Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Soft warmth swaddles my skin with a weightless fluff, threatening to pull me right back into slumber I just left.
It feels almost alien, the comfort is simply inhuman…
Wait--
Softness, Comfort?
Where the fuck am I??

It takes a moment for my eyes to finally respond, some fuzzy feeling deep in my system weighing them down.

The first thing I see is an unknown ceiling. It's.. tall, well beyond anything I recognize, unlike the rusted tomb of the Accord - it's almost too clean, the soft lights dotting the tiles careful not to burn into my retinas. The air is cool, comforting, not a speck of dust or debris afloat.

I feel, for a moment, almost calm. The familiar aches and pains of waking are now no more than a dull twitch of the senses, the blankets that surround me seemingly made of the concept of comfort itself. I barely notice the twitch, as something moves right against my body. I lift up the blanket trying to spot the foreign object.

Past the grays of the hospital gown, I see vines.

Errors flash across instrument panels. The crew are screaming, adrenaline thumps blood into my ears as I scramble to hide from an unseen threat I barely comprehend. Then, there's nothing - the harsh crimson lights blink away, leaving me in the deep smothering of darkness. I can feel through the ground itself as the ship shudders; the old rotten bones festering with xeno life - with something somehow even more horrid.

The only sound is the scream of my heartbeat, the gasps under a mask... but only for a moment.

A bang screeches through the air— one, two - ring out from the halls just outside, I pull my head into my chest for safety. They light the room with blinding horror - I just barely catch as something shoots through the flash, silencing the noise. One by one, the others follow suit, their warnings of the demons beyond the stars hushed without a second thought.

I squeeze tighter, pushing as far back as I can against the wall - taking another failed breath in the gas mask.

I wince, my hands reflexively finding my eyes and rubbing them. The sharpness of the memory doesn't fade. I am okay. Deep breaths, Thera - you're safe, its probably nothing, right?

...The vines are still there, though - and the room is still the same. Please don't tell me what I think it is. Please just let this be some weird dream. Please don't let this be real. Please.

Barely a moment passes before the glimmer of something catches my focus, pulling my mind away, into the space around me; watching the newfound objects.. Flowers. Of course it’s flowers. Their lazy dance across the warm air fills me with dread - gold and white slowly flooding my vision as they smother the air with a sickly sweet scent.

I can only listen as the hinges of the door squeak, the room beginning to fill with vaguely sweet scent. I don’t move a muscle, desperate to blend into the wall. After a moment, the same creaking marks my safety. I sit, silent— simply waiting for something to happen.

The lights start to kick on and I'm bathed in a warm golden color; some sort of backup lighting system, maybe? Nothing I have ever seen before, though. I look around, trying to find my escape through the dark - the room's still pitch black. The spotlight is on me.

It feels worse tilting my head up, meeting the inevitable.

I see all four of those golden lamps - those jewels, lighting my face with fear - the silhouette of a sharpened grin seen barely hidden in the dark.

Thorns sharpened to a razor's edge rip into the space around me, blocking any chance of escape. This deep pulse starts to fill my mind, this rhythm that just sinks into my bones— I couldn’t blink, couldn’t move - my muscles seize up, taut with fear.

I recoil, the bed itself seeming to notice - wrapping tighter in its own threaded bind. Whatever strength I could have to fight them, to rip them apart, it doesn't come; the toxins pulling at my eyes are fighting against the rest of me. I refuse to give in, even as the gentle touch of those roots rub against my head, scratching all of the tension out of my body.

I squeeze as tight as I can onto my shoddily prepared mask, desperate to keep this poisoned gas free from my failing lungs. The being before me, this demon who glows in its own light, my killer - it pulls itself ever closer, watching - almost waiting for me to make a mistake. That overwhelming song that pours from the walls only grows with their presence, entrenching itself deeper and deeper into my subconscious - it takes all my effort not to scream as my vision cloud with tears.

I follow the careful weave of roots, their attention seemingly following along; They twitch as they fall into the covers - the same things that are coiling around me as I watch. I feel their heat as they hold me from under the blankets, the hints of that same tune just barely present, the notes of pain are only just barely stronger - hardly noticeable in comparison to the growing reality of the situation. The leaves almost pull my sight forwards towards a being that sits before me. Said being, their owner; a giant mass sitting just along the side of the bed, seems to take notice as it enters into frame - its antennae perking up. It's overwhelming in comparison to anything I've seen before, needing me to crane my head just to see it while it sits there, staring.

I can barely manage another sob by the time it reaches me, so close to my frozen form I can feel the heat radiating off it. The song becomes overwhelming, tearing at my senses - my will to fight.

I watch as it leans down, trying to meet my gaze. It moves, and I feel its hand - carefully carved of vine, as it lifts my chin up; its eyes burn with vivid hypnotic swirls as they catch mine, seeming to almost brighten more with my attention.

the thing smiles at me as our gazes meet, baring its razor-sharp fangs, the wicked implements look ready for their next meal.

A bramble moves, wrapping itself around my hand - singing words into my mind. calm. warm. safe. My neurons don’t have enough time to fight it.

Its thorned whips coil around wherever it can find purchase - the floor, walls, ceilings and myself becoming marred by foliage.

Her voice resonates into the air, why it's shaking is beyond me.

“H-hello there, my.. My precious little thing~.”

“There you are, my love~”

Her voice is like honey, matching the petals that form her being.

“Good morning, my sweet, precious little everything~.”

-

“Did you sleep well, petal?”

Her eyes stare at me, through me. My vision is wide with panic.

“Stars~” She sighs, dreamily, as tendrils work through my hair— “You look so beautiful when you do, you know?~”

The living nightmare leans over, blocking more and more of my line of sight with the door, the only exit.

Their music, their rhythm; it starts to come back in full, her body fucking purring into mine, her smile only growing as she watches my resistance falter.

I try to move with what little power I can muster – only for her vines to wrap around tighter-- squeezing my entire chest, almost chiding me for my attempt to escape. I gasp from the pain as they run along my bruise littered flesh.

“Get- g-get the fuck off of me!!”

She smiles, there's no need to respond.

All I can do is lay there, and watch my tormentor.

A fate worse than death.

In the vines of an Affini.

She almost looks human upon closer inspection, if not for the fact that her sitting is taller than me standing. Her gaze constantly focused down onto me - the rest of her form is almost comical in proportion, her chest barely contained within oversized green and white leaves entwined by twisting tendrils.

Other vines form themselves into hair, they slowly flow around the space; around the bed, under the covers, even marking the floor in green and gold. Her hands, like gloves of twisted foliage, move a lock from off of her glowing gemstones of eyes - all four of them zealously trained onto me, her next meal.

That face-splitting smile fails to hide the rows of razor sharp fangs.

Flowers, marked with those same gold and white petals, cover her - both skin and not - they faintly shift in a winding dance that only helps to accentuate her rhythm.

Skin slowly shifts on her torso, the “panels” of flesh rearranging to better fit itself; I watch something glow faintly between the seams of her chest, beating with that same need that courses through the rest of the greenery. On her shoulder bears the mark of my demise; the soft magenta of the Compact discordant against her waving foliage.

The parody of a terran moves ever closer, crossing the room sized bed in a single movement.

My heartrate only fluctuates more in her presence, almost like it's trying to follow her pattern. I push myself up-- or at least try, her thicket relenting only slightly - adrenaline gushing through battered muscle. Through the horror, I see it. The door. The way out.

I close my eyes, focusing. Focus, Thera - stop letting that song dig into you!
I need to run, I need to escape, I need to figure out where to go, I need to DO SOMETHING. But..

Even if I break out of here, what do I do?

I am in enemy territory, out on an affini prison world for all I know - or better yet, a slaver planet. but maybe that's not so bad, especially with this song...
Even– Even if I somehow get out, and get myself onto a ship-
I don’t know how to fly it! I never had the luxury of learning how to pilot an accord vessel, let alone flying something made for thorned demons twice my size!
I just- I need to give in, petal~ think..

She only grows louder, purring into the warm air; more of her skin-piercing spines lower themselves onto my head, others winding tight around my body - lightly stroking my skin - the affection ripping my thoughts away as if they were nothing.

It dawns on me - as I am slowly able to think again, bound tight in this thing's arms.

I can’t– I can’t get out.

I am powerless here. I have– I just–
I don’t know what to do! I don’t even know where to go or–
just let me have you~

The pressure of her wakes me up from my thoughts - her eyes dig deep into me, scanning every note of my soul.

“Shhhh, It’s okay, I know~ I know it’s a lot.”
My breath, already shaken, turns rough in seconds - the signs of an imminent panic attack rearing themselves into my psyche.
She pulls me tighter– pulsing with the overwhelming feeling of her, of her calm.
I try to tug at my leafy chains.

“N- no! Let me go!”

I try to get away, to do anything, her grip is like steel… and I refuse to comment on just how good it feels, like she's dragging me deeper into the false sense of security I held just moments ago, the panic attack fading as fast as it appeared.

“Just breathe my darling, I’m here for you.”

I try to refuse, lurching back, once more desperately failing to pull away from her tendrils, the terror pumping through my heart beating into my eardrums. I don’t move an inch. I yelp from the pain as she winds tighter and tighter and tighter, only squeezing more resistance, more of myself out of me. My eyes start to well up, I can hear as water drips against her leaves.

“You’re safe, petal.”

“Please! No– ow!” I shake my head, one of the last movements I can perform.
Her vines insist, digging deeper into my will as they squeeze tighter and tighter on my shaking limbs. More coil around my chest, hugging me tight, beckoning me to calm my breath. They hum against me, pulsing with that incomprehensible rhythm; as it slowly tears the fear from my bones.

I dig my heels, desperate to hold onto what little of myself remains. She watches, her eyes bearing down into me, the smile on her face never fading.

She closes the gap, mere inches from my face faster that I can blink. Her hand, big enough to easily crush my head, instead gently rests against it - helping tilt it, so I can better face her.... so I can't escape her stare.
I try to shake my head, trying to move. To do something-

“Please… no–” I barely utter the last word before she coils more unseen vines around my mouth.

“Oh, my dear~.... How those tears run ever so beautifully down your face~”

She stops my muscles as if they’re not even there, her roots drinking my sobs - the resonating song from within her only growing stronger; drowning my inhibitions, my mind only barely staying afloat.

The four gems in her head, merely shimmering moments ago; are ablaze with purple luster, gold spiraling deep into the otherworldly patterns. I can only begin to feel the raw hunger that aches in each distracting iris, as they swirl hypnotically to her song-- I have to pull myself away, facing somewhere else - anywhere else, or else I may just get lose myself to those crystals.

“My..”
She growls in between the soft pants she’s started to emit—
“My sweet~”

That overwhelming rhythmic drum through me grows ever stronger with her presence, the sway of her body taking over more of my mind - it speaks like an order to my soul, a command to obey her— her demand for me. It becomes near impossible to think between my quickly fading panic, and the soft movements of her foliage.
It takes all of my effort to stay afloat in my own consciousness, let alone feel anything even remotely resembling fear.

"Mine..."

She frees my mouth from her clutches as her head moves in - it alone is the size of my entire torso, my breath and mind overwhelmed and heavy. Her own smells as sweet as her flowers as heavy huffs of pink tinted air emanate from her full lips, closing in on my own, pulling me deeper into this false calm. I sink into her hand, ready for whatever fate she yearns so desperately to reach.

The moment is ruined just before we meet, a piece of her focus almost stolen away by something.
Moments later, a knock rings from the doorway.

-

I only watch it for a second, before her head spins to face the entryway - but her eyes; where they were glowing with raw, unfiltered desire mere moments ago - rapidly turned to blackened stone, so cold as to freeze me down to my heart. It horrifies me. Ripping me away from the horrid comfort she brought, back into myself.

Her warmth, her… comfort— pulls away in an instant, once more returning to the side of the bed. My fears are ablaze with untold strength, a drive to escape once more pushing through.

A soft hiss fills the air, what little I can see of the door pulling away.

A vine, two, hundreds walk through the barrier. Unlike the woman before me, it shares only the vaguest similarities with a terran - maintaining just the bare shape of a human silhouette. Four arms flow as it hovers along the ground, the living pile of foliage swaying, rearranging - blue lights looking almost through me, then the other in the room.

The four-armed alien speaks up. “Ah, Ms. Emmoni, thank you for-“
A click, resonating from her throat, cuts it off.
“Just Lonicera, Mr. Fraxinus.”
It looks at her, then at me, words seemingly caught within its vines.
“Have we met before, miss?” Its head tilts while it asks.
I cannot see her face directly, but I watch as her cheeks pull up in a smile. "I've simply been here a while, little plant."

…

It coughs, or whatever it can without a throat, trying to clear the air from the cutting tension.
Its gaze turns to me, smiling. I pull back, muscles so tense they may snap from the years of overexertion.

“It’s nice to meet you, petal! As you have just heard, my name is Olea Fraxinus, 5th Bloom - Pronouns of He and Him, I will be your vet for the time being!”

It- He pulls out a tablet from somewhere, possibly from inside himself, and idly begins, tapping along before returning focus to me - all the while I am reeling back, my back flush against the wall, my legs pulling up, feeling the familiar scars; their pain known. The door is still open. I know it’s useless, but— I still have to try.

I look him dead in his eyes, blue crystals sparkling back at me. His foliage stands at a complete standstill in readiness for the competition.
My legs shake slightly, muscles flooded with what little strength remains in them.
“Fuck. off.”
The door is open the door is open the door is open.

Run. RUN.

I try to rush for the exit, my safety, barely making it across the plush mattress before I'm yanked back.

Golden flowers wrap themselves around my arm, pain pulsing through as she squeezes - as if trying to bring comfort. Her song, this warm rhythm, burns through me. My fears. My pain. My drive for the way out. After a moment of, from what I can only hear behind me, the blankets being shuffled out of the way - I quickly find myself back into the space I just tried to flee from— the bed is still warmed by my body heat.

Lonicera stares through me, only adding to that deepening symphony that resonates through my nerves, through my soul, through the honey scent that floods my senses.

“Behave, petal;” it says, “You are not in charge here.”

Lonicera nods towards the other beast, a gesture he quickly understands - the page on his device glowing blue with attention.

“According to our records, you are..” He taps through options.

“I said, fuck off-” Her grip tightens - her song growing in discordant pitch, a warning I have no choice but to obey.

“--------?” The name cuts through my head, my mind, my very will to move on. The two watch as I wince just from the sounds entering my eardrums.

They both recoil, Lonicera turning only for a split second to stare at the doctor. Her anger flutters through every speck of her body, the burning rage almost charring my flesh - quickly turning to care as her hand suddenly rests against my cheek once more, wiping away the stray tears that formed.

“…I am so sorry-”
“T-Thera. Thera lewis.” I sniffle, collecting myself.
“And your pronouns, dear?” Lonicera chirps up, more vines joining the first; hugging and caressing my body - the pain feeling more distant in comparison.
“… She / Her”
“Good girl.” Her words dig into my skull, branding upon my subconscious. I refuse to comment on just how.. Nice it feels.

“So.” Both of us turn to the… vet?
“Just to make sure our information is correct;” I wish I had the energy to fight back at this point. Why does it matter if it is, anyways? I’m not some animal. Just because I am not some fucking wormhead doesn’t mean…
“You lived on the feralist vessel known as.. the CSN Holy Avenger, yes?”

Feralist? I'm not some fucking feral! I'm an.. I'm...
Whatever challenge I could've brought up is deluded by that purr that shivers up my spine. I can do nothing but simply give in.

“…yes…” My voice is nothing but a silent squeak in the dark.

