The Final Countdown

Mark woke up once again to a very odd sensation. It was a very nice sensation. Opening his eyes he was momentarily confused. What the heck? He was staring at a magnificent ass, while his dick was getting sucked on. It was just too perfect not to, so he smacked that ass.

Causing Laura to lurch forward, with an squeak of delight. “Hey watch it mister.”

“You know you liked it plus you sort of stuck it in my face while sleeping. Now do you need another or are you going to finish me off?”

Laura went back to sucking on Mark’s cock while he pulled her rear closer to his mouth so he could eat her out, in turn. Laura wasn’t looking to make this a long endeavor, and so quickly did all she could to finish Mark off. “Laura, I’m about to cum.” She once again took his load in her mouth. Then to Mark’s surprise slid off of him onto her back, and then orgasmed, twice.”

“Damn Mark, I think I might have to upgrade my estimation of your oral skills a little from just above average, I didn’t think you’d make me cum before you did.”

“You use that spell again?”

“Yeah. It’s honestly great. Also as long as I get you off at least once I get most of the mana back just from that.”

“Not worried it’ll be addicting or make normal sex worse?”

“Nah, I don’t think so. Just different. I also don’t plan on using it all the time. But I might as well use it on myself or my partner when giving oral, that way we both get off. It was always my least favorite thing about oral sex. Still love it, just I always wished if I sucked a guy’s dick it would get me off too, now it will.”

“Fair enough, any tips on handling Chloe?”

“Try to remain objective and not get overly emotional. Also, be ready to be overly pedantic, but don’t talk down to her when you are. She’s a good person but can be a bit much.” Laura said all this while getting dressed.

“Thanks, I really hope I can at least smooth things over with her. Yesterday, I got this feeling looking in the mirror that things had gotten worse for her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well I seem to be keeping a bit more, than you ladies do, but it also isn’t like your role or anything more like a state of the relationship, sort of, or maybe how you’ll feel when things are over. Specifically there are hallways for each of you, in this foyer. Chloe’s had this smell, it was a sickly sweet smell two days ago and yesterday it was more of a sour chemical smell.”

“That isn’t good. I think you should get in the habit of checking every day.”

“No. I’m not doing that. Look I’m not saying I won’t check it every so often but I don’t want to rely on it to figure out if our relationships are going well. The biggest advantage is that it can indicate a problem with a TF even if we don’t know it. I’ll promise to check at least once a week, though. If you want we can try something Talia thought might do something different with the mirror?”

“Different? How so?”

“Well Talia and I stood in front of it together.”

“Okay what happened.”

“It just showed us a black haze, no vision.”

“That doesn’t sound like it does anything, it sounds like it doesn’t work for two people.”

“Well, here’s the thing, all your hallways are different colors in my vision. You get one guess as to Talia’s color.”

“Right, she’s a goth now so black. Then why the haze?”

“Talia thought, and after yesterday, I agree, that with her changes outstanding, the future was too unpredictable. So if you want we can look at the mirror together. Don’t know what it will do but we can try.”

“Sure, why not? Get over here then.”

“Let me get dressed first.” Mark quickly grabbed some slacks and a polo shirt and moved next to Laura in front of the mirror.

The mirror got a deep crimson haze to cover it, and then the image shifted. Mark was in the foyer again but this time he could move down the deep crimson hall. The hall now had an aroma of perfume, incense and roses with just a hit of the smell of sex. It was intoxicating. Mark walked in and noticed himself, and Laura. He didn’t know why but he could tell they weren’t having sex, they were making love. Mark found he actually had control to move around the room, and look around. On the nightstand were two photos, one of him and Laura, on a trip somewhere just the two of them. The other photo was of all ten of them, but he could only make out clearly Laura and himself. He was happy. Laura was thrilled and standing right behind him, with her arms wrapped around him. It was then that he heard Laura in the vision say, “Mark, I love you.” and his vision self replied “I love you too, Laura.” He was pulled back to reality.

“Okay, Laura was that much more intense for you?”

“Yes, I also only got one vision. Before I got two. It felt... good. What did you get?”

