Dog of War

“Ooh, yeah!” Daisy agreed. 

 

Miss seemed less excited, her vines nervously wringing. “Are you sure? You wouldn't want to play Signature Drop instead?” She pointed over a large plinko game. 

 

“We're just curious, we've never played one before. You asked us to choose and it seems fun.” It would also be an easy win, to recoup her still wounded pride. 

 

“Yeah, I wanna swing a hammer!” 

 

“You did ask her to choose, Camila...” 

 

“Fine,” Miss relented. 

 

The group made their way over to the booth, where an Affini greeted them. They were small for an Affini, only modestly taller than Princess used to be. Needless to say, they still towered over her, just less so than other Affini did. “Hiii, I'm Tia Rubus, fourteenth bloom, he/him~! How are you cuties doing today~?” 

 

Princess blinked. That effeminate, bright voice that put Cordelia's to shame was not what she expected. It also was talking down to her in a way she wasn't really used to, like one might to a cat or a baby. “Uh, good?” 

 

“Wonderful, wonderful! I'm sure you've all been enjoying the festivalll~! Well, welcome to the Test Your Strength game! It's also called Hi-Striker or sometimes Strongman, and it's super duper simple. All you gotta do is hit that lever with this hammer as hard as you can!” 

 

“Sounds good to us.” Princess handed Mr Bear to Miss and took the hammer. It had appreciable heft to it, but it wasn't heavy. She walked up to the lever, and took a step back, readying herself. 

 

“Woo! Princess! Smash that thing!” Daisy cheered her on from the sidelines. 

 

Feeling empowered and just a tinge flustered, she stepped forward, twisting her hips for maximum strength, and brought the hammer down as hard as she could. She could feel the shock travel not just up her arms but into her boots as it traveled through the ground. She could already feel the ache in her wrists as looked up to see one single pair of lights lit up. 

 

“What?!” Princess knew she was weaker now but not even halfway?! Not even the second set?! 

 

“Aww, it's alright cutie!” Mr Rubus carefully removed the hammer from her grasp. “That's what you have your owner for, isn't it?” 

 

“She's not-!” Princess started, before taking a breath to calm down. She was coming off as too heated. “Miss isn't our, uhm-” Ugh, there was that weird feeling again. The way Miss was looking at her didn't help, flickers of purple in her hungry eyes. It was almost as if she was challenging her to say she was anything but her owner. 

 

 It was a challenge she was too weak to overcome. 

 

Miss gave Mr Bear back, and a comforting scritch. “She's my ward, actually. Can't you tell she's independent?” 

 

Mr Rubus didn't miss a beat. “Why, now that you mention it, yes! I still wouldn't worry about it, none of you adorable little terrans need to defend yourself like that anymore. I'm sure a cute sophont like yourself would have any number of Affini willing to help you at the drop of a pin!” 

 

“Right...” Princess mumbled, that odd feeling still weighing on her. Why couldn't she say that Miss wasn't her owner? 

 

The vine stroking through her hair caught her off guard, but was more than welcome. “It's alright Princess, I'll be there to help you with whatever it is you need, even if you aren't my pet.”

 

That feeling flared up, deep inside her, it was something like a mix between relief and... disappointment? Princess frantically fidgeted with Mr Bear to calm her racing heart. W-what was she even thinking?! She didn't want to be a pet! 

 

Daisy waved to catch the attention of Mr Rubus. “I wanna try!”  

 

“Sure, cutie, give it a shot!” He handed her the mallet, shooing Princess out of the swinging zone. She wished Daisy luck as they passed by each other, and received a peck on the cheek in thanks. 

 

Daisy lifted the hammer over her head, stumbling as the weight of it threw her off balance. A quick vine from Miss Dawnbloom helped her get steady. Princess fought the urge to roll her eyes; Daisy’s posture and stance was all wrong! Was she even trying, or did she want to make a mockery of her? The hammer landed with a thud, and Princess let out a sigh as just the first pip lit up. 

