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It was the way of the world. That didn't mean Percy liked it.

The cocoa-furred rabbit was standing, quivering and tense, with bound arms and a heavy collar around his neck, next to a large wooden stage in the middle of the town. Up on said stage, a rather imposing tiger was growling out towards a gathered crowd, with a similarly trussed-up sheep being showed off next to him. Percy had seen more of the crowd than he would have liked - there were a lot of sharp fangs and keen claws than he was comfortable with. And all odds were on one set of those getting far closer to him than he would have liked.

One of them was bound to be buying him, after all.

It was, as they said, the way of the world. Somewhere along the way, it had been decided that those whose feral kin were carnivorous should hold dominion over those whose feral kin were herbivorous. Why this had been decided, and why it had persisted, were things Percy had no knowledge of; all he knew was that that was the way it had been set. The carnivore class, and those that were deemed sufficiently carnivore to qualify, held the power in the world - they were the rulers, the owners, the masters in just about everything, while the herbivore class were laborers, servants, and slaves. There were some exceptions, a few herbivores that somehow gained enough money and esteem to stand on their own; however, those were never looked up to by other herbivores, as they tended to think and act so much like the carnivores that there was no sense distinguishing them.

Percy had hoped, for the most part, that he would be able to get away with being one of the labor class. It wasn't a glamorous life, but it was at least a reasonably free life, only taking the dictates of a boss during the workday and being able to live as his own person otherwise. But coming from a large family, things were tough for his parents...many mouths to feed, and not exactly great sums of qhati coming in, even with adult children like Percy doing what they could to help. They didn't exactly make it a mystery that they expected some of their young to be sold to the slave trade when they came of age - it was something a fair number of families simply accepted, a way to give themselves enough to support the rest of them. The carnivores eagerly encouraged this, suggesting it was a noble service to give them up for such a purpose...of course THEY would think so, since it was purely for their benefit. Being told he was being offered was a blow to him, but there was no fighting it; causing trouble for them could get his whole family in the same position for no benefit to anyone. At least this way he was helping his brothers and sisters, and hopefully keeping one more of them from having the same fate.

That didn't mean being trotted up on stage in nothing more than a thin loincloth was any less terrifying. Percy wasn't exactly what he would call a prime specimen - not that many expected rabbits to be, compared to some of the herbivores out there. Not counting his ears, he just edged five feet tall, and he was fairly scrawny, just a touch over 100 pounds, decidedly lacking in muscle definition...or bulk, for that matter. He was hardly fit for intense manual labor, he could run but lifting and carrying wasn't something he was good at, so he certainly didn't think he was going to appeal to anyone looking for heavy work. That probably meant more like a housekeeper, or butler or manservant, or something like that...he'd heard plenty of unsavory things about slaves in those positions, the things that their masters asked of them and the extra abuse heaped on them. He wasn't looking forward to something like that...but what other hope did he have? He wasn't really fit for the most common positions.

The sheep was sold, going to a snake whose sinister smirk was quite uncomfortable to Percy and the other slaves about to be auctioned off. A tug on the rope on his collar told him to get a move on, and with resignation he climbed the stairs to the stage and stood on the pedestal, trying to keep his shaking down. The more he looked weak and scared and vulnerable, the more he'd be feeding into their egos...there was no way to NOT look scared, but keeping the terror down would maybe make him less tantalizing to someone who just wanted to, well, terrorize him. It was well-known that some carnivores bought slaves just for that purpose, they liked having someone to lord over...that hardly seemed like it would be worth it to Percy, but it wasn't like he'd ever be in a position to know.

“Hm...this in an interesting specimen, isn't it?" The tiger's remark suggested that 'interesting' was not meant to imply anything complimentary. “Not exactly a powerhouse, is he? Short, scrawny, probably good at keeping out of the way...perfect for a house servant, wouldn't you think? And being a rabbit, probably also good at other types of service." The tiger gave a toothy leer at Percy, who leaned away reflexively; he wasn't sure what that was implying but he knew it couldn't be anything good. “I'm sure there's a good few of you who would love to have THAT type of help, so let's start the bidding at a full milqhati. I'm sure there's quite a few mouths to feed in THAT family…"

That seemed like a lot of money to Percy - a thousand qhati, he wasn't sure that was a number he'd ever have had to his name in his lifetime. And some of the crowd were casually throwing around that and more, quite quickly - the bids came fairly fast, from various sketchy figures in those gathered throngs. He wasn't sure it was a good thing that he was getting that much attention, especially with some of the hungry looks he was getting. He was really getting the impression that there was something they intended to use him for that wasn't just as simple as housekeeping, no one looked at someone like that for house help...they were looks that he recognized from some of the jerks at the bars hitting on lone women. Looks of lust and carnality.

Would they actually do that? Most of these people must have families...surely they aren't seeking something like that from me. Especially since most of them are males, that's something that they wouldn't want to do with another male, right? He was trying to tell himself that, but maybe it was just a lie he was telling himself to try to quell the fear - after all, if they DID want that, then he really had no means of putting up any objections.

There seemed to be a small bidding battle going on between three members of the crowd now. “Seven and a half!" insisted a wolverine with a scar along his muzzle.

“Eight!" fired back a crocodile in a rather upscale coat and pants, who was probably one of the largest in the crowd.

“Eight and a half!" followed up a rather testy-sounding dolphin, throwing a glare around like he was daring to be outbid. A look that worked well on Percy, but not the other predators.

“Eight and three quarters!" “Nine and a quarter!" “Nine and a half!" What they saw in Percy, he didn't know, maybe didn't WANT to know, but they sounded ready to throw down more than money over him...and then, without warning, another deep voice from the back of the crowd.

“Twenty milqhati."

