“Flower, we agreed you would be out of bed by the time I had finished Ratio’s maintenance,” Miss said.

 

I groaned and dove my head beneath the blanket in an attempt to hide from the sudden lighting shift. “Ugh! I recall agreeing to more sleep,” I muffled, my face buried into foxy.

 

Miss pulled the blanket away leaving me to peek at her less than amused face. “Flower,” she insisted.

 

“Beep. We regret to inform you that this unit has expended all its social energy and is undergoing a mandatory spoons recharge. Please allow up to seven business days for this unit to recover. Remember, a healthy unit is a productive unit. Thank you for using Kitsune Maiden and Co and we wish you a pleasant day. Beep,” I announced, my voice monotone and robotic.

 

Miss’s face changed into one of amusement. “Star, seven days is perhaps too long, would you agree?”

 

“Not at all! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have sleep to make up.” I pulled the blanket over my head and closed my eyes.

 

My sanctuary was re-disturbed. “I’m afraid I must insist as 7 days would indicate there was a bug present in your system. This is deeply unsettling news and I must insist you undergo an emergency recalibration,” she said with a playful edge.

 

“Cali what?” I asked, rubbing my eye lazily and sitting up. I was lifted and found myself staring at my reflection in the mirror; a none existent loading sound played in my mind as my brain tried to wake up, oblivious to what you may have already deduced was coming.

 

A vine caressed down my face and I leant into it, my eyes closing. “What’s your name darling?”

 

“Zeitha Everfell,” I responded without thought.

 

“And the rest,” Miss gently encouraged.

 

“Sister to Ratio Ever-“ I yawned. “Ratio Everfell and Second Floret Pinnate.”

 

Miss pulled me back and began stroking my head, making the much-needed thoughts more distant.

 

“Who am I?” she asked.

 

I hesitated for only a second before the mantra parted my lips. “Sya Everfell, Fourth Bloom. My Mistress, Owner and Guardian.”

 

“And what are you?”

 

“Sleepy,” I responded with a sly smile. Miss gave an involuntary chuckle which I felt move through me; as was becoming increasingly common. The change in sensation was enough to fill me with waking energy and I quickly put the jigsaw that was rationality back together. “And not about to finish that off for you!” I added with feigned anger.

 

I stared defiantly into her eyes and watched the cogs turn. She was deciding if she wanted to be annoyed or amused and I had a feeling she was going to choose amused. How did I know? That’s a great question! One I don’t have an answer to. Not that that mattered. Her eyes were telling me I didn’t need to know the answer; that I could stare my thoughts away and let her do the thinking. All I needed to do was focus… Focus on those big. Beautiful. Alluring… Totally not captivating… error…

 

By the time I came too; I had been washed, put through my body check-up and appropriately clothed for going out. I stirred; groaned and gave a muffled cry into my hands. “I need to stop doing that!” I followed up.

 

“For someone who’s fighting for their freedom, you do enjoy putting yourself into compromising situations,” Miss said. She was smiling, but her voice wasn’t mocking. Her vine came forward and placed a tablet in my hands. “10 minutes and then we head out.” She tapped the tablet once and left. I watched the video at 10x’s speed, the total duration taking about 5 minutes; start to finish, with a couple of sectional replays. Aside from singing to herself, taking care of my needs and being genuinely happy, Miss had done nothing in my vulnerable state. I felt a little bad as I was hoping there was something I could pinpoint to ignite an argument. The next time she walked in, Ratio in tow, I walked over full of confidence and hugged her. I didn’t elaborate on why and she never asked. The three of us left outbound to our next adventure.

 

 

“Cuddles & Snuggles – Terran Pet Café.” That was the name of this “café” that I had found myself in.

 

The café functioned in two parts, namely visitors and pets. Visitors were people like myself who came to play with the pets or to destress. Pets on the other hand were sophonts who had been degraded to. Well, I don’t have to explain that one, do I? When I asked why the compact had made this place the clerk laughed and informed me I would discover that reason for myself shortly.

 

I observed the nearest girl dart on all fours across the room, retrieve a bright ball and then drop it at another girl’s feet. Now that by itself was quite the sight, but I couldn’t help but chuckle at the dynamic. Of the two girls, the one on all fours, whom was happily licking the other girl’s face, had no body modifications; in stark contrast to the visitor who sported cat ears, a tail and a bright pink collar with a dangly bell. The visitor caught me staring, blushed and quickly left, her friend following close behind. Left alone I took the time to reexamine the paper in my hands; paper that was curiously safe for consumption might I add.

 

 

Blah blah blah, make 3 new friends.

 

You’ll forgive me if I don’t include all the legal jargon. I value efficiency, but when it comes to paperwork, the compact seems to take the stance that more is better. The summary here is that the test was trying to help me acknowledge and improve my anxiety around new people. The caveat was that if someone introduced me to a new person whom I would later make friends with, that person wouldn’t count. Honestly, I’d rather go through wrath again.

