░ Chapter 4 ░ (2/2)

"The one before you didn't even last a day"Rea's low voice echoed in the silence.

"Before becoming a doll a girl or boy go through a trial period with the Master. He plays with them and if he's interested he'll ask to make them a Doll but demons are very finicky. Their interest come and go. Some Dolls may last hundreds of years, some decades, others lucky if it's a week. If the Master finds no more interest in them then I...dispose of them."

Chrysalis swallowed the lump in her throat. Dispose?

"I kill them Dear. Once a Doll is thrown away you don't just return to where you came from. You are to be killed. It's a rule of a Puppeteer."

The girls' hearts sank to their stomach.That's a horrible fate.To be killed just because the Master lost interest. No wonder they were always terrified.The Master could lose interest at any second. Killing friends who've been around forever just like that. That's so cruel.

And to make matters worse there were now 6 girls, Mark's limit, what if he wanted someone different? She couldn't bear the thought.

"In the course of 3 months Master Mark has gone through 5 different candidates that he killed then I stumbled upon you Chrysalis. You have surpassed my expectations."

The girls smiled weakly at her, happy that the Master had finally decided on an official Doll.

"The role of a Doll is very simple. You are as said a "Doll." The Master may do with you as he pleases. He dresses you, you serve him, he shows you off in pageants and though it doesn't interest him much Dolls are also used in the combat arena. They may be traded for collection but Master doesn't believe in such a thing. Rea. Talia"

The two took a step forward. They smiled apologetically at Chrysalis for what she didn't know.

"Talia and Rea are our combat Dolls. Master Jackson insisted Master Mark have a few he could spar with."

"Spar with a demon?"

"A demon and his dolls Dear"

"How is that possible, we're only human"

A devilish grin spread across the three girls faces.Mona's glass eyes glowed a faint blue causing the seals on Rea and Talia to glow as well.Like lightning Talia blurred behind Chrysalis and quickly pulled her seat back from her desk as Rea leaped into the air with inhuman like agility and smashed her desk with her fist into pieces.Debree flew everywhere.

Chrysalis' eyes were fully open with fear and intrigue. That shattered desk could've been her.

"As Master's Marionette I was born of his spirit thus allowing me to "activate" his spirit within you as well. When activated his abilities flow through you making you, well....."

"It's why Master Mark scolded me and I got smooshed to the ground. We are not allowed to walk around while activated because we can cause harm."

"Can we not activate ourselves?"

"No Dear only I or Master Mark can. That is where golden rule three comes into play. Without us you are all defenseless against outside forces. Demons will be demons and will want to cause destruction so you are not allowed to leave the house without our supervision. Do you understand?"

"Yes Miss Mona"

"Other rules are as followed you are not to interact with other Puppeteers without the Master unless allowed. They will have no trouble causing you harm or steal you away or kill you, which are all illegal for a Puppeteer to do to other's Dolls. You are not to fight with other Dolls outside the battle arena. You are not allowed to hurt innocents, but that's more of a rule for a Puppeteer."

The rest of the rules sounded pretty self explainatory though her thoughts were still in a frenzy over the fact she could be killed at any second.

"Everyone was happy that Master said he had a complete set last night? Why?"

"It means that the Master is content with you all and won't be disposing of any of you anytime soon."

"I don't think I can handle anymore deaths Darlin so make sure to keep being a sweety okay."

Everyone stood from their desks and gathered around Chrysalis, hugging her and sighing a sigh of long awaited relief.

"And Chrysalis, one last thing"

"Yes Miss Mona"

"You must not fall in love with the Master"

This rule puzzled her. Fall in love with Master Mark? Are demons capable of love?

"Why....."

"Just don't Dear. It'll be no good for the both of you. And with that class is over for the day. Master has gone over to Master Jackson's house so you are all free to do as you please."

"Thank you Miss Mona""Fu....Fuan keep it away from me! KYAHH!"

"Come on Karin it's just a little beetle~"

The garden was filled with light laughter as Miss Mona brought everyone out to enjoy a picnic.All Dolls dawning a white lace dress and parisol, maids sat an assortment of snacks and refreshments at the table.Chrysalis couldn't help but notice every once in a while she would get looks of envy or hatred.

