<div class="shimmer"><h1>Paradise Inc.</h1></div><center><span id="tagline">Sell your soul. Change your body. Make your dreams come true.
</span>
//Version 1.14.0// [[(Update Notes)|https://www.patreon.com/posts/patch-notes-and-69184811]]</center><<if Save.autosave.ok() and Save.autosave.has()>>
<center>You have an autosave from an existing game! What would you like to do?
<<button "Load Autosave">>
<<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>>
<</button>> \
<<button "Load Other Save">>
<<script>>UI.saves()<</script>>
<</button>> \
<<button [[New Game|Fired]]>>
<<script>>Save.autosave.delete()<</script>>
<</button>></center>
<hr /><</if>>
//Paradise Inc.// an erotic fiction game focused on themes of body and mind transformation. By playing, you affirm that you are 18 years old or older. All characters depicted are entirely fiction, and any resemblance to anyone, real or otherwise, is purely coincidental. They're also 18 years or older, so go have fun.
Special thanks to our supporters at [[Patreon->https://www.patreon.com/sinspirationalg]]! Our supporters receive early access to new versions and influence on future additions and systems to be added to the game.
<hr />
@@.choice;
[[I am 18 years or older, let me play!|Fired]]
[[I want to play offline.|https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-play-33650449?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare]]@@ Skip to: @@.choice;[[Chapter 1|IntroSkip]] | [[Chapter 2|Skip to Ch2]] | [[Chapter 3|Skip to Ch3]]@@
<<nobr>><div id="social_media_links">
<<link "@@background-color:#9c55cc;<i class='fa fa-heart' aria-hidden='true'></i> Thanks@@" "Thanks">><</link>>
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@@background-color:#01b8f1;<i class="fab fa-twitter-square" aria-hidden="true"></i> Twitter@@
</a>
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@@background-color:#7289da;<i class="fab fa-discord" aria-hidden="true"></i> Discord@@
</a>
<<link "@@background-color:#31823d;<i class='fa fa-usd' aria-hidden='true'></i> Support Us@@" "Support Us">><</link>>
</div><</nobr>>// Initialize WaitScene Array //
<<set $phWaitUltimate=[]>>
//Initial Building Variables //
<<set $phEnergyCap to 200>>
<<set $phFocusCost to 100>>
//Other //
<<set $phSeleneTimer to 4>>
<<set $phSidebarPulse = []>>
<<set $phTowerSessions to 0>>
<<set $phRomanceControl to 0>>
//GenderBender Init Array//
<<set $phGenderBender=[]>>
//Initial Personal Upgrade Variables//
<<set $phSpecialAbilities = {
"U31": {
name: "Worker Bee",
desc: "+50% increase to Maximum Management Modifier AND +25% Management Modifier Gained When Working",
tier: 3,
bought:0},
"U32": {
name: "Sleeping In",
desc: "+50% Minimum Management Modifier AND +50% Maximum Energy Cap",
tier: 3,
bought:0},
"U33": {
name: "Maximum Evolution",
desc: "-50% cost to special abilities and building construction/upgrade AND +10 daily visitors in all locations",
tier: 3,
bought:0},
"U21": {
name: "Silver Collector",
desc: "+5% daily energy gain",
tier: 2,
bought:0},
"U22": {
name: "The Boss",
desc: "+20 Energy Whenever You Have Dominant Sex",
tier: 2,
bought:0},
"U23": {
name: "Honey Trap",
desc: "+20 Energy Whenever You Have Submissive Sex",
tier: 2,
bought:0},
"U24": {
name: "Holistic And Synergistic",
desc: "+10 Energy Whenever You Work",
tier: 2,
bought:0},
"U25": {
name: "Show Stealer",
desc: "+15 Visitors Whenever You Work And Are 'Distracted'",
tier: 2,
bought:0},
"U11": {
name: "Chameleon",
desc: "Change your personal appearance at will",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U12": {
name: "Work With Your Hands",
desc: "-30% cost to construct new buildings",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U13": {
name: "Evolving Mindset",
desc: "-30% cost to building upgrades and special abilities",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U14": {
name: "Gravitas",
desc: "+5 additional daily visitors in all locations",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U15": {
name: "Winning Smile",
desc: "+10% Management Modifier gain when working at a location",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U16": {
name: "Push Your Limits",
desc: "+50% Maximum Management Modifier",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U17": {
name: "Energy Efficient",
desc: "+25% Minimum Management Modifier",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U18": {
name: "Momentum",
desc: "-10% Management Decay",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U19": {
name: "Healthy Appetite",
desc: "+50% Maximum Energy Cap",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U110": {
name: "Insatiable Drive",
desc: "+5 Energy Whenever You Have Sex",
tier: 1,
bought:0},
"U111": {
name: "Born Lucky",
desc: "You Never Lose Energy From The Casino",
tier: 1,
bought:0}
}>>
//Pronouns//
<<set $pShe = "She">>
<<set $pshe = "she">>
<<set $pHer = "Her">>
<<set $pher = "her">>
<<set $pHerHis = "Her">>
<<set $pherhis = "her">>
<<set $pHers = "Hers">>
<<set $phers = "hers">>
<<set $pMistress = "Mistress">>
<<set $pgirl = "girl">>
<<set $pmaam = "ma'am">>
<<set $pMs = "Ms.">>
//Global Building Variables//
<<set $phGlobal = {
visitorMod: 0,
visitorMinMax: 0,
visitorMin: 0,
visitorMax: 0,
visitorCapMod: 0,
epdMod: 0,
energyCapMod: 0,
manageAdd: 0.1,
manageDecay: 0,
manageMin: 0,
manageMax: 0,
workEnergyBonus: 0,
workVisitorBonus: 0,
sexBonus: 0,
sexBonusDom: 0,
sexBonusSub: 0,
buildingCostMod: 0,
upgradeCostMod: 0,
bankedEnergyBonus: 0}
>>
//Locations//
<<set $phLocations = {
"Apartment" : {
name: "Your Apartment",
image: "Apartment.jpg"},
"Bank" : {
name: "Bank",
image: "Bank.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Bedroom" : {
name: "Bedroom",
image: "Bedroom.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Casino" : {
name: "Casino",
image: "Casino.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"CompCafe" : {
name: "Computer Cafe",
image: "CompCafe.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"CornerPocket" : {
name: "The Corner Pocket",
image: "CornerPocket.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Elysium" : {
name: "Elysium",
image: "Elysium.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Exterior" : {
name: "Paradise Inc.",
image: "Exterior.jpg"},
"Fired" : {
name: "Fired!",
image: "Fired.jpg"},
"Floor1" : {
name: "First Floor",
image: "Floor1.jpg",
cansave: 1},
"Floor2" : {
name: "Second Floor",
image: "Floor2.jpg",
built:0},
"Gym" : {
name: "The Gym",
image: "Gym.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMin:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Inferno" : {
name: "Club Inferno",
image: "Inferno.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"VIPLounge" : {
name: "VIP Lounge",
image: "VIPLounge.jpg",
built:1},
"Mammon" : {
name: "Mammon's Office",
image: "Mammon.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Mason" : {
name: "Mason's Office",
image: "Mason.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Office" : {
name: "Office",
image: "Office.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"R&D" : {
name: "Research & Development",
image: "Lab.jpg",
built:1,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Security" : {
name: "Security Office",
image: "Security.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"ShakeShack" : {
name: "Shakes 'n Sundaes",
image: "ShakeShack.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"ShangriLa" : {
name: "Shangri-La",
image: "ShangriLa.jpg"},
"Sleep" : {
name: "Sleep",
image: "Sleep.jpg"},
"Stables" : {
name: "S&S Stables",
image: "Stable.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Suite" : {
name: "The Executive Suite",
image: "Suite.jpg"},
"SupplyCloset" : {
name: "Supply Closet",
image: "Supply.jpg"},
"Trainer" : {
name: "Training Room",
image: "Trainer.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"Unknown" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"Vault" : {
name: "The Vault",
image: "Vault.jpg",
built:0,
upgraded:0,
waits:[],
visitor:0,
visitorCap:0,
visitorMax:0,
visitorMod:0,
epdBase:0,
epdBonus:0,
epd:0,
manageMax:0,
manageMin:0,
manageMod:0,
manageDecay:0.1,
manageGain:0,
level:0,
levelCost:0,
mode:"base"},
"VIPLounge" : {
name: "VIP Lounge",
image: "VIPLounge.jpg"},
"CassandraDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"DamienDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"JolieDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"LazrenDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"MammonDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"MasonDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"NadiaDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"PetraDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"SamanthaDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"SaraDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"SeleneDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"XavierDate" : {
name: "Unknown",
image: "Unknown.png"},
"SAClearing" : {
name: "Oregon",
image: "SAClearing.jpg"},
"SANest" : {
name: "The Den",
image: "SANest.jpg"},
"SABottle" : {
name: "Brewery",
image: "SABottling.jpg"},
"SASheriff" : {
name: "Sherrif's Office",
image: "SASheriff.jpg"},
"SACamping" : {
name: "Camping Supply",
image: "SACamping.jpg"},
"SABasement" : {
name: "Creepy Basement",
image: "SABasement.jpg"},
"SAParking" : {
name: "Parking Lot",
image: "SAParking.jpg"}
}>>
/* Characters and Dialog */
<<set $phAvery={
name: "Avery",
surname: "",
portrait: "Avery",
style: "avery",
transform: "pre",
focus_bank: 0,
recharge:0,
sex:0,
post_talk: 0,
debt:0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"Shareholder",
empstatus:"owner",
location:"Paradise Inc."
}>>
<<set $phCassandra={
name: "Cassandra",
surname:"Woodrow",
portrait: "Cassandra",
style: "cassandra",
transform: "pre",
focus_gym: 0,
focus_comp: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"Miss $phYou.firstname",
Address:"Miss $phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"",
empstatus:"employee",
location:""
}>>
<<set $phChastity={
name: "Chastity",
surname: "",
portrait: "Phone2",
style: "chastity",
transform: "pre",
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"Rival",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:""
}>>
<<set $phDamien={
name: "Damien",
surname: "Estevez",
portrait: "DamienInitial",
style: "damien",
transform: "pre",
focus_gym: 0,
focus_shake: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"",
empstatus:"employee",
location:""
}>>
<<set $phJolie={
name: "Jolie",
surname:"Durand",
portrait: "Jolie",
style: "jolie",
transform: "pre",
focus_comp: 0,
focus_shake: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"Miss $phYou.firstname",
Address:"Miss $phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"",
empstatus:"employee",
location:""
}>>
<<set $phKagar={
name: "Kagar",
surname:"",
portrait: "Kagar",
style: "kagar",
transform: "pre",
focus_trainer: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"Personal Trainer",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:$phLocations['Trainer'].name
}>>
<<set $phKayo={
name: "Kayo",
surname:"",
portrait: "Kayo",
style: "sara",
transform: "kitsune",
focus_top: 0,
focus_bottom: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname-//kun",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"Bartender",
empstatus:"employee",
location:$phLocations['CornerPocket'].name
}>>
<<set $phLazren={
name: "Lazren",
surname: "",
portrait: "Laz",
style: "lazren",
transform: "pre",
focus_bedroom: 0,
recharge:0,
sex:0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Owner",
empstatus:"owner",
location:"Paradise Inc."
}>>
<<set $phMammon={
name: "Mammon",
surname:"",
portrait: "Mammon",
style: "mammon",
transform: "pre",
focus_casino: 0,
focus_bank: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Manager",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:$phLocations['Bank'].name
}>>
<<set $phMason={
name: "Mason",
surname: "",
portrait: "Mason",
style: "mason",
transform: "pre",
focus_rd: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex:0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"madam",
Address:"Madam",
date:1,
title:"Head Engineer",
empstatus:"employee",
location:$phLocations['R&D'].name
}>>
<<set $phMNPC={
name: "Man",
portrait: "Phone",
style: "phone",
}>>
<<set $phMunokho={
name: "Munokho",
surname:"",
portrait: "Munokho",
style: "munokho",
transform: "pre",
focus_trainer: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"Personal Trainer",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:$phLocations['Trainer'].name
}>>
<<set $phNadia={
name: "Nadia",
surname:"Karas",
portrait: "Nadia",
style: "nadia",
transform: "pre",
focus_casino: 0,
recharge:0,
sex:0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname",
date:1,
title:"VIP Guest",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:"Casino"
}>>
<<set $phPetra={
name: "Petra",
surname: "Torres",
portrait: "Petra",
style: "petra",
transform: "pre",
focus_security:0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Agent",
empstatus:"employee",
location:$phLocations['Security'].name
}>>
<<set $phPhone={
name: "Phone",
portrait: "Phone",
style: "phone",
}>>
<<set $phSamantha={
name: "Samantha",
surname:"Smith",
portrait: "Sam",
style: "samantha",
transform: "pre",
focus_office: 0,
recharge:0,
sex:0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Executive Assistant",
empstatus:"employee",
location:"Paradise Inc."
}>>
<<set $phSara={
name: "Sara",
surname: "Kincaid",
portrait: "SaraBJ",
style: "sara",
transform: "pre",
focus_table: 0,
focus_bar: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Dealer",
empstatus:"employee",
location:$phLocations['Casino'].name
}>>
<<set $phSelene={
name: "Selene",
surname: "Sampam",
portrait: "Selene",
style: "selene",
transform: "pre",
focus_vault: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Treasurer",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:$phLocations['Vault'].name
}>>
<<set $phIra={
name: "Ira",
surname: "Sampam",
portrait: "Ira",
style: "ira",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am"
}>>
<<set $phNaitee={
name: "Naitee",
surname: "Sampam",
portrait: "Naitee",
style: "naitee",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am"
}>>
<<set $phKessler={
name: "Sheriff",
surname: "Kessler",
portrait: "Sheriff",
style: "kessler",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am"
}>>
<<set $phCultist={
name: "Cultist",
surname: "",
portrait: "Cultist",
style: "cultist",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am"
}>>
<<set $phTanya={
name: "Tanya",
surname: "",
portrait: "Tanya",
style: "tanya",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am"
}>>
<<set $phXavier={
name: "Xavier",
surname: "King",
portrait: "Xavier",
style: "xavier",
transform: "pre",
focus_inferno: 0,
focus_elysium: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
chapter_talk: 1,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"",
empstatus:"employee",
location:""
}>>
<<set $phXavierDad={
name: "Philip",
surname: "King",
portrait: "XavierDad",
style: "xavierdad",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname"
}>>
<<set $phXavierMom={
name: "Lanelle",
surname: "King",
portrait: "XavierMom",
style: "xaviermom",
post_talk: 0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"$phYou.firstname",
Address:"$phYou.firstname"
}>>
<<set $phYou={
name: "You",
humanname: "Jane",
firstname: "Red",
surname: "Doe",
gender: "female",
form: "futa",
portrait: "prevyou",
cc_code:"LRBPF",
skin:"pale",
hair:"red",
eyes:"brown",
lips:"pink",
style: "prevyou",
transform: "pre",
recharge:0,
sex:0,
necklace:0,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
title:"CEO",
empstatus:"owner",
location:"Paradise Inc.",
exclusive:false,
romance:[],
bff:[]
}>>
// Achievements//
<<set $phAchievements = [
"phCassandraHentai",
"phCassandraPunk",
"phDamienBull",
"phDamienSissy",
"phJolieCowgirl",
"phJoliePornstar",
"phMasonDom",
"phMasonSub",
"phNadiaAngel",
"phNadiaGenie",
"phPetraDrow",
"phPetraSiren",
"phSamanthaBimbo",
"phSamanthaFuta",
"phSaraKitsune",
"phSaraMagician",
"phSeleneBig",
"phSeleneClone",
"phXavierDryad",
"phXavierVampire",
"phCollector",
"phBuildGym",
"phBuildShake",
"phBuildComp",
"phBuildFloor2",
"phBuildBank",
"phBuildSecurity",
"phBuildInferno",
"phBuildElysium",
"phBuildCasino",
"phBlueprints",
"phInfernalArchitect",
"phGenderBender",
"phBoyToy",
"phGalPal",
"phPackageSmuggler",
"phAllDom",
"phAllSub",
"phPrickPicker",
"phCunnyCon",
"phEmployeeExcellence",
"phHugeTracks",
"phOhNo",
"phCatchXavier",
"phCatchCultist",
"phDressToImpress",
"phCheaters",
"phPerfectionist"]>><<set $phLocation to 'Apartment'>><<set $phTime to 2>>
Home, in this case, was a dingy, infested, partially flooded little apartment in a building that was literally only half habitable. Rumor had it the floor in the other half had basically collapsed, prompting the landlord to simply lock up every door on the left side of the building and refuse to answer any questions about them. The only thing the complex had going for it was a rent so ridiculously low that it was almost always possible to scrounge it up.
Almost.
Stepping over the pile of mail near the door, most of which was emblazoned with deep red 'Last Notice' stickers, you haphazardly tossed your little box of office belongings onto an off-kilter table and then dropped yourself with equal lack of care onto the good part of the couch.
Well, shit.
From beneath the couch cushion, where you hoped no repo man or burglar would look for it, you pulled up your prize possession: a battered laptop. Sure, the screen had a dozen dead pixels and the OS hadn't been supported for the last three or four years, but it was functional. Combined with your apartment being just barely within the Wi-Fi range of the coffee house across the street, it had at least helped you stay afloat. Barely.
After you flicked on the power and waited (several minutes) for it to boot up, you started to navigate through your bookmarks. Temp agencies, help wanted ads, job postings. You'd managed to keep this job a grand total of three weeks; maybe that had been enough time for the pool to refresh.
You barely read the headers anymore. Someone, somewhere wanted somebody to do something and, if there was money involved, you would happily do it. No, you focused on filling out the same little boxes over and over again. An endless barrage of the same questions and empty boxes waiting to be filled.
You started with the @@.choice;[[Basics.|Initial Character]]@@<<set $phLocation to 'Fired'>><<set $phTime to 1>><<set $phGameDays to 1>>
@@.narrative;
Look, you're a fine worker, but this economy means we have to make some tough choices...
A merger is really good news for us, overall, but unfortunately it means we are going to have some redundancies in terms of personnel...
I've got no doubt you're going to land on your feet, but if you need a referral or if there's anything else I can do...
@@
By now the song and dance had become repetitive, but you might still need the reference. So you kept doing your best to nod understandingly and make all the sounds that might earn you a solid recommendation when you needed it. You made sure your expression was disappointed, but not so devastated they begin to worry you'll come back with a shotgun. You said all the things you'd said before and let your mind wander away from the words.
The first time had been shocking, carrying with it the realization that sometimes bad luck could derail any plan. The second time had been surprising, but still understandable. After all, the troubles that could affect one business could affect a lot of them. By the sixth time, you were beginning to think that you were cursed.
As you had so many times before, you gathered your things with as much dignity as you could muster (thankfully a smaller and smaller task each time as you stopped bothering to decorate your desk) and walked down to the parking lot. Miraculously, your alleged car started on the fourth or fifth attempt and you were spared the embarrassment of asking for a jump from the boss that had just fired you.
Lucky you. Time to go @@.choice;[[Home.|Fired2]]@@<<nobr>>
<<include "check_achievements">>
<<set _buttons to ["Help","PDA","MobileMirror","Characters","Achievements","damien","jolie","xavier","sara","selene","kagar","munokho","mason","mammon","lazren","samantha","petra","cassandra","avery","nadia","chastity","CheatPane"]>>
<<if not _buttons.includes(passage())>>
<<set $phReturn to passage()>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<include 'EnergyCalc'>><<if def $phUIDisplay>><<if $phUIDisplay > 0>><div id="sidebar_av_wrapper"><<CC_Avatar>></div><<else>><<if $phYou.gender == 'male'>><<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/UnknownM.gif">><<else>><<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/UnknownF.gif">><</if>><div class="pro tempav">[img[_profilePic]]</div><br><</if>>
<span class="playerName"><<if $phUIDisplay > 0>>$phYou.firstname<<else>>$phYou.humanname<</if>><br></span>
<<nobr>><<if $phUIDisplay eq 1>><div id="icon_nav">
<a id="side_pda" class="btn btn-primary" href="#" data-passage="PDA" aria-label="PDA">
<i class="fa-solid fa-tablet-screen-button" aria-hidden="true" title="Tower Stats"></i>
</a>
<a id="side_characters" class="btn btn-primary" href="#" data-passage="Characters" aria-label="ID Badge">
<i class="fa-solid fa-id-badge" aria-hidden="true" title="Characters"></i>
</a>
<<if def $phUnlockedCC>><a id="side_mirror" class="btn btn-primary" href="#" data-passage="MobileMirror" aria-label="Character Customization">
<i class="fa-solid fa-palette" aria-hidden="true" title="Character Customization"></i>
</a><</if>>
<a id="side_achievements" class="btn btn-primary" href="#" data-passage="Achievements" aria-label="Trophy">
<i class="fa-solid fa-trophy" aria-hidden="true" title="Achievements"></i>
</a></div><</if>><</nobr>><</if>>
<<TimeEnergy>>
<<if $phUIDisplay eq 1>><<CurrentGoal>><</if>>
[img[Assets/Console/Flourish.png]]
<<Location>><hr />
<a class="btn btn-primary" href="#" data-passage="Help" aria-label="Help Icon">
<i class="fa-solid fa-question-circle" aria-hidden="true" title="Help"></i><span class="menu_help">Help</span>
</a><<nobr>><<if $phUIDisplay eq 1>>
<<run _pda_pulse to recall('pda_pulse')>>
<<run _characters_pulse to recall('characters_pulse')>>
<<run _mirror_pulse to recall('mirror_pulse')>>
<<run _achievements_pulse to recall('achievements_pulse')>>
<<if _pda_pulse>><<addclass "#side_pda i" "pulse">><<else>><<removeclass "#side_pda i" "pulse">><</if>>
<<if _characters_pulse>><<addclass "#side_characters i" "pulse">><<else>><<removeclass "#side_characters i" "pulse">><</if>>
<<if def $phUnlockedCC>><<if _mirror_pulse>><<addclass "#side_mirror i" "pulse">><<else>><<removeclass "#side_mirror i" "pulse">><</if>><</if>>
<<if _achievements_pulse>><<addclass "#side_achievements i" "pulse">><<else>><<removeclass "#side_achievements i" "pulse">><</if>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<set $phTime to 4>>
<div class="paper"><h1>Application for Employment</h1>
@@.heading;First Name@@
<<textbox "$phYou.humanname" "Alan">>
@@.heading;Last Name@@
<<textbox "$phYou.surname" "Davis">>
@@.heading;Sex@@
<<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "male" checked>> @@.text;Male@@
<<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "female">> @@.text;Female@@
@@.heading;Career Goals@@
@@.text;Blah blah blah, etc. etc.@@
@@.heading;Education@@
@@.text;Blah and double blah.@@
@@.heading;References@@
@@.text;Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh. Triple blah...@@
</div>
Enough for one night. Time for @@.choice;[[Bed.|The Offer][$phUIDisplay to 0]]@@<<widget "CurrentGoal">>
<<nobr>><center><hr><u>''Current Goal''</u></center>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 1>>
<<if $phSoulCount lt 3>>@@.narrative;Obtain 3 Souls In $phLazDays Day<<if $phLazDays gt 1>>s<</if>>@@<<else>>@@.complete;Obtain 3 Souls@@<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 2>>
<<if $phSoulCount lt 6>>@@.narrative;Obtain 6 Souls In $phLazDays Day<<if $phLazDays gt 1>>s<</if>>@@<<else>>@@.complete;Obtain 6 Souls In $phLazDays Day<<if $phLazDays gt 1>>s<</if>><</if>><br>
<<if ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 0)>>@@.narrative;Build A Casino@@<<else>>@@.complete;Build A Casino@@<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression is 3) and ($phAvery.post_talk lte 6)>>@@.narrative;Meet & Greet Avery@@<</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression is 3) and ($phAvery.post_talk gte 7) and (hasVisited("AverySabotage") is false)>>@@.narrative;Wait For... Something@@<</if>>
<<if (($phStoryProgression is 3.1) and ($phChastity.post_talk lt 3)) or (($phStoryProgression is 3) and hasVisited("AverySabotage"))>>@@.complete;Wait For... Something@@<</if>>
<<if (($phStoryProgression is 3.1) and ($phChastity.post_talk is 3)) or ($phStoryProgression is 3.3)>>@@.narrative;Wait For Chastity To Call@@<</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression is 3.2) and ($phChastity.post_talk is 4)>><<if $phNadia.transform is 'pre'>>@@.narrative;Satisfy Nadia In $phLazDays Day<<if $phLazDays gt 1>>s<</if>>@@<<else>>@@.narrative;Wait for Chastity to Call@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phSelene.post_talk gte 6) and ($phSelene.post_talk lt 20)>><br>@@.narrative;Save Selene!@@<</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt gte 2) and ($phXavierHunt lt 11)>><br>@@.narrative;Catch the Intruder!@@<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "CC_Image">>
<<script>>
State.setVar("_Char",variables().args[0].split("/")[0]);
State.setVar("_Img",variables().args[0].split("/")[1]);
State.setVar("_Skin",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(0));
State.setVar("_Hair",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(1));
State.setVar("_Eyes",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(2));
State.setVar("_Lips",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(3));
State.setVar("_Gem",variables().phYou['necklace']);
if (window.matchMedia("(max-width: 767px)").matches) {
State.setVar("_isMobile",true);
}
else { State.setVar("_isMobile",false); }
<</script>>
<<if _isMobile is false>>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>
<<set _BaseImage to "Assets/Characters/" + $args[0] + "Male.png">>
<<else>>
<<set _BaseImage to "Assets/Characters/" + $args[0] + ".png">>
<</if>>
<<set _Style to "min-height:" + $args[1] + "px;background:url('" + _BaseImage + "') no-repeat">>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/" + $args[0] + "/">>
<</if>>
<<if _isMobile is true>>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>
<<set _BaseImage to "Assets/Characters/" + _Char + "/Mobile/" + _Img + "Male.png">>
<<else>>
<<set _BaseImage to "Assets/Characters/" + _Char + "/Mobile/" + _Img + ".png">>
<</if>>
<<set _Style to "min-height:" + $args[1] + "px;background:url('" + _BaseImage + "') no-repeat">>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/Mobile/" + $args[0] + "/">>
<</if>>
<div id="cc_image_wrapper" @style="_Style">
<div id="cc_image">
<div id="hair"><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>[img[_CCImgPath + "MaleHair_" + _Hair + ".png"]]<<else>>[img[_CCImgPath + "Hair_" + _Hair + ".png"]]<</if>></div>
<div id="skin"><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>[img[_CCImgPath + "MaleSkin_" + _Skin + ".png"]]<<else>>[img[_CCImgPath + "Skin_" + _Skin + ".png"]]<</if>></div>
<div id="eyes"><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>[img[_CCImgPath + "MaleEyes_" + _Eyes + ".png"]]<<else>>[img[_CCImgPath + "Eyes_" + _Eyes + ".png"]]<</if>></div>
<div id="lips"><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>[img[_CCImgPath + "MaleLips_" + _Lips + ".png"]]<<else>>[img[_CCImgPath + "Lips_" + _Lips + ".png"]]<</if>></div>
<div id="gem">[img[_CCImgPath + "Gem_" + _Gem + ".png"]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<</widget>>
<<widget "SetAchievement">>
<<if (passage() != "Skip to Ch2") and (passage() != "Skip to Ch3")>>
<<run _alreadyset to recall($args[0])>>
<<if not _alreadyset>>
<<run memorize($args[0],true)>>
<<run memorize('achievements_pulse',true)>>
<<script>>
if (Dialog.isOpen("achievement")) {
var Addendum = Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement_unlocked").processText());
Dialog.append(Addendum);
}
else {
Dialog.setup("Achievement Unlocked!", 'achievement');
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement_unlocked").processText());
Dialog.open();
}
<</script>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "BreakAchievement">>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 9>>
<<switch $args[0]>>
<<case "phGenderAchieve">>
<<run _alreadyset to recall($args[0])>>
<<if _alreadyset != "broken">>
<<run memorize($args[0],"broken")>>
<<set _doScript to true>>
<</if>>
<<case "phNeckAchieve">>
<<run _alreadyset to recall($args[0])>>
<<if _alreadyset != "broken">>
<<run memorize($args[0],"broken")>>
<<run memorize('achievements_pulse',true)>>
<<set _doScript to true>>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<</switch>>
<<if _doScript is true>>
<<script>>
if (Dialog.isOpen("break_achieve")) {
var Addendum = Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement_broken").processText());
Dialog.append(Addendum);
}
Dialog.setup("Achievement Broken!", "break_achieve");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievement_broken").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "GetAchievements">>
<<set _achieved = []>>
<<set _unachieved = []>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $phAchievements.length; _i++>>
<<if (recall($phAchievements[_i]) == true)>>
<<run _achieved.pushUnique($phAchievements[_i])>>
<<else>>
<<run _unachieved.pushUnique($phAchievements[_i])>>
<</if>>
<</for>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "TimeEnergy">><<nobr>>
@@.statblock;
<span class="time">
<<switch $phTime>>
<<case 0>>
@@color:orange;<i class="fa-solid fa-sun" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Time of Day"></i>@@ Morning
<<case 1>>
@@color:yellow;<i class="fa-solid fa-sun" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Time of Day"></i>@@ Afternoon
<<case 2>>
@@color:darkturquoise;<i class="fa-solid fa-cloud-moon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Time of Day"></i>@@ Evening@@
<<case 3>>@@color:blueviolet;<i class="fa-solid fa-moon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Time of Day"></i>@@ Closing Time@@
<<case 4>>@@color:blueviolet;<i class="fa-solid fa-moon" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Time of Day"></i>@@ Midnight@@
<</switch>>
</span>
<<if $phUIDisplay is 1>>
<span class="energy">
<<if settings.phTheme != "Light">>
@@color:#ffd868;<i class="fa-solid fa-bolt-lightning" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Current Energy"></i>@@
<<else>>@@color:#ff0000;<i class="fa fa-bolt" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Current Energy"></i><</if>> <<if $phEnergy >= Math.round(($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))*0.8)>>@@color:red;$phEnergy@@<<else>>$phEnergy<</if>></span>
<span class="soulgems">@@color:green;<i class="fa-solid fa-gem" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="Soulgems"></i>@@ $phSoulCount Soulgem<<if $phSoulCount > 1>>s<</if>> Collected</span><</if>>
<</nobr>><</widget>>
<<widget "Location">>
<<if ndef $phLocation>><<addclass "#story-caption" "invisible">>
<<else>><<removeclass "#story-caption" "invisible">>
<</if>>
<<set _locationPic to "Assets/Locations/"+$phLocations[$phLocation]['image']>>
<<set _locationName to $phLocations[$phLocation]['name']>>
@@.locationPic;[img[_locationPic]]@@
@@.locationName;~_locationName~@@<</widget>>
<<widget "GetBuildings">>
<<set _Include = ["CompCafe","Gym","ShakeShack"]>>
<<if $phStoryProgression > 1>>
<<run _Include.pushUnique('Floor2', 'Casino')>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Floor2'].built == 1>>
<<run _Include.pushUnique('Bank')>>
<<if $phXavierHunt >= 3>>
<<run _Include.pushUnique('Security')>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phXavier.transform != 'pre'>>
<<run _Include.pushUnique('Inferno','Elysium')>>
<</if>>
<<set _buildingsBuilt to []>>
<<set _buildingsAvailable to []>>
<<for _i, _name range $phLocations>>
<<capture _i>>
<<if (_Include.includes(_i))>>
<<if $phLocations[_i].built == 1>>
<<run _buildingsBuilt.pushUnique(_i)>>
<<else>>
<<run _buildingsAvailable.pushUnique(_i)>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</capture>>
<</for>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "GetUpgrades">>
<<set _upgradesAvailable to []>>
<<set _upgradesBought to []>>
<<set _t1Count to 0>>
<<set _t2Count to 0>>
<<set _t3Count to 0>>
<<for _i, _name range $phSpecialAbilities>>
<<capture _i>>
<<if $phSpecialAbilities[_i].bought == 1>>
<<run _upgradesBought.pushUnique(_i)>>
<<switch $phSpecialAbilities[_i].tier>>
<<case 1>><<set _t1Count++>>
<<case 2>><<set _t2Count++>>
<<case 3>><<set _t3Count++>>
<</switch>>
<<elseif $phSpecialAbilities[_i].bought == 2>>
<<set _target to _i>>
<<else>>
<<run _upgradesAvailable.pushUnique(_i)>>
<</if>>
<</capture>>
<</for>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "CC_Avatar">>
<<if $phYou.form == "male">>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/CC/Male">>
<<else>>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/CC/">>
<</if>>
<<script>>
State.setVar("_Skin",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(0));
State.setVar("_Hair",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(1));
State.setVar("_Eyes",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(2));
State.setVar("_Lips",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(3));
State.setVar("_Gem","Assets/Characters/You/CC/necklace_" + variables().phYou['necklace']);
<</script>>
<div class="pro">
<div id="skin">[img[_CCImgPath + "Skin_" + _Skin + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="hair">[img[_CCImgPath + "Hair_" + _Hair + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="eyes">[img[_CCImgPath + "Eyes_" + _Eyes + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="lips">[img[_CCImgPath + "Lips_" + _Lips + ".png"]]</div>
<<if $phYou.necklace != 0>><div id="gem">[img[_Gem + ".png"]]</div><</if>>
</div>
<</widget>>
<<widget "Pro">>
<<run _isnpc = $args[0].toString();>>
<<if _isnpc.includes('npc')>>
<<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/"+$args[0]+".gif">>
@@.pro;[img[_profilePic]]@@
<<elseif $phYou.gender == 'male' and $args[0].portrait == 'prevyou'>>
<<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/UnknownM.gif">>
@@.pro;[img[_profilePic]]@@
<<elseif $phYou.gender == 'female' and $args[0].portrait == 'prevyou'>>
<<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/UnknownF.gif">>
@@.pro;[img[_profilePic]]@@
<<elseif def $args[0].cc_code>>
<<CC_Avatar>>
<<else>>
<<set _profilePic to "Assets/Profiles/"+$args[0].portrait+".gif">>
@@.pro;[img[_profilePic]]@@ <</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "nm">>
<<= '@@.' + $args[0].style + ';.dialog;\n<<Pro $args[0]>>$args[0].name<hr>\n$args[1]\n@@'>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "npc">>
<<= '@@.' + $args[0] + ';.dialog;\n<<Pro $args[0]>>$args[1]<hr>\n$args[2]\n@@'>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "EmployeeCard">>
<<nobr>>
<<set _fullname = $args[0].name + " " + $args[0].surname>>
<</nobr>>
<div class="idcard">
<<= '<header class="' + $args[0].empstatus + '"><span>' + $args[0].empstatus + '</span></header>'>>
<article>
<<switch $args[0].transform>>
<<case "magician">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/SaraMCard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<case "kitsune">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/SaraKCard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<case "siren">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/PetraSCard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<case "drow">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/PetraDCard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<case "genie">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/NadiaGCard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<case "angel">>
[img["Assets/Profiles/NadiaACard.png"][$args[0].style]]
<<default>>
[img["Assets/Profiles/" +$args[0].name + "Card.png"][$args[0].style]]
<</switch>>
</article>
<div class="idname">[[_fullname|$args[0].style]]</div>
<div class="idtitle">$args[0].title</div>
</div>
<</widget>>
<<widget "BuildEmployeeMenu">>
<<set $phEmployees = [$phLazren]>>