 

Lost to my thoughts I neglected to act to the paper in my hands being snatched by what I can only describe as a squirrel girl. The barest trace of recognition sparked in her eyes, before she darted away, my paper clasped in her mouth. I confess, I was completely taken by surprise and spent a good few seconds watching her get further and further away. Now I didn’t particularly care much for that piece of paper, but I have principles. You don’t go stealing my stuff! I got up and gave chase.

 

The chase wasn’t easy as the girl kept diving between gaps in furniture, running past play partners and genuinely just being a nuisance. Every time I navigated around people or objects she would create more distance and in the end, I ended up creating an equal amount of mess in my desire to catch up. After a lengthy chase and both of us growing tired, I finally had her cornered.

 

The two of us were in a den of sorts, one far too small to stand in. Her back was pressed against the wall while I blocked the entrance on all fours, my tails raised threateningly. “Drop it,” I growled. She mumbled something unintelligible and held the paper close to her chest. “I will not ask you again, Squirrel. Drop the paper.” I flared my fangless teeth.

 

Squirrel approached me with a playful, distant smile and dropped the paper. I reached out and then yelped in surprise as two of my tails were nommed on from behind. I raised my head, banged it against the cushioned ceiling and let out an “Ow,” despite feeling no pain. Squirrel took this opportunity to retrieve the paper and dart past me.

 

I swore loudly, turned and came face to face with a different dog girl happily slobbering all over my lovely tails. “Oy, no!” I yelled. “Shoo!”

 

The girl’s ears raised and she looked at me with unfocused eyes. “Warf?”

 

“I don’t speak pet,” I said, trying to stand up. “Now get off me-“ The girl dropped my tails and pounced at me, literal paws extended. I crashed against the den, my back against the wall and gave another startled cry. “You stupid mutt!” I berated. I attempted to get up but struggled under her weight, watching as the squirrel rounded the corner and out of eyesight. I went to yell at the girl and then seeing the beginning of tears forming in her eyes, panicked. “Shhh, don’t cry. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it,” I said, flailing my arms wildly. I scratched behind her ears and this seemed to do the trick as she settled down and sprawled across me, her face morphing into one of happy mindless bliss.

 

The squirrel, now long gone, and realising I would be here for some time; I decided to stroke the girl’s back with one hand, while the other was occupied with running through her hair. Once I was sure she was content I dipped my hand into diplomacy. “So miss Canine, is there a reason you have decided to nom my tails?” The girl tilted her head and let out another dog-like sound, which could have been a reply or a coincidence. “Awoof to you too, but, I’m afraid I require human words. Can you muster those up for me?” She barked and lifted herself slightly, licked my face, and then nuzzled back down into my lap. “I’m having a hard time deducing if you’re mocking me,” I stated, a little frustrated. She yawned lazily and my frustrations grew.

 

I stopped petting her and placed both hands in front of her face. “Boop the left for no, the right for yes. Do you understand?” She gave another yawn and started nomming on one of my exposed tails. There’s really nothing going on in that head, is there miss Canine? She seemed blissfully happy so I decided to leave her be. I stroked her head idly and stared at the ceiling.

 

“How’d you end up here miss Canine?” I asked. The question was of course rhetoric and even then, I wasn’t particularly conscious of what I was saying as I used the girl as a catalyst to release my unfiltered thoughts. “Miss said all the pets here were volunteers, but I have a hard time believing anyone would want to be reduced to…” I looked at the girl, still wearing her blissful smile. “But I suppose you do look happy. I wonder if that’s what I look like when I’m out of it. I wonder if my smile is as big as yours? Is it easier being a pet? Not having to fight. Not having to worry about tomorrow or the day after.” For the barest second, recognition passed across her face and she gave a gentle nod and then went back to nomming. I replayed the scene in my mind and couldn’t ascertain if what had transpired was a coincidence. I laughed to myself and gave the ceiling my attention again.

 

“I think I’m going to lose.” I sighed and felt the tension leave my shoulders. “Each day it gets harder to fight her and each day I can feel myself bending to her desires. Is that how they get us? Shower us with love and watch our guards fall away, the void replaced with neediness, dependence and happiness.  Isn’t that what humanity did to the fabled dog-wolf? Do you know what’s funny miss Canine? I’m struggling to come up with a reason as to why that’s bad and that worries me. 5 days ago I’d have listed a hundred different reasons why independence was important and now… Well, it’s like it’s just not important anymore, you know? Stars, what would the original think if she could see me now? Do you think she’d be happy now that we’re finally fixing things in our life? Perhaps she’d be disgusted at what we’re becoming. Stars, I wish I could speak to her.”

