Chez moi

Everyone expected to be corralled by magic again but were surprised to find themselves moving under their own power. Reyna skipped alongside everyone on stage, “Come on everyone it’s time to see where you’ll be living for the duration of the competition!”

Still recovering from the shock of everything, the group began to move off the stage. Lily found the movement awkward, her new mass making the simple act of walking forward feel foreign to her, from the looks of things Amy was having similar issues but seemed to be managing, “Of course, she is, of course, she even handles being warped by magic better than me.”

The plant girl stopped moving until she lined up with Professor Dawson and began walking in step with her, “Sorry to see you’re trapped here too professor. I can’t believe this **** to be in his Harem? How deranged is that?”

Eliza regarded her former student carefully and tried to pick her words accordingly. It was plain that few were taking the situation harder than Lily was, Eliza tried not to get too involved in her student’s personal lives but she had seen the aftermath of her and Caleb’s break up as he attended Philosophy club meetings after.

“I don’t think it’s likely productive to focus on him for the moment,” She held her hands up defensively as Lily turned to her shocked, “What I mean to say is, look at him, he has as much control over all this as we do. I saw what Lucian did when you questioned him.” she gestured to her head “Part of the vision he gave me when I first got in. We’re all here under duress and Caleb is being **** into his role as we are.”

Lily’s shoulders slumped, “I suppose you’re right, but what do we do then? Play along? Because I don’t care if Caleb is **** at that point, being romantic with him again…is just…” She bit her lip as she tried to swallow the feelings welling up, “It’s too much”

The young professor leaned over and rubbed Lily’s back as they continued to walk, “We’ll figure this out, the good news is that this is a game at its core. It means it can be solved and I remember from class how bright you are. I’m sure we can figure this out.”

The blonde gave Lily a bright smile and the woman suddenly realized how surreal it was to be getting advice from her like this. Her current form was younger than Lily was now but her physicality and way of speaking all denoted years of experience beyond her appearance. It was simultaneously reassuring that the magic hadn’t fundamentally changed her wise professor but also worrying as it made the plant girl think about how much they might be changed by the end of this.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Lucian stopping as they approached the large brass-coloured double-door exit, “Before we leave, you should know this auditorium is part of the Hotel itself, beyond being used for our presentations and the opening ceremony it is a fully equipped movie theatre. Simply ask a Faun to set it up for you.”

Reyna smiled and jumped up, “We have an endless catalog of films and tv shows, everything from your universe and beyond. You can even watch other seasons of Harem Hotel if you want!”

Caleb’s eyes widened, “Other seasons? Wait so…this has happened before? Also Fauns?”

Reyna winked and stuck out her tongue, “Of course silly! Where do you think we got all that footage we showed you from? Countless seasons from across the multiverse to entertain the multiverse. Hell, there’s even one running alongside this one set at a Bed and breakfast of all things!”

Lucian’s face soured at the same time as Caleb’s but the Host tried to recollect himself, “Yes be assured your situation is not unique. Which-” He stared pointedly at the contestants, “I hope this fact encourages you not to try anything. You wouldn’t be the first, but let me tell you all those others who tried? Sorry state they found themselves in and I am trying ever so hard to be nice.”

The oni in the middle of the crowd snickered. If this was the host being nice, they were all fucked. Still, if there were other seasons, that meant there was data on what to expect. Amy would have to look more into that later.

Reyna began to push on the door, “We’ll talk about Fauns later, you’ll see but for now the lobby!”

Lucian sighed and pushed open the other door letting bright light into the auditorium, “Yes, take a good look at the Lobby of the hotel where you will be staying.”

Everyone blinked for a moment, as their eyes adjusted to the light of the lobby. Up in the sky was a domed-out glass ceiling letting in the natural light of of the sun only interrupted by a latticed pattern of bronze that wove itself between window panes. The floor was a lovely marble that laid out through the entire expanse. A circular geometric rug was laid out in a corner with a sitting area complete with a fireplace and accompanying bookshelves. The Opposite of that was a fully furnished bar set up complete with bar stools and a long shelf of various liquors in brightly coloured bottles. A Red carpet at the entrance divided the room into two, leading to the grand staircase to the second floor.