<<if $phAvery.post_talk > 0>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phAvery)>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phMammon.focus_bank >= 2) or ($phMammon.focus_casino >= 2)>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phMammon)>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phSelene.focus_vault >= 1)>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phSelene)>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phKagar.post_talk >= 1)>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phKagar)>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phMunokho.post_talk >= 1)>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phMunokho)>>
<</if>>
<<if $phChastity.post_talk >= 3 >>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phChastity)>>
<</if>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phMason)>>
<<if $phNadia.focus_casino >= 1>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phNadia)>>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.focus_security > 0>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phPetra)>>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.focus_table > 0>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phSara)>>
<</if>>
<<for _i to 0; _i < $phCharacters.length; _i++>>
<<capture _i>>
<<if ($phCharacters[_i]['transform'] != "pre")>>
<<run $phEmployees.pushUnique($phCharacters[_i])>>
<</if>>
<</capture>>
<</for>>
<<for _i to 0; _i < $phEmployees.length; _i++>>
<<capture _i>>
<<EmployeeCard $phEmployees[_i]>>
<</capture>>
<</for>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "CassandraFlip">>
<<switch $phCassandra.transform>>
<<case "hentai">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "Mr. $phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "Ms. $phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<<case "punk">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "bitch-boy">>
<<else>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "bitch">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "Mr. $phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phCassandra.address = "Ms. $phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phCassandra.Address = $phCassandra.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "DamienFlip">>
<<switch $phDamien.transform>>
<<case "bull">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "hoss">>
<<else>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "ma'am">>
<</if>>
<<case "sissy">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "mistress">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "Mr. $phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phDamien.address = "Ms. $phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phDamien.Address = $phDamien.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "JolieFlip">>
<<switch $phJolie.portrait>>
<<case "JJ">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "Mr. $phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "Ms. $phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<<case "Delivery">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "mister">>
<<else>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "lady">>
<</if>>
<<case "Domme">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "slave">>
<<else>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "slave">>
<</if>>
<<case "Wife">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "dear">>
<<else>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "honey">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "Mr. $phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phJolie.address = "Ms. $phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phJolie.Address = $phJolie.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "LazrenFlip">>
<<switch $phLazren.transform>>
<<case "ABC">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "tiger">>
<<else>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "cowgirl">>
<</if>>
<<case "XYZ">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "tiger">>
<<else>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "cowgirl">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "tiger">>
<<else>>
<<set $phLazren.address = "cowgirl">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phLazren.Address = $phLazren.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "MammonFlip">>
<<switch $phMammon.transform>>
<<case "ABC">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<</if>>
<<case "XYZ">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMammon.address = "child">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phMammon.Address = $phMammon.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "MasonFlip">>
<<switch $phMason.transform>>
<<case "dom">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMason.address = "sir">>
<<set $phMason.you = "cockslave">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMason.address = "madam">>
<<set $phMason.you = "whore">>
<</if>>
<<set $phMason.You = $phMason.you.toUpperFirst();>>
<<case "sub">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMason.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMason.address = "madam">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phMason.address = "sir">>
<<else>>
<<set $phMason.address = "madam">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phMason.Address = $phMason.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "NadiaFlip">>
<<switch $phNadia.transform>>
<<case "genie">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "mistress">>
<</if>>
<<case "angel">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phNadia.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phNadia.Address = $phNadia.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "PetraFlip">>
<<switch $phPetra.transform>>
<<case "siren">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "captain">>
<<else>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "captain">>
<</if>>
<<case "drow">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "cap">>
<<else>>
<<set $phPetra.address = "cap">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phPetra.Address = $phPetra.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "SamanthaFlip">>
<<switch $phSamantha.transform>>
<<case "bimbo">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "mistress">>
<</if>>
<<case "futa">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "mistress">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "Mr. $phYou.surname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phSamantha.address = "Ms. $phYou.surname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phSamantha.Address = $phSamantha.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "SaraFlip">>
<<switch $phSara.transform>>
<<case "magician">>
<<set $phSara.address = "$pmaam">>
<<case "kitsune">>
<<set $phSara.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<set $phKayo.address = "$phYou.firstname-//kun//">>
<<set $phKayo.Address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<default>>
<<set $phSara.address = "$pMs $phYou.firstname">>
<</switch>>
<<set $phSara.Address = $phSara.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "SeleneFlip">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phSelene.address = "master">>
<<else>>
<<set $phSelene.address = "mistress">>
<</if>>
<<set $phSelene.Address = $phSelene.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "TrainerFlip">>
<<set $phMunokho.address = $pmaam>>
<<set $phKagar.address = $pmaam>>
<<set $phMunokho.Address = $phMunokho.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<<set $phKagar.Address = $phKagar.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "XavierFlip">>
<<switch $phXavier.transform>>
<<case "vampire">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "sir">>
<<else>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "ma'am">>
<</if>>
<<case "dryad">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "$phYou.firstname">>
<</if>>
<<default>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "Mr. $phYou.surname">>
<<else>>
<<set $phXavier.address = "Ms. $phYou.surname">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phXavier.Address = $phXavier.address.toUpperFirst();>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "GenderFlip">>
<<if ($args[0] != 'male') and ($args[0] != 'female') and ($args[0] != 'futa')>><<set $args[0] == 'futa'>><</if>>
<<set $phYou.form to $args[0]>>
<<CassandraFlip>>
<<DamienFlip>>
<<JolieFlip>>
<<LazrenFlip>>
<<MammonFlip>>
<<MasonFlip>>
<<NadiaFlip>>
<<PetraFlip>>
<<SamanthaFlip>>
<<SaraFlip>>
<<SeleneFlip>>
<<TrainerFlip>>
<<XavierFlip>>
<<if $args[0] == "male">>
<<set $pShe = "He">>
<<set $pshe = "he">>
<<set $pHer = "Him">>
<<set $pher = "him">>
<<set $pHerHis = "His">>
<<set $pherhis = "his">>
<<set $pHers = "His">>
<<set $phers = "his">>
<<set $pMistress = "Master">>
<<set $pgirl = "boy">>
<<set $pmaam = "sir">>
<<set $pMs = "Mr.">>
<<script>>
var TempCCCode = State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4);
State.variables.phYou['cc_code'] = TempCCCode + "M";
<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($args[0] == "futa") or ($args[0] == "female")>>
<<set $pShe = "She">>
<<set $pshe = "she">>
<<set $pHer = "Her">>
<<set $pher = "her">>
<<set $pHerHis = "Her">>
<<set $pherhis = "her">>
<<set $pHers = "Hers">>
<<set $phers = "hers">>
<<set $pMistress = "Mistress">>
<<set $pgirl = "girl">>
<<set $pmaam = "ma'am">>
<<set $pMs = "Ms.">>
<<if ($args[0] == "futa")>>
<<script>>
var TempCCCode = State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4);
State.variables.phYou['cc_code'] = TempCCCode + "F";
<</script>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
var TempCCCode = State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4);
State.variables.phYou['cc_code'] = TempCCCode + "W";
<</script>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "Transform">>
<<switch $args[0].name>>
<<case "Samantha" "Sammy">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "bimbo">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "bimbo">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Sammy">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Sammy">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Executive Assistant">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Office']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['SamanthaDate']['name'] = "Retro Cafe">>
<<set $phLocations['SamanthaDate']['image'] = "DateSammy.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_office = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phSamanthaBimbo">>
<<case "futa">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "futa">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Samantha">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Samantha">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Executive Assistant">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Office']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['SamanthaDate']['name'] = "Classy Restaurant">>
<<set $phLocations['SamanthaDate']['image'] = "DateSamantha.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_office = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phSamanthaFuta">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Damien" "Dana">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "sissy">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "sissy">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Dana">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Dana">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Personal Trainer">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Gym']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['DamienDate']['name'] = "Skating Rink">>
<<set $phLocations['DamienDate']['image'] = "DateDana.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_gym = 7>>
<<set $args[0].focus_shake = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phDamienSissy">>
<<case "bull">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "bull">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Damien">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Dam">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Maintenance Manager">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['ShakeShack']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['DamienDate']['name'] = "Road Trip">>
<<set $phLocations['DamienDate']['image'] = "DateDamien.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_gym = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_shake = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phDamienBull">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Cassandra" "Cass" "Cassy">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "punk">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "punk">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Cass">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Cass">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Fuck Off">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Gym']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] = "Graffiti Park">>
<<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] = "DateCass.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_gym = 7>>
<<set $args[0].focus_comp = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phCassandraPunk">>
<<case "hentai">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "hentai">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Cassy">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Cassy">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Virtual Assistant">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['CompCafe']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] = "Another World">>
<<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] = "DateCassyVR.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_gym = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_comp = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phCassandraHentai">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Jolie" "JJ">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "pornstar">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "pornstar">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Jolie">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Jolie">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Motivational Coach">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['CompCafe']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['JolieDate']['name'] = "Cinema Museum">>
<<set $phLocations['JolieDate']['image'] = "DateJolie.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_shake = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_comp = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phJoliePornstar">>
<<case "cowgirl">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "cowgirl">>
<<set $args[0].name = "JJ">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "JJ">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Cashier">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['ShakeShack']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['JolieDate']['name'] = "Horse Farm">>
<<set $phLocations['JolieDate']['image'] = "DateJJ.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_shake = 7>>
<<set $args[0].focus_comp = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phJolieCowgirl">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Xavier" "Xun">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "vampire">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "vampire">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Xavier">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "XavierVamp">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Nightclub Manager">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Inferno']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['name'] = "City Park">>
<<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] = "DateXavier.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_inferno = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_elysium = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phXavierVampire">>
<<case "dryad">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "dryad">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Xun">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Xun">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Grounds Manager">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Elysium']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['name'] = "Nature Trail">>
<<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] = "DateXun.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_elysium = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_inferno = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phXavierDryad">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Petra">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "siren">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "siren">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Petra">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "PetraS">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Security Guard">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Elysium']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['PetraDate']['name'] = "Aquarium">>
<<set $phLocations['PetraDate']['image'] = "DateSiren.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_security = 12>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phPetraSiren">>
<<case "drow">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "drow">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Petra">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "PetraD">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Security Manager">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Inferno']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['PetraDate']['name'] = "Carnival">>
<<set $phLocations['PetraDate']['image'] = "DateDrow.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_security = 12>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phPetraDrow">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Sara">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "kitsune">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "kitsune">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Sara">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "SaraKitsune">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Bartender">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['CornerPocket']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['SaraDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['SaraDate']['image'] = "DateKitsune.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_table = 8>>
<<set $args[0].focus_bar = 6>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phSaraKitsune">>
<<case "magician">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "magician">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Sara">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "SaraMagician">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Entertainer">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['Casino']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['SaraDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['SaraDate']['image'] = "DateMagician.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_table = 6>>
<<set $args[0].focus_bar = 8>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phSaraMagician">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Mason">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "dom">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "dom">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "MasonDom">>
<<set $phLocations['MasonDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['MasonDate']['image'] = "DateMasonDom.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].post_talk = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set $args[0].you to 'cockslave'>>
<<else>><<set $args[0].you to 'whore'>><</if>>
<<set $args[0].You to $args[0].you.toUpperFirst();>>
<<set $args[0].commands = []>>
<<SetAchievement "phMasonDom">>
<<case "sub">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "sub">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "MasonSub">>
<<set $phLocations['MasonDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['MasonDate']['image'] = "DateMasonSub.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].post_talk = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<set $args[0].commands = []>>
<<SetAchievement "phMasonSub">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Selene">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "big">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "big">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "SeleneBig">>
<<set $phLocations['SeleneDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['SeleneDate']['image'] = "DateSeleneBig.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].post_talk = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phSeleneBig">>
<<case "clone">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "clone">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "Selene">>
<<set $phLocations['SeleneDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['SeleneDate']['image'] = "DateSeleneClone.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].post_talk = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<set $phSelclone={
name: "Selene",
surname: "Sampam",
portrait: "SeleneClone",
style: "selclone",
transform: "clone",
focus_vault: 0,
recharge: 0,
sex: 0,
trans_counter: 0,
post_talk: 0,
is_preg:0,
preg_chance:0,
goodbye:"none",
address:"ma'am",
Address:"Ma'am",
date:1,
title:"Treasurer",
empstatus:"affiliate",
location:$phLocations['Vault'].name
}>>
<<SetAchievement "phSeleneClone">>
<</switch>>
<<case "Nadia">>
<<switch $args[1]>>
<<case "genie">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "genie">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Nadia">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "NadiaGenie">>
<<set $args[0].title = "Complementary Services">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "affiliate">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['VIPLounge']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['NadiaDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['NadiaDate']['image'] = "NadiaGenieDate.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_casino = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phNadiaGenie">>
<<case "angel">>
<<set $args[0].transform = "angel">>
<<set $args[0].name = "Nadia">>
<<set $args[0].portrait = "NadiaAngel">>
<<set $args[0].title = "VIP Guest">>
<<set $args[0].empstatus = "employee">>
<<set $args[0].location = $phLocations['ShangriLa']['name']>>
<<set $phLocations['NadiaDate']['name'] = "((HOLDER))">>
<<set $phLocations['NadiaDate']['image'] = "NadiaAngelDate.jpg">>
<<set $args[0].focus_casino = 7>>
<<set $args[0].recharge = 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phNadiaAngel">>
<</switch>>
<</switch>>
<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
<<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "fakeMenu">>
@@.fakeButtons.fakeClose;@@
@@.fakeButtons.fakeMinimize;@@
@@.fakeButtons.fakeZoom;@@
<</widget>>
<<widget "emailHeader">>
From: ''$args[0]'' //<$args[1]>//<br />
To: ''$args[2]'' //<$args[3]>//<br />
<</widget>>
<<widget "termtext">>
<<if $args[0] is 'yellow'>><<set _textColor to '#CDEE69'>>
<<elseif $args[0] is 'blue'>><<set _textColor to '#9CD9F0'>>
<<elseif $args[0] is 'red'>><<set _textColor to '#E09690'>>
<<elseif $args[0] is 'green'>><<set _textColor to '#22da26'>>
<<else>><<set _textColor to '#FFFFFF'>><</if>>
<<= '@@color:' + _textColor + ';$args[1]@@'>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "CC_Mirror">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/CC/Male">>
<<else>>
<<set _CCImgPath to "Assets/Characters/You/CC/">>
<</if>>
<<script>>
State.setVar("_Skin",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(0));
State.setVar("_Hair",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(1));
State.setVar("_Eyes",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(2));
State.setVar("_Lips",variables().phYou['cc_code'].charAt(3));
State.setVar("_Gem","Assets/Characters/You/CC/necklace_" + variables().phYou['necklace']);
State.setVar("_PrevNeck", variables().phYou['necklace']);
<</script>>
<div id="cc_mirror_wrapper">
<div id="cc_mirror">
<div id="skin">[img[_CCImgPath + "Skin_" + _Skin + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="hair">[img[_CCImgPath + "Hair_" + _Hair + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="eyes">[img[_CCImgPath + "Eyes_" + _Eyes + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="lips">[img[_CCImgPath + "Lips_" + _Lips + ".png"]]</div>
<div id="gem">[img[_Gem + ".png"]]</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadioWrapper" class="invisible">
<form id="cc_form">
<div id="phCCRadio">
<p>Gender:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouGender" value="female">Female</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouGender" value="futa">Futa</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouGender" value="male">Male</label>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadio">
<p>Skin:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouSkin" value="L">Light</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouSkin" value="M">Medium</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouSkin" value="D">Dark</label>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadio">
<p>Hair:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouHair" value="L">Blond</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouHair" value="R">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouHair" value="T">Light Brown</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouHair" value="B">Dark Brown</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouHair" value="K">Black</label>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadio">
<p>Eyes:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouEyes" value="L">Blue</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouEyes" value="B">Brown</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouEyes" value="G">Green</label>
</div>
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>
<div id="phCCRadio" class="notmale">
<p>Lips:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="P">Pink</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="R">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="V">Purple</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="K">Black</label>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadio" class="male invisible">
<p>Jacket:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="L">Blue</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="R">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="G">Green</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="K">Black</label>
</div>
<<else>>
<div id="phCCRadio" class="notmale invisible">
<p>Lips:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="P">Pink</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="R">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="V">Purple</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="K">Black</label>
</div>
<div id="phCCRadio" class="male">
<p>Jacket:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="L">Blue</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="R">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="G">Green</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouLips" value="K">Black</label>
</div>
<</if>>
<div id="phCCRadio">
<p>Necklace:</p>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouNeck" value="top">Red</label>
<label><input type="radio" class="macro-radiobutton" name="phYouNeck" value="bottom">Green</label>
</div>
</form>
<div id="phCCSave"> </div>
<div id="phCCButton">
<<if passage() == "Dresser">><<set $phReturn to "Dresser">><</if>>
<<if (passage() == "MobileMirror") and ($phReturn != "MobileMirror")>><<set $phReturn2 to $phReturn>><<set $phReturn to "MobileMirror">><</if>>
<<button "Perfect!" $phReturn>>
<<if $phLazren.post_talk is 4>><<set $phUnlockedCC to true>><<set $phLazren.post_talk to 5>><</if>>
<<script>>
var Skin = $("input[name='phYouSkin']:checked").val();
var Hair = $("input[name='phYouHair']:checked").val();
var Eyes = $("input[name='phYouEyes']:checked").val();
var Lips = $("input[name='phYouLips']:checked").val();
var Neck = $("input[name='phYouNeck']:checked").val();
State.variables.phYou['necklace'] = Neck;
var Gender = $("input[name='phYouGender']:checked").val();
State.variables.phYou['form'] = Gender;
switch(Gender) {
case "male":
Gender = 'M';
break;
case "female":
Gender = 'W';
break;
case "futa":
Gender = 'F';
break;
}
State.variables.phYou['cc_code'] = Skin + Hair + Eyes + Lips + Gender;
var GC = State.variables.phOldCC;
if (GC == State.variables.phYou['cc_code']) { State.variables.phGenderChanged = false; }
if (
(GC.slice(0,4) == State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4)) && (GC[4] != State.variables.phYou['cc_code'][4])
) { State.variables.phGenderChanged = "Gender Only"; }
if ((GC.slice(0,4) != State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4)) && (GC[4] == State.variables.phYou['cc_code'][4])) { State.variables.phGenderChanged = "Color Only"; }
if ((GC.slice(0,4) != State.variables.phYou['cc_code'].slice(0,4)) && (GC[4] != State.variables.phYou['cc_code'][4])) { State.variables.phGenderChanged = "Gender Color"; }
switch(Skin) {
case "L":
State.variables.phYou['skin'] = "pale";
break;
case "M":
State.variables.phYou['skin'] = "tan";
break;
case "D":
State.variables.phYou['skin'] = "dark";
break;
}
switch(Hair) {
case "L":
State.variables.phYou['hair'] = "blond";
break;
case "R":
State.variables.phYou['hair'] = "red";
break;
case "T":
State.variables.phYou['hair'] = "light brown";
break;
case "B":
State.variables.phYou['hair'] = "dark brown";
break;
case "K":
State.variables.phYou['hair'] = "black";
break;
}
switch(Eyes) {
case "L":
State.variables.phYou['eyes'] = "blue";
break;
case "B":
State.variables.phYou['eyes'] = "brown";
break;
case "G":
State.variables.phYou['eyes'] = "green";
break;
}
switch(Lips) {
case "P":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "pink";
break;
case "R":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "red";
break;
case "V":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "purple";
break;
case "K":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "black";
break;
case "L":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "navy";
break;
case "G":
State.variables.phYou['lips'] = "dark green";
break;
}
<</script>>
<<if _PrevNeck != $phYou.necklace>><<set $phDresserChange to "YES CHANGED">><<if ($phYou.necklace is 'top') and ($phMason.transform is 'dom') and ($phMasonCommand is 'Sub')>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'SubBroken'>><</if>><</if>>
<</button>>
</div>
</div>
<</widget>>
<<widget CheckFociReady>>
<<set $phFociReady to []>>
<<if ($phDamien.focus_gym == 4) or ($phDamien.focus_gym == 5) or ($phDamien.focus_shake == 4) or ($phDamien.focus_shake == 5)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Damien")<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.focus_gym is 4) or ($phCassandra.focus_gym is 5) or ($phCassandra.focus_comp is 4) or ($phCassandra.focus_comp is 5)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Cassandra")<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.focus_comp is 4) or ($phJolie.focus_comp is 5) or ($phJolie.focus_shake is 4) or ($phJolie.focus_shake is 5)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Jolie")<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt is 11) and ($phXavier.focus_elysium != 8) and ($phXavier.focus_inferno != 8)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Xavier")<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.focus_security is 8.3)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Petra")<</script>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phSara.focus_bar is 4) or ($phSara.focus_table is 4)>>
<<script>>State.variables.phFociReady.pushUnique("Sara")<</script>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget FVLinks>>
<div class="choice">
<<if not settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<link "Activate FetishVision">>
<<script>>
settings.phSpoilerMode = true;
Engine.show();
<</script>>
<</link>> (Show Spoilers - Optional)
<</if>>
<<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<link "Turn Off FetishVision">>
<<script>>
settings.phSpoilerMode = false;
Engine.show();
<</script>>
<</link>> (Hide Spoilers - Optional)
<</if>>
</div>
<</widget>>
<<widget FVContent>>
<span class="spoiler">(<b>Fetishes:</b> $args[0])</span>
<</widget>>
<<widget FVText>>
<<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVContent $args[0]>>
<</if>>
<</widget>><<set $phLocation to 'Exterior'>><<set $phTime to 1>>Okay. Things were officially getting crazy.
The car had been insane enough. You weren't sure what you were expecting when they said 'car' but it hadn't been an honest-to-God limousine. You had found yourself sitting, alone, on cushioned leather seats with a small mini-bar arrayed next to you. Showing up blitzed would //not// make a good impression, however, and you managed to resist the temptation, even if it would have been useful to calm your nerves.
But the building put it to shame. As you had let the car door close behind you and craned your neck, you realized this all had to be some sort of mix up. It was a skyscraper, at least eight or nine stories bigger than anything else downtown, clawing for the sky with its chromed windows gleaming in the sunshine. You saw 'pardon our dust' signs displayed here and there, but couldn't see so much as a speck of dust out of place. A large sign near the main entrance proudly welcomed a small stream of guests in foot-high golden letters.
@@.image;<picture>
<source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="Assets/Locations/EntranceSign_Mobile.jpg">
[img[Assets/Locations/EntranceSign.jpg]]
</picture>@@
Stepping through, you'd found yourself at the entrance to a mall, or at least that was the closest thing you could think to call it. You recognized the shop fronts spread across two floors of shopping, but most of the malls you visited didn't have marble flooring, gold rails, or literal red carpets. Judging from the assorted //ooohs// and //ahhs// from the other guests entering the shops, you weren't the only one impressed.
The main office lobby at the front of the mall was just as ridiculously opulent as the rest of it, but you didn't notice as much. Rather, the sign directing 'interviewees' to the elevator and up to nearly the top floor reminded you that you hadn't landed the job yet. If you kept rubbernecking like a tourist they were going to realize you had no idea what you were doing here.
So you tried to keep your expression calm and casual, as if this sort of thing happened to you every day. Even when the elevator opened up to a short hallways trimmed with even more gold, crystal, and mirrored walls, you just <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>straightened your tie<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>smoothed the front of your skirt<</if>> and walked off the elevator as if the job was already yours.
The hallway was short, ending in a circular room with three doors. The door to the left sported a silver sign etched with 'Research and Development', the door on the right featured a simple magnetic board printed with 'Supplies', and the door straight ahead was emblazoned with golden letters:
@@.narrative;//Management//@@
The corner of the room between Management and Supplies was taken up by a desk, a half circle of dark mahogany topped with a glass surface. A woman sat the computer, typing rapidly. Her brown hair was done up into a short bob that framed her freckled face. Her white blouse featured a plunging neckline, but there wasn't all that much cleavage for it to show off. Her eyes, framed through thick glasses, sparkled with apparently genuine excitement as she looked up and flashed a beaming, if slightly shy, smile in your direction.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname?">>
<<nm $phYou "Samantha?">>
You held out your hand in @@.choice;[[Greeting.|Interview2]]<<nobr>>
<<set $phTime to 0>>
<</nobr>>@@.narrative;RRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG@@
The dream you were having shattered into flecks of barely-remembered sights and sounds in the face of that accursed screech. Reflexively, you rolled out of bed, slammed your knee on the traitorous bedframe, uttered a few choice curses about fair weather furniture, and snatched your phone up off the nightstand.
