GET ON WITH IT!

As the clocks hit noon, everyone found themselves seated in the Dragon’s Lair Auditorium. A screen was already lowered, and Disney’s Robin Hood was playing. The transition was so smooth that it took Mark, Aubrey, and Chloe a moment to realize they had been moved, since the movie was right where they were. Mark noticed because the barrier between him and Mary was gone, so he had two perspectives of the same thing.

Laura, Talia, Allie, Isa, and Sadie were all a bit annoyed as they had been in the bath and were now naked and wet. Mary had wanted to them, but Freya helpfully reminded her that she hadn’t quite finished repairing the glitch yet. So Ellen transformed into Hilde and went to work on fixing it, while Brooke gave Mary a massage.

They had finished fixing it around 11:30 and were going to the others in the bath after a quick bite to eat, but they were whisked away before they could them.

Cassandra appeared on stage, and with a flourish of her hand, the movie paused, and the screen went blank. “Welcome, everyone. The third challenge and round has finally come to a close.” Thank the fucking gods. “It really was a long one this time. Now, while I think most people have already made all their BP purchases, I promised there would be time to make them after the challenge was over but before the TFs. So, if you need assistance, Slevia is in the reception area and able to facilitate any desired purchases. In the meantime, I thought you might like to watch a highlight reel of the challenge, so you could see what those you weren’t with got up to.”

With another flourish of her hand, a new movie began to play on the screen. Cassandra also dried and dressed those who were naked, as she vanished. A voice began to narrate the beginning of the challenge. Smug said, “And so our intrepid heroes traveled to another world, but little did they know that one of their number was a thief and a gigantic selfish jerk.”

Smug seemed to be showing off whatever she found particularly interesting, which meant anything to embarrass Mark or Mary, plus anything genuinely interesting that she thought everyone should actually see. Like Mary ing the collar suppressing Merida’s inhibitions and the aftermath, while explaining instead of showing what was done.

Sadie and her team looked over at Merida, who was being hugged by both Hilde and Flora, wanting to know more. Smug made sure to show the images of the harem from the first mirror, especially lingering on Mark’s view of Laura, with this being one of the few, if not the only, times Smug would say something positive about him during the clip show, and that was just about his proper appreciation of Laura. Much of it wasn’t that interesting, with only a few more notable exceptions, almost exclusively involving Team Fairy Castle.

First was the Grudge Match between Mark and Samantha, and then Brooke ing the harem. Followed by the Temple of Kindness, especially the mirror at the end was shown, and as Laura’s reflection stated, her entire speech was included in the clip show. Nothing from Sam’s mirror was shown. Then there was the Temple of Diligence, showing bits of Allie’s time trapped in the dreamscape, and Allie and Isa were terrified as it kept playing and approaching the task board. The display went blurry. Smug said, “And as you can see, we don’t quite know what went on here, due to Talia messing with too many layers of time at once.”

Allie and Isa breathed out an audible sigh of relief, causing Laura to look curious and Talia to smirk.

Then the Temple of Charity cam girl show was shown in its entirety, with plenty of juicy commentary from three dragons, all very horny due to the show. Finally, the final set of clips was the t offers of betrayal to Sadie and Ellen, their rejection of those offers, Symbietta objecting to the deal, her trying to get Sadie to accept and failing, and Ellen finally accepting the sweetened deal the other team made.

As the last twelve days that were condensed into a bit more than an hour-long film finally came to an end, the screen changed to show an empty scoreboard, and Cassandra reappeared. “Now we have to go over the final results. First, as should be a surprise to no one. Team Fairy Castle’s Master beat Team Villainous Vixen’s in of . Mark, Mary, you will have until the end of the transformation ceremony to select which TFs you want to upgrade amongst your harem. Now, as for your placement in the challenge, the final results were thus.”

