Dog of War

“Daisy?!” Princess yelped as she was bowled over. She had gotten used to the floret’s antics, but Daisy still found ways to catch her off guard. The Class E, shifting balance, and loss of any real height advantage didn't help. 

 

“Sorry, but I'm just so happy for youuuu!” Daisy's embrace was tight as she strained to give Princess the biggest hug she could. “Plus we didn't get to talk about you wanting to be a pet last niiight! Eee, I can't believe my girlfriend's seed has sprouted already! It feels like just yesterday you were still all grumpy and a guy and all ‘look at how totally independent I am, wanna listen to me talk about pre-space wars and boots and nerd junk?’”

 

“D-Daisy!” Princess blushed. “We didn't sound like that!” 

 

“Nuh-uh, you totally did.” Daisy gave them a quick kiss. “It's a good thing I like nerds.” A deeper kiss, their tongues locking for a few brief moments, leaving them both panting.

 

The ache of Miss' absence set in as Princess caught her breath, the cooling passion leaving her defenseless to it. She reached for Mr Bear and clutched him tightly, hoping it passed soon. Being conscious of the conditioning causing it only made the pain worse. 

 

Daisy cuddled up to her with a sigh. “It's rough without her, huh?” 

 

“Y-yeah.” Miss had only left a few minutes ago, yet all Princess could think about was her return. The way Miss would pet her after she greeted her. “Is it like that for you too?”

 

“Uhh, Yes ‘n no? I'm always going to miss Mistress when she's not around, but having the implant helps with the drop. I got a piece of Mistress in me forever, so she's never truly gone, y'know?”

 

“We see...” For the first time Princess wished she had an implant. Miss being part of her, never having to be alone again- on one hand it sounded too good to be true. On the other, she knew that her judgment was clouded. She couldn't trust what she felt about the Affini, especially how much she wanted her. 

 

Daisy picked up her bunny and sat up, giving Princess a pat. It felt nice, despite her lack of Affini expertise. “You need a break, I think. C'mon, I know what’ll take your mind off all that!”

 

“Oh?” Between the ache of the missing Affini and the hole she had torn in herself, Princess could certainly use a distraction. 

 

“Let's go take some silly pictures in old timey costumes!” Daisy got up, and helped Princess to her feet. “I saw a booth with some ancient turn of the millennia clothes; I think they even had those bead bracelets and stripey hair clips people used to wear. It'll be a fun date and our Mistresses will love to see the pictures!” 

 

“That sounds fun! But, um, we need help getting dressed, so-” Admitting that she couldn't dress herself was embarrassing, and the thought she was that dependent on Miss made her feel dizzy. The conditioning must be stronger than Princess thought, to affect her like this when Miss wasn't even in the room.

 

“Hmmm, and if I get you out of that, it's gonna be the rest of the date trying to get you back into it.” Daisy thought for a long moment. “Well you're already all dressed up and princess-y, what if I just dressed up to match ya? Then we can just walk around a little after!”

 

“Match?” The image of Daisy dressed as a prince came to mind. “Yes, let's do that please.”

 

“Hee hee, you're cute when you get excited.” Daisy shifted the bunny she was carrying to her other arm, taking Princess by the hand. “C'mon, let's go!” 

 

Princess followed Daisy out of the tent, and immediately all the sights and sounds of the festival flooded back. The movement of the crowds, the laughter hanging sweetly in the air. It was a bit much without Miss by her side, but she had Mr Bear, and it was nice to be out with Daisy. She found her worries quickly growing distant as Daisy led her onwards. 

 

They had wandered around for a few minutes and into some corner of the festival they had yet to explore when Daisy pointed out the large booth. It was empty outside of the Affini working it, and the numerous racks of costumes. ‘Olde Timey Photoes’ was displayed on a sign above it. “This one looks perfect!”

 

The Affini flowed upwards as they approached, like an inverted waterfall. “Hello cuties, Zara Falcate, seventh bloom, she/her. Are you here to take pictures?”  

 

“Uh-huh!” Daisy answered. “I was hoping to match Princess here, do you have-” Daisy stopped, looking over at Princess before motioning to the Affini to lean down. Miss Falcate obliged, and she whispered something to her. 

