Dog of War

Ash ducked into an alleyway, letting the sounds of the lively streets fade into the background. Not their first choice for a walk on what was otherwise a lovely day, but the commotion made it impossible to clear their head. Celebration was the last thing they wanted to see right now.

 

Ash had expected about a hundred things, ranging from it being an act by Beckett to Princess being more broken than Elle. None of them were what they got. Princess was both clearly Beckett, and yet the farthest cry from that stoic killer. She was softer now, and not just physically. She looked like she was ready to burst into tears at the slightest provocation. The entire visit had felt like working with a charged capacitor. She melted into the Affini's every touch too, as if Ash wasn’t even there.

 

Yet somehow, after talking with Princess, Ash couldn't help but notice all the little traces of Beckett. That all-too-formal speech, the way she stood straight, the fixation on boots. Even the way she presented her stuffed bear was the same serious manner she used to give lectures about weaponry. The person who killed Jen was and wasn't gone, and Ash would never again feel the warmth of her skin, or hear the sound of her laugh. It felt so unfair. Princess was getting all the things she had stolen from them, and they were left with the pain.

 

Why did Beckett of all people get a soft domestication? Just because he turned the ship over and was mostly cooperative? How many people did he even kill before the Valiant? Tragic history or no, he should have been reduced to an empty headed pet like Elle. If there was anyone that deserved to be broken into a pet with all the force the Affini could muster, it was him.

 

Ash winced; what a rancid line of thought. The last thing Jen would want would be for them to stoop to petty vengeance. What happened to her was unfair, what happened to the crew was unfair, what Beckett got was unfair; but the Affini had never concerned themselves with fair. They were the self-appointed caretakers of the universe, and they were here to make sure everyone was happy and loved. Even if Ash had exposed Beckett as a traitor, it's not like getting him spaced would have really solved anything or brought Jen back.

 

It still left a bitter taste in Ash’s mouth. At the very least, they didn't have to worry about Princess anymore. They may not have been able to stop her, but they also didn't need to- her actions had sealed her own fate. She may not be a pet legally yet, but she was one in every way that mattered. She would never again be a threat to anyone. All they’d needed was one look in her eyes. Gone was that hardened glare, replaced by the look of utter adoration that marked a floret more surely than a collar.  There was no conniving behind those eyes, those dainty, painted fingers would never again hold a weapon, that softened voice had no orders to bark. While her body still showed signs of her old self, she would never again return to it. It didn't make losing Jen any easier, but it was something they could live with.

 

Ash felt like something had changed in them. There was a sense of closure that they didn't have before, and that nagging feeling of her killer running unchecked was gone. It was like today had ripped open an old infected wound and set it right. It still hurt, a lot, and they still needed plenty of time, but there was a faint feeling that they could finally start to heal.

 

The sun seemed a bit brighter overhead as Ash stepped out of the alley to cross the street. The crowds weren't as thick here, but they still didn't feel like joining them. The alleyways were probably a faster route to the shuttle anyways.  As they stepped back into the shadows, they couldn't help but crack a smile at the sound of joined laughter. They'd laugh like that again one day.

 

Ash would never forget the last time they did. They and Jen were both working another double; the jump drive was on the fritz again, and had taken a lot of the electrical systems with it. They were practically on top of each other in the maintenance tube, and Jen was sure she had finally finished stabilizing the harmonics. Ash helped her replace the shielding panel and Jen turned the power back on. There was a loud crackle, and the tube went dark. They had just worked fourteen hours to end up back at square one.. Then Jen started laughing.

 

“What's so funny?”

 

“Well it's just- eheheh- it's just- snrk-” She tried to catch her breath through fits of laughter. “The look on your face when the power shorted out.” Jen broke down into another bout of laughter, collapsing atop them.

 

Ash was unable to resist chuckling along as the absurdity of the situation sank in. They wrapped their arms around her. “Oh yeah? You think my face is funny?”

 

They felt the moist heat of Jen's breath on their lips, her fingers searching along their body to find their jaw. “Maybe~”

 

“Well maybe I just need a few kisses to make it better.”

 

“Oh? Is that your diagnosis as an engineer, Harmon?”

 

The Captain's voice crackled through the radio interrupting the moment- “The hell just happened?! We lost power to everything but life support, the whole ship has gone dark!”

 

Jen fumbled around before finding the radio to reply. “Yeah, the entire breaker blew out, think we'll need to cannibalize more parts from the landing vessels. Try rerouting through the ancillary, should restore emergency power and basic propulsion.”

 

Red lights flickered on a minute later. “That'll do for now. Make a list of what you need and I'll have it collected. You and Harmon rest up and fix it first thing tomorrow, 0600.”

 

“Yes sir.” Jen tossed the radio into the toolbox, colliding with a thunk, and smirked up at Ash. She looked good no matter what, but covered in machine grease, her hair messy and damp with sweat, she was heart stopping. “Now where were we...”

 

Ash wiped away tears as they dwelled on the bittersweet memory. That was only a few days before... before things went wrong. It was one of their last moments together, exhausted and frustrated, but together. They weren't sure how long it would be until they felt something like that again.