1. Sam +10 VP 183
2. Ellen +8 VP 171
3. Laura +6 VP 143
4. Talia +4 VP 131
5. Flora +2 VP 123
6. Hilde +0 VP 108
7. Aubrey -2 VP 106
8. Allie & Isa -4 VP 104 (83, 113)
9. Sadie +4 VP 103
10. Chloe -8 VP 100
11. Merida -20 VP 099

Cassandra continued, “Now, Allie and Isa’s scores had a weighted average; their VP gain is based on this, but what transformations they and everyone else are getting is based on your individual placements and team victory or defeat. Sadie and Merida, your Leader Bonus and Penalty have been included in the values above. Before we get to that, though, let’s see what the current scores are, because I got some exciting news!” Cassandra seemed extremely giddy.1. 96 VP Laura

2. 90 VP Allie& Isabella
3. 90 VP Sam
4. 88 VP Ellen
5. 81 VP Flora
6. 71 VP Merida
7. 68 VP Aubrey
8. 55 VP Talia
9. 40 VP Sadie
10. 36 VP Chloe
11. 34 VP Hilde
12. 31 VP Brooke

Cassandra said, “We have three contestants at 90 VP or above! To be honest, I really thought someone was going to crack 100 VP, but some people have apparently been deliberately holding back.” Cassandra turned to Laura, “You weren’t wrong that there was a trigger condition based upon your VP, but it wasn’t as soon as someone hit 100 VP; it was when we had three contestants at 90 VP at the end of the round. So begins the countdown. This next round marks the halfway point. Round four of seven. It also means I had to do some acceleration of the final three contestants ing us, and they are all coming now!” Mark and Mary both winced, hearing that three more women were being added to this, but it was better than they had feared. Cassandra waved her hand behind her, and three doors appeared.

---

Vespa sat in her car, going over the last few minutes of her life. She had been in shock, and when the shock finally wore off, she had a panic attack. She had just talked with Allie and another woman, whose name she didn’t properly catch. She saw that they both were wolf-girls, and if not for the end of the conversation, she would have thought they were cosplaying and a bit weird.

But vanishing right in front of her left her questioning her sanity after the shock wore off.

The only thing convincing her that she wasn’t insane was when she thought about Mark now; there was a physical attraction to him now, and when she considered the two women who had been in the car just a moment ago, she realized they were attractive, especially the one she didn’t catch the name of.

Vespa spent a good fifteen minutes just going through breathing exercises to calm down. A calm that was disturbed just as she reached for her keys to restart the car.

“I’d hold off on that if I were you.”

Vespa screamed at the sudden appearance of a short blonde woman in a satin blue dress in her enger seat. Cassandra waved her hand, and Vespa felt like she was processing the emotions faster than normal. They hadn’t vanished; she just went from panic to fear, to shock, to bewilderment, to anger, back to fear, and finally to curiosity in a fairly short span of time.

Cassandra said, “Hello, Vespa. My name is Cassandra. It’s nice to meet you.”

Vespa stared at the diminutive woman and couldn’t help but think to herself. She looks like a fairy. “Cassandra, did you have anything to do with Allie and the other woman who was just here?”

Cassandra nodded. “I did. I was the one who kidnapped them.”

Vespa gulped, hearing her say that so casually. “Are you going to kidnap me now too?”

Cassandra replied, “That’s up to you.” Before Vespa could muster a response, Cassandra said, “Let me clarify. I will be kidnapping you; that is happening. The second you made the choice to be attracted to Mark, you sealed your fate. I’m not pressed for time, though, regarding your collection. I can take you now, and about two weeks will have ed for Allie and the others. Alternatively, I can let you get your affairs in order however you’d like; maybe pack a few things you’d like to bring. So long as you don’t tell anyone about what’s happening.”

Vespa listened, a little confused. “Why give me that option?”

“Simple answer? Magic is complicated. It’s easier for me to extend this option to you than forcibly take you right now, because of temporal stuff you wouldn’t understand.”

“Wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff then?” Vespa asked.

“Exactly. Maybe you do understand.”

“Um… what’s to keep me from running away?”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Vespa, right now you’re on over three dozen cameras, being live-streamed to the multiverse. I can teleport. Where are you going to possibly hide from me?”

“Ah… Then thank you… I guess? You’re an awfully nice kidnapper.”

“I really am,” Cassandra said without a hint of sarcasm. “Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat things. There are parts of what is going to happen to you that you might hate, but let me show you something.”

Cassandra caused the small display screen that so many newer cars had to change. It showed a scene that had happened to Allie not long after she left Vespa’s car. Cassandra said, “This is Allie talking with another contestant, discussing Allie’s wedding.”

The screen showed Isabella, Sam, and Allie sitting together.

