Dog of War

Camila had to hold back a squeal as Princess wept; everything was going so well! From the Terran pouting when she stopped petting her, to loving the boots, all was going according to plan. She had been worried about the mirror most of all, and even that went as well as she had hoped! It was almost disappointing, considering how much she had accounted for, but only almost. It was so cute to see the little one this happy, and the way she snuggled into Camila’s vines was even more precious! 

 

Princess deserved every bit of joy, and so much more. Camila would make sure she got it all in due time. Until her mood calmed, this small comfort would have to do.

 

Eventually, the girl’s crying did slow. Camila dried the final tears from her face with a soft leaf. “Feeling better, little one?” 

 

“Uh-huh,” Princess sniffled, not moving. 

 

“Did you want a few more minutes?” 

 

Princess nodded, effectively nuzzling into her. 

 

“Would you like me to hold you?” 

 

“...Yes, Miss.” 

 

Camila happily scooped her up, continuing to dote on her. Princess let out the most adorable sigh of relief, relaxing into the caress. It was so cute how much her mere presence relaxed the sophonts, how she couldn't resist rubbing her face into any vine that came near enough. That smile that came naturally now was all too precious. Cutest of all was how nervous she had become since yesterday, since she realized she wanted to be a pet. Camila’s leaves rustled with delight at the mere memory of Cordelia showing her the chat logs. 

 

Camila carried Princess out to the living room, taking a seat on the couch. She sent Cordelia a message, letting her know she could come over in ten minutes. That should be enough time to get Princess’ emotions back to baseline, and seeing Daisy would help bring them back up. The floret had been wildly excited since yesterday, largely due to Princess' acceptance of her impending pethood. She would have her pinnate soon enough. 

 

It was so close now, Princess being her. The girl was already there in spirit, she had been nothing but receptive to Camila's every touch. She even murmured happily as vines wrapped possessively around her. Just a scant few hours separated Camila from being her owner, and all the most worrisome obstacles were already behind them. They just needed to enjoy the festival, Princess would eagerly throw herself into her vines when asked. 

 

Minutes passed in a cozy near-silence. Then the door opened. Daisy burst into the room, ready to pounce. Camila could sense her unbridled excitement even without her biorhythm. Cordelia placed a vine on her shoulder. “Dear, please, you and Princess will have plenty of time together today.”

 

“It's alright,” Camila chuckled, rousing Princess from her daze. “I'm sure she just wants to see her girlfriend.”

 

“Hello Miss Dawnbloom, heya Daisy!” Jess greeted. 

 

“Hello cutie~”

 

“Hiii Jess!” Daisy waved emphatically at the ceiling. “Are you super pumped up for today?”

 

“Yeah! I was actually about to transfer over to help Viola run the final checks and test it out!”

 

“Eeee! I can't wait to give you a real hug and go to a buncha booths and hang out and junk!”

 

“Me neither!”

 

“Mnh? Miss?” Princess stirred, looking up at her with those wonderfully vacant eyes, only the smallest sputterings of independence behind them. Oh, how they made her hunger stir, how she wanted to swallow those final few sparks already.

 

“Hello, Princess.” Camila gave her a scritch and delighted as the light flickered out once again. “Daisy is here.”

 

“Oh?” Camila could practically hear her mental gears grinding as Princess tilted her head. 

 

She gave her another scritch to help jumpstart her brain. “Yes, I thought you three might want to visit a little before the festival.” 

 

Princess jolted at Camila's touch, as though it were electric. “Yuhh-yes Miss!” She was lowered to the floor with a lingering pet.

 

Daisy wasted no time in practicing her hugging for Jess. Camila had to make sure she didn't bowl Princess over. “AAAAAA Ohmigosh, Princess ! Your hair, your dress ! You look so cute!”

 

Princess returned the hug, almost matching Daisy’s enthusiasm as Cordelia embraced Camila. “Hi Daisy! And yeah, we really like it too.” 

 

Daisy let out a prolonged gasp. “Wait, are you allowed to see yourself now?!” 

 

“Uhm-” Princess looked to Camila. She smiled and gave a nod, there was no reason to hide how adorable she was from her anymore. “Yeah, Miss let us look in the mirror just before you came over.” 

 

“Eeeee!” Daisy danced in place, more animated than before. “You should let me do your makeup!”

 

Princess shifted. “We're not sure, we’re kinda fine with how we look now?” 