All eyes turned, and plenty of them widened. Standing back there was one of the largest men Percy had ever seen - a stallion who stood tall, proud, and resolute, unflinching with all the eyes of fanged creatures on him. His body was built like a fantasy, every visible part of him rippling with muscle; he had the frame of a long-time laborer but the air of a man of means. He was dressed light, but in garments that were unquestionably upscale, even to Percy's pretty untrained eye. Such an imposing presence, Percy felt as much fear of him as any of the sharp-toothed hunters in front of him...if he could be that unflappable in front of those society gave favor to, he must have been just as commanding and driven. Maybe even more.

“Fucking hell, how's an herbie like that outbidding me?!" pissed the dolphin angrily.

“Now that's a damn bid stomp if I ever saw one." The crocodile sounded almost impressed.

“Well, I think that we have our winner for this one!" The tiger seemed to be a bit thrown by it, but surely with money like that he couldn't be disappointed...and Percy had to admit, that would have to help his family a lot, even if they only got a portion of it. Not that it made it that much easier to see himself sold to someone else, especially a titan like this. “Come on up and claim your prize...sir." Percy heard the reluctance in the tiger's voice, almost certainly over calling an equine by any sort of honorific.

The horse came forward, showing no sign of concern with the reluctant respect. Nor with the murmuring in the crowd, which seemed a bit out of sorts. “Way too much to bid on a slave." “He's going to break that bunny in half." “You know why herbivores get slaves…" “How does he have that much to throw around?" They didn't sound particularly complimentary, or at the very least their respect was grudging; carnivores didn't tend to particularly enjoy an herbivore that could rise to their level. But none of them seemed interested in any kind of direct confrontation, and the horse was uninterrupted as he reached the stage.

Percy couldn't help but stare as the horse pulled coins from a pack on his hip and placed them in the tiger's hands. Those huge milqhadi coins, almost a big as the palm of his hand...as far as Percy was concerned, every single one of them was a fortune, and the horse was passing them off as casually as if they were tiny one-qhadi coins! How well-off did he have to be? He was trembling as the tiger inspected them and counted them out, apparently finding them to be satisfactory, and then removed the heavy collar from him. “Well, then, all right. You're the proud owner of Percy here. I can get you a proper collar and leash right here if you'll give me a moment-"

“No need," stated the horse, in his deep voice. “I'll take care of it." Percy yelped as he was swept up with one arm, and unceremoniously hoisted onto the horse's shoulder. His cheeks flushed as he realized the loincloth probably wasn't covering him very well now, but the horse gave no indication he cared at all about his new slave's decency as he trod away from the stage, a few predators still staring after them - whether at Percy or the horse, he didn't know.

What am I getting into?

---

Percy had imagined he was going to be taken back to his new master's residence right away. That didn't turn out to be the case - instead the stallion brought him to a hotel for the evening. Not what he expected - why not get him into a vehicle and bring him wherever he wanted to go? But he wasn't about to question the horse, whatever the answer was was probably not his business.

One thing was for sure, though: this place was WAY too nice for him.

He could see it in the looks he got from those working there or ostensibly staying there - looks of distaste and hostility that made him plenty uncomfortable. Not that he didn't understand why - a small, dirty-looking, nearly-naked rabbit probably seemed like trash for the upscale building, with its clean and polished lobby and rooms that were nicer than anywhere Percy had ever been in his life. Ironic that his first taste of a high-class environment was at the lowest possible class of being he could be. The room that he was brought into smelled so clean and fresh, not like the cleaning of his parents who used the budget cleaners with their sharp artificial scents, these smelled way more welcoming. It also felt nice, a very plush carpet underfoot, and a soft bed that was clearly nicer than anything Percy had slept on - though it didn't escape his notice that there was only one. Honestly, though, even if I slept on the floor, it probably wouldn't be so bad.

Once inside, the stallion locked the hotel room door, then stood in front of Percy. So huge...Percy barely reached up to his stomach, and not far up it at that. He looked about thick enough for three of the rabbit. Everything about him spoke of power...he'd seen some strongman competitions, they were popular among larger-bodied herbivores as a way of displaying their natural strength, despite sometimes being inadvertent auditions for carnivores looking for laborers. This horse, though, looked like he could win them all, and he had the status to stand with the carnivores...that was intimidating on its own.

“So...you're Percy." That deep voice carried that same power with it, it sounded almost thundering even when he wasn't upset. Percy could only imagine how terrifying it would be if he was...he certainly wasn't keen on finding out. “A fitting name for a manservant, I think. Saves me the trouble of giving you a new one."

Percy wasn't quite sure what he thought of that statement, but he would rather have kept his name...the chances of forgetting what he was to be called and upsetting his master were a lot lower. “Thank you...sir…"

“Hm, good, already getting into the habit. My name is Digo Calvardi. Henceforth, you will be Percy atno Calvardi." Well, somewhat keeping his name...slaves were typically assigned their master's surname with 'atno' - 'under' or 'in service to.' It wasn't uncommon for slaves who'd somehow been freed to still bear those monikers, either for lack of an old one or having been directed to forget their past names. Percy doubted it would matter in his case, he didn't fancy his chances of freedom. “I expect that you will refer to me as sir or master, if you use my name at all, unless you are introducing me to a houseguest. You will be trained in the proper process for this."

“I am...to be a, uh...a housekeeper? Ah, m-master?"

Digo smirked, whether at his question or his quick correction Percy didn't know. “You will be many things for me, that among them. Understand this, Percy: I have no interest in callous cruelty. Masters who think that random beatings are the path to obedience are weak and insecure, unworthy of the value they claim to have. I have no need for such nonsense, I am secure in my place and unthreatened by anyone else. But there is to be no mistake: you WILL learn obedience, and you WILL learn to serve in any capacity I deem fit, and there WILL be punishment for failure. And I expect failure. No one learns without error. And you will understand what I mean when I say that you will vastly prefer successful service to failing...that is something you must EXPERIENCE to understand."

