Seeking Advice

Talia clung to her girlfriend, refusing to acknowledge that the day had come and her time with Mary was ending for the round. She was burning through her saved-up time to enjoy the sensation of resting her head on Mary. The feeling of her abs beneath her hands. Mary’s scent, currently reminding Talia of lilacs and lilies, made her wetter with every breath she took in.

Talia started to feel like she was approaching the point where she would be breaking one of Cassandra’s rules. Since she was going through her saved-up time rapidly, which had been vital to their success so far. Talia let the moment end as the sunlight fully crested the edge of the window and directly entered the room. She sat up, yawning and stretched. Talia got up and started making a pot of coffee before heading to the shower.

As she shampooed her hair, Talia noticed a bottle in the shower. It was labeled instant-permanent-hair-remover. She looked at it, confused. Why does Mary have this? Talia grabbed the bottle and read over the label. Oh, it’s one of her free samples. Hmm… I see it’s only good for a limited area because it’s a sample. Talia rolled her eyes when she saw the warning label. Who would use this on their actual head or face? Talia then eyed the bottle, compared it to the shampoo, and noticed it wasn’t that different from the one she used. Talia examined the other bottle more closely. OH GODDESS DAMNIT! Talia felt a twinge of annoyance from Laura. Forgive me, my Goddess. Another larger poke of annoyance was sent Talia’s way.

Talia reread the second bottle just to make sure. It read: erogenous hair potion. “Damnit.” Talia ran her fingers through her hair. She shuddered in delight, “Oh Goddess, that feels good.” She set both bottles down and began touching herself as she let the water cascade over her hair and down her back. Talia poured the rest of the erogenous potion on her scalp and massaged it into her hair. By the time she had finished washing her hair, she was panting, hardly able to think straight.

Talia looked at the second bottle. Fuck it. Talia grabbed the hair remover and very carefully put some on her hands. She moved them towards her crotch, and as her hands touched her bush and the hair on her upper thighs, it simply vanished. As if it never existed. She buckled over in pleasure from the realization of what she had just willingly done to herself as her hands glided over her smooth crotch.

After recovering, she made sure to thoroughly wash her hands multiple times before she dared touch her hair, and she first tested the tips just to make sure the remover was completely gone. She dried off and walked out into the room wearing only a towel. She found Mary with coffee in hand, reading something on the tablet.

Mary looked towards Talia and beamed a warm smile. Mary raised her mug and said, “Thank you for making coffee. You also look radiant this morning. Have fun in the shower?”

Talia replied in a dreamy voice, “Oooh yeah.” Then she composed herself. “Actually, Mary, I have a bone to pick with you.”

Mary quirked one eyebrow and leaned back, taken off guard.

Talia walked over and placed the two empty potion bottles on the table in front of Mary. Talia said, “These were in the shower, where the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash would normally be.”

Mary read the bottles, and her eyes went a little wide. Mary stammered out, “T-T-Talia, you have to believe me. I didn’t put them in there. They’re empty… so…”

Talia nodded, “Yes, I used them. I also believe you. They were your free samples.”

Mary asked, “So your hair is now erogenous? Forever?”

Talia let out a laugh, “Oh, thank Goddess no. That one only lasts for a short time. Though apparently repeated applications can have a lasting effect.”

“And the other one?” Mary looked at Talia’s legs, and while she could tell they were shaved, there was some trace of stubble. “Where did you?”

In response, Talia just let her towel fall to the floor, causing Mary to gawk at her naked body. Talia let out a giggle, “Still a guy at heart, I see. Can’t help but stare.”

Mary stood and walked over to Talia. She wrapped an arm around her naked body. “Talia, trust me on this: what you just said is wrong. Because if it weren’t, you’d be on that bed already, with my dick buried twelve inches deep inside you.”

Talia arched an eyebrow, “Okay, now I need to know, did you mean that you can get a dick like this, or that if you were in your male form, that is what would have happened?”

“The latter.” Mary said, “Though, in theory, the former is likely true as well, if you really wanted it.”

“You really like the way I look?” Talia asked, a little self-consciously.

Mary pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance. “Talia, do you remember when you asked to meet me in the first round? The day you decided you were taking the deal?”

Talia nodded, “Yes, what about it?”

“I thought you looked absolutely gorgeous, then. You had such natural beauty, I thought you could easily have been a model or movie star; I was stunned when you put effort into your look.”