 

“Awwh, I've been wanting to do it since our sleepover though. I promise if you don't like it we can just take it off!” Princess continued to look conflicted, prompting Daisy to pout. “Pleeeeeease?” 

 

There were few sophonts that could resist the pout of such an adorable floret. Princess was not one of them. “Nn, alright.” 

 

“Yes!” Daisy pumped her fist, before taking Princess by the hand and leading her to the kitchen. “C’mon!” 

 

“Be careful with Princess, petal!” Cordelia called after the Terrans, laughing as the door closed. Camila shuddered as her friends' vines worked their way into her own. By the Everbloom, she was so close. “Those two are absolutely adorable together, aren't they?” 

 

Camila took a risk, and rested her head against Cordelia’s. “I can't until we tell them that they'll be moving together.”

 

“Oh, I'm sure I'll have to sedate Daisy a little just so she doesn't injure herself. Probably today too, when she finds out about you asking Princess to be your pet. She hasn't been nearly this energetic since I showed her her new garden. All she's been talking about since that text message is ‘when will Princess be a floret’ and how she knew she was a ‘massive seed’ and all the ‘floret things’ they're going to do once she's domesticated.” 

 

“Oh?” Camila couldn't help but laugh at the thought. “What sort of ‘floret things?’”

 

“Mostly getting ‘stupid high’ and having sex, often with us helping. She's really eager to-”

 

The door opened, Daisy leading Princess out with a bundle under her other arm. Princess was saying something. “-good idea if we're going to be eating?” 

 

“Do you really think the Affini would make makeup that smudges? Okay, they do, but that's more for sloppy makeouts and stuff instead of-” The pair disappeared into the bathroom as quickly as they came. 

 

“Aaa, cute !” Camila could feel Cordelia's leaves rustling against her, tickling her own. “As I was saying, she's super been looking forward to ‘getting inside all that ass.’ You may want to get her a biomod for that, or start training her, whichever.”

 

“I was thinking a bit of both, she'll definitely appreciate it given Daisy’s size and vigor.” 

 

“A good call! It seems like things here have been going well.”

 

Camila’s flowers bloomed, her vines curling into Cordelia's. “It's been wonderful ! She's melted into every touch, and it's all going exactly to plan! I don't think I've ever been so excited, Cordelia, I just know today is going to be perfect !” 

 

Cordelia moved to face Camila, embracing her more fully. She was so radiant. “You deserve all of it, love. Everything that you worked for today and more.”

 

Camila nearly confessed on the spot. Instead, she returned the embrace, letting her form weave into Cordelia's, their cores nearly touching. “Thank you.” 

 

The two Affini stayed like that until the door opened again, quickly pulling themselves apart. Daisy confidently led Princess into the living room, trying to hide her blush in her bear. Something had clearly happened between the two. A few well placed vines was all it took to get the girl to show her face, a bit cuter all dolled up. Everyone took turns flustering her even further, the six sophonts passing the time in joyous rapport. 

 

Then it was time to leave. Jess excused herself, transferring over to Viola, Cordelia looped a vine through Daisy's collar, Princess took her hand, and Camila gave her a pet. With that the group headed out. 

-_-_-_-

Princess was in awe as she entered the festival, sounds of laughter and excitement filled the air as the sun shone overhead. Petals danced in the cool ocean breeze, falling in perpetuity from the flowers strung over the crowded streets. Sophonts of all kinds, including xenos Princess had never seen before, filled the wide avenues. Some looked like cats, or dogs, or deer, or dolls. Others were even more exotic; four-legged creatures with an upper torso, crystalline insects, lumbering machinery unlike anything in the Accord. There were even some rinans, far from home. 

 

The majority present were accompanied by Affini holding their leashes. There were a few unattended Terrans, sticking together in small groups, but they were far outnumbered. It was clear at a glance that this was a festival that started as an elaborate domestication. Nowhere was this more blatant than the booths.

 

While the food stands, which were a good third of all booths, had a noticeable independent representation, they were the exception. The majority were various games and services, almost exclusively run by Affini. ‘Dunk the Feral’ with what was obviously a floret, ‘Custom Collars’ where an Affini was helping a shy terran get fitted, ‘Domestication race!’ which seemed to be a water gun race, ‘Snuggle off’ where a few florets were aggressively cuddling and making out, ‘Hug the beeple’ which didn't even seem like a game but did have plushie replicas of the beeple to give away, ‘LIVE FERAL BREAKING’ over a currently empty stage. One was just labeled ‘Horny bobbing for Apples’ which seemed to be just the normal event only with a lot

more bondage. Booths for grafts, for signing up for Domestication, for getting pictures taken in silly period costumes, live music, art, plays, and more. Interspersed through them all were empty tents, their purpose obvious from the sounds coming from the few in use. The tents didn't contain all the sexual content- a few spots were simply Affini making displays out of their moaning, whimpering pets. 