Percy swallowed hard; that didn't sound pleasant to him, even if it wasn't really anything specific. He flinched a bit as he felt Digo take a hold of one of his ears, trembling at the touch of that rough finger as it rubbed up and down. “Hmhm...such timidity and nervousness...I will crush that from you. When I'm done with you, you will serve as confidently as if you were born for it...which I'm certain you were. You, my adorable little bunny, will one day be the envy of all who pass through my house. Now, go wash up. The hot sun I'm sure did you no favors out there. Hang that garment to dry in there."

That was probably a tactful way of telling Percy he stank...well, he had been sweating, and it hadn't all been the sun. “Yes sir…" he said, still not feeling any of the confidence that Digo seemed to expect him to acquire. He wasn't sure how, this didn't seem like a position that would foster any of that...but that wasn't a question he felt it prudent to ask, so he went instead to the bathroom.

He didn't linger on his cleaning, not wanting to seem wasteful or extravagant, just washing his body and that flimsy loincloth and leaving the latter to hang on one of the racks. The very nice bathroom seemed too good for him, like he was almost defiling it by cleaning himself with it, like his grunge was too low-class for this place. Would he have felt that way if he was here not as a slave? Had he already internalized that? Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Maybe it would be easier to do what he was commanded if he already thought of himself that way...but it felt like it was just too easy, like he should have stood up for himself in some way...was that just wounded pride speaking? He didn't know. He didn't know a lot of things.

As he stepped out of the bathroom, he saw Digo readying to bed down, and his face flushed crimson. The stallion had also undressed, and he was certainly not bashful about anything; of course, why be bashful when you had such a body? Those muscles were plain to see, powerful pecs and abs, thick biceps, legs like tree trunks, just as rugged as could be. If Percy had a tenth of what he had, he would have had pride in his body...as it was, the stark contrast inspired the opposite feeling. His expression as he looked over at Percy suggested that Digo knew all of this VERY well, and Percy probably wasn't the first to feel it. “Much better. I prefer you to have my own messes on you, not that of others. But clean is important for hosting guests...you should expect to spend more time than that on your grooming when it matters."

“Ah...y-yes, sir." Well, that wasn't at all what he thought...he was going to have to get used to having his inclinations contradicted. “Where would you have me sleep, sir?"

“On the bed, of course. You will scarcely take up any room I would need."

If he'd been red before, now Percy was sure he was shining. On the bed, naked, with another naked male? That wasn't something he'd EVER done. But Digo seemed intent on getting to sleep, and Percy knew it wasn't a good idea to keep him waiting, so, with another stammered “Yes, sir," he stepped over to the bed, laying on it next to the stallion. He'd scarcely gotten down before a huge arm pulled him up against that muscular body, making him let out a quite eep of shock.

“A manservant of your quality has no need or business being bashful," rumbled that voice in his ear. “Proper is what I say is proper. Relieve yourself of any prior notion. Now relax and sleep. You will be working tomorrow."

Definitely an order Percy wanted to comply with, and one he found quite challenging with that huge body all over him. But he had to admit, it WAS a comfortable bed…

---

Waking up the next morning, Percy needed a moment to remember his situation. It was the first night he hadn't spent in his own bed in years, not to mention with someone else in the bed with him. The idea that the man currently holding him now held reign over his entire life...it almost didn't feel real, somehow. He doubted that feeling would last, though, he'd find it all too real eventually, maybe more real than he could handle. Could he really survive like this? At the whim of someone who could, theoretically, snap him in half with one blow? He knew very little about Digo, and his words hadn't exactly put the rabbit at ease. After all, one person's callous cruelty was another's normal day.

Although he was awake, the strength of the arm around him ensured he wasn't going anywhere until Digo woke up as well. It wasn't too much longer before that happened, the stallion yawning loudly above him. “Mm, very nice...worth the price, for sure. Did you sleep well, Percy?"

“Yes, sir." Better than he expected, anyway, given the circumstances. And that was about all the most he could have hoped for...whatever little bits of positivity Percy could find, he clung to.

“Good. Get your...covering. We're going to be off soon." Digo let him loose, and Percy felt a good bit of relief at being able to stand up and get some space - being against that huge body was so intimidating. Probably by design, he imagined. He hurried to the bathroom, grabbed the loincloth and donned it after a quick once-over - it was still dingy and ratty, but at least he didn't smell any unpleasant scents on it. A quick bit of relief on the toilet and he was as ready to go as he ever would be. He wasn't sure he really wanted to jump into this new life so quickly, but there seemed to be little point in dragging it out.

As soon as Digo was prepared and dressed, he led Percy out of the hotel, the rabbit having to endure another round of less than pleasant looks his direction and trying to ignore them. It probably would have been a lot worse than looks if he wasn't so obviously under the stallion's purview...he didn't even want to know what those carnivores were thinking about him, it was scary enough being in the position he was already in. Things were better once they were outside, at least there weren't as many people around, and more things to focus on than a stallion and his slave. He had to hurry a bit to keep up with his master's long strides - who knew such a big guy could move so quickly? Just another way he found himself overmatched...no wonder Digo was the master here.

It was kind of a long trek, Digo was taking them well away from the center of the city where the auction had been held. Once again he began wondering, where was the horse's car? It seemed odd that he would be walking to wherever he was meant to go, people of means like that didn't walk, they rode. Had he just stowed his car far away? Theft and break-ins were issues in places like this, the threats of punishment didn't always outweigh the chance to get some money for yourself or your family. Yes, that had to be it, that made the most sense…

So Percy was entirely unprepared for what was coming. Only when Digo stopped in front of some kind of odd cart did he realize something was up. “Sir? I, uh...what is this?"