 

“Awwh, darn.” Daisy shrugged, tossing aside the handle to skip into her Affini's vines. “Well at least I have you, Mistress!” 

 

Miss Dawnbloom was glowing as she swept up the Terran, lavishing her with pets that Princess was decidedly not envious of. “That's right, petal! You never have to worry about being the weak little cutie you are, Mistress will always take care of you~” 

 

“Well I think both of our lovely contestants did wonderfully! Here, take these!” Mr Rubus handed them each a plushie; Daisy got a cutesy spider and Princess received the fluffiest moth she had ever seen. It was honestly pretty cute with its fuzzy antennae and beady eyes. They both quickly passed them off to their respective Affini as they left the booth. 

 

“Well that was fun!” Daisy smiled, before taking note of Princess' mood. “Wait are still upset about only getting one point?”

 

“Maybe.” She pouted.

 

“Princess, that game was like, super rigged. It's so florets can feel all weak and dependent on their Affini.”

 

“Huh?” Princess quickly ran over the event in her head, feeling her face burn as it seemed so obvious now. “Oh my gosh.” She winced. 

 

“Princess, you dork!” Daisy burst out laughing, nearly doubling over, and Princess couldn't help but join in. Missing something so blatant was fairly funny, but seeing Daisy happy was what really did it. 

 

The group quickly fell into the swing of the festival after that, running from booth to booth for games or the occasional snack. Daisy seemed to get only more excited as the festival carried on, and her mood was infectious. Even failing to cleanly beat her at any single game, Princess couldn't help but enjoy herself. She had been to a few similar events in the past, and a couple theme parks, but only for work. Now she was finally getting to enjoy all those things with those closest to her! It was no wonder why everyone in the Compact had always looked like they were having the time of their lives. 

 

The plushies quickly stacked up, even if only about a quarter of the booths were giving them away. Thankfully the Affini carried most of them, letting Princess focus on Mr Bear, while Daisy hung onto the bunny she won at the start. It was almost a bit sad knowing she could only cuddle a few at a time, and that Mr Bear was always going to have a slot. She'd have to see about arranging them on her bed when she got home, and coming up with names. 

 

The games were enjoyable, but it was the procession of treats that truly made the day. Over the course of the next few hours Miss fed her a variety of snacks, questionably deep-fried goods, cakes, and something called mochi that was utterly delightful. They even found Mr Bell's booth and got a small ice cream cone! He was happy to see them, even if it was a bit embarrassing when he asked if Princess was a floret yet, and she couldn't answer. 

 

That had become a running theme. There was not a single sophont that didn't automatically assume Princess was Miss’ pet, nor was she ever able to correct them. Everytime she was about to, it felt like saying those words would break her somehow. Miss was more than happy to speak up for her, however Princess didn't know if she should be thankful about that. It made her look and feel more dependent, and that she often did it while petting her only made it worse. More than that though, the way Miss cheerily denied that Princess belonged to her made her feel... feel... something.

 

Wasn't it obvious that Princess belonged to Miss? The reaction from Affini, floret and independent alike seemed to confirm that. Why else would everyone keep thinking she was a pet if she wasn't? She dressed like one, looked like one, acted like one, and Miss wanted her, didn't she? Maybe not at first, but definitely by now. Why was she going out of her way to point out that Princess wasn't hers? None of it made any sense. 

 

Princess was still puzzling over her feelings when Miss’ sonorous voice interrupted her thoughts. “Ah, Viola and Jess are finishing their final checks.” She looked up at Miss just in time to see her tuck the pad away. “We should take a break before we split up, there should be an empty rest tent around here.”

 

“Awwh, can we play one last game first?” Daisy asked.

 

“Petal, you've been playing games for almost three hours.” Miss Dawnbloom gave her a scritch under her chin.

 

“Nn- I know, but I really wanna do Floret Filing Faceoff with Princess, and if Jess is here she won't have an Affini to play with! I don't wanna leave her out!” 

