Week 3 Stacy's Date: After lunch

Tracy hopped excitedly as she pumped her chromed arm in victory. "Did you see that?! Delilah totally crushed that finish, those owls didn't stand a chance! No victory for cheaters."

Sitting next to the energetic cat girl, Susan had an arm about each of the twins while sitting on Laura's couch. "I don't think they'd have made it without Charlotte's spell."

"Yeah probably, Char def came in clutch there, but they'd have been fine if the others hadn't cheated."

Laura really hadn't been paying too much attention to the screen, and actively hiding behind the orange haired woman sitting on her lap at the more graphic parts of the challenge. "Cheated? Because of that creature they summoned?"

Stacy nodded. She'd been more interested in cuddling Susan than the action on the screen, but even she'd seen how unhappy the stitched together host had been to see the monster. "I don't think they were supposed to be able to buy that."

"Yeah no, that shopkeeper is super sketch. Hey good on you Jo! I wondered what she was doing with that."

"Looking like a glazed donut is what she's doing with it." Stacy snarked. Tracy barked out a laugh and Susan snorted.

Laura tried not to look at the fox girl on the screen. She didn't want to lose her lunch. "So what now? Are we caught up yet so we can watch another season?" One with less 'glazing' she hoped.

Tracy snatched up the TV's remote. "Not yet! I got to get my votes in on this round's transformations."

Leaning forward to glare at her twin past Susan's improbable bust, Stacy was incredulous. "You're going to vote?! You can't possibly support some of that." The pinkette gestured at the options on the screen, some of which looked really bad to her.

"I gotta support my girls! And the bitches deserve some karma for what they did to Rose. Tell you what though, Jo's coming around and did Olivia a solid. I'll vote for the one she wanted. Okay?"

"And Rebecca?" Susan arched a brow down at the teal haired cat girl.

Leering up at her girlfriend, Tracy looked incorrigible. "You know what I'm voting for Becca."

Susan sighed and leaned back. It wasn't like she hadn't encouraged Marissa to embrace similar changes.

A few moment later Tracy was ready. "Okay, done here until the votes are tallied. Lets check out your pen pal's new season."

"Oh yeah, I'd like that. I don't even know what she looks like. That okay with you Laura?"

The redhead snuggled the orange haired woman in her lap closer and shrugged. "I'm just here to relax while the three of you enjoy your date. Leave me to hug my Penny pillow." The robotic woman in her lap giggled at that. She liked being hugged by the tall redhead.

.

Watching Candy finish up lunch, Misty was lost in thought. It seemed like forever since they'd hung out in college together, mostly in her and Laura's dorm as the blonde stared with longing at the oblivious redhead. How had Laura never noticed what had been so plain to Misty? Well she hadn't noticed that Laura played for the same team to be fair or she'd have tried to be more than roommates back then...

They'd hardly hung out much now either really. Except for that exchange of oral sex so Candy could 'practice' for Laura. Misty had to chuckle at that, she'd have hit on Candy back in college too. Maybe the three of them could have been something? Not that anything could have lasted once she'd lost her sight...

Misty shook her head, and let the bight blue glow of Candy's joy cheer her up. This was a day for her and Gabriella to be reaching out to others. "Hey do you guys have plans for after lunch?" She asked Candy and Anna.

"Probably back to the arcade if I can keep trouble here out of the machines." The blonde giggled as she hugged her new pink shark. "Why?"

"I thought the five of us could do something together." Gabriella took Misty's hand and the busty woman looked over to see her smiling in encouragement. The warm pinkish red glow of the Spanish woman's love filled Misty's heart with wonder, as always. Turning back to Anna she continued. "Nimue said we could call up anything in the game room, and I haven't been able to play Settlers of Catan in a very long time." Not since the board had become a wash of grey to her.

Anna shrugged. "Long as it doesn't involve losing my clothes I'm game. Candy?"

The blonde woman jumped up clapping. "Oh yes!" Then frowned. "But we have five people, Catan is three to four."

"If we can call up Settlers we can also get the Player Extension I am sure." Gabriella was looking forward to playing.