“You've never seen one of these?" Digo chuckled a bit. “I'm surprised. This is a rickshaw."

Rickshaw...he'd at least heard the term in passing, it was some kind of cart or something. “This is...uh, this is yours?"

“Borrowed. But if you know what's good for you, you'll treat it like I own it outright."

Percy wasn't about to think otherwise. “Y-yes, sir. What…" He wasn't sure what to ask, it was so unexpected that he really didn't know what to think. A couple things seemed obvious as he looked at it; part of it was a cart for something or someone to lay in, and part of it was some kind of handle in front of that cart. What he didn't see was any kind of engine for power or animal for pulling it...which meant... “Am...am I supposed to pull this?"

“Of course. It won't move itself. Or at least it very much shouldn't. So let's not waste time." Digo climbed into the cart part of the rickshaw, making it creak as his weight and the weight of his bag sank into it. “Come on, then, get to it."

Percy's eyes widened. Pulling that heavy-looking cart was one thing...pulling that VERY heavy-looking stallion was quite another! There seemed no way he could do that. “S-sir...I...I don't think-"

“I'm not telling you to think," Digo cut him off with a terseness in his voice. “I'm telling you to DO. So do it."

There was no be no argument...Percy reluctantly stepped between the poles and lifted the handle. It felt heavy already, much more so than he was ready for...and this was just the start, he actually had to push this thing, walk forward with hundreds of pounds of flesh and wood and who knew what else, all with his small and weak body. He didn't fancy his odds of even budging it, but Digo had ordered it...maybe if he saw that Percy was unsuited for this he'd figure out something else, though he didn't like the prospect of being punished for failing…

His body strained with agony as he started to push, screaming at him that this wasn't something he was built for. His first push didn't amount to much, and he burst out panting as he stopped his feeble attempt at force, trying to collect himself. From behind, Digo tsked. “Come on, wimpy bunny boy, use what tiny bits of muscle you were given!" Percy's face burned; did he really need it rubbed in his face how much better Digo had it in that regard? He already knew he was weak, why did that need to be highlighted?

Once again he made an effort to push, and incredibly it DID start to move now...but it still took all he had just to make it go incredibly slowly. His legs were straining, aching as he pushed forward slowly, each step proving to be agony; his arms were miserable, sore and wobbly as he did all he could to hold the handle up enough to keep moving; his lungs burned with the need for air which couldn't come in fast enough, leaving him heaving raggedly. It felt like he needed to stop, needed to get relief from this ordeal, but he couldn't stop, lest he couldn't get started again...if he stopped now he was certain he would never budge the rickshaw another inch, and would face Digo's wrath.

Not that it was much better hearing the stallion mock him from behind. “Work those twiggy legs, bunny boy! I've seen people your size move these things easily! I could lift it with one hand and move it faster than you are!" Percy's face was already red as could be from the exertion, but the humiliation was there as well. He had no doubt Digo could move this thing effortlessly, and maybe even someone his size could do better, possibly even with someone that heavy...but not someone who'd never done it before and had no experience, no strength, no stamina. And anyone could see it...probably many did see it, with the way Digo was calling attention to it loudly, showing just about everyone how weak and worthless he was, how useless even as a slave.

But it clearly wasn't all about that, as Digo kept it up even as they got on the road and there were basically no people around to hear except the two of them. “I thought rabbits were supposed to be bundles of energy and be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! You're gonna get a ticket for holding up traffic with wussy legs like that!" There was no way that was true, but did it matter? He couldn't have mustered more energy to speed up if he tried, he was barely able to push as it was. Not to mention he had no idea how far he was meant to go...there was no destination in sight, no end goal to work for, the road seemed to stretch on forever and for all he knew that was how far he had to go.

Finally, his legs buckled and then gave under him, sending him down hard onto the road, unable to produce more than a pained whimper from the impact. He tried to stand, failed to stand, couldn't even push himself up with his wobbly arms that felt like limp rubber. He just laid there, pathetically, until he heard a demeaning chuckle above him and felt himself once again hoisted into the air over the horse's shoulder. “I'd be upset if I'd expected anything more," he remarked with degrading amusement as his other hand raised the rickshaw's handle and pulled it along with him. Percy couldn't have responded even if he wanted to - exhaustion claimed him within just a couple minutes.

---

The bed Percy woke up on this time was certainly not the posh hotel room bed...but it was still nicer than he expected for a slave. He was a little bit too sore to really appreciate it, though.

Never in his life had he felt so awful. His whole body was tired and aching, moving just about any part of him hurt. He shifted very gingerly, trying to keep the spikes of pain down to tolerable levels. Was this what he was supposed to expect for the rest of his life? If so, there wasn't going to be a lot more life left for him, another few experiences like that and he'd be six feet under. That was worse than he'd ever expected, and he hadn't expected very much to be in his favor.

Slowly he took stock of his surroundings. He was in a fairly nice bedroom, large and spacious, if a bit barren. Beige walls, a couple pieces of mahogany furniture, a closet with a mirror on the door, even a directly connected bathroom. It seemed too nice to be a slave's quarters, making Percy wonder if it was just a temporary place to throw him while Digo set things up properly. He'd find out eventually…

The door opened, and in walked Digo. In one hand, he carried a tray of food, which he carried with a natural grace and adeptness that very clearly suggested it wasn't the first time. He sat down on the bed, placing it in front of Percy. “Feeling any better?"