A quick look at the screen showed that it was no number you recognized. That ruled out all the collection agencies you'd marked in your contact list, but there were always new ones calling. For a long moment, you considered just rejecting the call and going back to bed. It would be easier than having an argument with whatever company decided that paying //them// back should be your first and only priority.
The Hell with it: your knee hurt, you were tired, and you figured a good argument might just give you the energy to face the day. You tagged the 'Accept Call' button and lifted the phone to your ear.
<<nm $phPhone "Hello! Is this <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname?">>
A female voice. You'd talked to female collections people before, but it was rare. Still, you braced yourself for the chipper yet insistent reminder of some past due bill or other.
<<nm $phYou "Yes?">>
<<nm $phPhone "Oh Good! My name is Samantha, and I'm calling from Paradise Inc. about your application. Do you have a minute to talk?">>
Application? Your mind skidded to a halt, and you automatically turned your attention to your laptop on the nightstand beside the bed. You hadn't actually finished any applications last night, had you? Even if you had, there was no way they would process one so--
Ah ha. It couldn't have been one from last night. It must have been one you did ages ago, before this last temp job, and they were only now following up on the day you happened to need it. Maybe you were finally catching a lucky break.
Lucky -- //if// you could actually land the interview. You straightened up and tried to alter the pitch of your voice to<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>> be deeper and more friendly, without going too far into 'radio announcer' voice.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>> be chipper and bright, like a Disney princess that would just //love// to answer the company's phones all day!<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Of course! Wow, yes, I'm really glad to hear back from you. You guys were at the top of my list. Of course I have time, please, go ahead.">>
Laying it on thick? Yes. But you did what you had to do. Now if you could only remember what Paradise Inc. did... The 'Inc' meant 'Incorporated' -- unless it was 'Ink', but you were certain you'd remember applying for a tattoo shop. The name didn't ring any bells, but you'd long ago stopped caring exactly what you were applying for.
<<nm $phPhone "Oooh, I can already see you have the enthusiasm for the job, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname, that's wonderful. Miss Lazren wanted me to set up an interview with you right away, but if you have any questions for me first, I'm happy to answer them.">>
Questions? You could probably come up with some.
<<include "Interview Questions">><<nm $phYou "I think I've got everything I need. What were you saying about an interview?">>
<<nm $phPhone "I almost forgot! Miss Lazren wanted to see you as soon as it was convenient. Are you doing anything right now?">>
That threw you for a loop. You'd had interviews before that felt rushed, but even those usually scheduled a day or two in advance.
<<nm $phYou "Now? As in right this second? Ah...No, not really, I'm free right now.">>
<<nm $phPhone "Perfect! We'll send the car for you. If this address I have is correct, it should be about thirty minutes?">>
//Car//? You felt your head starting to spin. Being in a rush was one thing, you'd handled that before. But no one had ever sent a car to come fetch you. Exactly what job had you just signed up for? Your mouth moved on autopilot.
<<nm $phYou "Sure. That would be...uh...that would be great.">>
<<nm $phPhone "Perfect! I'll go ahead and get that arranged. We're looking forward to see you, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname. Good luck!">>
She disconnected, and you stared at the phone for several seconds, as though you could will more answers from the glass surface. Either you had just gotten amazingly lucky or the other shoe was about to drop //hard//.
Shit. Now you had thirty minutes and you weren't even dressed yet. You needed a shower<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>> and a shave before the car arrived.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>> and a quick stab at makeup before the car arrived.<</if>> If you hurried, you just might be presentable. You were even pretty sure you had a <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>clean dress shirt somewhere in the apartment.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>cute blouse that had been washed recently somewhere in the house.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Pretty Sure...|Interview]]@@@@.image;<picture>
<source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaBase.png">
[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaBase.png]]
</picture>@@
<<set $phLocation to "Office">><<nm $phSamantha "You remembered! I'm very impressed!">>
She stood up from the desk and circled around it to greet you, giving you a view of a conservative knee length skirt over her heels. She was a little shorter than you were, and had to raise both her hands up to shake yours, her soft fingers squeezing once.
<<nm $phYou "Of course, how could I forget? I'm surprised //you// remembered //me//.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, you're the only one today. Miss Lazren really wanted to see you as soon as possible. Pretty sure you've got a foot in the door. She's waiting for you, by the way. The car let us know when they dropped you off.">>
Waiting for you? The only one today? Just what the //Hell// had you put in that application? Maybe if you didn't get the job they would at least give you a copy so you could use it again.
<<nm $phYou "Oh...uh...good! So...right through here?">>
You gestured toward the 'Management' door, and Samantha nodded. She turned and reached over the desk to tag a button on the underside, the door lock clicking audibly. It also bent her over the desk and made her skirt ride up a little. Despite the woman's somewhat librarian-like appearance, you had to admit she had a finely toned rear.
She smiled back at you, and you wondered for a moment if she had bent over the desk that way on purpose. No, surely not.
<<nm $phSamantha "She'll be upstairs and in the back. You'll see. Don't worry if she doesn't answer, you'll find her pretty easily.">>
You started to ask what Samantha meant, but she was already pulling open the heavy door and ushering you inside. A few quick steps put you through the doorway and into...
@@.choice;
[[A Suite?|Interview3]]@@<<set $phLocation to "Suite">>White marble and gold trim spread out before you. It was immediately clear that this was less of an office and more of a living suite, judging from the full ten seat dining table in the room to your right and the enormous television and couch in the room to your left. This room was dominated by an ascending staircase up to the next floor. The second floor stretched back and around to what you assumed were more rooms, but all you could see from down here was a set of double doors at the top of the stairs that led further into the apartment.
<<nm $phYou "...Hello?">>
There was no response to your call. You threw a look over your shoulder, but Samantha has already shut the doors behind you, leaving you in the utterly silent suite.
Okay. Odd, but to be honest not any stranger than the rest of this day had been.
With nothing else to do, you climbed the stairs, calling out once or twice but still receiving no answer. By this point you weren't surprised to find the suite was ridiculously opulent. The second floor featured a series of doors, all open into lavishly appointed spare bedrooms and bejeweled bathrooms. The toilets in this place were probably worth more than your entire apartment complex.
You stopped at the double doors and knocked with one hand. There was no verbal response, but the doors clicked and swung inward slowly. The room at the top of the stairs was massive. One entire wall was actually a glass window. With no other buildings tall enough to block you view, you could see the entire city stretched out from this spot. An office desk was set up near the window, but the surface was covered in a layer of dust that suggested it hadn't been used in a while.
The central feature of the room was clear, however. A bed, directly ahead, dominated the space. It stretched at least ten feet from the headboard to the end, with a thick wooden frame built around the mattress. The top was loaded down with at least three different blankets that could have been the top layer of any other bed, one of them furred and the other two more modern comforters. The blankets wrapped around a human sized lump, immobile beneath the sheets.
Someone...sleeping? Really? You couldn't really think of anything clever to say at that moment; the lone word escaped you basically on instinct.
<<nm $phYou "...Ah....Hello?">>
The lump moved. The blankets unwound slowly like an insect emerging from a cocoon. A hand emerged from beneath the material, gripping onto the side of the bed. A female hand, yes -- but a hand that seemed to have been dyed a dark purple shade. Another hand, similarly hued, emerged from the other side. Finally, the occupant freed herself from her cloth prison and sat up.
She was small, maybe a little over five feet tall, but you barely processed that detail. She was also nude, with the blankets pooling around her waist and revealing a lovely set of far too perky C-cups, but you didn't really see that either. No, what was distracting you was the fact that the woman's skin was a dark purple, from the tips of the curved horns that extended from her black hair, all the way to where her navel disappeared into the sheets. The only parts of her that weren't that shade were the black and white bird-like wings that sprouted from her shoulder blades. They flapped once as she yawned, before settling back down against her back.
She opened her dark eyes and rubbed at them tiredly before finally focusing on you, still stock-still in the doorway. A smile pulled lopsidedly at the corner of her mouth and she stretched her arms casually, apparently utterly unconcerned by the way her breasts bounced in the open.
<<nm $phLazren "Good morning. <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname, I assume?">>
She clearly expected an @@.choice;[[Answer.|Interview4]]@@@@.image;<picture>
<source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Lazren/Mobile/LazrenIntro.png">
[img[Assets/Characters/Lazren/LazrenIntro.png]]
</picture>@@
<<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">>
You weren't sure what you were supposed to say. Shockingly, nothing in your life up until now had prepared you to come face to face with a naked purple woman with wings and horns sleeping in bed when you were expecting a job interview. You just stood there, trying to run through a list of people who could have set you up to be pranked like this.
A short list. In fact: no one. You didn't have a lot of close friends, and the ones you did have were just as much on the financial rocks as you. Building, or even renting, a place like this for a gag would be about as realistic as flying you to the moon for an April Fool's joke.
The purple woman laughed, and you got the strangest feeling that she had heard that last thought.
<<nm $phLazren "No. No, I'm real, dear. My name is...well, <<if ($phYou.humanname is 'Lazren') or ($phYou.surname is 'Lazren')>>//yours//: Lazren. What are the odds?<<else>>these days most people call me Lazren.<</if>> You can call me that, if you like. In an older age, they would have called me Sloth, Acedia, the Noonday demon, or other even more ostentatious titles. But the modern age has grown beyond such things...No, I'm not working for any of your friends, I'm not a hallucination, and I'm not a dream, to cover all the usual bases. I also own Paradise.">>
<<nm $phYou "A demon? You're telling me a //demon// owns this building?">>
Lazren obviously detected the sarcasm. That could have been because you were laying it on pretty thick. She didn't respond immediately, though. Instead, she closed her eyes with an expression like resignation.
<<nm $phLazren "...An interview offer from a company you didn't apply to, bringing you to a building you don't remember, to speak with a woman like me? Is it really so hard to believe there's something in the world you don't know about? But I understand. The modern age is about empirical proof, is it not?">>
She lifted her hand toward you and curled the fingers upward, as if she were beckoning you forward. For a split second, you thought she meant for you to walk closer, and you opened your mouth to tell her that you felt close enough...
...when your feet lifted off the ground entirely.
Your arms shot out, windmilling reflexively against that fall that was coming -- but the impact never came. You simply floated, your feet six inches off the ground. Your flailing arms encountered nothing but air around you, but your body refused to obey the law gravity despite none of your limbs being connected to the ground. After a moment you began to move forward, sliding noiselessly through the air like a vampire from a 50s movie.
Lazren's grin was wide and just a little bit smug as you arrived at the bed, looking down at the mess of blankets and sheets.
<<nm $phLazren "I trust we're past the obvious questions then?">>
Part of you wanted to protest. Wanted to remind her that overt magical power didn't rule out a dream, or a hallucination. But you didn't. Somehow, you just knew this was real. And if it was...
//Oh shit.//
<<nm $phLazren "Good <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>boy<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>girl<</if>>. Now, with that out of the way... you're here because I'd like to offer you a job. Still interested?">>
She pointed to the ground next to the bed, and a moment later you were relieved to find your feet returning to the earth. Your brain still felt like it was floating free of its moorings, but one problem at a time.
Lazren cocked her head at you, waiting for an objection. When one didn't come, she cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders. You didn't understand much about this situation, but you recognized that posture.
Here comes the @@.choice;[[Pitch.|Interview5]]@@<<nm $phLazren "Humans are, by and large, unhappy, $phYou.humanname. You might say that's the fundamental human condition. You're smart enough to come up with ideas for what you want, but the world doesn't usually work in a way that allows it. So you all fill that gap with whatever you can, and believe me we know the list of things you use. But it's not what you //really// want, so it never lasts. Paradise is going to be different. It will make everyone happy. Truly happy.<br /><br /> We give them the form that will bring them what they need. Usually that's something physical that they long for, like a stronger or more alluring or more fantastical body than any human could possibly have. Other times, it's something about the way they think that they wish were different: freedom from shyness or anger or doubt. And lastly, it can be emotional needs. Those are tricky, but a new form can often do that too. If someone wants to be wanted, a full body makeover can certainly get them the attention they're after.">>
This was obviously a practiced speech; the purple woman watched you closely. You felt obliged to object, if only because she seemed to expect it.
<<nm $phYou "Why should you care? Ah, shouldn't you be planning to steal our souls or something?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Souls? What is a soul but a promissory note for an eternal bliss at some future date? It's a pre-order, sweetie, for a game that doesn't turn out to be as good as the hype. But it's also what makes you malleable, lets you change, and gives you those tough choices in the first place. We just use that energy all at once rather than doling it out in bits and pieces your whole life. We use it to make you what you always wanted to be, and spend whatever is left of it to help the next one in line.">>
It was a good speech. You weren't sure you believed a word of it, but it had obviously benefited from some practice in front of a mirror. Something about that made you feel better. Magic, wings, and horns you weren't prepared for, but knowing someone needed something from you? That gave you a little more confidence.
<<nm $phYou "So it's all altruism, huh? Just for our sakes?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Ha! Okay, okay. I might take a wee percentage, but I've never heard any complaints. The point is that none of you are what you want to be. You keep hold of this fantasy life in your head for your whole life that you're never going to be able to live out. All we have to do is promise to make that fantasy real and your average person can't wait to buy in. It might take them a few tries to find their permanent arrangement, but I have faith you can do it.">>
Wait. As you'd gotten more comfortable with the conversation, you'd forgotten this succubus was planning to hire //you// for this.
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean me?">>
<<nm $phLazren "I mean I need a manager. There are rules against my kind doing too much directly, and my name is //Sloth//, if you remember. I didn't get to be where I am today putting in all-nighters at the office. This suite isn't for me, but it can be yours if you want it. You'll build things to draw people in, the building will help you find out what they //really// want, and then we'll help you give it to them. Simple as that. Purveying bliss and reaping the benefits.">>
The horned woman smiled coquettishly and arched her back in a way you couldn't help but notice drew attention to her chest. <<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>You wondered if a set of gravity defying tits might come as a signing bonus. You'd admired other women before, but Lazren was in another league of firm loveliness.<</if>>
<<nm $phLazren "...Well? What do you say?">>
<<include "Lazren Pitch Questions">><<nm $phYou "Okay, I think I've heard enough.">>
Lazren nodded, slowly, and uncoiled from the bed, the sheets falling off to one side. You didn't immediately notice that she was shorter than you expected -- at least a good six inches shorter than you were -- nor that there was tattooed writing in a script you didn't recognize down her legs, from her hips to her knees. You were also slow to notice that the bed began to automatically make itself behind her, the blankets unwinding and stretching themselves taut across the frame the moment the demoness left the sheets.
You were a little distracted. After all, when the woman stood up, you were not expecting the erection she was sporting between her legs. It was big, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>bigger than you were by far, you had to ruefully admit.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>bigger than any boyfriend you had ever had.<</if>> Her entire body was feminine, from the curve of her hips, to swell of her breasts, and the soft cast of her features...but //that// was anything but girlish.
You must have been staring, because she looked down to follow the line of your gaze and then flashed that wolfish grin of hers again.
<<nm $phLazren "You're off the edge of the map now, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>tiger.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>cowgirl.<</if>> You're leaving what you know behind...at least, if you want to. Indulge me a bit of pomp and circumstance, won't you? I think you'd be disappointed if I didn't show off.">>
You were about to ask what she meant by that, when she slapped her hands together. There was a sudden flash of light and heat from between her fingers, and you recoiled sharply before you could stop yourself. Flame -- honest-to-God burning orange fire -- engulfed her hand and danced in her smile. Just as quickly she pulled her hands apart, the fire seeming to stretch with those fingers, all four corners pulling out into a flat sheet. The flame seemed to dim and shrink down into that flat plane, until the demoness held a sheet of what looked like parchment. The words were thickly lettered and darkly inked, but they occasionally glinted with a hint of that orange fire.
@@.contract;
<div>I do hereby agree to relinquish my soul and enter the service of my lady Lazren, from this day until eternity. In exchange, I shall be granted power, position, and pleasure beyond my wildest dreams.
In my hand,
X
</div>
@@
Lazren reached up, her fingers curling behind your ear before she produced a quill held lightly between two fingers, the way a magician would produce a quarter for a wonder-struck child. Her eyes, you noticed, still burned with the reflection of the fire you could no longer see. Her voice was a throaty, satisfied purr.
<<nm $phLazren "No illusions, love. No deceptions. That's never been my way. You know what I am, what I want, and what I want for //you//. You know the cost. Are you in...or out?">>
That was, indeed, the question.
@@.choice;
[[I'm out!|Out]] Demons? Souls? Signing a literal demonic contract? No way!
[[Screw it, I'm in!|In!]] What did you have to lose? A dingy apartment and the search for a minimum wage job you could tolerate?@@You might have expected the meeting to turn nasty when you said the job wasn't for you. Maybe there would be a horde of small demons with pitchforks, a burning pit beneath your feet, or at least a sharp word or two. But no, Lazren just looked disappointed, waving a hand and dismissing the contract in a brief burst of flame.
<<nm $phLazren "Sorry to hear that, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname, but I understand. You have a choice, and you made it. I'll find someone else...I do wish you luck, and admire your fortitude, for what it's worth. Talk to Samantha, and she'll arrange for the car to take you home.">>
And that's exactly what happened. The car deposited you back at your crummy digs and then drove off. After a few days, you actually managed to land another interview and then a job working for a telecommunication company. You were good at it, and for once the people upstairs seemed to take notice. One promotion turned into two, and then three, all with commensurate increases in pay. A trip back to school finished your degree, and earned you a spot on the management track.
You even got married, and had a pair of children. You thought often about that day in the tower, but less and less as the years went by. You even dropped in a few times...but you never saw anything the least bit strange. It was just a remarkably fancy shopping center with a couple of luxury suites mixed in. You never saw Samantha or Lazren, and neither name evoked recognition from anyone you talked to.
And that, it would seem, was that. In your darkest hour, you held firm to your gut instinct and got paid off with a fine position, a gorgeous spouse, a couple of beautiful kids, and a life worth living. It was a beautiful thing...
...but it makes for a pretty boring porn game, don't you think?
@@.choice;
[[Okay, okay!|In!]] I'll sign the papers - Count me in!@@You took the quill gingerly between your fingers, feeling the strange heat that radiated off the implement. Lazren held out the contract, the letters still flashing with the occasional red or orange glow of a burning ember. You hesitated, unable to help yourself. Were you really sure this was what you wanted?
Yeah, you were.
You signed, feeling the heat against your hand as every letter of your name shone with orange light. As you finished the final letter, you could immediately //feel// the finality. Any lingering hesitation you had about whether this woman was the real deal was gone, and the quill dropped out of your suddenly nerveless fingers. You looked up into the grinning face of your new boss.
<<nm $phLazren "Confident, daring, and just a little bit greedy. Exactly my type. Mmm, very good girl!">>
Lazren purred the words, waving her hand and dismissing the burning contract just as quickly as it had appeared.<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>
Wait...good //girl//?<</if>>
She leaned in abruptly, her body pressing in to yours, her hands coming up to cup your face as she kissed you. Her body burned like a fever beneath your touch, and you felt that heat as it flowed down into your belly and began to spread to your arms and legs. Your vision blurred, and your knees shuddered and quaked as though they had turned to jelly.
This maybe wasn't the best idea.
<<nm $phLazren "You and I are going to have a lot of fun together for a //very// long time, my love. But first, let's get you acclimatized, alright?">>
You wanted to ask her what she meant, or what she was going to do, or anything at all, but your mouth refused to cooperate. The words died in your throat as she ran her hand slowly down across your chest.<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>> As her fingers crossed each button on your dress shirt the plastic sagged and wilted, flowing down the fabric as if it were made of water and allowing the two half halves of your shirt separate. Lazren pressed her fingers against your bared chest, her fingers curling in your chest hair...but only for a moment. Every second she stroked, there seemed to less of it to touch, until your torso was as smooth and hairless as it had ever been.
<<nm $phLazren "There now...not so bad, yes? Now let's see what we're working with...">>
She made a little circling gesture with her index finger, and your belt jumped on your hips. The buckle twisted and quivering, finally unhooking itself and spreading open. The zipper on your dark dress pants echoed loudly in the quiet of the suite, the only other sounds your labored breathing and Lazren's cooing approval.
<<nm $phLazren "Not too bad...for a human. We've got a little work to do, of course, but I don't think you'll mind a signing bonus as we get to work.">>
Her hand moved down, her fingers brushing over the front of your boxers, and you were suddenly glad you hadn't opted for briefs this morning. Pleasure ran up your body and if you could have moved you would have tossed your head back and moaned. The single brush of her fingers across your cock had you hard, harder than you had ever felt. Your member strained against the fabric of your boxers, creating a veritable tent across the front...and as you watched, that bulge continued to grow, getting thicker and more prominent by the second. You gasped. You had never had any touch, any blowjob, any //fuck// that felt as good as this.
Lazren looked up with another of her wolfish grins, her tongue running across her teeth as she nodded in satisfaction.
<<nm $phLazren "That's better. Now lie down, love, and let's get you settled...">>
She fastened one hand around the elastic band of your boxers and placed the other on the center of your chest, pushing you back and over. You toppled, unable to even lift your arms to break your fall, but found yourself collapsing into the bed of sheets and furs. Dimly, you felt the tug on your hips as your boxers were ripped off your body, and saw Lazren discard the material over one shoulder. You couldn't feel your shirt anymore, either, but you couldn't remember when you might have lost it.
Lazren knelt on the bed between your legs, her eyes bright as she looked over your throbbing erection, standing straight in the air like a perfect flagpole. You could barely believe your eyes...it was nearly a foot long, thick, the kind of member you only saw in porn. And it was yours.
Lazren's smile grew wider and you could swear you felt the tingle of her fingers across your mind. Her hand ran across her front, over the swell of her breasts and belly before her fingers closed around her own shaft.
<<nm $phLazren "No, dear, it's //mine// like the rest of you. But I //do// want you to enjoy how I use my property...so what will it be? Do you want these lips to suck the humanity straight out of your cock? Mmm...or would you prefer riding mine to your destination? No judgment here, sweetie...you just shout out what you need.">>
@@.choice;
[[Oh Fuck! Please...Please use your tongue!|ConversionMale][$phLazTakesYou to 'oral']]
[[I can't help it! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!|ConversionMale][$phLazTakesYou to 'penetrative']]@@<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>> Her hands paused as they pressed over the swell of your breasts, cupping and kneading the flesh. The succubus' mouth rounded as she cooed in admiration.
<<nm $phLazren "These are //wonderful// sweetie. But I admit, I like it when my girls can make an impression just walking into the room. Let's see what we can do, okay?">>
Both of her hands tightened and you felt like you very nearly went cross-eyed. Your blouse suddenly felt tight and hot as her fingers sank into the soft flesh of your breasts, and as you watched in amazement more and more of that flesh seemed to be pressing out against Lazren's questing fingers. A hot pain pressed into your side, and you realized that your overstrained bra was beginning to cut into your ribs, moments before it gave up the ghost entirely and snapped like an overstrained rubber band. Your tits (since when did you call them that?) all but spilled into Lazren's waiting palms and she laughed with gleeful delight.
<<nm $phLazren "That a girl, let these babies into the light then, shall we? It would be cruel to keep them locked up.">>
The purple-skinned woman ran her finger down the center of your blouse, and the material parted instantly as if her extended nail had been a razor blade. You couldn't help but emit a shocked gasp. You were huge! You'd gained at least three cup sizes in fifteen seconds, and your enlarged breasts quivered and shook with every intake of air.
Lazren smiled and leaned forward, wrapping her lips around one exposed nipple. You very nearly lost it again. You enjoyed having your chest massaged as much as the next girl, even if you had had to remind some of your past lovers that they were attached to you and not stress toys. This was different. Every flick of her tongue across your nipple seemed to send a bolt of lightning straight into your brain. It took less than thirty seconds of switching from one breast to the other for Lazren to have you panting and shaking, your cheeks flushed with heat.
Finally, your demonic paramour pulled away, looking up at you with an expression of deep satisfaction. She winked and ran her tongue lightly over her upper lip. You shuddered as you realized that tongue was far longer than it had any right to be.
<<nm $phLazren "That's better. Now lie down, love, and let's get you settled.">>
Both of her hands came up. Her left fastened around the waistband of your skirt, her finger sliding down to grip both skirt and panties between her thumb and index finger. Her right came up to the center of your chest and pushed, hard. You toppled, unable to even lift your arms to break your fall, but found yourself collapsing into the bed of sheets and furs. Dimly, you felt the tug on your hips as your skirt and modest panties ripped off your body as easily as a tissue would split, and saw Lazren discard the material over one shoulder. You couldn't feel your blouse across your shoulders anymore, either, but you couldn't remember when you might have lost it. You were nude, and helpless, in front of the purple-skinned woman.
Lazren knelt on the bed between your legs, and you felt your cheeks burn as you realized you could barely see her past the heaving mounds of your expanded chest. You still couldn't move your hands, save to dig them hard into the sheets, and your voice seemed limited only to panting moans.
Gently, deftly, Lazren took hold of your thighs in her hands, the flesh of her fingers burning just a little too hot to be human against your skin. She separated your legs, leaving you open and exposed to her approving gaze. Her hand ran over the swell of her breasts, down to her belly, and finally wrapped around her bobbing erection. You stared, freshly reminded exactly what Lazren was equipped with.
<<nm $phLazren "Such a good girl, my sweet. I'll give you a reward. Do you want my tongue in you as you change, hmmm? Or is it my cock you need? Think fast, or I might just make my own choice.">>
She pressed her hand down against your belly, and heat seemed to rush from her touch up to your throat, loosening the vocal cords that had been so useless since she began. The heat began to die almost as fast, though, you had only a second or two to speak.
@@.choice;
[[Oh fuck! Lick me, please!|ConversionFemme][$phLazTakesYou to 'oral']]
[[Please! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!|ConversionFemme][$phLazTakesYou to 'penetrative']]<</if>>@@<<if $phLazTakesYou is 'oral'>>Lazren's eyes were almost impossibly bright as she smiled up at you, reflecting far more light than the room actually seemed to be giving off. Her tongue ran along her lower lip, making it shine in the dim light as well.
<<nm $phLazren "How could I refuse, when you ask so nicely. And, after all, it would be a shame to waste this wonderful cock that I've crafted you.">>
She shifted her weight and lowered herself between your legs. Your enlarged cock bobbed with unconscious anticipation and you find your breathing picking up. You had been with women before, but none of them made you feel anything like this. The look in her eyes promised things. It declared that she had utter confidence in her skill because she had done this many, many times before, and that you couldn't even imagine what you were in for.
She planted a kiss on the tip of your cock and then leaned forward to let her tongue swirl across the head in a slow, rhythmic pattern. Like her skin, her tongue is just a little hotter than it ought to be, and when her mouth closed around the tip of your shaft you couldn't help but let out a deep-throated groan of pleasure. The demoness didn't waste time, leaning forward and taking the rest of your length into her mouth. You felt yourself brush against the back of her throat without provoking the slightest bit of gag reflex, and her lips were soon pressed down against the base of your shaft. She swallowed once, twice, and three times, her muscles working against the sensitive skin.
A hot, wet feeling ran across your balls and you realized with amazement that it was her tongue, long enough to nearly wrap around both of them at once. Her lips curled, her expression teasing even with her mouth full of your cock, and she began to bob her head. She pulled back until the tip of your dick very nearly slid out from her lips, only to take you in your entirety again in one sudden, hard motion.
It was bliss. As the pleasure grew, you writhed and twisted on the bed, able to move again but unable to bring yourself to even grab hold of Lazren's horns, much less push her away. You felt...something, though. A tingling heat that spread through your cock and radiated out to every part of you, all the way to the tips of your fingers and toes. Your orgasm built, but passed the point where you would normally have erupted in Lazren's mouth and just kept going unabated. Your stomach felt like it was tied in knots as the pleasure compounded, moment by moment, filling you with a burning need to release something. To give up something. To just //finally// cum.
Given all the distraction, it's no surprise it took you so long to notice that you had begun to change. By the time you realized your cries and moans had risen an octave, you had already pushed long locks of red hair out of your eyes four or five times. It took you another ten seconds of twisting, burning pleasure before you took notice of the fact that your chest rose every time you inhaled, but didn't descend again when you let the breath out. A pair of perky mounds had replaced your pecs, and your nipples were far more hard and prominent than they had ever been before. You raised your hand, soft fingers crowned with long nails, to touch them and felt your toes curl in response.
<<nm $phYou "L...Lazren! What's happening? I feel-.">>
Your voice was even higher now, clear and bright and undeniably feminine. Lazren's eyes flicked up to you again. She didn't release your cock, and even bobbed her head faster on it. But you still heard her words in your head, amused and reassuring.
<<nm $phLazren "That a girl, don't worry. I just want to show you what our world can be like. Mmm, you'll be able to choose your own form soon enough, but I have to give you the tour first...">>
You could barely focus on the words. Your breasts heaved, and your hands pressed into them. They were bigger now, probably bigger than Lazren's own, and they tingled wherever your nails pressed down. Your legs rubbed against the bed sheets as you writhed, and you couldn't help but notice how smooth they felt. You were becoming a woman.
No. Not a woman. Your cock hadn't shrunk at all. If anything, it seemed even thicker and larger between your pleasantly rounded hips. The pleasure was constant and unrelenting. You no longer perceived it in terms of one sensation. You couldn't distinguish between the feeling of your fingers pinching your nipples, her hands toying with your balls, or her throat milking your cock. It was all just pleasure, bottling up inside of you and begging for release. Lazren winked up at you, her mental voice dropping to a husky whisper.
