I Told You So

Sadie rushed out of the auditorium naked. As she entered the lobby she saw the hoard of treasure for the first time. Where am I even going? I don’t know my way around. Sadie slipped her clothes on fast and decided to rush down the center hallway anyway.

Talia entered the lobby quickly enough to hear Sadie running down the center hallway towards town and rushed after her. Talia heard as Sadie ran through the portal at the end of the hall and followed. When she entered the square however she had lost Sadie. Where did she go? What I wouldn’t give for Allie’s sense of smell right now. Talia picked a direction hoping to find Sadie. It took Talia the better part of twenty minutes to locate Sadie but she did end up finding her, when Talia heard a sniffle as she passed an alleyway. Talia went down the alley and found Sadie on the ground behind some crates. Her knees pressed up against her chest and her back against the wall. Sadie had clearly been crying and her eyes were red and puffy.

Sadie looked up at Talia puffy-eyed but didn’t speak afraid she would cry again. So Talia sat down next to her. Then gently place and arm around Sadie’s shoulders. Talia spoke after a few minutes. “I didn’t take things well at the beginning either. I was a total wreck. So much so that I took a deal that… Well, I don’t know if it was a mistake or not. I’m happier now but I’m also much different and well… you saw the collateral consequences of the changes I underwent since you watched the challenge.”

Sadie sniffled but spoke, “Sorry, it’s weird talking with you. Cassandra gave me the introductions you all gave at the start of the show and not much else. I know you were different but to me outside of you being goth and maybe a bit shorter, with bigger breasts and blue hair you seem to be what I remember of Talia Winchester, billionaire, genius, philanthropist.”

“Hmm… that’s interesting, the others don’t know all that much about my new life. Anyway this isn’t about me. Mind telling me why you are so upset? You have plenty of reasons to be so, I’m just wondering what the specific cause is. Maybe I can help.”

“So much. I’m overwhelmed. The transformations, the show, what you all did during the challenge, what I had to do to win in the grudge match. The fact that I might prefer dating and sharing Mark to whatever I would have had to do to satisfy my father’s desire for grandkids.” Sadie was rambling things off in a manic state.

“Okay Sadie, take a deep breath and let’s talk about things one at a time. What about your transformations is bothering you? That is something we can likely fix, and fairly quickly too.”

“I can’t hide my wings. Random thoughts about Mark keep popping into my head, which reminds me about the things I now really want to do with Mark, to prove I’m better than all of you. Thinking about those things is turning me on which normally it would be only a little but now when I get aroused it feels like I have two settings either not aroused or consumed in a heat. Plus because of the cheering TF, I feel like I need to help that fucking bitch, Chloe.”

Talia scowled at Sadie and grabbed her face with one hand. Talia **** Sadie to look her in the eye. “Sadie, listen up, and listen well. Stop. Insulting. Chloe. I don’t care what is between you two. I don’t care if you, she, or both of you are in the wrong about this thing between the two of you. Okay that isn’t completely accurate, I do care. It just doesn’t factor into whether I’m going to tolerate you insulting her. Doing that is only going to hurt you. It doesn’t endear you to any of us, least of all Mark. I’m going to forgive your actions so far as you are certainly not in a good state of mind.” Talia let go of Sadie’s face. “I came after you because I figured you could use someone to talk with. Also someone that might be able to help you from making some mistakes that will be hard to recover from. Now about your TFs…” Talia got a little flush, “Your wings are probably the easiest to deal with. I’m sure there is an upgrade that will let you hide them. There might be a condition or something but Laura can hide her wings, so you should be able to as well. As for the others, I’ll help you look through the store. I bet we can find something to help mitigate how **** that lust is. Also what would you say the thing you want to do the most with Mark right now is?”

“I want to show Mark that I’m the best to fondle, then blow him and swallow, then kiss and hug him. Why?”

“Hmmm… but not take him on a really memorable date? Do you desire that?”

“A bit, but not to prove I’m better than anyone. More like I want to do that for my own sake. I don’t want to be discarded, because I’m boring.”