Sam looked at Allie curiously. “I’m surprised you invited Cassandra. I mean, I did actually expect her to be there regardless of your wishes, but still.”
Allie looked at Sam and asked in a serious tone, “Sam, if Cassandra offered you right now the chance to go back to your life as if you were never brought on the show, so no TFs, would you take that option? Because I’m not sure that I would.”
Sam thought about that question seriously. “No… I guess I wouldn’t.”
“That’s why she’s getting invited. Because despite the crap we are going through thanks to Cassandra, at least in part, the situation has gained me more than it has cost me.”

Cassandra waved her hand and the screen returned to normal. Cassandra said, “I don’t know if it is everyone right now, but I hope it will be by the time things are through. That they will all feel the same way Allie does. Including you.”

“When will you be taking me?”

“About two weeks if you keep your mouth shut. Earlier if you’d like.”

“Okay. I guess I’ll see you in two weeks.”

“Splendid.” Cassandra vanished the next moment, off to her next victim.

Vespa sat there and pulled the lever on the side of her chair so she could recline as she needed time to process the shit she had just learned.

---

Professor Esther Austin muttered to herself, “No one will ever believe me about this.” Right as Merida vanished from her office.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Cassandra said, filling the vacant seat.

Esther immediately glared at Cassandra with hostility, having recognized her from Merida’s description of her. “You’re Cassandra, I take it?”

“Yes—”

“Get out,” Esther said firmly, in the sort of tone that those younger than the speaker both respected and feared, while pointing at the door. Unfortunately for Esther, Cassandra was much older than her.

“I’m—”

“I don’t care.” Esther interrupted her again and stood, moving towards the door. “Leave, now. You aren’t welcome in my office after what you’ve done.”

Esther didn’t reach the door as she found herself unable to take another step forward.

“Professor Austin, please, take a seat. I’d rather not force the issue, but I will.” Cassandra said sternly.

Esther found it easy to move back to her seat. She continued to glare at Cassandra in silence.

Cassandra said, “I take it you’re angry on behalf of your former students.”

“For starters.”

“Understandable.” Cassandra let the silence linger, and let the professor collect herself.

Esther continued to glare disapprovingly at the woman sitting across from her, and waited for her to speak. The standoff continued for a while, neither breaking the silence. Esther tried to leave a few times but found herself unable to get up from her chair. She decided that just because she was forced to stay here didn’t mean she had to play Cassandra’s game. She picked up the stack of papers she had been grading when Merida came in and resumed grading them, pretending Cassandra wasn’t staring at her the entire time.

Cassandra received a text from Mary. After replying and putting her phone on do not disturb, she returned to the matter at hand. Cassandra sighed, waved her hand, and caused the papers to neatly sort themselves and move to the side. “While normally I’d be more than content to wait for you to be willing to talk, I'm currently quite busy and in a time crunch. So, Professor Austin, I want your undivided attention.”

Esther resumed glaring at the small woman.

Cassandra said, “Let me explain what is going to happen. I’m going to be abducting you, and you will be participating in my show like it or not. The manner and disposition of the abduction is up to you. Now, would you prefer to cooperate, or are you going to be a problem contestant?”

Esther leaned forward across the desk and steepled her fingers. “And what exactly does cooperation really get me?”

“Time to prepare and make arrangements, which is more than most in your position are getting. Alternatively, the moment you leave this room, you’ll find yourself on my show.”

Esther sighed, “Why me? You can’t honestly expect me to believe someone over fifty is particularly suitable for your show.”

Cassandra waved her off. “Age is just a number. In this case, your age is a number that brings down the average age of Mark’s harem.”

Esther looked at Cassandra disbelievingly. “You expect me to believe most of the women involved in this are over the age of fifty-five?”

“No, but I guess there is a reason you’re a Literature and Language professor and not a Maths professor. I said the average age. You would be either the second or third oldest member of the harem, depending on how you count one person who has effectively lived two lives. Actually, I suppose fifth if we count Laura and Ellen… hmmm… anyway, age isn’t all that relevant. If it is a real issue, I’ll just give the audience the chance to fix it.”

Esther said, “You still haven’t answered my question. Why me?”

Cassandra looked a little embarrassed. “To be honest, you were sort of low on my list of candidates initially, but due to a variety of circumstances, others have been knocked off my list. Of my available targets, you are now in the top three, to round out my roster.”

