Possession

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

. . .

Selix slipped down the hallways, his slippers padded against the floor as he returned to the empty silence of his room. He mentally thanked Epheus for Connor's return to sanity. He hated to admit that he didn't think that he could handle Connor becoming a better pet. Jealousy was one of the worst crimes a pet could commit. At the trainer's they tought him that a pets duty was to serve and make his master happy. There could be no sense of ownership or value or that duty would be marred by selfish needs. The night stretched out into an unending prayer that he would find solace in his new position.

Eye's still open, Selix rose for the day and slipped into the bathing room for his daily preparations. He let the cold water cleanse him of his sleepiness before applying the lotion to his skin evenly. The powder of the make-up shades felt soft on his fingers, but heavy on his skin as he blended the darker shades around his eyes in an attempt to hide the dark circles marring his complexion. The pants he close flowed around him like a skirt and he sought out a robed top that would open and flow around him as he moved. They would celebrate Connor's submission with his first lessons. Clientina loved those lessons to be tought by more accomplished students, there was no doubt in his mind that his poor example would be the one that Connor's was modeled after. With a heavy sigh, Selix awaited Rae's arrival and another day of torture, glad only that he would keep Connor's secret and that somewhere the power to find happiness still existed even if it was beyond his reach.

His limbs stretched easily and through the protested the forms he hadn’t practiced in far too long, they slid back into the habit with fluid ease. Master Crus delighted in his songs and dances, taking advantage of any opportunity presented to parade his pet’s skills in front of friend and enemy alike. Selix hadn’t paid attention to the politics, he just danced and sang and enjoyed the gentle caress of his master’s hand in his hair.

Moving down the hall to the training suite, Selix sighed as he kneeled down on the soft pet pillow. His body thanked him for the wonderful relief from the cold floor, his body hiccupped with the implication that he’d earned some sort of favor from his Master. There was nothing he could do about it. He’d been ordered into something and that was it. so with reservation, he bowed his head and waited for the upcoming trials of training.

He didn’t have to wait long.

Clientina entered with the same loud slam of doors as they opened and then again as they slammed shut.

Selix pasted the uncomfortable smile on his face again and bowed deeply, trying his best to hide everything inside him. A pet is pleasant, a pet is joyful. Try as hard as he might, the glaring truth all pointed to the same flaw. He was no longer a pet.

“I was hoping that you would dance today. Considering how physically capable Connor is I was hoping to put that energy to use.”

“As you wish.” Selix bowed again and returned to his kneeling position.

“You have done well. I'm glad that you have found such thoughtful favor with Vesperian. Even after serving Master Crus for so long, you have not forgotten your training." Clientina sat down in the only chair in the room and waited for Connor to be brought in.

The same resistance Connor exhibited in every previous moment of ‘training’ still existed. The look of anger and resentment was clear in Connor’s eyes even now. He bowed to no one, he refused to sit on the floor as a pet.

Selix couldn’t help but smile internally and feel the warmth of that resistance within himself. The warmth died out quickly when when General Vesperian entered the room and Connor became the submissive pet they wanted him to be.

Connor bowed low and deep and kneeled at General Vesperian's feet, his eyes on the shining boots of his Master.

The fingers that ran through his hair and way Connor pressed his head up into Vesperian's palm made Selix's stomach turn around the whole in his belly. There may be a lot of pretending going on in Connor’s act as pet but his enjoyment of General Vesperian’s touch was real and there was more going on between the two men than Master and pet. That was clear to Selix, but what wasn’t clear was the reason that Connor still resisted everyone but Vesperian. To his surprise a look of approval came over Clientina’s face.

“I hope that your training has gone well, pet." Vesperian passed Connor on his way to Clientina.

“He is still resistant to my orders."

General Vesperian strode over to Connor and pulled his face upward with a grip in the boys dark hair. “Why are you disobeying."

“You are my Master. He is not." Connor said simply, his head relaxed in the grip of the other man.

“You are to obey Clientina in his role as trainer unless it conflicts with something I’ve told you to do. Is that understood?"

“Yes Master." Connor agreed, his eyes meeting Vesperian's with the same unadulterated pleasure he showed when teetering on the precipice of orgasm.

“That goes for your keepers and your groomer as well."

“Yes Master."

“Go sit at the table with Selix."

“Yes Master." Connor bowed and crawled to the table like a panther moving to a sunning rock with a playful look in his eyes.

Darius didn’t miss the sway of his pets hips or the show of crawling that not only embraced the order but took it far too literally. “Why exactly is my presence here today necessary?"

“After a pet is broken, typically an older pet gives a demonstration of those abilities most desirable in a pet. Selix is one of my best students. Based on his displays today we will discuss the skill you would like Connor to hone while he is being trained. Once he proves proficient in these tasks he receives my accreditation."