“Interesting. Also Mark won’t discard you as long as you aren’t acting like a stuck up bitch, or insulting his girlfriends. I want to let you know Chloe is Mark’s girlfriend. So are Sam and I. Allie is his fiancée. I don’t think anyone else has actually established a formal relationship with him beyond whatever the show has **** on us. But he does care about all of us, probably even you already. Just don’t give him cause to stop caring. Now I was wondering because all the things you listed are things to earn VP. Tell me, do you want to show off your naked body to him?”

“I did… it dropped a lot after… after—” Sadie was **** up. She took some long slow breaths to calm herself.

“It’s okay, I understand. Still the TFs are something that we can likely mitigate to some degree. Now I don’t know how much I can help you with the thing about your father, that seems like something you’ll need to work through on your own. As for the show, well outside of having to share Mark, having your partner picked for you and being transformed, is there something actively bothering you about it?”

“That Mark is just going to use me.”

Talia sighed, “A valid concern but one not founded on evidence. I had similar concerns with Mark actually. Which was after he said things that were worrying but I can tell you with certainty, Mark isn’t going to touch you unless you are okay with it. I hope you realize the only reason he agreed to participate in the Grudge Match was because refusing was worse for you.”

“I… I was a little surprised when he asked about refusing. So he won’t try to get me to do more degrading stuff like… what I did… in the match?”

“No, he won’t, unless you are into getting degraded then he most certainly will. That actually leads into the next question I have for you Sadie. You didn’t seem bothered by much on the stage. What is troubling you so much?”

“I… I’ve never been naked in front of another guy… or swallowed and it just felt so humiliating with all of you watching.”

“And that bothered you?” Talia asked as it didn’t seem like that was the case to her.

“Yes, but it also aroused me. I thought about how pissed off my daddy would be, about everything that’s happened and damn does it feel good.” Sadie was panting with lust again. “Talia… would you be…” Sadie leaned towards Talia and gently kissed her. “I’m… sorry if I overstepped I just… You’re so pretty… and nice, and I’m having trouble thinking straight.”

Talia didn’t push her away but also didn’t move to continue. “Sadie, maybe someday but not today. Now let’s talk about the last thing. What bothered you about what you saw during the challenge?”

“Almost everything. Honestly and please don’t tell her this, but if I was judging you all in that challenge I would have ranked Chloe first. Sam’s actions I understand, and I won’t begin to judge how someone stands up to their abusers and she would take second. The rest of you though… All of you did at least one thing that I don’t understand how you could do that. Actually I understand Isabella’s choices too but I very much don’t approve of Allie’s decision. It makes me wary of all of you considering Chloe is the one I thought was the one to handle that the best.”

“You think if we are willing to transform others we know when we feel like we have to that we might do that to you. Right?”

“Something like that. But it isn’t just that you changed people without their consent. It’s what you all did. You, Flora, and Aubrey all at least seemed to be trying to help and or gain their consent. With the exception of Aubrey with Chloe’s father, and I can’t fault Aubrey for that. Even then, Aubrey made an implied threat to Clara, you disregarded the apparent ripple effects of rewriting history and I get that you and Flora were both trying to be helpful but did you consider that those people might not have actually liked those changes. Or in the case of the athletes that it was unfair to those who are going to be competing against them in the future? Did you think about how the positive changes you made to those women hurt others? Merida I sort of understand even if I don’t approve of her choice with Lucy. Laura’s actions…” Sadie trailed off thinking about how to phrase it.

“I get it you don’t have to go into detail for all of us. Laura is also conflicted about her own actions. She did something that goes against her own beliefs and it is troubling her.” Talia sighed. “I wish I could just sweep away the concerns that you won’t be targeted but I already know that Chloe probably will do everything in her power to make you place last in future challenges. I’ve seen hatred before and Chloe definitely hates you, not just dislikes you. Honestly if it had been anyone else besides you with Grudge Match, I’m pretty sure Chloe would have made that promise to give the other person her Fairy Godmother TF.

“What is her Fairy Godmother TF? I really didn’t get anything but your introductions, the rules and a very select set of info beyond that. I don’t even know how to get to where I’m apparently supposed to sleep tonight.”