Evelyn didn't know what game they were talking about, she really only knew the strange game Shar had showed her. And Anna had insisted on not getting naked. Would it be hard to learn? Anna saw the green haired woman's hesitation and walked over to give her a hug. "Don't worry about it, I've never played either. We'll team up so the others can't shark us too bad."

"What does Candy's shark have to do with the game?"

Laughing Anna helped the elf to her feet. "Card sharking Evelyn. It means people with a lot of skill at a game taking advantage of newbies."

"Are you sure we can't play for clothes?" Misty teased the tall woman as they walked to the game room.

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Shar looked up from her computer to realize her desk was now littered with more mail. Who could be writing her now? Checking the note on top of the bundle she raised a immaculate red brow "From Arabella's season? We aren't doing a fan mail this week, I'm not Cassandra, and even if I was we're only half way through." Taking a closer look she saw the envelope was addressed to her. Did they really? "Nimue dear, take a look at this."

Moments after addressing the empty room the blue skinned Fae was simply standing there. "Mail?"

"Arabella's contestants actually wrote me back. I do believe this is a first."

Nimue smiled, the whole concept of interactions between seasons was unheard of in her day. "Well?"

Undoing the ribbon Shar saw that there were three groups of letters, the third just a single one addressed to Susan. "I'll have to get this to her later. Lets see.

Shar, Thank you for your presents and your supporting words. Yeah, to be honest, I wasn't sure what my role in all this 'harem' business was supposed to be, until now. But we just completed our first challenge (I am sure you will review it soon, if you are a Host) and during my Cabana fun time, with the help of Norah a friend, I realized I'm here because Andy needs me. And hugs aside, I need him too. He's the only friend who has never turned his back on me, not once. So I cannot turn mine now.

I love my tiara, by the way! But I'm a little superstitious about wearing it before the results are tallied. I'm sure you understand. Not sure if I'll make Queen, but I guess I can shoot for Duchess at least. Also, about Liesa, is it THAT obvious? God, I'm mortified. Please, please tell me you didn't write something about this to her!

Not sure if we can watch your season from here, but I'll ask Arabella. Thank you again! I hope we can meet in person at some point - bring treats if I'm turned into a corgi! -Sam Collins"

"She wants to be turned into a dog?"

"I'm pretty sure she's joking. Glad to see she's in good spirits though." The next letter was very short and to the point. "Shar, Fuck you kindly. Norah." The redhead threw her head back and laughed. "Oh I lit a fire under her, good. Fight and don't give up Norah."

Nimue settled into another chair and smiled at her love. "Haven't you already watched the challenge?"

Shar nodded. "And voted on their transformations already, this first group must have been sent before though." Opening the next letter, a book appeared on her desk. "Looks like Arabella helped with these. Lets see what this one has to say. Shar, Thank you very much for your present. It is very fascinating, what you can find with it if you look closely enough. I read the Rulebook. I wish I didn't. My head hurt for a full day after, but at least I think I understand. Which brings me to ask: do you know what an 'intepersonal vector adjustment' is? I have ideas, but I could not find a description.

I would like to ask Arabella to watch other seasons, as you suggested. May I watch yours?

Please understand my choice was what I felt - and still feel - was right for me. What I received in exchange is something I have struggled to understand all my life. I am happy and believe the exchange was advantageous to me. I like feeling Andy. And I like that I can understand others better through him. This is for the best.

I do not have many things I can give you in return for the glass, but my Mother taught me it is important to provide a gift in return for one. I would not wish to send a copy of the Rulebook to my worst enemy, but I am attaching a copy of a particularly salacious edition of the (apparently) Don Dickote by a 'Mingle de Pervantes.'

If you have similar books, can you please explain the omnipresent bishops in mitres in all the orgy panels?

Thank you very kindly for your gift and your letter, -Claire

Oh good, she is already looking for answers. And she sent me something from Arabella's library."

"The smutty section of her library from the sound of it." Nimue laughed.

Flipping through the book quickly, Shar set it back down with the letter. "I do believe all of it to be at least somewhat risque." The next letter also contained a gift, this time a soiled pair of panties. "Well that is certainly something."

"Now you have them flirting with you?"

