I? I'm ape raised, aren't I?" Aaron still continued to wring his hands.
Then, "I see all humans wearing collars, leashes, and clothes made for pets..Shouldn't I be wearing that? Am I pet to my guardians?" Now he was confused, more like a child. "I need this on." He dug through the bag and pulled out the collar and shoved it into Maximus' hands, along with the leash.
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Mar 21, 2019 21:56:48 GMT -5
Post by Maximus on Mar 21, 2019 21:56:48 GMT -5
Maximus knew he was stressing out and clasped his hands gently with his. "Now now. You're not a pet. You are ape raised and an ape in our eyes. You haven't got anything to worry about now." He grasped his collar and leash. "I won't put these items on you. Take them back and get a refund. I'm sure your guardians are aware of how old you are and will possibly defend you or continue to care for you. If not, then our director of human affairs will. Your guardians are good apes and will make sure you stay with them. If you want me to, I'll put in a good word for you and I'll help you get your refund."
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Mar 21, 2019 23:14:58 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 21, 2019 23:14:58 GMT -5
Aaron pulled back his collar and leash. "No. I need this. It's important." He turns away and starts to walk away. As he walked, he didn't notice or pay any attention to where he was going! He was more focused on the collar and the leash in his bag. He was intent on disobeying Maximus that he didn't notice another council member walking towards them. He bumped right into zaius. |
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Mar 21, 2019 23:47:38 GMT -5
Post by zaius on Mar 21, 2019 23:47:38 GMT -5
Zaius was observing the entire act from a distance. But the real question lied what was Zaius doing in the Warrens? He had no human as of yet, and people viewed him as one ape that would never own either. But the other ones that despised humans as him or worse did. Zaius folded his arms, clearly annoyed when he was lightly bumped into. "Errg," he grumbled, turning his head down at Aaron. "Oh, you're a foolish one. You're implying your status as those mutts around. You start to view your high standard as that low, then we can easily treat you as so. But, it would be beyond foolish."
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Mar 22, 2019 8:05:55 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 22, 2019 8:05:55 GMT -5
Aaron pointed out, "But the books in the library said all humans were pets and were required by law to - wear collars and leashes. And another one said that when I reach 18, I'll be given a choice to go to the wilds or go be an apprentice to an ape family I don't know. I bought this so my new owner won't have to." He may be a foolish human like the others. "I won't be with my guardians after I'm 18." He refused to look any ape in the eye. It wasn't because he was disrespectful. It was because he was unable to look up because of his condition.
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Mar 22, 2019 14:01:19 GMT -5
Post by Maximus on Mar 22, 2019 14:01:19 GMT -5
Maximus rested a hand on his shoulder. "Not all humans are pets, foolish one. Your status is above those pets."
"Hello, Zaius my friend." He greeted. "I've been observing this fellow around. He's been to the Central City Library and the librarian said that he went into the adult section in the reference books. She said he read some books and it's possible he read them." Maximus explained. "He believes what he reads sadly."
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Mar 22, 2019 15:51:37 GMT -5
Post by zaius on Mar 22, 2019 15:51:37 GMT -5
Zaius brought a hand up, shaking his head with other views from the two. "Now, now what kind of nonsense is that? Yes, you choose to return to the wilds or remain here. You weren't raised in an ape family where you? If you were, then you'd be with them. If your guardian had been there for you, and you choose not to return, then you remain with them, since they've been helping you for years." His hand lowered, stroking the brim of his face. "I suggest you further read on ape-raised humans." He dipped his head at his friend. "Evening, Maximus. What are you doing here? You have no pet human unless you do now?"
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Mar 22, 2019 16:27:30 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 22, 2019 16:27:30 GMT -5
"My guardians allow me to go to two places because I'm a very good son." That was true. "I try to listen to them, but today, I went to the cages to see Rowan and Bartu." He admitted. "I saw a lot of humans and wondered why they were in cages so I rushed to the Library to find out why they were in cages and learned that humans are nothing but- lower than apes--" His reasoning finally came to light. "I've been raised in an ape family, but differently. I didn't tell my guardians where I was and went on my own research mission." Aaron forced him to look up, but found himself looking away, at him, and away again. He had never forced himself to look at him in the eyes. His first time for him.
"I don't want to leave my guardians. I want them to treat me like an ape!" He exclaimed. "I don't know why I have to choose the wilds. I don't want anyone else but my guardians."
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Mar 22, 2019 17:15:41 GMT -5
Post by Maximus on Mar 22, 2019 17:15:41 GMT -5
"It's understandable that you want to stay with your guardians as they're like your parents." Maximus said gently. "This is something that will probably happen in the future even if you don't want it to happen."
Then he noted that Aaron was forcing himself to look into Zaius' eyes. All a long, he had been looking down at his feet, answering. It wasn't a form of respect. It was all apart of his conditioning from his parents? Or was it something else entirely. Then the thought occurred to him.
"My friend, he's still a minor and has a year to go before he reaches 18. Unfortunately it would be rather hard for him to accept his fate being he doesn't take well to change. I've seen his condition before in Veterinary readings. Phoenix mentioned some humans develop certain disabilities. It's apparent he has a disability that is going to make these things much more difficult for him to make the choice. Familiarity is the key. If this is his first time out of his comfort zone, it is causing him great stress."
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Mar 22, 2019 21:11:42 GMT -5
Post by Aaron on Mar 22, 2019 21:11:42 GMT -5
Aaron wasn't that much of a quiet 'obedient human' and didn't know every single ape in the city so he basically thought he was actually dealing with a citizen in front of him. He had heard that Maximus was cold, but he felt a little warm and understanding perhaps than this citizen. "Who are you anyway? You look like an an aristocrat like Maximus and Kratos." He has never met any council members so he wouldn't know what to expect.
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