“Ah...um…"

“Dishonestly is not a desirable trait in a slave. One who would lie so easily about something so trivial would lie just as readily when it mattered."

“...Not really, sir."

“I didn't think so. Eat up, that'll help." Percy was thrown for a moment - the spread before him was awfully hearty for one person. A savory beef stew, fresh cut fruit, and herb rolls with melted butter...he barely ate this well outside of holidays in his pre-slave days. Digo must have seen his disbelieving gaze, because he gave a quiet snorting laugh. “I'm not gonna shell out money on a slave just to starve them. Hunger isn't a desirable trait in a slave, either. You will eat what I eat. Just don't be wasteful. What you don't eat can be saved for later."

Percy decided it was better not to question this, though he had a feeling it was not the norm. He started to eat, a bit slowly due to the aches, but the hunger he had did help push him through it. And it was as delicious as it seemed...Digo either was a good cook or had one. He did his best to remain polite as he ate, not wanting to seem like a slob despite his body craving the food. Digo remained sitting there, taking none for himself - perhaps he had already eaten.

“I have to say, I didn't expect you to get that far with the rickshaw." The rabbit winced a bit at the reminder of the previous event, fresh in his memory and his body. “Figured you wouldn't even make it out of town before begging me to let you out of it. Overdoing it isn't good for you, you'll need to learn that."

That statement left Percy horribly confused. Digo had expected him to fail? To plead to stop? Even though he was supposed to be obedient? None of this was making any sense, he'd heard plenty of horror stories about life as a slave but none of them were as inconsistent as this. The word left his mouth before he even realized it. “Why?"

Though Percy managed to glam up before going any further, Digo seemed to know what he was asking, and had that smirk on his face again. “A few reasons. To see how well you would obey, despite knowing you weren't up for the task. To ensure you truly knew your place. To test your limits. But above all, to confront your weakness."

Percy felt the heat rise in his face again. “S-sir...I know I'm weak...I know I'm not big and strong like some others…"

“Of course you do. That's not the weakness I was talking about. I was referring to cowardice."

The rabbit looked up at Digo blankly. “That...what?"

“Cowardice. You stink of it. Fear is one thing, but apathy, avoidance, impotence, the elements of cowardice...they are unacceptable. The way you tremble in front of me, like you want nothing more than to run away, before I've even done anything to you...the way you quiver and quail away from anyone who looks at you unpleasantly...the way you hesitate to speak the truth when you know I want to hear it…" Digo leaned in, giving Percy a hard look. “I don't even have to know anything more about your life than the time we've spent together to know you didn't even consider resisting enslavement, despite clearly not having wanted it. Because that is the way cowards have done it. And even if I believe, and I do, that you were meant to serve, that doesn't mean that cowardice is the way you should live."

Percy swallowed hard. He couldn't really deny anything Digo was saying...even his parents had said he wasn't bold enough. It felt hard to be bold in a world that was like theirs, though…

“Cowards fall where courage rules. And there are MANY who fall, and no class free from it. Carnivores terrified to stand on my level because their precious notions of status are threatened by me, or who fear their own slaves because they can't admit their own weaknesses and how their behaviors breed resentment. Herbivores who kowtow to the status quo, hide and diminish their talents and abilities to avoid rocking the boat, who would serve before dreaming of trying to be something of their own and taking the risk. And for what? They all live in fear, a miserable and uncomfortable life, rendered helpless by their own unwillingness to face what they don't like...to face failure. As if everything that was ever built was perfect the first time around."

“You never had a prayer of accomplishing the task I demanded of you. Had you, I wouldn't have bothered. You were given an order. You failed to accomplish it. And look what happened. You ended up in my home, being fed, just the same. You failed, and the world kept turning. And it will continue to do so, no matter whether you fail or succeed in the coming days, weeks, months, and years." Digo's eyes were almost boring into the rabbit now, Percy could swear he could feel it. “I will take great pleasure in crushing that cowardice out of you. You will learn to face all I demand without reservation. You will learn to accept your flaws and live with them, OWN them. You will learn to dismiss intimidation from anyone else. And you will learn to obey me out of RESPECT, rather than fear. And when you learn to serve fearlessly, I am absolutely certain that you will realize you live to serve and LOVE to serve."

Percy wasn't so sure about that...but this felt like not the time or situation to voice that opinion. After all, he'd really only been a slave for less than a full day, so maybe Digo knew something he didn't. But one thing still didn't make sense. “Ah...I...I think I understand, sir...but...if that's what that was for...then...why did you...keep talking about my lack of physical strength?"

Digo smirked again, even more broadly. “Because I enjoy that. And you will, too. Finished?"

There was still a good bit of food on the tray, but Percy found his hunger to have abated, and the ache was starting to take back over. “I...yes, sir…"

“Good. I'll take this to save, and you'll get into the habit of doing so yourself. Rest up, because I'll have tasks for you soon…" Digo took the tray and left, and Percy settled back into a more restful position on the bed. That was all so much to take in, but he wasn't really sure he could do it all right away...maybe he needed to sleep on it. And it didn't take long before his weary body fell into slumber once more.

---

Percy woke up again, to dusk outside his window. He still felt sore, but less than he had before - he could at least move around without feeling like he was doing more damage. A deep sigh escaped from his lungs, his mind still unsettled from everything that had happened. Everything had kind of been swinging back and forth, he didn't really know how to process it all. Most of all Digo, who Percy still couldn't tell if he was sadistic or benevolent or both. Did he really want to find out?

He didn't hear anything around, it seemed like Digo might be away. If he really didn't want to find out, maybe now was the time to run. He could try to scamper away, hurry as fast as his weary and aching legs could take him...but what if he was caught? Slaves who tried to run away were almost always punished extremely severely, and that was before their masters were given the chance to enact their own punishments. And what were the chances he could get away anyway? Digo could outrun him, and he didn't know where he could go...all this and yet he was still thinking about it.

