The Second Challenge: A Fiery Beginning

Mark had gotten up early since they had gone to bed early. He was stressed about the challenge and what it would do to the ladies. He went to take a shower and reveled in the warmth. A few minutes later Allie came in and wordlessly joined him in the shower wrapping her arms around him. He said, “Morning love.”

“Morning to you too.” Allie sounded tired.

“Here let me help you.” Mark was glad the shower was designed to allow for more than one person at a time. He let Allie wet her hair and then began to run shampoo through it.

While Mark did that Allie applied bodywash to Mark’s well defined muscles. “You know Mark, I must say I am really liking this fitter body you’ve gotten.”

There was a knock on the door and it cracked open. Isabella asked without peeking in, “Would… Would it be alright for me to join the two of you?”

Mark looked at Allie then nodded and shrugged that he didn’t mind. “Of course Isabella as long as you don’t mind seeing Mark’s massive erection.” Allie said a little teasingly.

Isabella hesitated but came in and stripped down and joined them in the shower. “Holy hells. You weren’t kidding Allie, that is massive.”

+3 VP Fully Nude for Master (Isabella Regains Penalized Points)

Allie smirked even wider and teased Isabella. “Oh sweetie I didn’t know you were a size queen. Because it was only six or seven inches a moment ago, not this monstrosity. Now wanna touch it?”

Mark looked down at Allie, “Shouldn’t you be checking with me on that?”

Allie looked up at Mark, “You said she could come in, what did you think was going to happen?”

“Fair enough.”

“I’m good. I was just thinking this would be a nice way to get used to being naked around Mark. I noticed that the shower was massive with multiple shower heads. I… I’m not comfortable with Mark touching me like that yet.”

Allie noticed she had only been talking about Mark. “Oh, and what about me? Can I suds up your body?”

Isabella blushed and nodded. Allie moved over behind Isabella and wrapped her hands around her girlfriend and started to cover her in body wash, paying special attention to Isabella’s breasts. Isabella moaned with pleasure and embarrassment when she noticed Mark watching the show. Allie started to nibble at Isabella’s wolf ears and Allie felt Isabella’s tail wagging furiously between her legs. Isabella had closed her eyes while Allie locked hers with Mark’s. She slid her hand down and began to tease Isabella fiercely. After a few minutes of teasing Allie let up, Isabella not having climaxed and whispered in Isabella’s ear. “We talked about this. We both know you want him. I’m giving you permission. Let my fiancée take you. I know I was jealous about the others but I’m not about you. Alternatively I can finish you off here. Your call.” Isabella considered Allie’s words and shook her head. “Okay I’ll finish you then okay?” Isabella nodded. Allie did as she said and aggressively pleasured Isabella down below. Shortly causing her to orgasm for Mark’s viewing pleasure. Afterwards Allie and Isabella actually washed up. Mark had already finished and stepped out of the shower to dry off.

+1 VP Orgasm Displayed for Master (Isabella)
+1 VP Masturbated in front of Master (Allie and Isabella) (x2 First)

When the two ladies finished and stepped out of the shower both shook their heads in unison just like a pair of dogs. Then they began to dry off and get dressed as well. Isabella told Mark, “Thanks Mark. It isn’t that I don’t trust you, but I’m just not quite ready yet.”

“Isabella, I know you trust me. You got naked in the shower with me. A situation that I’m sure many would consider an invitation. I figured you were fine with me looking but I wasn’t going to touch you without permission.”

“Mark, I really do want more. But I’ve had a bit more than a week to accept I’m now in a polycule. I’m not completely dissatisfied with this, but I’m rather annoyed that I don’t really have much say in things.”

“Take your time Isabella, we aren’t in a rush. I would expect at least another month to pass before we’re done here.”

“That… is both terrifying and comforting.” She said, shaking her head.

As the three stepped out of the bathroom. A ~Ping~ came from all their phones.

Cassandra: One hour warning. A note, you will be temporarily returning to Earth. Dress appropriately.

“Wait what?” Allie said, reading over the message. “How are we supposed to hide our wolf-ears and tail? Mark any suggestions?”

“A hat and skirt?” Mark said.

Both ladies frowned and found a sun hat and a long skirt. It wasn’t perfect but it would have to do.

“I need to meet Laura, so we should head down a bit early.”

