Red reluctantly becomes male again and meets Lily’s handler

Previously: Hank left behind his chauvinistic ways after being transformed into a muscular futanari and adopted a new identity and name in Red. Lily, who ended up in a nearly identical female body, had been kidnapped by Randy. Craig absorbed Randy to gain his physique and claim his mind-control ring, only to be tempted to use them on Red and Lily. Craig found the strength to reject Randy and unmerge with him, but not before almost deadnaming Red in a moment of anger.

Red

“You beat him, bro. You did good.”

Red knew these were the right words. She knew how hard it must have been for Craig to give up his new power. Even so, she couldn’t say them with her usual warmth.

Craig was on his knees, trembling in a fetal position. Lily was holding him from behind, shielding him from the world with her body. Once again, Red was on the outside, looking in.

Red’s fist was halfway to Craig’s shoulder when it stopped, suspended in the air. A gentle punch on his shoulder, she had done it so many times it had become a reflex. A way to bridge the gap between them.

Until now.

Craig had beaten Randy, but it had come at a cost.

‘I thought you had changed. You still need to be the bigger man…’

Hank.

The unsaid name echoed around her head. He had taken it back. He wasn’t in his right mind, influenced by Randy. That didn’t make it hurt any less.

He didn’t say the name, but he wanted to. I guess he still sees me that way.

Red pulled her hand back and absent-mindedly tugged at a lock of her hair, running a finger over the red tips.

But what if he’s right? Am I one magic ring away from becoming the self-destructive asshole I used to be?

Red tried to distract herself. Standing, she watched Randy’s broad chest rise and fall with each breath.

Fortunately for me, I have bigger problems than my entire identity right now. Problem one. He won’t be out forever. Problem two. We still need to use the ring to free the other girls.

Red crouched down and pulled her phone out of the hoodie Lily was wearing. She quickly texted Cam to bring the cavalry. Next, she put a reassuring hand on Craig’s back.

“Gimme the ring. I’ll take care of it.”

Craig looked up with bloodshot eyes. He was still shuddering with emotion and in no position to refuse her anything. He pulled the ring off his finger and reached out to hand it over, but stopped with it still in his fist.

“Don’t overthink this,” she said calmly, heading off his words. “You don’t have to do everything yourself. Me and Cam and Skye, we’ll take care of the rest. Trust us.”

Craig was calming down, his breathing slower.

“But you need a man. The ring only lets men control women. And you’re….”

And who knows if I’m just a man pretending.

“One way to find out,” Red said, holding out her hand. Craig dropped the ring onto her palm.

“You can test it on me,” Lily offered. Her words were brave, but stiff. She was trying to keep the fear off her face.

“I know there’s been a lot of self-sacrifice today, Lily, but you don’t need to do that. There are plenty of girls in the house who need this.”

“So you won’t know until you try to free one of them?” she asked.

“No, you’ll know,” Craig said. “As soon as I put it on, I could feel its power. It wants to be used.”

He averted his eyes while speaking, shame written across his face.

“Good to know,” Red said. She hesitantly positioned the ring over her finger when Cam and Skye barreled into the room.

“You’re all okay?” Cam asked, the words tumbling out of her mouth.

“Is this the guy?” Skye nudged Randy with the toe of her boot.

“We’re in the middle of something here! Hold your fucking horses,” Red yelled out, startled.

“That’s the ring?” Skye asked, undeterred.

“This is the ring,” Red said, holding it ready again. “Craig freed Lily, but then things got messy.”

Craig flashed Red a look of gratitude that the details were spared.

“I just have to see if it’ll work for me.”

She solemnly slid the ring onto her finger.

Nothing happened.

“Shit,” Red announced. “I guess having a dick isn’t enough to be considered a man.”

“Nice to see that even an evil tool of the patriarchy can accept your gender identity,” Skye chuckled.

Lily snorted, then covered her face. Red broke out in a broad grin before belting out a loud laugh. She was joined by nervous titters that built until the room was filled with relieved laughter. The tension hanging over the night finally broke.

“Come on,” Skye insisted, blushing. “It wasn’t that funny.”

“Whew,” Red exhaled, holding her belly. “I needed that. I guess I’ll have to do it the other way. Craig, give me the necklace.”

All eyes turned to Red.

“Is that safe?” He asked, hesitantly. Lily helped him back to his feet.

“I’ve been the controlling bastard before,” Red’s eyes darted to Skye, the one person who still didn’t really know her since her transformation. “I know firsthand what it costs. I put that life behind me once, and when I finish freeing the girls, I can do it again.”

Despite her projected confidence, Craig’s words from before hung in the air.

Am I still trying to be the bigger man? Am I still Hank?