Talia put her hands on her hips. “I’ve always put effort into my appearance, but I know what you mean. I got dolled up for you. You haven’t answered my question, though. Do you like the way I look now? I’m so much younger…”

Mary put a hand on Talia's head, causing her to shudder in pleasure, “Talia, physically, you aren’t that much younger than me, like this. I’m physically twenty as Mary, and twenty-seven as Mark. I think my reaction makes it clear that I like the way you look. You’ve got a youthful vigor that is quite adorable. Did you really think I had an issue with your appearance?”

“Maybe a little,” Talia replied hesitantly. “I’ve seen the way you look at some of the others, and heck, even at Freya. I don’t think I’ve seen the same kind of gaze directed my way.”

“Hmm… is this just about my gaze or more than that?” Mary asked, having picked up on Talia's reticence.

“You mean Laura?”

Mary nodded.

Talia said, “No, I know She likes the way I look.” Talia paused,

“But?” Mary replied, “There’s a but here; I can feel it.”

“But sometimes it feels like She’s more interested in others since I became Her high priestess.”

“Have you talked with her about this?” Mary asked and immediately got a shake of the head from Talia. “Okay, well, do that. Today Talia. I mean it. Do it today.”

“But… what if…” Talia started to get worried.

“It doesn’t matter,” Mary said. “No matter what you’re worried about, the root problem won’t go away without talking to her. So either tell me you plan on talking with her about this, or I’ll go drag her into it myself.”

Talia grumbled but nodded her agreement.

Mary smiled, “Good. Now…” Mary swept Talia’s legs out from under her and then threw her at the bed, getting an excited scream out of Talia. Mary jumped after her.

Mary was surprised when Talia said, “Mary, stop.” Mary froze with her arms planted on either side of Talia’s face. “First, I just showered. Second, while I appreciate the attempt to cheer me up, I don’t want this right now.”

Mary glanced down at Talia’s naked body, finding her nipples to be rock hard. Mary could also smell Talia’s arousal. “If you say so…” Mary’s tail swished behind her in annoyance.

“I do,” Talia confirmed.

“Then do you plan on going commando today? It’s that, or you give me an orgasm before you leave.” Mary replied.

Talia smiled, “That’s not exactly true.” Mary raised a curious eyebrow. “I’ve realized a loophole. One I intend to take full advantage of. Now I need some coffee and breakfast.”

Mary got off Talia and the bed and went back to the table, refilling her mug with more coffee and pouring one for Talia as well. As Mary passed Talia her coffee, Talia asked, “What were you reading on the tablet?”

Mary finished her sip of coffee, then replied, “My hint, from the Grudge Match. She texted it to me in case I decided I didn’t want to share it.”

“You are going to share it… RIGHT?”

“Of course I am.”

After several seconds of Mary remaining silent and simply sipping her coffee, Talia asked, a little exasperated, “SO, what is it?!”

Mary continued to sip her drink, “Hmm? What is what?”

Talia was not amused at all. “Mary,” She growled.

“Oh! The hint! Right. What about the hint?”

Talia took a deep breath and even altered her perception of time to let her compose herself. “Mary, please tell me what the hint is.”

“Okay, okay,” Mary said with a bit of mirth. “You know you look super cute when riled up.” Talia tried to glare at Mary, but it came off as more of a pout. “The hint seems straightforward enough, but not sure how much help it will actually be. It just says, anything done in character is more effective.”

“Huh. That’s not all that helpful, since it isn’t clear what doing something in character really means. There also haven’t been that many roleplaying points awarded either.”

Mary nodded, “Yeah, but that’s because we’ve just been gaming the system and focusing on victory, ignoring that aspect.”

“Sure, but it isn’t exactly like we’ve been given detailed characters to portray.”

Mary blinked a few times. “Talia… how thoroughly did you read over what Cassandra gave us before the challenge?”

“I read the information, why?”

Mary pulled out the information packet she had gotten and showed Talia.

It explained that Mark was a silver-tongued lover who would hit on anything with a pair of tits. He was also cursed to transform at times into a dainty serving girl for hitting on the wrong witch in the past. She’d be shy, accidentally flirty, receptive to any advances made her way, and eager to please others. It went into further detail about who the Hero Mark/Mary was supposed to be.

Talia thought back, “Wait, that wasn’t fluff? Allie said it was typical video game fluff that we could ignore.”

Mary shrugged her shoulders. “Guess not.”

“Wait, is this why you made breakfast yesterday?”