 

“Why yes, I do! I’ll sneak it into the changing room for you~” What was Daisy planning on wearing? “I assume she's not changing, then?” 

 

“She can't get dressed on her own so just me, yeah.” Princess tried to tell herself that getting outed didn't make her horny. “Can you keep her company while I change? Mistress said she's not allowed to be alone.” 

 

“Of course, petal.” 

 

“Thanks!” Daisy gave Princess a quick kiss. “I'll be right back, okay?” With that she darted off to the open changing room, leaving Princess with the strange Affini. 

 

Despite the unfamiliarity, Miss Falcate’s presence still managed to be soothing. In fact, even the most alien Affini Princess had met that day was more comforting than anything. Was that because she was getting used to the Affini, or part of her becoming a pet? 

 

A headpat caught her off guard. “Relax, dear, your pinnate will be out shortly.” 

 

“S-sorry Miss Falcate, we're just nervous.” Princess played with Mr Bear’s paw. “We've, uhm, not really been out like this without Miss in a while.”

 

“Awwwh,” Miss Falcate cooed. “You must miss her a lot, huh?”

 

Princess nodded. She feared returning to her nearly as much. Just being in her presence again would likely be the final straw for her independence. 

 

“Well I'm sure she'd be happy to know what a brave girl you've been.” Miss Falcate gave her a scritch- it wasn't as good as Miss’ was, but she was an Affini. It was more than enough to get Princess to press into it. <“So cute!”> Miss Falcate started petting her more earnestly, and her mind instantly began to grow fuzzy. How had she lived without petting before? “I don't know how she managed to let such an adorable pet out of her vines for even a second. You are absolutely precious ! Ohh, who's a good girl?” 

 

“Us?” Stars, Princess hoped it was her. Princesses were good girls!

 

“You are!” She was rewarded with even more scritches and praise- she was a good girl ! “Yes you are! Yes you are! Such a good girl ~ Now stop drooling and gather yourself, your pinnate is almost done.” 

 

The fog in Princess' brain cleared just in time to see Daisy step out, stealing her breath away. She was clad in decorative plate mail, motifs of roses carved or molded into every piece, a sword sheathed on one side, the bunny plush on the other. “Sorry I took so long, it was harder to get into than I thought.” She gave a turn accompanied by a metallic din. “So how do I look, Princess?” 

 

Princess was speechless. The fantasy of a princely Daisy was nothing compared to the reality of the knight in front of her. The way the shining armor perfectly complemented her smile, the strands of hair that had fallen out of her bun framed her face, making it look as though she had been fighting. She found she suddenly understood the reason knights were still featured in romances. “G-good.” 

 

Daisy walked up to Princess with a confident stride. She nearly melted as Daisy pulled her in by the waist. Princess felt so wonderfully small in her arms. “Oh? Just good?” She cupped her jaw in her palm. “Is that all? Perhaps the lady needs me to rescue her tongue?”

 

Princess pressed her lips against Daisy’s, pulling her in closer as they kissed passionately. They lost balance, falling backwards onto a cushion. Their lips and tongue met several times as they grinded against each other, before Princess finally pulled back. “You look amazing, Daisy.” 

 

“Mm, seems like my lady's tongue is safe after all.” Daisy leaned in, ready for another round. “Though I would not mind making sure.” 

 

“Adorable!” Miss Falcate swooned, taking numerous pictures with her pad. “Absolutely adorable! Do you mind changing poses before you two kiss again? I think I have all I can get from this one.” 

 

“Sure!” With that, and a grunt, Daisy scooped Princess up in her arms, and her brain was reduced to jelly under the avalanche of feelings. Then Daisy kissed her, and everything was perfect. She wanted nothing else but to stay in that moment as long as possible, in the protection of her knight. 

 

It did end, though. The bittersweet parting of their lips left them both longing for more. “Geeze, I think I might have to get some armor so we can do some actual roleplay. I didn't think you'd be this into it.”

 

“That would be fun, but we wouldn't mind our gardener sneaking into our quarters either.”

 

“Oh? The princess fooling around with the help?”