 

Even here, at the fringes of the festival, the air was intoxicating. Princess felt as though she had taken combat stimulants, albeit without the aggressiveness. “Is it always like this?” 

 

Daisy hummed. “It's a little busier this time? The petals are new!” 

 

“Yes, I helped bioengineer them, actually.” Cordelia preened. “They’re strawberry flavored, and safe for any floret that can ingest them! The plants themselves are also bioluminescent, but you won't be able to tell until the sun starts to set.” 

 

They were flavored? Princess plucked one out of the ruffles of her shirt and tried it, only to find the claim true. “Huh.” Typical Affini extravagance, she supposed. 

 

“Yeah, Mistress is the best!” Daisy latched onto her owner, praising her as she was lavished with pets. “She's so smart and pretty and talented and amazing and- and- ooOOoohhh.”

 

Miss used this as an excuse to give Princess a pet of her own, not that she minded. She did at least keep from moaning by biting her lip. “So do we just start checking out random booths or-?” 

 

Miss fielded the question, as Daisy was still in her Affini's vines. “Traditionally, you plant your flowers before you enjoy the festival proper. I don't see why we can't stop at a few on the way, though.”

 

“There's sadly less of a focus on the actual planting recently. Even with flowers on site for those who didn't bring one, the percentage of people planting has been declining.” Miss Dawnbloom sighed, almost contemplative as she doted over Daisy. “At first it was the festival that was an afterthought,” she grumbled.

 

“Aww, its okay Mistress! The amount planted is still going up, y’know.” 

 

“That's true.” Miss Dawnbloom gave her hair a vigorous ruffling, regaining her usual shine. “As long as you're happy, I am. It is a bit too big now for everyone to go plant at once.” 

 

“...So we're planting first then?” Princess asked, unsure what the plan was or what to make of any of that. She had never seen the Affini upset about anything before. 

 

“Yes, but we’ll get a treat on the way,” Miss Dawnbloom confirmed, releasing Daisy. “This festival’s planting grounds aren't far from here, it won't take all that long.” 

 

“Oo, let's get some cotton candy!” Daisy cheered. “It's like, the classic festival snack, and I know Princess hasn't had any!”

 

“I think that's a lovely idea, petal.” 

 

“Sounds good.” Princess smiled, taking Daisy's hand as the group began to move, passing more booths as they went. 

 

There seemed to be a number of games that were paperwork-based, mostly being enjoyed by Affini. One of which seemed to be a race between two Affini to fill out a comically large stack of paperwork, each with a floret in their lap trying to distract them. As far as Princess could tell, not a single Affini had managed to finish the paperwork. Stacks of half-finished forms sat near Affini doting over pets. 

 

‘Publicly fuck your floret’ was a whole genre of displays in itself, with a few subsets. They ranged from the aforementioned artsy set ups, to ‘free use florets;’ largely bound individuals with nearby Affini watching them be plowed. For a moment, Princess thought she recognized one of them that was blindfolded, her mouth being thoroughly used by a large three-eyed fox. Every such display made her blush and quickly avert her gaze.

 

Princess also noted that there were Affini stationed around, simply to keep an eye on things. Hopefully they wouldn't prove problematic when the time came. The crowds were fairly busy, and she would only need a moment to sneak out of them. All she needed was to stretch her luck just a bit further. 

 

Princess also made sure to keep an eye out for that flag, that humble potato booth that marked her exit point. She hadn't seen it yet, but the grounds weren’t too large. It was only a matter of time, really. Once she found it and snuck into the alleyway, it was simply a matter of whether the door was sealed or not. 

 

A vine tapped Princess' chest as Daisy stopped. Ah- Miss had found a booth with the ‘cotton candy.’ A strange, bright, and multi-colored thing that certainly looked like its name. The Affini collected a cone each from the floret working the booth. 

 

“Thank you, petal.” Miss tore a bit off the cone, and fed it to Princess with a tap and a stroke. It was immediately apparent that the sweet needed no chewing as it melted in her mouth. She thumped her foot, gosh that was tasty!

