Laila wants a fight, just the two of them. Like when they sparred in the old days, but without mercy. She seems to think herself a Handler, as if she could comprehend what that entails. She’s sick. Epsilon Handler poisoned her mind with all sorts of insane fantasies.

If killing the ambitions of this would-be Handler is the only way to end this awful game, then so be it. Juniper can’t refuse a request from her love, never could. This isn’t how things should have ended, but their dream is dead. Poisoned by an insane woman promising Laila stability and control.

Dawn begins to break over the far western end of Tarsus, the rain hasn't slowed down much since their arrival. Around Wardog's makeshift camp, a somber tone weighs heavy in the atmosphere. With Juniper and Mara's arrival to camp came the answers no one wanted to hear. Juniper hasn't left the cockpit, she's been in it for hours now, afraid of anyone seeing her as the broken animal she's become.

She fights back a sigh and adjusts her muzzle. She wants desperately to remove this thing, but she can’t. Not for lack of trying—it’s the willpower she lacks. Turns out whatever Laila did left her head split open. Fuck, even now it hurts like nothing before.

Vera’s dead, and this entire operation’s gone to shit. Mara handled radioing command for orders, but despite the death of a squadron member, they want Wardog to press on. She was kind enough to not tell anyone about the muzzle. Even now, when everything is falling apart, Rebel Command expect the impossible from Wardog. None of them understand the hell that Juniper is in. Even she doesn’t understand it.

Doesn’t matter. It’s time for her to march to her death. And whatever happens, she will die. The only question is what kind of death awaits her: physical, mental, or spiritual. If Laila kills her, physical. If she kills Laila, spiritual. If she surrenders, mental. She idly wonders which it will be.

It's unimportant right now. Laila doesn’t like to be kept waiting.

Ixion Stryx hums to life, rising from its kneeling position. The surviving members of Wardog don’t know about this, nor should they. It’s not their problem, not their fight.

It’s Juniper’s alone.

June? Mara’s voice lights up the comms. What in the fuck are you doing!?

“What does it look like?” Juniper kicks Ixion Stryx into high gear, unfolding the wings.

It looks like you’re abandoning your squad. Are you fucking insane!? Did that cunt rattle you so much that you’re going after her!? Mara doesn’t get it. Juniper has to go. Otherwise, she’ll put everyone else in danger.

Juniper doesn’t respond.

So that’s it, then? You’re leaving? What about Wardog? I thought you were supposed to be our leader?

“I…Mara, I’m not a leader. I’m not the big hero they say I am. I can’t be. I don’t know why I can’t – maybe it's 'cause I’m broken, but you need to leave, understand? I’m going off on my own to face Laila, because I don't want any else's blood on my hands.“

We can fight together! Isn't that why Wardog was sent here!? Mara doesn't get it, but how can she? She doesn't know the pain Juniper is truly in. No one does.

"What do you propose then? I watch everyone under my watch get killed, because of my failures as a squad leader!? I-I can't, okay? I'm broken, there's no fixing what's wrong with me. Do you know what I see when I close my eyes? All the corpses I've created." Juniper slaps herself trying to get her head right. "I'm going, because I have to. Because if I don't, not only am I dead, Wardog is dead."

Mara sighs loudly. Then I’m sorry, June, I didn’t want to use this, but I don’t think you’re gonna listen to reason, are you?

“Mara, what are you—“

Juniper: Off the Leash. Mara says those words quietly, practically sobbing them. I’m s-sorry, I really am. But, but it’s the o-only way I can stop you from killing yourself.

Juniper wants to scream and curse out Mara for uttering those words. But she can’t. Juniper’s psyche shatters, just like everything else in her life. Ego death never felt so awful. She was so close to settling things…

The light in her eyes disappears. There is no feeling left, only a static void.

Juniper Sladek dies again, betrayed by the person who wanted to save her. And in her stead, Hound awakens.

Hound snarls and howls over the comms, and Mara attempts to calm the beast before anything happens. Juniper, or Hound, or…whatever you are: listen to me. I l-love you, and…and because I love you, I cuh-can’t let you die. I’m sorry, I'm so fucking sorry for d-doing this to you, but I refuse to, to, to let you die alone. That bitch fucked with your head! She'll do worse if you go alone! W-we’re getting…out of here, which means you need to…to follow me. Bark if you understand. Please.

Hound barks once, drool dripping from her muzzle and onto her flight suit.

I’m sorry, June. I can’t – fuck – I c-c-can't lose you. I’m n-not losing another lead. I'm fucking sorry! Gods! There is only desperation in Mara’s voice. If Juniper were cogent right now, she might be able to say something to comfort her friend.

Unfortunately, Juniper isn't here right now. There is only a crying woman, and a dumb beast, and the sunrise.

***

❖

Juniper: On the Leash.

Hound submerges deep into Juniper’s consciousness, but she isn’t awakened just yet. Right now, her body is an empty shell, swaying with the movements of her mech. It takes an extra minute or two for her to become fully cognizant of herself and her surroundings again.

Rain drops pound against the steel frame of Ixion Stryx, snapping her back to reality.

What just happened?

The last thing she remembers is lying in a field with Laila, and then…it's all foggy. Ixion Stryx has been running for a few hours now according to the computer, which is weird, because wasn't she just prepping the systems for flight? Ugh, her head fucking hurts like hell too.

Wait.

NoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo Mara must have used the leash.

Which means—Shit. Laila is coming. And she’s bringing the might of the Empire with her.

Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.

They’re on the outskirts of Tarsus close to the sea. In other words, far from the coordinates Laila gave during their meeting. Juniper slams a fist against the console in anger and screams out her frustrations. There is no time to fix this, no time to even hope for a silver lining. It’s too late.

“MARA, WHAT DID YOU DO!?” she screams over the squadron comms channel. There is no love left for the one who tried to save her. As it turns out, Mara was just as bad, if not worse than Epsilon Handler. “What did I tell you? This was my problem, not yours!”

I knew you'd make it everyone's business. June, I can’t lose you! Mara sounds pathetic, probably because she is pathetic. She used the leash and deluded herself into thinking this would make Juniper love her. Gods, she’s disgusted with herself for caring about this fool. Or would be, if she could feel anything besides a growing emptiness.

“Can you lose Eris? Can you lose everyone in Wardog? Can you lose the fucking rebellion? You’re putting ALL that shit at risk for a one-sided crush! I can’t fucking believe you!” It wasn’t supposed to be this way, but Mara decided it had to be. Fuck, this is what Juniper gets for trusting anyone.

It’s…it’s not a crush… Mara is audibly crying, yet Juniper feels nothing. Mara is going to get the rest of Wardog killed for a stupid crush.

Aurora's voice cuts in. The fuck is going on—

“Whatever it is, it’s one-sided!” Juniper quietly says, adjusting her muzzle yet again. “Laila can control me! Do you understand!? She could make me kill all of Wardog! And I will do it!” She takes a breath, not wanting to lose herself to anger. “Because I’m that broken! Okay? Do you fucking get it yet!?”

J-June, what are—

Mara, what did you—

“Don’t call me that. Please.” Juniper interrupts, clutching her aching head. Fuck, she’s tired and everything hurts. “Gods, I trusted you, and you hurt me like that?” There are no new radar contacts yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

I fucking did it to save you! That bitch is controlling you, s-she—I don’t know, but I can’t let you do this. Of course Mara never got it. She didn’t want to get why Juniper was in such pain.

Juniper sighs, rubbing her forehead. “Mara. She can hear us, of that I’m sure. For all intents and purposes, I AM A FUCKING TRAITOR! And you? You just doomed the squad. Congratulations!"

I HAD TO DO SOMETHING! I REFUSE TO LET YOU MARCH OFF TO YOUR DEATH! I love you! Even if you don’t love me back, that bitch can't have you! If she's headed here, we'll fight her like always, and then—

Juniper mutes Mara’s inane ramblings, focusing on herself. Radar is quiet, but there’s something out there in those dark clouds. Juniper can feel it in how her right arm aches. “Eris. You’re listening, right?”