Because you're scared. You think it could be horrible, so you want to blindly run to get away from it...even if everything else also could be worse. You're exactly the coward he was talking about.

It was a tough thing to think about. Maybe there was truth to what Digo said, that he was a coward...or maybe he was just saying it to convince Percy to stay and subject himself to whatever brutality he had in store for him. Was it truly cowardice to escape a horrible fate? But...Percy didn't even know what that fate really was. Digo's impression so far had left him little to predict...maybe for the most part he was tolerable, and incidents like the rickshaw were few and far between. And maybe they weren't. He didn't know. But he DID know that trying to run now would likely end very badly for him…

...Not yet. Not until I know more. Running blindly from shadows into thorns, how does that help me? That's...that's like what he was talking about. People making their lives worse out of cowardice. I...I need to have open eyes. I need to know what I'm doing. If running really is the right thing to do...then I need to know where to run, when to run, how to run. And I can't know that without taking the time to learn...and maybe by the time I know all that, I'll know whether it's the right thing to do.

It didn't really quell his nervousness much, but at least it settled his brain a bit. He was still worried about what might be coming, but unless Digo made a habit of breaking his legs, he'd have his chance. And if he WAS in that habit...well, it wasn't like Percy would be able to do much for him anyway.

Suddenly the door swung open, making Percy jump a bit. And his eyes shot open wide as he saw Digo standing there - panting, sweaty, and completely nude. “Phew...no question I'll have enough firewood for the next few weeks. Gonna have to see you try to swing an axe sometime, if you can even lift it. Looks like you're feeling better, though - good, I've got work for you to do, bunny."

“Ah, um, work? Y-yes, sir…" Percy wasn't sure how he managed to get the words out while he was thrown by the sight of the massive male in front of him. He shuffled out from under the covers, and his breath caught in his throat - HE was naked, too. Of course, Digo had said that he'd be making clothes for him, and that ratty loincloth wasn't really worth much as protection or coverage any, he just hadn't had the mindset to think about it...but it felt extra indecent now, with Digo standing so bare in front of him.

“Don't worry, you won't have to go far." Of course, it was about to get a whole lot more indecent, as the sweaty horse thumped onto the bed, making it creak under his weight. “You're gonna give my muscles some attention. Use those dainty hands of yours to rub them and massage them. Chop chop."

“Yes, s-sir…" Percy gulped a bit as he got back up onto the bed, this time on top of the covers, as Digo laid back for him. The horse's huge body felt ever more imposing up this close...how was Percy supposed to do anything for him? But he had to at least try, if he didn't know what he was doing Digo would surely direct him. He started to rub one massive pectoral muscle, his touch ginger and reluctant. He could feel his fingers slide a bit along the surface, the bit of wetness providing a little slip.

“Hm, you can surely push harder than that...what, do you think you're little fingers are going to hurt me?" Digo chuckled. “And get up on top of me, you'll have an easier time reaching where you need to reach."

The rabbit's face flushed deeper, but he complied, clambering reluctantly onto the horse's torso. Getting right up close like this, he was getting a lot more of the masculine scent that Digo was putting off...it was thick, heavy, and rough on his nose. He could feel himself moving up and down with each of Digo's breaths, a little bit of instability which wasn't the most comfortable thing, but he didn't complain, figuring that he'd already been pushing his luck enough so far. Once stable, he started kneading that same pectoral, rubbing and pushing against the flesh and trying to forget that the stallion's sheath was inches behind him - and his own sheath was resting just above those taut abs, his modest sack directly touching them.

It wasn't the easiest thing to not think about.

As Digo had 'suggested,' he was putting a bit more into it, rubbing that area with some vigor and force. He wasn't sure it was doing that much more than his initial efforts, but if Digo was happier with it that was all that mattered as far as he was concerned. It made him a bit uneasy that the muscle was so firm and powerful, like it alone could overpower Percy effortlessly. It made him a bit more uneasy that he was rubbing so close to the horse's nipple, which was almost obscenely prominent on his body. He couldn't avoid it, not when his hands were slipping a bit here and there, and while Digo wasn't commenting on it, Percy was certain either he wouldn't like it or he'd like it too much. Either one was a troubling prospect.

Without getting any feedback from Digo, Percy switched over to the other side, giving the left pectoral the same treatment. It was much the same except for some additional slickness from the sweat still on there. Once again he was trying to avoid the prominent sensitive spot, difficult as that was. Was he going to have to do that over Digo's entire body? That was a lot of ground to cover, and he wasn't exactly an experienced masseur. Maybe this was another one of those tests, and he wasn't supposed to ask questions or wonder about the point of it. That made it hard to know whether he was doing things right or wrong, though...how was he supposed to follow directions without knowing whether he was doing it properly? If only Digo wasn't so hard to read-

Percy wasn't paying any attention to anything but his task, and was caught utterly off-guard when Digo suddenly grabbed him by the scruff and pulled him down, pressing his face against that broad chest. “You know, your hands are kinda small...I think you could do better if you used your tongue as well. C'mon, let's get lickin' here."

His TONGUE?! Percy was completely thrown for a loop. What the hell was that about? His face was down very close to the horse's chest, his hands no longer really able to 'massage' Digo, if he ever really wanted that in the first place. The musky scent of Digo was even stronger in such close proximity, it already wasn't his favorite thing in the world but he was supposed to take in more of it with his mouth...wincing, he pushed his face down and gave a tentative lick between those pecs, licking up saltiness and muskiness that was too intense, too strong...he pulled back, grimacing, it was too much for him, he needed to recover.