“Okay well that won’t do. To answer the question about the TF first, it was one of the boons Chloe got as her gift. It allows her to request a favor from Cassandra. She can now do it three times a round due to an upgrade or combine all three requests into one big request. It allows her to ask for almost anything that doesn’t actually break the rules of the show. Now if you want I’ll sit with you and help fill in some gaps of your knowledge. I don’t think it’s fair that you didn’t even get a description of our unupgraded TFs since we all saw them as they were presented. Sadie beyond just trying to make sure you were okay, I followed you so that you don’t fuck everything up.”

“Talia, I know you are a genius but I’m not stupid.”

“Really?” Talia asked, raising an eyebrow. “The first thing you do when introduced to a group of women who have already bonded is start insulting one of them. Then after Mark chastises you about starting stuff with Chloe, you ask for TFs that are confrontational in nature, and actively state you would be happy to pile on TFs to Chloe. You’ve been acting superior but correct me if I’m wrong but you were close to vomiting weren’t you? Also without Allie’s plan you would have lost no question. You weren’t better than Chloe, you had more help. It isn’t just that though. Do you know what would happen if you get eliminated? Especially if it was because of the issue with Chloe and Chloe was at least partially responsible? It wouldn’t be good. Not just for you either, but for everyone here. It would cause so much damage to our relationships. So are you willing to let me educate you about what has happened these past two rounds?” Sadie nodded silently. “Good now settle in, I'd rather not have to repeat myself.”

When Mary left the auditorium with Allie and Isabella she had thought that both would stay with her. Allie told her though that she wanted to wait in the lobby for a bit and Isabella waited with her. So Mary went to the BP store by herself.

Slevia greeted her as she entered. “Hello Mary. You doing okay?”

“Yes, I am thank you, Slevia. How about yourself? How are you taking Hilde being added to my Harem?”

“I’m good. As for Hilde?” Slevia thought about her words. “Please don’t take offense. I’m glad it's her, not me.” Mary tilted her head in curiosity. “I meant no offense. If you wanted. I’d take you into the back now. We could have some fun. Again… if you wanted. Would rather not be a contestant. Was not pleasant the first time. Seeing what Hilde got… Not sure I would be pleased with my paths. If it happens it happens though. Help my sister. Whatever it takes.”

Mary nodded. “I intend to. As for your offer. I’m actually a little surprised. I’ll decline now, but for the future does that offer extend to my male side as well?”

“Yes.” Slevia nodded. “I assume you want starting equipment?”

“Indeed I would Slevia. Also can you tell me how equipment will be handled during the swap? I want to treat the teams fairly. I don't want them to give me a really good item and it ends up going to the other team when they earned it.”

Slevia put a pack on the counter. “Here is starting equipment. As for the swap… Gear will change. Become equivalent items. It stays with the party.”

Mary picked up the backpack, and opened it. “Umm… is this an extra-dimensional space or something? Because I just see a black void inside.”

“Yes. Howard’s Something Sack?”

“Oh a Heward’s Handy Haversack neat.” Mary said, slinging the pack over her shoulders. “Everything in here?”

“For you at least.” Slevia nodded.

“Well, I guess enjoy the break since we won’t be around all that much.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll be seeing me. I’m sure.” Slevia said with a grin. “Also Mary. Consider spending BP. Opportunities will be limited.”

“About that, will my other half know if I’m making a purchase?”

“Yes. One of the things immediately shared. You aren’t separate people.”

“But we don’t share memories.”

“You actually do. Cassandra didn't put a wall in place. More like a door. If you wanted, you could share senses. Share Memories. But you must open door.”

Mary tried accessing Mark’s recollection of events after she left. It came to her easily. “Okay that’s weird as hell. Is that why I got a strange feeling that the others were likely on their way here?”

“Probably yes. Only party plans blocked. Not that you would share.”

“Okay thanks. Mind if I wait here for the others to show up? Maybe you could offer me some suggestions on what I could buy.”