 

There was a glimmer of predation in the iridescent Affini's eyes as she examined Princess. “Yes, it would be a shame to do such a thing after picking her up. Don't you agree, Camila?” 

 

“I- hmm.” Princess could sense the conflict in Miss as she hesitated. She really wanted to play the game with her, but also wanted to be there for Jess. 

 

Princess did want to cuddle with Miss, but she would feel guilty keeping her from Jess. She leaned into the Affini, unsure of what else to do, hoping to bring her some peace of mind. The vines that immediately wrapped around her brought almost as much relief as the feeling of Miss relaxing. “It's not too far I suppose, and Viola did say it'd be another fifteen minutes or so. If we're quick about it, I think we can manage to do it.”

 

“Yaaay!” Daisy celebrated in place. “C'mon, we just passed it!” 

 

Miss released Princess, letting her join Daisy as they made their way to the booth. Two large Affini-sized chairs stood at opposite ends of a desk laden with towering stacks of paperwork. A pair of Affini were carrying away their mewling florets, unseen in their vines. The Affini running the booth was a mass of vines with a shadowy recess where the face would be. It turned its five eyes upon them, which seemed to glow brighter from within the shadows, its feathery antennae twitching with anticipation. 

 

<”Hello! Are you two looking to play? You came just in time!”> The sudden Affini caught Princess off guard, every other game being discussed in standard. It occurred to her that this was a game vastly more for Affini than for florets. 

 

Miss Dawnbloom spoke first. <”Yes, we would.”> 

 

<”Wonderful!”> The many leaves covering the Affini rustled like laughter. <”I'm Alvine Pueraria, twenty second bloom, by the way. I'm afraid I just arrived in the Milky Way a few months ago, and I'm not familiar enough with the local genders yet, so any pronouns will do. Never really bothered with the stuff anyways.”> It- no- she? They. They turned their gaze upon Princess and Daisy. <”My, I’d be shocked if either of you lasted a minute with such adorable florets in your lap!”>

 

<”Ah, mine is still a ward, actually.”> Miss corrected as she started petting her again and- oh gosh that felt nice ! <”But she is irresistibly cute.”> 

 

Princess couldn't help but feel some kind of way at all the praise, especially the way Miss called her cute. No wait, she needed to focus. That word Miss used, it translated nearly to ‘still,’ but it translated more literally as ‘for now,’ and implied a change in the immediate future. Was Miss planning on-? Nn! Princess couldn't help but thump her foot as Miss hit that special place, immediately losing her train of thought. She loved her so much!

 

<”Hmm, you don't say?”> Mx Pueraria’s voice dripped with amusement. <”Well florets and special wards are both welcome here! The rules are simple; first one to pet their sophont loses! No restraining your sophont; you may readjust them to sitting in your lap but holding them still is a loss. As an extension, any xenodrugs that hinder your sophont’s ability to beg for attention are also an automatic forfeit. You must keep doing paperwork, and any break longer than three seconds is a loss. In case both Affini give in at the same time, the number of pages completed is the tie breaker.”> 

 

The shapeless Mx Pueraria turned their gaze back to the Terrans. “As for you cuties, try to get your Affini's attention by any means~” Two of their eyes flickered, as though to wink. 

 

Princess squeaked in surprise as she was lifted into Miss’ lap, her pulse beating in her throat. Daisy giggled as she was similarly situated. The two Affini gave each other a nod, and immediately set into the paperwork. 

 

At first Princess was stunned at the flurry of activity, a blur of vines before her as each Affini filled out multiple lines at once, and moved them to the finished pile. It was only as she saw Daisy nuzzling into her owner that she remembered what she was supposed to do. How was she supposed to distract Miss, though? Just bug her? That wouldn't be very polite. Still, she did want to win, she hadn't won anything all day. “Uhm, Miss?” 

 

“Not now, petal, I'm busy.” Miss’ momentum barely hitched. 