…Yeah. W-what did Mara do? Eris is scared, but then why shouldn’t she be? Vera’s dead, their mission has gone to shit, what’s left to be calm about?

“Suffice to say: I’m fucked. I met Laila last night. She…she unbroke my leash, took my dog tags, and now I’m—“ Juniper clutches her aching head, exhaling a ragged breath. “—I’m not doing so hot. Mara used my leash, and my head is aching worse.”

Unbroke…the…Oh. Oh gods no…

Still zero contacts on radar. Just where are you, Laila? “Aurora, Eris, I’ll keep this brief: I’m ordering you both to take Mara and pull back. Command wants us to finish this op, but I’m using what authority I have to scrub it.”

Juniper, are you fucking insane!? We’re not leaving you behind! I don't get any of this leash shit, but we’re Wardogs. We stick together until the bitter end. If you’re going down, we’re going down with you! Aurora doesn’t get it, but that’s why she’s a rebel through and through.

“Yeah, I’m…I’m pretty insane right now. My head is pounding and quite frankly, I’m barely holding myself together. Thing is, what’s coming isn’t a normal enemy, it’s Laila Praxian, my wife. Yes, the one from the posters. I don’t have time to explain it all, but she’ll kill you all if it means getting to me.” It shouldn’t have had to come this, but that’s life for Juniper. “Five blocks west is a rail yard, I want you to load up there and get back to Volterra. Leave me behind. Tell ‘em I died or whatever.”

What!? No! I—

“Lieutenant Bion, this is an order—my final order.” Juniper says it quietly, still staring at the radar screen.

…Copy, Captain.

June, just do me one favor. Come back in one piece, okay? Eris is trying to be comforting, but it’s no use. Juniper already knows this is where she’ll meet her end.

“Yeah, be careful out there, okay? Keep comms chatter to a minimum. Sorry, Eris. I wish we could have spent more time together.” It’s a shame, really. Had the two of them had more time together, they might have been able to remember what life was like before the leash. Could have gotten to actually know Aurora too, instead of passing conversations with her. She seemed like the polar opposite of Juniper: outgoing, loud, the total embodiment of a rebel. Shame, but that’s how life goes.

None of that matters now, not when there’s unfinished business.

I copy. See you on the other side, June?

“Yeah.”

Ixion Stryx fires a warning shot in the direction of the three other mechs. “All three of you get out of here while there’s still time!”

I can’t follow that order, Captain Sladek. Sorry, but I’m staying put, because you’re going to need the help! Mara aims Selene’s cannon at the other two mechs. Leave me behind or-or so help me…

Mara, come on. June will catch up, she’s not going to die so easily.

Juniper groans, adjusting her muzzle again. “Lieutenant Saparlo, listen to me. I gave you an order, now—“

Mara laughs pathetically, fighting back tears. Captain Sladek, I’m sorry that you think I wanted to do that, but I can’t let you die. Don’t you fucking understand!?

“I don’t.” Juniper mumbles. “Please, just retreat before it’s too late.” Her eyes scan over the radar, as multiple hostiles light it up. Counting six, no eight…ten…twelve hostiles moving fast. Fuck, they’re out of time.

June, what did I tell you? Laila’s voice immediately lights up the comms. It was supposed to be easy, you’d meet me at the specified coordinates and we’d decide this ourselves. No Wardog, no mutts, just us. And you failed to show. So we have to settle this the hard way.

“Laila, wait, I—“

Laila tuts. Oh, don’t worry, Junebug, I know you’re not to blame. No, it’s that little turncoat who thinks she’s going to save you. Even so, it’s time to begin the hunt.

You insane bitch! I’ll—

Comms go dead, static overtaking every frequency. Juniper kills the radio rather than attempting to wrestle through the obvious jamming. Radar is non-functional as well, looks more like a blizzard has overtaken it. Lidar has the same annoying issue. Great, Laila is jamming everything. Guess this is how she hunts.

Fine. If this is how she wants to play, who is Juniper to stop her?

Cranking up the reactor output, Ixion Stryx’s wings unfold, propelling the mech upwards into the stormy skies above. It’s completely silent in the cockpit, save for the roar of the shoulder-mounted engines. Better this way. Helps Juniper to focus her unstable thoughts and shaky nerves. No idea what an “ego totem” is, but since her dog tags were ripped away, she’s been falling apart. Feels like she’s due to have a total mental breakdown any minute now.

Get it the fuck together, Sladek. You’ve been in worse situations.

Rain continues to fall, as it has since Wardog dropped into Tarsus. The outskirts of this city is where some of the most intense fighting during that brief war happened. What once was the largest city in Aurelia now sits quiet, with the only signs of life being scavengers. Crumbling buildings line the destroyed roads, threatening to collapse.

Down below, on the cracked and muddy city streets, dog-mechs run rampant, chasing after a fleeing Selene. Mara might be the only one capable of breaking through the jamming. It makes sense to go after her first.

Juniper equips the linear rifle into Ixion Stryx’s hands and then pulls the mech into a dive. As the shot begins charging, she fires chest vulcans at the dog in the rear of the pack, forcing it to peel off its pursuit. These little guns are harmless, but they provide a distraction.

The tungsten-composite slug screeches free of the rifle, slamming dead-center through the dog-mech in only seconds. A bright explosion from the quadrupedal mech forces her to pull up before she’s blinded. Hard to see what happened, but a quick scan shows her target dead.

One down, an entire pack left to go.

Sub-arms deploy and change out the recharging rifle for her scythe, as Ixion Stryx screams through the dark skies in pursuit of its next target. A wire launches from the right sub-arm,and small thrusters keep the wire on track until it pierces through the thinly armored dog-mech. Except once it goes taut, an explosion rips through the armor, forcing her to eject the wire.

Juniper’s entire strategy with these things revolved around the wires. If they’re being countered, then the feathers are useless too. These dogs look to have been outfitted specifically to counter Ixion Stryx. An annoyance, but one she’ll have to get over.

Ixion Stryx sets down in front of the advancing pack, clutching its scythe tightly. Most of them run right past her, ignoring her in favor of Selene crouched down with its cannon aimed atop a roof not far away. Charging forward, Ixion Stryx swings the scythe wildly at the stragglers, but yet again the armor blows off to counter her hit.

Dammit, these things are starting to piss her off.

Juniper charges with every last ounce of thrust towards the rear of the pack, cleaves the glowing red scythe blade through another one of the dogs, killing it on contact, and moves on to the next target. All around her dogs fall in combat, but even so, they keep coming.

Selene is doing its best to lay down covering fire, but it’s not suited for short-range engagements. The downside to the Doru being overhauled for command and control is they had to remove most weaponry to fit that large radar dish.

Circling the building like wild animals hunting their prey, dog-mechs attempt to scale the sides to get to Selene. Every time one of them falls to cannon fire, another takes it place, trying the same strategy as the previous one.

If Mara can counteract the jamming, then they might have a fighting chance. But that requires dealing with the dogs first. Without a solid strategy in mind, Juniper charges in slicing through a dog, only for another to bite at her, taking a chunk from the left leg armor. It’s minimal, but forces her to be careful around these things. They’re fast, and it’s getting harder to dodge them at this close a range.

Sub-arms deploy, firing the linear rifle at one dog, while another is cleaved in half with the scythe. Even as the rain continues to fall, Ixion Stryx stands tall above these mutts. She wants to howl, give in to Hound. Maybe that would stop this pain in her head. But that’s what Laila wants, it’s what Epsilon Handler wants.

And Juniper refuses to give them what they want.

Ixion Stryx pulls back, going airborne once clear of any resistance. From there, she switches the linear rifle into the main hand, stowing the scythe once again. The swarming pack has not let up. Two of them have found an opening and are scaling the side of the building.

A rifle shot charges, aiming for the mutt in question. This shot needs to count or everything is fucked. One misfire could send the already crumbling structure tumbling down. Certain death for Mara.

Dog-mechs begin to scatter as a single shot rings out with a loud hiss, slamming into Selene’s reactor. An explosion rips through the reactor of the former Doru, silencing it and any attempts to break through the jamming. Ixion Stryx fires reverse thrusters, escaping the incoming storm of dust and debris from the falling building.