“What a dreadful place to be, petal - don’t worry, you’re safe now!”
“Don’t think about it, dearest.” She adds.
I nod, my palm finding her foliage and squeezing it. She squeezes in response. What the fuck is wrong with me, how the fuck are these things making me feel this way?

…

Silence fills the room once more, saved for the hum of the Affini’s rhythm inside of me, Lonicera's swaying melody molding the pattern of my own heartbeat; anger and panic coursing under my skin leaving as.. dare I say it - comfort begins to fade into realization.

Her other hand lifts from her side, pulling her form towards me, she's taller than me even as she crawls over. Her tendrils, hidden below silken blankets, cover my arm fully - soft touches and scratches moving across me, bringing feelings of help and safety with it.

Her touch feels so sickeningly warm, so soft, my palm nearly sinking into her body.

A ping rings out. Another shuffle. Another blue light from his tablet.

“Ms. Lonicera, your doctor just sent a message, they’re waiting for you.”

She stops, the twitching of her feelers against me just barely hints at the anger she holds.

I faintly hear the whisper she sings to me:
“Be seeing you.”

In an instant, she rises; her body fully contracting back into itself - it feels like I have just surfaced from after a long dive, my body almost begging for her addicting pattern.

She moves, gracefully vanishing out of the door without so much as a peep - she nearly has to duck to cross the threshold, just how tall is she?.

-

Fraxinus and I sit, or stand in his case, for nearly a minute after her departure. The world somehow feels colder in her absence.

In the silence, I finally manage a glimpse of my cell: The walls are a cool white hue, a few devices that speak with soft whirs and beeps carefully placed about, tracking vitals and other oddities. Besides Fraxinus is a relatively small table, paperwork delicately strewn across it. To my left sits a window, the view showing densely packed trees and the swaying of grass, a… forest, that’s the word, I think. Behind it, the walls and roofs of other buildings stand; all of different shapes and sizes, all of them coated in greenery. It’s too beautiful to be real. It can't be real - why would a prison world have such beauty?

“Well then, alright!” The… vet speaks up.

“Let's get you something to eat! When was the last time you’ve eaten, Thera?”

“…I don’t know, I’m fine.” I.. just how dumb does he think I am? I know a trap when I see one.

That seems to tick him off, his eyes sparkling with red for only a moment.

“You are very much not fine, flower - your panel shows you’ve been experiencing major malnutrition over a several cycle period. This is bad even for feralist standards, and we haven’t even started on your hormone imbalance!”

“I said I am fine!” I yell back, my anger somehow returning to me.

He stares, only for a second, before shooting towards me - swarming me before I can think, hundreds of thousands of feelings freezing me in place. I feel a pinch against me. I turn to see a flower. His flower. Embedded into my arm. Calm prickling radiates from the wound, adding into a desire to simply sit still.

Did he-
Did he just fucking drug me??

“Petal.”
“Wh- Get off!”
“Behave, Petal.”

His voice fills my mind like hers did. I have to restrain myself from just… sinking into them.

“You are going to be taken care of. I know this is new and scary, I know you don’t trust my kind.”
He leans back, greenery still wrapped around me, holding my arms to my side - not like I can even move in the first place. Another two or so needles join the first, but I barely feel them.
He is so much… I can feel my grip on reality slipping into the slow patterns of his vines.

“But you will learn; if not from me, then from your guardian.”
“Do you understand?”
I have to dredge my thoughts, my words, out from the deep. My voice is hushed. Shattered. Disoriented. My anxieties are pulled from my skull like a light receding the darkness.

It feels so.. weird. My body, moving from the wound site outwards, feels like its tingling with sensation; little jolts of electricity swarming against my nerves. It feels so so much, I would squirm if I could - the mix of the vines holding me tight and the desire to just sit. still. is engrained into my head and-

…what was I talking about?

I look up at the shuffling vines before me, unable to remember why.

He looks.. Like he wants a thing? An answe-... I have to hold myself back from breaking out into moans.

“I- wha?”
I shiver in place, my mind overtaken with bliss.
He smiles.

“It’s okay, you don't even need to worry about answering anything. Good petal.” The praise lights up before unknown areas of my brain, he chuckles at the sight.
“So, since I have a captive audience-“ He laughs, his foliage moving along with him. His eyes are… so sparkly, they just draw me in. The vines that hold me, touch me, they feel like pure bliss on my skin. The bed is so soft I might just sink in.
“Would you like to discuss the rest of your record, cutie?”
Everything just pulses with pleasure and sensation, I can't help myself from losing…
A moan pushes the thought away, every second bleeding into the next.
All I do is just move in my restraints, and feel, and-

Laughing breaks my thoughts open again, dragging my eyes back to my holder.

“I think I might have given you a bit too much, petal-”
His voice is so.. Pretty.
“I do apologize, I am sure you don’t mind - for the moment, at least.”

Once more, beautiful noise fills the air like bubbles, the deep thrum of his rhythm dancing in my bones.
“Your guardian would probably certainly prefer you in this.. more pliable state, wouldn’t you say?”

“How about I go get them for you, hmm? You are clear to leave with them, after all.”
“Oh look at me, talking your ear off again!”

In a flash of light and green, he moves my body, now dancing with hypnotic patterns, onto the bed. The cool air sends shivers of pleasure into my synapses, straight into my skull. It’s electric. It’s so much.
The door, important to me for something, opens-- and I am left alone.
Moments pass before I lose the memory of where the being was going - all I know is that he was here, he was warm. He was so, so, so so soft!

After what felt like an eternity of waving, shifting and snuggling into the pricks and soft judders of feeling; the hallway past the metal door reappears. Out comes the doctor, and after just a moment longer, someone new enters, is that my guardian?

Much like the doctor, their vines coil and shimmer in the bubbly light. Their eyes, 6 in total, bear deep into the softness of my plied skull. They’re.. So pretty and oh fffffuck that feels so good.

I can barely focus on the new being as a moan rings from my lips, and I squirm into the plush blankets.
The plants, they..
Hehe-
Planty plants..

Anyway! They come over to me and wrap their oh so warm vines around me and snuggle me and make all the warm stars reappear!
“Look at you, petal~” They sing into my giggling mind.
“All easy and soft and dumb for me, hm?”

I nod, barely understanding the context.

“How silly of me to not introduce myself, I am Saccharum Natsu, 3rd Bloom, pronouns of They / Them - and I will be your guardian for-” My eyes trail off, focusing on the warping view of the room.

They giggle, I giggle, we all giggle! So many noises and voices and stimulation and it’s so so much…

“Hmm..” The noise lights up my attention, pulling my head down to focus on them. “I’d say you need a nice little nappies back at our hab, don't you think; Ellie?”
Another being, small enough to the point I can’t notice them over the bed, squeaks with enthusiasm.
“Hab?” I ask—
“Yes petal, hab!”
“Hab’s a fun word” The word tastes like bubbles in my mouth!
“Why yes it is, silly!”

Within moments, I feel the jab of another dose of… something, something that adds weight to my eyes, and makes it so easy to just sink into the warmth of dreams. I barely see their coils, but I can feel as I am lifted up by them and gently carried away, hallways turning to hallways turning into.. the outside.

My drug-consumed brain barely has the ability to make out the details of the many buildings we cross, I am much more focused on the warmth of the being squeezing me tight. From what I can see, though; small groups of aliens and terrans alike mingle around - basking in the warmth of the sun and seemingly living buildings, as a glint of pale gold flows through the background. Slowly, I give in, as the soft massaging of fibers against my skin welcomes me into rest.

Chapter Text

The ceiling I wake up to is once again completely unfamiliar.
At the very least, I’m slightly more used to it. 

With a sigh I rub my eyes, the rest of my body waking up soon afterwards.

Something feels… off. Uneasy. Almost cold. From what little I can see, I am safe - yet my anxiety is spiking, my body shaking under the weight of the sheets above me. My brain fails to catch up to the panic; whatever reason it wanted to give is left blurred. I check under the blankets - seeing nothing, no movement beyond my own. It brings a second of relief, releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, ignoring a part of me that feels like something is missing.

For now, though, I focus my attention outward.

I notice as I begin to sit up - the entire room is different. The only similarity to the vet’s room being the oddly comforting warmth of the blankets I'm swaddled into. The walls are tinted in a soft, pale green - against them sit several furnishings that dot the large space, all in various shades of brown and green. In the corner sits an overwhelming number of plushie animals, a blue thing with fins sitting atop the mound. More of them lay strewn about the bed, even the pillows behind me have soft smiles sewn into them. 

Thinking about the vet fills my lungs with that same anxious feeling - something is wrong about it, but the thoughts are stuck like words on the tip of my tongue, a scared to come out.
The wall is cool against my back as I press into it.

It feels like this area is almost prepared for someone to panic; the closet doors are already fully opened, the cavity lit, a couple pieces of clothing float in there hanging upon the racks. The rest of the room gives off the same false safety- any other potential hiding spots have gotten the same treatment, left wide open for even the slightest hint of danger. Even still, I scan around, focused on any signs of movement. 

The room is near silent, even my shaking breath is hushed.

To my luck, no movement occurs, save for the soft swaying of trees outside the window, the skyline coated in a calm, bluish grey. The soft blow of the wind brushing against the glass, the noise barely heard from beyond it. 

-

The rustling of blankets mark my approach as I move towards the end of the mattress, and—

The floor looks so far away, like it’s well over half my height.

Was this thing even designed for terran use? 

…No matter, I tell myself, pulling blankets off me, only to be surprised when the familiar shiver from the cold air doesn’t come. As it turns out, I am in new clothes– nothing like the gown I was dressed in when I was last awake. The soft cloth soothes my skin, feeling so comfortable as I rub it between my fingertips. Both halves of the outfit are made up of a faded pink, with darker dots covering it in random patterns. Thin black bands sit under the clothes, right against my skin, all of them comfortably snug. I even have clothing over my feet! The pads that coat the bottom of each piece of footwear gives a nice grip as I move around in the bed. The air around me is nicely warm, relaxing, and faintly sweet. Weirder still, the aching muscles and nerves are somehow more muted than yesterday…

My mind floods open like a broken valve, hundreds of thoughts and memories returning at once.

Yesterday. Yesterday I was drugged. Yesterday I was attacked. Yesterday I was violated. Yesterday I was kidnapped from my home ship, and now I've been kidnapped again. What the fuck is happening. Oh fuck, I don’t know where I am– oh fuck I don’t know where I am— oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck what do I do what can I do– 

My head throbs from the realization.

oh fuck what do I do–

My breath quickens. A soft beeping beats from below me. 

oh stars help what do I do I can’t think I can’t breathe I—

I feel the trickle of cool flow down my veins, it feels like my thoughts are clogged away, slowed to nothing more than a crawl.

What feels like minutes pass before my awareness makes it through the haze.

…
I manage to meagerly lift myself back up, one arm pressing down into the mattress to stop me from collapsing.

I shake my head, rub my eyes - trying anything to clear the fading pain in my brain - pulling my slowly scattered thoughts to one goal:

I need to get the fuck out of here. 

Something else begins to take hold of my mind, the form of someone… No, Thera - stop it. Stop thinking that way. Stop thinking about her, how you miss the warmth of her vines wrapped tight around you. Just because it was nice… No. Lonicera was awful. The Affini are awful. Focus on escape, focus on survival.

My goal pushes my muscles over the edge.
The drop down to the floor was faster than I expected; the soft, fake grey grass below me offering ample comfort as I fall into it. 

Slowly, surely, I try to stand, holding onto the bed for support. 

I make it up, giving me a hint of hope, hope which pushes me forward in a vain attempt to move, to escape – only to unceremoniously flop onto the ground.

… ow.

After a moment of catching my bearings in the fluff, once more I rise to my feet. Once more I take another step; and this time, I manage to stay upright.

-

The room is so much larger than I thought. The closet’s doors are nearly twice my height; the mound of stuffed creatures is more of a small mountain in comparison. My presence seems to disturb the unstable hill, causing a few to fall to the floor - including the blue thing I saw earlier. 

One of the few things that is fit for one my size, however, is a mirror on the wall - mounted at a perfect height to fully see myself through it. Slowly, I waddle over, cautious from my last fall - slowly seeing my eyes as I look at myself. 

My reflection is alien to me. 

I have seen glimpses of myself aboard that vessel, of course - small instances of clean metal or the reflection in a pool of spilled water - the face that always looked back was coated in a fine layer of grime and wear, marred by injury barely hidden beneath the coating. 

The visage that looks back at me is.. clean, almost ethereal; not a speck of dirt in sight - they must be artificial, too beautiful to be real. I watch as my hand rises up to my face, touching my cheek. My copy is moving just the same – it’s so smooth, untouched. Beneath the top, barely spotted between my movements, white cloth is bound around my torso carefully and lovingly; guarding and helping to heal the many wounds that cover my body.

None of this makes any sense at all. 

Why?

Why would they do all of this for some laborer— some slave they plan to work to near death? What is the point of these comforts, those stuffed toys, the warmth of the room I am in? Why waste effort on cleaning me up, dressing me in softness, surrounding me in these simple pleasures? Is this how they treat all of the people they view as animals, the "feralists"? Is that all I am to them? Just some stray? Do I even want to know… do I even want to leave this behind, return to the hellscape I was a part of? I don’t understand this. 

Another soft beep goes off, giving enough time for the thoughts to clear away - a pale yellow glow quickly emanating from my neck, attached to another thin black band. Is that… a collar?
.
..
…Frankly, it doesn’t surprise me - just add it to the list of things going on at this point, for fucks sake!

It doesn’t budge when I try to pry it away.
Again and again, I try to take it off - nearly ripping my damned neck off in the process - bumping into the table beside the mirror as I fail to remove the device. It’s practically welded together, impossible to escape. I need to escape.

Something falls to the floor, immediately grabbing my attention. 

I let go of the collar, my fingers ever so slightly sore from the attempts. 

On the ground, mixed among the gray strands on the floor, is a small thing - a glistening fragment of the unknown, simply begging me to take a closer look.

I give in to the curiosity that stirred in me and lower myself to my knees, carefully picking up the strange object.

There sits... a small glass jar: Perfect in my hands - the outer surface is nearly transparent with no small amount of care taken to it. I watch as the surface glimmers in the soft enchanting light, the old scratches and scars in the glass tread thousands of times by my fingers.

Holding it all together is a simple piece of black string, a small knot at its end - each frayed strand carefully resewn. Merely holding it, feeling as it flows down my hand, fills with a sense of familiarity.

It’s missing something, however; the small pieces of light pink and blue - the fake candies that normally resided in it now replaced with empty air. The cork piece that makes up the cap has stayed on tight; another thing to ask my captors for.

It’s… it’s my necklace. 

With near reverence, I lower it onto myself; the small charm resting beautifully against my chest. Just wearing it feels warm, filling me with untold amounts of joy. I can’t even think of the last time I've been safe enough to wear it on board the Holy Avenger, let alone the last time it has been cleaned to such a degree. 

I can’t help as a warm smile rises out of my lips.

It feels so nice to hold that my brain refuses to consider how these demons even got a hold of it, simply leaving that concern hidden away for another time, as it joins with the growing anxiety that stirs in my gut. 

-

There's nothing I can take for defense, everything in here is made strong enough to resist my attempts to take pieces off to wield. In the end, I find that blue finned thing once more. If I can't get a weapon yet, maybe it's smarter to appear more helpless. It's light enough to be thrown, I feel as I pick it up - maybe I can throw it as a distraction? Whatever the reason, the warmth it gives keeps me from dropping the plushie.

With nothing else I could do, save for hiding away in a corner for the rest of time, I approach the only door out of the room.

It’s massive, clearly built for something far too tall for me to even comprehend. There’s also... no way to open it, from what I can tell. Maybe there’s a button hidden somewhere? 