Digo didn't seem to think so. Suddenly the stallion flipped over, throwing Percy off of him, and before the bunny knew what was going on he yelped as the heavy mass of muscle came down on him, his face now all but pinned against the broad chest. “Come on, you can do better than that. Taste your master, my flavor is a gift to you."

Some gift! Being stuck under a sweaty mountain of muscle wasn't the kind of gift Percy had any wish for. But he wasn't getting out of this, he knew it, not without doing as he was commanded...he started licking again, the powerful flavor once again overwhelming him, especially with little fresh air coming through. The sweat didn't last long, but the taste of Digo's chest was a permanent fixture. The horse moved here and there, obviously wanting to force Percy's focus on different spots, and he was made to linger a disturbingly long time on those prominent nips, which the rabbit could swear he could feel harden under his tongue.

The only saving grace was that he was getting used to it...the strength of that taste and that musk faded to more manageable levels after a while. As with anything, constant exposure attenuated the strength - Percy wasn't sure he liked it any more, but he wasn't feeling like he needed to get away from it at all, making his task easier to perform. The pressure on his body from Digo's weight was making it still a challenge to breathe, but he was fairly sure Digo wasn't putting his full weight down, otherwise he probably wouldn't be bale to draw even the slightest breath. If this was all he was going to do, at least Percy was sure he could manage it…

Suddenly Digo rose up, and Percy found his breath catching for a different reason. As the horse moved over him, he got a full frontal view of that imposing sheath - and the tip of the horsecock poking its way out. _Oh, shit...there's no way that's an accident. He was naked for a reason. _ His mind was quickly pushed to a different issue at hand, though, as Digo turned over him, and the rabbit saw that powerful rear end moments before it came down on his head. The musky scent redoubled to intimidating levels once again, and there was even less escape from it, as his muzzle was pressed right between those cheeks. He pushed up against Digo's thighs, and the futility of the gesture he swore made the horse's rear end flex in arousal.

“You can push all you want, my little bunny slave, the only way you're getting my ass off of your face is with a nice rimming. Don't pretend you don't know what I mean, I know how you rabbits are."

Only now was Percy realizing what he had REALLY been bought for. Maybe he'd be doing other things, but this was the thing that had drawn so many eyes to him, set off the high bids he'd gotten, had inspired those coy remarks here and there. Of course he knew the rumors and reputation - it was impossible to get away from them, they were as pervasive as anything. It didn't matter that Percy wasn't actually particularly experienced in that domain - his parents were open teaching about sex but the most he'd ever done was some mutual masturbation and frotting with a friend - because he was a rabbit, he was expected to be ready, able, willing, eager, and GOOD at it. Digo was going to be severely disappointed, he was sure, when Percy proved how inept he was...but that would only happen if he actually performed. And unless he wanted to suffocate under horse ass, he had little choice but to get to work. His tongue reached out, licking over Digo's pucker, making him grimace again - at least it was clean, as far as he could tell, but that taste was NOT something he was ready for, far more powerful than Digo's chest and with a quality that stuck out even more. He continued to push against Digo, even as he knew he wasn't escaping it it actually helped put him into a better position.

Lick, lick, lick, Percy was fighting the urge to get away by hoping that he'd get used to this taste as well. His tongue tried pushing in, but the tightness of Digo's star wasn't readily breached, and he couldn't overcome it until the horse relaxed and let him push in a bit. Percy just did what he could, lapping around that hole and in what little he could get, hoping at least he'd avoid some kind of punishment if he made an effort - if he deemed what he was currently undergoing not punishing, anyway. As he did, he could feel his stomach and groin getting wet...it had to be Digo's pre drooling down on him, a scent that would no doubt linger in his fur. And he'd probably have to get used to that, there was no way this was going to be a one-time thing.

He gasped and moaned a bit as he felt thick fingers knead his own sack and sheath, coaxing his cock out slowly. “Keep it up, bunny, I'm almost ready…" Digo's voice was slick and cheeky, Percy could swear he was getting as much enjoyment out of merely sitting on him as he was from Percy's rimming. “Heh, don't know how you rabbits get so much action when THIS is all you have...maybe you just don't wear anyone out if you can't stretch them at all."

Percy felt himself blush. He didn't think he was THAT small...but everything was relative, there was no way he'd be even close to the monster that Digo was packing. He responded with a muffled 'yes, sir' between licks, trying to earn his way out from under the horse...once again he was starting to adjust a bit to the taste, but the pressure on his body was starting to take its toll on his already weary body. He was still only hours removed from the devastating exertion with the rickshaw, after all...he was starting to flag, his licks were getting less effortful and lighter as exhaustion crept in.

Mercifully, Digo relented finally, lifting himself off of Percy and letting the rabbit gulp down air freely again. He was heaving on the bed, prone and weary, and he could feel his own cock resting firm against fur matted with horse pre. He could have laid there for about a day...but he wasn't getting that respite, as Digo snatched him up and pulled him against his body again. The horse was laying on his side, and turned Percy so the rabbit's back was pressed against him. A hard mass pressed up against Percy's balls, and instinctively he looked down. He wished he hadn't. That mass of horseflesh was terrifying! It made his own look puny for sure, what he could see of it was at least twice what he had and there were inches he couldn't even see. And the thickness of it, more than twice is own, maybe even approaching thrice. That was supposed to go INSIDE him?

“Better relax, bunny...as much as you can, anyway." Digo certainly thought so, as he was pulling back and rubbing that staff against Percy's balls, causing the opposite reaction from him as he stiffened up in the unbidden pleasure. One arm was holding him pretty much taut against that chest, the other had a firm grip on his leg and was holding it up at an angle that was straining his own muscles.