 

“Sir Knight, did you know you’re wearing your pauldrons backwards? And that the Romantic styles of the design are more congruent with the early gunpowder period than the actual combat use of plate mail?”

 

“Kinda hot for you to call me ‘sir’ honestly.” 

 

Princess took another kiss for herself, which Daisy quickly returned. She kept their lips together as she dropped Princess' legs, pressing her up against the wall. With her knees buckled, her girlfriend stood just over as it turned into a full makeout. A position she'd happily get used to.

 

Miss Falcate's squeals reminded them both of her presence. “Oh you are both so precious! Sorry, did you want to keep going? If you want to try out something else, I have a dragon onesie!” 

 

“I think I wanna walk around a bit more before Mistress picks us up. What about you Princess?”

 

“Walking sounds good.” So did dressing up more, if she was honest, she wasn't invested in either.  

 

“That's alright.” Miss Falcate immediately swapped out photography mode. “I'll just be editing these photos while you change.” 

 

Daisy helped Princess get steady on her feet and gave her a parting kiss. “I'll be right back, okay?” 

 

Princess spent the next few seconds trying to recover. Dirt, Daisy was unjustifiably hot. She could already tell this was going to plague her fantasies. The way she felt secure in her arms, and how she called ‘her Lady’ and- Princess fidgeted with Mr Bear again, trying to force the thought out. The biorhythm stuff had to have made her more submissive in general somehow. It was the only explanation. 

 

Daisy thankfully emerged from the booth just a few minutes later, giving Princess the time she needed. She quickly made her way over for a hug, giving her a kiss.“Thanks for doing this with me!”

 

“It was fun.” Princess admitted. 

 

“Before you cuties leave, where am I sending these photos?” Miss Falcate asked, a dozen vines poised to strike at her pad. 

 

“Oh!” Daisy turned to answer. “Uhhh, my Mistress, Cordelia Dawnbloom, third bloom, and hers is Camila Verdun, First Bloom.” Princess elected to keep silent, and to not think about Miss being her owner. 

 

“Wonderful, thank you.” The message was sent before she finished talking, and Miss Falcate tucked her pad away. “Please, come back if you change your mind!” 

 

Princess and Daisy gave their goodbyes, returning to the festival. That undercurrent that ran through the air wasn't as overwhelming as before, as though they were on the fringes of it here. They had made it pretty far from the park now. Both of them committed to just enjoying their time, there was nothing that could make the next half hour better. Instead they made their way through the modest crowds, exchanging idle chatter as they did. What booths that might be fun with Jess, random passerby Daisy thought were cute, the decorations everywhere. 

 

It almost felt like a dream, or the idea of a dream. There was a fuzzy veneer to it that made Princess wonder if the subtle energy here made the festival more dangerous instead of less. Everything was just sort of in its place, somehow, or they were all lazily drifting through the same pleasant stream. It felt like sleepwalking while awake, with how it clashed against the reality of the situation. 

 

Princess had been manipulated, lied to, and even her feelings weren't entirely her own anymore. Didn't that matter? If her happiness was built on lies, didn't that make it false? Didn't she deserve a real chance? She wasn't sure about the answers to questions like that anymore. It was hard to fret about how much her Ship of Theseus had been rebuilt by Miss when her vines are where she belongs.

 

That only made it all the more troubling. Princess knew she should care. She could list dozens of reasons why her thoughts of adoration and the fuzziness in her chest couldn't be trusted. She knew, logically, that it was all due to the conditioning, but the feeling just wasn't there. No matter how often she recounted the facts she could find nothing but warmth towards the Affini. 

 

Then Princess saw it. The booth that signaled her freedom, its flag hanging limply between gusts of wind. The alley just behind it, beckoning her. She was suddenly facing her escape route, and she instantly realized it was the only one she would ever get. If she returned with Daisy, she wouldn't be able to hold herself back anymore. If Princess didn’t break today, it would certainly happen tomorrow. She could feel the cracks in the waning independence within her. The right look from Miss would have her begging to be her pet. If she ever wanted to find out how real these feelings were, she had to leave now. 

 

Daisy stopped. “Princess? Are you alright?”