Craig gave her a serious look and nodded once. He slipped the Merge Necklace off his neck and offered it carefully to Red, who was fishing something out of Randy’s robe. She took the offered necklace and slapped Randy’s gun into Craig’s open palm. He flinched, fumbling and almost dropping the thing before gripping the barrel with two hands.

“Just in case,” Red said with a wink.

“Not funny,” Craig deadpanned. “You're sure?”

“No,” Red said, giving him a sad smile. “But I have to find out what I’m made of. Wish me luck.”

Craig opened his mouth to say something. A protest? Reassurance? Whatever it was, it died in his throat. He nodded wordlessly, instead.

With that, Red placed the necklace around her neck.

“You can do it!” Cam chimed in, her hands balled into fists. “I believe in you.”

Skye had a skeptical expression, but shrugged and gestured wordlessly to Randy’s sleeping form.

Red knelt and pressed the necklace’s emerald against Randy and watched him disappear in a burst of green light. She flashed back to the beach and her merging with Lily. The memory of the man she was made her break out in a cold sweat. Her body lurched upright, buzzing with energy. She steeled herself, bracing against the mental onslaught of Randy’s ideology and Hank’s self-loathing. One moment, her body was twisting with thrumming power, the next, she was whole again.

“How do I look?” she asked, cautiously.

Even before her friends could respond, Red was startled by her own voice. Like the rest of her changed body, it was eerily strange and strangely familiar.

“Well,” Lily started. “You don’t look completely like Hank.”

“Just mostly like Hank,” Skye chimed in, earning herself some dirty looks.

“Your hair fits you, it’s all red,” Lily pointed out. “And it’s longer.”

Red caught Cam staring. Her mouth hung open, with her hand resting on her chest. She followed Cam’s gaze down to see that she had inherited Randy’s robe, now also red in color. The top was open, revealing her broad pecs and the top of her abs.

“It’s kinda weird for you all to see me like this,” Red said, adjusting her robe around her chest.

“As long as you’re still Red on the inside, and not… him,” Lily said carefully.

“No more than I’ve been, I guess,” Red said, brushing some hair out of her face. “I can feel Randy in here, but I’m not even touching his memories. In fact…”

In Red’s mind, she saw the ball of light that Randy had become. She imagined a box around it, separating it from the rest of her thoughts. One with thick walls.

“There. I’m keeping him totally isolated.”

“And the ring?” Craig asked hesitantly.

Red lifted her hand. The purple gemstone glimmered as though alive. She gripped her hand and felt the weight of authority. A pulse of magical power radiated up her arm.

“I can feel it now. It’ll work.”

“You don’t have to,” Craig offered. “I mean, I could try again.”

Red started to reply, but stopped. Lily had her arm around Craig. It looked like they were leaning on each other just to stay standing.

They’ve been through enough already.

“I got this, bro. Lily needs you to catch her up on everything that’s happened. Let her know there’s still a world out there for her. I’ll be back when I’m done freeing everyone.”

She turned to leave the couple alone and gestured for Cam and Skye to follow. After closing the door, Red turned to Cam.

“I could use your help with the girls once I undo Randy’s control.”

Cam straightened up at being addressed. Caught staring, she blushed and looked back up at Red’s eyes.

“Y-yeah. Anything you say.”

Damn, girl. Red thought, giving her an appreciative once over. I figured our night together was college experimentation, but it looks like she’s straighter than I thought.

“And Skye…” Red started, before realizing she didn’t have anything for her to do.

“Nah, I was gonna go back to Luigi’s and pick up some pies for everyone. I know ‘trauma recovery pizza party’ is a stupid idea, but maybe for people who haven’t been allowed to choose anything for a while, picking a topping could ease them into it, or something. Whatever.”

“They’re gonna need comfort, so comfort food is a good idea. I appreciate your help.”

Skye furrowed her brow but didn’t speak. She was waiting for something, but when it didn’t arrive, she glanced at Cam, then stomped off towards the stairs with a huff.

That was weird.

Putting the thought aside, Red proceeded to the next door down the hall with Cam following close behind. She noticed Cam drifting closer as she walked. At that distance, Cam’s nipples were visible, staining against her sweater.

I can’t say I mind the attention. Everyone else sees me as back to the old Hank, but Cam only knows me from after my transformation. To her, I’m a friend who suddenly got very appealing.

It was a relief that at least one person could experience her new body without the baggage of her old personality.

I’m not gonna be in this body for long, so why not give her a show?

Not breaking her stride, Red pulled open her robe, revealing the broad expanse of her hairless chest and stomach. With a flex, a full set of abdominals surged into stark relief.

Cam’s eyes flew open, her pupils dilating to take in every ridge and crevice. Her mouth opened into a perfect ‘O.’ She never saw the wall coming.