Shar laughed again. "Well lets see what miss panties has to say. Shar, Thank you for your advice. I think I found another way. Hopefully, if I am not eliminated tomorrow, I will have the opportunity to find out myself, soon.

It sounds like you are a Host, or a well-informed member of this fucking Audience. Well, either way, I'm sure you've seen everything thus far.

Not gonna lie, the Cabana dredged up more memories than I had anticipated. I feel like I was an idiot, back then. And now that I have a moment to reflect, I wonder if it would have changed anything, had I been more willing to give Andy a chance at the beginning. Maybe not.

But there is one thing I need to do, after he and I talked today. Not sure where that goes, and if you tell anybody before I do it, I swear I'll come over to your season and **** you, Host or no Host.

Well, either way, I hear you've written pretty much everyone. Norah was SO pissed! Good job. Um, I'm attaching... something... because I kinda feel like I need to give you a preview of my plan. Take it in the spirit with which it is sent, I guess? Just... proof that I can forge my path, and all it costs is swallowing some pride.

Hell, a lot of pride, soon. But it needs to be done.

Look, I'm not good at asking favors and I'm rambling, but... Not sure if these things are retroactive, so if I'm eliminated, Andy may not remember me. My brother, too. If you're a Host, can you please let my brother know I loved him, if I'm gone? And can you tell Andy that I needed to speak with him needed to fuck him wanted to pound him fucking realized that I fucking missed him for bloody six years never mind.

Talk to you soon if I'm still around. Thanks. -Erin

P.S. Washing machine, delicate cycle, 45 minutes, put a little soap directly on the stain. Good as new."

"So less flirting and more flaunting?"

The vampiric woman shook her head. "No, She's telling me she wants him and maybe thanking me for inspiring her, even if it cost her some pride. Also asking a favor that she thankfully did not need. Well that's all of the pre challenge letters, lets see what our survivors wanted to say.

Shar, Thank you for your message. I'm sure you have seen the results by now. And I'm sure you understand the implications of that glitch and its origins, so I won't put them on paper. I cannot NOT protect them. All of them. And yes, I care about them, a lot. All of them. I can see how they're bonding, connecting. Not just with me, but with each other. I don't know what I expected - perhaps friction, competition - but these women... they've taken impossible circumstances and turned them into a bonding exercise. We're becoming the nucleus of a family, I feel. A strange, fun, disjointed family, perhaps, but a family. And I think the threat of elimination accelerated that process. Not one complained about one of them having to take on a transformation she wouldn't have had to (as the winner), not if it means that none of them is eliminated.

Yes, Claire has helped the girls repeatedly, this week. I still can't believe I never realized... well, that's neither here nor there. I just... feel bad for misunderstanding her. Anyway, my problem, not yours. But Katherine's secret is hers to reveal, and as long as she wants to pretend she's a painting, I can't betray her trust. It's the only thing she has left, you understand.

As for Sam... is it wrong to say I'm not concerned about her? She's strong, and I think she has found the right role in the harem concept. If we can find out ways for her to earn VPs without having to do sexual acts with me, she's set, I think. But it goes without saying that I'll protect her, if it comes down to that. Although it's more likely she'll protect herself before I can even intervene.

Also, from Katherine: She wants to thank Tonya for her kind message. She says she spent years feeling unseen, unloved, but when Arabella brought her to the Suite, she suddenly felt something had changed. And she says that being acknowledged as a person, being seen as more than a nude woman in a painting, makes her feel happy. The fact she and I have daily catchups makes her happy. She doesn't want to hope, because she doesn't want it to be broken, yet. But she says that even if in the end, she simply changes environment and comes to the real world with us, that would make her giddy with happiness. She thanks you for the rose, by the way. She looks at it every day.

Thank you. I haven't had a chance to look at your season, but I will try to do so shortly, with Katherine. She's also curious. Andy & Katherine."

"So it looks like Genet is interfering as well now. We both recognized that 'handyman.' You'll have everyone doing it next."

"I doubt Arabella didn't know he was there, but it worked out for the best. And Andy is doing well for a man."