 

Princess had to think fast- she didn't have much time. “Y-yeah, sorry, we're just... still thinking about Miss.” She needed a way to get Daisy to leave her alone, and distract Miss. An idea quickly came to mind- Princess put on her best smile. “Actually, uhm, c-could you do us a favor?” The delivery was terrible, but the real nerves would hopefully sell it. 

 

“Sure!” Daisy's smile sent a pang straight through Princess' heart. “What is it?” 

 

“Do you think you can, u-uhm-” Princess fidgeted with her bear and swallowed. This game was zero sum, and the next words would have her all in. If there was ever a time to dig into the reserves of willpower, it was now. “Could you tell her to meet us at the unity statue? A-and that we have something important to tell her?” 

 

Daisy's excited gasp was even sharper than her smile. “Ohmigosh Princess!!! That's so cute! Like that movie!” She squealed excitedly, dancing in place. “Of course! Are you gonna be fine by yourself, though?”

 

“Yeah, we'll be just fine.” Princess' tongue had never felt so filthy, but she had waded through sewage before. All she had to do was not think about it. “It's not far from here and if something goes wrong, there's plenty of Affini around.” She couldn't tell if she was more worried that they would catch her or that they wouldn’t. 

 

“Okay, okay- Imma go get her!” She skipped as sped off, “Eeeee, we're gonna be pinnates!”

 

Princess took a moment to collect herself. Daisy had an owner, and an implant, she'd be fine in the end. Telling herself that didn't make it feel any better. Still, she trusted in Miss Dawnbloom, and the comfort the Affini offered. Daisy would be fine, she'd probably even be better than fine. It didn't matter anymore, anyways. 

 

Princess had already crossed the Rubicon. They had work to do. 

 

-_-_-_-

 

Camila leaned happily into Cordelia as they watched Jess together. The flustered reactions of the digital sophont as she got dressed in her outfit was nothing compared to seeing her enjoy the outdoors for the first time. The little twitches of her antennae as they took in information, her eyes darting around as they focused in on every little detail; it was core-meltingly cute! 

 

Jess was undeniably precious in the mesh top and revealing skirt as she flitted about, looking at every booth but only stopping at a few. She wanted to save the ‘best ones’ for when Princess rejoined, but had got herself a beeple plushie. Most of what she did was delight in simply being out, gawking at passersby and decorations alike. 

 

Camila wouldn't be surprised if she never returned to the Hab’s AI bank. Not that it really mattered if she did, but they would be moving in with Cordelia tomorrow, and her Hab still had its AI. Perhaps if she was multi-threading, or for nostalgic purposes. She had sampled the fruit of what life had to offer, she could no longer go back. 

 

Today had been perfect, and Cordelia at Camila’s side only made it all that much better. They had interwoven a few of their thickest vines, their arms merging together in a more-than-friendly way. Soon, once the little ones have had their time, they could do more than sneak small glances of affection. 

 

The pictures had been an absolutely adorable surprise; Daisy and Princess were even cuter when they matched! The look on Princess' face as she melted under her pinnate, and those smiles, each one a treasure in itself. Trying for Jess’ sake not to look at each of the nearly hundred photos was a real challenge. It was just so moving to see Princess enjoying herself! Camila’s few worries about leaving her on her own were cleanly wiped away. 

 

As surprising as the photos were, it didn't hold water compared to what happened just ten minutes later. Daisy skipped up to them with a wider than normal smile, notably alone. “Miss Verdun, Miss Verdun, Miss-!” She stopped, gasping loudly. “Ohmigosh, Jess!!!” Daisy wasted no time giving her a big hug. “You look so good !”

 

Jess returned the embrace. “Thanks, Daisy!”

 

“Ooo, we do have to do another girls night soon to celebrate you having your new body! We can do Princess' makeup and hair and play games and- actually, do you eat? Obviously you don't have to with the whole digital thing but snacks are super important to hanging out! I guess it would be more can you eat then? Anyways you can pick the movie, and we can gossip and-” 

 

Cordelia stopped her floret's rambling, placing a vine on her shoulder. “Daisy, you had something very important to tell Camila?” She was also excited about whatever it was the pet had to say, Camila could tell it from the way her leaves twitched. 