Finally the head was pressed against his rear, and Percy felt a spike of fear. “S-sir, that...that's too...it won't…"

The grip on him tightened. “Quiet. Don't wilt on me now. Just try it."

Easy for HIM to say...he wasn't the one getting a horsecock up his ass. And even if he was, at least he was the right size for it! But Percy willed himself to calm down, this was happening one way or another, the least he could do was try to make it easier on himself. If he stopped squirming and let Digo try...well, maybe it would prove the horse wrong. If he failed to take it, that would just be it, right? Life would go on...he hoped.

Digo wasn't about to make it easy to deny, though, with a forceful push that made Percy's tailhole strain and protest. He clamped his jaw shut, trying to keep from crying out as his body fought a losing battle against the horse, slowly loosening until the first inch pierced in and he couldn't hold it back anymore. Digo held himself there as Percy panted, feeling absurdly stretched already...and this was just the very start of it. He wasn't sure he could manage this at all…

“Damn...and here I was expecting a bit looser. Never had anything up there, have you?" Digo sounded unconcerned, perhaps even pleased. “Don't worry, you'll get VERY used to it. Might even turn into the highlight of your day. Usually we'll do this on MY bed, though...heh, hope you enjoy sleeping with a cock inside you, because you'll be doing it a lot."

Percy didn't get a chance to respond, his effort at words cut off as Digo pushed in a little more. At this point, what he said really didn't matter much, he just had to endure what he was taking now. It hurt, but at the very least he didn't feel like he was being broken irrevocably...but that wasn't beyond possible still, with so much of that cock still left to enter into him. Slowly, inch by inch, it was worked in...Digo would pull out a little bit, thrust in, do that a few times and then push in deeper, spreading another part of Percy out on him. It was so much, he could feel the pressure increasing as it got deeper, his insides slathered with equine precum which gathered further and further inside him. Every time he thought he was at his limit, the next push pushed him past that...how he wasn't breaking was beyond him.

How he was still hard was even MORE beyond him. His own dick hadn't flagged in the slightest, even a few tingles piercing through the pain and pressure in his rear. He would have thought he would've withered from the ordeal, but no...but surely he would soon enough, he couldn't endure this for long, surely…

And then he felt his rear bump against the horse's firm body. He let out a slight gasp from the last, deepest stretch, before being given a merciful moment to rest. Looking down, he could see the bulge inside his midsection...it felt worse than it looked, though, he wasn't stretched THAT visibly...how had he managed to fit all of that in him?

“See? You're a natural. Nothing to be worried about, right?" He couldn't tell if Digo was praising him or mocking him, not that it mattered either way. Now Digo was starting to move in and out with a bit more purpose, though he was still only dragging a couple inches out before driving them back in, at a pace that even Percy could tell was heavily restrained. “Eventually you'll be able to take me without a second thought...I'll be able to ram this whole thing in you instantly, slam into you full-bore, and you'll be screaming in pleasure for it. Won't that be nice for you? And you'll be allowed to join me in cumming our balls out, a nice little perk your master gives you, not everyone else is so kind…"

Percy was a ways away from imagining such things, but it WAS getting a little easier to handle...still too much too quickly, but the more Digo thrust the more he adjusted, and the more little pleasures crept in, turning his cries a little higher and lighter. There were some places inside him that seemed to very much like that thick horsecock dragging against them. Percy was feeling a twitching in his own shaft, amazingly he felt like he might be able to cum from this…

His own response was being mirrored in Digo, he could feel that giant starting to twitch and throb, threatening to spill a monumental load inside him. The deeper grunts and snorts and heavier breaths he could hear from Digo told him it couldn't be long...with his arms pinned like this, he couldn't bring himself over, couldn't reach his cock to finish himself, doubted the horse would want that anyway, but he was almost desperate to feel that orgasm, to get the pleasure to override everything else…

Suddenly Digo started bucking HARD and FAST, pulling out a little more and crashing into him as he worked himself to the limit. And just before he got there, Percy reached it, wailing out in a mix of strain and bliss as he squirted his own load onto the bed, his body twisting and clenching down a bit in the throes of climax. And that was all it took...the loud, forceful grunt from Digo reached Percy's ears a fraction of a second before he felt that thick spunk pulse into his body. Percy whimpered a bit as that hot sticky fluid invaded him, ramping up the pressure once again...those huge balls had to offer a lot of seed for him, and he didn't think any of it would be able to leak out around that massive shaft that had him stretched so tight. Indeed, he could feel it all being forced in deeper, or at least essentially all of it, if any trivial amount was seeping past it wasn't noticeable compared to the heavy lead building up deep inside him. And still Percy was cumming himself, the strain and bloat not overriding that pleasure at all, keeping him shooting until he was empty. And still Digo was unloading in him, it felt like it might never end.

Finally it DID end, though...or at least it felt like it, Percy stopped feeling like he was going to balloon out at least. The distension in his gut was definitely a bit more pronounced, and he doubted it was going to be relieved any time soon - not the way Digo seemed content to leave himself embedded inside. He was still finding it a bit challenging to breathe with the pressure and the arm wrapped around him, but was managing well enough...fatigue was really taking its toll, though, he basically was limp in Digo's grip.

Digo had let go of his leg, and was rubbing his swollen gut with something almost like tenderness. “See...not so bad. And you'll find you can do a lot more than you think you can...so don't be a coward. Now, let's rest, so you can be ready to learn much more about your duties tomorrow."

It wasn't like Percy had much of a choice in the matter, but as a sleepy “Yes, sir…" escaped his lips, he was glad to at least find he was stronger than he thought. Maybe he'd get through this...or maybe he'd cultivate the strength to get away. Eventually he'd know what he needed to do.