Juniper failed. She can only watch as her entire world shatters. She wants to scream and cry, but she feels nothing. Her entire being has been reduced to nothingness and fallen apart. Despite their differences, Mara didn’t deserve this.

As the smoke begins to clear, there is only carnage left in its wake. What remains of Selene has melted from the intense heat, with part of a dog-mech being fused to it. It’s a horrifying sight, but the cockpit block is missing, meaning—Mara ejected!?

Juniper desperately flips on comms in an attempt to home in on an escape pod signal. But all she hears is the sound of weak laughter, Mara? Sorry, June…looks like I fucked up again, eh? Don’t worry, I— Mara hacks up a wet cough. —broke through that cunt’s jamming. Consider it my parting gift. Give her an asskicking for me.

“Mara? Mara!? Hang on, I’ll—“

Mara interrupts her with a weak, painful laugh. Sorry, Cap, th-this is Wardog 2, Mara Saparlo, s-signing off.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Juniper strikes her monitors. They don’t crack thanks to the reinforced glass, but her fists sure as shit do. Every punch is the same fucking pain, only amplified each time she does it. Again. And again. And again. Until she’s lost track of the number of punches, and is screaming at the top of her lungs.

Godsdammit.

With each successive impact, she imagines it’s Laila she’s hitting. Because she sold them out, set all of this into motion, and for what!? Some insane plan to save the two of them!? Juniper doesn’t stop throwing punches even as the blood begins to stain her monitors, because she wants to stain Laila’s pretty face with blood. By the time Juniper is done with her, there’ll be a new fucking scar on her face.

Again and again, she keeps failing the people who get close to her, because what they find deep down is a broken woman incapable of being fixed. Mara was just the latest example. Poor motherfucker didn’t deserve whatever fate awaits her down there, but it doesn’t matter now, because she’s proof of Juniper’s total failure as a person. Just as Laila is, just as Handler continues to be.

More than anything right now, all Juniper wants to do is have a fucking breakdown. Funny thing is, she can’t even cry at this point. The only thing she’s even slightly capable of feeling is a burning rage. Hahahaha. That’s it, that’s fucking it.

Rage.

It’s so stupidly simple. Why didn’t she see it before?

If she can only feel rage, then weaponize it. Make it the weapon that ends this fucking farce once and for all. Juniper runs a bloody hand through her hair, laughing all the while. She’s truly fucked in the head, that much is so very clear now.

Have to be pretty fucked in the head to keep fighting, knowing the only outcome is death. But then, what is Juniper Sladek if not death?

Radar lights up with three contacts, the surviving dog-mechs. This dance isn’t over yet, not by a long shot. Her blade will taste vengeance if it’s the last thing she does. And then, she’ll deal with Laila.

It’s time to do something truly insane.

Several reactor safety switches are flipped close, blaring a loud warning in response, but are silenced with an overhead switch. It’s not an insane attempt at a thermal overload, not now. No, this is the only way to feed the rifle extra power, at the cost of a longer cooling cycle and possible reactor damage.

From there, every limiter and safety switch is flipped down, including the safety limiter to her neural hook. Right now, what needs more than anything is that extra sensitivity that can only come from removing the neural limiters. It could cripple her or leave her a vegetable, but if there’s even a chance at saving Laila from herself, Juniper has to take it.

“Eris, Aurora, I doubt you can hear me on comms. But if you do, keep running. No matter what, get the fuck out of here. We’ll catch up eventually.” Juniper cracks her neck and adjusts her muzzle, mentally preparing herself for what’s to come.

Ixion Stryx skates across the ground, blasting through city streets in seconds to intercept her prey. A red hue illuminates the remains of an old residential complex as the linear rifle charges, waiting for one of these mutts to stick its head out. Right as a dog-mech dashes across, a blinding light overtakes the quadrupedal mech, snuffing it out in quick order.

Despite the ever-growing amount of blood on her hands, Juniper feels no guilt or remorse for killing these things. Whatever they are, they deserve a fate worse than death.

As the rifle begins its long cool down cycle, the scythe replaces it, quickly being buried into the skull of another enemy. The quadrupedal enemy struggles underneath the weight of the scythe blade, going silent once the blade is pulled free. Blood, coolant and gods know what else sprays out, covering the mech.

A fierce howl overtakes Juniper, fully embracing her own animalistic nature at long last. She tried to deny it, but she’s a dog, just like them. The only difference is that she’s still cognizant enough to revel in her kills.

Out of a corner she’s ambushed by a dog-mech pouncing onto her mech, only for it to meet a swift end from the sub-arms firing the linear rifle at its head. It's silenced before any damage can be done. Radar is still showing one target, all she needs to do is—

Evasive maneuvers are immediately applied when the targeting computer picks up an incoming round.

“Cute trick, Lails.” Juniper cracks her knuckles, laughing wildly. “But you forgot one thing: I taught you everything you know!" Ixion Stryx is thrown into a steep climb, as its engines furiously roar. Once at altitude, every last feather on the wings is released at once, raining down onto the streets below. Then, before they should impact, the linear rifle rings out with a powerful blast.

Laila was never that good of a pilot with Argos. She never had the same feel for flight that Juniper did.

That’s why the skies belong to her alone.

Down below, she sees it so clearly: The last remaining dog trying to evade Ixion Stryx. Pitiful excuses for pilots like that deserve to be crushed beneath the blade of her scythe. With an insane grin, she fires one final shot downrange, striking the remaining mongrel through its reactor, ending its pitiful existence.

Finally, she was free on the wind, and for one beautiful moment came a clarity that could come only from pointing her rifle at targets downrange. Nine times Juniper tapped the trigger, and nine lives were ended in perfect succession.

“You can hear me, right, Laila? Enough with this bullshit. I killed your dogs.” Juniper runs a hand through her hair, attempting to pinpoint Argus’ location. It’s been at least five minutes since the last shot, but judging by the buildings with holes in them, her shot came from the east.

The long silence over the comms is broken up with a slow clap. Bravo! See? This is exactly why you’ll be my perfect hound! Laila’s voice is sweet, almost endearing, and it sends a chill down Juniper’s spine. Except you forgot—I was the brains behind Wardog.

“Fuck you and fuck her! I’m not going back!” Juniper snarls out her response. “Come on then, Lails, show me those fucking brains!”

That’s exactly what I told her. You wouldn’t return—not without a fight, anyway.

Juniper throws the controls into a juke right as another round penetrates the ground beneath her. Shot came from the east again. Gods, Lails, were you always this terrible a shot?

Fine, if it’s a fight she wants, it’s a fight she gets. Juniper throws open the throttle, pushing it to its absolute limits. The force of sudden acceleration pushes her back into the seat, struggling to fight back the heavy-Gs being pulled. Flying without the feathers attached is how Ixion Stryx was meant to fly—they only weighed it down.

As every second passes, she has to dodge more and more sniper fire, all while keeping herself from blacking out from the intense Gs being pulled. Nothing is going to stop her from ending this once and for all. ‘Til death, right?

Argus hovers in the distance atop a skyscraper, aiming a large rifle at her. Right as it fires, she pulls the controls hard, banking into a wide turn to evade the shot. “If that’s your best, then you’re still the same shitty pilot I always beat when we sparred.”

Junie, you gotta realize something: you may have taught me everything, but we fought side by side for years. Even with a railgun and a scythe, I can read your every move. Laila is trying to goad her into slipping up. Too bad for her then.

Juniper ignores the taunting, focusing only on her target. Using its intense speed, Ixion Stryx maneuvers behind Argus, immediately cleaving the scythe through that demon’s large radar dish, leaving a jagged and sparking mess in its wake. Laila may have eyes everywhere, but she forgets who she’s up against: The Angel of Death.

“If that’s what you call reading, that bitch must have made you illiterate. Come on, Lails, you were never that sloppy in the field.” Juniper grins from ear to ear, already forming a plan: force Laila into a dogfight she’ll have no chance of winning. She never had the same eye for aerial combat that Juniper did. “Committing suicide by fighting me? Are you still concussed?”