Everyone began to file into the room and look it over. The space was lovely, luxurious even. If not for the fear of the opening ceremony it would be the ideal spot for an extended vacation. Lucian moved in front of the crowd.

“This is the main lobby of the Castello, it is designed for premium relaxation between challenges, so feel free to enjoy yourself.” He pointed to the hallways extending out on either side of the auditorium “On the left you’ll find the Dining area complete with Buffet service at all times of day except for after curfew. Attendants will serve whatever food you desire upon request. On the right is the Gymnasium, outfitted with equipment for use for multiple people at a time, it also leads to the exit which leads to the courtyard pool and barbecue area. Go ahead and familiarize yourself with the area, and then we’ll continue”

Amy perked up at the sound of the gymnasium, at the very least she wouldn’t have to forsake her routine while here. Now if only she could get her hands on a computer. She paused and while Lucian was explaining, searched her pocket and confirmed her cellphone was still there. A quick glance revealed no service in the area before she pocketed it again, a rudimentary plan forming if she could get the tools for it.

The crowd was milling about through the lobby and Stella sauntered over to the bar and began examining the stock. She let out a low whistle. Most of this was top-shelf stuff, there was even two separate freezers, one for just ice and the other for super-chilling liquors. She couldn’t pretend to fully understand what was going on. Her understanding was that people wanted to watch her have sex, but now that understanding expanded to really rich people wanting to watch her have sex. Magic Rich people, she guessed.

Maya crossed the group over to Mira who was inspecting a bookshelf and extended her hand, “We’re paired together this round it would seem.”

Mira turned to face the younger woman and took her hand, “You’re Maya right? I’m sorry you didn’t get the transformation you wanted.”

Smiling bitterly Maya released, “Yes seems I wasn’t as lucky as some, I’m happy for you don’t get me wrong. Now I’m just stuck staying positive unless I want to ask strangers for a hug. Plus I don’t think that will be my last opportunity to seek thrills in this competition.”

Raising an eyebrow, Mira tried to evaluate Maya, “Are you not concerned about getting home or being **** into a romance with some stranger?”

Maya lowered her voice and stepped closer to Mira, “I’ll be honest, being **** into a harem is not something I’m thrilled about but I also have very little waiting for me at home. This at least,” She turned her gaze to the collective of women looking through the lobby, “could be very stimulating. But that’s not why I came over here. I don’t know anyone and am at a disadvantage so I thought it would be best to make an ally and since we’re already rooming together…”

Understanding dawned on Mira’s face, “I see, makes sense to assure the person closest to you isn’t a threat. I see the game you’re playing.”

Maya nodded, “I hope that doesn’t offend you.”

“On the contrary, I at least understand your way of thinking and think it’s smart. We both saw what happens to the people who lose this competition. Smart is the play. So an alliance?”

Maya grinned her eyes narrowing, “Yes, that was what I was angling for, of course, I understand if we have to renegotiate later but for now…share information the other learns and watch each other’s backs?”

The Bengali woman nodded, “We have an understanding.”

While two women were conspiring, across the way Maddy approached Eliza and Lily who were still talking amongst themselves, when they noticed her standing their awkwardly she gave a brief yelp, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation, sorry…”

Lily’s expression softened seeing the plump girl so skittish, “No it’s no problem we were just kind of decompressing. It’s been a lot to take in. I’m sure for you it’s been a lot too, being **** to date your stalker?”

Maddy frowned, “I don’t know about that, it’s not like he followed me around all the time…at least I didn’t notice. He just showed up at the restaurant a few years ago. I remember because he always thanked me even though I was just washing dishes at the time. It was weird…but I don’t know calling him stalker is…” she trailed off

Seeing her discomfort Eliza tried to pivot the conversation, “You’ll be rooming with Lily going forward correct?”

Maddy nodded, “That’s why I came over, I wanted to say Hi and make sure um…” she didn’t finish her sentence because she had realized that saying she wanted to verify Lily was a good person didn’t sound great.

The plant girl sensed her hesitance, “Yeah it’s hard right? We’re all pretty much strangers except for knowing the same guy. So it’s hard to gauge what everyone is like right?”