“I feel like I walked down your hall. Sort of a blur after that but pleasantly intoxicating would be how I would describe it. Or maybe like the smell of coffee first thing in the morning.”

“Well, that sounds good. Now be a dear and get us some coffee please.”

Mark his voice dripping with sarcasm, “Oh yes, my goddess, I shall acquire this offering for thee.” While joking, he did actually order two 20 oz. coffees, one black two sugars and one with two creamers and five sugars. “Here you go.” Mark handed over the black coffee.

“How… How did you know I take my coffee black? Also is there sugar in this?” She questioned before even taking a sip.

“That… is a good question. I don’t know. That just felt like that is how you took your coffee, and yes I put in two sugars. Maybe I remember it or something? I honestly don’t know.”

“That’s odd…”

“I mean we’ve had coffee for breakfast sometimes. Maybe I just noticed? Allie has said before that I sometimes notice and remember the bizarrest things. Maybe I just noticed it was black but also noticed you put sugar in?”

“Sure, keep an eye out for anything else like this, okay? It just seems very weird to me, is all.”

“Will do. I doubt it’s Cassandra messing with my head. The show generally frowns on using magic on the Master, without their consent. I am serious about noticing really bizarre things sometimes. Like one time for Allie. I was out and about, and stopped in at this little curio shop, and found this figurine that I thought she’d like. When I gave it to her, she said that she had been looking for that one for years, to complete this set she had. The thing is, that the rest of the set was in her old room at her parent’s house. I’d been in it like twice when visiting her parents, she asked how I knew she wanted it. I didn’t have an answer besides, I just thought she would like it.”

“Okay, you can be rather observant at times. I hope it’s that. So what’s your thoughts on breakfast?”

“I’m going to head to the cottage, if they aren’t doing breakfast then I’ll grab something to eat at the tavern.”

“Alright then let’s head down then, I’m hungry.” So, Mark and Laura left and met Hilde to go down to the Cottage.

On the way Hilde mentioned, “So, Freya has asked if you would kindly not leave her alone with a drunk Chloe again.”

“What did Chloe do?” Mark said worriedly.

“Nothing bad. Just Chloe was rather clingy and affectionate. Not in a gropey or flirty way, just touchy feely.”

“What a mess.” Laura said, “I mean she was typically a happy drunk but whatever it’s not important.” Laura shook her head. “They get along well?”

“Eh… Yes? I mean Freya had to call Slevia to help carry Chloe back to her room. Don’t know more about the situation than that.”

“Thanks Hilde.” The rest of the ride was quiet.

When they arrived at the cottage they didn’t find anyone there. Laura checked the group chat, “Ah Merida and Ellen said they didn’t feel like cooking this morning so we are on our own.”

“Tavern then?”

“Yep, then I’m going to the library.”

“Oh what for?”

“Well, I need to find a copy of the 'Hobbit'. To give to Smug tomorrow.”

“Oh, bet Cassandra will love that.”

“She already knows I’m doing it. Actually that reminds me.” Laura got out her phone.

Laura: Freya, do you know if I can send Cassandra a thank you gift?

Freya: I can make sure she receives it but she isn’t going to show you favoritism for it.

Laura: No, nothing like that just wanted to say thanks.

Freya: Why do I feel like that isn’t the case? What is it you want to send her anyway?

Laura: A fruit basket, with some bananas, some really small melons and one big pineapple, maybe some apples too.

Freya: You know what I don’t want to know. I’ll have it sent to her on your behalf. Would you like a note with it?

Laura: Yes, please. To Cassandra: Thanks for your help with the date. I remember talking to you about pineapples, hope you enjoy the fruit.

Freya: … SIGH… Watching whatever this is, is going to be like watching a train wreck. I can already tell.

“Who, were you contacting Laura?” Mark asked, noticing she was furiously typing on her phone. As they were walking to the tavern

“Just chatting with Freya. Alright let’s get some grub.” Laura opened the door to the tavern with no one inside. “Did we just get an earlier or late start or something? Kind of figured someone would be here for breakfast.”

“There are other places to get food, and it isn’t like my suite where you can order whatever you want at any location. Maybe they went elsewhere.”