 

The shuttle waiting zone was in sight now. A few Affini and Terrans were milling about, most seated on shaded benches. The nearby timer indicated less than seven minutes to the next shuttle. As they took a seat on one of the Terran-sized benches, Ash’s pad dinged. Pulling it out from their coat, they found the expected message from Florence.

 

[SummerFlowers]: Ash, Camila informed me you just left a few minutes ago. How did it go? Are you feeling alright?

 

[EngineGaia]: I'm alright, just have a lot on my mind. I'll be doing a lot better once I'm off planet and have some real distance from this place, I think.

[EngineGaia]: It went pretty well though, but it was kind of intense. It was really weird to see Princess knowing what she used to be like. You were right about her being a pet, by the way.

 

[SummerFlowers]: I'm glad to hear that it went well! I hope it helped, and would be willing to talk about it in person with you if you need to.

 

[EngineGaia]: Yeah, I'd like that, but maybe not today. I'm feeling a little emotionally burnt out, this was a lot to take in.

 

[SummerFlowers]: Of course!  Would you like me to make dinner then?

 

[EngineGaia]: That'd be lovely.

 

[SummerFlowers]: Anything in particular?

 

[EngineGaia]: Surprise me.

 

[SummerFlowers]: Will do~

 

Ash heard the sound of the shuttle, looking up to see it slow down on approach.

 

[EngineGaia]: we'll talk more in person, shuttle’s here.

 

The boarding was painless, and Ash was soon strapped into their seat. They may eventually work through losing Jen, but they didn't know if they would ever get over the lack of security checks around space transit. Even the kick of it taking off was far softer, barely a jostle. Through the nearby window they watched as Cassius shrank below them, and with it, their worries.

 

 

-_-_-_-

 

 

Elle’s mind was addled with lust, her body burning with need as the cage teased her pathetic clitty. The thingies Mistress put on her nipples pinched and squeezed and sucked, sending bolts of pleasure through her. The ropes binding and suspending her kept her from doing anything except savoring the raw ecstasy. All of this was elevated by the xenodruggies that made it so she couldn't see, even with her eyes open! The only thing she could do was feel or taste the vines, and the drool streaming down her chin.

 

Elle could do little more than whimper into the wonderful gag Mistress had gifted her. Its thick vine pinned her slut tongue to the floor of her mouth and every twitch could be felt deep in her throat as it continued to pump a buncha yummy xenodruggies into her. Mistress had told her at length what it was when she gave it to her, but she didn't really understand it. Elle was just a silly pet after all, and silly pets weren't supposed to understand stuff like ‘neural activity clamp’ and ‘erogenous zone remapping.’ That's why she had Mistress!

 

Mistress did manage to dumb down it enough for her though- it kept her needy and silly and girly! That's what made it so wonderful! Mistress really was the best in the whole uni- una- uhm, the bestest ever for giving her something so thoughtful! She was even letting her enjoy all this while she took care of some stuff! Plus, Mistress had said she would give Elle a treat once she got back!

 

There wasn't any way to really tell how long Elle had been hanging there, but that was okay. Things like schedules weren't for silly pets like her. Silly pets were just supposed to be cute and needy and slutty and let others play with them whenever. Oh, and silly, of course! Mistress said she was already such a wonderful silly mouth slut, which made Elle leak. Especially when Mistress used her fingers to play with her slut tongue! Stars, she couldn't wait for her to get back and play with her more!

 

Elle thrashed against the ropes as the cage began to vibrate again, alternating between high and low fre-frek- uh, settings. She moaned around the gag to the best of her ability, and it rewarded her with more yummy xenodruggies. She was a hair away from cumming the rest of her brains out, but sluts needed permission to cum, and Mistress had told her no. It has been a super long time since she last came, she could barely remember the last time. That was okay though, sluts loved to edge themselves silly!

 

A powerful feeling surged in Elle- Mistress was home. She could feel her approach, and even without her sight Elle knew she was circling her, examining her like a piece of art. Her heart beat ever faster as she tried to entice her Mistress to touch her by making every needy sound she could think of into the gag.

 

Finally, Elle got her reward- Mistress spoke. “It looks like you had fun while I was out, pet.”

 

“Mnf mmmnfff!” (Yes Mistress!)

 

Vines pulled away the thingy on her nipples, taking up their place. Stars filled Elle's empty mind as she bucked against the bonds. “I'm very happy to hear that.” The vines wrapped around the whole of her tiny boobies- Mistress said they'd be the right size soon- giving them a good squeeze. “You know, the read out from your monitor says the activity in your frontal cortex and cerebellum are down another twenty percent. The neural pathway decay has begun to set in too.”

 

“Nh?” Elle didn't get it, but gosh it was hot when Mistress talked like that.

 

More vines joined in, soft ones teasing her oversensitive nipples, others worming their way up her thighs. “It means you're well on your way to being silly forever, petal!” Oh, yay! That's good! Silly pets are supposed to be silly! “At this point I'd be surprised if you could read, or even know words with more than three syllables.”

 

“Whnf ng ellabnh?” (“What's a syllable?”)