With Argus giving chase as predicated, Juniper picks up more speed, leaving Laila far behind. Ixion Stryx is faster, and Juniper has more experience flying compared to Laila. She was always the careful one, the one who never took risks in combat and used flight as a last resort.

The radar lights up with missile warnings, but Juniper's been waiting for them. Flares dispense from the mech’s backside, leaving a trail of smoke and light in its wake as they fall downwards. But the missiles continue their ascent towards her.

Ohhh Juniper, it’s cute that you prepared for heat-seekers, but these are radar-guided.

Shit.

Throwing all power to the engines, Ixion Stryx lets loose a roar like no other from its engines. Just as the twin missiles should impact, that roar simmers down. Control surfaces spring to life, throwing the mech into an inverted position. Over-G warnings blare throughout the cockpit yet again, while Juniper struggles to keep herself from blacking out.

Both missiles overshoot as intended, giving just enough room for the machine to level off. Hot lead is spat from the chest vulcans, sending the pursuing projectiles into a careening tailspin. Just as the engines hum back to life, she slumps back into her seat. Insane maneuvers like that take so much out of her.

That was exhilarating, really got her heart pumping. She should be used to it by now, but how do you get used to that? Her vision is full of so many little black spots, and it feels worse than ever before. She lost feeling in both arms for a minute there, but yet again, she prevailed. “You’ve clearly been watching me from the shadows, Lails. So why is it that you can’t seem to grasp that I’m the better pilot here? Are the seven stars on my collarbone not enough to tell you that? Do I have to kick your ass like I used to just to prove it?” Juniper grips her throttles tight. “Why are we even fighting to begin with!? Did she fill your head with so much poison that you forgot about us!? Let’s just run away and fake our deaths, like we always planned to!”

I wish we could, Juniper. But the truth is, I’ve already sold my soul, and if I don’t deliver you, she’ll know. Laila’s earlier bravado is gone, replaced by a somber tone. I’m sorry, Juniper. I love you, but we have to end this.

Juniper sighs, rubbing her aching head. “Fine, but I’m not going to kill you!”

Hesitation gets you killed. I thought you knew that.

“Yeah, well, I’d rather die than lose you.” Argus is still pursuing her, but its clear that it wasn’t designed to keep up with her improved machine. It possesses slow, bulky engines that can’t maneuver nearly as well as she can, never mind how much of the Doru frame still remains. Whoever rebuilt this did what they could, but it’s not enough. It’s time to press that advantage.

Ixion Stryx makes a soft landing in the city ruins, taking cover behind a building. Argus doesn’t give chase, retreating behind the mess of buildings and rubble. No surprise. With an already failing radar, it’s not a good idea to get into an urban fight. More than likely, Laila is going to be relying on heat signatures to get by with her sniping.

Heat spills out from Ixion Stryx’s vents, rapidly cooling the mech down and reducing its heat signature by a wide margin. Should be enough to temporarily throw Laila off the scent.

Come on June, what happened to finishing this? Did you forget I could end this all with three simple words? Laila is taunting again, but she’s clearly rattled or she wouldn’t be acting so cocky.

Juniper doesn’t respond, choosing to stay silent and formulate a plan. One sub-arm wire, no feathers, and flares are useless, but the scythe and rifle are still good to go. Argus will be flying blind with no radar, but there’s still that big rifle to deal with.

Ixion Stryx has the advantage in speed and maneuverability, but there’s no way to press that unless she breaks cover and exposes herself. Or even better—the linear rifle swaps in. With heat radiating from the charging rifle, her heat signature lights up clear as day, painting a big target for the sniper.

A shot rings out from the southeast, missing her by only inches. Neat little trick, too bad she's been exposed. Atop the same skyscraper from before, Argus hovers aiming its rifle again. Oh, Lails, you were never very good at this, were you?

Juniper grins beneath her muzzle, breaking cover long enough to fire a slug aimed at the sniper's nest. Steam pours from every vent on-board the mech, hissing from the rain making contact with them. In the distance, an explosion rocks the skyscraper, forcing Argus to the ground. Only a few klicks away from her current position, looks like this is going to get rough. “Had enough yet, Lails? I’ve put down your dogs, I gave you a lesson in sniping, what more do you need?”

The lack of response is all she needs to confirm the obvious: Laila’s confidence has been shaken.

Good.

Moving clear of cover, Ixion Stryx steps onto an old crumbling bridge, awaiting its opponent. Argus lurches forward, head turning to focus on Ixion Stryx. On opposite ends of the bridge they stand, staring each other down.

A hound, searching for her love.

A handler, seeking her hound.

Neither will find what they're after.

Not here.

Ixion Stryx launches a rifle shot at Argus’ head, leaving only one glowing red eye to pierce the shower of sparks and light. Despite the critical damage, twin submachine guns are aimed at her cockpit.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Please, Lails, we don’t have to fight!” Despite her pleas, Juniper knows the painful truth. They do have to fight.

I’m sorry, Juniper, but it does have to be this way. Laila says, through audible tears.

Juniper aims her rifle at Argus’ cockpit, charging another shot. The Wardog emblem is still emblazoned on the cockpit. Just like it was last time. Just like it always was. “You really kept the emblem, then? Figured you would have changed it after you defected.”

Couldn’t bear to change it. Turns out I’m a sentimental bitch. Go figure, right? Laila laughs pathetically, sounding like she’s on the verge of tears. I wish things could have gone different, but we need to settle this.

Despite knowing full well that hesitation gets you killed, neither pilot can pull the trigger. Too many emotions stirred up at once upon hearing each other's voice. Even on opposite sides of a war, their love for the other is too strong to fire.

Juniper’s hands tremble staring at the emblem. This isn’t how their reunion should go. “Tell me something, Lails. Just this one thing, and then I promise we can end this. Do you really think, if everything had gone according to plan, that we’d have been free?”

A long silence follows the question. …No. Epsilon doesn’t lie, but she’ll tell half-truths and let you infer. I’m sorry, Juniper. We’re fucked no matter what. It’s my fault, but it’s too late to change things.

“I love you, Laila Praxian.”

I love you too, Juniper Sladek.

Making a split-second decision, Juniper fires her rifle at the bridge supports rather than Argus’ cockpit. To her surprise, it’s the same with her partner, who fires submachine guns at the linear rifle, forcing it to be ejected before it goes critical. Underneath the weight of two large mechs clashing, the bridge begins to shake and crumble beneath them.

Ixion Stryx blasts across the crumbling bridge, scythe glowing hotter and hotter as the seconds pass by. Argus is speeding towards her, bright red spear in hand, ready to end this dance once and for all. Juniper doesn’t want to hurt Laila, but Juniper knows she no longer has a choice in the matter.

No matter what, they’ll be together again soon.

Applying a light amount of thrust, the mech leaps into the air, cleaving the scythe through Argus’ left shoulder on impact. The burning blade melts through everything between it and the shoulder, slicing through everything connecting it to the torso.

A spear stabs through Ixion Stryx’s right arm, severing much of the limb before a reprisal can be made. Both mechs leap back onto solid ground, melee weapons drawn at the ready. Juniper has to compensate for the lost hand by using both sub-arms to help keep the scythe steady.

Seconds pass, with neither making the next move.

Lightning strikes, and both mechs charge.

The battle is joined.

Sparks fly as the lovers clash, each making an attempt to disable the other. Neither can press the advantage, too hesitant to truly hurt the other. Even still, their blades clash again and again, afraid of the consequences of surrendering.

“Laila, please, just give up. I…I don’t want to kill you. We can be together again, as people! But you need to surrender!” Juniper wishes she could cry right now, except that feeling of nothingness within her is only growing deeper as the seconds tick by. “…Please.”

Oh Juniper. Laila sighs. I’ve told you, it has to be this way. You just never fucking listen! If I could find another way for us to live, you think I wouldn’t have done it!? Epsilon offered me salvation! Offered you salvation! Argus punctuates that final sentence with a kick to send Ixion Stryx tumbling backwards.