 

Princess was going to have to get a bit serious. She took a page out of Daisy’s book and nuzzled into her own Affini, humming. Miss' entire form twitched, and she stopped for just a split second before she pushed her back down. “In a minute, okay cutie?” 

 

The appeal of the game clicked as Princess felt Miss’ restrained need, and saw the way her vines flicked with pent up energy when she tried again. The only issue was she could see Miss Dawnbloom already near her breaking point. Daisy had a head start, and years of practice, there was no way she could win. In a handful of seconds, the game would be over, and she would lose; unless she did something drastic. 

 

A mischievous smirk crept up the corners of Princess’ mouth. Mx Pueraria did say ‘any means.’ She owed Miss a bit of payback for all the ‘just a ward’ stuff she had been pulling, too. She only had a few seconds to execute though- there wasn't time to second guess. 

 

It felt a bit weird to pout on purpose as she tugged on the Affini's vines to get her attention. The words that followed however felt excruciatingly right. “Please, Mistress?”

 

Miss stopped entirely for a heartbeat, and on the next, Princess was swept up into her caress. The hurricane of vines scattered the papers to the wind, as she put Princess where she belonged. Now it was reality itself that seemed to stop, leaving only them. A vine under her chin tilted her face to meet her eyes, flecks of gold in swirling purple. A look so predacious it would cause her to shudder if it were on anyone else. “What was that, Princess?” 

 

“Uhm-” Her head was already spinning, reeling from the raw amount of possessive intent coming from the Affini. It occurred to her, in some small corner of her mind still capable of rational thought, that she might have made a miscalculation. “P-please?” 

 

Miss' glare intensified. “After that.” 

 

Princess could do nothing but buckle. “M-Mistress.” It felt even better the second time, like taking off her kit after a long day. “Mx Pueraria said-”

 

Miss grabbed Princess' jaw between her curled forefinger and thumb, pressing on her lips. It tasted so sweet. “I know what she said, petal.”

 

Princess thought she might just combust on the spot, when someone spoke from beyond space and time. “Camila, we still need to get Jess.” 

 

The world around them flooded back in as Miss broke eye contact. “Oh, my apologies! I got carried away again.” Her giggle was the sweetest sound. A vigorous scritch scattered Princess' thoughts yet again, making steadying herself on her feet all the more difficult. Miss was more than happy enough to let her vines linger, groping more than helping. “We need to get a bit of privacy for a moment anyways.” A vine poked into the ruffles of her shirt, and Princess found out what the hidden metal ring was for. 

 

Princess felt her clit spurt as the tug of the leash vibrated deep within her. With the layers atop it, it was as though she was wearing a harness. It was only a short distance to the nearest empty tent, but Miss was walking her like a pet. Something about that made her feel giddy. 

 

Daisy looked like she was about to burst as Miss Dawnbloom closed the flaps behind them. Instantly, the sound outside became muffled and the light dimmed enough that the glow of the lanterns inside could be seen.

 

Another tug on her leash made Princess bite her lip as she was pulled to Miss’ feet. She was splayed across on one of two large benches, lavishly padded. She fought the urge to nuzzle into her side. A moment later she was pulled up to the seat, where Miss lay around her. “Sorry, petal, I lost myself for a moment there.” She played with her even as she apologized, like a cat toying with a mouse. Vines going up her skirt and poking into slits in the dress she didn't know were there just to grope her more. “You did very good Princess, I can't say I expected that.” 

 

“Had me beat for sure~” Daisy sang from the otherside. Her owner was also doting on her, braiding her hair back into a bun as she sat in her lap. 

 

Miss playfully twirled Princess hair in and out of a vine. “Now, Cordelia and I are going to pick up Jess, and give you cuties some time alone.”

 

“We'll be gone for about an hour, but when we're done, we'll pick you up, okay? If you get lost or run into trouble just ask any Affini for help.” Miss Dawnbloom gave Daisy a pat as she finished her hair. “You three just need to stick together.” 