“Finally!” Slevia exclaimed. Mary was surprised by Slevia’s reaction. “I tell you, ‘Need help with money? I’m your person.’ Yet you go to Freya. Or one of your ladies. Want my advice? Upgrade Got to Spend Those Points. Upgrade any of your boons but Princely Staff. But your points and boosts should be first. Think about Aubrey. Why didn’t you help her initially?”

“Partially because we wanted to find a better option and I was upset with her.”

“And…” Slevia made a circle motion with her hand.

“I didn’t have the funds to do that and help everyone else.”

“Bingo. I don’t know the upgrade. I can guess though. Seen others with similar boons. Seen their upgrades. All would help with that problem.”

“But then I have to buy more stuff. I have to transform the others more.”

“Or buy more expensive options. Like total TF removal. Only works for normal TFs. But still removal.”

“Wait, I didn’t see anything like that in the store.”

“Because you aren’t looking properly. Also you could not afford it right now. 50,000BP, that’s the cost. Also extremely limited in quantity.”

“I don’t know. I’ll think about it. Any other suggestions?”

“Beyond boons? A few. You want options for you? Or for your women?”

“Both honestly.”

“Sure. Let me pull them up.”

Free Samples: Not sure what to buy? No problem, test out things before purchase. Mark/Mary will receive one free sample of a consumable item each day. Samples not consumed by the end of the round they were received will become non-effective. [Transformation Central] (4000 BP)

“Also buy reality adjustments. Sam has three good TFs. TFs not voted for. Flower of Adversity, Swift like the coursing River, Trusted Fixer. All have essentially no down side. But again. Upgrade your Points. Upgrade your Boosts. I’ve been wanting to slap you.”

“Why? What have I done?”

“You keep saying spend down. So stupid.”

“Why is that stupid?”

“Mary…” Slevia just shook her head in exasperation. “250,000 BP. If you had that much. I could spend all of it. This round. Not even trying. Only on things you would like. That no one would object to. I’ve run the BP store for a long time. Longer than your Harem has collectively been alive. Minus Hilde. Others can still spend. Just don’t ask them to spend just to spend. Mary, do you trust me?”

“Huh? About what? Because that matters.”

“In general. If I told you something. Would you trust me? Trust I’m being honest? Trust I don’t mean you harm?”

Mary considered that, she sat in silence for a good while. “Yes, I think I would. I would assume that any inaccuracy was either due to ignorance or due to a genuine desire to protect or help me. So yes, I would trust you.”

“Then please trust my advice. Upgrade your Points boon. Better yet use your boosts to do it.”

“You seem awfully insistent about that, why?”

“You could get more BP per round. Or a discount. Be allowed to save more between rounds. Change the way putting BP towards future purchase works. Allowing for purchase of big ticket items. So dumb that you didn’t do it round 1. Should have been the first upgrade.”

Mary pursed her lips. “Slevia… I don’t appreciate you calling me dumb.”

“Then stop doing dumb things.” Slevia said sternly. “I’m not one of your girls. Sure you could order me to stop. But you would lose my respect. Respect of my sisters too. I’m your employee. It is literally my job to tell you this. You are being dumb with your money. Stop being dumb.”

“And if this gamble doesn’t pay off? What then? I’ll have wasted 3 of my boosts.”

“Mary, do what you want. You asked for my advice. I gave it. Take it or don’t.”

Mary sighed, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like I expected something from you if I did it and things didn’t work out.”

“You’re forgiven. Now you going to listen? Do the smart thing?”

“Slevia I seriously do not appreciate you treating me like this.”

“Tough tits. Like I said. I’m not your woman. I’m your financial advisor. I’m not paid to be polite.”

“You could still stop insulting my intelligence.” Mary gave her a glare. Slevia just crossed her arms in defiance. Mary sighed and opened her phone. After checking that there wasn’t anything she did as Mark that would change her decision she boosted the TF. She pressed the button confirming that yes she wanted to spend three boosts to permanently upgrade it. “There, happy now?”