“You still haven’t really answered my question.”

“You’ll find that will happen sometimes. Now are you going to cause me problems or would you like me to pick you up in about two weeks?”

Esther smiled, “I like the sound of causing you problems. Got a reason I shouldn’t?”

Cassandra politely stood and stared at Esther. Her eyes were crystal blue, but they slowly darkened until they were the color of the depths of the ocean. Esther found herself unable to look away from her eyes, and as she stared into them, she saw some of the things Cassandra had done to eliminated contestants, and was horrified. Cassandra’s eyes returned to normal. “That Professor Austin is a part of my job I detest. There is only ever been one person I took satisfaction in doing something like that to. That being said, how much effort I put into being kind has varied over the years, and I’m tired. Ideally nothing like that will happen to anyone this season, but it would be best not to take my patience as weakness.”

Esther stared at her, frozen in shock, horror, and outrage.

Cassandra could tell already; Esther wasn’t going to simply make things easy on her even after that stunt. That was fine, expected even. That hadn’t been the real objective of this meeting. Informing the stubborn woman of the real stakes was her purpose in coming here. Cassandra nodded and said, “I see. Well, I guess I’ll see you soon. Just exit through the door when you’re ready, and don’t worry about your disappearance; I’ve already handled a cover story for you.” She gave Esther a small smile and then vanished from the room.

---

Clara was glad to finally be rid of all the people taking shelter at her station. They all left in the morning once the weather finally cleared and the clearing of downed trees opened up the roadways.

Clara went to her cot and put her feet up, exhausted from the last twenty-four hours. It was far more mental than physical exhaustion. She looked down at her now sizable breasts, which had quadrupled in size the previous day. That blonde goat-girl didn’t even give me her name… Clara took out a small hand mirror she’d sometimes bring on backpacking trips and looked over her appearance.

Her eyes had changed to a darker green, which, despite being a much smaller change than most of her others, still stood out to her. She was surprised to be a redhead now, but had to it it looked good, and it felt rather silky and had a natural waviness to it that she loved. Then she pulled up her shirt slightly to once again confirm she wasn’t imagining the six-pack of abs she now had. She had always been fit, due to her job as a ranger, but what Aubrey had done to her had taken her from fit to ripped. Finally, she lifted one leg into the air above her and just stared at how much longer her legs were, as all the height Aubrey had given her had gone to her legs.

There was a quiet knock at the door, to disturb Clara’s rest. I swear to God, if another dumbass hiker didn’t bring enough water, I might just let them die of thirst.

Clara said, “One second!” She made sure to use a tone that indicated I’m busy and would prefer you to go away.

Clara walked to the door. When she opened it, she was confused by the appearance of the woman in front of her. “Miss, can I help you?” Clara took in the woman’s appearance, and it was just wrong for the setting. She had a short blue satin dress on, high heels, and a little golden crown on top of her head. Clara squinted at the crown. That looks like real gold. Who even wears a crown?

“I wear a crown, and it is real gold.” Cassandra said, “May I come into your office? I have something to talk to you about.”

Clara blinked a few times. “How did you… actually, you know what, after yesterday, whatever. Sure, come in.”

Clara went back into the room and sat down behind her oak desk, with Cassandra sitting on the other side. Clara asked, “I assume you have something to do with the goat-girl from yesterday? Considering you read my mind.”

“Sharp. Though she’s a sheep-girl, not a goat-girl.”

Clara waved Cassandra off. “Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. What do you want?”

“I’ve come to make you an offer. Unlike my prior two appointments, this is an actual offer, and not a forced recruitment.” Cassandra said, smiling.

“Forced recruitment?” Clara asked.

“Aubrey, that’s the sheep-girl from yesterday, told you she was forced to compete for a spot in a man’s harem. I’m responsible for that. I’m also responsible for sending her here to transform you into what you look like now. Though the specifics were up to her, and I suppose you.”

“So what’s your offer if you aren’t here to kidnap me?”

Cassandra put a file on her desk. Clara was certain she wasn’t carrying a file and had nowhere to conceal it, but it was simply there in her hand one second and then on her desk. Clara picked up the file but didn’t open it yet, waiting for Cassandra to explain. Cassandra said, “I’m looking for one more contestant. While you are technically on the list of candidates, you were and still are not near the top of the list. At least under normal circumstances.”