 

“Yes, Mistress!” 

 

“That goes for you too, Princess.” Miss booped her nose with a vine. “Stay with Daisy, and if you get separated, ask a nearby Affini for help.”

 

“Yes Mistr-” Princess squeaked, barely catching herself in time. “Y-yes Miss.”

 

“Good girl.” Princess rocked side to side, she was a good girl! Miss lowered her down, giving her one last pet as she moved to the exit. 

 

Miss Dawnbloom did the same. “You two cuties have fun, okay?”

 

The Terrans answered in the affirmative, and then they were alone. Daisy immediately leapt onto Princess, knocking her over into a pile of cushions.

-_-_-_-

“Well don't you seem to be in a good mood.” Cordelia poked at a blossoming Camila as they walked.

 

“She called me ‘Mistress,’ Cordelia! She nearly broke just being asked to repeat it! Ohh, the way her eyes looked the second the light in them sputtered out!” Camila still felt like she was floating, her plans had been going better than she had ever hoped! 

 

“It was very cute to see her drop so fast in your vines.” Cordelia pulled close to Camila, to help keep their street congestion down. “It's just as nice to see you this happy. So, when are you going to break her?” 

 

“I think I might just do it the moment we get back. She's starting to get genuinely upset when I say she's not a pet.” Miss sighed, “Honestly, I'm afraid I might have overdone it already.” 

 

Cordelia nodded. “Daisy will understand, but what about Jess? It's her first day in her first chassis, and she'd really like to join in.” 

 

Ugh, Camila wanted to be there for that so bad! “Maybe Princess would be fine for a few hours if I stopped correcting others about her being a floret?” No, Princess' independence was measured in minutes now. That would only give her maybe a few more. “I think I might just have to take care of Princess. She's so close, Cordelia.” 

 

“That's a hard choice to make Camila, but I think it's the right one. Don't worry about Jess, I'll make sure she understands. Daisy should help keep her distracted. You just have fun with Princess~” 

 

Camila felt indescribably lucky to have Cordelia at her side. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

 

“Of course. Besides, we'll be owning pinnates and living together soon. I imagine we’ll cover for each other a little bit.” Stars, the way Cordelia shimmered in the light was stunning. She was living art and artist, her longest and dearest companion. Her life-giving sun. 

 

Camila looked past her, too, up at the Vervarium hanging over the city. She practically could see the room where she had spent the last eighteen months working. She didn't miss it. “Cordelia-” she paused, reconsidering her words. “Thank you.”

 

Cordelia wove a few more vines into her own. “Of course, love.” 

 

Camila would tell her soon, but right now she just wanted to enjoy this moment. They were already near the meeting place, and Jess deserved all the attention she could give her. There would be plenty of time for Cordelia when they lived together. What was a day when they would have blooms? 

 

The pair pressed into the quiet building, heading to the room in back. 

 

“Miss Verdun! Miss Dawnbloom!” Jess waved excitedly from her new chassis as soon as they entered. Camila couldn't help but squeal- she was even cuter than the schematics made her look! The sleek white form with pink trim, the shutter-like eyes glowing a bright yellow, the mechanisms inside visible through the transparent silicone that formed her breasts as they continued to move. Not to mention the downright adorable way her antennae perked up! 

 

“You're just in time actually.” Viola closed a panel on Jess’ leg and got up from her seat, giving her a pat. “I just finished the final adjustments, I think. How is it, cutie?”

 

Jess sprang up, testing all the servos in the leg before giving a thumbs up. “Much better! Thanks, Mx Amaryllis!

 

Camila couldn't help but give her a headpat of her own. “That's fantastic, cutie.”

 

“Th-thanks, Miss!” Pink may be a standard color to blush but that didn't make it any less precious on her.

 

“Jess is a very charming sophont, and was a pleasure to work with.” Viola closed the diagnostic tool and tucked her pad away, joining Camila in petting the AI. “On top of being one of most adorable little programs I've seen~” 

 

“Xd#vhT%1Dx$?!”