“Mark if you want sex I’d be happy to provide it.” Allie said.

“That isn’t it. Though that might happen. I’m really sorry Allie but I don’t have time or the ability to explain.”

“Fine let’s get going.”

The three exited the palace and once again found a portal in the courtyard. The three took it to the Dragon’s Lair Auditorium. Upon arrival almost everyone was here. Mark saw Laura and gestured to her to come out to the lobby. The two left the auditorium, Mark leaving Allie and Isabella to help themselves to the food and coffee, while Laura left Talia eating a doughnut. As they got to the lobby Mark noticed Talia walk in from one of the halls leading off to the portals. “Okay hold on a second, Laura. Talia? How did you get out here?”

Talia looked confused and Laura answered. “Mark, that wasn’t Talia inside the auditorium. Remember the bodysuits?”

“Oh, that makes more sense. I thought this might be her Anime Physics TF just messing with me for laughs.”

“Ellen is wearing my bodysuit? This I’ve got to see.” Talia hurried off into the theater.

Mark and Laura went off to the side of the lobby to speak in private. “Okay Mark, so what do I have to do? Also don’t worry about the sex to top me off. I got that taken care of.”

“Glad to hear you have things under control. Now…” Mark had kept moving his mouth but no words came out. “Okay what the hell?”

Mark: Cassandra please come here.

~POP~

“Really? Couldn't wait another ten minutes to see, little old me?” Cassandra teased.

“Cassandra, why can’t I tell Laura about…” Mark kept moving his mouth again but nothing came out.

Cassandra reached out into thin air and grabbed something. “That would be due to the deal you made with me. Flora please just show yourself I’m not releasing you until you do.” Flora allowed herself to be visible and awkwardly smiled at Mark and Laura. “Now Flora please go to the auditorium while these two have a private chat.” Flora scampered off. “Go ahead, I've put up a privacy bubble.” So Mark told Laura the three impulses and Cassandra assured her that she would know when exactly to use them. Finally the three joined everyone else in the hall.

Mark got coffee and took the seat in the audience that was clearly intended for him as it looked like a throne. He noticed the projector screen was down for some reason.

Cassandra went up on to the stage. “Welcome Ladies and Mark, to the 2nd Challenge of Harem Hotel: Missed Encounters. Today we are just going to jump right into things. Today’s challenge is a Harem Hotel classic, with my own spin on it of course.” Cassandra waved a wand and a pedestal containing nine identical wands in a padded case appeared. “This is the TF Wand Challenge. Don’t fret, my viewers, it isn’t just the implement that was altered for the Challenge I assure you. To my dear contestants, allow me to explain. This Challenge shall be decided by the audience’s vote. What criteria they use to judge you is up to them. But let’s get to what you will be doing. Each of you will be sent back to earth for a brief time. While there you each will have three targets. These targets have some personal connection to at least one person here. The wands are for you to use to put transformations of your choosing on them.”

Laura looked concerned and turned to glance at Mark realizing what the impulses would mean.

But it was Talia that spoke out, despite her apparent arousal at the idea. “You mean we are supposed to TF people we care about? Cassandra do you really expect us to do that? Also, what about our deal?”

“First I actually do expect you to do that. Second I never said these were people one of you care about, just that they have a personal connection to one of you. Third, in regards to your deal Talia, while I could have selected your loved ones since I technically only promised to not add them to the harem, I intend to honor the spirit of the deal and they are not targets for anyone.”

It was Laura who responded next, “And what if we refuse.”

“Excellent question and I was just getting to that, could you please save further questions until I finish explaining the rules please. If you refuse to participate at all and do not place at least one permanent TF on at least one of your targets you will automatically take 9th place in the challenge. So we are clear here, if you all refuse, you will all be 9th place. Meaning you will all receive unfavorable TFs and lose VP. But why would you refuse? I never said you had to be cruel. I think you’ve all learned I’m not doing this to be mean. After all, I'm pretty sure I’ve heard repeatedly that Laura’s TFs have all been positive. Most of you have at least one TF you've learned to appreciate, even if you didn't originally. Now there are some limits, but you’ll be able to tell what you can and can’t do with the wand, they are very intuitive I promise. Laura if you don’t want to TF people give out one minor positive TF and be done with it. Some people might vote for your integrity, others might vote against you for being boring. That’s the thing, there isn’t a fixed criteria here. Now I’m glad to see that most if not all of you dressed appropriately. You will have a minor perception filter placed on you. Its primary purpose is to keep law enforcement or the news from getting involved. It will also make people slightly more accepting of your TFs, but not ignore them entirely. People you know well will notice the difference easily. Finally you will be able to easily tell who your target is when you see them, and if you don’t have a personal connection to the individual you will be granted a bit of knowledge about them when you lay eyes on them. Any questions?”