<<nm $phLazren "You don't mind, do you? This is what you //always// wanted. To be able to please anyone and everyone. To turn every head. To make people question their own tastes every time you walk by. You're going to be able to give them anything they want, until they're broken and begging and will give you anything //you// want just to feel it again. You will break them on their pleasures, my pet. Just be a good girl. Let it out. Give me the power to remake you.">>
Her fingers tightened on your balls, pressing them against your body. You could feel the tingling begin again as they seemed to shrink against her fingers, getting smaller and more sensitive by the second. Your twisted your hips back and forth, unable to help yourself, but Lazren never let up, her finger stroking slowly up and down, as though drawing a line against your skin. You could feel the flesh part beneath her fingers, a sudden feeling of moisture and heat between your legs...
You realized what was happening the split second before Lazren thrust two fingers into your new pussy. Unfamiliar muscles gripped down hard on those digits, and your cock jumped in the succubus's mouth. It was too much. You couldn't hold back. Wouldn't hold back. You had to have more of this pleasure. You would give //anything// to have more of this pleasure.
You came hard, your voice going raw as you screamed at the ceiling. Your vision went utterly white as your brain refused to function, your first orgasm stringing into a second and then a third, each of them exploding over your head like a firework display. Your felt your body drop bonelessly back against the soft sheets.
Then everything just went [[Black.|GenderChoice]]<</if>><<if $phLazTakesYou is 'penetrative'>>Lazren's eyes were almost impossibly bright as she smiles up at you, reflecting far more light than the room actually seemed to be giving off. Her tongue ran along her lower lip, making it shine in the dim light as well.
<<nm $phLazren "I was hoping you'd say that, tiger. Now, let's get you flipped over. I want to claim you good and proper.">>
The demoness reached down to take hold of your hips, rolling you over onto your front. Her fingers coaxed your backside up and you started to rise up onto hands and knees, only for the purple-skinned woman to reach forward and grab the back of your neck. She pushed down, firmly, driving your nose against the sheets. You could smell the faint scent of floral perfume in the fabric as she held you there.
<<nm $phLazren "That's a good girl. How could I resist an offer like this? Are you ready?">>
She shifted her hips up, and you felt it bumping against your backside. Her cock, like the rest of her, was warmer than any human skin and you felt yourself shudder with anticipation as she positioned herself. Her hand at your neck shifted up to your hair and gripped the short strands, tugging them lightly. You realized she was expecting an answer, and it was all you could do to nod frantically.
She moved and it was bliss. The head of her thick cock spread you open as easily as if you had been made solely for her. You had never experienced anything that felt remotely like this. As she slid into you, you felt the heat of her body spreading into your belly and fogging your mind. You couldn't imagine ever not having her in you.
She moved slowly at first, inch after inch of her length disappearing into you until you felt like you simply couldn't take any more. Finally hilted, she gave you a bare few seconds to get used to the size, letting the room fill with the mingled sounds of your breathing. Hers husky and excited and your own coming out as moans on every exhalation. Then she began to rock her hips, pulling herself back until she was very nearly free of you, only to slam herself home again and press your face hard into the mattress. The room reverberated with the sound of her hips slapping against your ass, and as the pace picked up the rhythm of that slapping intensified. You found it harder and harder to breathe and you gasped and struggled just to get oxygen into your lungs past that pleasure.
You weren't sure when it began. You noticed the hair first. She still had her hand gripped in it, pulling your head up and back when it pleased her or when she needed leverage. Around the third or fourth time she pulled, though, you realized that there was far more hair to tug than there should have been. Your hair, typically kept short, now extended down as far as the center of your back. A few strands of long locks slipped out of her fingers and fell over your eyes, the color a beautiful crimson that you had absolutely not walked in with.
You opened your mouth to protest, but Lazren slammed herself home with another burst of firework pleasure in your brain and the words utterly disappeared. You could hear yourself moan, however, and heard the tenor of your voice rising with every sound, developing an undeniably feminine lilt. Your chest brushed the bedsheets and you nearly came right then and there. Your nipples were harder and more sensitive than you had ever experienced, and every touch threatened to send you over the edge.
You let your head drop down and rest on the mattress, your eyes open to look beneath you. You could see your engorged and enlarged member bob with every thrust Lazren made, and you could see her legs and yours flexing with every motion you made together. You could also see the twin mounds on your chest growing larger with every hard thrust Lazren made into your ass. Already you sported a pair of perky B-cups and they didn't show any sign of stopping.
<<nm $phYou "L...Lazren! What's happening? I feel-.">>
You could barely recognize your voice. It was high, soft, and sensual, the kind of voice you could hear advertising for a sex chat hotline on late night TV. You tried to push yourself up, to get a better look at what was happening to you, but Lazren suddenly went into double-time against your backside and you fell forward against the sheets with your toes curling in pleasure.
<<nm $phLazren "That a girl, don't worry. I just want to show you what our world can be like. Mmm, you'll be able to choose your own form soon enough, but I have to give you the tour first...">>
Your breasts heaved, and your hands pressed into them. They were bigger now, probably bigger than Lazren's own, and they tingled wherever your nails pressed down. Your legs rubbed against the bed sheets as you writhed, and you couldn't help but notice how smooth they felt. You were becoming a woman.
No. Not a woman. Your cock hadn't shrunk at all. If anything, it seemed even thicker and larger between your pleasantly rounded hips. Lazren's pounding weight slowly but inexorably pressed your hips downward until you were finally lying flat on the bed with the demoness thrusting madly against you. Your cock rubbed up against the sheets with every motion, and you felt yourself building toward the biggest orgasm of your life. But no matter how you writhed and thrust and bucked your hips, it always remained just out of reach. You no longer perceived it as one sensation. Lazren's cock in your ass, her hand pulling your hair, her other hand beneath you to grip and jerk your cock: it was all blending together into a desperate release that just wouldn't come. You would give //anything// just to have a little more of that pleasure. You //had// to get off!
<<nm $phLazren "You don't mind, do you? This is what you //always// wanted. To be able to please anyone and everyone. To turn every head. To make people question their own tastes every time you walk by. You're going to be able to give them anything they want, until they're broken and begging and will give you anything //you// want just to feel it again. You will break them on their pleasures, my pet. Just be a good girl. Let it out. Give me the power to remake you.">>
The hand she had slipped beneath you curled upward and her fingers tightened on your balls, pressing them against your body. You could feel the tingling begin again as the heavy orbs seemed to shrink against her fingers, getting smaller and more sensitive by the second. You twisted your hips back and forth, unable to help yourself, but Lazren never let up, her finger stroking slowly up and down, as though drawing a line against your skin. You could feel the flesh part beneath her fingers, a sudden feeling of moisture and heat between your legs....
You realized what was happening the split second before Lazren thrust two fingers into your new pussy. Unfamiliar muscles gripped down hard on those digits and you arched your back up against Lazren's front. It was too much. You couldn't hold back. Wouldn't hold back. You had to have more of this pleasure.
You came. Hard, your voice going raw as you screamed at the ceiling. Your vision went utterly white at your brain refused to function, your first orgasm stringing into a second and then a third, each of them exploding over your head like a firework display. Your felt your body drop bonelessly back against the soft sheets.
And then everything went @@.choice;[[Black.|GenderChoice]]<</if>>@@<<if $phLazTakesYou is 'oral'>>Lazren's eyes were almost impossibly bright as she smiled up at you, reflecting far more light than the room actually seemed to be giving off. Her tongue ran along her lower lip slowly, making it shine as well.
<<nm $phLazren "Of course, my dear. How can I refuse, when you look so sweet? I have been dying for a taste since you walked in...">>
The demoness leaned down, settling herself between your legs. She trailed kisses up your inner thigh, and her breath was hot against your skin and considerably warmer than any human. She took her time, laying tingling kisses up your leg only to skip over the place where they met and work her way down the other thigh. You felt a mewl escape your lips without your intention. You were wet, and you were hot, and you //needed// her. Now.
Finally, she had pity on you. She shifted her body up and pressed her lips just above your sex, the touch sending a strange heat blossoming up through your stomach and then out to the tips of your fingers and toes. Then, at last, she lowered her head to run her tongue gingerly along your slit, exploring with relish. Your mewling breaths became moans as you fought not to thrust your hips up against her. Even that light touch against your pussy made you crave more.
Lazren's eyes flicked upward, meeting your own with a mischievous glint. You heard her voice, but her lips didn't form the words. Her tongue never shifted away from its work, but you still heard her knowing whisper clearly reverberating through your head.
<<nm $phLazren "Don't worry, my sweet. I'll take care of you. You just lie back, relax, and let me help you be who you were meant to be.">>
All at once, her pace changed. Where before her tongue had lazily brushed up and down, it now plunged deep into you. Where her hands had gently teased the skin of your thighs, they now forced your legs apart and wide to give her room. Her tongue was...fuck, how could you even describe it? It was long, powerful, and the expert way she used it turned your knees to jelly. It lashed from side to side, seeking out every spot that made you scream as if Lazren had been doing this to you for years. You found your hands rising despite yourself, gripping onto her horns in desperation as she licked you. They were firm and hot beneath your hands, almost uncomfortably so, but you gripped onto them with all the desperation of a drowning swimmer.
You didn't notice the subtle changes at first. You didn't take note of the way your backside felt firmer and larger as you dropped it back down against the sheets for the tenth time. You didn't notice that your trimmed nails had become long as they gripped around Lazren's head. You didn't even realize it when the skin of your hands turned a deep crimson and the color began to work its way up both your arms.
But when Lazren lifted her hand and wrapped it around the tiny, growing cock just above your sex, you noticed. It was all you could do not to cum instantly as she pressed three fingers around the little shaft and began to stroke up and down. If Lazren wasn't still lashing it with her tongue every few seconds, you would have believed your clit had migrated upward and grown to ten times the size and twenty times the nerve endings just for the hell of it. You stared down, watching your member pulse and throb in Lazren's hands, every moment another few centimeters added to the growing length.
<<nm $phYou "L-Lazren! I...what...I...I have a...">>
<<nm $phLazren "A wonderful, beautiful cock. Or at least, it will be in just a little while. Don't worry, sweetie. You'll be able to choose your own form soon enough, but I couldn't let you choose without taking the tour first, could I?">>
Lazren's mental voice echoed in your mind again and your body arched, thrusting your hips up off the bed again. Her hands picked up pace and her tongue followed suit, stroking your brand new cock up and down while she probed and prodded and lashed your sex demandingly. You couldn't help it. Couldn't resist. You needed release. You felt it building, stronger than it ever had before. Not just the heat from your pussy, but a new and unfamiliar pressure in your shaft. You //had// to cum!
<<nm $phLazren "You don't mind, do you? This is what you //always// wanted. To be able to please anyone and everyone. To turn every head. To make people question their own tastes every time you walk by. You're going to be able to give them anything they want, until they're broken and begging and will give you anything //you// want just to feel it again. You will break them on their pleasures, my pet. Just be a good girl. Let it out. Give me the power to remake you.">>
She moved beneath you, her tongue finally withdrawing only to be replaced by two long, thrusting fingers. You bucked and writhed, and realized what she intended only a second before she raised her head and took your cock into her mouth and down her throat in a single, fluid motion. She swallowed, the muscles of her throat milking the sensitive flesh of your cockhead. It was too much! You couldn't hold back! You felt yourself release, your body arching once again as your vision went white. Fireworks played across your mind and lightning bolts of pleasure ran across every inch of your new body.
And then everything went [[Black|GenderChoice]].<</if>><<if $phLazTakesYou is 'penetrative'>>Lazren's eyes were almost impossibly bright as she smiled up at you, reflecting far more light than the room actually seemed to be giving off. Her tongue ran along her lower lip slowly, making it shine as well.
<<nm $phLazren "How could I refuse when you ask so sweetly? Let's flip you over, love, so I can claim you good and proper.">>
She reached out to take your hips and flipped you onto your stomach, the weight of your expanded breasts still startling as you rolled over. You began to rise up onto your hands, but the demoness reached over your back to grip your neck and press you back down against the mattress. You could smell the faint scent of floral perfume in the fabric as she held you there.
<<nm $phLazren "That's a good girl. How could I resist an offer like this? Are you ready?">>
She shifted her hips up, and you felt it bumping against your sex. Her cock, like the rest of her, was warmer than any human skin and you felt yourself shudder with anticipation as she positioned herself. She stopped for a moment and let her hand slide back away from your neck and down your hair, getting a grip on the long strands. After a few seconds without her moving, you realized she was expecting an answer, and it was all you could do to nod frantically.
She moved and it was bliss. The head of her thick cock spread you open as easily as if you had been made solely for her. You had never experienced anything that felt remotely like this. As she slid into you, you felt the heat of her body spreading into your belly and fogging your mind. You couldn't imagine ever not having her in you.
She moved slowly at first, inch after inch of her length disappearing into you until you felt like you simply couldn't take any more. Finally hilted, she gave you a bare few seconds to get used to the size, letting the room fill with the mingled sounds of your breathing. Hers husky and excited and your own gasps turning into moans on every exhalation. Then she began to rock her hips, pulling herself back until she was very nearly pulled free of you, only to slam herself home again and press your face hard into the mattress. The room reverberated with the sound of her hips slapping against your ass, and as the pace picked up the rhythm of that slapping intensified. You found it harder and harder to breathe, chest shuddering as you desperately sucked in oxygen.
You weren't sure exactly when it started. You first noticed when the demoness slapped her free hand against your ass with a resounding crack that sent fireworks up into your brain. You moaned and writhed, and then belatedly realized the hand had impacted long before it should have. You shifted your hips and tried to look over your shoulder, but Lazren immediately pushed you back down against the mattress, picking up her pace again. You groaned and stretched your hands out in front of you and dug your fingers into the sheets.
That's when you noticed your hands. Your skin had darkened from the tips of your fingers all the way back to your wrists, turning a deep crimson hue. Not a sunburn or flush, but a deep, rich red. As you watched, the color seemed to flow beneath your skin, overtaking your wrists and beginning to work its way down your arms. As Lazren forced your head into the mattress, you felt the material catching on something atop your head. Two curled pointed somethings. Horns, stretching out from your hairline.
<<nm $phYou "L...Lazren! What's happening? I feel-.">>
You could barely recognize your voice. It was high, soft, and sensual, the kind of voice you could hear advertising for a sex chat hotline on late night TV. You tried to push yourself up, to get a better look at what was happening to you, but Lazren suddenly went into double-time against your backside and you fell forward against the sheets with your toes curling in pleasure.
Your expanded breasts swung with every hard impact against your ass. Fuck, was she even bigger now than when she'd started? You could almost feel the tip of her cock stroking against your brain, making it so fuzzy and hot. Lazren chuckled, her hand slipping beneath you, fingers brushing over your sex even as she continued to piston into you. Then her hands shifted upward a few inches...
And wrapped around something. Something long and hard and sensitive. Something that absolutely should not have been standing erectly between your legs. Something that should not have felt so //good// between the succubus' stroking fingers.
<<nm $phYou "L-Lazren! I...what...I...I have a...">>
<<nm $phLazren "A wonderful, beautiful cock. Or at least, it will be in just a little while. After all, my girls have to be able to please //all// comers, don't they. Don't worry, sweet, you're almost done.">>
Her hand blurred beneath you, jacking off your new member with expert speed without letting up her frantic pounding in the slightest. You couldn't take this! The pleasure was building within you, but it just wouldn't release no matter how much you wanted to. You just kept moaning and writhing and twisting on the bed beneath your demonic paramour, willing your body to crest but unable to force it to do so. You thought you would go out of your mind if she just wouldn't let you //cum//!
<<nm $phLazren "You don't mind, do you? This is what you //always// wanted. To be able to please anyone and everyone. To turn every head. To make people question their own tastes every time you walk by. You're going to be able to give them anything they want, until they're broken and begging and will give you anything //you// want just to feel it again. You will break them on their pleasures, my pet. Just be a good girl. Let it out. Give me the power to remake you.">>
You couldn't resist. Your mind was empty, your body was full of her pounding member, and her fingers milked your brand new cock frantically. You ground your hips down into the sheets, your legs spreading as much as they could to let Lazren fuck you with as much speed as she wanted. Your throat was raw from screaming her name. You couldn't resist. Not now, not ever.
You came. Hard and long, the orgasm crashing through your mind and forcing every muscle in your body rigid. You dimly felt your new cock jump hard in Lazren's hand, making a mess of the bed beneath you as you erupted with sticky white cum. Your sex clenched and your mouth went wide. Silent, however, your throat too tense to allow anything but your ragged breathing through. After what seemed like an eternity it was finally over, allowing you to slump down against the sheets.
And then everything went @@.choice;[[Black.|GenderChoice]]<</if>>@@<<nobr>>
<<set $phTime to 2>>
<<if $phYou.form == "male">>
<<set $phYou.cc_code = "LRBKM">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>You found yourself drifting forward, the statue getting larger and larger until it become your entire world. You found yourself sinking into their eyes, and the world grew blurrier and blurrier until everything finally faded back into a long, timeless void.
<<nm $phLazren "Wake up, sweetie. I'm all for a little rest, but you need to eat your first meal before too long.">>
Lazren's voice pulled you out of your dream and reluctantly up into consciousness again. You cracked your eyes open blearily and sat up, pushing your hair up out of your eyes as you yawn and try to get your bearings. The comfortable bed in Lazren's office, check. Sunlight streaming through the cracked blinds, check. The demoness standing beside the bed, holding a large, circular mirror in both hands...
<<if $phYou.form != "male">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/You/Mobile/Mirror.png">[img[Assets/Characters/You/Mirror.png]]</picture>@@<<else>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/You/Mobile/MaleMirror.png">[img[Assets/Characters/You/MaleMirror.png]]</picture><</if>>
<<if $phYou.form is "male">>It was the statue, but it wasn't a statue any longer. It was your dark red hair that was combed back from your temples, your deep crimson skin that marked you as totally inhuman, and your throbbing erection that swung between your legs. You tensed instinctively and felt your muscles bunch powerfully, far more so than they had ever done as a human. You felt like your whole body had become a perfectly coiled spring just waiting to release.
The man in the mirror studied you as you studied him. He was handsome, with strong cheek bones and perfectly unblemished skin. When you flashed your smile, you could see a perfect row of shiny white teeth that all but gleamed in the soft light. He was you. You were something else. You were a demon.
You were an incubus. <<else>>You gasped, snatching the mirror from Lazren's fingers and staring into the polished surface. A succubus stared back at you. Her hair was a dark red and fell in beautifully coiffed waves around her perfect face. Her skin was crimson too, a lighter and utterly unnatural color that could only have been duplicated with whole bucket of face paint. Her dark eyes were wide with shock, and her lips seemed to form a sensual pout even in the midst of her surprise.
Your surprise, that is. The mirror fell from your hands as you look down at yourself. You could barely see past the swell of your chest, the bounty of crimson skin topped with dark, prominent nipples.<<if $phYou.form is "futa">> You didn't need to bend very far forward, however, to see the staff nestled between your legs. Even flaccid, it was huge and imposing, as red as the rest of you.<<else>> Even looking at your own body sent a sensual thrill through your sex and you found yourself rubbing your thighs together with sudden need.<</if>> Memory rushed in. Samantha, the call, the contract, signing in fire, being pushed back onto the bed. Being Changed.
<</if>>You should be angry. Lazren had suckered you in with the promise of power, then took your body on a joy ride. She had altered you for her own pleasure and, even if you //had// gotten to choose your final form, you were still completely different than you had been. You had been changed, and part of you knew it was very much a permanent one.
Yet you couldn't seem to summon up the rage. Thoughts of what you could do with this new body were crowding into your head and making your heart thunder in your chest. You were strong. You were gorgeous. You were temptation incarnate. Wasn't it time to admit that you were everything you had wanted?
Lazren stepped around the mirror carefully, reaching out to put a hand lightly on your shoulder. It...tingled, in a strange way, sending a pleasure right through your core just to be touched. She reached down to pick up the mirror again and turned it to face you. You nearly jumped again. Your crimson skin had changed, the bright red fading back into something like your previous tone. Your horns were tiny nubs, disappearing into your mane of still red hair. The outline of your form was still the same, but you could pass for a human now. Not without turning heads, but you could pass.
<<nm $phLazren "Easy, love. Normal to be a little disorientated. I hope you don't mind my work. I find that the classics are the best when you're just starting out. This is what others will see, though. You'll still //be// what you are, of course, but no one will notice the horns or the tail or anything else they aren't supposed to. The tower will take care of keeping your nature hidden from general public.">>
She looked down at you thoughtfully and raised a hand to your chin, turning your head this way and that like a doctor diagnosing a patient. Finally, she beamed.
<<nm $phLazren "Perfect, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>>...well, I'm not sure that old name suits you anymore, to be perfectly honest. Why don't you leave it behind? That boring life isn't yours anymore. You're one of mine, now, and you're going to be doing a lot of exciting work. What do you say? New life, new name? Something both your staff and humans can call you?">>
What DO you say?
''Your new name is...''
<<textbox "$phYou.firstname" "Red">> @@.choice;[[OK|Feeding1][$phYou.portrait to "You",$phUIDisplay to 0.5]]@@<<nm $phYou "$phYou.firstname. My name is $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phLazren "<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Lazren'>>They do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I just hope that you're a //little// more imaginative when it comes to getting your work done.<<else>>$phYou.firstname it is. That'll do just fine, love, it's your call.<</if>> Now, you're almost done, but I've still got some things to teach you. It's a brand new world, but there are rules. For now, anyway. As you get older, there aren't so many, but that's a whole other subject. I'm guessing you're feeling a little peckish, aren't you?">>
You put your hand over your stomach and frowned. You //did// feel hungry, but it wasn't quite the same. It wasn't all in your stomach, for one thing. Your entire body ached and growled for something, but you had no idea what it was.
<<nm $phYou "Kinda? I mean, I DO but it's-.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Different, I know. You're an infernal now, or close enough to it. You don't need to eat or go to the bathroom or even breathe, if you don't want to. You'll still need to sleep; after all, you're a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> of Sloth now. And you //do// need energy. Human energy, specifically. Soul energy. You used up most of yours during the transformation, so we'll need to get it from somewhere else.">>
The purple-skinned woman leaned down, gathering up your hands in both of hers and squeezing gently. You couldn't help but get the feeling you were being given some demonic version of the 'birds and the bees' talk. Soul energy. You didn't even really know what it was, and yet your mouth watered at the very thought of it.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. If that's what I need, how do I get it?">>
<<nm $phLazren "//That// is what the building is for, love. I've set you up with a pretty easy buffet, though you'll need to put in some work to get it humming. The building will help feed you. First, you'll be able to open some shops. You don't need to worry about money, but it'll cost you energy to maintain each place. In return, though, every shop will siphon off a little of that stuff from your customers. If they want a good meal, your restaurant will satisfy right to the core. If they want to be thinner, your gym will give them the best results they've ever had. That sort of thing. In return, we'll get a bit of that energy. Again, it's finding what they want and giving it to them.">>
That was...decidedly less dramatic than you had been hoping for. Your disappointment must have showed on your face, because Lazren tilted her head back and laughed. She reached up, and touched your cheek with one hand. The hand didn't feel nearly as unnaturally hot, but you guessed that might be because //you// had a higher temperature than you'd had before.
<<nm $phLazren "Of course that isn't //all// we do, love. No, that'll keep the lights on. The shops are the lure, to give people a reason to be here and expose their desires. That's where you come in. There are certain people in the world who have more energy than others. I won't get into the details now, but you'll certainly feel when someone is brimming with enough power to make a dramatic change. Left to their own devices, they'll probably funnel that into getting a new job or an exercise routine or buying a new house. Boring. You're going to do more. Talk to them, find out what they're after, and coax them down a path you want. Make them happy, and they'll surrender everything to you.">>
<<nm $phYou "But why would anyone believe me? I don't go around flashing my horns and claiming to be a demon, do I? And even if I do get them on board, how do I actually do it?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Not usually. Some humans are into that. Paradise will help people believe. The tower will open them up faster and deeper than they ever would on their own. You still have to work, but getting their belief won't be the hardest part. As for the 'how', you didn't think I was going to abandon you without a little practice, did you?">>
Lazren beamed at you, releasing your hands and walking gracefully to the desk in the corner of the room. She was still nude, and still didn't seem to care in the slightest. She leaned down and pressed a small button on a table intercom.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh Samantha? Be a doll and come say hello to the new boss.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Of course! Right away!">>
The secretary certainly sounded @@.choice;[[Excited!|Feeding2]]@@You heard the front door to the suite open and close, and the rhythmic click clack of heels on the marble floor. After a few seconds, the mousy secretary followed her footsteps into the room. Despite the fact that Lazren was still standing on full display, she didn't show the slightest bit of surprise. When she caught sight of you, however, her hands flew to her face and her cheeks turned a bright, blushing red.
<<nm $phSamantha "<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Oh wow! He really...he turned out so...He's gorgeous, ma'am!<<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>> Or, she is, sorry! I guess that's a little more accurate.<</if>> I figured when they didn't come out immediately it had probably gone well but...wow!<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Oh wow! She turned out amazingly, ma'am! <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> Or rather, he did! I guess 'handsome' might be the word.<</if>> I figured when she didn't come out immediately she had probably accepted things but...wow!<</if>>">>
Samantha's eyes tracked over you, and you fought the sudden urge to turn profile and show off. Part of you felt embarrassed about your new demonic additions, but significantly more of you was pleased that Samantha had noticed and more than happy to give the secretary a more personal encounter if she wanted one. You weren't sure if that was some reaction for your new body or if, by now, you were just coming to grips with the fact that you'd been converted into a super model.<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> Albeit one with some extra equipment that wouldn't make the swimsuit edition.<</if>>
Lazren stepped up behind Samantha, put a hand on her back, and turned around toward you with a bright smile. The succubus's fingers curled affectionately around the woman, and the secretary all but purred as she leaned in to the embrace.
<<nm $phLazren "Samantha here came to me about a year ago. Something of a long story for another day, but I could tell right away that she was very special. She's been helping me prepare for this tower and look through our potential recruits. Mortals are sometimes a better judge of other mortals, I've found. That, and she knew she was going to be your first gift, so she had incentive to find the right candidate.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Gift?">>
You looked at Samantha slowly, up and down, and then back across to Lazren. The succubus smiled, her hand descending from Samantha's back to spread across her rear and nudge her forward a few steps toward you.
<<nm $phLazren "Samantha, dear. Tell $phYou.firstname what you truly want. What will make you happy.">>
Samantha moved up to you in halting little steps, the mousy woman's eyes darting everywhere around the room except looking straight at you, her hands clutching one another in front of her long skirt. She hesitated for several seconds, sucking her lower lip into her mouth uncertainly. Then the floor thumped as she dropped to her knees, words suddenly tumbling out in a mad scramble.
<<nm $phSamantha "<<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname...or...$phYou.firstname. I...I want to serve. I've always wanted it. I want to be used and altered...I want to be useful and loved! I want to kneel at my owner's feet and have $pher look down at me like I'm a piece of property. I always have. I've always gone to bed with those perverted thoughts keeping me up! I want to be yours...if you'll have me. However you'll have me. Please.">>
She fell silent at last, her hands trembling at her sides as she kept her head bowed. You couldn't see her face, but you could tell by the way her body was shaking that she must have still been blushing hard. It had probably taken everything she had just to say all that. No surprise -- you had just met like an hour ago. You looked to Lazren, uncertain how to even respond.
<<nm $phLazren "Don't be so surprised. Samantha has had a year to come to grips with her desires, and she's exactly what you need right now. She'll be your first, my dear <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>. Keep at least some of her brain; you'll want her organizing the books. Beyond that, she's yours now, and she wants to be whatever you want her to be.">>
You looked back at the kneeling woman in some astonishment, but you could also feel your heart begin to beat faster and a strange, needy heat start to work its way through you. A day ago, you'd never imagine that anyone would be literally throwing themselves at your feet this way. You knew you //should// be a little disgusted by just how easily she was being offered up.
Instead, all you felt was hungry. The ache in your body was back with a vengeance.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. So. What do I do? How does this work?">>
<<nm $phLazren "First, you find out enough about your target to know what they want. Samantha here just made that very easy for you, since all you need to be is her owner. Then, you need a focus. An object. Something they can accept to begin the magic. It just so happens that I have something that will do just fine.">>
The demoness cupped her hands together in the air, and pulled them apart slowly. As her hands separated, a leather band appeared between them. It was dark black, ringed along top and bottom with silver, and studded in the middle with a silver heart. Lazren dropped the collar into your hands and you caught it by reflex. The metal still felt hot against your fingertips.
<<nm $phLazren "I can be something of a traditionalist, love. Anyway, you know what she wants. Now you've got a focus. All you have to do is get her to accept it. Oh! And have something in mind. You don't often get a second chance to touch up a transformation, so make sure it's firm in your head before you try it. You can get some pretty interesting results if your mind wanders halfway.">>
You nodded, as if that made any sense at all, but it wasn't even the weirdest thing you'd seen today. Slowly, you turned back to Samantha, and found that she'd straightened her knees and reached up to pull her hair away from her neck, baring the small expanse freckled skin. She risked a peek upward at you, and you could see the trepidation and excitement warring for control of her mind. You supposed that took care of the accepting part.
Which just left the mental picture. Suddenly, despite all your earlier anticipation, your mind went blank. How were you supposed to know what someone wanted in their deepest fantasies when you'd only //known// them for less than a day? Hell, how did you even know what //you// wanted at this point? You swallowed hard, stepping close to the secretary with slow, deliberate movements. You hoped they seemed intentionally ritualistic and not like you were stalling desperately for time.
What did you want?
You wanted...
@@.choice;
[[Utter Loyalty|Feeding3][$phSamantha.transform to 'bimbo']]@@ You wanted Samantha sexy, horny, and totally dedicated to you. She could keep just enough of her brain to do the paperwork, but you weren't going to miss the chance to make a sexpot secretary. You wanted her spreading her legs at the snap of your fingers.