 

“Oh, right!” Daisy turned to beam up at Camila, stars, she was such a cutie. Her tone was that of gossip as she spoke. “Princess asked me to tell you to meet her at the unity statue, she has something really important to tell you~”

 

“She did?!” Camila was stunned almost beyond words. She had never imagined that Princess would actually take the initiative! All her projections had shown that she couldn't get to that step on her own without help or a massive breakdown. 

 

“Uh-huh! She was all super flustered and nervous about it, too~” 

 

The reality of the situation quickly set in, and Camila could hardly contain herself. Cordelia separated so that Camila could better wiggle her vines. Princess was ready and wanted to ask to be hers? By itself it was something out of her wildest fantasies, but she wanted to do it in front of the unity statue?! She felt like might just rebloom from the sheer romanticism of it all! 

 

The dejected look on Jess’ face crashed Camila's high. “Listen, petal-” She ran a vine through a crease around where her jawline would be. 

 

“It's alright Miss Verdun.” Jess wrapped her fingers around the vine, pulling it away as her mood leveled. “You did say this might happen, just, um, promise that we'll get to hang out soon?” 

 

“Of course, little one.” 

 

“Can you send me pictures too?” 

 

Camila laughed, giving her a scritch along some particularly sensitive servos. “I will, just make you enjoy yourself with Daisy, okay?” 

 

“Y-yes Miss! Er- Miss Verdun!” 

 

Daisy took advantage of the opening to latch back onto Jess, chatting about all the stuff they could do. She was such a good girl, the way she was always stepping up to help sophonts in need. 

 

Cordelia pulled Camila in for a parting embrace. <“I'll take care of the cuties. You just have fun, love.”> 

 

<”Thank you.”> ‘I love you too’ remained unspoken. 

 

They parted, and Cordelia called after Camila as she set off. <”Don't forget to send me the pictures too!”> 

 

Princess made sure to meander as they made their way over to the alley. They ignored that each step felt heavier than the last, and the feeling deep in their gut too. This was not the time to falter or make a stupid mistake, there would be no second chance. Whether they ended up free or a floret was riding on the next few moments, and the plan was far from guaranteed. They needed to focus, they'd deal with consequences when their time came. 

 

Following the sway of the crowd was easy enough. Princess even stopped twice to gawk at a booth. Acting like a floret came naturally, as long as they didn't let their emotions break they would blend in. The short walk was like fighting their way upstream. An unfortunate demand on their all-too-short time and waning conviction. They would have to move fast once they got the door open. It would take Miss a minute or two to get to the statue, and another to realize that they hadn't. 

 

Princess had let themselves slip too far into the floret act, and it cost them precious prep time. They would have to source the tourniquet on site. All they really needed was a bit of scrap metal for the windlass, they could get cloth from the dress. Ruining such a lovely thing was a shame, but it was unlikely they'd find anything better. 

 

After it was done, they’d have to quickly make their way through the tunnels. The Affini would descend on their position fast. It was a good thing Miss had given them boots today, they'd need them to cover the distance. With a lot of luck they could make it out through another entrance to the network before it was completely locked down. Then it was just a case of finding somewhere to lay low. Some abandoned building somewhere, or something off the grid. A few weeks on their own would hopefully be enough to clear their head. 

 

The entrance to the alleyway caught Princess off guard as they arrived. It felt friendlier than they expected it to, Miss Dawnbloom’s flowers across the two buildings that created it. A man who they could only assume was Patrick grinning widely as he breaded lumps of potatoes behind the booth, turning to serve his equally happy customers. There was an odd sadness to using a stranger like this. A novel feeling, with what they'd done to people that had considered them close before. People like Daisy. They ducked into the alley without further delay. 

 

The door lay there, just a dozen meters away, beckoning Princess. Its paint was a deep red, like pooling blood, peeling and dirty. The rusted durasteel poked through from underneath, like bone under rotting flesh. They approached it in a trance, fixated on the bulkhead. The wheel was neither locked, nor welded, and almost all its paint had been rubbed off from use. It was the only part that shone, glistening like precious jewels. Princess reached out to grab the handle and the opportunity.

 

We can't do this.

 

A chill ran through them as Princess realized they were whole again. Actually, they had been whole for a while, hadn't they? They couldn't plan like this on their own. 