It turns out that there is none, seeing as the door magically opened as I closed in upon it. 

I give the plushie a squeeze, its warmth helping to cool my nerves, and exit the room. 

-

The hallway is, in a word, overwhelming. The room is bathed in pale light from balls that look like they’re simply floating in the air, suspended by who knows what. 

The walls themselves are littered with mementos; tables covered in small mementos, the walls lined from ceiling to floor in art - some of what looks like humans, various objects, others like one of the aliens I saw yesterday. I see a mark along the corners of the pieces, a name; 'Ellie'. Do I know them? I feel like I've heard that name. I move forward, checking under everything on reflex alone - the spaces below them sit at the perfect height for me to hide under.

The floor is that same weird soft grass, now a faint teal in contrast to the grey. Before me sits another door, with a few more scattered about the walkway. 

Just down the hall, I can hear the sounds of others - presumably my captor. There’s another voice, though; one that sounds deceptively human. Maybe they’re mind controlled - or they've become a slave, a wormhead. 

The door slams shut on its own, blocking off one of the only possible exits I had. I barely have the time to panic before the sounds of voices come from down the hallway. 

“Good morning, petal!” It speaks, sounding awfully familiar.

“Come down when you feel ready, I am making breakfast!” Breakfast? What's that? Whatever it is, it smells amazing, so sweet and rich - to the point I need to physically restrain myself from just diving down the hall.

The door opens from proximity once more, only closing itself when I am far enough away. Good, I can still run to here if I need to. The fact that it doesn't look to have any sort of locking mechanism doesn't help. I focus myself outward, trying to figure out what to do, what to keep for a weapon. My first steps are hushed, like I'm trying to hide - not like they aren’t already aware of my presence. Soon, however, curiosity takes hold, and I start to explore the other rooms. 

What I soon come to realize is that this place is the near definition of excess. The room across from what I can only assume is mine is another bedroom, the mattress similarly gigantic - with even more stuffed animals strewn about it. The covers have been carefully rearranged on top, showing off the spirals painted onto the warm blankets. The wallpaper in here looks freshly painted, with a handprint stuck to the side — maybe like a signature of sorts? Ellie's, maybe?

Another room down, adjacent to mine, is littered in small specks of grime and debris - the resemblance to my home in the Accord giving off a faint sense of recognition. Various things lay around of all shapes and sizes, from little tools like screwdrivers, wrenches and brushes to unfamiliar pieces of blue paper and tubes covered in a rainbow of liquid color - “watercolor”, as their labels say. I notice that one of those balls from the ceiling sits deactivated on a table far too tall for me to reach. I do manage to grab hold of a few of the pieces of equipment, but nothing works well enough as a weapon - everything is far too big for my hands to get a comfortable grip on. 

On the far wall, next to a strange wooden stand covered in even more of that paint, there’s a weird box with a door on it - a small screen held off to the side. It looks like it’s covered in a thin film of color and grease.

The last one I check for now is sitting between the two bedrooms. It’s.. a bathroom? I think? There are normal toiletries, of course; a sink, a toilet, another mirror, several towels and assorted items held on racks, lavish items I've seen before. 

What I fail to understand is the purpose of a massive pit in the corner,  the tile guarding the entrance sitting slightly elevated from the ground. It looks like an empty tank, or pool - fitted with weird ports along the inside, another panel attached to the floor itself— what is this thing designed for? There are bottles held adjacent to the hole, things which I can’t read. They smell sweet, though. I have to resist the urge to try to taste it. 

-

My wandering finally ends up at the source of the noise; off to my right stands a kitchen - fit with marbled white countertops, perfect for an emperor. Pots, pans, and various dishes held in glass-lined wooden cabinets. On the far end sits a massive window, one that spans from the floor to the roof, set with cookware hanging off of the ceiling. Books sit besides a large metal cabinet of sorts, and jars of various tiny substances sit just out of reach. The names on the labels are completely foreign; ‘Thyme’? ‘Basil’? ‘Pa… Paprika’?? ‘Sal-’ oh hey I know that one!

There’s also another one of those weird boxes like before, with the screen - this time its connected directly to the island in the center of the space.

Of course, there is also the xenos in the room - the one whose tendrils easily pull my attention.

“There you are! Have a seat next to Ellie whenever you feel like it.”

Moving around the room, vines darting out in hundreds of different directions, is my captor - Saccharum, if I remember correctly.

They’re a giant; a face woven of vines gives a soft smile as our eyes meet - the six crystals in their head faintly glowing compared to the greys of the sky seen in a window just behind them. There’re spots of color on their face, reds and blues and purples, all of them drawn in swirling patterns that move around their body. The soft hum of their rhythm dances against my skin, feeling so much lighter in comparison to the ones I've met before. It's.. weirdly comforting, in a way.

Their vines are coated in little pink flowers, a large bush of them forming around what would be the neck on a terran. A large puff of pink makes up the pseudo hair on top of their head, tied back behind their head with a vine. They’re also, weirdly, in terran clothes; a long black dress covering their chest is coated in the shimmers of golden leaves. I watch as it flows through the air like water as they move. In their thin arms is cooking equipment, and ever larger plates of food. More of her vines, behind her, appear to be pouring out some orangish liquid, with-

“Are you alright, petal?” Somehow, they manage to look at me while they cook - as if nothing strange is occurring. Their expression is covered in false worry.

“Are your little feetsies frozen? That’s okay, you are still new to seeing my kind, just take your time!” Their eyes return to the pans in their grip after a moment to smile at me, intentionally hiding the sharpened fangs behind their fake lips.

I squeeze my plushie on instinct, feeling as it presses against my charm. 

Just breathe, I remind myself.

If they wanted to kill me, they’d have done it already. 

-

As I turn around, moving into the open area just opposite the kitchen, the sounds of that other voice I heard sing from behind the chair. Moving around it, I catch the gaze of.. 

Another terran. 

They look at me with the warmest expression I've seen in years, something that melts away the worries that kept me from moving closer.
They're... pretty, the long black hair highlighting the deep browns in her eyes, the way their voice is filled with an excitement I haven't seen in years - their thin figure has been shown an amount of love that would only be possible if Affini propaganda was not only true, but an understatement.

As I move closer to the chair that they’re sitting in, however, I see their clothing; a long top that flows just past their knees. Not that it looks weird, It’s just that... It's the exact same colors as Saccharum. 

No matter, that's a concern for another time. 

“Good morning, sleepy head!” The human springs out of the chair they were sleeping in, wrapping their arms around me tight.
I squeal, my arms too slow to protect myself - they don’t seem to mind, however.

“It is nice to meet you! Well, it’s nice to meet the sober you! I gotta say - you are rather cute on class A’s, you know?" 

That gets a blush out of me, squeezing the plushie in my hands.

“Oh right, introductions, silly me! I am Ellie Natsu, 2nd Floret, It / Its please!” It hugs me again, only to move back - as if offering space to speak. Wait, It / Its? That's an unusual pronoun choice. I should still try to follow it, I don't want to get on the bad side of my captors.

The words in my throat are so clogged by anxiety and sheer confusion that it takes nearly a minute to speak. Ellie doesn’t move, doesn’t falter in its smile, giving me time to choose my words. 

“T-Thera lewis, she / her.” It seems to brighten even more so, hugging me for the third time. 

Its smile could light up the entire room. “Thera it is! You have such a cute voice, might I add!” I feel as my face warms, blushing despite myself.

-

The movement of vines and the singing of songs tense my nerves, as the third being enters the room. 

Saccharum joins the two of us, plates of various presumed foods on their hands, smelling savory and sweet with wisps of steam erupting from it. Ellie follows right behind, grabbing my hand to pull me along. At first, I stumble, confused and unprepared - but eventually I match its pace. 

I can’t see over the table we stop in front of, simply adding to the sense of scale everything else in this place gives; I feel so small in comparison - which really isn’t helping my already shaken mental state. 

My thoughts are left behind as Saccharum pulls me up like I'm nothing-- less than that, actually. I am still adjustinh to the same gravity that I was right before, the same weight that strains my healing joints - they simply hold such strength as to make that weight seem meaningless. It scares me to think about the sheer power this singular individual holds - how powerful the entirety of their species is.

Beep, responds the collar on my neck. 

“Oh, sorry!!” Their expression turns to worry in seconds, “You are still so new to this! Let me just….” 

As soon as I am picked up, I am rushed down into a chair - the force still surprisingly comfortable. 

-

I am sat before some large white dish, quite literally filled to brimming with foreign -  albeit amazingly smelling - foods. Piles of these fluffy beige disks sit in the center - topped with a somewhat tan liquid that sticks to my fingers as I touch it. Adjacent sit mounds of red, flat sticks, and so many other items that I can’t even begin to describe. 

I look up, following the sounds of eating. Ellie sits across from me, Saccharum between us both. I watch as the plant shovels food onto a weirdly shaped piece of metal - one that happens to be sitting adjacent to me - only to force it into Ellies mouth. A vine rubs against its face, and the terran’s jaws shuts. Another tap, it chews. Another, it swallows. Over and over again the pattern is repeated. 

One of their six eyes shine bright blue against my own, then to what they placed in front of me.

“Are you not hungry? Or… OH!”
More tendrils move over, placing my own metal object into my hand, something I know I've seen before. 
“Do you know what this is, petal?”

The word is in the back of my mind - I know what it is, I have used it before... but nothing shows up, forcing my head to shake - my focus desperately trying to stop my hand from shaking. 
“This is a fork! It’s a tool you use to hold food, in order to eat it!” 
I stare into her, my confusion plain for both to see. 

-

So as it turns out, there’s a lot of things I don’t know. 

Saccharum teaches me how to use the fork, and after a few tries - and begs from them to teach me this thing called 'gesture training', I manage to use it on my own! I also learn how to use a knife - the soft cutting edge digging into the food; pancakes, they’re called. They taste absolutely amazing, the fluffy interior filled with sweetness and warmth. The sauce they’re covered in is known as “caramel” (the name causing the two to have a lengthy debate over the pronunciation of). Both of them could clearly see the interest in it on my face, which led to a spoonful of the stuff shoved into my mouth. I think I could’ve cried from it alone. 

A soft pitter-pattering begins to hit at the windows behind me, filling the room with the faintest of memories. I – I still don’t understand. I make that clear after the meal’s conclusion, while Saccharum pulls away all of our plates and silverware - the only things I could've used as weapons. They seem lost in thought as they move, hundreds of roots acting independently, it only helps to muddy my understanding of the creature before me, how they’re able to simply focus on so much at once.

Their soft smile returns. “What don’t you get, Thera?” Of course they can understand what I'm thinking. 
The cat's out of the bag, I guess- “Just… This.” I gesture to the room around me, at myself, the clothes I'm wearing...
They tilt their head, a soft ‘hm?’ rising from their vines.
“I — I don’t understand-“ My voice is barely heard over the sound of the loudening tapping against the windowsill, Ellie moving to watch the phenomenon.

“I don’t understand why you would do this for me. What do you even want from me?” 

They stand, contemplating, only to chuckle.
“I want you to be happy, petal - that’s all the Compact could ever desire.”

A vine of theirs moves towards me, ignoring my attempts to evade it - only to rub itself against my scalp. 

“But.. Why? What do you get from this?” 
Their eyes glow like brilliant blue stars. 
“What do you mean?” 
“From– from feeding me, from clothing me - what is there to gain?”

My hand finds my necklace, squeezing against the cool glass.

“What do you get out of taking care of this, taking care of me?”
“Your happiness is its own reward, little one.” Their smile doesn’t falter as their form begins to shuffle forward towards me. Ellie nods along, a worried expression on its face. 
“No - then, then why would they lie? Why would the Accord lie about this? There’s something you’re not telling me!” 

Beep, the collar begins again.

“It’s okay, you’re just scared--“
“No! It isn’t okay! I - I want out–“

My breathing quickens, becoming rough.

“I want..” 
I feel my mind spinning– 
“I want to go back to the Accord!” Thoughts swirl through my mind in a torrent of emotion and pain, nearly toppling me over–

That same need to escape fills every space in my body - in my brain.
Hundreds of neurons beg for just a moment of familiarity, the frozen steel of the rotting vessel feeling so safe.
Any words I try to make stay locked in my throat - joined by my breath as tears fall. 

Even the torture, being known, feels more secure than this.

The two stare at me, unmoving.
RUN, every part of me screams, my form shaking with adrenaline–

The siren around my neck grows faster–
“I - I” more and more my throat closes, my limbs collapsing in on themselves, the room spinning violently, ripping at my body–
I can’t think I can’t think I need to do something I can’t I can’t I’m scared–

Something grabs at my hand, pulling me out of myself.

I look up, at the brown eyes of the terran, its palm closed around my own.
“It’s okay, you’re okay” it says, tapping against the band on my wrist before moving to hold my hands.
“I was scared too when I first got here.” 

Calm waves pour through my blood, cooling the frenzied heat. 

“It was hard for me, just as much as it is for you.” 
It looks over at the plant, who gives it a warm smile - only to face me once more.
“But you aren’t going to face this alone!”
“Me and Saccharum are here for you, I am here for you.” 

Our fingers interlock, my breath softening.

“You’re my friend, and I care about you. We won’t stop fighting until the day you smile, just like I did.”

“We will always be here for you, okay?” 

…

My mental state begins to just barely reform, Ellie's sheer radiance flooding the room, blinding my fear. 

I feel my head twitch up and down, a soft nod yanking my vision away. 

A vine moves closer, holding a piece of soft white cloth - I tense first before taking it, feeling the softness in my embrace. I rub my eyes on it, blow my nose, my mind slowly beginning to calm. 

“Thank you…” I barely manage to whisper, the squeeze from its hand the only response I need.
After a moment, I squeeze it back.

“Now,” it smiles towards me, “How about we go play outside? I would love to show you the rain!” 
“…Rain?” 

-

With another soft hiss, the doorway outside - my escape, my freedom - opens. Ellie, now donned in a large cover over its form, a “poncho”, bolts out into the open air. 

I find myself standing on the precipice, the Affini behind me.
“Is something wrong, dear?” its coos sending warmth down my spine. 
“N-no, it’s just..” 

The soft trickles of water form a faintly blue blanket over the horizon, small splashes highlighting the figures as they walk past and dance in the shower. Laughter floods the sky as some fall, only to dance right back into their plant’s arms. The air is cool, almost serene as it mixes with the sight. 

Music plays in a simple symphony that joins the sounds of the downpour, further mixed in by the tapping of the rain against the roofs and windows of the many homes that cover the street, a soft wind blowing calmly against the leaves of hundreds of trees and Affini. 

The water is cool; I lift my hand to feel it, testing the waters. 

This sight, this sound, this beautiful smell of the rain against the dirt; it fills me with such comfort, such warmth and joy and familiarity, like holding the hand of someone you haven’t seen in years.
“I think–“ The Affini behind me perks up from my words, moving closer - another soft hum pouring out of them.

“I think this feels like home.” 

Yet, I feel like I can’t move - the dregs of fear still tie me down. 

The wall that is the open doorway stands ever wider, as does the screaming need to ESCAPE. 

I nearly collapse once more, my collar blaring into my eardrums--
Until a vine grabs hold of my shoulder, nearly causing me to jump - the beeping quickening; as the same soft voice whispers into my mind. 

“It’s okay to be scared, okay petal?” Saccharum floats to face my front, wiping away the stray tears that have formed. 
“Do you remember what Ellie said? We are both here for you, no matter what.”

They offer a hand towards me; a guide. 

“Let’s go together, alright little one?” 
I nod, taking their hand as they lead us through the barrier.

The rain feels so wonderfully familiar against my hair. 