Sam spoke up, “I just want to make sure I got this. Take the wand, place at least one permanent TF on one of three unknown targets, with the criteria for this being whatever the audience likes. Then we will be brought back here.”

“That’s the jist of it, yes.”

NOT Talia raised her hand, “Will we be able to transform anyone besides our targets?”

“Ah, I almost forgot. You can if you want, but go too far away from your target and you will move on to your next destination. Same with if you go too long without transforming your target. Also remember, this is your world, you will have to go back to it and there could be consequences for your actions here. So keep that in mind. Any final questions? No. Good now come up and take a wand.”

As the ladies went up to grab a wand, Mark went up to talk to Cassandra. “I want Just a Pretty Face removed.”

“Laura hasn’t done the favor yet, Mark.” she said quietly.

“Doesn’t matter, that wasn’t our deal. Our deal was I needed to call in the favor, which I did. Now pay up.” Mark hissed in her ear.

“Fine.” Cassandra waved her wand. “It’s gone not that you will notice with that Talia suit on her.” Everyone had grabbed their wand. “Wonderful, let's get this underway then. Oh at the end of the challenge if you wish, you may go visit one loved one of your choosing as a gift from me to you. One last thing, if you do something that greatly pleases or displeases Mark there is a reward and penalty for that. Now remember, Mark, his staff and your soon to be harem sister will be watching your actions so make a good impression will you.” Before anyone could digest what Cassandra had said they vanished.

Mark looked at Cassandra and frowned. “Soon to be harem sister… So am I going to get to meet her before or after the challenge and do you really have to add her.”

“After the challenge. We wouldn’t want to distract from the narrative.”

Mark sat down on his throne which he begrudgingly admitted to himself was a damn comfortable chair and watched as the first of his ladies appeared on the screen.

Merida found herself outside of a truck stop gas station. Wha in the hell wid I ken at a place like this? Merida could feel that her target was inside the diner, attached to the truck stop. She went inside and saw the sign that said ‘Please Seat Yourself’ so she found a booth that was opposite her target and two down. He was sitting at a window table, just having his lunch. Wha in the hell is this guy? He was keeping his head down, and she noticed he looked thirty maybe forty and had a couple of tattoos showing. Then he lifted his head. He looked right at her. HIM! Rage built up inside her. Calm doon, Merida. He disnae deserve for ye tae ruin his life mair than it has been just because he ruined yours. Even if I really want tae fuck him up. Maybe I could just help him turn his life aroond. Nae. Fuck that. He disnae deserve my kindness either. I should just leave. A waitress refilled his coffee and took Merida’s order. She got something light, knowing she wasn’t staying long. As the waitress was heading back the man asked the waitress if she was on the menu. Dude, ye're really makin' it hard tae be a guid person richt noo. Merida actually sat and drank the coffee she ordered and ate the sandwich as well. The guy got his check and left money on the table.

Then he got up and walked over to her booth and slid in across from her. “Hey there sweet cheeks, couldn’t help but notice you’ve been staring at me since you sat down. I’d love to show you a good time if you’re interested. You look delicious.” He said, eyeing Merida up and down while licking his lips once.

“Ye dinnae ken me, do ye?”

“Oh, crap don’t tell me I got you pregnant too and are looking for money. I’ll tell you what I told the last bitch I don’t have nothing.”

Merida was trying to remain calm but not doing a good job as she growled at the man “Nae. I wad hae never stooped sae low as tae hae sex wi’ ye. My name is Merida Voguel.” That got a reaction from the man as his eyes went wide and his face pale.

“Are you here to kill me?”

“Despite the many times that I hae wished ye were deid, nae.”

“Then, piss off. Be glad I don’t call the police since you obviously have been following me. Because there is no way you just happened by.”