@@.choice;
[[A Partner|Feeding3][$phSamantha.transform to 'futa']] @@ You didn't need a sex toy as much as you needed someone worth talking to. Of course, she could still be incredibly hot, horny, and devoted, but you could stand a little backtalk and teasing. In fact, you wanted her just as equipped as Lazren was. A secretary with a tent in her skirt was a fine image.The collar snapped into place with a satisfying little click, even though you hadn't noticed a buckle on it. You weren't surprised to notice that there was no longer any break in the leather material at all. The effect was instantaneous. Samantha's eyes went wide, and flashed with a sudden burst of purple light. Her jaw dropped, and she sucked in a deep, quivering breath.
<<nm $phSamantha "I feel it! I feel it! It feels...it feels so warm, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>! It's...It's tingling! My whole body is tingling! It's...It's moving out from my neck!">>
You sympathized, since you had gone through much the same only moment before. You spared a glance in Lazren's direction. The succubus had sat down on the edge of the bed, one knee drawn up, one hand idly stroking her own length. She nodded when you met her eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. There's something to be said for a slow change but I didn't think we wanted to waste time, so this one will be a little--">>
A moan split the air and pulled your attention back to the secretary. Samantha was still on her knees, but now she was gripping her breasts with both hands. You couldn't help but notice the fabric of her blouse was pulled tight -- much tighter than it had been when you had arrived.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Samantha's eyes pingponged between looking down at her body and up at you in astonished wonder. You noticed her lips were fuller and glossier than they had been before, curling into a perfect 'O' of surprised fascination. Her hair, too, was changing. You thought you caught a hint of blonde highlight at the roots, beginning to work its way up the brown strands.
<<nm $phSamantha "I...Oh wow... $pMistress! This is...this is...I don't even know what to say! It's like...warm, everywhere! And my head is all fuzzy!">>
You found yourself licking your lips, realizing that your new secretary didn't even notice the timbre of her voice was changing, pitching upward by the second and developing a breathy kind of whine. A deep cracking sound of strained fabric brought your attention back to her chest. The buttons strained as her growing mounds threatened to exceed what the poor garment could cope with. You thought for a second that the buttons would give way, but before they could the whole outfit tore open with a resounding noise, leaving the secretary blinking down at her bare breasts in the ruins of her shredded top.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Sammy1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Sammy1.png]]</picture>@@
Another loud rip told you that wasn't the only place she was expanding. Samantha gasped, both hands flying to her backside. Her skirt was tearing along both sides, trying to pack in a rear that was absolutely not going to be contained. Where she had previously been toned, her new ass was the kind of perfectly shaped swell that all but begged to be spanked, and spanked hard. The skirt held better than the shirt had, but every time the woman wiggled her hips the garment made a deep, creaking protest that signaled it would only be a matter of time.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Sammy2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Sammy2.png]]</picture>@@
<<Transform $phSamantha "bimbo">>Finally, it stopped. The plain, shy secretary you had found on your arrival was gone. In her place was a panting, blonde bimbo. The shreds of her clothes still clung to her curves, more out of habit than structural integrity, and those curves had all been generously multiplied. She was breathing deeply with her eyes closed, an activity that seemed to take up most of her attention. One hand was still gripping her own ass as the other brushed over her stomach, drawing slow circles across new, sensitive flesh.
Then she opened her eyes. <<if ($phYou.form is 'male') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>>You thought at first she was unwilling to lift her head to meet your gaze...until you realized that every swing of your hips moved her head from one side to the other. She was staring at your cock the way a hypnosis victim would study a swinging watch.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You thought at first she was unwilling to lift her head to meet your gaze, until the followed the line of her eyes and found her attention riveted to your chest. You swayed back and forth briefly, and Samantha's head swayed in time with the motions the way someone would follow a hypnotist's watch.<</if>>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Sammy3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Sammy3.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. $phSamantha.Address! You, like, made me all hot and bubbly and stuff. That's //so// fucking cool. Do you want me to...um...thank you all nice? I want to be a good girl for you...Such a good girl...">>
Her tone was drowsy and distracted, and as she spoke you saw she was leaning forward more and more, putting her head right at the level of your thighs. She tilted her head up, the tip of her tongue appearing between her lips as she inhaled deeply. She was crawling toward you now, so slowly you weren't sure she was even aware of it.
Just before she reached you, though, Lazren reached out and grabbed the back of her collar, holding her in place. The blonde whined, looking up with desperate confusion in her eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "It's okay, sweetie. You didn't do anything wrong. You're exactly what your $phSamantha.Address wanted. Mmm. $pShe owns you, doesn't $pshe? You just let $pher rewrite your mind and your body, didn't you? $pShe's going to fuck you soon, like a little personal whore toy. And you love that now, huh?">>
Samantha had gone rigid as the succubus spoke, her eyes wide and full of need. She quivered slightly in place, her mouth opened wide as she began to moan, both of her hand disappearing between her thighs to stroke frantically at the ruins of her skirt. Lazren bent further, her voice dropping to a husky whisper.
<<nm $phLazren "That's the life you wanted, wasn't it? Working the front desk in a slutty outfit that lets everyone see exactly what you are? Letting your $phSamantha.Address bend you over anything that is handy for a good fuck whenever $pshe wants? Giving $pher the power to empty out your little brain whenever $pshe feels like i- Oh! There we are!">>
Samantha clamped her legs together hard, eyes snapping open as she tilted her head back and let out the most orgasmic cry you had ever heard. Her hips bucked, her breasts bounced, her tongue was nearly lolling out of her mouth as she bobbed up and down in place with her mouth hanging open.
But your attention was elsewhere. Something between the woman's lips lit up her mouth with a soft greenish glow. It grew brighter by the moment, until it shone like a firefly laying on the tip of her tongue: a ball of hazy green light. Lazren leaned down, carefully plucked it up, and laid the glimmering ball across the palm of her hand. The succubus turned toward you and lifted her hand to offer up the glowing mote.
<<nm $phLazren "And this, my sweet, is what you're after. What you need. Enough surrender and pleasure that they don't ever want to be anything else ever again. Samantha was prepared for you; you'll need to work a little harder for the others to get them to pop. But for now, why don't you have your first meal?">>
Your stomach rumbled again and your entire body ached. You found yourself staring at the green spot of light just as intensely as Samantha had stared at your new body. You reached out without any conscious thought to take Lazren's wrist, guiding the glowing morsel to your lips.
It was...exquisite. You didn't have any words to describe it. It tingled on your tongue like an electric shock, but tasted like every fine meal you had ever had. It burned down your throat like a shot of alcohol but settled in your belly like a soothing mug of hot cocoa on a cold day. You felt suddenly like there was nothing that you couldn't do, nothing you couldn't accomplish, and no one that could ever stand in your way.
You wanted to take risks. You wanted success. You wanted to show off exactly what you were and see the whole world kneeling at your feet. You knew that they would, someday, and you would generously allow them to supplicate themselves. You would do them the honor of extending your foot to be kissed, and they would love you for it. They would adore you, all of them, and you would remake them in your own image. Blessing them with the perfection of your will.
It
Was
@@.choice;
[[Bliss|Feeding4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>The secretary let out a high pitched cry that slid into a lower, huskier moan. Her hair, already dark brown, was rapidly becoming as black as night, shimmering in the low light. It fell across her face and you realize that it was getting longer even as you watched, extending past her shoulders to fall over her blouse-straining bosom.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Samantha1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Samantha1.png]]</picture>@@
A sudden pop in the room signaled the uppermost button on Samantha's shirt giving up the ghost, launching across the room like a bullet. That proved to be only the vanguard of the next three in similarly spectacular fashion, leaving the woman staring down in awe at her sudden wealth of cleavage. Then a tearing noise drew your attention downward. The woman's skirt, which had been tight across a toned rear, torn at the hips. As you watched, more and more thigh emerged from the end of the overtaxed skirt, and you realized she was actually getting taller, her head slowly reaching your own height.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ah! $pMistress! Too tight, too tight!">>
Her voice was a low, purring moan now, discomfort and arousal fighting for control as she arched her back. Another tearing sound filled the air, and you thought for a moment her skirt had finally torn off entirely. After a second, though, you saw a white, cottony set of ripped panties flutter down between Samantha's thighs. And then spotted the rather obvious bulge pressing against the front of the skirt's fabric, tenting it outward over a mouth-watering shaft.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Samantha2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Samantha2.png]]</picture>@@
<<Transform $phSamantha "futa">>Finally, it stopped. The plain and prudish looking secretary was gone. The woman that climbed unsteadily to her feet was tall, leggy, and moved with utter confidence. For a moment she stared down at the still obvious swell in the front of her skirt, both of her hands descending down over the fabric to either side of her new erection. Then, she flipped her head back and sent a cascade of midnight black hair down across her shoulders, meeting your eyes for the first time. Her makeup had intensified while her face had been covered, and was now dark, bold, and perfectly applied.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/Samantha3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/Samantha3.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh $phSamantha.Address. I'm absolutely perfect. We're going to have so much //fun// here, you and I. I have so much to thank you for...should I start like this?">>
Her voice was a husky coo, rippling with confident pride. When she pronounced the word '$phSamantha.Address' it was genuine, but there was a playful, toying note to the address. She took two steps forward, one of her hands extending for you, obviously looking to press across your front and shamelessly reach between your legs.
And she would have, too. If Lazren hadn't reached out and wrapped both arms around the now taller woman's hips to stop her, tilting her head upward to talk directly into Samantha's ear.
<<nm $phLazren "Not just yet, sweetie. But don't worry, there's nothing wrong. You're exactly what your $phSamantha.Address wanted. Mmm, you just let yourself get sculpted, didn't you? $pShe owns you now, doesn't $pshe? You're so ready to go after the other girls with that thing between your legs, but you're still your $phSamantha.Address's creation, right?">>
Samantha had gone rigid as the succubus spoke, her eyes wide and her cheeks flushed with arousal. She quivered slightly in place, her mouth opened wide as she began to moan, both of her hands dropping back to the front of her skirt to stroke frantically across her bulge. Lazren tilted her head up further, her lips nearly brushing the secretary's ear with every syllable.
<<nm $phLazren "That's the life you wanted, wasn't it? You're going to work the front desk and smile at customers and try not to let them see how //hard// you get thinking about what's going to happen to them. You're going to be the best girl you can be for $phSamantha.Address, aren't you? Hoping $pshe'll let you break one of the new girls? And equally hoping $pshe bends you over the front of your desk, huh? And if you're very, very good and faithful, maybe one day $pshe'll order you to come to her room at night, slide into bed with $pher, then take your throbbing, thick cock and- Oh! There we go!">>
Samantha clamped her legs together hard, eyes snapping open as she tilted her head back and let out the most orgasmic cry you had ever heard. Her hips bucked, her breasts bounced, her tongue was nearly hanging out of her mouth as she shuddered and quaked. You saw a huge wet spot appear across the front of her skirt, just above that brand new bulge.
But your attention was elsewhere. Something between the woman's lips lit up her mouth with a soft greenish glow. It grew brighter by the moment, until it shone like a firefly laying on the tip of her tongue: a ball of hazy green light. Lazren leaned down, carefully plucked it up, and lay the little glimmering ball across the palm of her hand. The succubus turned toward you, and lifted her hand to offer up the glowing mote.
<<nm $phLazren "And this, my sweet, is what you're after. What you need. Enough surrender and pleasure that they don't ever want to be anything else ever again. Samantha was prepared for you; you'll need to work a little harder for the others to get them to pop. But for now, why don't you have your first meal?">>
Your stomach rumbled again and your entire body ached. You found yourself staring at the green spot of light with the same burning need that had shone in Samantha for your new body. You reached out without any conscious thought to take Lazren's wrist, guiding the glowing morsel to your lips.
It was...exquisite. You didn't have any words to describe it. It tingled on your tongue like an electric shock, but tasted like every fine meal that you had ever had. It burned down your throat like a shot of alcohol but settled in your belly like a soothing mug of hot cocoa on a cold day. You felt suddenly like there was nothing that you couldn't do, nothing you couldn't accomplish, and no one that could ever stand in your way.
You wanted to take risks. You wanted success. You wanted to show off exactly what you were and see the whole world kneeling at your feet. You knew that they would, someday, and you would generously allow them to supplicate themselves. You would do them the honor of extending your foot to be kissed, and they would love you for it. They would adore you, all of them, and you would remake them in your own image. Blessing them with the perfection of your will.
It
Was
@@.choice;
[[Bliss.|Feeding4]]@@<</if>><<set $phTime to 4>>You weren't sure how long it was before you came back to yourself, except that Samantha was no longer in the room. You found yourself with your head against something soft, and were startled to find it was Lazren's legs. The succubus cradled your head in her lap, peering down at you with a strangely maternal smile.
<<nm $phLazren "There we are. Just about done for the day, I'd say. How do you feel? Good?">>
Actually, you did feel good. Really, really good. You felt like you'd had a wonderful night's sleep, soaked in a bubble bath for an hour, eaten a five star-meal, and picked up the three hottest dancers at a bar all in the same day. Though, at the same time, you felt like you could barely keep your eyes open. You'd arrived at the skyscraper around noon and you felt like it had been days since you walked in the door.
<<nm $phLazren "Ah, I thought as much. Don't push it too far, but that spark ought to sustain for quite a while. Samantha was a good one. Don't worry, she's just at her desk. I told her you'd need to rest. But there are a few last details for us to go over.">>
<<nm $phYou "Samantha...did it turn out the way you wanted it to? Did I do it right?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phLazren "Hmm? Oh yes, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what she had in mind. Traditional, maybe, but you can't argue with the classics. Just be sure to keep an eye on her. You set her libido pretty high and I bet she's going to get easily 'distracted'. Still, that's your prerogative. She'll help you get started. I'm also leaving you another of my assistants, Mason, who'll help show you the ropes of building. He's also good at making foci, so be sure to stop into his office when you wake up.">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phLazren "Hmm? Oh yes, probably even better than she was expecting. I'm impressed. You left her the brains she'll need to run the shop, like I told you, but you also left her with some initiative. Just keep an eye on her. Politics among my girls is bloodless, but it still happens. You wouldn't be the first of mine who made a servant that eventually ended up holding the collar. Still, she'll help you get started. I'm also leaving you another of my assistants, Mason, who'll help show you the ropes of building. He's also pretty good at making foci, so be sure to stop into his office when you wake up.">><</if>>
She brushed her hand over your brow while she talked. You struggled to keep your mind on the conversation, but exhaustion was beginning to darken the edges of your vision. You felt like you were going to sleep for a week the moment the succubus stopped talking.
<<nm $phYou "There's more?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Not too much more, don't worry. I'll be checking in on you again soon. Two weeks, to be exact. That should be long enough for you to get things established, and extract a few soulgems. I'll want three, counting Samantha, which you already have. That should be a pretty light quota for learning the ropes. I expect you'll find you have a talent for the work.">>
<<nm $phYou "And if I don't get all three?">>
Lazren's smile was just a little bit less maternal this time. Confident and predatory, showing all of her teeth.
<<nm $phLazren "I'd be disappointed. I've been wrong about people before. I wouldn't kick you out on the street or anything. I'd just change your position. Maybe the next person to fill the seat will do better with you //and// Samantha at their feet.">>
Yikes. Suddenly you didn't feel quite as comfortable falling asleep in her lap as you had a moment ago.
<<nm $phLazren "Don't worry, love, I've got faith in you. So much so, that I had one last gift made for you. Something for your personal life more than your work, in fact.">>
She brought her other hand up in front of your face, and you blinked. Between her fingers she held a thin silver chain necklace. Hanging at the end of the necklace was grape-sized emerald held within a silver frame. No, it wasn't just an emerald. As she held it out, Lazren nudged the jewel with her thumb, and it spun within its frame, revealing that the other side of the gem was a ruby red.
<<nm $phYou "Jewelry?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Of a sort. It's not just decoration, though. Look, you're the boss here, and you're going to make some freaky, interesting servants to have fun with, and they're going to be incredibly excited to try their new bodies with you. That's fine, love. A happy worker is a productive worker and all that. But just because you make a domme doesn't mean you need to be on your knees in front of them, and just because you're the boss doesn't mean you can't enjoy getting railed straight into the ground. So I made this. Simple enough. Red side will encourage your people to let you have the top in bed...and the green side will make sure they don't hesitate at all to put a hand on the boss. Keep it on one side or change it every day, the choice is up to you.">>
<<nm $phYou "You made me a magic necklace...that encourages my own employees to fuck me?">>
<<nm $phLazren "You're working for me now, love. What the Hell do I care if you like to take it hard or dish it out? Whatever makes you happy. I'll leave it on your desk. Now -- go to sleep. You're going to need some hibernation before you're ready to roll. Samantha is ready to help you, and Mason will be here by the time you wake up. Just remember: I'll be back in two weeks, okay?">>
Part of you wanted to protest. You wanted to ask more questions about exactly what she wanted you to do. How you were supposed to collect souls and what you were supposed to do with them when you had them. But she was right. Your body was already relaxing and your eyelids were heavy.
One last time, you found your vision growing @@.choice;[[Dark.|Feeding5]]@@<<set $phTime to 0>><<set $phGameDays += 1>>In the morning, she was gone.
You weren't been overly surprised. Somehow, Lazren didn't strike you as a detail person. She had given you the basics and pushed you on your way, and that seemed to be enough for her. You wondered if she really was Sloth, or if that was some kind of joke. Honestly, either one seemed equally rational at this point. Or at least as close to 'rational' as anything about this job had been so far.
So you got up, studied your new body just a little too closely in a full length mirror, and went to shower in the frankly embarrassingly high-class shower. Your entire prior apartment could probably have fit inside of it with enough room left over to still fit the marble Jacuzzi tub. A hot soak had been blissful, finally allowing you a little bit of quiet to organize your thoughts.
Two weeks. You had two weeks to collect three soul gems, whatever those were. Apparently you already had one of them from Samantha, and you could still feel the little spot of warmth in your chest where you'd swallowed it down. You guessed you were a full-fledged demon, now, or close to it: given the task of luring in humans to give up their souls for carnal pleasure.
Having experienced a few tastes of the carnal pleasures in question, you didn't feel like it was all that bad of a deal anymore.
You found a closet full of clothing that had obviously been exactly tailored for your new form. The shirts even had a small slit across the small of the back to poke your new tail through. You waved it back and forth a few times, but had difficulty getting it to move exactly where you wanted. Perhaps it would come with time. <<if ($phYou.gender is 'male') and ($phYou.form is 'female' or $phYou.form is 'futa')>>
Your new body would take some getting used to even aside from the demonic aspects, of course. You'd fumbled with a bra until you'd managed to get it clasped around your chest, and then had stood admiring the swell of your new bust in a mirror. It was strange. When you actually thought about it, it felt totally wrong. The moment your mind wandered, however, your body seemed to move itself on autopilot just fine. The less attention you paid, the more easily you seemed to operate.
<</if>><<if ($phYou.gender is 'female') and ($phYou.form is 'male' or $phYou.form is 'futa')>>Your new body would take some getting used to even aside from the demonic aspects, of course. You'd been very careful with your zipper as you closed it over your new cock, and the attention had only made it harder and more difficult to manage. You'd finally managed to settle it in a position that wasn't painfully obvious and breathed a sigh of relief. It was strange. When you actually thought about it, it was totally wrong. The moment your mind wandered, however, your body seemed to move itself on autopilot just fine. The less attention you paid, the more easily you seemed to operate.<</if>>
You slid into a suit jacket that probably cost more than your entire previous life savings, but you left the silk tie on the rack for today. It was your first day, and you were the boss. You called the shots now, and you got to decide on the dress code.
<<if $phYou.form != "male">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/You/Mobile/YouIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/You/YouIntro.png]]</picture>@@<<else>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/You/Mobile/YouMaleIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/You/YouMaleIntro.png]]</picture>@@<</if>>
You studied yourself in the mirror. You were still the model of a demon, with your dark red skin, horns, and the forked tail that followed around behind you like a puppy. Yet, when you let your eyes cross, or looked at the mirror out of the corner of your eye...you were human. The horns were gone, your skin a more human tone, and the tail nowhere to be seen. You assumed that was what your targets would be seeing. It would be an awful short venture if the first person you walked up to asked why you were dressed up for Halloween. That should have worried you, but it didn't. Whatever Lazren was, the power she had demonstrated was more than enough to convince you she could handle your disguise.
You were just about to screw up the courage to venture out into the world when a gleam of silver caught your eye. The necklace Lazren had shown you last night lay on the nightstand, just beside the bed, the jewel half turned within the socket so that neither color was fully facing out. You picked it up and studied it as it swayed in the air.
One side to be their @@.gemred;dominant@@, to take what you wanted. The other side to have a little @@.gemgreen;submissive@@ fun, and see what they would do with you when they could. You could change it later, but for now, you knew what you wanted.
You wanted...
@@.choice;
[[Red.|Feeding6][$phYou.necklace to 'top']] I didn't give up humanity to be anyone else's sex toy. At least not today.@@
@@.choice;
[[Green.|Feeding6][$phYou.necklace to 'bottom']] What, I'm supposed to have everyone walking on eggshells around me? I enjoy a good fuck as much as the next... uh, <<if ($phYou.form is 'male')>>incubus?<<else>>succubus?<</if>> Whatever. Time to have fun.@@<<set $phTime to 0>><<set $phSoulCount to 1>><<set $phEnergy to 100>><<set $phSamantha.post_talk to 0>><<set $phMason.post_talk to 0>><<set $phUIDisplay to 1>><<set $phLazDays to 14>><<set settings.phSpoilerMode to 0>><<set $phStoryProgression to 1>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','phAllDom')>>You turned the jewel so that the red side was facing out, signaling that you would be remaining on top for now.<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>><<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','phAllSub')>>You turned the jewel so that the green side was facing out, signaling that you were willing to take as good as you could give.<</if>> You could swear there was a little light shining within the jewel for a moment, but when you looked closely it was gone. Whatever. It wouldn't even crack your top ten list of weirdness this week.
You settled the necklace on your shoulders and tucked the jewel down against your chest. It was warm against your skin, not at all unpleasant, but you didn't otherwise feel any different. Lazren had told you the necklace would affect others. You supposed you would figure it out when the time was right.
You were ready. You fixed the collar of your shirt, took final stock of yourself in the mirror, and turned toward the door. You had two weeks to decide if signing that contract was the best or worst thing you had ever done in your life. Either way, it was done. You had been dealt a hand at the table.
It was time to @@.choice;[[Play!|SummaryModeOffer]]@@<<include BedroomTriggers>><<script>>if (previous() == "Sleep") { Save.autosave.save("Autosave - Day " + variables().phGameDays); variables().phTime = 0; }<</script>><<include "MasonSubTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if (($phStoryProgression is 2) and ($phLazDays is 0)) or (($phStoryProgression is 3) and ($phAverySabotage is 0) and ($phLazDays is 0))>><<include AveryArrival>><</if>><<if ($phStoryProgression is 3) and (ndef $phAverySabotage) and ($phLazDays is 0)>><<include ChastityFirstPhonecall>><</if>><<if (($phStoryProgression is 3.1) or ($phStoryProgression is 3.2)) and ($phLazDays is 0)>><<include ChastitySecondPhonecall>><</if>><<if (($phXavier.date is 4) or ($phXavier.date is 5) or ($phXavier.date is 6)) and ($phXavier.recharge is 0) and (ndef _interrupt)>><<include XavierDryadDate>><</if>><<if ndef _interrupt>>Your personal suite would make Caligula blush. You swore every time you looked you found an additional bedroom or office in the upstairs hallway, and each could probably fit your entire previous apartment inside them. The motif was white and gold, with marble flooring and gold trim crammed into every available space.
Your bed dominated the bedroom. Littered with numerous blankets and pillows, it closed around your body every time you lay down and made you want to sleep forever. Your office desk was set just in front the massive glass window that made up one entire wall and allowed you to admire the sprawl of the city far below you. Your inbox always seemed to contain the most up-to-date reports, even though you'd never seen $phSamantha.name or anyone else actually drop them off at your desk.<<if (($phXavier.date gt 5.7) and ($phXavier.date lt 7.1) and (Math.trunc($phXavier.date) is not 6)) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>>
You know, you figured Damien and Xun must have visited her parents by //now//. Maybe you ought to check in with them when you had the chance?<</if>>
I want to make some @@.choice;[[Wardrobe Adjustments.|Dresser]]@@<<if $phLazDays gt 0>>
<<if $phMammon.focus_bank is 2>>Maybe it would be wise to @@.choice;[[Check Your Investments.|InvestmentScreenBedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phRomanceControl is 1) and ($phRomanceTimer is 0)>><<if $phEnergy gte 100>>You think the tower would be ready for another @@.choice;[[Stress Test - 100 Energy|Bedroom][$phGoodbye to 'RomanceControl']]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;You think the tower would be ready for another stress test - 100 Energy<</if>>
<</if>>Enough for today. Time to @@.choice;[[Sleep.|Sleep]]@@
<</if>><<include DateSolutionPrompts>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phMason.commands.includes("Masturbate")) and ($phTime is 2) and ($phMason.recharge is 0)>><br>Call Mason To Check On His @@.choice;[['Enjoyment'|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'dom') and ($phMasonCommand is 'Call') and ($phTime is 2)>><br>Go To The Bed And Give @@.choice;[[Mason A Call|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 99]]@@
<</if>><br>Head to the @@.choice;[[Office.|Office]]@@<<if $phTime > 2>><<goto 'Sleep'>><</if>><</if>><<set $phLocation to 'Sleep'>><<set $phTime to 3>><<nobr>>
<<include "GymTriggers">>
<<include "CompTriggers">>
<<include "ShakeTriggers">>
<<include "InfernoTriggers">>
<<include "ElysiumTriggers">>
<<include "BankTriggers">>
<<include "CasinoTriggers">>
<</nobr>><<if (ndef _interrupt) and ($phSeleneTimer is 0) and (($phXavierHuntDays is not 0) or ($phXavierHunt is 11)) and ($phLazDays is not 0)>><<set _interrupt to 'Selene'>><<include "SeleneAdventure">><</if>><<if (ndef _interrupt) and ($phSamanthaDateTimer is 0) and (($phXavierHuntDays is not 0) or ($phXavierHunt is 11)) and ($phLazDays is not 0)>><<if ($phSamantha.date gt 6) and ($phSamantha.date lt 10) and (($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason') or ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien')) >><<set _interrupt to 'Samantha'>><<set $phSamantha.date to 10>><<include "SamConvoInterrupts">><</if>><</if>><<if (ndef _interrupt) and ($phSamantha.date is 11) and (($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason') or ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'))>><<set _interrupt to 'Samantha'>><<include "SamDateSexScenes">><</if>><<if (($phCassandra.date is 4.4) or ($phCassandra.date is 5.3) or ($phCassandra.date is 5.6)) and ($phCassandra.transform is 'punk')>><<set _interrupt to 'Cass'>><<include "CassPunkDate">><</if>><<if (($phXavier.date is 4.5) or ($phXavier.date is 6.5)) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>><<set _interrupt to 'Xun'>><<include "XavierDryadDate">><</if>><<if ndef _interrupt>><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><</if>><<if ndef _interrupt>>//Clocks chime, the humans file out, and another day comes to a close. The tower slumbers and awaits a new dawn and a new array of guests.//
<<if ndef $phSleepCount>>The last straggling shoppers were ushered out to the parking lot, the mall doors were locked, and most of the tower residents had long since sought their beds. It was a little strange to walk the grounds at night, the empty halls now lit only by the occasional emergency light. A chipper young woman manned the only unlocked door to the tower elevator, allowing access to the residential floors.
After assuring you she had no trouble working the night shift, the receptionist returned to thumbing through a large college textbook as you hit the elevator. She probably didn't have to worry about much traffic for a while. Currently, the only people on those floors were you, $phSamantha.name, Mason, and a handful of very early birds to the hotel. A shopping center and hotel was something of an odd combination, but you suspected things would get a lot busier once you could build some truly unique entertainments.
You rode the elevator up to the top floor, stifling a yawn along the way. Lazren had told you that you would still need to sleep, and she hadn't been kidding. You had started your first day with fire, but now you could hardly keep your eyes open. Lazren had called herself Sloth. You guessed that particularly brand of demonic DNA was part of you as well.
When the elevator opened, you walked past Samantha's empty desk to your door and stepped through, marveling again at just how quickly it had become //yours//. Idly, you wondered how long it would take for your previous landlord to conclude you weren't coming back. Probably not all that long, considering how many months you had been behind on rent. You briefly toyed with the idea of getting a car to take you back to clean out your things, but there really was nothing to get. You had a new body, a new job, and a new home. Nothing you had owned was anything you needed now.
That life was over.
You passed into the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes in your wake. When you arrived, you all but fell into the sheets. They almost seemed to curl around your body of their own volition, wrapping you in a warm embrace. The bedding almost instantly seemed to retain your body heat, feeling like those lazy mornings when you didn't want to get up lest you let the cold air in.
Part of you had wanted to explore your new body, now that you finally had a chance to breathe. Your exhaustion was deeper than your lust, however, and you let your head drop onto the pillows. There would be time enough for that soon.
...Assuming you passed your performance review. Cheerful thought. You would worry about that tomorrow, however. For now, you let yourself drift off to sleep.<<set $phSleepCount to 0>>
<<else>><<set $phSleepCount +=1>><</if>><<if ($phSleepCount is 1) or ($phSleepCount is 2)>>No rest for the wicked. You stretched and yawned, waving to the receptionist on your way into the residential elevator. You were making progress every day but there was a limit to how much you could do in a single day. That limit was, perhaps unsurprisingly, fairly ironclad for someone serving the personification of sloth. You could barely keep your head up as you opened the door to your suite.
You laid out in your bed, feeling the blankets close around you with their familiar warmth. You wriggled into a comfortable position and let out a contented sigh. It had been a good day, but it was time to rest a while. Tomorrow would be a new day.
You dreamed as you slept, but none of your dreams coalesced into anything you could remember. You drifted on a perfect cloud of warmth and comfort until, at last, the dawning light of the morning drew you reluctantly out of your slumber once again...
