Third Transformation Vote

Thank you, everyone, for your time.” Genet stood up from her director’s chair again, as her contestants had come back from their break and settled into their own seats in a semicircle around the stage. “For the next part of the night, I will reveal the winner of the second challenge, as well as the other key places in the contest. After that I’ll present everyone’s choices for the next round’s transformations and open voting.”

The host took the bouquet she’d brought and walked along the eight women, studying them with amusement as they looked back at her with varying levels of patience. She began another lap, then stopped.

“I’m sure it comes as a surprise to few in the audience that the winner of our second challenge is…” Genet did a twirling motion with one finger and waited as a drumroll began.

“Hazel Singh!” She finished as a trumpet blared.

Ava began clapping for her, though she stopped as she realized she was the only one.

Felicia and Aubrey looked equally dismayed at their ratings, though after her failure set in Felicia tried to give her best friend a good job pat on the arm.

“With the audience giving her an average score of Twenty-two point nine out of twenty-five, Hazel won with a comfortable lead. I’ll display the rest of the results on screen.” The projector lit up, and the cast turned their heads to check the results:

1. Hazel Singh
2. Ava Soto
3. Luna Lopez
4. Stella Steward
5. Maeve Petrov
6. Aubrey Conners
7. Felicia Owens

8. Helena Turner

   “And now that everyone’s seen that, I’ll switch to the updated scoreboard so we can see how that impacts people’s scores.”

“We had two people hit the halfway mark as far as earning a Wish, so I’m sure you’ll note the bump in BP to use in the next round they’ve both been awarded.”

Hazel Singh, +3 BP (Halfway)

Stella Steward, +3 BP (Halfway)

“Let’s move on to the transformations. Our top three performers became the paths for our Master’s options this round, as I came up with a transformation for each to solve a problem they’d been considering. At the very bottom, Helena will be awarded a minimum of two well-performing transformations rather than the usual one as a way to redeem her in the eyes of the audience after her scene’s poor performance.”

The second part of her pronouncement elicited colorful language from both Helena herself and Felicia, seemingly competing over who could be more incensed at the punishment- or reward, depending on how one looked at it.

“Why didn’t you tell us last place would have that happen?” The billionaire demanded, first to say something intelligible.

“I was worried it might influence the audience’s vote if there was anyone specific they might want to see transformed more. I also had some suspicions that some people might be motivated to throw the match if they were aware, which are feeling increasingly validated.” She raised an eyebrow as she turned to the belligerent blonde.

“I wouldn’t have actually gone through with it.” Felicia pouted.

“Nevertheless, we have our results. I would bid you all to get out your phones and read your transformation options. This is your chance to both influence the vote and the audience’s decision on it.”

***

Ava and Felicia opened the ballot screen on their phones. As with most things, Ava was first to the draw:

• Influencer: Ava’s sometimes struggled to compete with other trainers with more credentials or firmer institutional ties. Maybe better advertising would help? This transformation will make her subconsciously prone to showing off, practicing poses and finding excuses for feats of strength to show off her body and physical definition. (Gym Bunny)
• Breastplate: Ava loves the idea of being an action star, and has never been particularly offended by the fan service their artists are prone to. Her sweats and tracksuits will be replaced by the “armor” displayed by her greatest heroes. (Amazon)
• LARP: Ava’s used to roleplay as a Gauntlet Master, but her recent experiments were a new kind of fun. To help her get into character without Megaera’s help next time, this transformation will offer her suggestions and advice on dirty talk if she chooses to concentrate on it. Performing the lines is still entirely up to her. (Gamer)
• Boss Encounter: Ava loves video games, and a good boss battle can make or break a game. To help her in her sexual encounters, when aroused she will take on temporary transformations from different bosses in a game currently on her wish list. This comes with a copy of that game and a Nintendo Vers 2 to play it on. (Gamer)

https://strawpoll.com/GJn441Gx6nz

Ava skimmed through, turning her phone away from Luna and Stella when she saw the intro for the first option.

“Megaera’s help?” Felicia asked, looking at what had been angled towards her. “Is that whoever you were supposed to be in the challenge?”