“Lawrence, if I were you, I’d shut my gob, sit in that seat, and pay for the meal o’ the lovely lassie across from me. Because while I’m no’ here tae kill ye, Lawrence, I can absolutely mak’ yer life a livin’ hell. Like ye did mine, when ye killed my da. As far as the polis go, aye, I’m no’ worried there. So, I’m goin’ tae eat the rest o’ my sandwich and chips, and drink my coffee. Ye should come up wi’ a reason by the time I’m done wi’ that for me no’ tae mak’ yer life hell. Because I dinnae care that ye were young and stupid. Ye were goin’ 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, and ran a red licht, hittin’ and killin’ my da. So shut up and start thinkin’.”

Lawrence didn’t get up, or speak. He just looked at the woman across from him, mostly her huge breasts. Merida ate her sandwich without looking at the man’s face again, finished her fries and downed her coffee. “Alright Lawrence, ye come up wi’ a reason? Because honestly, I’d really like one.” Merida slid the wand out of her pocket under the table.

“It was an accident, I’m sorry that it happened, but I’ve done my time. So, piss off.”

“Damnit, Lawrence.” Merida waved the wand under the table. He has tae obey my orders. “I was really hopin’ ye’d come up wi’ somethin’.” Lawrence flipped her the bird and began to stand up to leave. “Sit doon, I didnae say ye could leave.” Lawrence found his butt back in the booth unable to get up. “Noo, Lawrence. Frae whit I’ve seen, ye’re no’ a very guid person, ye’ve no’ really made onythin’ o’ yer life either.”

“Why can I get up?”

“Because, I told ye tae sit. Ye’re no’ able tae leave until I say so.” Lawrence tried to get up and was slowly going pale. “Noo tell me, Lawrence, how many weemen hae ye gotten pregnant?”

“Three.”

“And dae ye even ken any o’ the bairns’ names?”

“I think one is Charlie.”

Merida sighed. “Ye think.” Merida shook her head. “Okay, so here are yer choices richt noo. You servin’ only four years in jail, because ye were technically a minor, pisses me aff. So yer first option is that I’m goin’ tae mak’ sure ye go back tae prison, no’ yer whole life but I’m goin’ tae mak’ ye pay for whit ye did properly. Yer next choice is I’m goin’ tae mak’ it so ye can get a job and mak’ enough money tae pay child support, but ye arenae goin’ tae enjoy yer work, or really hae any fun until all yer bairns are adults. Yer last option, and only because I ken someone who I actually care aboot is watchin’ me richt noo, is I’m goin’ tae gie ye a second chance. It wonnae be whit ye want noo, but it will be a legitimate second chance.”

“What do you mean a second chance?”

“I’m sure ye can tell that I’m compellin’ ye wi’ magic tae sit here. Well, I can gie ye a new life and mak’ ye eighteen again, so ye can start over. Let me mak’ this clear, this isnae simply a gift, this is me givin’ ye a **** option for my retribution. Ye lost yer chance for me tae simply walk away wi’ how ye’ve acted in the time I’ve been here. I will modify yer life so that ye hae the ability tae function and live and if ye’re lucky mak’ somethin’ o’ yersel’. Which wid ye like me tae dae? I’ll gie ye twa minutes tae decide or I’m choosin’ for ye.”

“I’ll take the second chance.”

“Okay, fine.” Turn him intae an eighteen-year-auld, female version o’ himsel’, withoot ony tattoos. Lawrence shrunk down a few inches in height, grew c-cup breasts and her brown hair grew down to her shoulders. She was pretty in a average girl next door sort of way. “Noo, Lawrence, tell me whit yer ideal lass is like.”

“Blonde hair, blue eyes, big tits, submissive, dumb and wants lots of sex and is eager to please her man.”

“Look doon at yersel’.”

Lawrence did, “What did you do to me?”

“Whit I said, ye are an eighteen-year-auld woman richt noo. Noo, wid ye like me tae mak’ ye intae yer ideal woman or wid ye like me tae dae somethin’ else?”

“Please don’t do that. I’m sorry.”