<</if>><<if $phSleepCount is 3>><<set _random to random(1,5)>><<set $phSleepCount to 0>><<if _random is 1>>You let out a groan as the hot water from the shower faucet eased the latest knotted bit of tension from your shoulders. Eventually, and reluctantly, you reached to turn off the hot water and stepped free of the bath, not bothering to grab a towel. You didn't have any need, as the water steamed from your skin so fast you were nearly dry by the time you reached your nightgown and wrapped it around yourself. Demonic skin temperature had a few advantages, it seemed.
Padding out into your dark suite, you briefly considered finishing up a little bit of paperwork that you had lingering from the previous day, but dismissed the thought quickly. The siren's lure of the bed was just too strong, and you stretched out happily on the mattress, watching the last few wisps of steam from your skin rise lazily to the ceiling.
The work would wait until morning. For now, it was time to rest.
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<npc "fnpc2" "Evening News" "More local news today, the nearby luxury shopping center, aptly named 'Paradise', announced that new expansion projects would continue well into the next year. The center, which opened earlier this year, has already attracted visitors from far and wide with its combination of luxury accommodations and affordable prices. Competitors within the industry are criticizing the center for what they claim are a number of labor and building violations made to maintain their price advantage, but this does not appear to have dampened local enthusiasm. For more on this story, join us after the break when we'll be telling you all about the upcoming attractions!">>
You yawned and thumbed off the television, thankful that you didn't have to focus on the marketing for this place. Lazren had promised there were no shortage of advertisers who had lost their souls somewhere along the line, and that certainly seemed to be the case. Every story that went out, no matter the content, always seemed to bring more visitors to the tower, which meant you had more than enough of your own work to focus on.
You lay back and closed your eyes, snuggling into the blankets. Tomorrow was a new day.
<</if>><<if _random is 3>>You cried out in pleasure, feeling your back arch as the orgasm swept through you and you <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>erupted onto $phSamantha.name's talented tongue<<else>>drenched $phSamantha.name in slick, hot nectar<</if>>. Your climax seemed to last forever, transporting you into bliss for an eternity until you finally fell back, panting onto the bed while your partner <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>swallowed down your love<<else>>licked your juices from her lips<</if>>.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh! $pMistress, you always taste so yummy! Mmm, like, thank you! I should come in late to deliver stuff more often 'cause, like, your <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>cock<<else>>pussy<</if>> always makes me so happy!">>
You can't help but laugh at that, and agree the bimbo secretary ought to drop in more often. The blonde slut licked her lips for every drop of your climax, then finally stood and tucked her chest back into her top, wriggling her fingers in farewell. You sent her on her way with a kiss and a fond spank onto her backside.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Mmm, you're delicious, $pMistress. I don't think I could get enough of you if I had a hundred years to try...and I certainly hope to put that to the test. I ought to come deliver late mail to your office more often.">>
You grinned and pulled her down against you to kiss her cheek, then let her go. The dark-haired woman straightened her top, tucked herself back into her skirt, and wiggled her finger at you as she departed. Her strut showed off her rear far more than it needed to, but it was a lovely parting view.<</if>>
Laying back in bed you wondered, not for the first time, what your old self would have thought about all this. You had servants throwing themselves at your feet, a ridiculously opulent apartment, and every other material thing you could desire. Maybe, one day, it would all seem dull and rote, but at least so far you couldn't imagine it.
You curled on your side and pulled the blankets up over your shoulder. At least so far, life was very, very good. Time to get some rest.
<</if>><<if _random is 4>>Your head seemed to have barely touched the pillow when you felt the warmth of someone in the bed with you. You rolled over to protest, but felt a familiar purple finger fall across your lips.
<<nm $phLazren "Shhh...You've been so good...I think you deserve a reward, don't you?">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>The succubus rolled over on top of you and the blanket slid down over her wings. You felt the heat of her sex rolling against your cock, and the wetness of her arousal was difficult to miss. She rose up onto her knees, allowing your cock to slide back into position, and then thrust downward hard. The pair of you moaned as you slid into her.
It was pure bliss and as Lazren began to bounce you found your hips rising to meet her on their own accord. You didn't care. You fastened your hands around her ass and pulled her down hard against you, struggling to let your cock sink even deeper.<<else>>The succubus rolled over on top of you and the blanket slid down over her wings. You felt the heat of her sex rolling against your thigh, and the wetness of her arousal was difficult to miss. She rocked back and forth where she straddled your leg. You moaned as her nectar painted your skin.
You spread your thighs apart, and her slim hand slid between them. Soon you were both deep in the ebb-and-flow rhythm of union. You fastened your hands around her ass as you steadied her and pulled her more forcefully against you, trying to eke out as much sensation as possible from each and every motion.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "This...This can't be real...">>
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. Of course it's not. You're dreaming, love. But who says that means we can't have fun?">>
You couldn't argue with that. You signaled your agreement by spanking her ass, firmly, until she began to ride you again. Her heavy, purple tits swayed dizzyingly in front of your eyes and you felt your face growing flush. How could even the dream of this woman do so much to you?
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You wanted to enjoy yourself, but you couldn't hold yourself back. All too soon, your thrusts became more frantic until you finally emptied yourself inside of her as fireworks went off in your mind. Spent and panting, you dropped down onto the covers and reached to pull the succubus down on top of you.
Your hand felt only empty air. You blinked blearily, suddenly realizing just how bright the room was. You glared at the window and rolled over, only to realize that your stomach was sticky with cum. Grumbling, you slid out of bed and moved to get back to your feet...<<else>>You wanted to draw it out and enjoy yourself, but all too soon the thrust your bodies against each other grew to a frantic pace. Friction and pressure combined with the impossible heat of your cunts, and Lazren's heavy, panted breathing was music to your ears. You heard her moan of approval as your cried out and arched hard against her, fireworks exploding in your mind. Spent and panting, you dropped down onto the covers and reached to pull the succubus down with you.
Your hand found only empty air. You blinked blearily, suddenly realizing just how bright the room was. You glared at the window and rolled over, only to realize you'd practically left a puddle beneath your ass. Grumbling, you slid out of bed and moved to get back to your feet...<</if>>
...and nearly fell backward in surprise. For just a half second, you were sure you felt arms around your body, pulling you back in with a kiss on the cheek. When you looked, though, there was still nothing but the rumpled covers and the dark spot in the sheets.
It //had// been a dream, hadn't it?
<</if>><<if _random is 5>><<if ndef $phTailMastery>>You were quick, but not quick enough. The glass tumbled off the night stand and onto the carpet, spilling water everywhere. You glared at it for a moment, and then turned your ire on the culprit.
Your tail.
Most of the time you barely remembered that you had it, honestly. The tower concealed it from most people and it curled naturally over your back in such a way that someone would //really// have to be invading your personal space to trip over it, but it still wasn't perfect. It had a tendency to swing out when you turned from side to side and you continually forgot it was there until it knocked something over.
You brought it around in front of you and glared at the spade tip. You started to bend down to retrieve the cup, but paused. This was going to continue to be a problem until you mastered the extra limb that Lazren had gifted you with, and you couldn't do that by just ignoring it.
Slowly and carefully, you eased your tail down to the floor and toward the fallen cup. You shivered a bit as the tip touched the cold water still in the glass, wiggling into the cup and then lifting upward. It ached and you doubted it would be able to lift much more than the glass, but in seconds you had the cup in hand.
<<nm $phYou "...Okay. I guess if I practice, you could come in handy. Thanks.">>
Lazren would probably be fairly amused to find you talking to your own tail, but some adjustment had to be expected. You actually took a moment to study it, rather than just take it for granted. It was thin throughout the length, maybe the size of a thick computer cable, but the end flared to the familiar triangular demon shape. Curiously, you extended your fingers to run along the skin.
Oh. Oh My.
You shivered. The surface was hot and a little firmer than the rest of your skin, almost like leather, but the touch sent a little bolt of electricity through your body. That was...//surprisingly// sensitive. As you rolled your body, the flare of the tail flexed and expanded slightly before shrinking back down again.
You hesitated, looking around as though someone might have snuck into your most private sanctum. There was no one. Haltingly, but far too curious to desist, you leaned forward and pressed your lips to the very tip of the flared tail.
Oh. Oh yes. This was //very// dangerous. Your lips felt all too wonderful on the sensitive skin. You pulled back quickly and lowered the tail back down beside your leg. You had much more important things to do than get distracted exploring your own body. You shut off the light and firmly pressed yourself down into the mattress beneath the covers.
Sleep was slow to come. Your mind kept drifting to that brand new organ, curled docilely against the back of your knee. It was like breathing. Now that you were aware of it, you couldn't seem to put it out of your mind. Maybe you'd experiment again once you had a little more practice. What could it hurt?
When morning came, you were just a little grumpy about it. Next time, you'd do your exploration a little farther from bedtime. You guessed these were the parts of being <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>a succubus<<else>>an incubus<</if>> no one wrote in the books.
<<set $phTailMastery to 0>><<else>><<if $phTailMastery lt 1>><<set $phTailMastery +=1>>
<</if>><<if $phTailMastery is 1>><<nm $phYou "Okay...if we're going to work together, we've got to have trust in one another, okay? You follow my lead, and I'll make sure you get taken care of, alright?">>
It wasn't a strange line, coming from you. You'd probably spoken some variant of it a few times since taking over this role... you just weren't usually laying naked on the bed atop a post-shower towel, talking to your own tail.
The spade tail swayed in front of you. You'd gotten better about learning to control it. It didn't <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>slip out of your skirt<<else>>sneak out of your pantleg<</if>> anymore, unless you wanted it to, and it had been a week since you'd let it get caught in a closing door. It still felt...foreign, though. It was a part of your new body that you simply had no experience with.
You flexed, carefully, and your tail swayed to the left. Another flex, and it swung equally as far to the right. Then you tilted it back, and then forward, allowing the tip to rest across your belly. You let it waggle across your belly button for a moment, then up your body. The feel of it was...strange, but not unpleasant. Warm, hot even compared to your fingers, and more leathery than a fingertip, but it was silky smooth and not rough at all. You allowed it to brush over each of your nipples in turn, feeling them harden under the touch.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Okay, I see we understand each other...This might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...">>
Your tail swayed in front of your face. You felt your cheeks flush and took a quick look around. Stupid. Of course you were alone in your own room. There wasn't anyone to complain about you...experimenting.
Carefully, tentatively, you eased your tail forward until the tip brushed against your soft lips. It was...shockingly intense. The tip of your tail felt nearly as good as <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>the tip of your cock<<else>>teasing your clit<</if>>, but the unfamiliarity made it seem even stronger. You arched your back on reflex, opening your mouth wide...
...and you filled it with the entire spade tip, rolled slightly into the round shape of the biggest cock you've ever had. It stretched your jaw nearly to the point of aching and forced you to breathe hard through your nose because you weren't getting air in any other way.
And it was amazing.
You lost track of how long you were there, or how long the pleasure stretched. The next thing you knew, your hips were bucking and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>your cock was spurting over your bare stomach and the towel you were lying on<<else>>your tail thrust in and out of your mouth in sympathetic echo. Your stomach clenched and your muscles locked in place as you moaned your climax around the spade tip<</if>>. That woke you up enough to reluctantly pull the tail from your lips, allowing it to unfurl into its more regular appearance.
For a long time, you simply lay there, basked in the afterglow, and tried to process what had just happened. Finally, absently, you extended your hand to brush lightly over the flared tail tip.
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to have to be //very// careful with you, aren't I? Apparently tigers aren't the only things you can catch by the tail.">>
You laughed and tucked it away behind you, then looked down at yourself. You'd have to have a second shower tonight, you guessed, then you needed to get some sleep. It would be a long day tomorrow...
<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phSleepCount is 4>><<set $phSleepCount to 1>>You settled into bed, and the warm comfort of the mattress embraced you as you did. You weren't sure whether the bed Lazren had made was //literal// magic, but if it wasn't then it was very close. No matter how stressed you were or how many plans you had running in your brain, it never took long for sleep to claim you.
Tonight, you were wondering about Sara. It had been a somewhat unusual situation from start to finish, beginning with Mammon hiring a human for you in the first place and ending with Mason not being able to provide her focus himself. You wondered how many more potential converts you might find in strange places...
Maybe you should keep your eye out for more opportunities like that? If they fell into your lap, that would be nice...
... Nice... yes... that would be nice...
...
...
...
When the light shone against your closed eyes, it took you a second to realize that time had passed and that once again the bed had lured you to sleep mid-thought. Now, the orange light of dawn crawled across your face and foretold the coming of the morning. You grumbled and rolled your body away from the window on instinct, ducking your head behind your pillow.
The light didn't go away.
You cracked your eyes open, reluctantly... and then sat up in bed, all thoughts of sleep forgotten. You were no longer alone in your room. The orange light hadn't been the dawn. Judging from the gloom beyond the windows, it was far closer to midnight than morning.
No, the orange light was coming from an incandescent figure, standing in the middle of the room. Its form shone, casting light in all directions, and the edges of its body seemed blurred and indistinct -- even transparent. It made it difficult to latch onto many details.
You could tell it was a woman, wearing some kind of loose and flowing garment. A pair of slim, triangular ears stood straight from the top of her head, protruding out of long, flowing hair. But even the fire-like glow and inhumane ears failed to capture your attention like her most notable feature: seven massive, fluffy tails that fanned out behind her, floating and swaying like anemone fronds beneath the waves.
The figure just... looked at you. Stared at you. You finally cleared your throat and tried to arrange the sheets around yourself with some semblance of modesty. One of her ears twitched at the sound.
<<nm $phYou "You must be Mason's...uh...acquaintance?">>
You couldn't clearly see her face, but she canted her head slightly at your words. Whether she was amused or annoyed was masked by the unearthly glow. She brought her empty hands together, and as she raised them up to her waist, they suddenly weren't empty any more.
Now, she held a mask.
<<nm $phYou "This is...for me? You're delivering it?">>
You reached out tentatively, ready to pull your hands back if you were challenged, but the floating apparition made no other motion. Your hands connected with the mask and found it material; you pulled it back into your lap and turned it over between your fingers to examine it.
It was large, fully big enough to fit over your entire face, and carved from some sort of fine, light wood that had been covered in alabaster white lacquer. It, too, sported triangular ears, the interiors painted cherry red instead. Lines of that same red paint formed contours along the cheeks and head, and formed thin, almost feline lips that were drawn up in a smirking expression. The nose was long and slightly protruding.
No, not feline, you realized. Vulpine: a fox mask. You could feel the faint hum of some indescribable energy run through your hands as you held it. It was warm, as well -- far warmer than the cool of your bedroom in the middle of the night. You opened your mouth to ask a question, finally lifting your eyes from the mask...
...and found yourself alone. No figure. No light. Just the empty, dark air. If not for the mask still gripped in your hands, you would have wondered whether you had dreamed the whole thing.
Your phone buzzed on your nightstand, and you nearly jumped out of your skin. You slapped your hand down on it to silence it, first, then fished it up and swiped your thumb across the screen. It was a text message from Mason.
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "Heads up. I think our guest has arrived. She's never been overly patient, so you may be seeing her shortly. Are you awake or still getting your beauty sleep, my pet? She might yank on your collar a few times to wake you...">><<else>><<nm $phMason "Pardon me, $phMason.address. I am loath to interrupt your rest, but our guest has arrived. She has never been very patient, and you may be seeing her shortly. Are you awake?">><</if>>
You sighed and rubbed your temple with your free hand. Apparently, you would have to have a talk about timely warnings...and maybe when it was worth calling over taking the time to text.
You thumbed a quick and perhaps curt response back to him, and then let your head fall back down onto your pillow. You hoped that was the last time you had a ghostly visitor in the middle of the night. If it wasn't, you would seriously have to make some difficult choices about sleeping this close to where you worked.
The mattress and blankets enfolded you in warmth and you found yourself drifting off again. You had your mask now. Tomorrow, it would be time to pass it on to Sara.
After you got just a little more rest...
<</if>><<include "NewDayTriggers">><br>@@.choice;
[[Embrace The New Day|Bedroom]]@@<</if>><<include "OfficeTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>Paradise's main office was quiet and out of the way of the daily business, but there was still an electric charge of energy running through the air. It was a circular room with a door on every point of the compass. Across from your room was the elevator down to the rest of the tower and the shopping center. To your left was a door marked as ''Supplies'' and the door to the right was ''Research and Development''.
<<include "MasonSubTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy was at her desk in the corner of the room between your door and the supply closet, occasionally blowing a pink bubblegum bubble as she typed away at her computer. Her desk was covered in pink post-it notes, most of which seemed to feature suggestive sketches rather than actual notes. A bowl of candy rested at her elbow and, despite the fact she popped something in her mouth whenever it was empty, the bowl never seemed to run out of sweets.
From here, you can get almost anywhere.
@@.choice;
[[Talk to Sammy]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You')>><<if ndef _MasonDuoChance>><<set _MasonDuoChance to random(1,12)>><</if>><<else>><<set _MasonDuoChance to 0>><</if>><<if _MasonDuoChance is 12>>Huh. That's interesting.
Samantha was at her desk. Her hands were working at her keyboard, but you noticed that her motions seemed to be more halting than usual. She was breathing heavily, her blouse rising and falling with the generous chest underneath it. As you drew closer to the desk, you could have sworn you heard faint, wet sounds coming from beneath the table. You had a suspicion what might be going on there...
@@.choice;
[[Ask Samantha What She's Up To|SamanthaFutaDate]]@@<<else>>Samantha was up from her desk at the corner of the room between your door and the supply closet, leaning her hip against the desk as she spoke to someone on the phone. Judging from the tone of her voice and the slight tent in her skirt, whoever it was on the line was being made to heel and understand that a fifty percent discount on their services was perfectly reasonable considering who they were dealing with. The secretary's desk was stacked with binders, each of them meticulously cross-referenced with tiny labels sticking out from the pages. Transformation had not, it seemed, damaged Samantha's organizational skills.
From here, you can get almost anywhere.
@@.choice;
[[Talk to Samantha]]@@<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Bedroom]]
[[Research and Development]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 21>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>>@@.choice;
[[Vault|SeleneClone]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>>@@.choice;
[[Vault|SeleneBig]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if ($phSelene.post_talk is 0) or ($phSelene.post_talk gt 20)>>@@.choice;
[[Vault]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Selene is out of town. The Vault is locked until she returns!@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phMunokho.post_talk gt 0>>@@.choice;
[[Training Room|TrainingRoom]]@@<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Shopping Center - First Floor]]
<<if $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 1>>[[Shopping Center - Second Floor]]<br>
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>>[[Elevator - Casino|Casino]]<br><</if>>@@<</if>><<if def $phOldCC>><<unset $phOldCC>><</if>><<if ($phGenderChanged is 'Gender Only') or ($phGenderChanged is 'Gender Color') or ($phGenderChanged is 'Color Only') or (def $phDresserChange)>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Gender Only'>>You liked how you looked... for the most part. There were just a few //minor// anatomical details to changed. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>You watched in the mirror as your breasts slowly flattened and shrank beneath your shirt -- which, somehow, seemed to effortlessly adjust to your new masculine chest. It was a good thing your pants were just as 'responsive', since there was definitely a bit of new heft there, as well.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>The way the bulge in your pants slowly dwindled away was subtle but mesmerizing, all the more so because you could feel how the sack below first drew taut, then //separated//, forming two very feminine folds instead. The tip of what had been your cock withdrew until it was a fraction of its previous size...but was just as sensitive. Nestled into your new sex, it was now your clit.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>The best thing about being able to change yourself was that you were no longer limited to simply being 'a man' or 'a woman'. Signing away your soul had opened your eyes to so many opportunities -- including having the best of //both// worlds. You watched, a grin on your lips, as your will resculpted your body, pairing soft, feminine curves and swells with a shaft between your thighs that was anything but soft. You were sure there were at least a few people out there who wouldn't mind... maybe more than a few!<</if>>
It didn't take long, and soon you nodded in satisfaction at your reflection. Maybe you'd try out a new hair color another day, but for now, this was perfect.<<set $phGenderChanged to true>><<BreakAchievement "phGenderAchieve">><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<</if>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Gender Color'>>If you were going to make some changes, you might as well make some significant ones. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>You watched in the mirror as your breasts slowly flattened and shrank beneath your shirt -- which, somehow, seemed to effortlessly adjust to your new masculine chest. It was a good thing your pants were just as 'responsive', since there was definitely a bit of new heft there, as well.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>The way the bulge in your pants slowly dwindled away was subtle but mesmerizing, all the more so because you could feel how the sack below first drew taut, then //separated//, forming two very feminine folds instead. The tip of what had been your cock withdrew until it was a fraction of its previous size...but was just as sensitive. Nestled into your new sex, it was now your clit.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>The best thing about being able to change yourself was that you were no longer limited to simply being 'a man' or 'a woman'. Signing away your soul had opened your eyes to so many opportunities -- including having the best of //both// worlds. You watched, a grin on your lips, as your will resculpted your body, pairing soft, feminine curves and swells with a shaft between your thighs that was anything but soft. You were sure there were at least a few people out there who wouldn't mind... maybe more than a few!<</if>>
Once your body was settled, you turned your attention to more colorful things. In comparison to the anatomical changes, it was child's play -- although it was still surreal to watch as the hues changed. It looked almost like CGI from a science fiction film with how smoothly the colors shifted and spread until, at the end, it seemed as natural as if you were born that way.
Actually, maybe 'natural' wasn't the best word for demonic dye-jobs, but it'd do for now.<<set $phGenderChanged to true>><<BreakAchievement "phGenderAchieve">><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<</if>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Color Only'>>While you were happy with your physical form, your color palette could use some tweaking. You concentrated and tried to imagine what you'd look like a little differently: $phYou.skin skin, $phYou.hair hair, $phYou.eyes eyes, <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>with lips the perfect shade of $phYou.lips.<<else>>and a jacket a rich shade of $phYou.lips.<</if>> It was still surreal to watch as the hues changed. It looked almost like CGI from a science fiction film with how smoothly the colors shifted and spread until, at the end, it seemed as natural as if you were born that way.
Actually, maybe 'natural' wasn't the best word for demonic dye-jobs, but it'd do for now.<<set $phGenderChanged to false>>
<</if>><<if def $phDresserChange>>You looked down at the necklace hanging around your neck. It was so light that you often forgot it was there unless something brought it to mind, but the <<if $phYou.necklace == "bottom">>ruby jewel still shone to signify to your employees that the boss was not the trifled with. That could be a good thing, but honestly you felt like it could be time for a change. Easy enough to do. You fiddled with the necklace, turning the jewel within its casing until the green side faced outward.
There. That should let your friends and workers know they had little to fear from you if they wanted to enjoy some more 'hands-on' time with the boss.<<else>>emerald jewel faced the world, showing everyone that it was alright to take a firmer hand with you. That could be a good thing, but you felt like your employees might enjoy a reminder of who held the power within your home. Easy enough to supply. You adjusted your necklace, spinning the jewel around until its red side turned outward.
Perfect. You knew the ruby would make it immediately clear that your mood had shifted. You looked forward to seeing a new level of respect from those who served under you. <</if>><<BreakAchievement "phNeckAchieve">>
<<unset $phDresserChange>>
<</if>><hr>
<br><</if>>
<<CC_Mirror>>
<div id="CC_Under">Your closet is well-stocked with numerous outfits, ranging from pristine and well-tailored business clothes to ensembles that bear a closer resemblance to dental floss than anything else. You always find what you need here, and you could swear the selection changes to suit whatever you were thinking of that day.
You catch sight of yourself in the mirror, and notice the necklace hanging around your neck. The jewel is currently turned so that the <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>@@.gemred;''red''@@ side is facing outward, indicating you'd like to remain on top for now.<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>@@.gemgreen;''green''@@ side is facing out, encouraging your employees not to fear enjoying you.<</if>> All it would take to change was five seconds to turn the jewel around.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if def $phUnlockedCC>>
<<link "I need a change.">><<removeclass "#phCCRadioWrapper" "invisible">>
<<set $phOldCC to $phYou.cc_code>><<script>>document.getElementById("cc_mirror_wrapper").scrollIntoView();<</script>>
<<addclass "#CC_Under" "invisible">>
<</link>> There's always room for improvement!
<<else>>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[I need a change.|Dresser][$phDresserChange to 'bottom',$phYou.necklace to 'bottom']] I'll turn the necklace to @@.gemgreen;green@@.<<else>>[[I need a change.|Dresser][$phDresserChange to 'top',$phYou.necklace to 'top']] I'll turn the necklace to @@.gemred;red@@.<</if>><</if>>
<br /><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 1>>[[Actually, Everything Is Fine|AveryArrival]]<<else>>[[Actually, Everything Is Fine|Bedroom]]<</if>><</nobr>>
@@ </div><<include R&DTriggers>>Research and Development was a large laboratory full of whirring equipment, humming electronics, and brightly lit workspaces. You could identify the function of maybe a third of the machines, while the rest could have be anything from calculators to coffee makers for all you could tell. The room was almost blindingly lit by a combination of fluorescent lighting and computer monitors.
Mason's office door in the back of the lab was open a crack, and you could hear the demonic scientist hammering on something. He'd told you he'd be available for the creation of foci whenever you had a target, though the engineer had been less than encouraging when it came to simple office chatter.
A touch screen terminal on a swinging arm stood near the door is your access to the tower's systems. The system was laid out with an almost insultingly easy interface featuring large icons and helpful hover text on almost everything. Still, you couldn't help but agree that it made giving almost any building construction order as simple as punching in a couple of buttons.<<if ($phMason.post_talk is 1) and ($phStoryProgression gt 1)>>
You'd passed Lazren's first test and proved you weren't going to fail at the first hurdle. You wondered if that would make the normally private Mason a little more willing to open up to you. Maybe it was time to have a chat with your master builder...<</if>>
<<if ($phMason.recharge is 1) and ($phMason.post_talk is 3)>>You promised to give Mason some time before you talked to him again. Better that you both cooled off for a while.
<<else>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 4) and ($phMason.recharge is 1)>>Mason asked you for a day to allow the effects of the crystal to wear off. Your head is still a little fuzzy. It would be better to talk to him tomorrow.
<<else>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phMason.recharge is 1)>>Judging from how you call with him had gone, Mason was probably still catching his breath. Better to bother your pet tomorrow.
<<else>>@@.choice;
[[Talk to Mason]]<</if>><</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Turn On The Construction Console|Build Screen]]
<<if ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1)>>[[Turn On The Management Console|R&DManagementScreen]]<</if>>
[[Return to the Main Office|Office]]@@<<include "First Floor Triggers">>The lowest two floors of the tower were given over to the shopping center, the footprint of which actually extended out farther on all sides than the rest of the tower. That, combined with some clever architectual designs, actually let you pump in a fair amount of natural light into the area. The ceiling of the first floor was open, allowing a view up to the second floor balconies and letting the light shine down further during the day.
Not that most of the shoppers cared. Both sides of the floor were rowed with shop after shop, each of them trying to outdo the others in terms of opulence and enticing displays. Given that your center offered particularly competitive rates for those willing to step up their aesthetics, the mall outshone all but the most elegant art museums. The carefully laid brick was enhanced with shiny lacquer that clacked satisfyingly beneath the heels of a thousand guests a day. Digital screens in display windows enticed customers to enjoy the delights within, and no spill, mess, or piece of discarded trash seemed to last longer than a few minutes before being tidied away.
As with all malls, the selections of shops was an eclectic mixture of clothing, entertainment, niche hobbies, and general supply stores. Paradise, though, was also known for its lifestyle offerings. A number of clubs, self-help, and service companies made their home within the walls. A short jog back to the elevator would take you up to the tower itself, while escalators placed at regular intervals would grant access up to the second floor shops.
<<nobr>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'hentai') and ($phCassandra.recharge is not 1)>><br>[[Cassy's|TalkToCassy]] voice calls to you from every TV screen and billboard, promising excitement and fun to all.<br><br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 1>>
[[The Computer Cafe|Computer Cafe]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] is 1>>
[[Elysium|Elysium]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1>>[[The Gym|Gym]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1>>
[[Shakes 'n Sundaes]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 1>><br>[[Head Up To The Second Floor|Shopping Center - Second Floor]]<br>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>><br>[[Elevator - Casino|Casino]]<br><</if>><</if>>
<br>[[Return to the Main Office|Office]]
<</nobr>>@@<<nobr>>
<<unset $phDoBuild>>
<<GetBuildings>>
<<script>>
var i;
var b = State.temporary.buildingsBuilt;
var a = State.temporary.buildingsAvailable;
var p = State.variables.phLocations;
State.temporary.tempNames = [];
for (i = 0; i < b.length; i++) {
State.temporary.tempNames.push(p[b[i]]['name']);
}
State.temporary.buildingNames = State.temporary.tempNames.join(", ");
State.temporary.tempNames = [];
for (i = 0; i < a.length; i++) {
State.temporary.tempNames.push(p[a[i]]['name']);
}
State.temporary.availableNames = State.temporary.tempNames.join(", ");
<</script>>
<</nobr>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
Loading...
Loading...
<<termtext "white" "M.A.S.O.N Construction System Initialized">>
<<termtext "yellow" "• Current Energy Reserves: $phEnergy unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "• Estimated Daily Energy Gain: $phEPD unit(s)">>
<<termtext "red" "• You have constructed _buildingsBuilt.length location(s)">>
<<termtext "red" "• Constructed location(s): <<= _buildingNames>>">>
<<termtext "blue" "• There are _buildingsAvailable.length blueprint(s) available">>
<<termtext "blue" "• Available blueprint(s): <<= _availableNames>>">>
Enter Command: [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
The console hummed to life, a grid map of the tower appearing on the screen beside the text. You recognized the floor plan, the shops, and the little green dots that must have been people walking to and fro. However, the building was awash with tiny streams and eddies of fuzzy multicolored light, all of it flowing in strange directions to a logic you didn't immediately understand. The areas where the energy pooled were flashing white, suggesting they were kept empty and awaiting your command.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>[[First Floor Venues]]<br />
<<if $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 1>>[[Second Floor Venues]]<br /><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression > 1>>[[Special Venues]]<br /><</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression > 1) and ($phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 0)>>[[Build New Floor]]<br /><</if>>
<<if _buildingsBuilt.length > 0>><br>[[Open Management Screen|R&DManagementScreen]]<br/><</if>>
<br>[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]<</nobr>>@@<<include "GymTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>There was a hum within the Gym at all times, a mixture of the rolling treadmills along the back wall and the electric energy of bodies being pushed to the limit. Despite only occupying a small storefront, tinted for the privacy of the calorie-burners within, the gym was larger than it seemed. The floorplan curved behind the shops of its nearest neighbors, forming a large 'T' shape rather than a square.