Mary shook her head. “No. I did that because I felt like it. I did make sure to activate my buffing abilities for you, though. I’m also not going to act like this says I should, but that doesn’t mean the rest of you can’t try for your characters.”

Talia pulled out her phone and immediately started reading over her fluff, and began scowling.

While she was reading, Mary asked her. “Are you going to get dressed or just continue to sit there butt naked all morning?”

Talia glanced up, still scowling, and then resumed reading without a word. When she finished reading, Talia said, “I’m not doing this. The stuff to do with Laura isn’t worth doing as I’m fairly certain that would annoy her, and the other stuff… no, just no. I have some amount of pride, and I’m not forgoing it for a couple of challenge points. As for getting dressed…” Talia stood, went over to her wardrobe, grabbed her stuff for today, and shoved it in her rucksack. She then put on a pair of black fishnet gloves. “Mary, please stay here until I come get you unless you want to be mean and force the others to give you their panties.” Talia then slipped off the fishnet gloves and tossed them at Mary. “Here, these are for you.” Talia then walked out of the room, ass naked with her rucksack slung over her shoulder.

As the door shut behind Talia, Mary stared at the gloves. “That’s some loophole.”

Mary was looking at the gloves intently and missed Cassandra’s appearance across from her. Mary was startled when Cassandra spoke, “I know, I’m tempted to alter the rule to plug it, but I like rewarding ingenuity in my contestants. Considering the show she put on to use it, I don’t really see a problem.”

Mary took a second to catch her breath and asked, “Mind telling me why you showed up this morning?”

“Partially to let you know that you have another 1000 BP. Your reward for the Grudge Match. Sadie is getting the same thing. I just wanted to let you know that I’m not getting half of that to spend immediately. If it’s around tomorrow though…”

Mary pinched the bridge of her nose. “Great, just great. Anything else?”

“Plenty…” Cassandra hesitated before continuing. “You seem to be placing a lot of trust in Talia concerning my daughters.”

Mary gave Cassandra a neutral stare. “You say that like you’re displeased.”

“Maybe a little, but out of all the contestants, she is probably the best person to help you.”

Mary asked, “Now I have a question for you. What is up with Ethel? Not just who she is, but why are you giving her a choice about joining my harem?”

Cassandra thought about that for a long time, swirling a spoon around her mug of coffee. A mug that Mary didn’t remember being there initially. Cassandra eventually said, with a bit of wistfulness, “I won’t tell you much about her. In your world, I think the term to describe my technical relationship with her would be legal guardian or foster parent.”

Mary frowned, “That still doesn’t explain why you are making her part of my staff or my harem.”

Cassandra met Mary’s eyes, and Mary wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but the usual exuberant bright blue of her eyes was gone, replaced by a dark, near-black blue. She seemed tired or maybe haunted. Cassandra said, “Mary, after this season, I won’t be a host anymore. She’d be passed on to another host otherwise.”

“Ah. Okay, that’s all you needed to tell me.” Cassandra was actually surprised by how readily Mary accepted that. Mary just shrugged her shoulders, seeing Cassandra’s response. “What? I have some idea what happens to former contestants turned staff who get passed around. You’re a softie at heart. If you couldn’t control where she was sent to after the season, then this makes a lot of sense.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“I would appreciate knowing, do you want her to choose my harem?”

“I’d like for her to be happy. That’s enough for me. I’m not going to influence her choice. Or try to get you to influence it either.”

“And you won’t tell me anything about her?”

Cassandra shook her head, “It’s her story to tell, not mine. Even more so if she chooses to be with you.”

“How many more women are you planning on throwing at me? How much longer is the show going to go on?”

Cassandra gave Mary a small smile. “You’ll find out soon enough.” Then she vanished.

Mary let out a low growl of frustration. Since she didn’t want to bother the others, Mary went ahead and fixed herself some breakfast and waited for Talia to come get her.

---

Talia quickly found a spare room and dressed hurriedly. Oh, Goddess, that was nerve-wracking! Once she was thoroughly dressed, she picked up a pair of gloves and thought about putting them on. Yep, thought that was the case. So we are only restricted from putting on a replacement. Giving Mary something doesn’t reduce the number of articles of clothing we can wear, just the type. I’ll have to let the others know.

Talia felt Laura coming her way. Talia stepped out of the room she had used to dress, and her Goddess walked straight into her, causing both to stumble to the floor, with Laura’s face planted firmly between Talia’s breasts.

Laura got up and off Talia and asked, “Are you okay?”