Got to spend those points: Mark will gain either 5000 BP or the total BP of all the women in his Harem each round whichever is greater. Mark will need to spend at least 80% of his BP each round or Cassandra will get to spend it. Mark can earmark BP for a future purchase if he can’t afford it but it will lock him in to buying that when he has enough points. [Transformation Central] [Boon] Upgrade: The Smart Investment: More money, lower costs, more flexibility, the cost three boosts. Slevia getting to say I told you so, Priceless. Mark will now get 5000BP + the total of all the women in his harem each round, a 20% discount and not have to immediately finish an earmarked purchase at the first available opportunity.

Slevia and Mary read over the upgrade and Slevia just smirked at Mary. Mary glowered up at her, and said, “Go ahead. You’ve earned it.”

“Earned what?” Slevia said with smug satisfaction. “I am pleased you took advice. Shows you are in fact not dumb.”

“You aren’t going to let me live this one down are you?”

“Eventually, I will. For now I’ll be like, little sister.”

Mary looked confused. “Like Hilde?”

“No, I’ll be smug.” Slevia grinned wickedly. “Hilde is technically older than me. Not by a lot, obviously. But she was first out. No surprise. She’s always in a rush. I was last out. Will you continue to listen? Take rest of my advice?”

“You mean upgrade my boosts?” Slevia nodded. “Okay fine.”

-2000BP Mark/Mary -> 15625 BP

Let’s Give it a boost: Mark/Mary will gain 5 temporary 24 hr transformation upgrades to distribute each round. If Mark/Mary uses these upgrades 3 times on the same transformation it will be permanently upgraded, even if these uses are over separate rounds. [Transformation Central] [Boon] Upgrade: In addition to 2 additional uses per round each use on the same TF will result in a different temporary upgrade. After the third such upgrade to the same TF Mark/Mary will have 24 hrs to pick one of the three options or one will be picked randomly to become permanent.

Slevia grinned wider. “Okay. Now I will say it. I told you so.”

Allie and Isabella were seated outside of the tower waiting for the rest of the team. Laura came by with Sam. Allie asked “Where is Sadie and Talia?”

Laura frowned. “I… don’t know they left before the two of us. Sadie left pretty much right after the match ended without a word. Talia quickly went after her but I don’t know if she caught up with her or where they went if she did. I’m not sure Sadie was in a great place after the match.”

Allie asked, “Oh, did she lose? I thought with the strategy I gave her she would win.”

“No, she won.” Sam stated. “Just, well, you know how I mentioned most of us have good senses. We heard some things. I don’t think Sadie was truly emotionally prepared to do some of the things she did. I think she’s carrying on but is going to crack eventually. I don’t know her that well though so I could be wrong.”

Isabella asked, “So what TF did she give Chloe? Was it her Fairy TF for the lust or the one upmanship?”

Laura responded. “Neither. She gave Chloe, A Happy Little Thought.”

“Wait really?” Isabella looked confused. “Don’t they hate one another? I sort of assumed that they would give each other one of their harsher TFs. That seems like the kindest option besides her boon.”

“That’s what I told Chloe.” Laura replied. “It’s one more thing that adds to my confusion about things. Let me see where Talia and Sadie are.” Laura got out her phone and sent them a quick message. Getting back an immediate reply. “Talia says she is with Sadie and they will be right over.”

As Laura finished her explanation the two appeared before the others. Sadie leaned against a nearby tree for stability as she was disoriented from Talia’s Anime Physics relocating her. Talia patted her on the back, “There, there, if you need to hurl no one would blame you.” As Talia mentioned that Sadie had a rainbow launch out of her mouth onto the ground. “Feel better? You look less bloated.”

“Much actually. Can you explain what just happened? Why were we in the town and then suddenly here? Also why did I just vomit a rainbow?”

Talia explained, “One of my TFs makes it so my life is governed by Anime Physics. For your questions it seems like any boring travel time that doesn’t add to the show in some way is simply skipped. Also women don’t have gross vomit, it’s always rainbows.” Talia narrowed her eyes. “No wait… that’s also my TF. Come on, let's join the others.” The two walked over to the others. “Hey, shall we go inside?” Everyone nodded and they went into the Velvet Tower.

Sadie immediately exclaimed, “What in God’s name is all this stuff? I know this is a sex show and all but this is creepy.”