 

The booth runner smiled. “No problem Miss, love seeing other florets enjoy themselves!” 

 

“Especially two so cute,” their Affini added, cooing.

 

Ah. Princess' face flushed, and it only intensified under Miss’ gaze. “W-we're not-” the words caught in her throat. Having seen herself, she wasn't sure she could actually convince anyone she wasn't a pet, even without a collar. This would be over faster if she just let it slide. “...thanks.” She tried to ignore the satisfaction radiating off of Miss as she fed her another piece. Gosh, it was really good. 

 

“Yeah thanks, it's really good!” Daisy added. “Hope you have a good festival!” 

 

“You too!” They both waved as the group left the booth. 

 

The Affini kept feeding them pieces of their cotton candy as they made their way to wherever it was they were going. Princess didn't want to risk her plan being uncovered by looking up a map. The various sights and sounds continued to impress; almost overwhelming but never crossing that line. Everything seemed to come together, moving in time as if there was a drum line. Flower lanterns swayed in the breeze, the rippling of the crowds, the movement of the lines- it was as if the festival itself was alive, as though it had its own biorhythm. Knowing the Affini, it probably was the case. If this is what it was like at its tenth iteration, what would the hundredth or even thousandth be like? 

 

“It's really cool, huh?” Daisy's voice snapped Princess out of her trance. 

 

“Oh, uh, yeah. You said you've been to these a few times?”

 

“Uh-huh, this is only like my third one though.” 

 

“Seventh, petal,” Miss Dawnbloom corrected. 

 

“Woah, really? Huh.” Daisy didn't seem bothered by the reveal in the slightest as she was fed more cotton candy. “Anyways they're super fun to just walk around and do stuff and eat snacks and junk.”

 

“It's certainly...” Princess eyed a booth with the sign ‘Floret Pinata’ where several Affini were happily working on untangling a floret, injectors glistening. “Lively.” 

 

“We should play some collar toss once we plant the flowers, they always have really cool prizes.” 

 

“Collar toss?” 

 

“Yeah, it's like ring toss, but with a toy collar! Whatever plushie it lands on you get to keep. I get most of my plushies here, actually.” 

 

Princess found it hard to imagine another plushie supplanting Mr Bear's place in her arms, or her heart, but a few more couldn't hurt. Maybe if she had more she wouldn't feel so lonely the moment Miss left the room. There was an issue, though. “Winning more plushies sounds fun, but we’re not sure about the part where we throw collars.” 

 

“Oh, right.” Daisy frowned. 

 

“Aww, don't be sad, I'm sure there are a lot of games Princess can enjoy, petal!” Miss Dawnbloom soothed her pet. “Besides, Camila can play collar toss for her.” 

 

“Oo, yeah! I bet she's really good at it, too.”

 

“I can't say I've played before, but it can't be too difficult.” Miss gave Princess another piece. “Do let me know if you see any games you'd like to try though, this is for you too.” 

 

Princess savored the confection as it melted on her tongue, taking a look around before replying. “Yes Miss.” The games all seemed to be simple activities largely won with either luck or minimal effort, and most were heavily domestication themed. The food booths did grab her attention, each one seemed tantalizing. Everything from light sweets to full meals was on offer, leaning heavily towards snack foods. It was a pity that she couldn't try them all. 

 

The group turned a corner, and Princess saw what could only be the true heart of the Flower Festival. The area opened up, sprawling out before her, and everywhere were groups of sophonts and Affini. The majority were planting flowers, but some were working with small bushes and saplings. A few Affini were even carrying fully grown trees, as though they were the simple potted flowers their florets held. A massive, sprawling park was being made in a matter of hours. 

 

Princess stopped in her tracks, stunned at the feat of organization taking place before her. “Woah...” 

 

“Yeah, it's really cool huh?” Daisy tugged her gently along. “C’mon, let's go do our part so we can enjoy the festival!” 

 

“R-right.” Seeing all the sophonts move in time was mesmerizing, but not half as impressive as what Princess realized next- no one seemed to actually be in charge. There were some Affini standing around observing things, but none of them were directing anyone to do more than take a break. Seemingly content to just watch all the ‘cuties’ going to and fro. “Uhm, where do we plant stuff?” 

 

“Oh, you know, wherever feels right.” Daisy replied, looking around. “You just sorta know, you know? Tell me if you find it!” 