I take a step forward, deeper into the grey sky - basking in the alien beauty of the world before me.

It sparks a flicker of something else within me, something so long forgotten I worried it may never return. 

I felt a hint of joy.

Chapter Text

“So, How is it?” I can just barely hear that song-like voice over the shower. My attention is raised, as is my head, as I sit upon the grass. My warden Saccharum drifts over to me soaking and dripping with water, the same as me. They stop just at my side, leaving me in their shadow. The thin metal roof above us fits their massive frame perfectly, just like everything else on this planet. The gentle swaying of the wind sends small shivers off my wet body - the drops of water off my skin and clothes tapping against the ground.  

“How’s what?” I turn to face them, blue crystals shine back with false care - only for them to look out, towards the blue haze of raindrops that swarms us. I move my hands away from my face, finally done cleaning the crumbs off from my second meal today.

“This - the rain,” They turn back,” your first day here.” 

Their vines raise; fanning over the street of glistening cobblestones. Small groups of various species, from Terran to plant to something else entirely, dance and run freely in the storm. I can see Ellie mixed among them, smiling and laughing and full of such radiant energy it threatens to sink into me. “Well, second technically-” I focus back on the being besides me. Their chuckle sends shivers through my skin - it’s surprisingly comfortable. The Affini moves a stray leaf from their face, returning their focus onto me. “It’s a rather silly question, I know; but I thought I would ask!” 

It takes a moment for me to respond, my mind still lost in the beautiful sound that covers the air around us. They wait patiently, not moving an inch - their smile staying strong.

“I-“ 

Cool glass fills my palm as I find the charm on my neck. I squeeze it for whatever comfort it can give. 

“I don’t know yet.” I look away, pulling my body tighter against itself, the choked words coming out of me are nothing but whispers. My brain screams at me to do something - to ask why it matters, to ask the demon just what the hell it wants with me, even to run - but fear keeps those words locked deep in my throat, keeps my legs bound to the grass.

They move down, now only about a head over me. “That’s okay little one - I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now. Frankly I can’t imagine the suffering you’ve had to deal with over the years in that… place.” They loosely ball themselves up as well, forming a vine-covered mimicry of the human form. 

“I cannot promise that I can help heal those scars, but I can promise to help you in any way I can. Oh what was it that Ellie said?” They shuffle about, considering, water flicking away as their leaves dance. “You are my friend, and I will always care about you”? They ask, looking over. “I feel the same way, I hope you know.” 

“I- I mean,“ They stumble a bit on their words, taking a second to choose them, “both of us will be here for you.” It feels off, the stirring of emotions causing my body to shiver - new droplets of water causing my vision to blur. My sniffling is only barely hidden in the downpour. 

Their chest deflates audibly - both our sights set on the scene before us. “Did you know, way back when Ellie first arrived,” their voice is flat with melancholy, “It suffered through the same thoughts you have; what you are dealing with now. That fear. That distrust.” A vine moves towards me, nearly causing me to jump to my feet.

“The Accord, that ship, it treated you like nothing but livestock.” They stopped, seeing my expression twist to confusion. The tendril reaches my hand. It’s so soft and warm against my skin. “Animals bred to be used and eaten, dear.” 

It wraps around, squeezing me tight.  “I know-“ Once more they stop, thoughts caught in both our throats. I don’t notice when I started to squeeze back at the tendril, desperation overtaking my fear.

A sigh just barely overpowers the sounds around us, only for them to continue, “I don’t truly know what you all have been through, how deep those scars lie in you. I don’t even know how long it will take to heal. But me, Ellie, and every other sophont will always be here for you, no matter how hard it is to believe.” “You don’t have to fight anymore, petal.”

-

I didn’t hear when they shuffled over, but my body stops shivering - I look up,  seeing those teal lights above have locked onto me. Surrounding me. My anxieties just sink into those swirls, ones that watch so worriedly.

“It’s okay, little one,” Those shining bulbs sing into my mind,

“Just focus on me - on the warmth, on the sound of the rain - as it washes away those aching pains.” 

More of them - those twisting, awfully sweet vines - hold me tight, griping at my skin, massaging those fears out of my system. The warm hum of their rhythm, the soft swaying of their brambles, only beckons me to relax. To breathe. To enjoy their affection.
A small part of me relishes in it, even as I feel the prick of something into my arm; a vine pulling away just as quickly as it arrived - comfort and drowsiness starting to fill all the spaces of my mind.
“Thaaaaat’s it, breathe for me, feel those scary thoughts leave your mind - those awful, dreadful feralist beliefs drain away. There you go, you precious little Terran.”
I still cling to what little strength I have, even as my eyes begin to grow heavier. I stare into them, anger pulsing through each iris - matched simply by the warm smile of this thing. My captor. The monster who is snuggling with me, holding me so perfectly tight. One of the last things I am aware enough to sense, everything else overwritten with joy and sleep, is Ellie; as curiosity and color are painted on its face.
The words fall away, as does reality, as I fall asleep.
…
“-’mon Ellie, lets g-...”
…
“-...undress..”
…
“Good Girl…”

-

Something feels hot when my senses start to return to me; the soft splashing of water, the sweet scent of something I know fills the air, white filling the room through blurred vision - all of the sudden stimuli ripping apart my sense of placement. Just where am I? 
Voices, loud just a few seconds ago, quickly hush as I begin to waken. What they say is still unable to be understood, that part of my brain still deep into slumber. I open my eyes, albeit slightly - the harsh light forcing me to cover them.
I’m… awake.
After a bit of time to adjust, I can finally see the room around me. Far from the cool gray of the outside world, the room is bathed in warm light. I quickly start to realize that I’m in that... I am in the bathroom, the one back in Saccharum’s home - the hole I saw then is now filled with water, bubbles, and the shuffling of my body - various open bottles lay strewn around the edge.
Saccharum is here too, actually; I watch as a mass of greenery shuffles between me and Ellie… Who is naked.
I look down, past the foam that covers the water and dozens of vines that hold me up.
I am naked too. Wait-
WHY THE FUCK AM I NAKED

I almost literally fly out of the water, my hands immediately covering whatever I can - to the laughter of the two behind me. Whiplash from the finding myself suddenly nude nearly knocking me right off my feet. “Relax, relax Thera!” Ellie manages out between bouts of wheezing. The Affini shifts, wiping away a tear from its eye, Her chuckling causing water to splash down her leaves. “We both have already seen you nude, petal, there’s really nothing to be ashamed of.”
Ellie speaks back up, “Yea you’re fine, see?” As if it would help, it stands up; freely revealing its tits and faded trauma for the world to see. I squeal - nearly running out of the room, before a handful of vines wrap me up and gently place me back in.
Still, I cover my face, embarrassment flooding my body with adrenaline. “You’re okay, little one.” The plant places their giant hand atop my head, petting me.

Knowing I can’t escape, especially with the vines that taunt me from below the bubbles with their squeezing and kneading, I relent to simply hide myself in the corner, sunk as deep below the waves as I can. Ellie joins, with Saccharum’s help; its body sinking back, only now it's sitting right next to me. 

“So where did your scars come from?” It speaks up, forcing me only to hide deeper into the water. Did it see? What did it see? Please don’t tell me it saw everything…
“My pet, please be nice with her; she may not be ready to talk about that yet.” The Affini turns away, several tendrils shuffling around - possibly searching for something. It whines, uncharacteristically saddened.
“I’m sorry, Thera, I didn’t mean to offend!”
… After a moment, I nod. All is forgiven.
Another passes, and I begin to lift myself up, revealing an arm to the rest of the room. “This one,” I manage out, pointing at the darkened mark on my shoulder, “I got it from getting hit by space debris.”
It smiles, pulling its limbs out as well. “Really? I got this one from the same thing!” It points to the faint line of a gash that remains on the skin of its forearm.
I smile back, "That's what you get for trusting Accord tech.”
That got a kick out of it, laughter filling the room. 

It pushes me out of my shell, too.

One after another, we share the stories of our bodies - each mark on our skin shown with surprising casualness. It made me feel almost happy to have something to share, like I don’t have to hide my body, my shame, from others anymore. I do notice, though, how it takes care to avoid questioning a few, certain faded cuts we share an understanding of. I do the same, of course.

It’s nice to feel this welcome in my own form, to be this accepted by another. Its smile soon becomes my own.

A soaked leaf lands on both of our heads, the hushed notes of the third filling my ears. They pet us, whispering how we are ‘good sophonts’ - a phrase that burns my face a bright pink. They then grab another bottle, the one I smelled earlier - popping the cap off as they draw it near. “Alright you two, it’s cleaning time!” 

Ellie bursts out of the water, infinitely excited for whatever Saccharum has planned. I hold back, even as I am half dragged away from where I first sat, the sounds of it trying to convince me to join fading into the background. Something feels off - the thought of them cleaning me, the fact that I don't really know what that substance is... the faintest shine of hunger coming from their eyes - it pulls me back.

I know I can't stop them, though. Maybe, I could--
"Wait, wait..." I pull my hand out of Ellie's grip, as I try to focus on the soft shifting of Saccharum. All they give is a soft tilt of their head, and a small 'hm?' "I don't... What is--" Just think of something, damnit! Stop trying to make sense of how their vines shift around, how they so easily distract me - just try to think of a compromise, of something.
"M-maybe you can just wash... like my hair? I don't know if I want that or even what it feels like or..." I lose my attention into their foliage, only given it back when they shift forward, leaning down towards me. A grin that splits their face in two grows on them.

"Why of course, Petal! I will only wash what you want me to~"

-

Ellie is first, a large portion of the bottle’s contents poured onto its hair in a pinkish gel; only to be fully immersed into its scalp. Soon, nothing but bubbles replace the black on its head. With a flourish, the alien brings out a wooden bucket of sorts; one I haven’t seen yet - only to splash Ellie with the water that sat inside it, cleaning off the suds.
It rubs its eyes, cleaning off anything that remains. When they open, though, they look… different. Dulled, almost.
A nearly drunken smile rips through its face as it sinks into Saccharum's touch, something they seem to relish in. A silent snarl is the only warning I get as they rush through the foam, caressing and squeezing and nearly breaking the Terran. It screams with what must be agony for only a few moments as Saccharum’s mouth finds its prey; I can barely stomach to see as its throat bulges with the foreign invader. 

Any comfort I had is shattered by that scream, I feel the urge to flee slowly building under my flesh. What feels like the longest minutes of my life then pass before it is let free; when it finally is, the body that remains is fractured. Shaking. Gasping and moaning with what can only be pain. The noises reach a fevered pitch as it's touched below where I can see.
The Affini turns, their attention refocused onto me. For a second I can see it, that raw hunger beneath those bright purple crystals.

“Alright, little Thera,” They growl into me, “It’s your turn~” 

Something feels.. off, about the way their song hits me. It feels hungry, like it hasn't eaten in years - I feel myself moving back, my back finding the wall. More and more thorned vines squeeze themselves around me, the shifting mass creeping towards me. I try to protest. To scream. To beg for mercy. Finally, words escape.
"W-what did you just do?”
“What did you just do to Ellie!?” Anger forces my voice louder -

A flower covers my face near immediately, a sickeningly sweet smell filling the cavity. “Oh sweet little seed, don’t you fret,” Their singing pulls them closer, thorns shaking the bottle. “This is just a lovely little mix of Class A, B, and a few other oh so precious xenodruggies.” 

Their smile splits their face in two, showing the demon just beneath the surface. “Shhhhh, don’t worry,” The bottle's lid pops open once more, a puff of bubbles coming from the lid.
“This won’t hurt a bit.”

My fighting is nearly useless, only ending with my arms being tied behind my back. I can feel the air come from out of the container, the sweet smell flowing around me. The substance is, for just a moment, cool on my head. “You know,” Their words dig deeper into my mind. “Blooms older than me have a very special name for this liquid!” As it sinks in through the hundreds of tendrils that dig it into my head...

“They like to call it ‘Hair and Mind Washing Shampoo’~”

Pure pleasure fills whatever spots fear once held, the room begins to swirl through warm colors and soft feelings. Every single touch of the feelers that wrap around me send shocks through my body - I can barely hold back a shaking moan from ratting out of my throat. Instead, I shiver. I pant. My mind starts to fracture.

Saccharum pats my head, cooing deep into my skull - I nearly fall into the waves from the sensation. Instead, I sink deeper and deeper into the barely restrained desire that fills up the greenery around me. Each second starts to bleed into one another, each one sinks into the growing layer of sap that coats my mind. 

Another spot is touched, another groan is pulled out of me - I feel them toying with me; digging pure bliss into my bones.
Is this what Ellie is feeling? This torturous, heavenly feeling?
… I don’t wish for this to stop, not yet.

They don’t let up, somehow heeding my thought - as stronger and stronger waves crash into my consciousness
As
Words
Start
To
Lose
Meaning.
They slow for a second… Only for the slam of something warm onto my head, onto my hair, water washing away the soap and my thoughts. I can only feel as I am then lifted from the warmth, my shivering form squirming in the hundreds of electric flowers that coat my skin. I can feel as my heart races, my nerves tingle, as everything is filled with overwhelming sensation. 

I am…. Who.. Who am I? Where am I? What is this? 

All I can understand - the only answer I receive is pleasure. This unending, unflinching, torturous bliss that threatens to rip at my mind. That is ripping at my mind.

Voices start to flood my ears, another being; this beautiful siren of a terran, is now floating in the grip of this holy alien. I join in its chorus; and soon the room is filled with the sounds of our need.

“That’s it - that’s it~ just give in to the feelings, you two~” This creature who my species could only describe as a god speaks into my very soul. More of their perfect form somehow joins in giving the two of us near endless bliss. With them is even more fluff, even more of that senseless joy. Every scrub against my skin brings with it another shake, another scream of heaven from- ohhh that feels so good… For a moment, all I can see is stars. My breath is ragged with whatever failing restraint remains. My hands squeeze for any support I can get. My blurred vision flicks to anything to help break me from this
Torturous
Need.

What little of my mind remains in control fails as heat washes over me one more, ending with my pair and I set back into the bubbles that swarm the air. The holy being still grips me below where I can see - still teases at my strength, my will to hold on. I can hear as the other’s song begins again - as its turn to be touched, and cleaned, comes up. It shakes the same as me as our God digs into its flesh, their fangs joining in - gripping its neck with a bite.

It screams with endless pain and pleasure, its legs wobbling mid-air. 

“Oh, my sweet pet.” Heaven itself speaks, “How I love you..”

Their head moves, planting a reverent kiss onto the terrans head, only for its body to be placed next to mine.

-

Minutes, hours, days pass in a blur of sensation and intensity; afterwards, we are simply set to soak in bliss. We are then dried with pieces of endless softness, wrapped tight in warm cloth - and set back in the large room of the deities home. Light emanates before us, green figures dancing. I barely notice, as both Terran and I are too lost in snuggling, every touch shocking us both to breaking from pleasure. Everything is so warm, so nice, so.. sleepy.

A yawn meagerly escapes my lips, my body giving in to the comfort around me. I can feel as lethargy begins to take hold, its slow push to seal my eyelids shut. It doesn’t take long for it to finally succeed. Soon enough, sleep steals what little of me remains away.

-

I can feel as some parts of me begin to return. My form, my name, all of it slowly finding its way back into their rightful place. My memories join, too - each one a freshly learned piece of my soul. In the scramble of words finding their place, another dream washes over me - its voice is not but a hushed whisper. It tells me to look. To see. To-

I’m not in that room when I open my eyes, or at least when I feel like I do. Everything feels… Slow, like my limbs are trudging through sap, my eyes barely able to absorb their surroundings. It’s oddly quiet, no sounds of the other’s breathing can be heard. I jolt up through the sludge, my mind spinning around and around and around and around...