Juniper runs a bloody hand through her hair, as nervous laughter echoes through the cockpit. “Come on then, Laila. Let’s finish this danse macabre. Just the two of us. ‘Til death do us part, right?” Side-thrusters deploy, evading the next spear strike before impact. Chest vulcans heave their final rounds onto Argus’ right engine, clicking from a lack of ammo shortly after.

Oh, honey, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Yet again, the engines screech, being pushed to their absolute limits to carry the mech into the skies. Argus isn’t far behind. It’s struggling to maintain altitude due to the one engine, but even with smoke billowing from it, it’s still a threat. Juniper fires her reverse thrusters, creating a gap just large enough to hack the scythe through the demon’s right arm…only to be blocked by a shield. On impact, charges in Argus’ shield explode, producing enough energy to destroy much of the scythe. Though worse for wear, Argus is still standing.

Did you really think I didn’t come prepared, June? Come on, you know me better than that. Laila laughs, which is really starting to piss Juniper off.

Weaponless, Ixion Stryx slams its remaining fist into Argus’ cockpit, over and over and over again, until everything separating the lovers has been removed. Just grab Laila, and then they can be free, right?

Maneuvering the left hand of the mech flat, Juniper disconnects her neural hook in an insane attempt to grab her wife. Except, as she does, Argus beats back, refusing to let her enact her idiotic plan. Extreme damage warnings blare throughout the cockpit, as the final option has been exhausted.

Defenseless, her mech’s head is repeatedly stabbed with a spear, exhausting any last hopes of resistance. Despite catastrophic damage done to both mechs, they’re somehow still airborne. Unfortunately this is where it all ends for them.

Sorry, Lails, thinks Juniper. Didn’t want it to come to this, but if you won’t come willingly…

Ixion Stryx wraps its arms tightly around Argus, firing the remaining sub-arm wire into its upper chest. Four overhead switches are flipped closed, disabling the final reactor safeties. As every second passes, the noise from the reactor grows increasingly loud.

Sorry, baby, looks like we’re well and truly fucked this time.

As the temps begin to rise in the cockpit, Juniper rests her bomber jacket onto her lap. Her flight suit comes off with a shrug, arms tied at the waist. Left in just a sweat-soaked tank top, she wonders how things would have gone had Laila not sold her soul to the Empire. Could they have started over? Would they have just run into the same problems?

Even now, after everything that’s happened, it’s impossible to blame her. It was an unwinnable war, and they lost so many friends. What more is there to say? Laila took the only option she thought feasible.

“Sorry, Lails, looks this is our end. If it’s any consolation, I forgive you, and I’m sorry it had to come to this.” Juniper close her eyes, relaxing in her seat one last time. “See you on the other side, love?”

Sorry, Juniper, I won’t allow you to commit suicide. Argus rips the right set of wings from Ixion Stryx and delivers a powerful kick to break the hold that sends them both spiraling towards the ground. Juniper, listen to me for once. I need you to stop the overload, or not only are we dead, but so is your squad. Do you have enough cognizance left to manage that? There’s that soft voice again. The one that Juniper fell in love with, keeps falling in love with.

“…Yeah. I’m sorry.”

Argus breaks the sub-arm wire's grasp, breaking free from the hold.

Juniper aborts the overload with only seconds to spare, forcing free a torrent of steam and coolant from every vent. If ejection were possible, she would attempt it, but the unfortunate truth is that numerous systems are fried after attempting to overload the reactor. But instead of worrying, she lays back in her seat, tightens the harness, and waits for sweet death to take her. Ixion Stryx slams hard into the ground, flipping and tumbling multiple times, before coming to rest half-buried in mud.

When Juniper finally opens her eyes after what feels like hours, everything is black. Blood is pouring down her face. She can’t feel her left arm, can’t quite see out her right eye, and the implant in her neck feels mangled. Her entire body feels like it's on fire, but…she’s alive?

A systems check reveals extreme damage throughout. Her baby's right leg has been severed at the hip. One arm is gone, with the other hanging on by a few wires. To say the least, neither pilot nor mech are capable of fighting anymore. Everything hurts and burns and she’s so very tired.

Juniper, I’m going to offer you a choice: if you surrender now, I’ll make the pain go away. But if you even think about getting up, about fighting me again, you’ll wish I killed you. Laila’s voice reminds her of the voice she put on when commanding Wardog. Authoritative, loud and serious. That was never her, though. She was quick to joke, wanting to see people smile.

If Juniper weren’t in immense pain right now, she could laugh. Normally, this choice would be simple: Fuck you, I’ve still got some ace up my sleeve. But now? She’s banged up, there’s no sense in fighting now. “I…I surrender.” She coughs up blood, trying to hold herself together.

LOUDER, OR SO HELP ME GODS I WILL END YOU! Argus stands over what remains of Ixion Stryx, spear clutched tightly in its remaining hand. Laila has won. There’s no fighting her anymore.

“I SURRENDER, OKAY!? You…Ugh—FUCK IT HURTS LAILS! EVERYTHING FUCKING HURTS! YOU WIN! Just…just let me sleep, please?” Juniper can already feel her eyes getting heavier by the second. Just put her out of her misery already. “…I love you, Lails.”

Easy to tell she’s been beat. No chance of fighting Handler like this. Juniper bit off more than she could chew this time, and it cost her. Should have known better, but this was always going to happen.

Handler won. Once again, she got what she wanted. And all she had to do was watch the fireworks.

Good girl, Juniper. Those are the only words I needed to hear. I give you full permission to sleep. Don’t worry, love, I have evac coming for you. Laila’s sweet words reassuring, even after such a brutal battle. I love you too, Juniper. Don’t worry, I won’t let you die.

…I’m sorry for all of this.

Ixion Stryx succumbs to its wounds at last, too crippled to do anything but lay there in the mud and wait for death. It finally shuts down, going completely still. The annoying cockpit warnings going silent with them. Now, Juniper can simply close her eyes and drift off to sleep. When she wakes up, everything will be okay. None of this matters now. She has Laila back. That’s all that ever mattered, right?

Handler and Hound, now and forever more. Life wasn’t meant to be like this, but their dream was bullshit. Juniper knew that. She just didn’t want to admit it.

The distinctive sound of rotors wakes her from her sleep for a brief moment, with magnetic clamps attaching and pulling the mech upwards. Now, the hound who was almost free drifts back into a peaceful slumber. At least she can quit running.

What more could a sinner ask for?

***

❖

Juniper screams in terror, waking up in a cold sweat. Her hands are shaking from fear. She tries desperately to calm herself down, but it’s no use. It never is. This nightmare was different than usual—it felt real. She could see the Vet operating on her, doing…something.

Just as she breaks down sobbing, warm hands wrap around her midsection, pulling her back into someone’s lap. “June, what’s wrong? You started screaming all of a sudden," they say in a sweet, concerned voice.

It takes longer than she’d like to admit to remember who she's staring at.

Dark-skinned. Fiery red hair tied into a bun. Scar under the right eye. Laila Praxian, the love of her life, the ray of sunshine in her otherwise dark world. “Was it that nightmare again?”

Juniper shakes her head. “No, it…it’s hard to explain.”

“Try me?” Laila strokes the dirty blonde hair, idly twirling a strand.

“Okay.” Juniper sighs and nods, giving her wife a soft smile. “So two years ago, after our fight. You remember what happened, right?”

Laila grimaces. “Yeah, I, uh…I pointed a spear at you.” The hands twirling Juniper’s hair briefly freeze, trembling at the uncomfortable topic. Seconds later, they resume fiddling with her hair as though nothing had happened. “Except I had a change of heart at the last minute and helped you out of the cockpit. Then we ran and didn’t stop until we found home. Gods, what I wouldn’t give to have seen the look on that bitch’s face when She realized we ran. Fucking priceless, I bet.”

“That was my nightmare, except…you didn’t have a change of heart. All I remember seeing was that, that monster operating on me.” There was a delighted smile on her face, one that haunts Juniper’s every waking thought. “I don’t know what she was doing, but—“

Laila shushes her with a kiss. “June, it’s okay. That was just a nightmare. We both went through a lot. It’s understandable that you’re haunted by it, gods know I am. C’mon, why don’t we go for a walk?”