“Normal circumstances? Yeah, those don’t apply to kidnappings.”

Cassandra shrugged. “They do for me. Anyway, inside the file is a dossier on Mark Garret, the Master of the harem I’m inviting you to .”

Clara finally flicked open the folder but didn’t really look at its contents yet. “You say that as if I have a choice. Aubrey was it? She said she was forced into this.”

“You do actually have a choice. I’m offering you a chance to be with Flora. I can already promise you it will be completely different than the relationship you had envisioned with her, but you have a solid chance of being happy if you decide to .”

Clara glanced down at four pictures at the top of the file. One of Mark before the show, one with his current appearance, one of Mary, and the last with Flora’s current appearance. Clara asked, “Why do I get a choice?”

“As I said, you’re on the list of candidates, but not at the top. That’s because the criteria is based on the contestant’s compatibility with him.” Cassandra pointed at a picture of Mark. “You do have compatibility with him, and in some timelines where he naturally gets together with Flora, and she still comes to work here and meets you, you end up in a throuple with them. Unlike with some of the other contestants, though, without the timelines diverging wildly, you and him never get together on your own, only ever through an intermediary.”

“You really like not answering direct questions, don’t you?” Clara said, annoyed.

“You get a choice, because I need one more contestant; I will be collecting one. It can be you; it can be someone else. I know you’d like a chance to be with Flora. Something that, despite what Aubrey said, is highly unlikely to occur if you decline this offer. If you accept… I would put it at above a 70% chance that you two wind up together. If you volunteer, I’m even willing to let you have a say in your paths.” Cassandra stopped Clara’s question. “Read the file for more details. You don’t need to decide today. I’ll be back in about a week. If you accept, a week after that you will be coming with me. If you decline, I’ll go with someone else.”

Clara started skimming through the file. There were pictures of Mark and Mary upfront. Along with a brief bio that she skipped. There was a page describing the show and what was expected of her. Then there was a picture of Flora as she currently looked, along with one of Merida and Hilde. Under their pictures was a brief description of their current relationships, including how Merida had formed each one of hers. The last page was a list of proposed paths for Clara, along with the current transformations for Flora, Merida, and Hilde.

Clara asked, “So, if I accept it means someone else won’t be kidnapped for this?”

“That’s correct, though realize, even if forced, I still think they have a better chance than you to wind up with a happily ever after. Yours just isn’t so much lower as to preclude you entirely. Hence the choice. Think on it, because if you accept, there are no do-overs or take-backs.”

Cassandra stood and made her way towards the door.

Clara asked, “One last question before you go: will they know? That I chose to accept, if I do?”

Cassandra said, “Not unless you tell them, or something happens revealing that, but it won’t come directly from the staff or me.” With that, Cassandra strode out of the office and vanished like she was never there, except for the file still sitting on Clara’s desk.

---

Vespa walked through her living room door onto the stage. She decided to wear blue jeans and an old hoodie that Mark had given her as a present back when they were dating. She noticed a whole bunch of people in the seats of the theater, including Mark, and felt her heart flutter when she saw him, despite the differences in his appearance. This time it was accompanied by a flush in her cheeks as she wondered if Mark really still found her attractive. To her left, she noticed Cassandra and two doors hovering in midair. Out of the one closest to her came a more mature woman, who, after a moment, she recognized as her old Lit professor, but she couldn’t her name. She was in a turtleneck sweater and slacks, with her grey hair pulled up into a bun. Past her was a young, tall, redheaded woman wearing cargo pants, a forest green shirt that ran up sort of high, exposing her midriff and a six-pack, one of those tan ranger hats, and hiking boots.

“Please welcome our three newest contestants!” Cassandra beamed. Her excitement ed over the mute crowd to no effect, but she didn’t miss a beat. “Now, some of you may know these lovely ladies, but so everyone is on the same page. I'm going to have them perform the customary introduction for all contestants. But first, Mark, I've recharged your boosts slightly early for convenience, but you’ll only be able to boost one transformation with them until the ceremony is over. If you are going to boost that transformation, please do so now.”