Talia nodded, “I’m fine.” She took Laura’s outstretched hand and stood. “Outside of the initial collision, it didn’t hurt at all. I am sort of turned on, though.”

“Would you like some help with that?” Laura smirked.

Talia shook her head, “No… Laura, can we talk?” Talia inclined her head towards the room she had just come out of. Laura nodded curiously and walked into the room, and sat down on a loveseat across from Talia. Laura looked around the room to give Talia a chance to compose herself, as it was evident she was nervous. The sun was coming in through the window. Laura looked at the drapery and thought it was overdone. She also began to wonder just why there were so many rooms like this in the palace. It was just a sitting room. Comfortable seating, a few tables, and over-the-top decorations on the walls.

Laura turned towards Talia and asked, “So what did you want to talk about?”

“Us.”

That single word filled Laura with dread. The way Talia had said it was something Laura had overheard others speak when they were about to break up, or when they wanted to get a lot more serious. Either way, Laura wasn’t thrilled. Laura asked hesitantly, “What about us?”

“Have I done something to upset you?” Talia asked, feeling the pit in her stomach grow.

Laura rubbed her arm awkwardly, “I mean, maybe a little with the teasing, but not really. Nothing I would say is making me upset right now.”

“Then… then why does it seem like you’re pulling away?”

Laura frowned and wouldn’t look at Talia. “Talia… I still like you… a lot. The change in our relationship isn’t exactly one either of us chose, though.”

“So, what?” Talia asked, a little annoyed.

“It’s a big adjustment; I just need some time to process it.”

“If my being your high priestess is a problem, I need you to talk to me about it. Not shut me out. Please, Laura, talk to me.”

“It sort of feels like I’m not a person to you anymore. Like, I’m the subject of your worship first. And it seems to be spreading to the others. I’m still me.”

Talia rolled her eyes. “Laura, get over yourself.” Laura rocked back as if she had been slapped. “Look, I’m sorry if my teasing made you uncomfortable. I’ll also admit that my feelings towards you were messed with somewhat. I definitely feel a level of adoration and respect towards you that I didn’t before the last set of transformations. But seriously, haven’t I made clear on several occasions that my entire world doesn’t revolve around you? That even being my Goddess, your wishes aren’t commands to me. Or did you already forget how I very explicitly kicked your ass out of Mary’s room yesterday morning and forced you to go commando?” Talia let her words hang for a minute before continuing. “Laura, you are my Goddess. I can’t do anything about that. But us dating and that are separate things.”

Laura replied, “They haven’t felt that way for most of the round.”

“Then let’s establish some ground rules. It isn’t like it’s teleportation. And don’t even start saying you don’t like being worshiped in bed, because I know that would be a lie. Just talk to me and help me understand what I can do to make this better for you. Realize that my worship of you isn’t going to stop, and I don’t have a choice about that.”

“What if it remains uncomfortable because of your transformation?” Laura asked.

Talia pressed her lips together into a very thin line. “I want to make this work, Laura. I really, really do. But I have a question for you. What about the next set of transformations? Or the ones after that? Will you leave me for something outside of my control? Because if you aren’t willing to adapt to the changes, then maybe you shouldn’t be with anyone romantically besides Mary until after the show is over. It isn’t fair to your partners.”

Laura looked a little sad and resigned.

Talia let out a frustrated growl, “Laura! SERIOUSLY!?” Talia stood up, moved over to Laura, grabbed her by the ear, and dragged her towards the door. “You are coming with me right now.” Talia did not let go of Laura’s ear despite her protest. “Now where the fuck is Brooke?”

Laura kept following Talia, letting out “Ow ow ow ow” as she trailed Talia. Laura actually tried to free herself, but found Talia’s grip firm enough that she’d have to use real force to pry Talia’s fingers off her ear. “Talia, stop OW! Please! Why are you looking for Brooke? Also, she was out in the courtyard last I saw her.”

Talia didn’t answer but just abruptly changed direction towards the courtyard. She found Brooke still running laps in the courtyard and very deliberately stood in her path, still holding Laura’s ear.

Brooke stopped when she reached the two and nervously chuckled, “Oookay… what’s going on here?”

Talia finally let go of Laura’s ear and said, “I need your help getting through to my incredibly dense girlfriend. This isn’t my area of specialty. Apparently, my advice had the opposite of the intended effect and made her lose hope that our relationship would work out. So could you please help?”

Laura said, “I’m so confused.”

Brooke looked between the two of them. “Just checking, are you looking for my advice…” Brooke then slammed a fist into her open palm, “Or my advice, to fix this?”