“Fair enough I hope you don’t mind if I just eat quick and dash.”

“Not at all, I might come to the library myself, if Chloe doesn’t contact me with a time to meet up.” Mark said as they sat down and got their food.

“Not going to go check on her?”

“No. Look, last night Chloe was clearly in trouble, and could have done something stupid. She’s probably hung over. More than that though, I want to give her space and time to deal with whatever her feelings are. Also I feel like she needs to understand she needs to reach out to me. I can’t be the one responsible for always checking on and with everyone. I’m not saying I hold no responsibility there but I can’t be doing it the majority of the time. I have to juggle all nine of you. If she doesn’t want a long date with me, well that’s her choice. I’m not going to **** the issue by going to her room and making her spend time with me.”

Laura nodded as she chewed. “Makes sense. I mean I get why she hasn’t come to talk to you. She doesn’t understand you all that much and just sees some of your actions and the messes, and holds you responsible. Which outside of the Flora matter I would say you weren’t at fault for any of them. And that got resolved fairly easily by simple talking.”

Mark and Laura finished eating. Then Mark looked to see if he had any messages. Seeing that he had none, he joined Laura in heading to the library. When they went through the portal, they found Flora at the card catalog again. “Morning Flora.” Mark said. “What are you looking for right now?”

“Something to help with my problem, and get a better sense of the catalog. Everyone but Chloe and Aubrey are here looking to see if they can find anything about the show or one of us, and Aubrey will be here as soon as Chloe’s on her date with you.”

“What is that by the way?” Laura asked. “Mark asked me to help you with it but said it was your problem to share.”

“I suppose I could use some help. I sleepwalk apparently. For years according to Cassandra. I found the medical section yesterday. Even a couple books with some info about it too.”

“Oh that was faster than I thought you would find them here.” Mark seemed pleased.

“Okay, not that I’m not up for helping but why is this a problem? Flora care to share?” Laura inquired.

Flora just sighed, “Laura, yesterday Mark pointed out I have claws now. What would happen if I claw one of you in my sleep and you need serious medical attention.”

“Oh shit! How can I help? My day is clear barring any other emergencies.” Laura looked genuinely concerned for Flora.

“Calm down Laura, it shouldn’t be a big issue. As long as you don’t try to do anything to me while I’m sleepwalking. At least that is what the books I read say. But I still want an actual solution, because any risk of that is too high. I asked Talia about it this morning, thinking she might have an idea what to do. She actually did but I’m not overly happy with the answer but the books I’ve found say that is an actual way to deal with it.”

“What did she say?”

“Well… there were a few different things.” Mark looked at her to continue. Flora sighed. “Well, meditation techniques are supposed to help since stress is the cause. The other is cognitive behavioral therapy, with hypnosis being used in the most severe cases.”

“So, what’s the issue? I mean those sound like workable solutions?” Laura inquired. “I can help you with meditation techniques, I did them all the time to focus before a big event. I bet Merida can too as part of a yoga routine.”

“Well, Talia is of the opinion that those are unlikely to be enough. At least while here on the show. And since we can’t do one of the more important things you’re supposed to do, when living with a sleepwalker, she thinks we should be aggressive, with treatment.”

“What are you supposed to do?”

Flora held up her hands and extended her claws. “Lock away sharp objects, so they can’t hurt themselves or others.”

Mark spoke hesitantly, “Actually Flora… We probably could do that but you would probably not be happy about it. When I was inside Cassandra’s store… well one side was fetish wear and equipment. There were definitely paw mittens that could be locked on to someone.”

“MARK! I am not your pet!”

“I know that, Flora. I did say you wouldn’t like it. I know that, okay. I’m just throwing out the option, since you also don’t seem thrilled about the options you found so far.”

“Sorry Mark, I shouldn’t have yelled at you. You’re right I’m not thrilled, and I asked Allie if she would keep a lookout for me sleepwalking. I’ve done stuff every night while rooming with her. Mostly just getting up and walking around but apparently I did grab a hookah pod. I was trying to eat the contents apparently.”