*THUMP*

Cam walked straight into it. She recoiled backwards, holding her nose, and Red had to grab her by the shoulders to keep from falling over.

Cam’s cheeks were flushed with embarrassment as much as arousal.

“Can we please pretend that didn’t happen?”

“Are you okay?” Red asked while closing her robe. “I better put these abs away. I didn’t realize they’re a public safety hazard.”

Cam giggled at the joke, harder than it warranted.

“I had no idea this is what you look like as a guy. It’s a shame you have to go back.”

Her last line was spoken with the cadence of a joke, but Red could hear the truth behind her confession.

“A real shame,” Red agreed.

Red felt her cock pulsing underneath her robe. Her eyes lingered on Cam’s full lips.

“Is it wrong that I wish I could have met you when you were still a guy?” Cam whispered.

Red slumped her shoulders. She took a respectful step back.

“You’re lucky you never met Hank. If he paid you any attention, it would have been to get something out of you.”

“Right,” Cam sighed, rubbing her already bruising nose.

They continued to the door in silence. Light was visible under the crack. Red tried to ignore her dick, still throbbing in anticipation. She glanced at Cam, who gave her a supportive smile, before taking a breath and opening the door.

In stark contrast to Lily’s utilitarian work space, this was a bedroom bursting with personality. Shelves held trophies, while a tennis racket and medals hung on a wall. A corkboard was laid out with weekly and full-year schedules planned. Cam ran her hand along the luxurious bedsheet, something that must boast an insane thread count. The lone inhabitant sat motionless in a chair, watching glassdoll’s black feed on her laptop.

So this is Lily’s handler.

The girl remained facing away from the door. She seemed oblivious to the fact that a stranger had invaded her personal space. Red noticed her feet nervously shuffling under her desk, two taps from the left foot, then two taps from the right. Her strawberry blonde hair was up in a high ponytail, showing off a long, slender neck. She was dressed in a tennis uniform, but the mini-skirt had ridden up around her waist, showing off black panties that hugged her tight ass.

The ring throbbed.

I could tell her to do anything.

She ground her teeth and pushed the thought down.

Fuck off, Randy.

She gathered the ring’s power and spoke:

“IGNORE ALL PREVIOUS COMMANDS”

The girl rocketed out of her chair, spinning to face Red. Her hands flew to her skirt, reflexively trying to pull it down to conceal her underwear, but it was futile. The panties were high-waisted, and the skirt so small that there just wasn’t enough fabric available. The black, eye-catching garment was going to be visible from either the top or the bottom. Red’s eyes, however, were tracking down the long expanse of her smooth, toned legs to her well-worn sneakers. Red scanned up then, past her tight midriff, and finally to her face.

Red had to take a step back as the recognition hit her. Dominating her aristocratic features were a pair of unmistakable eyes. Stormcloud grey, shades of green and blue shifted with each subtle movement. There was no mistaking one of the most popular women on campus.

“Holy shit,” Red scoffed. “You’re Piper Whitmore. Randy had the president of Lambda Epsilon doing tech support?”

Piper’s eyes narrowed, taking in all of Red in an instant: her body, robe, and particularly the ring still glowing on her finger. She spared a glance at Cam, and her face briefly flashed with alarm before redirecting her attention back to Red. She slipped on a smile like it was second nature.

“He was an idiot, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that, sir. Forcing me to oversee a single unfortunate woman was a woeful waste of my talents.”

“No kidding. Why didn’t you tell him when the feed cut out?” Red asked.

“I warned him that letting her expose herself on the internet would expose his operation sooner or later. But he refused to listen. He insisted on a specific humiliation for Lily and only knew how to control us through rigid rules. I was instructed to inform him if I saw someone on the premises or if someone located Lily. I could infer someone was there, but because I didn’t directly ‘see’ it, I was not compelled to comply with that order. I decided not to.”

“That was smart, I guess I owe you for not ratting me out.”

“I’m fully at your disposal. I’m well-organized and a hard worker. Whatever your plans for this sorority, I’ll make myself indispensable. Only-” she paused. “Only, learn from his mistakes. You don’t need a heavy hand like Randy, you can see how that backfired. I can help you keep everyone in line with only minimal conditioning.”

“What?” Red coughed. “No, I’m not gonna use the ring on you.”

For a moment, Piper’s brow furrowed in consideration before the mask was back on.

“Of course, sir. I understand completely. You won’t even need to use it. We know what the stakes are, what disobedience could entail. I know better than to end up like your woman.”

Piper indicated with a nod of her head towards Cam’s freshly bruised nose. Red stepped away from Cam, her hands in the air. Cam’s hands flew to her face, covering her nose.