“I think so. Do you know who that is?”

“There’s the one in the Heracles movie and the fury from the Peter Johnson books. You were closer to the fury, the one in Heracles is a femme fatale in a purple dress.”

“Hmm.” Ava moved Boss Encounter to the top followed by Breastplate.

“Are you sure you want to do that? It seems like a pretty big limit on what you can wear.” Felicia questioned.

“Even Mara Kroft has formal wear she’s worn a couple times, right?”

“If you’re sure…”

Ava nodded, finishing by moving Influencer to the bottom. “So what’d you get?”

Felicia turned her own ballot screen to her best friend.

• Grab Life By the Horns: Felicia can be a bit too bull-headed for her own good. With this transformation, she grows a pair of moderately sized horns. The effect of someone grabbing them can dispel her temper more intensely based on how tight they’re being held, from relaxation to euphoria. (Ushimimi)
• Magical Guidance: Felicia’s tried two full casters in her group, let’s give her a taste of a third. This transformation gives her a sorcerer’s control over her own fate, letting her rewind time up to five minutes to reattempt a goal. Shortly after this do-over is used, Felicia temporarily receives a small inhuman alteration for the rest of the day. (Caster)
• Running Tally: Felicia's often treated competition like foreplay, and with this transformation sex can be a competition just like anything else. When engaging in sexual acts with the master, Felicia will now keep a running tally of how many orgasms she has vs. how many orgasms the master has. In her eyes, whoever can make the other orgasm more is the winner, and she will be determined to come out on top. (Rival)
• Lactose Tolerance: Dairy can have significant health benefits, including human dairy. Felicia will begin lactating, and her own milk and dishes using it bypass her normal lactose intolerance. Being milked is a relaxing and pleasurable process. (Ushimimi)

https://strawpoll.com/YVyPvM299gN

Well that’s broken. Felicia thought as she moved Running Tally to the bottom. He can’t keep going the same way we can. She slid Magical Guidance to the top, not really caring which of the cowgirl TFs were in second versus third before hitting the vote button.

***

Luna opened her ballot screen and was confused:

• Pull of the Pleiades: Luna’s frequently had to deal with the problem of her libido outpacing those around her. This transformation named after the greatest nymphs of old can help her situationally accommodate that by gradually increasing the arousal of anyone looking at her while she’s outdoors. (Nympho)
• Tag Team: While they have their differences, she and her Master are a team, through and through. When either one’s physical stamina begins to wane, a tag from the other can restore them. Repeated use in a short time will have reduced effects.(Wingwoman)
• Portfolio: Luna’s cultivated a talent for blending into any subculture, whether that’s San Francisco, Washington, or the Lobster’s locker room. This’ll make it even easier as her wardrobe becomes an extension of herself, shifting at her mental command. Hopefully she can be careful about letting her mind wander from now on.(Model)
• One For the File: Luna has a long list of encounters in Hazel’s files. Luna will inevitably grow that part of the file, as she becomes tempted to seduce the other members of the harem. She will be increasingly drawn to a random contestant until she has succeeded in bedding them, then the temptation will slowly restart, attached to a different contestant. (Nympho)

https://strawpoll.com/XOgOV3JOan3
“Plee-ah… fuck. I feel like that first one is some myth thing I should know.” She muttered to herself “Do any of you know what the… Ple-ades are?” Luna still had no idea how to pronounce it.

All three of them shook their heads.

“Fuck. Hopefully this doesn’t blow up in my face. Aubrey?” She called out. “Would you be able to read this one and explain it?”

The blonde bounced over and peered over Luna’s shoulder like a teacher with a struggling student. “It’s this word you’re unsure of?”

“Yes.”

“So, first of all, they’re pronounced plee-uh-deez.” Aubrey started.

“Plee-uh-deez nuts.” Her rival whispered almost on instinct, prompting a glare. Felicia offered an apologetic shrug before the teacher went back to the lesson.