“Very well." Vesperian took Clientina’s chair watching the other man warily as he continued. “I think it may be in our best interests to have my brother present for these demonstrations.”

“That is not necessary. As long as these are not personal demonstrations, Selix’s help has been approved."

Selix bowed and didn’t bother to ask for music. He started out with a basic show of skills, shifting his weight from one foot to another before spinning around and translating temporarily to one arm and then back to his feet in a side cartwheel of sorts. His weight made this lightest of sounds as they hit the floor. Sliding into a wide split he pulled forward in a crawl and then rolled over into a standing position in another cartwheel of sorts. He continued to dance and twirl, his body twisting and bending before he flipped backwards and then forwards again before collapsing to the floor with his arms stretched forward in a show of respect.

“That was lovely, Selix." Clientina grinned. “As you can see, Selix is one of the most proficient dancers the academy has ever seen."

“Thank you Trainer Clientina." Selix bowed.

“Please sing and play for us."

Selix bowed and made his way over to the large harp. He sat down gracefully, his arms shaking as he leaned the instrument back against him. He hoped it didn’t shake with his breath. The opening chords strung out and bought him time to catch his breath. He couldn't think much of songs at the moment and so he sang simple melodies before looping into a song that spoke of the muses that earned their place in the stars. He came to end end with another flurry of chords before the strings came to a silent halt.

“Thank you, Selix." Clientina motioned to the pet pillow. “He speaks five languages."

“Seven languages, Trainer Clientina.”

An incredulous look passed over Clientina’s face, “He’s picked up an additional two since I last trained him. He also his prolific in calligraphy and able to prepare basic meals. He earned an additional accreditation in massage."

“That is quite a spread of abilities." General Vesperian approved.

“Yes, my pets also are known for their humble demeanors and their gentle personalities. Though neither Selix nor Connor seem to have remembered that today."

Selix bowed his head and let the insult rain down on him. It makes sense that a Trainer would be able to sense the unworthiness inside him. No doubt Trainer Clientina saw the mistakes in his performance or heard the panting of his breath. A pet was not supposed to be heard against the floor and a simple dance shouldn’t steal his breath. The song was atrocious in that he took his time warming up and lead into it and out of it. His hands were to stiff and didn’t glide as they used to. Selix forced his hand still and fought the urge to cradle his wrist.

“I do not require any such personality. I enjoy Connor’s willfulness with others, as long as he abides my wishes and is respectful when I require him to be, I have no wish for him to be overly gentle or pliant.”

“I understand General Vesperian."

“My brothers pet is a fine one. He is as graceful and as gentle as they come, but I enjoy the raw edge of Connor’s figure and I don’t wish to see him over feminized."

“Understood, General Vesperian."

“As for the rest of it, I would like for Connor to be trained to dance. no singing or instruments. It is important that he is trained in basic protocol and I think the massage arts might serve him well, though these should be hands off demonstrations. Perhaps some basic herbal and first aid as well. I am a man of the field and he may need to know how to treat basic injuries."

“I will do my best, General Vesperian."

Darius stood up and allowed his fingers to trace over his pet’s shoulder.

“Have a good day, Master." Connor bowed.

“Have a good day, General Vesperian." Selix bowed and let his head fall as he sat back down on the pillow.

“Connor, return to your rooms for the day. Tomorrow we will begin further training."

“Yes Trainer Clientina." Connor let his keepers lead him from the room.

“I can’t believe that Commander Vesperian allows you to speak back to him, or puts up with such sloppy performances."

“No, Trainer Clientina."

“Then you simply decided to not preform to the best of your abilities in front of General Vesperian. He is your Master’s brother and he is a better. You owe it to your master to perform as adequately as possible."

“Yes, Trainer Clientina."

“So then tell me why you failed to live up to your training today."

“I’m afraid I was nervous, Trainer Clientina. Master Vesperian is the only one I have performed for in quite some time. I'm sorry to have disgraced him and your training." Selix bowed low into his palms and felt the cold floor against his hands.

“You will be punished accordingly." Clientina sat back in his chair. “Do you remember how pets that do not abide their training are punished."

“They are whipped, Trainer Clientina."

“Good to see that you have not forgotten everything that I have taught you. You will report back here in an hour and receive your punishment than you will report to the house physician and be healed."

“Yes, Trainer Clientina.”

Selix bowed his head and left the room. He’s never been punished so harshly before but there was no doubt in his mind that this punishment would be painful and long. Selix’s hands shook as he returned to his rooms to change into something appropriate for the punishment. Plain white clothing and a top that tied at the top of one shoulder and the side. His fingers shook as he tied it closed and his body quaked as he sat on the edge of his bed and waited.