“Okay.” Mak him a wee, Asian, flat-chested, nerdy, reserved and shy, lesbian named Lucy wi’ all needed documentation and fictitious memories tae prove her existence and education. “Noo, Lucy. I’ve made the changes I’m goin’ tae mak’ tae ye, once I leave, ye are free tae go. But before I leave, I will allow ye tae request one change tae yersel’. Just ken if ye request tae be a guy again, ye will be gay and still named Lucy. Anything ye’d like changed?”

“Can you make it so I have enough money to go to college for something?”

“Sure, enjoy yer second chance, Lucy.” Lucy has full room and board on a scholarship as a cheerleadin' lass at a college o' her choice.

And like that Merida vanished, off to her next target.

Finding herself out in front of ‘Luggers Auto Shop’. BLOODY HELL. I wanted to do so much worse to him. Merida was near tears and sat down on the curb for a minute to collect herself. She knew her target was inside. Whit is Mark gaun tae think? Am I any better than Lawrence? I guess Lucy noo. I essentially destroyed who they were. I just… I couldnae stop mysel’. Merida did cry at this point. She collected herself and wiped away the tears. Then she went inside and pretended to browse for the right sized windshield wiper to buy.

“Can I help you find something?” Merida faced the man and her target in question. “Wait a second… I recognize you. Merida? Is that you?”

“Aye, it is. I’m sorry I dinnae recog…” Merida noticed his name tag. Mark did mention he worked as a mechanic. “Julius, nice tae see ye again. I didnae ken ye at first glance. I recently reconnected wi’ Mark tae.”

“That’s good to hear. Look I know it’s been awhile but I’m sorry that Mark and I lost touch with you after your pa passed. We didn’t know that’s why you didn’t pick up the phone or want to talk to us, when we reached out at first.”

WHIT!? “When ye did whit, noo?” Merida said with an intense stare.

“When we called you. Your mom said you were going through some stuff, and needed some space. That she would have you call us when you dealt with your problems.”

“How much did ye twa ca’?”

“Why does it sound like this is the first time you are hearing of this.”

“Because it is, or I wasnae listenin’ at all when I was told.”

“Ooph. Well, I only called a couple of times. Mark, well… I think Mark called several times a month, at least weekly for sure. For something like seven, eight months maybe? It was a long time ago, but eventually he said that your mom told him to knock it off and you would reach out when you were good and ready.”

“So, he tried tae stay in contact?”

“Oh, Yeah!” Julius said with a chuckle. “I think he even had his mom reach out to yours. I know Mark’s mom told him to drop it which was when he finally stopped. Merida, are you okay? You’re crying.” Julius took in a deep breath “So when you said you reconnected with Mark recently, I’m guessing you didn’t mean you just met up, had coffee and caught up like friends who haven’t seen each other in forever. You’re dating him aren’t you?” Merida nodded. “Well, glad to hear that you two finally got together, I’m sorry that it didn’t happen sooner. Hey, chin up,” Julius literally tilted her chin up with a hand. “Look at it this way. You just found out that the guy you like wanted to stay in touch that bad. It took his mom telling him to drop it to get him to stop reaching out to you. I’d say it might have been more than just a crush, eh?”

“Thank ye, Julius.”

“Anytime, please stay in touch.”

“I will. I’ll mak’ sure Mark reaches oot tae. Hey, this is goin’ tae sound like an odd question, but if there was one thing aboot yersel’ or life ye wish was different, whit would it be?”

“Eh? I mean… I sort of wish I could fall in love with and marry someone. I just never really had those feelings but I think I would like that. Now, it looks like I got other customers to help if you need help finding something just let me know.”

__

Well, Julius. I’m goin’ tae mak’ yer wish come true. Julius will hae a fated encounter wi’ someone who will be a guid match, that would naturally like Julius as a person and that Julius would also like as a person, and they will date, fall in love, and get married. Bye, Julius. Ye better invite Mark and I tae the weddin’ or I’m goin’ tae be mad.

Merida found herself surrounded by people; it looked like a university campus, and it was the time between classes. She went with the flow of students that were moving towards her target. Whit the hell am I supposed tae dae wi’ that info? Why would my Mum no’ let my twa best friends talk tae me? I guess I ken who I’m visitin’ at the end o’ this. Merida followed the students into a building and moved towards her target once inside. She stopped outside an office, with a name plate ‘Dr. Esther Austin, Literature and Language Professor’ Merida immediately got some information about this woman. Okay, so she taught a majority o’ the harem, but Flora and Mark took a bunch o’ her classes while the others took like one or twa. Dinnae ken why I needed tae ken that Laura found her the most attractive female professor but okay. I should probably just do nothin’. Merida suddenly felt the desire to talk to the woman on the other side of the door, and ask for advice. Fuck it, worst comes tae worst, I can just wipe her memory o’ the encounter.