That space was very much needed. The equipment selection was dizzying: from treadmills and elipticals to barbells and benches, anything a person could desire to improve themselves could be found here -- and in quantity enough that there was almost never a line. The shop was extended further by a door leading to an outdoor section: a small track and skate park built against the side of the mall and shielded from the parking lot by a set of dark green fences.
A set of the doors on the right side of the T shaped floor plan lead to the showers, bathrooms, and sauna. Paradise could not, after all, return its customers to the floor without a rewarding shower to refresh their aching muscles while providing the opportunity for self-admiration in some particularly flattering mirrors. If there was any place in the world to make a change, Paradise was set to beat them all.
<<nobr>><<if ($phDamien.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 0) and ($phDamien.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Damien|DamienGym]]@@, a young man with slender features, is using a weight bench.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phDamien.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Dana|TalkToDana]]@@ is walking the floor, his short skirt drawing a lot of attention from the other customers.@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 1)and ($phCassandra.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Cassandra|CassandraGym]]@@, a shy looking woman carrying a messenger bag, is strapping on her skates.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'punk') and ($phCassandra.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Cass|TalkToCass]]@@ is smoking and leaning against one of the outside windows.<br><</if>><</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Work For A While|GymWait]]
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return to the Shopping Center|Shopping Center - First Floor]]@@<</if>><<include "ShakeTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>The food court in Paradise was well-known for both its quality and its variety. Rows of fast-food operations shared space with sit-down restaurants staffed by tuxedo clad waiters. Tablespace was ample and almost always bustling with the happy chatter that came when bellies were full but there might just be room for dessert.
One of the most popular suppliers of said dessert was the Shakes 'n Sundaes storefront. Laden with a truly dizzying selection of ice cream, milk shakes, cookies, brownies, and other assorted treats, the top heavy ladies who worked behind the counter were always in motion. Given that the white and black spotted uniforms were typically open enough to show off said top-heaviness, you couldn't help but notice that the items on the lower shelves, which required the girls to bend forward to retrieve, tended to be some of the most popular offerings.
You wondered how many of the customers would react if they knew the true source of their frozen treats. The backroom of the shop was not the storage area most would assume, but a fully fledged stable, where a number of bovine ladies supplied the dairy for the shop. Most would be quite startled and loud about the discovery, but you suspected at least a few of them would still show up as long as it meant still getting to enjoy their favorite items.
<<nobr>><<if ($phDamien.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 1) and ($phDamien.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Damien|DamienShake]]@@, a young man with slender features, is studying a milkshake display.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phDamien.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Damien|TalkToDamienBull]]@@ pops out into the food court occasionally from various backrooms, assisting with heavier boxes and deliveries.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 2) and ($phJolie.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Jolie|JolieShake]]@@, a curvy woman, is sitting at a table with a small sundae.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl') and ($phJolie.recharge is not 1)>><br>@@.choice;[[Jolie|TalkToJolieCowgirl]]@@, dressed in an employee's uniform, is walking between the tables answering questions and cleaning up trash.<br><</if>><</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Work For A While|ShakeWait]]
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return to Shopping Center|Shopping Center - First Floor]]@@<</if>><<include "CompTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>Electronic music played quietly over speakers in the cyber cafe, just loud enough to drown out the hum of several dozen computer fans. The lights were kept low; swirling LEDs adorned the ceiling and shone only bright enough to make it possible to navigate to and from the nearby bathroom. In the dimness, rows of computer monitors cast a wash of light onto their respective users, each an island of illumination. The patrons were intensely focused on their own microcosm in front of them, despite sharing the physical space.
An eternally smiling young woman welcomed guests at the door and sold passes, upgrades, and games. Beyond that, customers were left uninterupted by anyone. The rows of computers were the main attraction, and they snaked around the room. One corner was taken up by larger screens in front of couches and beanbags for console gaming. Across from the consoles, and slightly better lit, were a trio of tables set up for cards, dice, and whatever other battle of wits could be desired.
In a world growing increasingly connected, the very idea of a computer cafe was becoming outmoded, but not in Paradise. Here, files downloaded faster, it was always easy to find one's focus, and every visit to an online site resulted in finding exactly what one wanted. There were always seats available to play the games the customers craved, and the cafe offered exactly the kind of privacy and esape from the real world they needed. This place was one of a kind.
<<nobr>><<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 2) and ($phCassandra.recharge is not 1)>>
@@.choice;[[Cassandra|CassandraComp]]@@, a woman with brown hair, is slouching in front of a computer monitor.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pre') and ($phTime is 0) and ($phJolie.recharge is not 1)>>@@.choice;[[Jolie|JolieComp]]@@ is written on the large whiteboard, indicating one of the private computer rooms is currently being rented out.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar') and ($phJolie.recharge is not 1)>><<JolieFlip>>@@.choice;[[Jolie's|TalkToJoliePornstar]]@@ makeshift office is here, in the back rooms. It's impossible to say what persona she's wearing today, but you could drop in on her.<br><</if>><</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Work For A While|CompWait]]
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return to Shopping Center|Shopping Center - First Floor]]@@<</if>><<set $phSamantha.post_talk to 1>>You did your best to keep your pace even and confident as you moved down the stairs of your suite toward the office door. You reminded yourself that you were the boss now, even if you still weren't sure exactly what you were supposed to be doing. Lazren had chosen you, and that had to count for something. You didn't pause at the door, but blew through it as if you owned the place. Hell, you really did!
Then you immediately froze in the doorway as a loud feminine moan rolled through the air.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/SammyFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SammyFinal.png]]</picture>@@
It didn't take you long to find source of the noise. Samantha, it seemed, hadn't wasted any time shopping for a new wardrobe. Her new blouse was open very nearly down to her navel, and her new blonde hair had been done up in a pair of flouncing pigtails. The woman's black skirt was barely long enough to conceal her panties from view.
Or lack of them, anyway. You knew they were absent because the blonde had both of her high heeled feet up on her desk, and she was driving a buzzing toy into herself with what you could only describe as gusto. She writhed against her chair and bucked her hips up and down repeatedly as she worked the little vibrator hard, utterly unaware of your presence.
You cleared your throat, politely. You had to do it twice before her eyes snapped open.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oohh! $phSamantha.Address! Like, mmm, sorry! Give me just a second, and I'll...I'll...Ah! Ahhhhhh!">>
The woman's body kicked upward like her seat had suddenly turned to lava. She spread her legs wide and closed her eyes as she filled the room with the sound of her orgasm. You had to admire the volume, as well as the flexibility. Samantha's legs were spread so far her ankles actually brushed up against opposite sides of the desk.
Finally she was done. She collapsed back against her seat with a series of mewling gasps and gingerly pulling the toy free. Then she stood, fixed her dress, ran a finger along her lipstick, and pranced over to you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, $phSamantha.Address! I'm sooooo glad you're awake! Miss Lazren said you needed to sleep and that I could thank you when you woke up, so...like...thank you! I'm so fucking hot now! And, like, I've gone five times this morning and I still feel totally fine!">>
She reached your side and immediately threw her arms around you, burying her face against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>cleavage<</if>>. She squeezed, firmly, and you couldn't help but return the embrace.
<<nm $phYou "You're...uh...happy then?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Happy? Like, $phSamantha.Address, I'm...um...like, one of those words that is 'happy' but better? I've never been happier, thank you, $phSamantha.Address! Thank you, thank you! Oh! I know, I should thank you by--">>
She broke off abruptly, a look of attempted concentration crossing over her features. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>She might have pulled it off if she hadn't been absently stroking her fingers up and down across your abs.<<else>>She might have pulled it off if she hadn't still been rubbing her cheek against your cleavage.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Awww! That's right! Like, Miss Lazren told me not to forget to tell you when Mason got here.<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Mason'>> The other Mason, not you!<</if>> She said it was very important!">>
You waited. Samantha smiled up at you, cheerfully.
<<nm $phYou "...And?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mason got here! He's been, like, //totally// focused on carrying his boxes in. Wouldn't stop to play or nothin'. He said you should come see him in that room over there real fast when you woke up! Actually, he used this other big word, but when I asked him to spell it, he got all red and started talking //really// slowly. It was funny.">>
You had a guess as to why he had been talking slowly. Maybe you had overdone it. Then again, a look at Samantha's jiggling backside said you had done pretty well overall. You tore your eyes away from her with an effort and looked back toward the Research and Development door. It was ajar, and now that she drew your attention to it you could swear you heard machinary whirring beyond the doorway.
<<nm $phYou "I guess I better go see what he wants. Thank you, Samantha.">>
The secretary screwed up her face, as though she'd suddenly tasted something bitter.
<<nm $phSamantha "//Samantha//, ugh. <<if $phYou.firstname is 'Samantha'>>No offense, but like... <</if>>That's like so long. You can't shout that out when you're fucking someone. Call me Sammy, okay, $phSamantha.Address? <<if $phYou.firstname is 'Samantha'>>Then people can tell us apart! <</if>><<if $phYou.firstname is 'Sammy'>>Just like you! <</if>>And like, come visit me as soon as you're done, and I'll thank you for real! Okay? Okay!">>
She leaned up, planting a kiss directly on your lips before returning to her desk. She opened a desk drawer, producing an enormous circular lollipop and began sucking absently on the end as she typed on her keyboard.
You shook your head, smiling. Okay, maybe you could get used to this after all.
Let's go check out @@.choice;[[Research and Development][$phSamantha.name = 'Sammy']]@@.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/SamanthaFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaFinal.png]]</picture>@@
Samantha was at her desk, and it was clear the now statuesque secretary hadn't wasted any time getting a new outfit that fit her. A black vest had joined her white blouse, hugging her torso and pushing her chest up into prominence -- though it hardly needed help. The glorious expanse of cleavage shown by a trio of undone buttons seemed more than capable of standing on its own.
After a second, Samantha's eyes flicked up to the doorway and spotted you. Her answering smile was immediate as she reached over to tap at her keyboard, silencing the video playing from the monitor. You couldn't see what she was watching, but that enthusiastic moan certainly gave you a hint of the content. That, and the fact that you could see Samantha's erection stretching the front of her skirt as she stood up to greet you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good morning, boss. How are you feeling? Lazren said that you would need some time to recuperate, so I tried to let you sleep this morning.">>
Her voice had changed, pitched to a low, husky purr. It was the kind of voice you could expect to see garner a crowd even from reading the phone book.
<<nm $phYou "Feeling good, actually, thank you. That was a hell of a night, no pun intended. Exactly how long was I o-//mmmph//">>
You didn't get much farther than that. The moment Samantha reached you, she reached up to take your face lightly between her hands and pressed her lips firmly to yours. Her body moved in against you, warm and delightfully soft save for the harder point pressed against your thighs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You shifted a little, surprised by the size. Perhaps you had overdone it.<<else>>You felt your own cock stiffen on reflex as you wrapped your arms around her hips on autopilot.<</if>>
Finally, she pulled away and met your eyes, raising one hand to brush over your hair.
<<nm $phSamantha "Sorry, boss, but I owe you that much. This body is...I can't even describe it. I was up until five or six this morning, I just couldn't get enough. I was nearly ready to go hit some clubs and see what I could dig up... Want to guess how many clubs I'd been to in my old life? I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count.">>
You laughed, letting your hand drop to rest on the dark-haired woman's hip.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> She'd leaned back enough to allow you to talk comfortably, but her hips were still pressed against yours and she was absently stroking her hand across your stomach just below the swell of your breast.<<else>> She'd leaned back enough to allow you to talk comfortably, but her hips were still pressed to yours, and you knew she felt your excitement just as much as you felt hers.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...so you're happy with the new you then?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Tell you what, you've got a little work to do this morning. Mason has been moving boxes into R&D all morning, and wanted to see you as soon as you were up. If you like, after you get done with him you can come back and I'll show you just how happy with the 'new me' I am.">>
She grinned and pulled away from you, her hips swaying with purpose as she walked back to her desk. You tore your eyes away from her with an effort and looked back toward the Research and Development door. It was ajar, and now that she drew your attention to it you could swear you heard machinary whirring beyond the doorway.
<<nm $phYou "Then I guess I better go see what he wants. Thank you, Samantha.">>
She nodded, and pressed a key on her keyboard again, resuming the orgasmic moans at a lower volume.
<<nm $phSamantha "Of course, boss. Be a little careful with him. I've met with him a few times, when Laz was setting things up. He's brilliant, but he's prickly. And remember what I said. If you're in the mood, I'm sure we can spare an hour or three to...organize the supply closet.">>
She winked, and returned to her typing. You shook your head, smiling helplessly. Okay, maybe you could get used to this after all.
Time to check out @@.choice;[[Research and Development]]@@.<</if>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">><<set $phMason.post_talk to 1>>When you walked into R&D, the first thing that caught your eye, literally, was the light. You had to squint and halt in the doorway to let your eyes adjust to the sudden blaze. The room was lit with rows of fluorescent lights above you, and further illuminated by light strips built into the desks and workspaces, and further //further// brightened by rows of computer screens displaying charts, graphs, and more obscurely laid out data.
Fortunately, it didn't all seem to be operational yet or you might have been permanently blinded. It was a large room, paneled in white and largely given over to obvious work spaces. Long laboratory tables split the room, piled with beakers, bottles, and not-yet-unpacked boxes. The back wall was fully occupied by some sort of production line, or at least that was the best guess you could come up with for the hulking metal monstrosity.
Oddly, near the door where you were standing, you saw a single touchscreen monitor swung out from the wall on an articulated support arm. The bottom third of the screen was flashing rapidly with text that looked like an installation procedure, while the bottom two thirds were displaying a green, grid-lined palm print.
You studied the monitor for a long moment, and then uncertainly extended your hand to lay across the print. There was a hum in the air as the monitor flashed brightly and began to fill with icons and scrolling text.
That was the moment when the man beside you coughed, and you just about jumped out of your skin.
@@.choice;
[[Turn Around|MasonIntro2]]@@<<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ4 to 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonBase.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonBase.png]]</picture>@@
The man beside you was obviously not human. His skin was the same greyish hue of a dolphin, but like Lazren's was entirely uniform across his body. A pair of curved horns swept back from his temples, just above an equally swept-back wave of short black hair. He was wearing a uniform-like black buttoned labcoat over loose grey slacks, and had a set of goggles resting on his forehead. He held two hands behind his back, clasped together with military parade ground stiffness. His //other// two hands, on arms just above the first set, held a teacup and saucer in front of his stomach.
You gawked. Lazren hadn't been human, of course, but you'd been sort of prepared for a succubus from years of media depictions. You hadn't been prepared for this. After a moment, you realized he was still waiting for a response and tried to pull yourself together. You were the boss, after all.
<<nm $phYou "Mason, I presume? I'm <<if $phYou.firstname is 'Mason'>>...uh... also <</if>>$phYou.firstname.">>
The four-armed man slowly looked you up and down, his expression inscrutable. Then he shrugged, lifted his cup to sip from the contents, and waved his hand at the screens and machinery.
<<nm $phMason "<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Mason'>>How original.<</if>> You presume correctly. I am Mason and this is my lab, where I'll be doing important work. Leave me be, and I'll ensure your tower functions optimally. Interrupt my work needlessly and I can make no guarantees. I would, in fact, recommend limiting interactions to the bare minimum for best results. If you can follow simple guidelines such as these, we'll have a perfect working relationship.">>
His words were clipped and precise, like he was trying to ensure his words contained the absolute minimum level of inflection. Aside from a metric ton of condescension, of course. You narrowed your eyes and drew yourself up to your full height pretty much on reflex.
<<nm $phYou "I'll bear that in mind. What exactly is it you do here?">>
<<nm $phMason "Research and Development...which you would no doubt have read on the door. More specifically, I can assist in coaxing the building into the shapes of particular stores and venues you request. I can provide new equipment to increase the output of those places, and I can create tailored foci to recruit those you identify.<br><br> Where the lady Samantha appears to be <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>your personal stress toy,<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>your personal organizational assistant,<</if>> I am your operator. You can access available actions through the console near the door and, assuming those directives are within available resources, it should be carried out almost immediately.">>
<<nm $phYou "Resources? So we have something of a budget then?">>
Mason sighed, his expression one of a long suffering teacher lecturing a slow student, but he simply settled his cup back into its saucer and set it down on a nearby countertop.
<<nm $phMason "In a manner of speaking. Money is no particular object. We have very little need for it, since we can manufacture most anything that might be required from the ether alone. In the rare event that things must be purchased from the outside world...well, the manufacture of small green paper bills is not a large ask for our system. Energy is far more pressing a concern.<br /><br />Your task is to seek out those who might produce soulgems for our Queen. However, that requires a person at a major crossroad in their life who may be open to persuasion. In short, not everyone is ready to give up their soul, or possesses enough of the stuff to transform themselves even if they were. However, we still have a use for the public at large. This tower is capable of constructing new stores and venues that will gather small amounts of energy from large numbers of patrons per day. It is this energy that you will need to budget and maintain. Fail to plan for expansion and you will find yourself unable to modify, improve, or expand the tower at all. Plan well, and your successes will feed into one another.">>
You nodded. Lazren had explained much of this to you already, but it was clear that Mason had a more hands-on role in that area. It would be wise to explore exactly how you were supposed to do this. You resolved to keep it short, though. You weren't sure how much lecturing you could stand.
You asked about...
@@.choice;
[[Building|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ1 to 1]] - You needed to know how to make new venues.@@ @@.choice;
[[Management|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ4 to 1]] - You needed to know what your duties were.@@ @@.choice;
[[Upgrades|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ2 to 1]] - You should know how to improve your tower. @@ @@.choice;
[[Foci|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ3 to 1]] - How exactly did you change people?
[[The Console|MasonIntroFinal]]- You were ready to get to work @@<<if $phMasonQ1 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So tell me about how the tower makes the places I need. I have to put energy into every shop?">>
Mason shook his head, and you thought you saw a trace of amusement in his expression. It wasn't much, but it was just about the first human expression you'd seen on his face yet.
<<nm $phMason "Not at all. We //have// a Starbucks, though I am half-convinced there may be a demonic connection to that. More accurately, we have a number of regular shops renting the space under ordinary lease agreements. We have unusually competitive rates, but demand high production values. Most companies are happy to oblige us. We do not require the funds, but we do require the camouflage of recognizable brands. However, there are a number of slots we reserve at particular loci of high potential energy. These are where our special shops will be built.">>
<<nm $phYou "And the special shops make us energy.">>
<<nm $phMason "Correct. After an initial investment to allow the tower to shape itself into an alluring venue, it will begin gathering energy from clients in exchange for satisfying their desires to a greater degree than any normal store could. Some percentage of that energy will be used to sustain the shop, while the remainder will be filtered back here for further projects. The tower will take care of all the grunt work: the actual construction, advertising, and creating the simulacra to manage the shop.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Simulacra?">>
<<nm $phMason "Employees, essentially. We experimented with using real people for those roles to reduce the initial energy expenditure, but an ordinary person exposed to one of our shops for that length of time might be over-collected by the end of even a week. In addition, simulated employees don't require breaks, won't question unusual business practices, and won't investigate into backrooms we don't want them in. It is simply a cleaner arrangement.">>
That made sense. You reached out and pulled the monitor arm toward yourself, studying the display.
<<nm $phYou "And what exactly can I build?">>
<<nm $phMason "Your options will expand with time. For the moment, however, the tower has been largely exhausted by the burden of our initial construction. You'll need to build the reserves back up in increments. That limits your current selection. I would recommend you begin by filling at least one or two of the smallest venue slots. I have written descriptions of each of them on the main console, so you can get an idea of how each one operates and what kind of clientele they will attract. Once you've made your selection, the tower will have it constructed before you can even walk downstairs. As far as your ordinary patrons will be concerned, it will be a shop they simply hadn't noticed before.">>
A lot of horror stories started that way, you couldn't help but remember. Hopefully, none of your shops will be marketing cursed items.
Next... <</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Okay, so I have to build these places, but then I also have to upgrade them?">>
<<nm $phMason "There is nothing under the sun that cannot be improved. The energy investment I list with the venues will cover the minimum necessary for them to operate sustainably, but that represents only the base function. Mixed in with our regular clientele will be customers of particularly strong wants and desires. Not enough to attract your attention, perhaps, but the tower will focus and learn from them. As it encounters more and more of these special clients, it will become more proficient at shaping itself to suit their needs and, thus, more able to extract the energy we need, only...">>
<<nm $phYou "...I take it this is when the shoe drops?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite. Reshaping is not a costless process. To put it in human terms, old neurons and muscle memory needs to be eliminated and new pathways constructed. As a result, it will require expending some energy each time we wish to push a venue to the next level of competence. These costs will pay for themselves over time, but the building will wait for your command before it proceeds. I will be sure to alert you when any of our venues appear to be nearing such a point.">>
So it would cost you energy to build a place, and then more of it to make it better. You hoped Mason knew what he was talking about when he said they'd pay for themselves. Otherwise, you could find yourself broke when a certain demoness returned to collect her rent.
<<nm $phYou "This... sounds really complicated.">>
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps it will be, at first. As you grow accustomed to your duties, however, you will find it easier over time. You may reference your personal PDA to obtain a quick summary of the tower's status at any time, to assist with your planning.">>
Right. Well, all new jobs had a learning curve.
<<nm $phYou "So I'll gather the energy from the buildings I build, then spend it to upgrade them. How does it get more energy out of them? Bigger suction cups?">>
<<nm $phMason "Hardly. Energy is subconsciously given off when humans feel a need fulfilled. It is a form of fair exchange, even if the parties involved do not fully understand it. Over time, the tower will learn how to induce those rushes. This may be by improving the operations of the simulacra, more efficient targeting of human desires, or sometimes...other methods.">>
You just arched your eyebrow at him this time. He stood for a moment, and you wondered if he was actually going to make you ask the question. Finally, reluctantly, he elaborated.
<<nm $phMason "Sexuality is a strong motivator for humans to release energy. Unsurprisingly, many of the upgrades rooms features incentives for customers to indulge that feeling. I understand certain members of the staff are highly motivated by that desire as well.">>
Was that...hostility? No -- or at least not towards you. You were certain there was a sour note in the man's voice, however. Had Lazren recruited him the same way she had you and he resented it? Or something else? There was no way to know, and you doubted he would talk about it if you asked.
An awkward silence fell between you. Time to change the subject. <</if>><<if $phMasonQ3 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I'm pretty sure Lazren mentioned foci. What can you tell me about them?">>
The grey-skinned man nodded, tucking both sets of his hands behind his back in a posture that screamed 'I am about to give a lecture'. You gave him a stern look, and he deflated into something marginally looser.
<<nm $phMason "We will utilize the CliffsNotes version in our work, I see. Very well. Lazren likely told you that alterations to a person must, on some level, be accepted if they are to be permanent. Either it must be something the person desires, or something they believe they deserve. Foci are physical objects, infused with energy, that function as symbols of this acceptance and the source of their conversion. A good focus should relate to the change they are accepting, on some level. By accepting the focus, they will also implicitly accept its enchantment.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay. So we create something that suits them, infuse it with energy, and give it to them. How do we know what that is?">>
<<nm $phMason "The tower can see and understand -- in a limited way -- everything that happens within its walls. It will pay particular attention to what you see and hear, and it will encourage potential targets to be more open and truthful with you than they would normally be. That should allow you to engage in observation, conversation, or in some cases seduction to discover what they desire. Once you do, it will pass that information onto me, and I will prepare options for you. Each item is unique, so I won't be leaving that to the console. Come see me, and I will describe the likely possibilities.<br><br> I will note that different venues within the tower can appeal to different parts of a person's desires, so it is very likely that speaking to people at different locations will result in additional foci options.">>
<<nm $phYou "So it's all up to me, huh? You don't do much work on the floor?">>
Mason stiffened up a little, which was quite a trick considering how stiff he had been standing before. He inclined his head in your direction ever so slightly.
<<nm $phMason "I have been informed that I am 'bad with people'. No, that is your task. You identify, and I will supply.">>
Fair enough. Another thing to spend energy on, but certainly one that seemed like a lot of fun, if they were going to being anything like Samantha. <</if>><<if $phMasonQ4 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So I'm the boss now? What exactly am I supposed to do?">>
<<nm $phMason "You have three primary duties. In addition to planning, which you'll largely do here, and the pursuit of soulgems, which you have already discussed with Lazren, you'll also need to be an active hand in managing our constructed venues.">>
<<nm $phYou "Managing? But...what if I don't have any experience with that? Lazren didn't recruit me from a business school.">>
Mason's answering smile was indulgent. He shook his head and gestured to one of his computer monitors.
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address, that's not what I meant. If it were a matter of pure calculation and organization, I could handle it from here. No, the difficulty with the tower is that it is aware, but it is not mortal, much less human. It does not perceive, calculate, or approach solutions the same way our customers do. As a result, you should expect it to be initially quite poor at maximizing its efforts. That is where you come in.">>
<<nm $phYou "But I don't know anything about running a business either.">>
<<nm $phMason "The problems will not be terribly obscure business problems. They will more likely be common sense issues. Sales where the item costs more rather than less. Having only one size of a particular garment, or a hundred different sizes of only a single style. That sort of thing. If you can find the time to visit each of the venues on a regular basis, I am sure the overall efficiency would improve greatly. Be warned, however, that time marches ever onward and new problems and errors will doubtlessly arrive. This will steadily weaken the venue until you find the opportunity to visit once again.">>
<<nm $phYou "So...all I have to do is stop by, and see if anything stands out to me? If it does, I fix it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Precisely. You may even find opportunities to help certain clientele directly. That is less likely to improve the overall efficiency of the venue, but word does get around, and such 'hands on' experience may help draw in more visitors of various types. I will leave it to you as to whether drawing in customers or extracting energy more efficiently is the more important priority. Additionally: you should consider synergy in your planning as well.">>
You gave the four-armed man a withering look.
<<nm $phYou "...You didn't really use 'synergy' in a sentence, did you? Will we be disrupting the paradigm as well?">>
<<nm $phMason "I am merely pointing out there are opportunities for the strengths of one venue to compensate for deficiencies in others. By default, each of the locations will be managed with an eye only toward maximizing gains in that particular locale. However, should you wish, you can deploy them into projects that benefit the tower as a whole. The efficiency in a singular location may suffer, but the sum of the tower as a whole may greatly exceed what any of them could do singularly. The choice, $phMason.address, is yours.">>
You had a feeling you were going to be hearing that a lot. You made a mental note to check out some of the possible 'synergy' options as well...just so long as you never used the word out loud.<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 0>>[[Building?|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ4 is 0>>[[Managing?|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ4 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ2 is 0>>[[Upgrades?|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]@@<br><</if>><<if $phMasonQ3 is 0>>[[Foci?|MasonIntroQuestions][$phMasonQ3 to 1]]<</if>>
<</nobr>>@@
You knew all you needed to know. Ask about the @@.choice;[[Console.|MasonIntroFinal]]@@<<nm $phYou "Alright. So I can access all of this from this console here?">>
<<nm $phMason "More or less. I have set up the system to minimize the need for interruptions. That being said, I will typically be on-site. If you encounter a problem that absolutely cannot be solved by any other means, you can inquire at my office in the back, provided that these inquiries are kept to a minimum.">>
He gestured vaguely toward a door at the back of the lab with his upper set of hands while he gathered up his cup and saucer with the lower ones. You gritted your teeth, counted slowly to five, and reminded yourself that Lazren would probably not have sent this ass to you if you didn't need him.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure that I can figure out how to work the console well enough to avoid knocking on your door too much.">>
<<nm $phMason "I should hope so. I spent a great deal of time making sure the interface was as fool-proof as possible. I would recommend you build at least one of our smaller offerings to ensure that energy can begin building up, as you'll be unable to progress until you have an income stream. Beyond that, it is your domain to run. Simply come see me when you believe you are ready to create a focus. <br><br> Oh, there is one more thing. You may wish to visit the vault at your earliest convienance. You'll find it located on the other side of the hall, just across from the supply closet.">>
<<nm $phYou "The vault? Like a giant Scrooge McDuck safe or something?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not precisely. Energy cannot be stored like bullion can, and requires different arrangements. I would suggest you visit when you are done with the computer, as it would be far easier for you to see for yourself. Now, if that is all, I will take my leave.">>
He nodded to you again, turned sharply on his heels, and strode to his office door. He passed through without so much as throwing another look back in your direction.
You shook your head. Well, they couldn't all be like Samantha, you supposed. Still, you hoped he might loosen up a little over time or this was going to be an extremely long assignment.
You pulled the console back over to you, and studied the display.
Now, what to look at @@.choice;[[First?|Build Screen]]<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>@@<<if $phMason.goodbye is 'foci'>><<nm $phMason "Understood, $phMason.address. I'll continue gathering information. When you're ready to proceed with an option, please notify me.">>
<hr>
<</if>><<set $phLocation to "Mason">>Mason's office was as orderly and clean as you would have expected after your first conversation with the man. The back wall of the office had been converted to some sort of storage, stacked high with shelves and neatly labeled boxes with everything from 'Rolled Wire' to 'R/C Parts' to 'Lingerie'. Mason's desk was pushed up against another wall, surrounded on either side by a quartet of circular racks laden with tools and supplies.