"Don't mind them. The ones giving you the stink eye are Doll rejects who Master Mark didn't give the time of day."Mari said as a matter of factly. She brought her fine china cup to her lips.

Some of the staff had come to hope to be pampered in the way that Master's Dolls were but he wasn't interested. If only they knew the risks would they still be so willing?

"Miss Mona"

"Yes Dear"

"Are there no female demons?"

"There are females that roam the demon realm but none "demons." Female demons are frowned upon and hunted."

"How come?"

"It's not relevant to you Dear don't worry about it."

Chrysalis turned towards Rea who was gazing out at the maze.

"How long has everyone been a Doll?"

"Talia was Master's first Doll"

"EHHHHHH?!"

Chrysalis' head snapped up towards the girl infront of her currently stuffing mini sandwiches obnoxiously into her cheeks.

"I was the first one that's true~ I think that's why I've lasted so long because you never forget your first"

"I've told the Master I should get rid of you over and over again for your constant misbehavior"

"Oh Miss Mona I love you too"

She laughed brightly and threw her arms over Mona's shoulder.Mona had this motherly smile on her face.That was what she was, their mother. She looked after them and cared for them and if anyone knew the pain of this lifestyle it was Mona and Talia.

"So you're 100 years old Talia?"

"Older than that and Miss Mona's alot older than me! But as Dolls we don't age~"

"Mari is the second oldest. Clocking in at a good 100 years under me but 100's of years older than you guys"

"Hmmph age is only a number"

"Next is Rea, she was the first combat Doll and I just happened to get the knack for it~"

"I was given to Master Mark by Grand Master Jaebeom."

"Really???"

"Yes. Master Jaebeom has specific tastes and he did not want to dispose of me for which I am grateful so he handed me to Miss Mona."

"No wonder you're so beautiful"

"I heard that Chysalis, do not forget I am the Princess!"

The table came alive with laughter as Fuan and Karin joined.

"Karin and I joined around the same time a few decades ago. We're still babies in a sense."

"But you're all so different. Does Master Mark not have a specific taste?"

"None at all, if he likes them he likes them and if not, ya get the boot"

"Fun fact Chrysalis we are all based off of butterflies like the symbol on our necks"

She did notice that.Everyone's name correlated to a butterfly in some way and had their own specific colors and personalities especially Miss Mona. The "Monarch" butterfly. Chrysalis. The stage before a butterfly.

"Are we allowed to be friends with other Dolls?"

"Yes but we're not allowed at others houses without the Master and demons aren't exactly the babysitting type so we all mingle at the Puppeteer gatherings that pop up."

"Is that like a party"

"A ball Chrysalis"

"Demons are so old fashioned......"

She learned so much today and Chrysalis couldn't help but smile at the people around her. She's been alone for so long and though her life was hanging by a thread...she was happy.

Her eyes wandered behind her sisters' head and to the huge maze.

"What is that for?"

Everyone's heads turned simultaneously and everyone smiled except for Karin.

"The Maze. A training tool for both Master, Miss Mona and the rest of us."

"I still don't like it...."

"Aww it's cause you're so sweet and innocent Karin. You just need to learn to let off some steam like the rest of us~"

"Care for a little match Mona?"

Everyone's head turned towards Mark who just appeared out of thin air. He was cutely munching on a little sandwich with his eyes rounded in anticipation.

"But Chrysalis has yet to have any combat training"

"She'll be fine, Talia will watch over her. What do you say?"

The table roared to life and Karin lowered her head back into her Manga.Mark turned to Chrysalis with that dark smile on his face he usually had in his bedroom when he was feeling more...all natural in a demonic way.

"What do you say Chrysalis? Do you want to play?"

"I...."

"Come on Chrys it'll be fun I got your back!"

"Okay...."

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Author Note: "Can science explain Master's huge d..." Talia oh I love you and your lewd comments. If you have anymore questions about the Dolls and Demons that I might've missed let me know and I'll be happy to readvise and stick it in~ See you next week for another The Playhouse m(_ _)m