“As I was saying, the Pleiades were probably the most famous group of nymphs in Greek mythology. They were the daughters of Atlas, and they had children with several Olympians, the most notable child being Hermes. They traveled with Artemis and they raised Dionysus at Zeus’s request. They missed their father in what’s considered their “final” myth and so Zeus put them in the night sky as constellations, since Atlas held the sky. Does that help? I can go into more detail if you need.”

“That’s fine, thanks.”

Aubrey nodded before returning back to her seat next to Maeve.

Luna tried to make the decision, keeping Files where it was on the bottom. She slid Tag Team to the top, then Portfolio behind it, letting Pull of the Pleiades sit at third out of a sense of wrongness she couldn’t quite explain to herself. Satisfied, she pressed the Vote button and waited.

***

While Luna was busy with Aubrey, Stella started reading her own ballot:

• Free Thinkn’t-er: Stella’s always had to be careful to protect herself, it’s how she was raised. But in many ways recently, she’s been unchained from the fears she grew up with and is free to think about herself and her own desires… or not think. This transformation takes away her sense of shame around doing or discussing sexual things. (Bimbo)
• Hearth Warmer: Even with her progress, Stella doesn’t love being the center of attention. That’s alright. This transformation allows her to step away from the spotlight like her Mentor and keep things orderly if she wishes, but anyone who is in the same room without looking at her gradually grows warmer and more aroused. (Housewife)
• Cloudthrill: Stella plays an alchemist artificer because it’s mostly a support class. Mostly. This transformation gives her access to a modified version of the alchemist’s strongest spell, engulfing a room in an aphrodisiac mist up to once per day. If she goes too long without using it however, she risks “mana burn” at her next long rest. (Alchemist)
• Over The Threshold: After the wedding, men would often carry their brides over the home’s threshold as a tradition that was supposed to protect them from evil. As part of her new role, Stella finds herself looking to her master for protection when necessary. (Housewife)

https://strawpoll.com/QrgewoVrRyp

She was confused about one of her transformations as Luna had been about the Pleiades. She turned to the left and whispered: “what’s mana burn?”

Felicia looked uncertain, but Ava recognized it. “It’s an old Wonders mechanic, they got rid of it because everyone hated it. Is one of your transformations threatening you with it?”

Stella turned the screen around and pointed to the third option. Ava read through, frowning. “Those two aren’t even from the same game.”

“But what’s it do?”

“I’m not certain. The real mana burn mechanic had spare mana blow up in your face if you hadn’t used it at the end of your turn. My guess is that the cloud will go off on its own if you don’t use it?”

“I see.”

Stella moved the alchemist’s spell to the bottom. Then she looked at the other three. I don’t really know if this feels like me anymore. She decided, letting Over the Threshold stay in third. She moved Hearth Warmer to the top out of the remaining two before pressing the vote button.

***

As Aubrey went off to help Luna, Maeve opened her ballot:

• Positive Affirmations: Dr.Petrov is likely the most trusted voice on the island, let’s help her put it to use for good. Maeve’s statements or suggestions that her subjects willingly repeat can alter them mentally or physically. The more the statements go against the subject's existing beliefs and self-image the more repetition it would take, and her affirmations cannot override other TFs. (Empathy)
• Sweet Dreams: There's nothing more comforting than a caring Mother's embrace. This transformation will cause erotic dreams in anyone that falls asleep with our hopeful mother to-be. Maeve herself will witness or experience the same dreams, whichever is more appropriate each night. (Milf)
• Skinner Gift Box: Everyone is working so hard to improve themselves and make the situation work, and Maeve couldn't be more proud. Every time someone accomplishes something Maeve sees as a significant milestone, she will attempt to make sure they receive a reward proportional to the milestone achieved. This may include things like BP or upgrades funded by the transformation, as well as other acts and gifts Maeve decides to offer herself. (Social Work)

https://strawpoll.com/NMnQNrBJDg6

These… Are these stronger than last time? She thought to herself. Two of them had mental effects, and the third would sentence her to sexual dreams every night she slept beside someone. Which would likely be the rest of her life if the show continued at its current pace. Neither of the mental transformations seemed like good ideas, but… she decided to move Sweet Dreams to the bottom. She quickly pressed the vote button before Aubrey came back.