 

We don't truly exist without both reflections, we can't be apart for long. Just like we can't do this.

 

Princess gripped the cold exposed metal of the bulkhead in protest. They needed to try, they needed to. They couldn't give up at the first sign of difficulty, no matter how much they wanted to. Miss had said that removing the conditioning was distressing, and Miss was always right. 

 

This plan can't work. All this is doing is causing more trouble for everyone, including ourselves. 

 

Princess could feel the skin pulled taut around their knuckles. It had to work. They couldn't bear it if they threw in the towel here. How could they face Daisy after lying to her like that if they just gave up right away? That they took advantage of her innocence for nothing? 

 

The Affini will have the site locked down in under a minute, and the first place they start searching will be around the nearby exits. It won't be hard to find us, we'll be leaving a fairly significant blood trail. 

 

They would figure out something, they were good at that. It was a long shot, but it was what they had. 

 

What about food or water? We can't eat synthcubes, and going out is a massive risk. It would be hard to hide a missing arm. How many times could we sneak out from whatever hole we crawl into before an Affini sees us? 

 

Maybe they could- okay, no, they were too spoiled to ever choke down a synthcube again. Miss had seen to that. The thought alone made them feel sick. Perhaps if they- no, no, rooting through garbage in the post scarcity Compact was the most surefire way to draw attention to themselves. There was- no. Uhhh- no, that was fanciful even for a daydream. Th-they would figure something out!

 

Jackal would. Princess can't even get dressed by herself.

 

The bulkhead groaned as it turned, before it unlocked with a loud cha-chunk. The door swung open on its own weight, as though politely inviting them inside. Red emergency lights illuminated the descent into the earth. The hellish path sat in front of them like an open grave. All they had to do was get in.

 

We aren't doing this. 

 

Try as they might, Princess stayed rooted to the spot. Why was this happening? Wasn't this hard enough? They already had to leave Miss and Daisy, and they'd never get to make up with Jess. They didn't even want to leave, so why were they making it so much harder for themselves?!

 

We didn't. We didn't need to. Why would we be able to leave when we can't even get rid of Mr Bear? 

 

Mr Bear? Princess hadn't realized just how tightly they had been squeezing the plushie to their chest until now. Even loosening their grip on it was hard, it was the only thing soothing the ache of Miss’ absence. Why would they ever abandon him?

 

Beyond the fact that he could have a tracker? He has her biorhythm in him. 

 

What? Wasn't a biorhythm composed of a living things’, like, posture and vibe and stuff? How could you just put it in an inanimate object? Still, it made a distressing amount of sense; they had gotten attached to him almost instantly. The only time they felt okay without him was with Miss. The only time they felt okay without Miss was with him. 

 

How are we going to decondition ourselves of her we're still clinging onto her biorhythm? 

 

That was- was- they could get rid of him later, once they came down a little more! Going cold turkey was probably a bad idea anyways, right?

 

We couldn't drop him even if we tried. 

 

Princess tried to force their arm to budge, their grip to loosen, to toss the teddy to the wayside and march down the stairs. It wouldn't listen to them, trembling as it clung even tighter to the bear. 

 

How can we leave Mistress if we can't even leave Mr Bear? What about Daisy? She never needed any biorhythm to get us to fall for her. Walking alone for two minutes was taxing, how many more can we last? Five? Ten? Just long enough to make a mistake?

 

Princess shivered at the thought, even five minutes without either of them felt like facing an eternity in isolation. How could they go back to- to how they used to live? That loneliness so crushing and absolute that they couldn't even recognize it for what it was?

 

We both know that we can't.

 

Despair washed over them- where did they go wrong? Princess' mind searched desperately for the answer; was it when she let Miss start feeding her all her meals? No, they were already happily nuzzling into her every touch then. Asking to be hypnotized? They had needed the sense of safety so badly... if anything, them asking for it only proved that the true mistake was earlier. Letting her bathe them? Give her class Zs? Gs? Letting Miss help her onto the train seat the first time?

 

None of them. We were always trying to outmaneuver Mistress, but we weren't even playing the same game. None of the Affini are.