The hour passed slowly and he tried his best not to cry for the loss of his grace and skill. Perhaps he was so flawed that there was never any hope for him to serve another Master. He walked down the hall on shaky knees and bowed at the door, Clientina stood there, the whip in his hand.

“I wish that this did not need to be done." Clientina frowned, but Connor must see that even the best pets need correction. Connor was shackled and his arms locked behind him, the guards held him tight even as he struggled.

“Connor, please do not disobey your Master’s wishes." Selix bowed his head. “I have earned my punishment."

Connor fought but when he saw the tearful look in Selix’s eyes he nodded in agreement and ceased to struggle.

Selix bowed and untied the side and back of his shirt. The smooth plain of his skin stretched as he let his hands come together to hold the material, the shirt still around his wrists. His head was bowed and he took a shaky breath.

“You will receive ten for your failure to perform in accordance with your training."

“Thank you Trainer, Clientina." Selix’s voice shook and he bowed his head again, planting his feet and preparing for the first blow.

There was nothing that could compare to that first blow of the whip. It came across his back in one long lash that widened his eyes and burst from his lips as unspoken shock. The second blow was the one that wrenched free a cry.

“You will remain silent, Selix."

“Yes. Trainer Clientina." The shock began to fade and in its place raw and throbbing pain as the whip came down again. His knees shook with the effort to hold his body up under the forth and fifth before they collapsed entirely and his body crumbled to the floor.

Connor’s keepers left their charge at the signal of the trainer and helped Selix to his feet. Holding him up for the last of his punishment. “See his face Connor." The trainer motioned for Connor to look at Selix.

Another strike and Connor’s face appeared in front of Selix, his bound hands holding up Selix’s tear stained face as he pressed his forehead to the smaller man’s.

“It’s almost done." Selix whispered to quietly for anyone but Connor to hear. Selix let his head drop as another fell over his back. but Connor pulled it up again.

“Together." Connor’s body shook with the next blow. And Selix closed his eyes as more tears slipped free. “Stay with me."

Selix nodded and panted through the last two whips of his punishment. “So this is what it means to be a slave." Selix whispered.

Connor nodded and shut his eyes, taking a step back as the younger man attempted to compose himself.

“You have your orders, Selix."

Selix nodded and shrugged his shirt back on. His white fingers tied his shirt at the top, the fabric scraping against his wounds, a few of the welts broke skin and bled onto the fabric of his clothing. He tied the sides and took the first step to the door, suddenly aware of how much his body moved with every step he took. The pain throbbed and grew as he moved, the sharp edges of his wounded screamed against his senses.

Connor watched as Selix stumbled from the room roboticaly and moved to go after him.

“Connor, he will go on his own."

Ignoring the comment, Connor caught up with Selix and urged one of Selix’s hands over his shoulder as he wrapped his bound hands around Selix.

“Connor get back here."

“No. Call for my Master if you like but i'm taking Selix to Doctor Lanix."

Selix gritted his teeth and moved as little as possible. “You should go back, Connor."

“No." Connor shook his head, “I’m not going to let you crawl all the way there."

“I can walk. My legs are fine."

“Your body is going to go into shock.”

“You’re going to reveal your game too soon if you keep this up."

“If I sat back and let you crawl to help, Vesperian would know something’s up. Trust me. This is the best thing for both of us."

“I'm sorry, Connor."

“What do you have to be sorry about?”

“You’re going to be punished now too. You don’t really deserve it, but you will be."

“I’ve taken worse than a whip before."

“I'm so weak." Selix failed to stop the tears.

“You are not week and you didn’t deserve this." Connor adjusted his grip and winced as Selix cried out in pain. “Come on, you have to keep walking. Here untie me." Connor helped Selix lean against a wall before offering his wrists.

Selix picked at the knots before finally releasing them with a little instruction. “Run, Connor." Selix slumped against the wall painfully. “Here is your chance. You have clothing, you can move freely. They’re expecting to find you with me in the infirmary... Run."

“I'm not leaving you here in this hallway."

“Just go. You don’t need to be a slave here. You can go to the north and find a new village and have a happy family and a life. Go."

“Stop saying that." Connor pulled Selix up by the arms before picking him up and carrying him like one would a fallen comrade. “You’ll feel better as soon as the doctor heals you up."

“You could be a great pet if you wanted to be... And you were a strong free man to." Selix struggled, “Go. Run." He pulled out of Connor’s arms and leaned heavily against one wall, his shoulder sliding against the wall as he moved toward the healing suites.

“Stop being so dramatic and just accept my help already." Connor wrapped an arm around.

“I deserve this. Let me have my punishment."

“I'm not letting you cry in a pile on the floor simply because you feel like you’re not perfect enough for some trainer."