 

Princess looked around herself, seeing if anything in particular stood out. At first, nothing did. The land was flat, only shaped by the pathways and the things that were already planted. Miss Dawnbloom was leading Daisy though, who was leading her, and she seemed to have some involvement with the festival at large. Did she have a place in mind, or was she also subject to the whims of the festival? Princess was still dwelling on the question when she saw it- a small spot in front of a medium-sized bush, near a bend in the path, just big enough for two flowers. She instantly knew that it was the spot meant for her. 

 

“There.” She pointed. 

 

“Huh?” Daisy whipped her head around. “Oo, yeah! That's perfect! Mistress! Mistress!” 

 

Miss Dawnbloom laughed, “I see it dear, it's a lovely spot.”  Then her chest opened up, revealing both of the amaryllis they had dug up with Daisy early in the week. Or started to dig up, rather. “Here you are.” She handed each of them one of the potted plants.

 

Princess took it awkwardly, trying to hold it without dirtying her dress. It was just a bit too large to grasp with one hand, and she couldn't wrap her arm around it either. If the plant didn't snag her dress, the dirt was likely to spill out. How was she supposed to plant anything when she was this dressed up, anyways? 

 

Miss gently tugged Mr Bear out of her grasp, giving her a headpat as she instinctively reached for the teddy. “Let me hold onto him for a few minutes while you three plant. I promise I'll give him back right after.”

 

“R-right.” That at least solved one problem, but Princess still had the other. She glanced around, hoping a solution would present itself. It quickly found her- the flower festival was about Affini and terrans coming together. Every group had an Affini directly assisting or making sure they had what they needed. Even Daisy was already waiting by the spot with Miss Dawnbloom, who held a trowel in one of her vines.

 

Princess held the pot up, “Could you help us plant it, Miss? We don't wanna get our dress dirty.” 

 

A vine brushed through Princess' hair, looping around her head until it rested under her chin. She soon lost herself in those eyes, deeper even than the oceans of Ganymede. “Of course, Princess, I'll make sure you couldn't so much as wrinkle it if you tried. Just let me handle everything.”

 

Princess' felt her heart trying to leap out of her chest. “Y-yes Miss.” She squeaked out, immediately turning to join Daisy in a poor attempt to hide how flustered that made her. Stars, Miss was something else when she got serious. She wished she still had Mr Bear as she fidgeted with the pot. Burying her face in the plushie didn't actually hide anything but it did make her feel better.

 

Miss Dawnbloom greeted her with a smile. “Do you mind if I dig for you, cutie?” 

 

“No.” Princess could feel her frayed emotions flaring up again, feeling moved for some inexplicable reason. That weird fuzzy feeling sat on her chest like a weight, making breathing laborious. Hopefully it would pass soon. 

 

Daisy leaning into her helped steady Princess’ mood as her Mistress quickly made two holes. “I'm so happy I get to do this with you this time.” 

 

“Uu-” Now Princess was choked up for real, tears were certainly inevitable. Why was everyone so nice ? Miss, Daisy, even Miss Dawnbloom, as obnoxious as she could be- they were always so willing to help her and so kind! Was this what being loved is? 

 

“Shhh, it's okay petal.” Miss wrapped herself around Princess, and she felt a sting. She could tell it was a much needed dose of E by the feel of calm washing over her. She sighed, exhaling the pent up emotion. “I told you I'd handle everything, didn't I?” 

 

“Mhmm.” She let herself sink into the Affini's biorhythm. Miss was right, as always. All she had to do was relax, and let her handle everything.

 

Princess felt thin vines wrap up her arms and fingers, directing her movement as she kneeled down. Daisy hiked up her dress, her own Affini helping keep her clothes clean. Miss helped her lift the plant from the pot, placing the white-and-pink flower in tandem with Daisy. Miss Dawnbloom collected the empty pots, using the trowel to even out the dirt, and they were done. The two flowers were about ten centimeters apart, well framed by the dark green leaves of the bush behind them. They leaned towards each other, their petals just barely out of reach. 

 

Daisy threw her arms around Princess, pulling her in for a kiss. She returned it happily, Miss helping her stay upright. Daisy pulled back, that look in her eyes. “I love you.”

 

“We love you, too.” Princess meant it more than she has ever meant anything, kissing Daisy back. The pair rapidly devolved into a fit of giggles and smooches, echoing each other's declarations of love. Nestled between their Affini, it was a truly perfect moment.