“Preferably the former… though if the latter is needed, I’m okay with that,” Talia replied.

Brooke put a hand on her hip. “You know I’m not a couples therapist. Even if my transformations help with it.”

“You’re what I’ve got.” Talia replied, “Please help me.”

Brooke examined Laura’s and Talia’s relationship. Oh boy… that is sinking; I can see why she came to me. It isn’t unsalvageable, though, just taking on water fast. “Fine. I’ll help, but it will cost you a nickel.” Brooke said with a smile. Then Brooke swiftly reached out, placing a hand on the side of each of their heads, and banged their heads together. “That’s for both of you being massive idiots. The first session starts this evening. That should at least hold things together until then.”

Laura and Talia rubbed at comically large lumps that were forming where their heads collided. Laura said, “I’m still confused.” Especially by how she hit our heads together like that when I’m so much taller than Talia.

Brooke sighed, “Okay, quick run-down from what I could see from my examination. For some reason, Talia thinks you don’t like her anymore, which is wrong. Something is bothering you. Talia said something that made you feel ashamed and like you shouldn’t be dating anyone besides Mary, which I thought we already discussed, Laura…” Brooke paused, narrowing her eyes toward Laura. “Neither of you is communicating well, and your relationship is imploding because of it. Talia was right to come ask for help, as while she was trying to fix things, I think she made them worse. Any immediate questions that don’t dive into the specific problems at the moment?”

Talia asked, worriedly, “Is it fixable?”

Brooke nodded, “Yes. Anything else?”

Laura asked, “Did you have to bang our heads together so hard?”

“Yes.” Brooke thought about it for a moment. “Have you seen those Flex-Seal commercials? Your relationship was like one of those tanks of water. I just slapped on some Flex-Seal. It won’t help, though, if we don’t stop what’s making those holes in the first place. So after dinner is therapy time, got it?” Talia and Laura both nodded. “Good, also, you two should try not to interact with each other much until then. Finally, Talia, don’t forget the nickel.” Brooke then resumed her laps without waiting for a reply.

Talia let out a sigh of relief. went over to a nearby bench and slumped into it. Laura came and sat next to her. Laura asked, “I’m still confused. Weren’t you saying we shouldn’t be together?”

Talia took a few deep breaths before responding. “Apparently, I’m bad at conveying my point about this. So I’d like not to make things worse at the moment. Laura, I want this to work. It’s why I got mad and went to Brooke for help. If you’re willing, I’d like to follow her advice.”

Laura nodded, “Okay. Do you think she’s serious about the nickel?”

Talia pulled out a checkbook from thin air. Wrote a check out to Brooke Alvin for $5,005,000.05. Putting ‘Couple’s Therapy’ in the memo line.

Laura’s eyebrows rose when she saw the number. “Are you seriously going to give her that?”

“Hmm? Oh, the check? Yes, if she can actually help. It’s only money after all.”

Laura sputtered out, “Only money!? That’s five million!”

“Laura…”

Brooke passed by the two on another lap, stopped briefly, saying, “I’m pretty sure I said don’t interact with each other as much as possible.” Then she resumed running.

Talia weakly smiled, “I’d pay a lot more to make things work if I had to.” Talia got up. “Let me know when to go get Mary. I’m going to be in the great hall until then. If you could give this to Sadie so she has my recommendations.”

Laura took the offered notebook and grabbed Talia’s wrist. “Before you go, two things. First, I want you to know I want this to work too. Second, there might be a way to rescue Sam, but —”

“Then we should do it,” Talia replied before Laura could finish. “Sorry for cutting you off, but unless it has a stupid cost, we should do it. Even if it costs most of today’s progress for several people.” Talia looked at Laura. “I take it Sadie doesn’t agree?”

Laura slowly nodded, “Something like that. Brooke also threatened not to help the team at all if we refused to help Sam, and we could.”

Talia just shook her head, “I can’t believe her. What is Sadie thinking?” Talia let out a sigh, “Okay, let me know when we’re good to go. Also, find out what Sadie’s hint for the Grudge Match is. Mary’s wasn’t all that helpful.”

“What was it?”

“You remember that character fluff that Allie said wasn’t important?” Laura vaguely nodded. “Well, apparently, she was wrong. Things are more effective if you act like your character description, but if yours is anything like mine, well… let’s just say I refuse to act like that.”

With that, Talia left Laura on the bench, seriously hoping she hadn’t just fucked up their relationship following Mary’s advice.