“I can explain that!” Red yelped.

“Of course,” Piper said in a soothing tone, as though to a wild animal. “It wasn’t your fault. She just walked into a wall or something. I’m sure you’re usually a very kind and caring person. How lucky we are to have a master like you.”

This isn’t how it was supposed to go.

“I-no. That’s not it. I’m here to free everyone. I’m not Randy.”

“No, you’re Hank Grimm. Basketball star and insatiable stud. I know who you are.”

Red grimaced. She was sweating, her robe suddenly too tight. Craig’s accusation echoed louder in her mind.

“But I’m- I’m not-”

“You say that like you haven’t been eyeing my panties since the moment you stepped in the room.”

Red’s eyes flew back to Piper’s face, caught in the act. Her cheeks burned.

“I didn’t mean to, I mean-”

Piper took a bold step forward, cocking a hip and exposing the smooth expanse of her inner thigh. Her head tilted slightly to maximize the contour of her elegant neck.

“I don’t mind, sir. I’d be delighted to be your girlfriend. You’d be the big man on campus with me on your arm. I will make it my personal responsibility to fulfill your every desire. Having Lily around would be redundant. Besides, she’s just a boring husk at this point. You’re better off just letting her go so she doesn’t lead anyone back here.”

Red’s head spun. Piper was so close, her lips so inviting. Red’s cock lurched under her robe, yearning to plant itself between those toned thighs.

“No!” Cam yelled, barreling in front of Red. She placed a gentle hand on Red’s bicep as she faced Piper. “You have the wrong idea. She’s not Hank anymore, her name is Red now.”

Piper’s mask fell completely, leaving her with a look of stunned incredulity. She appraised Red again, updating her previous calculations with this new information.

“Red?” she asked, befuddled. “You’re not a man anymore?”

“It’s a long story,” Red sighed. “What’s important is that we came to save Lily. Four of us had to work together to find and rescue her. There’s one token guy on the team, but he’s not me. Once we found out what was going on here, though, we couldn’t leave without freeing everyone.”

“You’re really here to help Lily?” Piper asked, unable to keep the hope out of her voice.

“We have. She’s free now.”

Piper closed her eyes and took a small shuddering breath, clearly relieved.

“And your nose? So Randy did that?”

Red and Cam looked back to each other, cringing.

“No…” Red started, knowing how ridiculous the truth sounded.

Cam fiddled with the sleeves of her shirt as she spoke, her face red.

“Red was fooling around and flashed her abs and-and- I wasn’t looking where I was going and…”

“Don’t tell me you actually walked into a wall.”

“But they’re so sexy,” Cam whimpered.

Piper rolled her eyes, temporarily mollified.

“Fine. I’m willing to believe you for now. Don’t expect me to trust you until that ring is in my hand.”

Red begrudgingly gave Piper a nod of respect.

This is a woman who gets what she wants.

On second glance, everything in the room made sense. Tennis trophies. Pre-law textbooks. Group photos in front of the building for the past three years, the most recent with Piper front and center. The sorority social calendar that hadn’t been updated for the current month. The space remained a monument to the person Piper had been before Randy.

“I saw what you did there,” Red noted. “You offered yourself to me to protect Lily and the other girls here. Lambda Epsilon is lucky to have you as their president.”

Piper’s face cracked. Her eyebrows pinched, and her lip started to tremble.

She was **** out of sports, like I was. But she can still go back.

“There’s no give in that top,” Red empathized. “I bet it’s a costume, one that would tear after the first serve in an actual match. It must have killed you to be trapped behind a desk. When’s the last time you stepped on a court?”

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve gone this long without practicing. Not since I picked up a racket at five.”

Reflexively, Piper’s feet scuffed the ground again, twice on the left, then twice on the right, before settling into a balanced stance.

“Do you need a hug?” Cam offered, opening her arms.

“I do, but,” Piper said with a sniff, straightening her posture again and regaining her composure. “Not now. My sisters need me to free them. But first...”

In a flash of motion, Piper picked up the laptop, still open to liveglow. With the screen in one hand and the base in the other, she let out a scream of pent-up frustration. With a flex of one long leg, her knee thrust skyward. She brought the device down, the hinge bending backwards on contact before exploding into shards of metal and plastic. She unceremoniously dropped the two halves on the ground before turning back to Red, her face determined.

“We start with those who will need the least support first. The majority only have instructions to ignore anything that happens in the house and not reveal his presence. We can gather and free them all at once. Those that need more personal care, we’ll work through at the end,” Piper instructed before nodding to Cam. “Hugs will be greatly appreciated throughout the process.”

“Your knee is bleeding, do you-“ Cam started to ask before being silenced with a fierce look.

“Yes, Ma’am.”