“You know, I’ve kind of gotten used to it.” Allie mused. “I mean I definitely felt that way when we arrived here, too. So don’t worry too much, you’ll get used to it.”

“You aren’t reassuring me here.”

“I wasn’t trying to Sadie. Look no one is happy you are here. Okay maybe Cassandra. But no one in the harem or Mark is happy you became involved in this. Best case scenario you are one more person we have to split Mark’s time with. Worst case scenario you completely screw up the delicate group dynamic we’ve been building. That is why I assume you were brought on the show to shake things up.”

Laura added, “That is why Mark thought you would be brought on too, at least partially.”

“Mind sharing, why else he thought I was getting brought on?”

“You meet the criteria that the rest of us do for why we were selected. Save Allie and Isabella, plus you were the only woman to ever actually ask him out on a date first.”

Sadie looked confused. “Wait seriously? I mean I know he’s a guy but no other woman ever asked him out on a date? I mean he was decent looking before—”

“That’s not what you told the sorority…” Laura retorted.

“I… I may have said some unkind things about him simply to hurt Chloe.” Sadie looked a little ashamed.

Allie narrowed her eyes. “Like what… Also Laura does Mark know?”

Sadie seemed **** to respond, so Laura did for her, “Yes, Mark knows. As for what Sadie said, I was told and I quote, ‘she would never have asked out such a poorly dressed dork with a slanted face If she wasn’t trying to help, and Chloe should have been grateful to her because then she didn’t embarrass herself by getting shot down herself, by some loser.’ I will say I didn’t hear it first hand but judging by Sadie’s own reaction I think I got the gist of it correct.”

Sadie had been hunching her shoulders and wincing as Laura spoke. Allie scowled. Then her expression softened. “Well it seems you at least know what you said was inappropriate and feel bad about it. You also didn’t say it to Mark either. I know I’ve said hurtful things to him…”

Sadie continued, “Yeah… I wish things had gone differently but… they didn’t. Look, I know most of you probably don’t trust me. It doesn’t help that I've been thrust into a position of responsibility either. I hope to show that you can trust me. Even if it takes a lot of time.”

The five women looked at one another and then let out a collective burst of laughter. After it had continued for a good ten seconds Samantha explained. “Sadie, all of us were kidnapped and told ‘Hey you are now essentially this guy’s property. You are expected to be in a sexual relationship with him and failure to comply will result in horrific consequences.’ Allie was the only one with real personal knowledge of Mark. She is also probably why things went better than most of us anticipated things would.” Sam placed her hand affectionately on Allie’s head. “So you being made ‘party leader’ is really small potatoes especially when Cassandra said that if you tried to be a tyrant you could get replaced.”

“Hey, that's not fair.” Allie complained. “We aren’t Mark’s property. He doesn’t see us like that and Cassandra didn’t call us that either.”

Sam sighed, “Allie I know he doesn’t see us like that. It’s part of the reason I’ve fallen in love with him. But sadly we sort of are. You remember at the beginning, before the first set of TFs, what I said I was willing to have happen to me? During the intermission?” Allie frowned but nodded. “I’ve talked with a few of the Lundevalls about this. If Mark had wanted to do those things Cassandra wouldn’t have stopped him. Cassandra didn’t literally call us his property but she has repeatedly called all of us his. That he is our Master. I hate it but yes, we are practically speaking, his property. The only thing stopping him from doing horrible things to us is himself.”

Isabella and Sadie joined Allie in frowning. Talia continued seeing Samantha was done. “Sam’s right. Though I don’t know why you three are frowning. Mark isn’t like that. You said so yourself Allie. He cares. Not just for some of us but for all of us. Even you Sadie.”

“But he just met me for the first time in over a decade.”

“Doesn’t matter as I told you earlier.” Talia said, shaking her head. “Mark views it as his responsibility to help us make it through this. He’ll care about you until you give him reason not to. That’s who he is. He’ll screw up, people do that. But he’ll try his best. Now let’s move on from this rather depressing topic and move on to the team meeting.”

Sadie turned to Allie, “So what exactly did you want to talk about?”