 

That was it, wasn't it? Princess had bound herself to rules of conquest and the art of war but the Affini do not fight. The Affini do not have wars. They don't need to. They had long ago obtained the purest form of what Princess has spent her whole life seeking. Supreme Excellence. 

 

We never stood a chance.

Princess felt something within her break upon the revelation like a ship upon a rocky shore.

She was a pet, she was always going to be a pet. It didn't matter if the wardship was real or fake or which Affini it was under. It didn't even matter if they were even granted independence in the first place, because the outcomes were all the same. The Affini were never going to let her simply retreat from society, without the ability to even feel happy. Their cooperation hadn't sealed or even truly expedited their fate, it only made it easier on themselves. 

 

Finally, we realize.

 

Princess fell against the door frame. It hurt, it hurt so bad. They were a pet and it hurt. They'd been a pet for some time, honestly, it just wasn't until now that she could let herself see it. Despite the ache, it was also the most freeing feeling they had ever felt. No longer would they have to struggle with trying to be something they're not, no longer would they have to push themselves into trying to be fine on their own. They could simply exist now, without a care about what was expected from a ‘person.’ They had been released from a lifetime of pretending to be something they were not and yet they couldn't enjoy it. If they were a floret, then that meant they were- were-

 

Property again, yes. It'll be okay this time, Mistress will never mistreat us. 

 

What had all of this fighting been for? All this plotting? Princess had lied to Daisy, even torn themselves in half, and for what? 

 

It's alright, we're together again and Mistress will take care of everything. 

 

Princess collapsed onto their knees, clutching Mr Bear to their chest. Their sobs echoed down the stairs, their tears stained the ground. Everything was swirling, and keeping their heart rate level was growing challenging, though not half as much as keeping their lunch down. 

 

They needed Mistress badly, and they needed her now. 

 

“Little one?” An Affini voice came from somewhere that was still real. <”Dirt!”> Princess could feel the air get displaced around them as the Affini crossed the distance in a heartbeat. “Are you alright? What's wrong? Did you get separated from your owner?” 

 

‘Owner’ echoed in Princess' head as they broke down further. They collapsed face first into the dirt, their tears muddying their face. They had failed, utterly, and there was no way they could hide their plan from the Affini. There was nothing left but surrender now, and whatever mercy it brought. There was a flash from their cuff, tucked deeply in their dress. With Herculean effort, they choked out one word. “Puh-lee-hee-ease.”

 

“I- uhm- a-alright cutie.” Princess felt a merciful sting. “I promise you'll be with your owner by the time you wake up.” 

 

The last things to cross her fading consciousness was the ensuing comfort of Mistress' vines, the shrill sound coming from the cuff, and <“Oh mulch.”>

-_-_-_- 

Camila felt like- like- what was that terran expression again? In the moon? She was in the moon, positively glowing with joy and anticipation as she moved through the crowds. The unity statue was in sight, a few sophonts gawking at it, others keeping the brass well polished by rubbing either figure. In a few moments, they would have something else to admire. 

 

Princess wasn't here yet, Camila didn't need to look around to know that much. She was more than happy to wait a few moments. The little cutie probably just got stuck in the crowd somewhere along the way. Any second now she would walk into the opening, and their eyes would meet. 

 

Camila contemplated what she would do, quickly deciding to let Princess cross most of the space on her own. The girl wanted to come to her of her volition, and it was her final act as an ‘independent.’ It only made sense to wait until she could sweep her up into her vines underneath the statue. 

 

Princess would doubtlessly stumble over her words, losing what resolve she had as she was awestruck by Camila. She'd help her find her voice of course, a hefty dose of class D with a hint of class E would loosen her tongue enough. If she wanted to give herself to her, it was only right to give her the strength to ask. 

 

Camila would spend the rest of the day showing Princess how right she was to ask, how much she was already hers, and how much further she had to go. There would be no room for doubt in her head by the time the sun set. She was going to know exactly how loved and cherished she- 

 

Camila's pad blared with a special alarm, one that made her every leaf and petal freeze.  She practically tore the pad out of herself as everything around her lost color, sound, meaning. Her dreams were supplanted by a living nightmare.

 

Princess was dying.