A soft breeze carries the smell of lavender on the wind. “I forgot to ask earlier, but how are you feeling today?” The brains of Wardog is the forgetful one these days. It’s so fucking cute.

Juniper shrugs, taking an offered hand. “Less pain than yesterday. I think my prosthetic is on the fritz, though. Can’t seem to get it moving.” Her left arm is a prosthetic now. Not exactly top-of-the-line, just some junk parts in a low-tech case. It frequently has motor issues, but gets the job done. That’s the price she paid for removing her neural limiters. Doctors said she was lucky to even be alive, that she would never pilot again. Joke's on them—she’s retired.

Laila laughs, holding the cold prosthetic hand. “Ahh, the wonders of technology. I’ll have the doc look at it when we go into town. Need to make a grocery run anyway. What do you want for dinner?”

“A steak tartare with only the finest caviar, please?” Juniper gets punched in the shoulder for that joke. “Aw, you’re no fun! Maybe some fish, if they got any at the market?”

Her beautiful wife smirks, ruffling her hair. “Please, I put up with your crappy jokes for years, darling. I didn’t marry you for them, I'll tell you that. Fish’d be good, though. I think we have the budget for it.”

The sun beats down on the lovers as they're walking through a field of flowers. Two years ago the war ended for them, bringing with it their happily ever after. Despite their numerous injuries, they ran, spending months evading patrols. On a good day Juniper has at least partial vision in her right eye, but most days it’s blurry figures. Doctors say it might return eventually, but it doesn’t matter to her.

Though they live deep in Imperial territory now, the nearest base is at least a few days away from this small coastal town. Sure, the seas aren’t very pleasant, but it’s still easy enough to make a living without touching a mech here.

Whether or not the Empire and Rebellion are still going at it… Who knows?

Who cares?

As far as they’re concerned, Juniper Sladek and Laila Praxian are dead, each by the other's hand. A fitting death for legends.

Hard to find a body when your reactors go critical.

Laila hums a nostalgic tune, bending down to pick a flower and placing it neatly in Juniper’s hair. “Looks like it’s your lucky day, Junebug.”

“Why’s that?”

Laila giggles, ruffling that dirty blonde mess again. “Cause I found a muzzle Harebell and it looks perfect wrapped around your face beautiful in your hair."

Juniper blinks a few times in confusion. “What was that?”

“I said the Harebell looks beautiful tucked in your hair.” Laila laughs softly. “You should probably start going to bed earlier, instead of reading all night.”

“See, I would do that, but I’m in the middle of a good book that I can’t enough of.” They live about as off the grid as one can get these days. No computers, just old tech scavenged up. Sure, it makes life a little tougher, but they’re used to it. Juniper finds herself reading more than she ever used to now that she has the time.

Laila holds Juniper close as they walk through the forest. “That’s what I always admired about you. You always loved the taste of my boots were the hotshot pilot who spent her free time reading instead of getting drunk. I can’t remember how many times I caught you reading in the ready room. Musta told you to put it away at least, what? A dozen times?” There’s that cute laugh again, the one that Juniper finds herself falling in love with again and again.

“Please, you loved it. And I had to do something to distract myself from Eris’ singing. I don’t know what you saw in her, but gods, she had an awful singing voice!” Juniper finally laughs, relaxing into her lover’s grip.

“Oh, there were many reasons, like how obedient sweet she was. I formed Wardog because I had her on her knees by my side.” Laila hums softly, feeling the breeze.

Wait, what?

Juniper has to be spacing badly, because it feels like— No, she’s just delirious and haunted by a nightmare. Docs say she’ll probably be like this forever, haunted by the war like so many others. Laila shows it in other ways, like how tightly Juniper is held onto.

“Eris was someone I constantly felt bad for, you know?” Juniper draws in a steadying breath. “At first I thought she was insane, after…yeah. But I started seeing myself in her and realized she didn’t remember who she was. Eris essentially had to start from scratch on her personality.”

Laila squeezes her hand, giving a reassuring smile.

“I think her calm, almost emotionless face was the result of that. Whenever I was freaking out, she was there to help me through it. Dunno if I could have gotten through that first mission piloting Ixion Stryx without her.” Juniper listens to the birds chirping in the background. It’s so beautiful here.

Laila snorts, unable to hold back laughter. “Gods, that was such a mouthful. Ixion Stryx?”

“Whaaat?” Juniper punches Laila’s shoulder, grinning like an idiot.

“You know what!” Laila jokingly accuses Juniper, softly kissing her lips. “You were always such a stickler for those kind of names. Not that I was any better. Argos and then Argus? Gods, what was I thinking?”

Juniper rolls her eyes and snorts. “Pfft, better than calling it Termite. I remember hearing stories about that little fucker.”

They lay down together underneath a shady tree, and Laila idly strokes Juniper’s chest. “I’m glad we put that behind us, though. You’re more useful to me as a hound than a person. We’re better for it.”

Juniper rests her eyes, losing herself in Laila’s touch. “I’m sorry Lails, I should have listened to you before. Maybe it wouldn’t have cost me an eye and an arm if I had.”

“Please. I was so far gone, it’s a wonder that I found the resolve to finally listen to you.”

It’s time for you to wake up, Juniper.

“Why did you listen anyway?” The breeze knocks the flower from her hair, but she’s far too relaxed to care. In the past, she might have worried about the little things, but now? She doesn’t care.

“Dunno. I think my conscience finally kicked my ass. Made me realize there was a way, but only if I made you my hound took your hand. Maybe it’s time I ask you something important, Junebug.” Laila gets down on one knee and takes out a box, wearing the biggest smile Juniper’s seen in years.

It’s…a ring? Oh gods, it’s a ring! There’s a soft gleam to the metal that makes her think of their dog tags. Laila didn’t. There’s no way, right!? “Juniper Sladek, do you love me?” The answer is so fucking obvious. Laila doesn’t have to ask.

“I do! I love you more than anything Laila Praxian! We’ve been together for years and I never stopped loving you, even when we had to fight! I never forgot our promise, but I can’t believe it!” Juniper bawls, realizing just what Laila intends to do.

“Then would you marry me? kill for me?"

“YES! A MILLION TIMES YES! I LOVE YOU, LAILA PRAXIAN, MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOW!” Juniper shouts it to the heavens above, wanting nothing more than to be with her wife forever more.

Except, in the blink of an eye, the bright sunny skies morph to dark starry night. Reminds her of when she and Laila first kissed so long ago. But when did it get so dark? Wasn’t it the middle of the day a second ago?

Laila isn’t there when Juniper looks back, only a strange blur. In a matter of seconds, her entire world is being subsumed by static. An almost nostalgic static consumes her very being, sending her deeper and deeper into nothingness.

No, I…I was free, I was fucking free!

Tears stream down her face realizing just how fucked she actually is. Reality crumbles around her, leaving her all alone in a static nothingness that hums something she can’t quite hear. This must be how it all ends for Juniper Sladek, right?

It’s time to wake up, June.

Laila?

Come on June, you don’t want to keep me waiting, do you?

Juniper knows she shouldn’t listen to that voice, because Laila isn’t…Laila anymore. Yet there is no choice but to obey. Juniper knows better than to keep her wife waiting.

Returning to consciousness, Juniper realizes there’s something metallic on her face. She can’t blink. Her eyelids are forced open by a cold metal eye speculum, and tears are streaming down her face. Flashing lights rip her psyche apart piece by piece, rebuilding and reshaping it in accordance with Her desires. She feels a desperate urge to fight back, but that thought dies just as it forms, much like everything else in her head.

Her body has been strapped to a metal table—as if she still possesses the strength to fight back! A cool liquid circulates through her body, snuffing out what little remains of the fire inside Juniper. All that's left is a shell, ready to be filled by Her.

When the flashing finally stops and the screen moves away, she can hear a familiar voice calling to her. “Juniper, are you awake now?” Hearing that voice again tickles, reminds Juniper of all those lazy mornings they had together. Maybe everything was a dream, and they really are still in bed?