Mark nodded his understanding and selected to upgrade his princely staff. He was given the warning he was expecting. ‘Must use three boosts at once to boost this TF. You will be given three options to pick from for one to become immediately permanent. Are you sure you wish to boost this TF?’ He hit confirm and, to his chagrin, Mary stood up, put a hand on her hip while extending the other out towards him, and shouted, “Let’s give it a Boost, Give it a boost, A BOOST!”

Most of those in the crowd couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. Vespa even let out a slight chuckle as she understood the reference, even if she didn’t recognize the very cute girl shouting out the line. Clara and Esther were lost, however.

Mark looked at the options that came up on the screen.

Please select your upgrade:

• Add Smug to the Harem
• Add Slevia to the Harem
• Add Petra to the Harem.

Mark picked Slevia with very little hesitation, as there was no way he was picking Petra, and Smug seemed rather mad with him at the moment.

A moment later Slevia appeared on stage, in a pair of high-waisted pants and her typical red shirt with blue trim, that most people assumed was the BP store uniform. She said, “Oh. I see. Is fine.”

The other women on stage were wondering why another woman had just ed them on stage.

Cassandra said, “Now, the four of you, if you could please make your introductions.”

Esther immediately realized what had just happened and looked at Mark, shocked and even more shocked by the fact that no one found it surprising that Mark had just added someone to his harem. Esther tried to say something, but she couldn’t as Slevia stepped forward and spoke first.

“Hi. I’m Slevia Lundevall. I’m part of Mark’s staff. Financial Advisor and store runner. Tis my second time on show. I’m [Censored] years old. I’m 6’0”. Measurements are 36DD-24-34 and 145lbs. I’m bisexual. Last sexual encounter: Fondling and kissing Samantha this morning.”

Slevia smirked as she saw Sam blush being called out like that and she resumed her place in the line of new women.

Before anyone could say anything, Vespa found herself stepping forward and spoke.

“Hi, my name is Vespa Fiore. I was Mark’s girlfriend in college. I am 32 years old, 5”9’, my measurements are 32B-28-42, 150 lbs. I was asexual until very recently. My most recent and only sexual encounters were with Mark and were part of the reason we broke up.”

Esther went next but was a little confused by Vespa’s statement about her sexuality.

“Hello, I vaguely most of you, but for those who don’t know me, I’m Professor Esther Austin. I was one of Mark’s Professors. I’m 55, 5’10”, 210 lbs.” Esther struggled to keep her mouth shut, but the magic overcame her. “My measurements are 40I-42-52. I’m straight, and the last time I had sex was with my now deceased husband.”

Clara immediately began her introduction, not needing the magic to push her along.

“Hi, I’m Clara Elwood. I don’t actually know Mark at all, but I’m a ranger who works with Flora. I’m 23 years old. 5’10”, actually… wait, that’s not right anymore…” Clara was trying to figure out her new measurements, and the magic assisted her without the same sort of compulsion the others experienced. “My new height is 6’1”, and my new measurements are 34H-29-40, at 160lbs. I’m bi but generally prefer women to men. I’ve never actually made it past second base with anyone before.”

Cassandra smiled, “Welcome, all of you, to Harem Hotel. Please take a seat with your fellow contestants and Master.”

Esther scrunched up her face, took off her glasses, and pinched her nose in exasperation. She took a deep breath and moved off stage, following right behind Slevia. Slevia went to sit right next to her sister.

Esther had planned to sit by herself, but found herself instead sitting down right next to Brooke. Brooke gave her a curious glance and asked, “Not that I have anything against you, Prof, but why me?” While there were clusters of people in the seats, except for those dating, they weren’t seated immediately adjacent to one another in the audience. Brooke wasn’t even directly next to Sam, as she wanted to give her best friend some space to canoodle with Laura. So Brooke found it a little odd that Esther had decided to sit next to her.

Esther said, “I’m… I’m not completely sure.” Esther looked at Brooke and said, “It’s Brooke, right?”

Brooke’s eyebrows rose. “You actually me?”

Esther looked slightly embarrassed. “Uh… no, sorry, I got everyone’s introductions jammed into my head. I just wanted to make sure I got the right person, because…” Esther looked around. “Well, some of you don’t look anything like you used to. I just… I felt like you would be safe and comfortable. Like being around family.”

“Oh, that,” Brooke said, slightly deflating at the news of another person not ing who she was. “That’s my transformation. Tell me, would it be weird to you for me to call you big sis?”