 

“Awwh, aren't they just totally precious, Camila?” 

 

“Absolutely adorable!” Miss swooned. Princess could sense she was barely holding herself back from petting her silly. 

 

Princess could do little but blush, leaving Daisy to be the one to speak. “So can we go back to the festival now Mistress?! I wanna play some games with Princess!” 

 

“Of course dear, if Princess is ready,” Miss Dawnbloom chuckled, petting her floret. 

 

That was all Miss needed to stop holding herself back. Princess let out an 'eep' as she was swept up once more, where she belonged. The sound quickly devolved into moans as vines scritched behind her ear, at the base of her skull, and stroked her cheek. “What do you say, petal? Would you like to go back to the festival?”

 

There was only one word left in her head. “Yeshhh.” 

 

“Lovely~” Miss gave her one last salvo of petting, and her thighs a squeeze before lowering her back down. She handed her Mr Bear and fed her another bit of cotton candy. “Let's head back.” 

 

Miss Dawnbloom hooked a vine through Daisy’s collar, and Princess took her girlfriend's hand. As she was led away, she shot one last look back at the two flowers, just in time to see them knock together in a breeze. 

 

Being in the festival proper was almost a relief compared to the planting site. The crowds were thicker in the streets, but the pulling at the back of her mind was greatly lessened. Princess didn't realize just how thick it had been until she had some distance from it. It was no wonder Daisy couldn't remember exactly how many she had been to. Already the memories were beginning to take on a dream-like quality. 

 

Daisy poked Princess’ in the cheek, getting her attention. “So whatcha wanna do first?” 

 

“Oh, uh-” Princess looked around, most of what caught her eye was the snacks. There were all sorts of sweets, and deep fried things, and deep fried sweets. However, they were both still only halfway through the cotton candy, and waiting in a snack line wasn't very exciting. Yet none of the games really looked all that appealing. Still, Daisy had wanted to play a few. Maybe they could be fun? “How about a game? You can pick.” 

 

“Oo, alright! Hmm you don't wanna play collar toss so, uh, let'sss-” Daisy twisted side to side, looking all around. “Oh- let's do that!” She pointed at a booth. Princess could just make out a large target board through the crowd, a few suction cups arrows sticking to it. The bunny floret running the booth handed a bunny plushie to another pet, who skipped happily as they were led away by their owner. 

 

“Huh, alright.” 

 

“Yeah, it'll be fun, c'mon!” Daisy took the lead as the group made their way over to it. 

 

“Hiya!” The floret running the booth greeted, her large ears bouncing. “I'm Vicky Taraxa, second floret, she/her, and this is my Master, Alexander Taraxa, sixth bloom!” She motioned to an Affini behind her that leaned heavily to the alien side, more of a mockery of the Terran form than anything. 

 

“Hello, little ones~ He/Him, by the way.” 

 

Vicky’s ears shot straight up, “Ah! Sorry, Sir!”

 

“It's alright pet, you'll make it up to me later.” Mr Taraxa’s various eyes glowed like embers with a familiar predation. Princess figured she must be getting used to Affini, as she still found him more comforting than anything. The Affini leaned down over his floret, placing two toy bows and a half dozen arrows in her hands. “For now, why don't you explain the rules of the game?” 

 

Princess didn't need to guess how Vicky would be making it up to him by the way she rubbed her legs together, thumping her foot. “R-r-right! Uhm- Y’see y’just-” She fumbled the items, spilling them onto the floor. “Ack! One sec!” Princess got a good view of her bunny tail and absolutely huge ass as she bent over to pick them up. 

 

Daisy's breath was hot on her ear as leaned in to whisper. “See somethin’ ya like?” 

 

It was Princess' turn to be flustered. “That's not it, where else are we supposed to look?!” She struggled to keep her voice low, hoping those big ears were just cosmetic. 

 

“Oh come on, she's totally hot! I'd love to-” 

 

Daisy stopped as Vicky popped back up, bows and arrows in hand. “Sorry about that! Anyways, the rules are simple- you get three shots and uhmm, you try to hit the target! The closer to the center you get, the more points you get! Then Sir adds up all the points and you get a bun!” She offered both of them a bow and arrows.