“This is my life, Connor. I'm not a free man. I'm not some prized pet. I'm a slave, just like you are and while your Master may not want you whipped and punished harshly, mine doesn’t care. That is the life of slaves. You know that better than I do. I earned this punishment. I knew what I was doing was not expected and I did it anyway, simply because I could. It would have been wrong not to have been punished. So stop trying to defend what I did and either make a run for it or go back and receive your own punishment for helping me in the first place." Selix brushed off Connor’s arm and continued down the hall, this time avoiding the walls. Through his shirt the two open wounds stained the fabric red.

Connor stared after the wounded man and fought his better instinct to go after him. Instead he turned around and went in search of the younger Vesperian.

. . .

“What the hell are they thinking?" Lanix stared at Selix’s back.

“Please Doctor Lanix. I earned this punishment. My Master did nothing wrong."

“He beat you."

“Trainer Clientina corrected my behavior. That is his job. Pets who do not behaved as taught are punished until they do."

Lanix didn’t bother with a reply she just picked up the ointment. “This will heal your wounds in a few days, but it will be painful."

“Thank you."

She nodded and applied the ointment, pained with the contraction of muscles in pain as she covered all of the welts and the few bleeding spots. “None of this will scar if you care for it.”

“Thank you, Doctor Lanix."

Selix bowed low and collected his shirt.

“Take the rest of the ointment with you. Apply three times daily.”

“Thank you. My groomer will be sure to help care for the wounds."

Selix bowed low and felt the pain of his body protesting the movement. He looked down at the garment in his hand only to find that his blood stained it brown and fresher shades of strawberry red. The shame rounded his shoulders as he returned to his suite and found the cleaning powder used to clean stains from clothing. He stood in front of the sink and scrubbed the powder into the stains, watching as the blood lightened and faded completely from the cloth. His fingers were scalding and hot as he continued to scrub at the stubborn bits that refused to fade. His tears fell and he struggled to brush at the stains that wouldn’t go away.

Rae entered the room as he usually did, shocked to find Selix hovering over the sink, his hands raw and red from scrubbing his back torn and covered in the angry marks of punishment. “Selix!”

The word alone scared the boy and sent Selix to his knees, his face and hands pressed to the floor in subjugation.

“Get up. What are you doing?” Rae pulled the boy up only to have Selix’s face remain pointed to the floor.

“I stained the clothing Master gave me." Holding the wet garment in one red hand, the bottle of powder remained open on this sink.

“Well what did you get on it?” Rae approached him slowly, using a warm tone in an attempt to lure Selix’s face up.

“I’m sorry, Groomer Rae... I tried to get it out.. But the blood is still there.”

“Shh. It’s okay. Let me look at the shirt.” Rae coaxed the dripping garment from Selix’s fingers to nearly drop it because of the heat coming from the soaked shirt.

Selix kept his face to the floor, “Can it be cleaned?”

“I'm sure it can, Selix. I just need to use a stronger cleaner. I’ll take it with your laundry tonight.”

“Thank you, Groomer Rae.”

“It’s okay, Selix." Rae led the boy from the bathroom by his hands. “Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for bed."

“Yes, Groomer Rae.” Selix replied and allowed himself to be moved to the bed and helped remove his pants before refusing the night robe, “Master will not be calling on me, Groomer Rae.”

Nodding, Rae gentle lay down the robe and pulled out a softer sleeping robe. “Before you put this on, let me bandage your back.”

“I’m sorry, Groomer Rae. I didn’t mean to stain the shirt.”

“It’s not your fault, Selix. It was bound to happen.”

“I’m sorry that I earned punishment.”

“I know you are, Selix.” Rae cooed and pressed the bandages to the ointment softly before taping them to Selix’s skin. “Now you won’t have to worry about getting anything dirty.”

“Thank you Groomer Rae.” Selix kept his head down, “Doctor Lanix sent the ointment for my back with me. Three times daily.”

Rae nodded, “I'm sure you won’t scar."

“Yes, Groomer Rae.”

Of all the pets Rae groomed over the years he’d never seen one more devoted to serving his Master or more eager to please. Seeing the eager pet punished and so fragile hurt him. The fact that Selix didn’t bother to care for his own skin but rather spent the afternoon scrubbing at the stains, bothered him, Selix’s hands would be sore and dry the next day and his back would no doubt, hurt him.

Selix slid into bed on his stomach, the side of his face pressed into the pillow.

“Sleep well, Selix.”

“Yes, Groomer Rae."

Selix stared into the darkness a moment before closing his eyes. Mentally he couldn’t remedy the problem in his head. There was no way to escape the live of a slave and no way to please both his Master and himself and no way to serve the Trainer without displeasing his Master. The life of a slave was harsh and lonely. As he feel asleep he dreamed of Connor and of the man being gree and plowing the vast fields of waving grains, like those men he saw on the way to Master Crus’s estate in the country.