“That’s not good.” Laura said, “I don’t want to think what sort of effect ingesting that stuff would do if inhaling it could have the effects we’ve seen so far.”

Flora grumbled “Right, that leaves, tying me up, at least locking away my hands, or hypnosis.”

Laura quickly responded, “Well, hypnosis sounds like the best option. Tying you up like that can be dangerous. Even if Sam does it you would still be helpless if you need to do stuff, like go to the bathroom or roll out of bed. Locking your hands in mittens, would probably solve the biggest issue but it wouldn’t actually resolve the problem. So meditation, relaxation and hypnosis sounds like the best solution.” Flora's expression made it clear she did not like Laura’s response. “Flora? What’s the issue with hypnosis?”

“I can answer that.” Mark chimed in. “You’re concerned about what that might lead to down the road because of the show right?” Flora nodded her head at that. “I figured.”

“Could you elaborate Mark? I don’t see the problem.”

“She’s concerned that any hypnotherapy she does will lead to the audience and therefore Cassandra offering hypnosis or mind control options eventually for her.”

“But hypnosis isn't mind control.” Laura countered. “It can’t make you do stuff you wouldn’t do normally.”

Flora chimed in, “Yeah but Mark, it’s a turn on for you right? I mean, Talia thought it would be. Which means that if I start, it will get pushed on me.”

“Maybe, it’s actually possible it’ll get pushed on you anyway even if you don’t do it Flora. In any case I really think you should pick one and go with it because we don’t want you or anyone else harmed.”

Flora, sighed. “Okay. I’m going to spend the day looking into each of them but you’re right. The risk is too high, not to do something. Do you have a preference, Mark?”

Mark thought about it, for a moment. “I assume you’re asking because you think this will lead somewhere sexual eventually right?” Flora nodded. “Then unless you like it less than the idea of pet-play, I would pick the relaxation techniques and hypnosis.”

“Thanks, Mark. If I don’t find anything else, I guess I’ll ask Talia if she can try to hypnotize me later.”

Both Mark and Laura shouted, “NO! NOT TALIA!”

Flora questioned their response, “Why? Because the fact that both of you reacted like that is alarming.”

Mark explained, “I gave Talia my fetish for transformations Flora. Hypnosis is a form of mental transformation. I also wouldn’t recommend Sam, or Allie. I think your best bet is Merida assuming she is okay with it.”

“You don’t want to do it?” Flora asked skeptically.

“I mean I could if you trust me to do that, but that almost guarantees an option for it comes up. I recommended Merida, because the more of us that believe she can hypnotize you, the easier it will be for her. Personally I think she already has the ability to get people in a relaxed state of mind down because of her career. She also doesn't have anything that might cause her to slip in unwanted suggestions in a moment of weakness. Which Talia, Sam, and Allie all do now, Aubrey might get one, Chloe might want to balance the scales with you for doing this and might put something in. Ellen would depending upon the costume she’s in so she’s out. That leaves Laura and Merida. Laura would be fine, too. But Merida has the ability that once people know she’s done it once for you she’s going to get much better really fast. She’ll also have an easier time doing it the first time I think as well.”

“Okay that’s a fair point. I guess I can check with her. If she isn’t up for it, Laura would you help?”

“Absolutely.”

“Okay… Well I do not want to be a pet, and the bondage option would be a pain, and might also wind up with pet-play, so I guess hypnotherapy it is. Thanks, you two.”

~Ping~

Mark had gotten a text. “One sec it’s from Chloe.”

Chloe: Hey, Mark. Can we meet up to talk, I feel like we have a lot to sort out. If we have time after I have something planned, but I think resolving whatever is between us is more important.

Mark: Sure. Where would you like to meet?

Chloe: There’s this little garden in town not far off the main road leading to the palace. Can we meet there? Sooner would be better than later.

Mark: Yes, I think I know where you are talking about. I’ll head there now.

Chloe: Thanks. See you soon.

“Well, Chloe wants to meet up so, I’ll leave you two here. Flora please tell me if you need any help with this.”

“I will Mark. Also don’t be too hard on Chloe alright?”

“Sure, see you two later.” Mark waved and walked back through the portal to the meeting spot.