“A few things, we know the classes we each got assigned but not really what that means. I figured we would go over the information Cassandra sent each of us about it. Then get our equipment from the store. Maybe devise a few strategies. Practice what we can do. Maybe buy some extra stuff if we are allowed to bring things.”

The six of them began on Allie’s plan for the afternoon.

Flora, Merida and Ellen showed up at the BP shop. They found Mary sitting on a bar seat on the opposite side of the counter from Slevia. Both were leaning on the counter and going over things on a tablet, with their faces extremely close to one another. The two were so engrossed in conversation they didn’t notice the three of them walk in. Flora motioned for the other two to remain still. She walked up with her boon active and when finally right next to the two of them dropped the boon and said, “So are you two going to kiss or what?” Both Mary and Slevia bolted upright in surprise.

Mary let out a slight yell, “Aaahh!” Catching her breath Mary continued. “Flora, that wasn’t funny.” Mary was breathing heavily.

-1 VP Deliberately Scare the Mistress (Flora)

“I don’t know, I thought it was funny and I think that the others did too.” Mary turned to see Merida and Lucia behind her. Merida was indeed smirking in amusement. Lucia just waved.

Mary got out her phone to check a suspicion she had and it was confirmed. “Check your VP Flora, then tell me if you still think it was funny.”

Flora was confused but pulled out her phone. “Well shit. It was just meant to be a prank.”

Mary sighed, “Yeah, but it was deliberately at my expense, right? It wasn’t meant as an enjoyable surprise for me, but to deliberately spook me. That’s why you lost a point. Cassandra did warn you all that she was tightening the rules, around things that make me upset.”

“Sorry.” Flora said, a little embarrassed. “But does that really mean I can’t surprise you anymore? That takes a lot of the fun out of my boon.”

“I don’t think that’s the case.” Mary said, shaking her head. “I think it had to do with intent. You were just trying to get a jump scare out of me and Slevia. I think if it was meant as a positive surprise even if I had been startled, you wouldn’t have lost a point.”

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.” Flora said a little meekly.

Mary reached out and ruffled Flora’s hair, and scratched behind Flora’s ears. “Hey, it’ll be okay. I do enjoy that side of you. The one that sneaks up on people. I just don’t care to be the one sneaked up upon.” Flora purred and leaned into Mary’s hand.

Merida walked so she was beside Mary, “So, does that mean if I'm a wee bit ower pushy, I could lose some o' ma points?”

“I think that depends. Like if I use our safeword and you continue, yes I would expect you to lose points. I will say I like forward women so I think even what you and Flora did last round on Talia’s date night wouldn’t have lost points. I think both intent and,” Mary sighed, “sexiness are both factors. Though intent is probably a bigger factor. Because Flora you did mean to spook me right? Just as a laugh for yourself?”

“Well, for Merida and Ellen too, but yes.” Flora admitted. “Mostly at least. I was sort of wondering if you two really were going to kiss. Things seemed rather… intimate between you and Slevia.”

Mary blushed, then realized something. “That… actually might have something to do with it too. Slevia and I were engrossed in something and you spoiled that.”

“So you were thinking about kissing her then?” Flora asked with a slight smirk.

Slevia cut in, “No Flora. If Mary wanted Slevia. Mary could have accepted my offer. Offer to go into back of shop. Have some fun. Mary said not now. I respect Mary’s boundaries. Was not trying to kiss her. Just showing things on tablet.” Flora looked surprised at Slevia’s forthcomingness. “Flora, you want starting equipment? Same with you two?” The three newcomers all nodded. Slevia went back and brought out three backpacks and a pouch. She handed each woman a backpack then handed Flora the pouch. “Here is starting gear. Party leader gets special bag. Contains party things. Also for storing loot. Bigger than individual backpacks.”

Mary reached out to stop Flora from putting the pouch in the backpack. “Hey Slevia, does that function like a normal Bag of Holding would if put inside an extra-dimensional space?”

Slevia looked confused. “Can’t put it in the backpack. I wasn't told why. Just that Cassandra made it a rule. It won’t go inside or the other way.”