“Laila?” Juniper hoarsely says. “Where…am I?”

Laila giggles. “It’s okay, honey. You’re safe.”

“But…where am I?”

There’s a nostalgic feeling to this room, a reminder of something far too foggy for Juniper to coherently recall. White lines the walls, the ceiling, and—she assumes—the floor. Impossible to tell when she can't move.

The eye speculum is removed with a careful touch, granting Juniper the chance to finally close her eyes. Closing them hurts, and it's even worse if she blinks. She stares blankly into the white nothingness of this room, letting herself get lost in it. If she listens carefully, she can still hear the hum of static.

Laila smiles, removing the straps keeping Juniper bound to the table. “You’re home now, in the kennels. Where you belong.” Those words should set her off, but they mean nothing anymore.

Once helped off the table, she collapses to her knees, unable to find the strength to stand. She reaches into her jacket pocket, searching for the pills the rebel doctors gave her. But it’s only now that she realizes she doesn’t have her jacket on, only a medical gown.

It takes several grueling minutes for her to remember how to stand, but she eventually rises to her feet. There’s someone else in here, but her right eye is so blurry that it forces her to turn her head to look. Clad in a black trench coat, Her white hair is all but hidden by a black cap, with only strands peeking out. She wears a knowing smile on Her face, waiting for Juniper to remember.

Handler.

“S-Sir, I—“

Handler comes close, shushing her with a gloved finger. “Oh, Juniper, I’m happy that you and Laila could finally be reunited. You both will make a fine addition to the program, I assure you.” That grin when She speaks is unnerving.

Juniper weakly stares into the eyes of her captor, nodding. She’s learned an important lesson: there is no fighting Handler. It doesn’t matter how hard you fight, She always wins in the end. “Yes, Sir.”

“You’ve taken to the reconditioning excellently, which I believe means you’re ready for your muzzle. Wouldn’t you agree, Laila?” Handler smirks, giving Juniper’s wife a grin.

Laila smiles, nodding to Handler. “I do indeed, sir. But I think I should be the one to put it on her, since she’s to be mine.”

Handler nods, an appreciative grin growing on Her face. “You’ve taken so strongly to the basics. Perhaps I was right to take you under my wing.” She pulls something odd from Her trench coat, offering it to Laila. It looks metallic, but with the lack of vision in Juniper’s right eye, it’s difficult to tell.

“Juniper, down.” Laila says in a sweet authoritative tone, watching the hound slowly sink down to her knees. “That’s just what I love to see, sweet obedience from my hound.”

Hound? Right, Juniper’s a hound, and hounds obey without question.

Laila bends down, ruffling the hound’s hair. “Gotta say, Junebug, I think you look better with long hair.” A hand moves aside dirty blonde hair to fit a muzzle. With the straps tightened, there’s a moment of silence to admire the sight of a muzzled hound. “Never forget your first time muzzling a girl, do you?”

Handler chuckles darkly, shaking Her head. “Savor this feeling, it’s a special occasion.”

“Laila, what happened to us? Weren’t we in a field together? We…We were…were….” Juniper can’t finish her thought, because she literally doesn’t remember how to describe the dream. Even as she’s starting to regain some cognizance, the details of her dream are simple gone. “…What happened to me?”

“Mm, complicated answer. Suffice to say: You were…banged up.” Laila’s expression stiffens for a moment, before reverting back to a smile. “As for the other part, I can’t honestly say. Probably just a fleeting delusion during the conditioning process.”

Juniper’s memory is full of holes. Everything after her surrender is a blur. She can remember the extreme pain, even parts of the multiple surgeries and the cold feeling that never left, but nothing detailed.

“I wanted to wait until it was official, but I’ve got something special for you, June.” Laila strokes the neural port on the back of the hound’s neck, sticking a finger inside it just for a reaction. “Just remember one thing: I can take it away if you disobey.”

Juniper moans, leaning into the teasing finger. Feels good, feels right, feels like love— The finger is removed with a laugh. “Oh, June, I don’t fuck dogs.” Juniper whines for a moment, but it's no use.

Warm, safe leather is wrapped around her neck, with a metallic buckle snapping it into place. Once firmly tightened, a splitting headache overtakes Juniper’s entire consciousness. A low level machine sound hums throughout her skull. HUD lines appear in her vision and fade away. “Wwwwhaaaat wwwas ttthat?" She slurs her words, attempting to get her bearings.

It takes so much effort to keep herself from slamming her skull into the floor, but that restraint is rewarded with the pain subsiding. At the end of her collar something round and metallic hangs. Dog tags. Laila’s dog tags. That realization alone is enough to make things feel whole and complete once more. Juniper’s place in the world is not to be some rebel hero, no. Her place is to be a hound. Nothing else.

“It’s for your safety. I wouldn’t want you losing another limb, would I?” Laila ruffles the hound’s hair. “Do you like the tags? I think you’ve proven worthy of them. Just don’t disappoint me, June.”

Juniper stares at her hands and only then does she realize something is off. “What…what happened to my left arm?” It’s different, artificial, not flesh and bone like her right. What would horrify her, she supposes, are the fingers, digits more skeletal than humanoid. She would be horrified, she would scream and cry and lash out. But those feelings are…missing, so she does nothing of the sort.

Handler grins and leans in close. “It’s the price you paid for thinking you could defeat your wife, Juniper. Isn’t it lovely?”

“Yes, Sir.” Juniper weakly responds.

Laila leans down, planting a kiss on the back of the skeletal hand like a suitor at a prewar dance. It sends a chill down Juniper’s spine. “I’m so sorry, Junebug. It’s the traitor’s fault we got to that point. I wanted you intact. I still love you, if that helps."

Laila runs a hand up the arm and taps the—her—shoulder. "I'll miss your old one, but this has its charms. Besides, I can't have a one-armed hound limping around, now can I? You’re no good to me broken.” Laila giggles. “Well, more broken.”

“Sir, if I may ask.” Juniper stares into those soft blue eyes, getting lost in them like the old days. “What happened to Wardog?”

Handler and Laila share a momentary look, before Handler speaks. “We couldn’t locate Bion or Saparlo. However, we did manage to recapture Eris Peray. Perhaps if everything goes according to plan, I’ll allow you two a chance to catch up.”

Juniper failed as a squad leader. They put their faith in her, and she couldn’t do the bare minimum to protect them. With any luck Mara and Aurora escaped, since they weren’t captured. That might be the only silver lining to it all.

Handler turns Her gaze to Laila. “That, however, is dependent on the results of my final test.”

Laila gives Her a confused look. “Final test? I don’t mean to question your authority, but why am I only learning about it now?”

Handler walks out of the room, motioning for the two of them to follow. “Come, I’ll explain on the way.”

The walk through the kennels is unnerving. This is the place that’s haunted Juniper’s dreams ever since she escaped. It’s dark down here—hanging lamps are the only source of light. Every few seconds, she can feel a cool draft underneath her that makes her shiver just a little.

“There comes a time when every Handler candidate must go through this test. If you pass, I’ll be able to show you your true potential as a handler. Failure, I warn you, means losing everything."

They arrive at a small room. It’s no bigger than Juniper’s quarters back at Volterra, maybe smaller. The walls are dull concrete, and the room is barren save for the single hanging lamp and a bed in the corner. A set of folded clothes sits by the foot of the bed. They’re Juniper's clothes, but for some reason her flight suit is missing. “Don’t worry, June, I’ve got a new pilot suit prepared for you. It’ll interface better with your new collar.” Laila says with a grin.

Handler gestures vaguely around the room with a gloved hand. “This test is unlike any I personally have administered before. My mentor has performed the same procedure on every previous candidate, myself included. Bluntly, I need to know whether you’re human or just another dog.” She looks Laila up and down, seeming uncharacteristically concerned. “I’ve taught you everything you need to succeed at this test, but I cannot predict or influence the outcome. You stand or fall alone.” As if on cue, a dog-hooded menial—not Eris— walks through the door holding a wooden case. They bow their head respectfully, offering Her the case.