I’m not with Ellie, nor am I with Saccharum. I’m not within the Compact at all from what I can tell. This place, though. It feels… I can’t put my finger on it. The blankets shift as I move to stand, finding the bed at the perfect height. The fabric itself is a pale tan, well-worn with memory. The whole room is, in fact. Small trinkets just vague enough to stay unseen lie on shelves, on the dresser- on my dresser. I see my books, filling the old wood of my bookshelf - set along the wall of the room.

I know this place.

As if on memory alone, I casually walk through the space, finding atop the bedpost a small black strand. It’s smooth in my hand, perfectly sewn. On its end is the soft jingling of my charm - the soft rattling of the fake candies inside. The glass is crystal clear; not a mark in sight. It feels like home to put on. This place feels like…

I find the door’s handle without looking, the sounds of oil popping just on the other side, the humming of some tune I know by heart just barely out of earshot. The handle creaks open.

-

I begin to come back to reality as I lay atop Ellie’s chest, a blanket wrapped around us both. It's set on watching the program besides us, its hand absently scratching against my scalp, something I momentarily lean into - before my mind catches up with me. I shoot up, bringing Ellie’s focus to me, its eyes wide with shock. 

“Woah, woah, woah!” It sits up as well, a hand pressing its chest. The other moves to grab at one of mine. “Deep breaths, Thera.” It squeezes my hand, breathing deeply itself as if to show an example. “It was just a bad dream, there’s nothing to worry about.” It wasn’t, I know it wasn't, but I follow along anyway.

After a minute or so of the two of us calming one another down, it laughs. “You scared the feralist out of me there, gosh!” 

“There you are, Thera.” The third voice enters, the thumps of foliage coming from behind the seat - sending a flurry of memories into my skull upon seeing the crystals gaze down at us. What the fuck did they do to me.

What the fuck did they do to me. what the fuck did they do to me what the fuck did they do to me what the fuck did they do to me

“Why did you do that?” My tone pulls Saccharum's vines back, a mass of them carrying some weird bowl.

“Whatever do you mean, little one?” Anger starting to boil inside me.

“What do you think? The drugging, the ‘mind cleaning shampoo’ or whatever the hell it is! Why the fuck did you do that to me? Why couldn’t you have at least just asked?” Slowly the bowl is set down between us two Terrans, filled to the top with weird yellowish ovals - only for the plant to move around the cushions, lowering themselves before me. 

“Thera, I-“ They reach a vine out to grasp at my hand, shaking slightly when I pull away. “I can see how this has hurt you, and I know it must have been a lot. I promise that I will always try to remember to ask beforehand, okay?” 

Their whole form is perfectly still, matching the silent air. Even Ellie’s breath is hushed. Instead of the aliens strumming song, it joins the conversation - its other hand wrapping itself around our handholding. 

“You’re the first wardship they have had. Heck, you’re the first one I am here to help with!” It smiles, holding me tight, “I know that they didn’t want to hurt you. I also know that may not help, but.” The plant and my friend lock eyes. “We won’t let you experience that pain ever again. I promise.” 

Ellie, you… 
I break the returning silence with a sigh. 
I can’t stay mad at you.
...
“Saccharum?” Our eyes meet. 

“Yes, Petal?” 

“Please just… ask me next time, okay?” 

“I’ll be more than happy to.” 

-

With the tension cleared, and Saccharum moving out of the room; I hear Ellie's hand plunges into the bowl. “Thank you by the way, Mxtress!!” Ellie chirps out, grabbing a handful of those yellow things and stuffing them into its mouth. My mind feels.. lost by all that just happened, everything still flashing before my eyes. As the argument takes up less focus, that dream begins to take its place. I try to focus on the memory, trying to remember the details of what I saw; the objects in the room, the voice behind the door. It’s all still so lost.

“Are you doing alright? Still shaken by what happened?” Ellie asks, interest lost in the food just about to entire its mouth. I had to take a moment just to consider the idea of talking, still so focused on those thoughts.

“Yea.. Yea, I’m okay.” I respond, cooling their growing worry.

“Was it about that bad dream you had?” It tilts its head, looking more like a pet than a person. “Would you like to talk about it?”

I shake my head. “It wasn’t a bad dream.. not really. It was a memory.”

That got a reaction. “Oh! Well then! I don’t really know how to respond to that. Thinking's not really a floret’s job, you know.” It hums to itself, only to then bring one of those ovals toward me, an offering. “Here! Chip! Food will help you feel better!” It says, waving it between its fingers. I take it, examining the small item.  Specks of salt dot the surface - small bits of oil sticking onto my fingers as I adjust my view. It’s small enough for me to fully eat in a single bite, so I do- The flavors burst down my tongue, savory and simple and truly delicious. I down another, and another, and another! 

As we eat, once more we talk - rants about the most random of occurrences flowing between us both. It did make me feel better. 

-

breaking a shared silence, I hear, “What was your life like, Thera? You had that memory in your dream a moment ago.” 

I look back up, a handful of chips in hand. “What do you mean?” I respond, wiping the salt off my face.

It smiles, “Like - before you became a part of the navy, what was your life like?” I try to think of anything, some notable experience to share. Like always, nothing comes; the memory from before standing as the only exception.

“I’m sorry,” I say, “I don’t really know anything about that. All I really have from that time is this-“ I reach down, subconsciously trying to grasp at my charm. My love. My very heart. It’s not there. Confused, I look down to try and grab it properly. It’s not there - no black band sits on my neck, no glimmer of the glass against the light. I can feel panic start to creep up my spine. “Hey, do you know where my necklace is?” 

“Your necklace?” It looks around, humming a melody while it thinks. “Mmm.. No, I don’t think so.”

“Mxtress!” It then shouts - the Affini practically appears instantly behind us.

“What is it, my dear?” 

“Have you seen Thera’s necklace anywhere?” 

The Affini, the most horrifying being I have seen, then slaps its head in recognition. “I knew I was forgetting something! Oh dirt, I am so sorry petal!” They rub my hair, pulling away before I can protest. “Here, I will go get you your necklace, and your tablet too!” 

The being then vanishes just as quickly as it arrived, my questioning entering the air. “Tablet?” I mutter.

“Oh yea you’ll love it, and I’ll help you get it started, don’t worry!” it smiles into me - I feel myself smiling back. 

-

The soft clinking of glass against itself marks Saccharum's entry back into the room. I nearly jump when they suddenly stand besides me, the arm of the cushiony seat - a couch, protecting me from them.

Down they lower my prize - a screen that’s tiny for them, but far too large in my hand - and my shard of home. In one graceful motion, the string loops around my neck, the charm dangling down. I can feel the simple pressure of its presence calming my heart - as the piece of love I hold so deeply onto presses into it. 

I hold my hand up to it, feeling its warmth wash over me; the comfort pushing away any remaining anxiety. Calmer, I turn towards the tablet - as it now sits in my lap. 

“All you gotta worry about really is…” Ellie scooches over, dusting its hands clean of the salt and oil - only to press along various buttons on the screen. Text shifts past faster than I can understand - options selected without so much as a beep. Finally, it stops, now only pointing to various options on the page.

“Soo this one is a chat, you can really talk to anyone in the Compact with it! Then over here,” It shifts to another tab, “this is for searching stuff up - then this one…” Another movement, another option, “This is a dictionary! I saw you’re struggling with some words so I thought I'd pass it over! There’s also a map, in case you ever need to find your way around!” This continues on, so much information being shoved into my brain i’m worried it might pop.

“Oh! I did add one more thing..” It flicks the screen, everything shifting - now in place of the various buttons is a large red circle; the text “CONTACT MXTRESS” is plastered onto the center with large white text. “If you ever get lost, or you just need help - just tap this button! It’ll contact Saccharum immediately, and they will be on their way to help!” 

“With that, you should be all good! I did add both of us to your friends list, so don’t worry at all about contacting us!” After their instructions, part of it being to choose a nickname for my online profile - and a bit more chatting between us both; Ellie slides off the couch, leaving me alone with my device.

I turn to the chatting program, the screen then flooding with various options. Not knowing what else to go to, I select the option labeled under ‘General’ 

> PlamptisBased: So yea, that's really all I've got for advice with watercolor, if you need anymore help lmk!
> FireDance211: this is why i prefer digital, so much easier..
> PlamptisBased: Both types are fun! It's just a matter of practice
> PlamptisBased: I swear it!
> user21178498: Well best of luck you two lol

I feel almost anxious saying anything, but eventually I manage to type out my first message;
>FlowerRain: hi people
My best work yet, truly nothing else can compare. Nonetheless, the chat starts to flood with responses.

> PlamptisBased: Oh! There you are! Everyone, meet my new fren: Thera!! She just got here :D
> PlamptisBased: I'm her ward!! Well technically my owner is, but I help!!
> heck38834: WELCOME!!! 
> FireDance211: oh hey hi, what games do you play rain
> FlowerRain: thank you everyone and ellie
> user21178498: Welcome! We hope you enjoy your stay here, not like you can leave!
> user21178498: ooooooo the plants have you in their clutches oooooooo
> heck38834: Bunny, behave! They just got here lol
> user21178498: Oh shush it you! 

I chuckle a little at the two as they continue their little fight. It feels strange to be in such a… kind group of others. I join in when I can, adding some small comment here and there, but after a while they all get lost in some random conversation about a thing called a ‘Horse’, whatever that is. They tried to explain it, but then two got caught up on if said horse is a carnivore or a carrion eater. As I am closing up, I see a bunch of people have added me as a friend here! How cool! I start to scroll through the options, clicking the buttons to add them back.

> You added heck38834 to your friends list! 
> You added FireDance211 to your friends list!
> You added EmmoniSweet to your friends list! 
> You added user21178498 to your friends list!

Looking up, I catch a glimpse of the sun falling past the horizon - pulling a yawn from me almost on cue. Slowly, carefully, I lean myself over the edge - squeezing the cushions as I fall to the floor. The ground, the carpet below me; it breaks whatever momentum I had, as my form lands with a thump. 

Saccharum moves over to the noise, seeing me as I begin to stand. “Sweetpea, do you need any help?”

I jump from their presence, nearly falling off the couch if it weren't for their leaves holding me up. For a moment, I consider. They promised to ask, but last time I trusted them... Maybe they're better this time, the thought pulling my head up and down. Without so much as a grunt of effort, they wrap themselves around me, lifting me up and helping me to wander past the rooms. 

Before we can cross the hall - they stop at the kitchen; moving away to tap at the weird box thing, only to  pull towards me a glass of water not a moment later. “here,” they whisper, so careful to not stir me, “drink this before you go to bed!” 

It smells faintly of sweetness and spice, something I learned about called cinnamon. “It’s just water, silly~”

My hand tenses as I reaches for the glass, today's events still slamming into my mind. Instead of doing what I expected them to, they put it back into the machine - clicking a button and watches as it de-materializes right before us.

I am then set down before it, their form crouched behind me.
"So," a leaf points towards the screen attached to the box, "I know you aren't exactly trusting of me yet, and I still need to teach you how to use the compiler - so let's knock out two things at once, okay?"

After learning a bit of the interface, a new glass of water is formed inside the box. This time, though - I lift it to my lips, taking it in. It’s perfectly chilled as it runs down my throat - cooling me off. Nice and hydrated, we continue forward. Past their workshop - the door opening to reveal the room lit with light and sound - with Ellie sitting in a corner, pushing a paint covered brush across a newly placed canvas. It looks over, towards the two of us - only to give a soft smile full of silent understanding, and wave to me goodnight. Both of us wave back, with Saccharum blowing it a kiss. They then rearrange me in their embrace, choosing now to have me pressed tight against their chest - only to begin moving once more.

We pass our rooms, Saccharum's body beginning to vibrate as they hum the melody to some unknown tune. The door opens to the bathroom ahead of us, and I am carried over the threshold - both of us ending up before the sink, facing the mirror. 

“Okay!” I feel them squeeze me - only to shift me around, my front now looking towards my reflection. I watch as their vines move towards my mouth, holding a small object in their grip - a toothbrush. A weird sap-like substance covers the brush. “Would you like me to help brush your teethsies as well?” 

I can't get a read on what they want. First, they drug me without me consent. Then, they showed me how to get a drink - just to prove it wasn't drugged. What if this is drugged, what if this is all some game to them? Maybe they're trying to earn my trust back. Maybe they do care. They haven't hurt me yet, they haven't done anything to me - even when I'm at their mercy like this.
I nod.

A vine taps along my cheek, and Saccharum tells me to open. I follow along, blindly obeying. They press the brush to my teeth, and begin to scrub. 

For several minutes I simply sit before them, watching silently as they brush around the space. They even let me try it out myself, by squeezing my hand with one of theirs, directing me on what to do. It’s almost fun, in a weird way - the sap tastes so sweet against my tongue. 

Complete, they lift me up, tilting my head over the sink, and I spit out the excess sap. 

Finally, they walk me through the exit, turning left and pulling me into my room. As if on cue, the lights turn on - filling the space with a dim, pale pink. They set me down atop the covers, kneeling so they’re only a head or so above me.

“Last thing before we get you to bed, little one,” They say, as a flower lifts up from their side, “is your medicine. Do you consent to me giving it to you?” 

Medicine? What kind of medicine? 
"I do believe you had some back with the Accord, we found a primitive version of our Class G's alongside this, back when we were clearing your ship." Of course they knew what I was thinking. I feel as a small vine taps against the glass of my necklace, bringing their words back to the forefront. What are they talking about? The only thing I hid with my necklace was... are they referring to my HRT?
"I think the name on the labels was Estradiol? Such a silly name, don't you think? No matter what it's called, this--" they wag the soft pink flower in the air, catching my focus, "is a much more advanced version of it!"

Oh. It's a good drug. Even if that is what they have in that needle, how can I know for sure? What if they drug me like that again? They've been so kind tonight, though. Maybe just trusting them one more time won't hurt. Especially if this turns out to be some magic super estrogen or something. I can feel my head as it starts to bob up and down.

“Good! Now, are you good with needles?” The petals open up more as a long spine pushes its way out, the tip of it dripping with some unknown liquid - all of my fragile confidence chipping away as it drifts closer. I feel the pang of fear in my mind, even as the rest of me trusts them. 

I shake my head, tensing up as the injector moves closer to me. 

“That’s okay! That’s okay, would you like me to help you with it?” They ask, worry filling their crystalline eyes. I contemplate for a moment as I try to calm my breathing. I look up to see them, they haven’t moved at all - waiting for me to respond.

…

… I nod my head again. pushing those worries down into myself. I will trust them. Ellie trusts them.

They smile in return, green mixing into the swirling patterns. “Good girl Thera, alright -“ They move in closer, the needle placed just centimeters from my skin. Another limb, their hand, finds mine - squeezing it tight. 

“Look up at me, little one,” All six of their eyes flow through deepening patterns, I can feel all of my focus being drawn into it. Their leaves start to shuffle too, only adding to my fading attention.

“Dont look at your arm, just look at me, okay?” I agree, my mind is lost.

“I am going to count down from three, at the end you will feel a slight pressure. Is that okay?” Their head tilts, the patterns fading enough for me to even comprehend what they said. I sit for a second, remembering and trying to understand, only to agree again.

“Alright now.”  The patterns return, and my thoughts are once more lost in them.
“3.” I feel my eyes growing heavier in the dance of their form, my attention all but gone.
“2.” I even start to dance with them, my head swaying slightly to the rhythm - their smile fills my body with warmth.
“1.” I feel as pressure digs into my shoulder. Before I can see it, leaves pull me back into our locked gaze. 

For a moment, my arm hurts. Then it passes. 