“Sorry about that, I’m back now.”

“You’ve nothing to apologize for.” She assured the younger woman.

“Would you mind giving me advice on mine?”

“...If you wish.”

Aubrey showed her the four options on screen:

• Experiential Learning: As a linguist and teacher like Aubrey knows, some lessons need a practical demonstration. With this transformation, if Aubrey hears someone mention a sexual act or fetish that they themselves have not engaged in, she will feel an increasing desire to demonstrate it to an audience, preferably the person that brought it up. If she herself isn’t familiar with the act or fetish, she will instantly learn it well enough to teach. (Teacher)
• Hundred Acre Woods: At least while on her good side, Aubrey is as sweet as her favorite foods. This transformation will give her an expanded ass that others will be tempted to interact with, make her fluids taste like honey, and induce an occasional impulse to go bottomless. (Teddy Bear)
• Bottled Memories: Murphy’s bar is both the site of their first date and one of Aubrey’s safe places. Since they’ve met, her instinct on a bad day has been to go back there and calm down over a few drinks, whatever the consequences. This transformation gets rid of the dangerous physical and mental side effects of her drinking habit, instead making alcohol a personal aphrodisiac. (Nostalgia)
• Damsel In Distress: Aubrey grew up with fairy tales, and Richard has been her Prince Charming from day one. From now on, nothing will be more arousing to her than the thought of him coming to her rescue like the day they met. (Nostalgia)

https://strawpoll.com/jVyG25J66Z7

“So what do you think?”

“I think Damsel is by far your worst option, both for your own safety and Richard’s mental health.”

“I should’ve thought of that.”

“And respectfully, I think that Bottled Memories would be an unhealthy solution.”

“So which would you prefer, the teacher one, or Hundred Acre Woods?”

“I think that should be your decision.”

Aubrey nodded, moving the honeyed transformation to the top before sending in her ballot. “Do you want me to look at your ballot?”

“I already voted, but thank you.” Maeve stood to check on a growing concern.

***

“I should’ve known that would blow up on me.”

“Did it make you feel better at least, Ma’am?”

“No. He’s perfect, but now I feel like a piece of shit and get to pay for the experience.”

“I’m sorry.” Hazel moved her chair closer to her girlfriend for support.

“It’s my fault. Let's just pick something to minimize the damage.”

• Tight Quarters: Sharing a household together as you grow up means a certain amount of unavoidable familiarity. Running into your stepbrother in nothing but a towel or noticing that your stepsister sunbathing topless are simply inevitable over the course of a lifetime. Helena and Dick's comfort with each other means that minor details such as witnessing each other's nudity is now accepted as simply the unavoidable result of their close proximity. (Stepsister)
• Tail Wagging the Dog: Helena is a confident and controlled woman who oversees a modern empire, but she's still a woman with needs. The more intense those needs become, the more influence they have over Helena's behavior, reverting only when those needs are met. (Inumimi)
• Embarrassment of Riches: Helena’s never been shy about flaunting her wealth. This transformation will cause her wealth to flaunt other things, as each point of BP gained will increase the odds of unintended situations such as wardrobe malfunctions, freudian slips, and other accidents. She’ll gain 1 BP each morning she did not earn VP the day before. (Rich)
• Make Me Proud: Helena had to make sacrifices to set them back on the right path when she became head of the family, and if Richard really wants to date this many people then it’s important that he’s maintaining the reputation she restored. This will lead her to be invested in the other contestants being happy and satisfied in all aspects of their relationships with her stepbrother. (Stepsister)

https://strawpoll.com/61gD9jBdaZw

“Make Me Proud is healthy at least.” The businesswoman said to justify moving it to the top. Then she stopped, staring at her options before making her next decision. “Embarrassment would be another source of fundraising if we need.” And even if something happened, it wouldn’t be anyone’s fault. She decided as she moved it into second.

“Here’s mine, Ma’am.”