Merida knocked on the door. From the other side, a voice said, “Come in.” Merida opened the door and stepped inside, finding a rather attractive woman. At least for someone who must be in their mid 50s if not early 60s. She was looking down at some papers on her desk. “Please have a seat and close the door. I'll be right with you in a moment.” Merida complied and sat in the chair opposite the desk. A moment later Dr. Austin looked up at Merida and said, “I don’t recognize you. I’m fairly certain you aren’t one of my students, or are you one of those three girls that never show up to class, come begging for me to show leniency for your poor grades.”

“I’m no’ one o’ yer students, ye are correct aboot that.”

“Then how can I help you miss…”

“My apologies, my name is Merida.” Merida slightly waved the wand keeping it low and hidden. Hae her no’ try tae get help or get me tae leave until after I’m gone. “Honestly, Professor Austin, I dinnae ken. Ye taught some friends o’ mine a while back and they seemed tae think rather highly o’ ye. I could use some advice, and I got this weird feelin’ that ye might be able tae gie it tae me, but I also dinnae want tae tak’ up too much o’ yer time.”

“Oh, who are your friends?” Professor Austin seemed genuinely interested in having a distraction from grading papers.

“The two that knew you well were Mark Garret and Flora Sparrow.”

“Flora I remember… Mark… Mark… Oh, tall, dark hair, kind of scrawny?”

“Um, the first twa fit for sure, no’ sure scrawny fits him.”

“How is Flora doing? She was one of my favorite students.”

“Well… I would say okay. She’s my girlfriend noo.”

“Oh? Can you tell me why you are the one who is here then, and not her?”

“Okay, this is where I’m goin’ tae ask, wid ye like the lang version or a short and censored version?”

Professor Austin looked at Merida suspiciously. “Please don’t tell me she got into **** or something criminal.”

“No. I doubt you would believe me if I told you what was happening, but I get the feeling you would give really good advice.”

Professor Austin looked at the clock on the wall. “I have time. You would be surprised at what I would believe.”

“Let’s start wi’ magic is real.” Professor Austin looked unimpressed. “Aye, figured that wid be the case.” Merida lifted the wand and waved it at Professor Austin. Turn her hair bubblegum pink. “Tak’ a look at yersel’.”

The professor pulled out a mirror from her purse, looked at herself and then said, “What the hell! How did you?...”

“Magic.” Merida waved the wand again and the professor’s hair returned to normal. “Care to listen to my story?” Professor Austin nodded vigorously. So Merida explained her situation, the show, her relationship with Mark and Flora. Her TFs, the challenge, what she had done to Lucy and her friend Julius. What she was supposed to do here. Throughout the story Merida kept changing Professor Austin’s hair color as not to hit whatever timer Cassandra had set. At the end of her story Merida asked, “So, thoughts? Any advice, or messages ye’d like me tae convey?”

“First, I want you to know that you have my sympathy for your situation. For messages: tell Flora to stop by and see an old professor sometime. Now on to my thoughts, advice and questions. Are you going to do anything to me? I see you keep changing my hair color.”

“That’s just tae reset the timer. If I haven’t changed ye recently, I will get sent away. I dinnae ken how lang that is, but I’m bein’ safe. I hae every intention o’ completely returnin’ ye tae normal. I will do nothin’ tae ye withoot yer consent, save maybe blank yer memory o’ this conversation if ye gie me very guid cause tae do so. Nothin’ ye say tae me will change that.”

“You expect me to say something harsh don’t you? About what you did to that now young woman.” Merida nodded. “I won’t tell you what you did was right. I’m not going to scold you about it either. Seventeen at the time or not what that person did was utterly reckless and cost you dearly. You said he thought you would kill him. In a manner of speaking you did, but you also very much didn’t. You didn’t change their memories, that part of them remains intact. I think you showed far more grace than I would have to someone who was responsible for the **** of a close family member. For your friend I think you did an amazingly kind thing. As for if I would like you to change anything about me, could you make it so I’m healthy for the remainder of my life?”