“Good girl, Thera!” Their words bounce in my skull. “You did so well! Alright now little one, off to bed!” 

-

My mind tucks itself away as I am, my blue plushie placed into my arms. I squeeze it as the covers are pulled up besides me, and a kiss is placed onto my forehead. “Sweet dreams, Petal!”

Soon, Saccharum leaves. I look up at the ceiling, a smile starting to form on my face.

I think.. I think I’ll be okay.  

Chapter Text

Slowly, surely, the light started to dim from my falling eyelids, darkness only working to sink me deeper, pulling me away into the comfort of dreams long forgotten. It happens again, and again, and again.
Then, there was light.
I see that same roof, the soft lights, the silhouette of a shark next to me. I blink, almost regaining some sense of control over myself, finally freed from the cycle of falling in and out of sleep. 

It made me feel awful after the first time it happened - filling me with this aching fear, this need to always be doing something, this.. almost refusal to take any time to rest.
It feels so off centered, feeling like the impossibly long shift times and exhaustive conditions on the Avenger. It’s still digging at my legs. I can feel it begging them to move, to work on some long faded task.

The sensation tastes like synthcubes.

Bile climbs up my throat with the thought alone. I squeeze so desperately tight on my Sharkie, my favorite plushie, begging for any form of comfort. A soft beep starts to pulse from my neck, a soft warning that only brings more panic out of it.
With a small puff, a cloud of orange-smelling air floats out of him, pushing a softening calm into my mind. The taste fades away, the feeling joining with it - my body growing more content to enjoy the moment.
Eventually, after several more minutes of absentmindedly snuggling my precious plush, I pull him away; watching as his fur just shines in the morning light. It’s kinda silly how an animal that was supposed to live in the water has fur, but I won’t complain! 

Nonetheless, after a while of simply basking in the warmth of this planet’s star - and playing around with Sharkie some more, moving his little fins in a mindless dance across the open air - I lift off the covers, slide out, and…
Well, I’m about to slide off of the bed again, only to be stopped when I spot something new just off to the side.

They look like stairs? 

My legs move with relative ease, already prepared for the planet’s gravity. I nearly sink into the mattress itself as I stand, the material impossibly plush. I waddle over to the front of the bed, finding myself before the newly added set of stairs. The wooden addition seems to be an almost perfect fit for terran use, which is somehow more alien compared to the literal plant being who lives in the other room. 

I move forward, my foot landing upon the top step, feeling the warmth of the treated wood against my socks. Trusting it, I continue, finding stability against the hard surface.
The other step is just as warm, as is the ground when I finally land against it.
The carpeted floor feels just as nice, especially since I didn’t have to fall off the bed to reach it. Before I can fully lose myself in it, I faintly notice movement before me. My attention then moves, switching from the small comfort to the shimmer of a mirror, and the movements of the glass copy in front of me. 

-

It’s still so hard to recognize my reflection for the person that it represents. It’s almost like looking into an echo, some form of myself that managed to stay safe, away from the crew, away from that draft, away from those years of torment.
My hair, cleaned from the years of grime, floats elegantly just past my shoulders. The ends, trimmed of any fraying, stop right before my chest. Looking down upon it, I can already begin to see the puffing up from the medicine, working so much faster than whatever drugs I stole from the doctors onboard. 

I have boobs now, my mind begins to realize.

I have boobs now!! 

I nearly squeal in excitement as I stare, posing my torso around to get the best angles possible. The soft jiggle of fat just beneath the surface fills me with joy so strong I have to squeeze Sharkie just to get some of the energy out. I can feel them press against the soft plush, only adding to my sheer excitement. There’s something else, too - soft pangs of desire beginning to brew within me, growing at the same rate as my delight - some wish to have another see my progress. Do I want to show Ellie? Is that it? 

Just thinking of the idea fills my stomach with soft flutters. 

After a few more minutes of absentmindedly witnessing my growing form in the mirror - the budding curves adding to what fragile confidence in my image I had - I pull away. My excitement drags me over to the closet, filled with clothes that are designed into a perfect fit. All of the options are clean, feeling so soft when I rub my hands against them. 

A shirt is chosen at random, mixed in with a new pair of pajamas pants, the inside of the clothes somehow softer than the outside. This day couldn’t possibly get any better already! I have boobs! 

I spot something as I scroll through the various choices, something dyed in pink. Pulling out the attire reveals a dress of sorts - soft greens mixed into the pink flowers that coat the exterior. Just behind it are vine-like designs flowing down towards the bottom, almost like the article is made from it.

These are Saccharum’s colors. This dress is just like one I have seen Ellie in. 

I feel the tinge of anxiety paint the back of my mind, though I can’t fully understand the reason. As I put the clothing back upon the rack, a soft chime and the light of a glowing screen distracts me. I push those worries away, moving towards the small table next to the mirror. 

Instead of it holding my necklace, the one that is currently resting upon my neck, it has my tablet upon it. That’s.. weird, I could’ve swore I had it when I went to bed.
Oh well, I suppose, picking the item up. On the screen is the shimmer of a message;

> EmmoniSweet: Good morning! I do hope I am not causing any distractions, I just thought I would say hi!

Oh! This must’ve been one of the people I met last night online, at least I think so, I can’t exactly remember when I did. I must have, though! Otherwise, how would they have found me?
I press the notification, pull up the chat window, and start to type myself.

> EmmoniSweet: Are you doing alright, or? 

> FlowerRain: good morning

I still feel a bit uncomfortable, chatting with a new person - which holds me back from saying more. Nonetheless, it takes no time at all to hear anything back, the soft glow lighting up the doorframe as I walk through - its massive doors closing behind me like they weigh nothing. 

> EmmoniSweet: Oh there you are, I was worried for a second! It is so very nice to meet you, flower! 

The bathroom opens up with the same simplicity, and I find another one of those staircases set in front of the sink - my toothbrush placed in a cup that is almost too easy to grab. The sudden change in the accessibility nearly topples me over, confusion mixing into the slow motions of brushing.

I try my best to chat with this new friend of mine as I finish brushing, wash my face, and head out into the main room.

Only to stop just before the kitchen's entrance, focusing on the paintings on the wall.
When I first saw them, I never noticed just how much care Ellie put into making these pieces, the attention to detail on each and every single portrait. The way it perfectly captured the glint in its eye, the way its Affini practically glows with warmth. It's all so beautiful - I can't help but simply stare at these literal works of art.
Eventually, somewhat sadly, my stomach screams loud enough for me to get a move on.

Saccharum is moving around dishes by the time I pass them by, their gaze turned toward me, a soft smile joining in.

“Well there you are, good morning Thera!” they coo, dropping the dirty items into that weird box in the center of the kitchen - apparently it’s a thing called a ‘Compiler’?

I watch whatever that was put in there just. Vanish. Into thin air. What just happened seems so mundane to them they fail to notice. “I can get you something started for breakfast whenever you’re ready! Or you can use the compiler, or really anything you feel like!” 

They continue to wander around the room, humming to themselves. 

I stand, trying to decide what to choose. More anxiety starts to take over - I just need to choose something. Maybe what Ellie chose? Ellie seems to know what it’s doing.

“What did Ellie have?” Their smile only grows larger with my question.

“French toast! Here, I’ll get some started - you can just go sit down at the table!” Within a matter of moments, hundreds of vines flutter around, moving with such speed and efficiency it puts anything I can do to shame.

“Hey, Habbie?” they ask to the air itself, 

“Yes?” the air somehow responds.

“Can you give me that recipe again for the french toast, please?” With a happy chirp that seems to come from the walls, a floating screen appears besides Saccharum. 

“Oh, right!” The Affini’s gaze fixes on mine, their movements stopping. “I forgot to introduce you, didn’t I? Habbie is the name of our hab’s AI unit! Ellie named them, of course.” 

I am once again taken aback by the sheer luxury these people live in, having actual AI assistants for their home. What I wouldn’t give to have met one only a few months ago. Now, seeing them only brings along the fading reminder that their owners have kidnapped me. 

Wait. “How come I wasn’t told about them before?” 

“You’ve been asleep for at least half the time you’ve been here so far, silly.” The sounds of cooking return as they switch back to their original task. Right. I haven’t really been here that long, have I?

I notice that the chairs at the table all have a small ledge I can use to climb up atop it, once I place Sharkie on the cushion. His next home is upon the table itself, resting there while I make myself comfortable. With this vantage, I can see that not only were these chairs made more accessible, but the whole house was. Small steps exist on practically every object I could have difficulty accessing. 

“Saccharum?” I turn to them, their focus still on the rapidly completing meal.

“What is it, petal?” 

I shuffle in my seat a little. “What.. happened here? What’s with all the steps?” 

That got them to lose track, the whir of mixing and cooking stopping for just a moment.

“Oh, Ellie thought that it would be nice to give you your own way up! Especially since you’re not exactly used to me, and it might be a bit much for you to handle if I simply carry you everywhere. I made that promise to you, and I intend to keep it.”

Quickly, they add, “Not that I mind picking either of you up, though! I am always more than happy to help the both of you!” 

I can feel the vague notion of other questions, some other information that I wanted an answer to - something about my wardrobe? It vanishes just as fast as it arrives though. For now, I spend time talking about random topics with Sweet. I still find it hard to respond, something they don’t seem to mind in the slightest.

-

> EmmoniSweet: Oh how sweet you are! Stars, am I just so lucky that the Compact saved you from the Accord
> FlowerRain: thank you you’re sweet
> EmmoniSweet: That is my name!

A heaping tray of sweet smelling food catches my attention, as does the warmth of the Affini who sets it down.

> FlowerRain: oh i have togo

“Having fun with a new friend there?” they laud, setting down a fresh set of silverware alongside it. I nod along, copying their beaming expression. The smell of cinnamon wafts through the air, the dusting of powdered sugar atop the toast irresistible.

> EmmoniSweet: Breakfast time already? Shame we can’t continue our chat. Talk to you later!

> EmmoniSweet: By that I mean whenever you are done eating.

> EmmoniSweet: I don’t mean to imply anything else.
> FlowerRain: thank you

“Here, mind if I?” My tablet is gently coiled around, then lifted from my grip, “Let me put this beside you, just to make sure you don't make a mess on it! Is that okay?”
After waiting for my response- which I give with another nod of my head- it’s set to the side; it feels strangely nice to be so accommodated. With the help of Saccharum, and my own growing skill of using these utensils, I manage the first bite all on my own.
It is the best thing I think I have ever tasted in my entire life.
The way the sugar and the bread just melt into my mouth, the sweetness coating the walls of my throat and every tastebud my tongue has, the faint crunch of the edges - all of it is nothing but heaven on my senses. Another bite is soon taken, and then more; finally, after making such a gigantic mess, the plate starts to clear from its perfect meal. I have to hold myself back from licking it clean, just to taste more.
Eventually though, all good things must come to an end. Saccharum takes away the plate and helps me to the bathroom; where I once more wash my hands & face. After checking over me, making sure that I am clean enough, my tablet is returned to my hands. 

Once more the room opens up like magic, something I still am not used to. Looking outside, both of us spot the shimmering form of Ellie - its hands absolutely soaked in various paints. An adorable, goofy grin is plastered completely across its color stricken face. It waves, shaking various materials all over the carpeted floor. I nearly fall over myself from running towards it.

The plant flows out from behind me, the two beginning to talk about something I fail to fully understand. I tune them out as I move closer, my goal set on the swaying hand of the terran.

“Hey Ellie!” I giggle, the two turning to look at me. I grab at its hand, pressing it against my chest.

The room is silent.

“…Are you trying to come onto me?” Ellie finally responds, confusion pouring out of its throat. All it does is bring around a stronger laugh. 

“No, silly!” Tighter I push its digits into my skin, letting them sink into the softness.

“Look, I have boobs now!” 

Its mouth opens into a massive ‘O’ shape, before my excitement becomes its own. After some more squishing, and Ellie squeezing me so tight I’m worried I might pop, the two begin to migrate back into the workshop area, the same one Ellie just came out of. 

Saccharum kneels down to me and talks about how, after what has happened, they don’t wish to force me into one activity - instead simply offering me to do as I please, “Whatever I would like!” they add. I am welcome to watch the two, or join them - while they work of course. After several pats to the head, and an extensive hug from Ellie; I move back out into the living room, content with simply figuring something out. 

-

Having free time has got to be one of the worst phenomenons in the universe, I realize after simply laying on the couch for what feels like the past several hours - or minutes. At this point, time starts to feel meaningless. After years of the only breaks I’ve had spent having so little energy all I could do is pass out, now I have the opposite problem; twiddling my plushie’s limbs, trying to figure out what to do. It all feels so foreign, so off, to just be able to relax here without any sort of consequence. 

I drop sharkie from my outstretched arms, finally free from his torment of having his fins toyed with; falling onto my chest with a soft whump. My hands soon find his topside, scratching my nails along the furred surface - my mind trudging through the overwhelming possibilities. I could... take a nap, maybe? Or I could read something? Maybe I could chat with Sweet, or at least try to? What if this is just an elaborate trap where they’re giving me an extended break while they find a job for me and then working me to the bone just like before?

As if they have a mind of their own, my legs move; dropping me onto the carpet and beginning a panicked pacing around the room. Just doing so makes me feel slightly better, that I’m doing something positive. I have to keep my mind focused on the path I am treading, everything here screaming with temporary comfort, like I shouldn’t be enjoying any of this. I move again, holding my hand against my neck to try and stop the soft chiming from ringing against my skin. I should..

Do I want to work? What do I want to do?

This is awful, this indecision. I wish I had something, anything to help with this. Someone who knows, like Ellie. Ellie would understand, I trust its choices. I really don’t want to bother it, though. Just the thought of making it annoyed makes me sick. What do I do…

> FlowerRain: hey sweet can you help

The few seconds it takes for a response to come feels like an eternity.

> EmmoniSweet: Well hi flower! Of course I can, what is going on?

> EmmoniSweet: Are you doing okay?

> EmmoniSweet: Flower?

I feel my fingers locked to my hands in fists that only seem to squeeze tighter, my knuckles bone white. The panic of making a choice, of saying something annoying… I don’t want to bother them, they’ve been nothing but kind to me! What if they turn out to hate me? What do I do what do I do…

I have another option.

“Hey uh…” What was their name again? “Hab..bie?” 

“Good afternoon, Thera! How may I be of assistance?” 

Now's not the time for celebration, even though I feel a hint of glee on remembering their name.

“Do I have to work?” 

“Would you like to?” It responds near instantly, the mechanical voice swarming me, “I can find you one if you’d prefer!” 

Wait. No. Nonononononnonononono

“No wait-“ 

“I have approximately 18,175 opportunities for you to choose from! I can send them to your tablet as soon as you like.” They cut me off, only filling me with more options, more anxieties. More of that soft chiming, the steady pulse slowly increasing. 

More and more tension builds, my hands finding the charm on my neck and squeezing tighter and tighter.
It’s too much– The charm starts to dig deeper into my hand, burning it as it presses into shaking flesh– my vision blurs, my pulse races -

A soft pressure enters my wrist from under the band, spreading warmth from under my skin; whisking away my fears as it consumes. My hands begin to calm as the heat flows, loosening my deadly grip on the charm. From the background, I can hear the faint rush of air as a door opens behind me. 

“Thera?” The soft song that is Saccharum's voice is heard behind me, I feel almost happy to hear it. Before long, they appear next to me; coiling themselves around me faster than I can blink.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, what happened little one?”
Pushing any words out is a growing challenge, as the fuzzy feeling starts to climb into my mouth and throat. They seem to understand, as my body is lifted up without so much as a noise, and dutifully carried down the hall. 