Mary relaxed. “Okay well that’s good to know.”

Flora looked at Mary, “What did you think would happen?”

“That the items would destroy one another and tear a hole to the astral plane open, sucking us all through it. That’s what would happen if you did that in D&D. Glad that Cassandra made that not possible.”

“You’re joking right?”

“No I’m not. Extra-dimensional spaces aren’t allowed inside one another in D&D. The number of times I’ve had to remind my players about it is staggering. Considering these are real magic items I was concerned that Cassandra might have just copied things from other sources. She seems really willing to blatantly take other people’s work and just roll with it.”

~Pop~

“I don’t plagiarize.” Cassandra complained as she appeared.

“Sure, which is why you gave us all copies of Heward’s Handy Haversack.” Mary said sarcastically.

“I’ll have you know my good friend HOWARD made these for me. They are Howard’s Spacious Rucksacks. Not whatever bullshit you were spouting. Who would go out of their way to alliterate the name of a backpack? Even if it is a magical backpack.”

“Fine, you don’t plagiarize.” Mary said, rolling her eyes “Could you clarify something. Why exactly did Flora lose a point?”

“She did it knowing you would not appreciate it. There are things they can lose points for by accident, but those tend to be more ****.”

“I have a bone to pick with you about that actually.”

“Mary I already said —”

“I don’t care. This isn’t just about the points you took from Laura, though I am pissed about that too. You knew what was going to happen. You knew about my fear, and you knew what my response would be. Yet you said you loved the idea, and that I would love what she had planned. You deliberately lied to me, knowing I would have a panic attack. I’m annoyed you didn’t tell Laura but I can sort of get why from a rules stand point. That you can’t simply tell contestants my triggers and fears. I don’t like it but that is something I can begrudgingly understand, if not accept. You lying directly to me, is not.”

“You done?” Cassandra asked. Getting a nod from Mary she continued. “I didn’t lie to you.”

“Bull—” Mary found herself silenced.

“No you will let me finish.” Mary grimaced but gestured for Cassandra to continue. “I did love the plan. It was a great first impression. You also immensely enjoyed the date. Yes you did have a panic attack and fear for your life but you still enjoyed everything. Plus it led to the best sex of your life. You always wanted to go to space. Now you have. You always wanted to do something wild like sky diving but were too afraid. Think about the date Samantha took you on. You were scared, yes, but you still did it. It’s because you realized that not everything that causes you to be terrified is a horrible experience. Did Laura lose a couple measly points? Sure. Some of which she gained back right then and there. But Laura could easily pass the 100 VP threshold whenever the two of you wanted. It would be trivial for you to do it today even. Hell I bet that if the two of you tried she could get past 200 VP only doing things she’s actually done before. Though that might actually require some effort and planning. So I’m not sorry for anything that happened, on Laura’s first date. I’m also not interested in getting berated so have a good day.” Cassandra vanished.

~POP~

Mary was frowning. Merida came over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I hate tae say this, Mary, but Cassandra does mak’ a few guid points. Ye were a wee bit timid aboot things the first round; maybe gettin’ shaken up broke ye oot o’ yer shell a bit.”

Mary gave Merida a weak smile, “Yeah, maybe.”

Chloe and Aubrey walked into the shop at this point. They greeted everyone and got their gear. Flora looked around and said, “So we just need Hilde and then we can go over plans as a team.”

“She should be here soon.” Mary said. “She just left me on the stage.” The sound of someone sliding to a stop could be heard through the door to the shop. Hilde walked through a moment later.

Hilde said cheerfully. “Sorry, to keep you all waiting. Oh Mistress you’re here, too. I want to thank you again for the meal.” She had a beaming smile on her face and skipped over to the counter. “Slevia can I get my equipment?” Slevia placed Hilde’s pack on the counter and as Hilde slid it on it shrunk down to better fit her. “So, what’s the plan now party leader?”

Flora looked at the group, “I figure we find somewhere private to go over what gear we each have, any abilities people are willing to share and what, if any, additional purchases we should make. Does that sound like a plan?” Flora got a round of nods. The group decided to head off to Boudoir to strategize.