“Aye, but only if I gie ye bigger breasts. I can mak’ it so nae one notices that they are a new size. Ye dinnae want tae be younger or anythin’ else?”

“No, I think I’m okay. Plus I have a strange feeling I might become a candidate for Mark’s harem if you made me youthful again. But I would be okay with bigger breasts for being healthy.”

“Okay. I feel like I should let ye ken that ye might be a candidate anyway.” Noo I see why Laura’s opinion o’ her was relevant. “Apparently there is a rather big MILF crowd.”

“Que Será, Será.” Seeing Merida’s confusion. “Whatever will be, will be. It was a pleasure meeting you, and try not to be too hard on yourself.” Merida smiled and vanished. Esther said to herself. “No one will ever believe me about this.”

Merida found herself outside of her mom’s house. She marched up and knocked on the door. Her mom answered the door and didn’t immediately recognize her. When she did she said, “Merida!? What happened to you? Your skin is fairer and your hair… You also look... prettier? But what are you wearing?” Merida had been wearing an extremely tight shirt that showed off ample cleavage and a very short skirt.

“Can I come in, Mum? We hae somethin’ tae talk aboot…” Merida said in a grave somewhat accusatory tone.

“Oh My! Your voice too. Yes of course come in. You simply must tell me what is going on.”

Her mother put a kettle on and Merida sat down at the kitchen table while her mother got out tea cups and tea leaves. “Mum, ye winnae believe who I’ve run intae recently.”

“What? Merida I’m happy to listen to whatever it is you want but tell me what is going on with your appearance and voice first.”

“Naw, Mum, I’ll get tae that eventually, but richt noo I’m rather upset and I’m tryin’ tae figure oot how much o’ that should be attributed tae ye. Noo, care tae tak’ a stab at my question?”

“I don’t know, maybe Kari, from high school?”

“Naw.”

“Merida really I don’t want to just keep guessing just tell me.”

“Mark Garret and Julius Marnelli. They told me the most interestin’ thing. Care tae tak’ a guess at whit that was?”

“Oh your old childhood friends? What? Is one or both of them getting married?”

Merida slammed the table. “AYE! But that isnae the point. See, why is it that I’m just learnin’ TODAY, that Mark tried tae contact me for MONTHS after Da died. WHY DIDNAE YE TELL ME!”

“Merida I get you are upset but this is my home. Daughter or no, you will not talk to me like that under my own roof. Either keep this conversation civil or you can leave.”

“Sorry Ma.”

“Thank you. Now, to answer your question. When Mark called the first time, it was an extremely poor time for both of us, your father wasn't even buried yet. I broached the subject with you a few days later though. You were distraught and told me you didn’t want to see him. He kept calling and I talked with his mother about it eventually. I didn’t realize how important he was to you. I’m sorry had I realized I would have pushed you to contact him back but I thought it was a one sided crush on his part which is why I didn’t bring it up again.”

Merida slumped. Is this really my fault? Did I say that? Merida started to have tears run down her face. I… I can’t believe, all this time…

“Merida… talk to me.”

“I really screwed this up, didnae I? Like I always do.”

“Merida, you lost your father, I had lost my husband. We were both doing our best to deal with the grief. You didn’t screw up. Things happen outside of our control. You aren’t planning on doing something like crashing Mark’s wedding are you?”

Merida actually laughed while crying. After around a minute of that she said, “Don’t think I need to, I’m definitely invited. I guess it’s time I tell you about my past couple of weeks.” She told her mom a lot, not nearly as much as she told the professor for some reason, but a lot. The show, being with Mark, the harem, her girlfriend, the transformations, but not too much about the sex stuff or the challenge. “So yeah…”

“If not for the difference in your appearance I would likely be trying to take you to a mental health facility. I’m not particularly pleased about anything you told me. Though it seems like you are at least happy about being with Mark and this Flora woman. Fine. Merida, come back to me safe, that's all I care about. I don’t care if you have to kick the other women’s ass. It isn't on you if something bad happens to them. You come home as normal as possible.” Her mom hugged her. “Good luck. I love you.”

“I love ye tae, Mum.” And with that Merida returned to the auditorium.