That same rush of air fills my ears, as does the worried coos of Ellie, who hops up from its easel, rubbing its hands against a cloth placed nearby, before walking over. The two talk to one another, presumably about me, but it feels so hard to focus on them. I feel so warm in the soft embrace of their vines, how each and every one of them reorients itself to assure the most amount of comfort possible. It all feels so nice, so perfect, so snuggly. The soft hum from deep within them only adds to the experience, the way it pulses into me - through me. All I can do - all I would want to do - is just sink into it.

-

The softest eternity of my life ends with me laying on Ellie’s lap, watching as it creates the most beautiful work I’ve ever seen in front of me.
It’s of.. me?
At least, the mirror reflection of myself. I can't help but sit in awe of it, how each color was so wonderfully chosen, how the depth feels so real, how I can sense the love with each stroke of its brush. Ellie seems to pick up on my growing motor control, taking a second to scratch at my hair. It feels absolutely wonderful.

Slowly, somewhat sadly, I lift myself up, resting on the chair placed right next to it. It smiles, gives a small wave, looking so happy to see me. I show the same grin, wave the same way, feel the same way. Its hand moves, once again pressing against my head and scratching at my hair.

“You feeling better, Thera?” 

I nod.

“Good! Do you wanna talk about it?” 

Only the slightest touch of that tingling sensation remains in my throat; it’s still a bit weird to speak.. but the words come out well enough.

“I- I was having a panic thing over what to do.” 

They tilt their head, like one of those videos of a dog I’ve seen. 

“What to do.. oh! You had some choice anxiety!” Its eyes light up with recognition, “I get that all the time! Luckily I have my Mxtress to help me whenever it gets bad.” Almost on cue, a frond reaches out from behind and wraps around its paint soaked hand, a gesture which it returns by squeezing it in kind.

“You do know you can talk to me about it as well! Well, me and Mxtress.” 

Once more, I nod - only to turn over to face the giant in question.

“Saccharum?”

“Yes, Thera, I know-” they turn around, lowering themselves to a crouch to face me. “I am so sorry, I broke your trust and our promise, you were just so panicked and I didn’t know what else to do-“ 

“…thank you.” 

They nearly fall over, clearly taken aback. It takes a while, but eventually a hand reaches up, scratching my scalp like Ellie was, an attack I can do nothing but lean into and enjoy. 

“Of course, little sweetpea - you are my ward and my friend, and I am always happy to help.”

For a while I simply sit there, basking in the warmth and soft scritches from Saccharum. Slowly, almost reluctantly, they grind to a halt - turning around and returning to their work. 

I catch Ellie’s gaze once more, its brushstroke stopping.

“Can I… spend more time with the both of you? I know it’s a weird question but-”
The lighting of Saccharum's tablet shines against Ellie’s grin.
“Of course!”
Only for the plant itself to speak up.
“In fact, I have just the idea! Let’s go have a playdate!” 

Chapter Text

I dreamed of that room again, last night. At least, I think I did? I remember the feeling of the old sheets, the trinkets of my history, the sounds just beyond that doorway. I even managed to remember more details of the space; the titles of novels hidden just out of sight, the old wrappers of candies still clinging to the bottom of the trash. 

It was there in a sense, hidden amongst the void of memories I would rather not think about. Sharkie makes a great help for dealing with those pains, though - his soft fluff almost inviting me to relax, to breathe. The sunlight starts to fade through the window as I begin to crawl out of bed.

I almost start to feel.. safe here. It’s weird to think about how these oversized rooms and strange objects used to bring me fear - how the glittering gaze of my warden could send my adrenaline into overdrive. Now, though - it’s almost comforting. Almost. I still know where those fangs lie.

Now’s not the time to stress on those things, as I have a long day planned; one which I only know the vaguest information on. I wonder what Saccharum’s friend is like?

I tuck in Sharkie as I consider it, almost laughing at the idea of meeting another Ellie before smooching him on the head. Having one more of it might be a bit much, it’s already simply too cute on its own.

The amount of options for my outfit is nearly overwhelming, the closet shows me; the small room filled with the softest clothing imaginable - all in a wide variety of color, with various patterns upon them. It’s a sheer luxury that I was given, I really should thank those two for it. The options bring something else as well, the tinge of panic lighting up in the back of my mind. That same worry of making a choice - of making a wrong one.

No. I won’t let it take over me again. I lift my hand up, close my eyes, and… pull out a T-shirt. It’s black, with pink flowers dotting themselves all over the fabric. I pluck out what I think is a cute counter to it, a skirt made of denim, the faded blue contrasting nicely. The clothes come on without any issues, perfectly fit for me and my growing form. Truly another one of the marvels of the Compact - it feels so weird, like I’m almost glad to have been kidnapped by them.

I spot an old notification on my tablet as I move towards the bathroom - opening it up right as I begin to slather this pinkish sap along the head of my toothbrush. The chat shows a message, sent from Sweet before I even woke up.

“My, and what a lovely sophont she is~ I am Salviana Lavandula, 5th Bloom, with pronouns of She / Her - but you can just call me Miss~”

Whatever words I might have said stay lodged at the bottom of my throat, fear overtaking what little reason I have at this point. She seems to revel in it, only pulling herself closer. Others do, too - it feels like I’m being swarmed from all angles.

“Oh, and how shy you are~ such a precious little sophont, I might just have to take you home with me-“

It's all too much-- how the crowd around me keeps pushing in tighter, squeezing any chance I have to escape from me - squeezing my very breath out of my lungs. I can almost hear the faint beeps from my neck already, please someone just help me--

A click, coming from deep within the mass of the growing crowd, stops her dead in her tracks. The precious seconds of freedom give me, and more importantly Saccharum a chance to find their wording. 

“Okay, okay, let’s all just calm down here - Thera seems a bit unsure of things at the moment.” 

It considers, then speaks again, “If you’d like, I would be more than happy to share her contact information, though!” Thanks for asking first, Saccharum. 

The rest of the trip is spent with the group talking to my warden, and to me. Well, not to me, but at me. Like I’m some object, some sort of pet. 

Luckily, the doors open just before I have time to continue thinking about such a thing. 

-

“Gosh, Thera!” The small terran bubbles in front of me, nearly tripping as it walks backwards, “I knew you were cute, but I didn’t think you were that adorable to the Affini!” It spins as it falls towards me, its move ending with it wandering next to me. 

“I’d best keep a close eye on you! Otherwise the next clove might end up with one of these around your neck!” It taps against the excessively large collar that’s attached to its neck, a singular vine wrapped around the massive ring on the front. 

What’s…

“A clove?”

“That’s what I call a group of Affini! I’ve heard it called things like a forest, but I prefer my version!” It smiles as a vine pats its head, coming from the third of our group, walking in front of us - the one who actually knows where we are going. 

We walk past many more cloves of Affini, some of them watching as I stumble along, others simply making small talk with our guide - giving small greetings and the like.

I even see other people - other sophonts as well, including a literal walking, talking robot with a collar wrapped around their metal neck. 

Tall doors start to chime as we turn to walk into what looks like a form of restaurant, the windows painted on with various little doodles in a wide assortment of styles. 

Someone walks up to Saccharum, a terran - they’re dressed up in a black and white outfit that’s absolutely coated in various frills of all sorts, their white gloves carrying what looks like sheets of paper. Menus, I hear them call it. 

I watch what looks like fake animal ears attached to their head twitch with their shifting attention; a long, thin and fluffy tail wagging along with an untold amount of realism. 

They bring us to a small booth, one side looking out into the window - the outside world. The other side faces inward, showing me the quiet hustle of the inside of the building. 

For a moment, I swear I spotted that same pale gold from just out of the corner of my eyes. It vanishes before I can get a closer look. 

-

How does everyone here create such amazing food? The plates arrive before long, my mind glued to the city around us past the thin glass. I’m handed a plate stacked high with pancakes, topped with syrup and berries of all sorts of species. I can practically smell the sugar wafting off of the stack, I can barely keep my hands away from it.

It’s completely devoured in what felt like an instant, my hunger sated - even if the desire for sweet things only manages to grow in strength. We start to clean up as I pop the last berry on my plate into my mouth, the dozens of vines in tandem making the task infinitely easier.

Not all is perfect, as something has started to nag at me since I sat down. I feel like I am being watched. Maybe it’s just the passerby who happens to peer in through the glass, maybe it’s another Affini who has taken some interest in me. No matter what, something feels off, causing me to almost slink behind Saccharum as we get up to leave.

The feeling doesn’t fade as we walk out the door, saying thanks to the animal lady in the dress.

It doesn't fade when we start to wander down the street, it doesn’t fade when we walk into another place, the smell of old books wafting through the rush of air, and - wait a moment…

I scoot just barely to the side, seeing the largest library I think I have ever seen. Floors upon floors, filled from ceiling to floor in novels of all sorts, the soft notes of an orchestra hanging just barely above the air, filling the already comforting atmosphere with a wave of calm. Small lights, like the ones in Saccharum’s hab, float into the open air like stars.

Others are in here too, of course - but that burning sensation that burns me with the desire to keep turning around is snuffed out, replaced by this excited curiosity for everything in here.

I just start to explore one of the massive pillars, next to which a group of beings rest surrounding an Affini - their tendrils carefully singing to them the story they hold, when I remember I should probably ask my kidnapper first.

“Saccharum, may I go and read?” I whisper, the rules of this place are like second nature to me.
They lean down a little to reach my height, pulling my tablet out of the waters that are their roots - handing the device to me.
“Of course, my little bookworm. I am wanting to find a few things before we head out, so you are free to either find me or just press the little icon for me, okay?”

After nodding, I am left free to wander - finally able to return to one of my favorite things.

-

I hear the faintest “ah” as I peruse a new novel I found, just finishing a chapter about the efforts of historical preservation, my attention drawn to the familiar figure of a plant closing in on me.
“There you are, you ready to go?”
I grunt as I lift myself up from the floor, looking for the place where the book goes. Before I can even make my first step, Saccharum stops me.
“You can hold onto it if you’d like! I saw you weren’t finished.”

I- right. I suppose this is a library, so that sort of thing should be expected. For now, I hand the book and my unused tablet back to them, their body drinking it in once more.

We find Ellie at the entrance, and we walk out into the warm noon air.

Weirdly enough, that feeling of being followed is gone by the time we make it to another one of the railways. Not like I am complaining, but the absence almost makes it feel worse, like I’m being watched, and I can’t feel it anymore. 

I glance around as we begin to walk on board, I only watch the vague movements of random flowers in the air. No piercing gaze, no starving expressions. We find our seats once more, this time I sit myself between Ellie and Saccharum - being between the two giving me a bit more comfort - and the train moves once more.

There’s even more places that I want to see, the storefronts looking so beautiful that I can’t help but dream of going to them at some point. I want to go back to that library, too - there are so many things in there that I hope to read. Who would’ve thought these plants would have such a beautiful world to explore, so ripe with things to see and do!

We pass by what looks like a cake shop as the car starts to slow, the glass coverings just barely hiding the most delicious looking treats imaginable. I have to stop myself from drooling just by looking at the thing. I will definitely have to take a look at it later.

The path forward begins to shift into more and more habs, with various pe- sophonts playing all around us. The Compact has such interesting language for its populace - sophont has a very nice ring to it.

“You’re gonna love Saccharum’s friend, by the way!” Ellie’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts on the updates to terran standard since I last studied it.
“Wh-hm?” Is the only sound I make.
“She’s super sweet! She also knows soooo much, it’s super cool!” It literally spins around me as it talks, its energy for life seemingly neverending. I couldn’t imagine having to deal with a thing such as that.

Nonetheless, we all end up at a rather unsuspecting doorway, a vine softly knocking against the door itself.
“Now, Thera-” The Affini turns to face me, “Just remember to breathe, you’ve been doing very well with getting used to us and- There you are!” The door starts to creak open, all of our attention turning with it.

“Good afternoon, Saccharum!” I can’t see past them, but the voice that I hear is… sickeningly familiar.

The two talk for a second longer, speaking in a language I can’t understand - the closest thing I can think of is how it almost sounds like a form of singing. Then, the voices shift back into Terran, talking about what sounds like…
“I am pleased to introduce you to my ward, Thera!”
…my name.

I finally manage to see the being hiding just past Saccharums vines.
I watch as their body softly shifts against their doorway, the deep greens of their legs leading into... fair looking flesh?
oh no.
Their body keeps going, revealing the seam lines from which dozens of flowers burst out. Pale, golden flowers.
oh no.
Past the excessive chest of the alien, blocked off by pale white flowers, I can see the logo of the Compact on their shoulder.
oh no.
Finally, I see their eyes. Her eyes. The glimmering blue lights that seem to notice my attention. They shimmer with some unknown desire as our gazes meet.
”Well there you are! It’s nice to meet you, Thera!”

oh no.

”I’m Lonicera Emmoni~”

Chapter Text

“It’s nice to meet you~”

“H-hello there, my.. My precious little thing~.”

“Stars, I… I love you-” A singular vine moves closer, moving along the thin contours of my mask - pressing deeper into it, trying to rip through the thin plastic walls.

More of her thorns scrape past, surrounding my head; tilting it towards those bright red eyes, towards those barely restrained fangs - towards the grin of a predator who has her prey exactly where she wants it.

The same face I see now.

Why am I here? Why do I have to see her again? I-I thought my first day was just a bad dream, just some drug fueled nightmare by whatever the hell my vet gave to me! I want to run— to go back to Saccharum’s hab - but I can’t. Fear mixes in with… dare I say arousal - it refuses to let me leave, locking up my joints. 

Wait. Why did she say it like that? We’ve already met, back at the vet’s office. She nearly kissed me!

“Won’t you all come inside? It’s dreadfully hot out there~”
No. Please no. We can still leave, we can still–
Without a second of consideration, my warden obliges; moving up the small set of stairs to meet her directly.
“Why thank you Lonicera~ Why didn’t you tell me you rebloomed?” Saccharum’s voice feels deathly quiet in comparison. She simply tilts her head in response, speaking in a tongue I fail to comprehend.

The two vanish into the void, the doorway hanging open.

Ellie stays behind with me; though it doesn’t share my fear, it does try to help me get the confidence to walk through. My mind fails to register what it’s saying, too focused on what I saw. On her. My feet feel glued to the stones below them.

The choice is made for me. Ellie pulls me into that black abyss - my vision only barely adjusted to the darkened room. I hear the door shut behind me, locking me away from my one chance of freedom against this thing. The demon who I wish I didn’t have to remember. The plant who… Why do I almost feel relieved to see her? Why do I get the sense that I missed her? 

What the fuck did she do to me?

The question soon gets lost when my eyes finally adjust. 

“Welcome to my humble abode-” Speaks the demon before me. “Feel free to make yourself at home~”

The place was obviously going to be massive to accommodate such a sophont, but this is extreme. The only hints of the ceiling come from the hundreds of small lights dangling near the top, all of them tied onto strings that wind around each other.

Wait - they’re not just lights. They’re flowers.

Looking closer still - the strings they’re attached to are nothing more than a careful coiling of vines - all of them carefully shifting as the lights dance, puffing away with pollen. The air is warm, with the hints of something smoky and sweet in it. It reminds me of honey.

I don’t notice my body is moving until I feel the soft pads of my hand against my face - blocking that sugary scent from entering my lungs.

Free to infect, the pollen sinks into the deepest part of my lungs; layering static snow atop my mind, making my eyelids grow heavier and heavier with each moment.

I can only just barely see past the shifting of the two plants before me, the hallway continuing to be lit by the same petals. Their conversation only registers to me when they switch back to a language I can understand.

“Well no wonder you look like a new plant! Just who is this lucky sophont?” says the shorter of the two, my warden.