 

“Sounds simple enough.” Princess took the bow, examining it closely. It was excessively cutesy, the grip covered in white fuzz and pink hearts decorating the limbs. Despite this, it was intriguing, and a little exciting. She had studied many wars in which bows were a deciding factor, but she had never held one, let alone actually used one. When it came down to survival, trapping was usually better than trying to fashion a weapon for active hunting- less energy expended. “So both of us at the same time?” 

 

Vicky looked to her Master, who gave her a nod. “Yeah! Don't worry about releasing the string without an arrow or anything by the way, Master took care of the safety measures.” 

 

Daisy notched an arrow and sent it flying, landing one circle just outside with a loud ‘plap!’ “Nice!” She pumped her fist, beaming. “C'mon Princess, give it a try!” 

 

She gave the string a few tugs, testing the draw strength and the flexibility of the bow. The string was remarkably easy to pull, but had much greater strength than it seemed. Satisfied, Princess notched an arrow of her own, took aim at the picture of Vicky in the center and... Missed the target entirely. The arrow immediately veered hard to the right, and a vine snatched it out of the air. 

 

“Pfft.” Daisy tried not to laugh. Princess did her best to shoot her a well practiced glare, only succeeding in making her giggle. “You're cute when you pout.” She stuck out her tongue as she let loose another arrow, hitting directly in the center. “Oh hell yeah!”

 

Princess puffed up, she didn't even look that time! She did her best to stay level-headed as she made sure the arrow was notched correctly. Some aspects of shooting a gun had to apply here, and getting heated was a sure way to mess up your aim. She let go, and the arrow landed on the second most outer ring.  “Yes!” Her confidence immediately rallied. It still wasn't as good as she'd like, but it was much better! She could live with ‘better.’

 

“Good job!” Daisy congratulated Princess, and they both took aim for the final shot together. Princess' landed just outside the center, Daisy's landed in the middle ring. 

 

“Wonderful! You-” Mr Taraxa pointed at Daisy. “Got one hundred fifty points, and you got sixty points, that means you both win a bun!” He suddenly retrieved a row of different bunny plushies from beneath the counter, each with different styles. “Pick whichever one you like!” 

 

Daisy let out an “ooo” noise and immediately started browsing the selection, but Princess was confused. “Whichever one we like? What were the points for, then?”

 

“Well everyone likes points!” Vicky beamed. “If you want, Master can pick one for you, or you could just ask your Mistress!” 

 

“Sh-she's not- uhm-” Princess fidgeted with Mr Bear, she had expected this would happen again, but that didn't make her anymore prepared! 

 

A comforting vine lay over her shoulder. “Princess is still a ward, actually,” Miss corrected, before selecting a light pink bunny with a small crown on one of its ears. “However, I think this one would be quite lovely, don't you petal?”

 

“Y-yes Miss.” Princess swallowed a dryness in her throat. It was really cute...

 

“Good girls~” Miss fed her the remainder of the cotton candy, scritching at the back of her neck. Princess could do little but surrender to the pleasure, she was a good girl!

 

When Princess came to, she found not just Miss, but Mr Taraxa looking at her hungrily. It was Daisy that spoke first, however. “Got it!” She exclaimed, pulling out a bunny that looked like it had been stitched together from the scraps of several others. Despite this, it had an undeniable cuteness to it. “Thanks, Sir!” 

 

“Oh, thanks!” Princess awkwardly added, feeling embarrassed she forgot to be polite. 

 

“Oh, it's my pleasure to meet such adorable sophonts. I hope you all continue to enjoy the festival!” 

 

“We will!” Miss Dawnbloom called back, starting to lead Daisy, and by extension Princess, away. 

 

“How about that one next?” Daisy called out, pointing out a booth where blindfold volunteers were stumbling around, trying to stick needles onto a cutout of a floret. 

 

Miss Dawnbloom pat Daisy’s head. “You already picked the first booth, petal. Let Princess pick one.” 

 

Princess shrugged. “It's fine, we don't mind doing whatever Daisy wants to.”

 

Miss gave her a head pat of her own. “I'm sure you don't Princess, but I want you to participate, not just tag along. I'd like it if you choose at least a few booths today.” Well, if Miss wanted her to... 

 

Princess took a look around, eyeing the various games around, but none of them really stood out from the others. Not that they seemed boring, but more like they all felt largely interchangeable. How was she supposed to know if Skeeball or Domestication Race would be more fun? Then one in particular caught her eye- a pole with a dozen lights on either side of it. The large sign above it read ‘TEST YOUR STRENGTH!’ 

 

“That.” Princess pointed.