Esther didn’t immediately react to the question and then frowned as she realized that it didn’t bother her at all, and that bothered her. “No… what does this transformation do exactly?”

“It makes all the of the harem see me as their sister and vice versa, and all the staff are my cousins. So to me, you are my big sis.”

“That seems… wrong to force someone to care about someone else like that.”

Brooke wobbled her hand. “Yeah, but it isn’t as bad as you think. I didn’t suddenly become fiercely protective or caring towards everyone. Same with them towards me. It’s more subtle than that, but I guess if you have a really strong connection to your siblings or consider your family to be a safe place, then you might be associating it with me because of it.”

Brooke put a hand on the older woman’s shoulder and continued, “And as for forcing emotions. I don’t think you’ve seen the half of it, yet.” Brooke gestured up towards the stage with a jerk of her head. “Cassandra wants our attention.” Brooke said in a hushed tone, “Look, I get you probably hate this and fine, but seriously, take my advice. For the next hour or two. Keep your mouth shut, play along, and don’t be antagonistic, especially towards Mark; he’s a good guy.”

Esther whispered back, “A good guy? Am I wrong to assume that that Slevia woman ed the harem because of Mark’s actions?”

“It’s complicated, and there is too much to explain in ten minutes. Just trust me. I’ve only been here for about a week and can tell you things can get weird.”

Esther sighed, “Fine, I’ll try, for a few hours at least.” The girls aren’t the enemy, that’s for sure. I’ll reserve judgment about Mark for now. Cassandra, though… She can go to hell.

---

While Esther and Brooke were talking, Clara followed behind Slevia, as Flora, Merida, and Hilde were all sitting together. Slevia sat down next to Hilde, who immediately abandoned Merida’s lap and moved to Slevia’s lap, giving her sister a tight hug.

Flora got up and gave her coworker a hug. “Hey, Clara. Sorry you got dragged into this, because you knew me.”

Clara gave her a smile. “We can talk about it later. So… you’re a cat-girl?” Clare leaned to the side to observe Flora’s tail flicking behind her, while also checking out Flora’s ass.

“Lion-girl.” Flora corrected, while checking out Clara’s long legs.

“The difference is?” Clara asked, checking out Flora’s rack and noticing the nipple piercings pressed up against the leather armor.

“Significant, and we can talk about that later too.”

Merida groaned and rolled her eyes. “Bloody hells ye twa. Is this whit ye were like aroond each ither afore? Nae wonder ye baith war virgins. It’s clear ye twa like each ither. Flora, just tae be sure afore datin' her. Ye get ane.”

Flora turned toward Merida and hissed out, “Merida!”

Merida rolled her eyes. “We aw heard Clara here literally ask tae be turned intae yer type o' woman. Plus, Aubrey already tauld her that ye thought she was hot. Why do ye think Cassandra broucht her on?” Merida turned to Hilde. “Are ye keepin' that redhead kink?”

Hilde replied, “I was planning to… is that a problem?”

“Nae, juist checkin'.”

Clara looked Merida over. Merida stood up and extended a hand to Clara. “I’m Merida.”

Clara nodded and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.” There was a long awkward pause, then Clara said, “I can’t help but notice that we could be mistaken for sisters now.”

Merida shrugged, “If it’s ony consolation, this isnae whit I originally looked like ither. So it isnae like ye war turned intae a copy o' me.”

Hilde coughed as Cassandra was staring at them. “I think chatting time is over. There will be time to talk later.”

---

Vespa was trying to look anywhere but at Mark, who currently had an arm around Chloe’s and Aubrey’s waists. He had gotten more muscular and taller than she ed, but she could tell it was him from his face and eyes. She thought about slinking off to the side to stay out of the way as much as possible, but figured she should probably not immediately isolate herself and instead decided to try to befriend the blonde fairy and the raven-haired dragon who also somehow looked like a Fae Goddess.

Vespa sat down next to the dragon, noticing that she was wearing a T-shirt like one she had given Mark as a present a long time ago, and let out a long, slow, nervous breath.

Mary put a hand on Vespa’s back. “You okay, Vespa? I know it’s a lot to take in and accept, but it’ll be okay.”

Vespa looked at Mary and felt herself blush at how pretty she thought she was, even if she was a dragon-girl right now. “Umm, thanks… Are… are all the animal parts everyone has here real?”