Looking up, Maddy nodded emphatically

Lily smiled, “Yeah, no I totally get it listen you seem nice and we’re all in the same situation, I’m not going to be throwing anyone under the bus. Especially not the girl who was so freaked out she was crying during the opening ceremony.”

Maddy winced at that, “You’re pretty upfront…”

Shrugging the plant girl replied, “I guess, I just…I spend a lot of my life being someone I’m not so when I interact with people I try to be honest.”

Eliza clapped her hands together to get both young women to look at her, “We all need to be looking out for each other. There’s magic involved there is no guarantee as to what’s coming next so we can’t afford to be at each other's throats. So let's all be friends.”

Maddy smiled, “I’d like that! I’d like that a lot!”

Eliza pointed at Lily, “Which means no more calling me Professor ok? While we’re here I’m Eliza or Lizzy if you prefer.

Lily bashfully rubbed the back of her head, “Sure thing prof- I mean Eliza”

Maddy giggled, it was nice to see she wasn’t alone in struggling to adjust to all this.

Noemi watched as everyone naturally started forming groups leaving her alone with Caleb standing awkwardly as he tried to avoid looking at her as if the filigree on the staircase was the most interesting thing in the world.

“I’m so far behind already, there’s nothing for it but to try…” She called out to Caleb, “Hey Caleb, I just need to…” He turned to her eyes sharp, her voice petered out as she finished, “I need…to clear the air.”

Caleb turned the rest of his body to face her and crossed his arms, He recognized that it had been over a decade since he had seen her last. He recognized that she was here against her will. He also recognized that what he had seen, no human deserved. But every time he looked into Noemi’s face, the memories of being shoved down into toilets, food thrown at him, rumors being tossed around, it all came flooding back.

He took a deep breath, “Go ahead.”

Hope shone in her eyes and he clasped her hands together, “I just really need you to know that I’m not that girl anymore ok? Like I was in a bad space mentally and you don’t understand the pressure my family has on me so I acted out ok? It wasn’t fair to you but that’s what happened. We have a chance to move past that now.”

Caleb looked at her for a moment, “Ok?”

“I um…what?” confused by his response, Noemi wasn’t sure how to continue.

“So your family put pressure on you, so what? Does that make what you did ok? You had a Freudian excuse and that makes it all better like it never happened? You realize that you still haven’t even…tried to apologize? In all this? Not once?”

Noemi looked down and felt heat rise in her chest, “So? I didn’t apologize? What do you need a sorry? Like some fucking baby? That’s gonna make it better,. SORRY. We’re good now right?” She stomped her foot.

Throwing up his arms in exasperation Caleb started to turn around, “Jesus Christ why did I even bother? You say you’re different but it’s obviously bullshit. You’re the same old bullheaded Noemi, picking fights when she doesn’t get her way. Fuck you!” Caleb started to walk away.

“Fuck you!” the Chilean called after him.

After a few more minutes of exploration, Reyna conjured a trumpet and began blowing into it to gather everyone’s attention and then gestured at Lucian with jazz hands as the host began to speak, “I hope you have all enjoyed seeing the lobby a few things before out tour advances…”

He spun his stick and gestured at the staircase, “The second floor is where you will find your bedrooms, the game room, as well as the elevator to the Master’s Suite. Only the Master can come and go as they please from there. Contestants will have to be rung up by the intercom by the elevator if they wish to enter. The sole exception to this of course being your date night in which case you must stay in the Master’s Suite after curfew. Now then…”

He clicked his stick on the ground, “At this point, I will be borrowing the master as our tour extends outside of the hotel. We’d normally have him attend as well but…” Caleb was already breathing harder thinking about leaving, “Our Master has certain…difficulties with the outside, for now, we won’t be pushing him.”

Lily narrowed her eyes watching Caleb, “When did this happen? He never had issues going outside before.”

The host continued, “So Reyna will be escorting our lovely ladies outside to show them how to navigate the island as well as the most important locations on the island while I take our Master and show him the Master’s Suite.”

Reyna began corralling the girls outside and waved back at Lucian and Caleb, “See you soon!”

Lucian leaned in and narrowed his eyes, “Well then Master…time to show you where you will be staying.”

Something about how he said those words sent a shiver down Caleb’s spine.