“I’m certain you’ll be happy to meet them~” sings the other, arms crossed - a feeling of control over the room itself dripping out of her, the sheer confidence is nothing short of horrifying. 

Saccharum looks excited by the idea, while Lonicera looks… off.

Her eyes don’t scintillate in the same wild patterns as the other Affini I’ve seen, dead still as the two of them talk. Even her grin looks plastered on, only growing into something more real with the mention of that someone passes her lips. just watching her face shift as she speaks is comforting, she looks so beautiful.

I fail to notice when her gaze meets mine, still so lost in my thoughts. I do see, though, as that dancing of colors in her eyes springs to life when she does - the shifting patterns drawing me in. Blinding me from the rest of the world. 

I pull back, blinking - trying to clear away that growing fog in my mind. It doesn’t help. 

“Are you alright, little Thera?” 

What brings me back is the stomp of her feet as she moves closer, ones that faintly shake the ground itself.

She’s so tall, so completely overwhelming in stature that even by tilting my head back fully I can’t see all of her, It brings with it a weakness that drives panic into my mind, a sheer sense of scale that comes from just being in her presence presses heat into my face, pulls the air out of my lungs. 

Instead of speaking, she simply kneels before me. Even on her knees she’s still far taller than me, still needs me to lift my head just to watch her. 

A soft snicker, far removed from the toothy grins she shared on our first meeting, spreads across the fake panels of skin on her face; and just… Stars, is she beautiful. Her form is pristinely sculpted, akin to the goddesses from the stories my kind used to share. She smells deep and rich - a sweet musk that turns the bile in my throat to butterflies.

I watch, my other limb closing in, as one of hers moves towards me. Far removed from simply splitting a vine for me, something I’ve nearly grown used to with Saccharum - she reaches out to me with her hand, her palm facing up. Being so close, I can faintly smell something citrusy coming from the limb. 

It’s just as beautifully crafted as the rest of her - the soft vines giving way to impossibly sharp claws, the careful weave of her form shifting ever so slightly to the rhythm that permeates her whole being. I can’t help myself but be drawn into it.

She doesn’t need to speak for me to understand the gesture. The deep purring symphony from her tells me all I need to know; this is a gift, an offering - she wants me to behave, to be comfortable, to obey her.

“Just give in, prey - let me have you~”

I almost give in, the hand covering my mouth moving closer of its own accord. It takes an unreasonable amount of effort even just to stop it. 

A heavy wave of expectation floods the room— coming not just from her, but from the other two around me - like this is a kindness, like they don’t know this awful, vile, glorious thing before me - why do they pretend like she deserves my hand? 

Don’t they know what she did? How she nearly ripped me apart with those sharp, stunning fangs? how her thorns scarred my flesh to this day? How do they not understand what she is - this monster, this…

Another wave of that deep purr hits me, sending my mind and my legs stumbling back. She tilts her head, leaning down to bare into me more, blocking more of the world around us. Soft cooing starts to sing from her throat as she watches me falter. Her shadow starts to overtake the light from the ceiling, digging me lower into her void. 

Her hand draws closer, the expectation digs deeper. My choice is all but gone. Her gaze lights up the growing shade around me, covering me in deep swirling purples and radiant golds that only seem to pull my ability to choose, my ability to think taken right out of my mind. 

I can’t stop myself from moving closer, from hovering my palm just above hers. I can feel my control over the limb slipping with each second.

She doesn’t even grant me the kindness of deciding when to make contact, either; I feel as her tight grip wraps itself around mine, her rhythm sinking so deep as to press into my bones - spreading like venom down my veins. 

The purring turns vicious as the room itself is suddenly bathed a deep red, the golds returning after what feels like an eternity.

“Good girl, Thera~” she growls with approval, the words digging far past my eardrums. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Her thumb starts to rub along my skin, idly dancing across the small hairs - leaving the tingles of pleasure with each pass. Her smile only grows, her teeth barely flashing as her awfully human face splits wider. 

Without so much as a grunt of effort, she rises to her feet. My hand, still locked into her grip, raises itself above my head.

As we stand, I can see Saccharum and Ellie - neither of them even remotely concerned with what just happened, the two seemingly teasing each other just a moment ago. A soft tug forces me to walk, to turn back towards Lonicera.

She draws me forwards, turning to face the hall, whisking me away deeper into the confines of this prison - her home.

-

“...Over there is the living room,”

The fuzziness starts to climb up my arm, sinking into me with this... this almost yearning for her touch - whatever it is she’s doing, I don’t know how to stop it. 

We round a corner, passing by what looks like another massive kitchen - winding us deeper into her softly lit home.

“...and over there is the bathroom!”

All of the doors here are closed, locked away - almost pointing us all in a specific direction. 

That same unknown language picks up again, now mixed by the soft gasps of Ellie; looking back, I can see it floating in the air, held up by Saccharum’s pink flowers - small tendrils teasing at its skin. 

Another tug slightly yanks at me, turning my attention back towards the one dragging me along. I only just capture a glimpse of her stare as her head turns away. There was no grin, no golden shimmer of her crystalline glare - only annoyance.

That same anger that ripped the gas mask off my face, that tore my old jumpsuit apart like it was nothing. I can even see those same thorns now, carefully rearranging themselves along her forearm.

No, no don’t think about her - focus on something else. Anything else. 

The walls themselves are all but bare, only a few decorations hung about. The vines from the ceiling trail down, their flowers dangling upon them. What does catch my eye, though, is the amount of pillows and such that are left leaning up on the floor; all of them made up of soft, pale colors - a few of those same glowing golden flowers peeking between them. 

It’s… oddly comforting, in a weird sort of way - every inch of the space covered in plush.

More of those little lights above us twinkle like stars as the faintest sounds of cracking whisper into my ears, leading the three of us through into what opens up to look like another library. 

The same focus on softness is present here too; the large couches dotted with fluff. In the center, dug just slightly below the foundation, sits a fireplace. It fills the space with warmth, with the soft sound of burning logs, with the faint orange glow that cloaks the room in an aura of comfort.

Books of all kinds sit alongside small trinkets atop the various shelves across the room. A few novels even sit stacked upon one another, leaning upon the walls. In the center, before the fireplace, are a few couches; their red covers glowing in the firelight. A few tables sit around them, too - even more books upon them. 

-

“Welcome to my study, little Thera~” the soft voice echoes through the hall, sinking into the carpet and my mind. “Here, let’s get you somewhere nice to sit!” 

Without a second to consider, I'm lifted far into the air, kept contained in her arms. More of those growing sensations spread across every inch of contact, growing oh so warm and fuzzy and sickeningly enjoyable. 

I’m placed down atop one of the gigantic couches, the cushions giving way with the same ease that everything in the compact has, like just below the soft fabric is full of clouds.

Ellie is sat across from me on another couch, similarly sinking into the fluff. The fire is dug into the wall on my left - the walls around us surrounded by books. I can make out what looks like a second floor from just past it, but I can’t see what’s on it.

Lonicera’s touch pulls away - the tingling fades, the warmth under my skin following her. The two aliens mention something about getting drinks, and vanish. The room feels freezing, so empty, so dark and alone… why am I missing her?

I wrap around myself, trying so desperately to preserve whatever heat remains.

-

“Are you doing okay, Thera?”
I look up, watching the small terran hugging a pillow.
It takes a moment for my voice to work, too caught up in the growing cold.
“I’m… I don’t know.”
It tilts its head, thinking. “I get it! I remember back when I first showed up, dirt you couldn’t get me out of the hab if you tried!”

It reels its head back, losing itself to laughter
“Mxtress tried to! I swear, they nearly ripped me in two just to try and get me to come out of the room - they almost succeeded, too-”
Then it sighs, looking back fondly.
“The vet spent an hour trying to hold back her laughter as she sat with us, telling Mxtress that they can also just talk to me about it. Who'd've thought that even the superior species gets nervous about talking to someone!”

Its face beams from ear to ear, the soft snickering so comforting in comparison to the oppressive air around us. I can feel myself unfurling, just a little - just barely more comfortable. I almost feel bad for my anger earlier, with the face paint. Ellie is my friend, it’s just trying to help - maybe I should try to trust it more.

My own faint smile fades - as I return back to watching the flame besides us.

“The fire won’t hurt you, silly.”
My spirals are cut short as it speaks.
Hm? “No I- …what?”
It shifts in its seat.
“You look bothered by something, so I just thought it might be that.”

I shake the cold shiver out of my system. Those golden eyes of her haven’t left, the way her grin bores down into me. They’re so awful. So awful and terrible and pretty.
“I’m okay, I’m okay - It’s just with Lonicera.”

A soft ah passes its mouth, the two of us returning to silence. It looks reverently towards the empty hallway.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

WHAT
Are we even discussing the same sophont here? She is nothing if not truly horror incarnate; how those claws can tear you apart without a single thought, how her gaze pierces through your thoughts, your fears, your worries - how her presence alone carries such weight and perfection and–

A gasp faintly passes my lips as the fuzziness swarms across my skin, filling me down to my core with warm pleasure - covering it in a thick sap, drowning my fears in sweet citrus. My thoughts grow clouded with her sheer beauty; with the softness of her lips, the glow of her smile, the radiance of that purring song that presses into my heart.

…
I shake my head, rubbing my eyes - trying my best to clear my mind from whatever the hell that was.

It doesn’t work. The thoughts still stay there, the warmth still sticking, she stays.
“No… no, she’s”

The lights flicker on for only a moment, some reserve power kicking on one last time. In that brief glimpse, though; I can see her - all of her. How her tendrils have consumed the room, climbing the walls and ceiling with her roots, whatever remains of the way out has been consumed under meters of foliage.

“She’s..”

I manage to glance down, only just barely - to see how no part of me is left exposed to the open air, nothing except my head. Everything has been consumed by her.

“She’s…”

She moves closer yet, her pollen soaked breath fogging the lenses with pink. Her fangs, her claws - each bard and thorned vine squeeze closer. Thousands of years of human evolution leaves me with nothing but a message:

I won’t be anything by the time she is done with me. I am going to die here.

I gasp again as the memories slam into me, forcing me back into the plush of the couch. I squeeze my hand against the glass of my necklace, feeling my heartbeat cool just behind it. It’s too much. She is too much. She is scary, she is horrifying, she is beautiful, she is…

“She’s awful.”

-

Ellie frowns a little as the words come out of my mouth. Another cold wave sinks into my spine. “That’s kinda mean, Thera…”
I try to speak, what comes out is quiet - lost. “But… but-”

She’s so pretty.
The fuzziness, the warmth; it spreads as the thought occurs.
“She has been so sweet Thera, inviting us over to meet you - and she’s super cool! You’re scared, I know, but please try to be kinder to those around you. She is only trying to be nice.”

Soft rumbling takes the energy out of whatever I was about to say - as said Affini enters the orange glow of the room.
“Were you two behaving while we were out?” Saccharum speaks up as they pass the threshold.
“We were!” Ellie beams with the same energy as always. It raises its hands out, giving a small grabbing motion. A large, obnoxiously designed drink lands in its grip - the liquid inside is a light pink. It looks too sweet to possibly exist. All I do is nod along, trying to ignore the faint tinges of disgust bubbling up.

“May I?”
Whatever awful feeling was brewing is gone when green blocks my view; as warmth, as comfort, as Lonicera stands before me. What does she… does she want to sit with me? Please no, I don’t think I can take much more of her.

She doesn’t seem to notice my concern, or care; the fluff of the cushions shifting towards me as she sits down.

The couch is filled with green, dozens of vines wrapping themselves around my side of the couch - locking me in place besides her. None of them touch me, but I can feel them. Their heat. That deep purr that echoes into my bones, one that moves as her eyes do - watching me closer and closer.

I try my best to ignore her, to focus on the room around me - on anything; but none of it works. Her soft rhythms burrow themselves deeper, giving me whispers of that same tingling pleasure I felt when her image consumed my mind - that same citrusy scent upon the air. I want- no, I need her touch again. Even if I hate it. Even if I want to run, to fight off that horrid, soft feeling.

A faint rub along my back shushes those fears, replacing them with an unrestrained warmth. Her voice hushes whatever silly thoughts remain, a soft hum mixing into her music - only helping to push it deeper into me. 

Hundreds more of her thicket hover just over my skin, waiting - tempting me to give in.

Her singing turns into a whisper, barely registered - even if each syllable dances along my nerves.
“Don’t worry darling, I will only touch what you want me to~” 

“I will only wash what you want me to~” 

…

What else could I possibly do? 

I nod my head, whispering into her lust.
“...Please.”

-

Those same vines, those same barbs that have given me nightmares - they move closer; gently stroking against my clothes, on the skin on my arm, along my neck. The rest of her joins in tandem; her massive chest squishing my arm, almost sucking it in. She acts like nothing strange is happening, like giving this torturous bliss is casual - even as her song grows stronger with every inch gained along my body.

“My my, Saccharum - if only I weren’t so busy, I would’ve asked to have met such a cutie the second you picked her up!” Her chuckling resonates through me, my muscles spasming from the unyielding pleasure - my mind no longer picking up on each touch, losing itself to the constant firing of neurons.

My own words start to lose meaning, fading into incoherent babble as endless fuzziness swarms me.

“She seems to quite like you! She has been a tad bit of a vineful, though - but we knew what we signed up for!” Saccharum’s voice feels hollow, like nothing in comparison to this indescribable warmth that swaddles me tighter and tighter.

I catch a glimpse of Ellie, similarly lost in delight - Lonicera’s vines blocking the view in seconds. Her song shifts as it nearly whispers into me, telling me to only look at her.
“I see, and have you been doing a good job as warden?”

From what little I can hear, as the sensory attack grows stronger; Saccharum stutters, almost caught back.

“I have been trying my best! You and I both know that I am still young and learning.” Her hum sends another wave of euphoric bliss down my spine, deeper still through the layers of my consciousness. “Oh I am most certain you are, petal - but that doesn’t preclude her understanding of the world around her.”

An endlessly soft, fuzzy hand tilts my face up - meeting those four shining golden lights, each one swirling with some deep, endless pattern that does nothing but sink me into them.

“Does she, for example,” Her thumb rubs against my cheek, sending more of that tingling into it. I can feel the small drops of drool beginning to slide down my face as I can do nothing but stare into the concept of beauty itself. “Know what ship she’s on?”

Some remnant of my mind, one of the few barely hanging on rings with confusion. Ship? I thought we were on a planet?

“...Not unless someone has told her, no. But I don’t see how that’s-” A click comes from deep within her throat, the same as our time in the vet, the same as… Her words send that memory into the void, same as everything else.

“Little flower, one thing you must understand with wards - or any sophont for that matter, is to pay attention.” She starts to squeeze, her constant rubbing along my body only growing more fervent. “Every little detail matters; every little twitch of their body, every stray glance and lost thought. All of them must be considered, planned for…”

She moves our heads closer, our breaths mingling in the fraction of a space between us. How I yearn for those lips to press into mine, they’re so close.

“Ready to be used, to be taken advantage of at a moment’s notice~”

Saccharum only grunts with agreement. Her head moves back, the hope for a kiss is long gone. My lips feel so cold without it. I need it.

…As if to tease me more, her thumb moves to rub against my lips, each touch sending another wave of that tingling joy through me.

“I will be happy to help her along with this transition, if you would like. Such a precious little seed deserves to be given a life perfectly fit for her, don’t you think~?

Whatever they say is lost as the euphoria rips away my ability to think, to understand the world around me.

Good girl, Thera~

Her purring song melds with the tingling surrounding me as she whispers to me through it, only burning it brighter, sinking it so far as to take away anything else.

I’m a good girl…

Yes you are, Thera~

You will be perfect prey~

I will… I will be perfect prey.