Within the case is a syringe that contains a glowing green liquid. Liquid starlight. Juniper remembers the injections. She remembers needing it more than air itself. “This will determine your future. Whether you’re worthy of the uniform, or if you’re just a mutt. In either case, it has been a distinct pleasure working with you, Commander Praxian."

Laila isn’t a dog, right? Laila is just…Laila, whatever that means. The only thing that Juniper knows for certain right now is that her head is killing her. She can see stars on the edges of her vision. Their gentle whispers help to soothe her anxieties. But Laila needs help, or something, right?

“Hit me. I’ll prove my worth to you.” Laila laughs nervously.

Handler grins, removing the syringe. “Oh, Laila, I was quite hoping you’d say that.” She stabs the syringe into Laila’s jugular, pushing down the plunger.

“That…that was easy. What is—” Suddenly stumbling backwards, Laila carefully holds onto the door for stability. “…Fuuuck…”

Handler studies Laila’s reaction and dismisses the menial. “You take to it well. I’ve seen much lesser creatures immediately collapse from their first dose. Juniper: Help her make the correct decision.” With that, She leaves the room, closing the heavy door behind Her.

Laila collapses onto the ground and Juniper immediately rushes to her wife’s side. “Hey, hey, Lails, you okay? Look at me.” She snaps her fingers grabbing her love’s attention.

“Whhaaat?” Laila’s words come out slurred, body slumping over onto Juniper. Carefully, she helps Laila onto the bed, so that her partner doesn’t get hurt. Whatever is happening, Juniper can’t let Laila suffer alone. “June? When did I…?”

Juniper rests her head on Laila’s chest, listening to the rising and falling chest. “It’s okay. You’re in bed.” This is oddly…comfortable. There is no Handler watching over them-—it’s just them. Maybe that’s just what Laila needed to be…Laila again?

Yeah, that makes perfect sense to Juniper.

Laila is warm. Reminds Juniper of all the time they spent like this back when they were with the rebellion. Those lazy days when they spent the entire day in bed, without being scrambled or dealing with a new mission. She misses those days.

“Fuck, I…I feel…” Laila clings to Juniper, giving her a pained look. “Like someone…just beat the shit out of me.”

“It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot recently, right?” Juniper nuzzles her muzzle against Laila’s chest, staring into those gorgeous blue eyes.

There’s a groan, but Laila nods in agreement. “Heh…Looks like I failed you, June. Wanted to save you, wound up damning you instead. Now look at me…stuck in, in bed, because that…thaaaat shit knocked the wind out of meeee…”

Juniper wants to kiss those beautiful lips and tell her partner everything will be okay. But that would be a lie, and she isn’t supposed to remove her muzzle without permission. Instead, she can only nuzzle her partner and hope that things aren’t this bleak forever. “Tell me something, Lails? …Why did you make that deal to begin with?”

Laila sighs, staring at a muzzled Juniper. “’Cause I…I—“ Laila loses focus, prompting Juniper to snap her fingers again. “Right, sorry—easy to forget. Was 'cause I was scared for you…and for myself. I started fe—feeding info at first, little things…troop movements…” In another time, there might have been heated words between them, but now there’s only silence.

Juniper cuddles with her wife, relaxing at the familiar feelings returning to her after so long. “…Why, though?”

“I was scared, and…and stupid, and—I thought it could work. It had to work, because…I couldn’t willingly quit and I know you couldn’t either…” Laila holds on tight to Juniper, refusing to let go of the one constant they both have. “She convinced me th—gods, my head is fucking spinning—that, uh…”

“Lails?” Juniper prods gently, nuzzling against her.

“I-I’m here, June, just a little…disoriented, s’all. Was the room always this bright and shiny, or am I just fuuuuucked?” Laila strokes Juniper’s hair, twirling a lock idly. “Sorry…June, I failed us, you know?” Her partner laughs, staring up at the ceiling. “All these stars…makes me remember that time you took me up to see them.”

“You see them too? It’s okay, just embrace them. If you get lost in them, just squeeze my hand. I’m still here.” Juniper leans in, relaxing against her partner. “We were different people back then, and now look at us. Trapped here, because we’re just dogs, nothing more, nothing less.”

“…D-Dogs?” Laila stammers, suddenly becoming tense.

“Well, yeah. Isn’t that why She left you in here? Because we’re the same, right?” Juniper shrugs. None of this makes sense to her, but at the same time, everything makes sense. Both of them must have been dosed with the good shit, to be this sappy. “I thought you were my…handler, but I think you’re just a dog like me. Right?”

“Nnnnot a dddddog, right?” Laila shoots up out of bed in a cold sweat. “No, I-I’m human, I just…just gotta…” But those protests pass in vain, as Juniper stares into her partner’s deep blue eyes, shushing those beautiful lips with a muzzled kiss.

Laila tries in vain to push her away, but is unable to move.

“Lails, it’s okay. We can both be dogs. I already gave up my humanity when I put on the muzzle!” Juniper laughs, unable to stop herself. “And you can put it on and be just like me!” Together as Her hounds. It sounds like the perfect life, right?

“Ccccantttt, n-not ddog….” Laila is trying to fight it, but what good is fighting it? Juniper tried, and look at her now.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to fight it. Just think, you don’t need to worry about ‘fucking dogs’, because you are a dog! In fact, why don’t we just make it official? I don’t have anything on underneath this gown!” Juniper licks her lips, staring at Laila’s perfect body.

A sigh. Laila holds Juniper tight, not wanting to let go. “I’m sorry, June, I was a terrible partner. You deserved better, you know?”

“As if I was better? Look at me Laila, I’m practically naked save for my muzzle. Why don’t we just embrace the hand we were dealt and…I don’t know, be us? If you have to be like me…embrace it.” Juniper holds tightly onto her partner, planting another muzzled kiss onto those perfect lips. “I love you, Laila Praxian. I’ve loved you for so long. Let’s just be dogs together, and—“

A single tear runs down Laila’s cheek, and a hand pushes Juniper away. Abruptly standing, Laila stares at her, mournful. “I’m sorry, June. I wish that could be our life, but it can’t.”

“L-Laila!? What are you talking about!? Let’s just fall together and be happy! I love you and you love me!!! We can make it just like old times, except we’re serving a greater purpose—Her! What’s so bad about it? We can both be hounds and—and—“

Laila leans down, shushing Juniper with a hug. “I’m sorry, but that’s not how life’s supposed to go for me. My place in the world is so clear now: I stand above the dogs.” Her wife’s posture relaxes slightly, exhaling a steadying breath. “Juniper: Off the Leash. By my side.”

In an instant, the change happens. Juniper’s eyes become dull, lifeless and glassy. Her love for Laila is immaterial, because Juniper was meant to be like this. And Laila was meant to control her, because She is not a dog. She is a Handler. Hound emerges from within Juniper’s psyche, quickly kneeling next to Laila.

“Well, well. I must say, I’m impressed.” Handler says with a slow clap, leaning against the open door. “You gambled your humanity and won. It seems I was right about you, Laila Praxian—No, Handler Iota.”

“What happens now, sir?” Handler Iota idly pets Hound’s hair.

Epsilon smirks, extending a hand to Iota. “Now? You need to get fitted for your new uniform. There is so much more I can't wait to teach you. I couldn't be prouder.” Epsilon stares down at Juniper for a moment. “Juniper: On the Leash. Get dressed and meet us outside.”

Hound sinks deep back into Juniper, slumbering until her time to shine comes again. It takes Juniper a long minute to get her bearings before she can change into proper clothes. Her jacket feels just as comfortable as she remembers. The lighter is still in there too, surprisingly.

“June, there’s a rec room down the hall, go there and wait until I come for you. Consider this mandatory R&R before your first sortie under me, got it?” Laila Handler Iota says with a sweet smile to Her face.

“Yes, Sir.”

In the end, Juniper Sladek found what she was after: Her wife Handler. Nothing else matters in the world, as long as she has her Handler in it. It may have cost her so much to get Her back, but She loves Juniper despite her flaws.

Until death do they part, right?