• Eyes Front: Hazel is the most disciplined of the harem, a discipline drilled into her through years of following orders. While nude, any contestant that sees her feels compelled to follow her orders, unless given counterorders by the Master. The compulsion fades if sight lines cannot be maintained. (Dom)
• Guy in the Chair: Sometimes a situation is too precarious to risk the Master himself. This transformation will give Hazel the ability to let Richard "ride along" in her body. Any acts performed while this is happening count for both the potential VP and BP that could be earned. (Bodyguard)
• Follow His Lead: In their dance lessons Hazel has urged her Master into the lead position, allowing herself to follow and interpret his directions. This transformation helps both of them extend the dynamic away from the dance floor. Whenever Richard feels more confident she gets an unconscious sense of his plans, knowing what to do to prepare and avoid any obstructions in his next steps. Successfully fulfilling his desire will make her progressively more sexually excited. (Sub)

https://strawpoll.com/2ayLQPWdqn4

“That’s the perfect order.”

Hazel raised an eyebrow. “I was expecting you to advocate for the third option more, but as you wish…” She submitted the ballot. “Is he alright?”

***

Richard sat in the auditorium row still, staring down at his options:

• Commanding Officer: Richard has the ability to give one command per day which shall be followed to the best of his harem member’s ability. When the command is issued the subject’s arousal grows. The contestant cannot achieve orgasm until either the command is obeyed or a new command is issued.
• Heads Up, Dick: The Master is given a voice activated HUD system like in first person games, alerting him when TFs are active within his sight and offering tips on whether there are TFs he has the ability to activate. His HUD may activate on its own when aroused.
• Filibuster: Richard has the ability to delay the orgasms of himself or his partners, as long as he keeps their attention. Talking, moaning, grunting, as long as he’s vocal he can keep things going. Until he finally gives up his time, the effects of any delayed orgasms are magnified by how long he has held the floor.

https://strawpoll.com/PKgleMz91Zp

Last time, he hadn’t been given the ability to choose between the three transformations his friends and lovers had designed for him. The audience had picked Stella’s, and that was that. This time though, he had a say. Apparently these were supposed to address problems that Hazel, Ava, or Luna had identified. So picking one of the transformations felt like picking one of them.

When he was struggling to make a tough decision like this, there was usually one person he asked first.

Hey Lu- He stopped himself before shouting across the room. She was great at making a quick decision, but she was on the ballot. It wouldn’t be fair to get her advice.

Maybe… no. Hel would talk him into picking Hazel.

Clearly, the only right thing for the congressman to do was just abstain.

“Lost in thought?” He heard Maeve ask him gently.

“Yeah. Is it obvious?”

“To me. I can’t speak for other people.” She sat beside him. “Would it help to talk through things?”

“I hope so.” He showed her his three options.

“Are there any you don’t like?” She asked.

“Yeah.”

Maeve paused, waiting for him to finish his answer. With nothing coming, she tried a follow up. “Which one?”

“Commanding Officer. It feels like too much power to trust me with. I don’t do weapons.”

“Alright. Then go ahead and put it last.”

“But what if she sees that I did that?”

“Richard.” She placed a hand on his thigh. “There will be hundreds of people at a minimum voting. No one else will know unless you tell her.”

“Fine.” He dragged it down, feeling guilty despite understanding that she was correct.

“Do you like the other two?” She asked now.

“I guess so. I’m still not sure about Ava’s, it still seems like too much power.”

“If you’d like, you can put it in the middle then. But before you do, consider that it could tell you when transformations are influencing us or not influencing us. For example, it could tell you when any contact I initiated was caused by Cuddle Therapist or not.”

The master nodded, sliding it up to the top before casting his vote.

***

As the last votes from within the cast were logged, Genet turned outwards. “And now it’s your turn to vote out there in the audience! You’ll have until the dawn of the seventeenth rises on Jay’s palace to cast your votes on all nine transformation polls, as well as the ever popular popularity poll.

https://strawpoll.com/e6Z2A1ebJgN

"I’ll be right back after rustling up Ata and Scylla, so we can answer your questions while we wait!” She disappeared in a puff of perfume as a glass bowl began filling with folded pieces of paper in her director’s chair.