 

Elle felt the ropes holding her go away all at once, Mistress' vines taking their place. She was pulled into her owner's embrace, a headpat scrambling what few thoughts she had. “Don't worry about it, petal. Just know you're doing well, and you're making me very happy.” Elle shuddered with pleasure at the praise. “In fact, I think you've earned that treat I promised.”

 

Elle felt several pricks in her thigh. She blinked as her sight began to return, finding Mistress looking lovingly down at her. The needy feeling reached a point she didn't even think was possible, and every petal that brushed against her pushed her even further. She was repositioned by Mistress, looking down at the vines playing with her- and the thin one snaking its way over to her cage, pausing at the small gap that allowed her to pee.

 

Elle felt the latches on her gag come undone, and Mistress slowly pulled it out. A deep emptiness set in, but the gag was quickly replaced by her owner's thumb, which was way better! It was so nummy, and made her brain all super fuzzy as Mistress played with her slut tongue! Elle took full advantage of the fact she could moan more easily now as she worshiped the fingers. Stars, it felt even better than the vines on her tiddies! She felt the xenodruggies deny her another would-be orgasm.

 

“Mm, looks like your mouth is coming along as well. I was going to make you wait a full week, but you definitely deserve this, pet.” Elle felt the thin vine trace along the entrance of her sensitive, useless clit, poking into the cage trapping it to tease it. “You've been a very good girl.”

 

Elle was suddenly blind again, her vision going white as the vine suddenly entered, and Mistress thrust more fingers into her slut mouth. The vines holding her assured she could do little but enjoy being used like the plaything she was. Her entire existan- exestence- everything was crushed into a single wonderful point of her Mistress, and the way she was using her.

 

There was no way to tell just how long Mistress kept her like that, but knowing that sort of thing wasn't for a silly pet like Elle. All she had to do was let it happen. Mistress' fingers continued to play with her tongue, every so often poking down her throat. The vine in her clitty was snaking up and down through it, fucking her from within. It was impaw- impossip- really really hard to tell which felt better, and all the while the soft brushes continued to tease their nipples.

 

Eventoo- evenchew- at some point, Elle felt a sting. “It's time for your treat, slut.” Mistress grabbed her tongue, the vine in her clitty poked deep inside, and Elle came, and came, and came. She struggled against the bonds on reflex as the waves of powerful orgasms rocked through her. She cried out, to the point she felt dizzy, and went limp in her Mistress' vines.

 

There was another sting, and everything felt less intense as Elle was cradled in her arms. Light pets kept her from dropping straight to zero. “You did wonderful, petal,” Mistress cooed as she ruffled her hair. “I think you deserve the rest of the evening off. Let's get you cleaned up, and help you stretch. Then we can cuddle on the couch, okay?”

 

“Mhm.” Elle hummed. She loved her, she loved her so so so much. She loved being her silly pet and her mouth slut and anything else she wanted. Every moment with Mistress was the best moment of her life, and she only wanted to be hers forever.

 

It was a little weird though, because Elle couldn't remember anything but being a silly pet and a mouth slut. Silly pets like her were always forgetting things though, like yesterday Elle had nearly forgotten her name! She’d said some other name that made her feel sad for some reason, she couldn't even remember what it was. Luckily Mistress was there to help her out and remind her that she's Elle!

 

Elle faintly registered the sound of running water as she began to doze off, she was so tired. The warm water she was placed in a moment later didn't help either, but the scrubbing against her still-raw body did. Elle yelped as the sponge touched her back.

 

Mistress stopped immediately. “Are you alright, Elle?”

 

“Nnn.” Elle’s tongue felt lazy, and like it was full of... something heavy. Talking wasn't easy. “Hurt.”

 

“I'm sorry, I'll be more gentle. Let me know if it hurts again, okay petal?”

 

“Yesh, Mistresssh.” The scrubber was gentler when it came back. Elle began to drift off again; it was so nice the way she traced all those little circles, and the petting was soothing too. Mistress was already holding her up, so it's not like she even needed to stay awake, but she did her best to not fall asleep. She had the sense that Mistress wanted to spend this time with her, and if she fell asleep she would miss it.

 

It was a very lovely bath. Mistress would whisper words of praise every now and then, the water was nice, the feel of her vines was so pleasant against Elle’s aching body. It was so relaxing and peaceful, she was thankful to be able to share such a moment with her owner. As fun as being her mouth slut was, this was what made being a pet so wonderful.

 

It did end after some unknown amount of time, Mistress lifting Elle out of the bath and patting her dry. She helped her into some silky pajamas, and to her feet. Mistress walked her through a series of stretches that pulled on every aching part, but she pulled through, Mistress said she was doing so good! A few walks between the living room walls and Mistress swept her up into her vines again, giving her lots of attention and pets.

 

The two sat on the couch, and Mistress set Elle in her lap. She snuggled into her, delighting in her owner's presence. She couldn't put off sleeping much longer, as much as she wanted to stay here. She could already feel herself starting to slip. There was one thing she had to do before tomorrow started, and she got that wonderful gag back.

 

“I love you, Mistress.”

 

Mistress gave Elle a headpat, her happiness pouring into her. “I love you too, Elle.”