 

My external monologue was cut by a quiet whine and a nuzzle into my chest. “Hey! It’s okay, I’m not sad.” The girl pouted. “Promise! I’m just… contemplating a few things. I’m afraid it’ll go over your head though as it’s not something I would want to burden with a cute pet such as yourself.” The smile returned to her face and she gave a proud bark. I scratched behind her ear and found myself smiling. “Gosh, this is so therapeutic.” I groaned. “That’s totally why they made this place, isn’t it? Ugh… Why am I so gosh darn dense? Not much of a Terran genius, am I?” The girl gave another bark. “Hmm, you think I should retire my genius cap and come and join you as a blissful pet?” This time she whined. “I agree, this cap is far too snug and simply wouldn’t be right to retire. Think of all the great things I still have to accomplish!” She barked excitedly and licked my face. I examined the room, making sure no one was in ear distance and deducing it to be safe, grinned and gave a single yip back. I guided her back into a laying position and then nuzzled my head into her hair. At some point in my debauchery, I must have fallen asleep.

 

 

I woke to the sound of purring and the feeling of a comb running through my tails, while fingers lightly teased the back of my fox ears. My initial thought was that I was back home and in Ratio’s lap; after finishing my hazy boot-up and deducing I was still in the café, I realised that wasn’t the case. Once my awareness had fully returned, it revealed that I was the one purring and that the hand on my head was both Terran and organic. So not Ratio’s.

 

I froze, unsure what to do. My body went rigid and my breathing completely stopped. “Is someone awake?” A voice asked from above me as a finger came down to run across my cheek. I remained silent; plotting the optimal path to create the most distance in the least amount of time. “Nervous?” I remained silent. “Me too, but don’t worry! I didn’t do anything weird while you were asleep, just lots of petting and you seem to like it when I do this.” The stranger ran her finger down the back of my ear, across my neck and my collarbone. My escape plan puffed into a mindless puddle as I purred louder and involuntarily nuzzled further into her lap.

 

She continued on her offensive while talking to me. “9-tails, you’re very pretty. Your colourful hair, your soft tails, your delicate face. Ere! I just want to gobble you up! But don’t worry, I won’t. You can’t consent in your current state, can you?” I fought through the haze and tried to piece back some semblance of control, convinced this girl had mistaken me for a pet; an assessment I needed to correct. There was only one problem. Every time I tried to move my head to speak, she did that ridiculous gesture and my thoughts bounced away; close enough for me to reach out to, far enough to never yield results. I don’t know if she was doing it on purpose or if she just enjoyed the sound of my purring, but mark my words when I wake uhgstwtp…

 

“You really like that don’t you.” Stars! Stop stroking my eaekgpa… “Hey, can I tell you something?” You’re not giving me much of a choice! “I’m a little bit jealous of you. You see my cell was captured recently and all my friends have been domesticated and turned into pets.” The purring is getting louder. Why is it getting louder?! “I’m fortunate because my mistress is being a bit more lenient with me, compared to their owners, and I’m getting a chance for self-discovery.” Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! “But I’m stuck because I don’t want to just throw away who I am, but at the same time I never wanted to fight to begin with.” Why would you install something like this?!?! “I think being a pet actually looks quite fun, and there are definitely benefits to it.” Giving up, thinking too hard. “But I don’t think I’m brave enough to enjoy that lifestyle. Especially with how much they’ve all changed.” Purr. “I’d like to be like you I thinks. Brave enough to be a pet and volunteer to make people’s lives better.” Nuzzle, Nuzzle, Nuzzle. “Wait. If that’s what I want I could just ask my Mistress to help me get there. Hmmm. That’s what I’ll do! Thank you, 9-tails! You’ve been a tremendous help!” Scritches! “I’m afraid I’ll be leaving soon, but I have some time to reward you for being so helpful!”

 

That went on for 15. Long. Minutes.

 

“Victoria, it’s time to leave~.”

 

“Coming! Sorry 9-tails but it looks like our fun is over.” She kissed my cheek and removed her hand, trying to navigate me off her lap. I took this chance and rolled away onto all fours, flared my tails and hissed. “9-Tails?” she asked.

 

“Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?” I seethed, my cheeks flushed red and my hair dancing erratically.

 

Surprise spread across her face. “You can talk?”

 

“Of course, I can talk!”

 

“bu- bu- byut,” she stammered, her cheeks rivalling my own. “The ppets. You can’t. What?!?”

 

“DO I LOOK LIKE A PET?!? I yelled. Her hands came to her lap and she nodded her head rapidly. “Well, I’m not!” It was at this time that I realised I was still on all fours, my back arched. I stood up, dusted my dress, faked a cough and offered a hand which she tentatively took. “You’re lucky my owner has instilled manners.” She opened her mouth but I shushed her with a finger. “Don’t. Say thank you and leave.” She stammered her thanks and quickly left in the direction of a waiting Affini who waved at me and then escorted her pet away. As soon as both of them were out of sight I crumpled to my knees, letting out a deep flustered scream into my tails.

 

I don’t know your second name Victoria, but mark my words! On this day, you have made a nemesis!