Mary nodded. “Yeah. Does they bother you?”

“I mean, a little.” Vespa felt like she had put her foot in her mouth. “I mean… that isn’t to say I don’t think you’re really pretty.” I can hardly take my eyes off you.

Mary smiled. “Well, Vespa, I still think you’re just as beautiful as before.”

Vespa looked at Mary. “As before? I’m sorry, do we know each other… come to think of it…” Vespa looked at Sadie. Okay, that’s Sadie… Vespa looked around the room and started matching people to the introductions they gave, but came up with one extra person as she did so. “I’m not sure I know your name. Cassandra seemed to have skipped you when giving us everyone else’s introductions.”

Sadie let out a light snort, not being able to help herself, but didn’t comment on the amusing situation unfolding in front of her.

Mary smirked for a second, realizing the issue. Mary feigned a mock sadness and put a hand on Vespa’s thigh. She leaned towards Vespa, her lower lip pushed out and quivering. Mary tilted her head up, eyes pleading. “You… you don’t ? We each had our first time together.”

Vespa scrunched up her face, at first in confusion; then, when she thought the woman in front of her was messing with her for a laugh, she got angry and pushed Mary away. “Listen here, you little shit! I don’t appreciate being messed with. You still haven’t introduced yourself. Even if you are drop-dead gorgeous, I’ve been with exactly one person, and that’s because I had fallen in love with him. So fuck off.”

Mary smiled hearing that response. “You have a mole right here.” Mary reached up under Vespa’s left thigh as she resumed getting closer. It was high enough on her leg that the only way Mary would know it was there was if she had seen Vespa naked before. “Your favorite ice cream is caramel fudge swirl.” Vespa was confused as Mary was getting closer and closer to her face, and she wasn’t pulling away. “Your speedrunner handle is VesparateTimes.”

Vespa’s heart was racing as Mary inched their faces closer together. God, she smells wonderful. Mary’s aroma was turning her on, and Vespa didn’t know how to deal with that. Who the hell is she? “How do you know that?”

“Because when facing down VesparateTimes, one must use vesparate measures,” Mary replied, in an unconvincing, overly exaggerated Eastern European accent, telling her a joke she had heard so many times while they played different games together.

Vespa furrowed her brows in confusion as she glanced towards Mark. Mark wasn’t looking at her, but raised a hand and pointed a couple of times towards Mary before putting his hand back around a disgruntled Chloe. Vespa looked back at Mary. “I’m so confused.”

Mary grinned. “It’s me, Vespa. I’m over there too.” Mary jerked her head towards Mark. “But it’s me. I’m right here.”

“Mark?” Vespa said confusedly.

“While like this, I go by Mary, but yes.” Mary gave her such a warm and genuine smile, happy to see her again.

Vespa froze as she went scarlet, and it started creeping down her neck.

Sadie pulled Mary away from her. “Maybe give the girl a break, Mary. You could have just told her, instead of teasing her. Though I have to it, it was adorable to hear her get all defensive about you and chew you out to your face while also saying she loved you. Not to mention, even when chewing you out, she called you drop-dead gorgeous.”

Vespa brought her knees up against her chest and buried her face in them. She muttered into her knees. “Kill me now.” Then she wrapped her arms around her knees as she sat in the theater chair.

Mary gently pulled one of her hands away and just held it. “Vespa, thank you. I know what happened between you and Allie. I didn’t know… it meant a lot to hear you say that about me. Even more, knowing that despite being told things could be dangerous, you still would rather love me.”

Vespa relaxed and put her legs down, but let her hair obscure her face. “Could… could we maybe talk about this later?”

From up on the stage, Cassandra said, “Yes, I have a ceremony to get going, Mary. You can catch up in a bit.”

Mary and Mark both glared up at Cassandra in unison. Mary said, “Fine, get on with it.”

Laura raised her voice and said, “Yes! Get on with it!”

This caused several people to echo in chorus. “Yeah, get on with it!”

Cassandra said, “Oh, I am enjoying the enthusiasm—”

Smug in his male announcer voice, he said over the intercom, “GET ON WITH IT!”

Cassandra frowned as most of the theater burst out laughing, including Vespa, who felt far more comfortable after the tension had been broken. She even kept holding Mary’s hand.