Nimue sighed. "They aren't all Steven you know."

waving her hand to dismiss thoughts of the monster she'd ended, Shar turned back to the letters. "Monsters, idiots, or weaklings for the most part. At least a few show promise. Now lets see here. Shar, Thank you. Your letter encouraged me, a little. I did not quite tell Andy yet. But I want to. If he watched the memory in the Cabana, he may already know. But I need to tell him in person. Also, I'm upgrading my transformation. Is hard, otherwise. Why do you say Sam? Did she say something about me? Does she... like me? Liesa. Ah short and sweet, as usual. I do so hope for good things for Liesa."

Chuckling Nimue shook her head. "I cannot believe you are trying to manipulate the two of them into a relationship."

"Sam needs someone, and the attraction is obvious. I'm just trying to smooth the way. They'll thank me later." Opening another short letter Shar read. "Shar, Thank you for your letter! You sound very nice. But it is not a ****. Did you see 'Forest of Beginnings'? I think it came out lovely. Andy liked it, but I loved it. I think people liked it too. I'm upgrading my transformation. The tooltip says the arms will fully be mine, then. Don't be upset, but I actually like them. Have you tried painting with six arms? If you coordinate well, it's so efficient! Well, I know your heart is in the right place, and thank you for your advice. Are you a Host? If so, how is Hosting? Is it a difficult job to do? Do you ever see butterflies and talk to them? I like them very much, you know. Emi." Shar sighed. "Well if she likes it she likes it, and she did do well in the contest."

Setting Emi's letter down Shar opened the next, longer, letter. "Dear Ms. Shar, Thank you for your congratulations, I appreciate them very much. I do not plan to 'dominate' the competition, alas, my goal is to help those women who need such help during this time. I think there will be a few, although I am seeing signs of healing. And to help Andy, too, with the pressures that come with this role he has been thrust into. But I think I see encouraging signs there, too. To this point, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you, your Master, or your Contestants. I don't know how effective interplanar therapy may be, but I would be happy to help, or even just to listen.

As for my opinion on cowgirls. I have never been to the midwest, so I have not had the opportunity to meet any thus far. I suppose they are a product of the subculture there, and while I wouldn't necessarily dress like that, myself, there is no shame for those who do. It is a sign of the times that they have been able to claim a culture that was once mostly patriarchal. And sadly, it is also a sign of the times that as soon as they did, they were somehow turned into a sensual trope. It's a discussion that is true for many professions, though. So, in short: I respect those women for the work they do, but having never met one in person, I do not know much more.

Your Susan is an interesting young lady, I must add. I am happy to hear she is as well-adjusted to her transformation as she says she is. Assuming there was no mental tampering (I apologize, but it is an assumption I must make, given the nature of this show), I must commend her for the quick adaptation, too. Still, if any of your group needs to talk, I am available. We must all stick together.

Warmly, -Dr. Marissa Holt." Shaking her head, Shar laughed. Had the busty woman completely missed what she meant by cow girl? Even after Susan's letter? "It looks like Marissa is still playing harem mom, shame. She needs to rock that boy's world. And some more cow transformations." Nimue tsked at her lover. "What? I'm not talking about a elimination, no turning her into livestock. Susan enjoys her look."

"I think you took care of Agnes for too long and developed a cow girl fetish. I should be jealous." The blue skinned woman teased playfully.

Setting down the letter Shar smiled. "Tracy can have Susan, as I have you. Now lets see, last letter. Shar, See? I didn't volunteer to sacrifice myself. Either way, Andy saved us all. I don't know how, but he did. Even though we thought one of us was done, for sure. I worry about the risk he took. What if Arabella had hurt him? Or Arabella's bosses? But it seems everything worked out in the end. I don't know what will happen with the next challenge, but we have one more week now. And if Norah isn't grateful enough to Andy, I'm going to kick her ass. That's what he needs to feel comfortable, after all. Dawn. No sacrifice this time dear, but I could see you were ready for it. Still she did well and they are safe for now."

Nimue stood back up from her chair and leaned over to give the tall woman a deep kiss. "Do you want me to take Susan her letter?"

Running a hand lovingly over the other woman's cheek, Shar looked deep into green green eyes. "Yes, you do that love. I'm going to try and send Lucian another letter before he does something we'll all regret."