 

Cordelia wasn't going to sit out on giving a new sophont all the attention she deserved. “Yes, have you ever seen a maid this precious?” 

 

“JkC;vF-Hgz#$xdhKhF@k?!?!” Three Affini doting on her at once was too much for the bot. Jess’ cheeks and eyes turned red, and there was a loud ‘dong.’ She went stiff, before animating again, looking somehow more flustered. “Miss Verdunnn!”

 

“Sorry little one, you were just too cute to resist.” Camila apologized as they all stopped, fighting the urge to continue. For a moment she thought Jess might crash again from the way her antennas were twitching. Mulch, she was adorable! 

 

“So how has the festival been?” Viola asked, taking a seat. 

 

“Amazing!” Camila quickly pulled out her pad, and opened her ever growing library of Princess pictures. “This one was right after she played that hammer game; look at how cute her pout is! And this one of her eating funnel cake! Oh! This is after she called me ‘Mistress!’ I have some really good ones of-” 

Camila paused as she saw Jess’ antenna droop. “There's still plenty of memories to make, though!”

 

“I know Daisy has been waiting for you to join all day. She'd love to play collar toss with you. I’m certain Princess would love to see you too.” Cordelia added. 

 

Jess’ antenna twitched, “Do you think so? It was kinda awkward last night.” 

 

Camila gave Jess a soothing stroke, delighting as her eyes flickered from yellow to green. “I'm sure she's just still getting over how she treated you, petal. Princess wants to be friends with you.” 

 

“Camila...” Cordelia gave her a look. Oh, right. It was probably not a good idea to get the little one's hopes too high.

 

“I’m not sure if you'll get to spend time with her today, however.” Camila hated giving bad news, and the immediate change in Jess’s lights and posture only made it worse. “Princess is very close to breaking, and I'm not sure she'll make it another few hours. I plan to make her my floret after we regroup. Cordelia was going to take you around with Daisy the rest of the day.”

 

“Oh.” Jess drooped again, sitting down on the edge of the table. “I guess that's fine.”

 

Camila couldn't bear to see her so sad. She ran a vine over her back, directing Jess’ eyes to meet her own. “I don't have to take her immediately, but I can't promise much.”

 

Jess' mood improved little. “It's fine, I knew you were planning on domesticating her today. I'm not gonna ask you to put off Princess’ needs just so I can try to get her to like me. I just really wanted to hang out with everyone.”

 

“If Princess has held on the last three days, I think she can hold on another half hour so you can all have a bit of fun together first.” At least, Camila hoped so. The girl was hanging on by frayed threads, but she was strong, and Jess deserved to have time with her. Hopefully as long as she didn't push her any further it should be fine. 

 

The smile on Jess’ face made Camila sure she could figure it out.“That's plenty, thanks so much Miss!”

 

“Just be sure to keep an eye on Princess.” Viola darkened, her tone serious. “She may not be feral, but she's not domesticated either. A half broken pet can do the most inane things.”

 

The thought of the soft floret doing anything worse than making herself cry was almost laughable; if only Viola had seen the way Princess melted in Camila's vines for faeself. “Of course I'll be watching her closely, she is mine. If she shows even the slightest sign of her mood dropping, I'll take her aside.” She turned to Jess, “Sorry if I have to cut it short, little one.” 

 

“It's alright Miss Verdun!” Jess beamed, “What are we doing until then anyways?”

 

“We were thinking we could go around for a little- just the three of us. Keeping out of their way should be easy enough~” Cordelia helped Jess off the table. “Speaking of going out, did you want to get dressed?” 

 

Jess hummed, examining herself, turning all around. “I did just get this body, hiding it under clothes right away doesn't seem right, but I also made it to wear clothes...” 

 

“In that case,” Camila’s vines slowly wrapped around the sophont. “Allow me to make a suggestion.”