<<if $phMason.goodbye is 'none'>>It's at this desk that Mason stood like a spider in its web. His four hands moved with dizzying speed: picking up, trading out, and discarding tools with machine precision. Every motion was sure and he measured, cut, and welded as though he had planned out each and every action for months. When his arms finally stopped their frenetic construction, it was only because he noticed your arrival. The demonic builder turned, pushed his goggles up to rest on his brow with one set of hands and tucked the other set behind him. He nodded in your direction.
<<switch $phMason.transform>>
<<case 'pre'>><<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address $phYou.firstname. I trust this is important?">>
<<case 'post'>><<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address $phYou.firstname. How can I assist you today?">>
<<case 'sub'>><<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address! I...Ah...$pMistress, that is. What can I do for you?">>
<<case 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "Ah, $phMason.you, good. I was just thinking my day could use more entertainment. What did you need?">><</switch>><<else>>Mason was still standing near his worktable, his expression expectant as he studied you. <<if ($phMason.transform is 'pre') or ($phMason.transform is 'post')>>Every so often he threw a glance back in the direction of his tool racks as though estimating exactly how long it would be before he could get back to them.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>He fidgeted, just a bit, watching your face for any hint as to your intentions and what he might be able to do to please you.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>Absently, he extended a hand forward to brush lightly against your side, his eyes reminding you that you only had so long to waste his time before he would find a way to make it worth his while.<</if>><br /><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phMason.transform is 'pre'>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 3>>You still wanted to ask Mason about the crystal he'd been using, but his expression suggested there was no point right now. You'd have to try again later.
<<else>>[[Ask Mason About Himself|MasonTalk]]<</if>><</if>>
[[Ask Mason About Foci|MasonFoci]]<<if ($phXavierHunt >= 2) and ($phXavierHunt < 11)>><br />[[Ask Mason About The Intruder|MasonXavierTalk]]<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 6) and (($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason') or ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'))>><br />[[Ask Mason About Samantha|SamConvoInterrupts]]<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason')>><br>[[Ask Mason About Samantha|SamPostRelationshipConvos][$phSamantha.date to 12.1]]<</if>><<if (not hasVisited ("MasonGenderTalk")) and ($phGenderChanged == true)>><br />[[Ask Mason if He's Noticed Anything...Different About You|MasonGenderTalk]]<</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>[[Talk To Mason|MasonSubTalk]]
[[Instruct Your Sub|MasonSubInstructions]]
[[Fuck Your Sub|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 2]]
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>[[Talk To Mason|MasonDomTalk]]
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>[[Talk To Mason|MasonPostTalk]]
<</if>>
[[Return to R&D|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@<<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod50 to Math.round(50 * _mod)>><<set _mod150 to Math.round(150 * _mod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Available First Floor Venues''
<hr />
<<if ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1) and ($phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 1) and ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1) and ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] is 1)>><<termtext "red" "''Error:''">><<termtext "white" "Floor is at maximum capacity.">>
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Gymnasium''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Pride, Envy, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "50 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Base Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "10 unit(s)">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Sissification, Goth Punk">><</if>>
A gymnasium is an effective low-level venue to draw in those that are overly focused on body image. Visitors will enjoy enhanced and speedier results from even moderate excercise, as well as a reduction in muscle aches and exhaustion. Soulgem candidates will typically include those looking to make a dramatic change in their outward appearance or image, while still remaining human.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Shakes 'n Sundaes''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Gluttony, Sloth, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "50 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Base Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "10 unit(s)">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Cow Girls / Hucows, Bull Boys">><</if>>
The 'Shakes 'n Sundaes' franchise is a focused, low level venue with a surprisingly successful track record. The storefront consists of a simple bar area selling dairy-based treats such as shakes, ice cream, and milk. The supplies are generated in the stables behind the store and are sourced from the most valuable of all dairy producers: Cowgirls. Initial herd will be sourced 'on loan' from other facilities. Customers enjoy delicious and satisfying items that create a long-lasting endorphin high. Permanent converts will generally be attracted to mental changes relating to relaxation, lack of anxiety, and increased simplicity, often accompanied by bovine physical changes and, eventually, encourage them to join the supply herd on a more permanent basis.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Computer Cafe''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Sloth, Envy, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "50 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Base Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "10 unit(s)">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Hentai, Porn Star">><</if>>
The Computer Cafe is a small storefront lined with high-end computers, video game consoles, and play areas. In addition to typical high-speed internet access, high-resolution screens, and low ping game servers, customers will also enjoy the ability to stumble across 'new' websites that appear to perfectly cater to their desires and interests, as well as ready sources for all types of social networking. Soulgem candidates will usually be attracted to the idea of being someone else, changing in image and body type. This will most commonly come in the form of adhering to a platonic ideal from various media.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1)>><<termtext "white" "__''Elysium''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Sloth, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "250 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Daily Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "15 unit(s)">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Mythical, Gender Change, Bondage">><</if>>
Elysium is an oasis of green that provides visitors fresh air, sunshine, and a moment of calm in otherwise hectic lives. The nature park contains gently burbling fountains, soft and verdant grass, and a collection of spectacular wildflowers in bloom year-round. Climate control and careful tending ensure that those wishing to enjoy a blissful day 'outside' find its perfect replication, and will feel destressed, rejuvenated, and energized by their sojourn with nature, however brief.
<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phGlobal.buildingCostMod gt 0>>
Powerful demonic aura detected. Analysis indicates aura is attuned to tower structure, resulting in more efficient adjustments to location layout. Estimate energy expenditures on all construction projects will be reduced by approximately <<print Math.round(100 * $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>>%.<br><</if>>
''Awaiting Selection:'' [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 0>>Build the Computer Cafe - <<if $phEnergy >= (50 * _mod)>>[[_mod50 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'CompCafe']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (50 * _mod)>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1)>>Build Elysium - <<if $phEnergy >= (250 * _mod)>>[[_mod250 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Elysium']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < 250>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 0>>Build the Gym - <<if $phEnergy >= (50 * _mod)>>[[_mod50 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Gym']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (50 * _mod)>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 0>>Build Shakes 'n Sundaes - <<if $phEnergy >= (50 * _mod)>>[[_mod50 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'ShakeShack']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (50 * _mod)>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><br><</if>>
<</nobr>>@@
@@.choice;
[[Return to the Construction Menu|Build Screen]]@@ @@.choice;
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]@@
<<FVLinks>><<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Construction Order Confirmed''
<hr />
<<if $phDoBuild is 'Gym'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Gymnasium'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:'' Friendly and Fit (But not //too// fit)">>
>> ''Gym Equipment:'' Installed
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Calorie Burn (300%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Muscle Rejuvenation (150%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Fat Relocation (Traditional Attractive)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Endorphin Rush (High, Repeating)">>
> 'Computer Error' - Complimentary Memberships: Mailed
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(50 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBase to 10>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Gym']['built'] to 1>><<SetAchievement "phBuildGym">><<set $phLocations['Gym'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorCap to 50>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageDecay to 0>><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'ShakeShack'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Shakes 'n' Sundaes'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
<<termtext "yellow" "''>> Simulacra Type:'' Encouraging, Top Heavy, Content">>
>> Requesting Initial 'Bessie' Staff... //Transfer Approved//
>> Attaching Milkers... //Complete//
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Hunger (150%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Hunger Satifaction (300%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Contentment (200%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Anxiety Relief (300%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Focus (Simplistic, Animal)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Breast Obsession (120%)">>
> Mixing Initial Drinks... ''Complete''
> Adding Selection to Vending Machines: 20 Block Radius.
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">>[img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(50 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] to 1>><<SetAchievement "phBuildShake">><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBase to 10>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorCap to 50>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageDecay to 0>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax to 0>><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'CompCafe'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Computer Cafe'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:'' Perky, Geeky, Unobtrusive">>
> Installing Per-Station Fiber Connection... ''Complete''
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Relaxation (150%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Focus ('In the Zone')">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Entertainment (120%)">>
> Setting Lag Time: -3 second(s).
> Generating Additional Internet Content... ''Complete''
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round (50 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] to 1>><<SetAchievement "phBuildComp">><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBase to 10>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorMax to 12>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorCap to 50>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageDecay to 0>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax to 0>><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Casino'>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Casino'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:''Professional, Friendly, Anecdote Compatible">>
>> ''Casino Equipment:'' Installed
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Time Sense (-50%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Fallacies (Gambler) (200%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "'One More Hand' Syndrome (10+ Hands)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Endorphin Rush (High, Risky Behavior)">>
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(800 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Casino']['built'] to 1>><<SetAchievement "phBuildCasino">><<set $phCasinoPayoutOdds to .5>><<set $phCasinoWorkCounter to 0>><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Bank'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Bank'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:''Chipper, Executive, Cooperative">>
>> ''Bank Equipment:'' Installed
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Operation 'Rounding' Begun:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Access To Human Banking Systems Initiated">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Account Balances Downloaded">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Waiving All Past Fees">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Applying 15% 'Rounding Error' to local ATMs">>
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Bank']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBase to 10>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorCap to 100>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageDecay to 0>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonus to 0>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildBank">><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Floor2'>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Second Floor'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Analyzing Energy Flow
> Isolating 'Pooled' Locations
> Relocating Human Businesses Away From High Value Slots (Rent Reductions Applied)
> Locations Analyzed and Prioritized
> Building Slots Opened. Ready To Build
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(100 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] to 1>><<SetAchievement "phBuildFloor2">><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Security'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Security Office'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:'' ERROR: PROPER SIMULACRA TYPE UNAVAILABLE">>
>> ''Cross-Referencing Pre-Approved Human Workforce:'' Complete
>> ''Match Found (96.4% Compatability):'' Petra Elizabeth Torres
>> ''Arranging Transporting and Transfer'' Complete
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Alertness (Well-Caffeinated)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Eye Strain (-75%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Question Suppressor (Workplace Oddities)">>
> ''Tower Set To:'' Learning Mode
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(150 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Security']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBase to 5>><<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Security'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorCap to 50>><<set $phLocations['Security'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Security'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildSecurity">><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Inferno'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Inferno Nightclub'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:'' Tough But Friendly, Alternative Fashion">>
>> ''Sourcing 'Playroom' Equipment:'' Located, Purchased, and Installed
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Shut Up And Dance (120%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Inhibitions (-50%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Resting Stamina Recovery (150%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Endorphin Rush (Excited Highs)">>
> Sourcing Local Bands - Identified and Scheduled
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round (250 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildInferno">><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>><<if $phDoBuild is 'Elysium'>><<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>><<termtext "white" "Constructing new locale:'Elysium Park'">>
> Beginning Energy Transfer
> Loading Schematic Settings
> Clearing Necessary Physical Space
>> <<termtext "yellow" "''Simulacra Type:'' Gardeners (Invisible)">>
>> ''Fertilizing Ground:'' Complete
>> ''Seeding:'' Complete
>> ''Initiating Growth Surge:'' Complete
<<termtext "yellow" "> ''Auras Installed:''">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Resiliance - Plant (500%)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Personal Temperature Control (Comfortable)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Psychic Connection (Low Level, Life)">>
> <<termtext "blue" "Clarity and Focus (135%)">>
> Introducing 'Wild' Randomization Effect...''Complete''
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Construction Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]<<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildElysium">><<unset $phDoBuild>><</if>>
@@
@@.choice;
[[Return To Build Options|Build Screen]]
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]
@@<<nobr>><<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phCassandra.transform is 'punk') and ($phLocations['Gym']['level'] gt 1) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Gym') is false)>><<set _random to 9>><<else>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phLocations['Gym']['level'] gt 1) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Gym2') is false)>><<set _random to 10>><<else>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3, 4);
if (State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['level'] > 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(5,6);
}
if (State.variables.phCassandra.transform == 'punk') {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(8);
}
if (State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'sissy') {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(7);
}
if ((State.variables.phCassandra.transform == 'punk') && (State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'sissy') && (State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['level'] > 1)) {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(9);
}
if ((State.variables.phMason.transform == 'sub') && (State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'sissy') && (State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['level'] > 1)) {
State.variables.phLocations['Gym']['waits'].push(10);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['Gym']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>><</if>>
<</nobr>>Stopping by the gym was always an experience. People pushed themselves to the limit in every gym across the country, but only in yours could they push hard enough to see near-instant results. You had learned that the mind was looser and more honest when the body was properly exhausted, and people lifted on an exercise-fueled endorphin rush would indulge themselves in a whole lot of new ways.
That had, in fact, caused problems in the past. The simulacra were excellent at handling day to day issues, but they weren't very good once the situations became more personal. You didn't have the time to have a full-time job as a coach, but you'd found it useful to step in occasionally and make sure that your customers were being properly looked after.
<<if _random is 1>>A deep groan caught your attention as you passed the weight machines. You spotted a man you had seen around before on one of the pull down machines. He was seated in front of it, and grunting with exertion as he struggled to pull the bar down toward his lap and raise the weights it was attached to. He was fit, but modestly muscled, and you had seen him struggling with machines more and more in recent days.
You //also// saw something interesting outlined in his tight gym shorts. The fabric had bunched up beneath him in his effort, and it had been pulled tight across what was obviously a rather substantial shaft, even soft. You couldn't help but notice it, even from across the room.
You looked around for a moment. It wasn't the most active part of the day, and all of the nearby machines were empty. If you positioned yourself right, you could probably assist the man with a bit of 'hands on' motivating. That would take up your time, but you were sure there was a fair amount of energy tied up in the struggling man's efforts. What would be best today?
@@.choice;
[[Personal Encouragement|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>Movement caught your eye. Delightful, rounded, bouncing movement. A pair of very //large// movements straining against a tank top that was far too small to contain them.
You forced yourself to look up from the pair of heaving breasts and took in the rest of the woman. She was jogging on one of the treadmills at a fairly fast pace, and her skin was glistening with sweat. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail beneath a baseball cap and her yoga pants were riding low on her hips. You saw her cast a somewhat guilty look around, but she didn't see you. Instead, she reached out and flipped the treadmill onto an even higher setting. Her nipples were showing prominently through her top, and her knees seemed to shake slightly as she got up to the new speed.
You grinned. Runner's high was a very real thing in //your// gym, but the feelings could be a little bit more intense than people were used to. Judging by the way she was moving, she was finding herself more and more excited the harder she pushed her body. As the gym's owner, it was really your responsibility to help her ride that high to the very end of the workout. It was slow enough at the moment that you were pretty sure you could get away with it.
On the other hand, she seemed to be doing just fine on her own, and you //did// have other work to do...
@@.choice;
[[Help Her Out|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>A familiar noise caught your attention. It was a hollow sounding impact of flesh on wood, repeated with slightly differing pitches for several seconds. You didn't need to look over to know exactly who was in the gym today.
You'd never caught her name, actually, but you'd seen her before. She was a remarkably small woman, probably not even cresting five feet with heels on. She was fit, she was determined, and she threw around sparring partners like they didn't weigh anything at all. You had seen her crush her way through every simulacrum training coach the gym had thrown at her. Apparently, she was bored with them now, given that she was beating her fists and forearms against a wooden training dummy that leaned against one of the lesser-used walls.
You watched her practice for a moment. Her fists moved fast enough to blur as she struck solidly against the protruding wooden arms. She had demolished everyone the gym had put up against her, but you were a different matter. You were stronger, faster, and hardier than any human could be. That might be enough to compensate for the woman's skills. If it was...well, you had a strong suspicion the woman enjoyed sparring for more than just the physical exercise. You were pretty sure it might escalate to something a bit different after she discovered your abilities, and that would certainly help add a nice burst of energy to your coffers.
On the other hand, you weren't entirely sure your strength and speed could match someone who had studied combat for as long as the woman clearly had been. Maybe it would be best to just let her practice and go about your day.
@@.choice;
[[Rise To The Challenge|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 4>>You felt a twinge in your back and rolled your shoulder to work the feeling out. Your body had remarkable stamina, but spending time walking around the floor, coaching, and demonstrating on the machines so regularly could tax even you. You knew the pain would fade quickly, and within an hour you'd probably be entirely recovered, but that didn't help you much right now.
Your eyes strayed to the doors at the side of the gym. You knew they led to the showers, but they also featured a small but ever growing massage suite. Given the mixture of lust and exertion within this area of the tower, you weren't overly surprised that your masseuses had been such a popular attraction, but you had been surprised how many job applications you'd received since the gym had opened. Apparently, those humans who enjoyed the gym's ambience were more than happy to hang around and help work out strained muscles if it meant putting their hands on the hot bodies running around the floor. In fact, you guessed your massage staff was probably almost entirely 'real' these days.
You also guessed about half of them had their eyes on you. You were the boss, of course, and it wasn't like you didn't cut a figure on the floor. Maybe what you needed was a little time on the massage table. They could work out the tension in your back and, after you rolled over and made clear your intentions, they could ease the tension in other ways. That would almost certainly be exciting enough produce a fair bit of energy.
Maybe it would be best not to distract the staff, though. They had work to do, and you had the benefit of healing away your aches and pains in the time it took to take a meal break. Perhaps you should just keep yourself on the main floor.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>@@.choice;
[[Let Your Staff Enjoy Your Staff|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 4]]<<else>>@@.choice;
[[Enjoy Some of Your Staff|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 4]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if _random is 5>>The sound of your footsteps were muffled as you walked along the locker area just outside of the showers. The air was thick and heavy with moisture, and your skin tingled just a bit as it settled in. The additive to the shower water had done wonders. It didn't affect most at all, but your more repressed clients were feeling the effects strongly. It had a tendency to bring things to the surface that were hidden down between layers of self-control and shyness.
Those repressed feelings could be strong however. Even now, you could hear a low, masculine groan even above the sound of running water. You knew that noise well. It was one of desperate, aching need and an uncontrolled desire for satisfaction. It was the sort of sound that the new <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> parts of you shuddered to hear.
You knew the tower would provide a target for the man soon enough. A simulacrum, more than likely, unless a real person who had a fantasy for exactly this sort of encounter could be found. It wouldn't permit any of your guests to be actually attacked. Still, you had to admit you were curious. Just how wild would this get?
Easy way to find out. All you had to do was wander innocently between the stalls until whoever was making the noise realized they weren't alone. You doubted there would be a lot of seduction, though, or any degree of finesse at all. Perhaps it would be better to let the tower generate a mindless target for the man to vent his lust on, and you could return back to the main gym.
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>
[[Play The Innocent Damsel|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]<<else>>[[See What Trouble You Can Get Into|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]<</if>>@@
<</if>><<if _random is 6>>You stepped from the main gym into the locker area near the showers and immediately felt a warm sensation running over your skin. The air was wet with mist from the running showers further in, and you knew that it wasn't //just// water in the pipes any more. It wasn't very noticeable for most, though, and a lot of days passed with nothing more exciting than a few customers feeling unusually pumped and confident when they stepped out of the water.
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>A high-pitched moan from within, however, while a feminine voice cooed and urged the moaner on told you that today was not going to be that boring. More voices joined the first two, all of them laced with pleasure. You counted at least six, all of them coming from the women's shower area.
You licked your lips with anticipation. Six women, all of them finding their inhibitions come off and apparently quite keen to enjoy one another and their own relaxation. That sort of thing made you tingle even worse than the water. You were pretty sure they wouldn't mind one more<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>, if you could keep your pants on<</if>>.
On the other hand, they certainly didn't need you to enjoy themselves. You could get back to work, let them have their fun, and <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>not worry that a stray hand between your legs might cause some awkward explanations<<else>>revisit this little fantasy in the privacy of your bedroom tonight<</if>>. It would be less enjoyable in the short term, but it would help the gym keep running smoothly for all the days to come.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>A low groan from within, followed by a gruff voice that urged the other on, told you that today was not going to be that boring. More voices joined the first two, all of them heavy with pleasure. You counted at least six, all of them coming from the men's shower area.
You licked your lips with anticipation. Six men, all of them finding their inhibitions falling away, and apparently keen to enjoy one another and their own relaxation. That made you tingle even worse than the water. You were pretty sure they wouldn't mind one more.
On the other hand, they certainly didn't need //you// to enjoy themselves. You could get back to work, let them have their fun, and revisit this little fantasy another time. It would be less enjoyable in the short term, but it would help the gym keep running smoothly for all the days to come.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Join The Fun|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 7>><<nm $phDamien "$phDamien.Address? Are you okay? You look a little distracted.">>
You blinked and dragged your attention back to the matter at hand. Dana had caught up with you for a talk about halfway into your management routine. Apparently, you had drifted from the conversation.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry. Just a little off my game. Been spending a lot more time 'managing' than 'doing' today, and I guess I'm feeling a little tense.">>
Dana shot you a coquettish grin. You knew that look. It always signified something naughty...though in fairness, where Dana was concerned almost any look signified something naughty.
<<nm $phDamien "We could fix that, $phDamien.Address. Take a little time to yourself and unwind. I'm sure I could come up with a way that would help you sneak in a workout without taking up too much time. Please?">>
You hesitated. You weren't sure what Dana had in mind, exactly, but it would probably be far from an ordinary workout. You still had a lot of coaching to do today, if you were going to hit your goals. On the other hand, you'd probably be a lot more effective after a little break. What could it hurt?
@@.choice;
[[Take A Break|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 8>>You were walking the track outside when the hiss of a spray can drew you attention. You looked up...and found Cass standing at one wall of the tower, rattling a can of spray paint in one hand. In front of her was a half-finished mural. Cass was actually a talented artist, you remembered, and the picture's clean lines and vibrant colors drove that point home. It was amazingly well done.
...Of course, <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>the picture itself also showed a pigtailed blonde bent over her desk, her face exultant with pleasure as something drove into her backside.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>the picture itself also showed a dark-haired woman on her knees, breasts popping out of her dress shirt as she suckled something large but not yet drawn in.<</if>> You could guess what was missing from the picture. You frowned. The resemblance to $phSamantha.name was too obvious to ignore, even if the words 'Executive Suck-retary' hadn't been helpfully written on the wall just below it. Trouble among the staff, or was this just Cass's way of expressing her fondness?
Either way, it was a little over the line even for Paradise. The tower would no doubt quietly clean the wall off before too long, but Cass was exactly the sort of woman who would put up a new one every day until one stuck. If you wanted to avoid that, you would have to apply something of a firm hand to your rebel without a cause. But... she wasn't //hurting// anything. You could just walk on by and pretend that you hadn't seen anything.
@@.choice;
[[Apply 'Corrective Measures'|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 9>>Today was going to be a rather slow day, it seemed. Rain battered the windows to the outside and, even inside where it was dry, the air seemed heavy. You were just about to go looking for what targets you could find when you heard what sounded like an argument behind.
<<nm $phDamien "...but you're always outside! Why not use this as an opportunity to try some indoor sports?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Indoor sports? We can't all spend our days playing with any set of balls that comes their way, slut. I'm just here until the rain clear, so fuck off with the sales pitch.">>
You frowned and turned, hurrying in the direction the words had come from. The last thing you needed was //that// pair getting into a cat fight in the middle of the floor. The tower could conceal a lot of strange happenings, but there were limits.
You needn't have worried. As you rounded a corner, you didn't find the pair the squaring off eye-to-eye. Rather, Dana was curled respectfully next to Cass's seat near the door, and the punkish rebel had one hand down to idly pet the sissy's hair.
Both of them looked up as you approached. Dana with unalloyed cheer, and Cass with a knowing smirk. No doubt she knew exactly what you had thought was happening.
<<nm $phDamien "$phDamien.Address!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Well well, if it isn't the boss. What brings you down to the gutter?">>
You returned the smirk and then laughed as Dana rose to throw himself into your arms. You returned the hug with a gentle kiss and patted the sissy on his skirt to send him back to his seat.
<<nm $phYou "Just passing through. Weather's bad, so it seemed a good day to apply some personal attention to the new customers. What are you two doing?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, Dana here thinks I should practice some indoor sports, and I was getting ready to show him exactly which ones I like. You gonna fuck off or stick around for a while?">>
Indoor sports. You had a pretty good idea of how Cass liked to get her exercise. Judging by the way Dana flushed and arched his back, he did as well. You couldn't help but feel a little burst of heat rising within you at the notion. Both Dana //and// Cass could be fun, in their own way, but both of them together promised to be a rare treat.
On the other hand, it //was// a good day to work. Fewer people meant it was a lot easier for a new customer to decide to give it a try, and that meant your coaching would be particularly useful. The pair were looking at you expectantly, though, and you had to make a decision.
<<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Gym')>>
@@.choice;
[[Indoor 'Sports'|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Gym2')>><<nm $phDamien "You really should try one of the machines. It might loosen you up a bit!">>
<<nm $phMason "I assure you, the form I've been given does not require any significant amount of exercise to maintain itself. One of the advantages of my condition.">>
<<nm $phDamien "It's not //actually// about your body, Mason! It's about giving your head some time to work things out. You spend all your time in your workshop with your brain running. I think a little time occupied with something physical would do you good.">>
You were walking through the backrooms of the gym when you stumbled across a rarity: Mason actually outside of his own office. The four-armed man had a small folder of papers with him, almost certainly related to some marketing push or redesign for the gym. Dana was sitting on a half disassembled workout bench, kicking his feet idly and showing off a fair bit of thigh with every lift of his skirt.
<<nm $phYou "Nice to see you boys getting along.">>
<<nm $phMason "$pMistress!">>
<<nm $phDamien "$pMistress!">>
They both came to attention in fortunately the same way, turning toward you and straightening their backs. It took only a second for them to realize they'd been speaking in consert. Dana's head whipped around, his eyes going wide with realization and excitement.
Mason grimaced.
<<nm $phDamien "You-....You two? Oooh, Mason, I'm so happy for you! $pMistress is the best, isn't $pshe?">>
<<nm $phMason "That's...That's not //exactly//...">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh come on! It's written all over your face! It's not something you need to hide! You can tell me!">>
Mason turned his attention to you pleadingly, and you had some mercy. You stepped forward and put a hand lightly on Dana's shoulders.
<<nm $phYou "Now now. Mason is taking things at his own pace. Not everyone can adapt quite as quickly as you. We're going to be good and keep things to ourselves for a while, won't we?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Awwww...I understand. I was just teasing, honestly. I'm really glad for you, Mason. Although...">>
The sissy's eyes grew bright as he tucked his hands behind the small of his back, swaying back and forth with exaggerated innocense.
<<nm $phDamien "As long as I //do// know, there's no harm in having a little fun together, right? You have time for both of us, don't you?">>
Mason's expression flickered. Chagrined, but there was a tiny spark of interest in the tall man's eyes now. He clearly hadn't considered the notion before. He was considering it very strongly now.
Of course, it was ultimately up to you. Did you think Mason was ready to roll in the hay with another sub, or would you need to dampen Dana's enthusiasm just a little bit? It would be hard to get back to work after this opportunity, but you could manage it.
@@.choice;
[[Two For One Deal!|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]@@
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Stick To The General Coaching|Gym][$phGoodbye to 'gymwait']]@@<<set $phTime +=1>><<nobr>>
<<set $phTime to 0>>
<<set $phSoulCount to 1>>
<<set $phEnergy to 100>>
<<set $phUIDisplay to 1>>
<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
<<set $phLazDays to 14>>
<<set $phGameDays to 2>>
<<set settings.phSpoilerMode to false>>
<<set $phStoryProgression to 1>>
<</nobr>>Clearly, you've done this before. But we can't just skip you right into your job managing an interdimensional tower of lust and self-actualization, without at least getting down some basics.
''Human First Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.humanname" "Jane">>
''Human Last Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.surname" "Doe">>
''Demonic Name?''
<<textbox "$phYou.firstname" "Red">>
''Previous Sex''
<<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "female" checked>> Female
<<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "male">> Male
''Current Sex''
<<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "female" checked>> Female
<<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "male">> Male
<<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "futa">> Futanari
''Lazren Encounter''
<<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "oral" checked>> Oral
<<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "penetrative">> Penetrative
''Samantha Status''
<<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "bimbo" checked>> Bimbo Sexpot
<<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "futa">> Futa Partner
''Necklace Facing''
<<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "top" checked>> Red - Dominant
<<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "bottom">> Green - Submissive
<<button [[Let's Go!|SummaryModeOffer]]>><</button>><<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'none'>><<if ($phSamantha.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSamantha.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phSamantha.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phSamantha "$phSamantha.Address! You won, you won!">>
The moment she saw you, your secretary was bouncing up from her desk and rushing in your direction. The movement did a lot of fun things to her, most particularly making her heavy chest bounce and jiggle in a way you couldn't help but notice. You were pretty sure that was the point of the shirt she was wearing.
She threw herself into your arms and you were forced to spin her around in a circle just to avoid being knocked over.
<<nm $phYou "Woah woah woah! I won?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "The contest! Miss Lazren's contest! You had to have enough souls, and you totally did! I knew you could do it!">>
She leaned up and pressed her lips hard against yours. You returned the kiss and then settled the sexy secretary back down onto her feet. She put on a coquettish look and rose up onto her tip toes to smile at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "I bet I could come up with a way to help you celebrate, and you'll never guess what it is!">>
<<nm $phYou "...Is it sex?">>
Sammy was silent for several seconds. Then she pouted and sat down on the edge of her desk with an exaggerated sigh.
<<nm $phSamantha "Okay, maybe you //will// guess, but it would still be fun, $phSamantha.address! You should relax a little. Just because Miss Lazren gave you another task doesn't mean you can't take a little time for yourself!">>
<<nm $phYou "I promise, Sammy. When I have some time, you'll know about it.">>
Her expression brightened as if she had just won the lottery. She faced you more directly and bounced in place two or three more times.
<<nm $phSamantha "Did you need anything?">>
<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSamantha.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSamantha.chapter_talk to 3.9>>Sammy was concentrating.
That was fairly rare. You'd learned from experience that however flighty, horny, and ditzy she might be, she wasn't stupid. Still, she usually tended to follow the path of least resistance from one thought to another. Here, though, she was seated at her desk, her brow was knit in concentration, and she was very clearly focusing.
You watched for a few seconds. When she didn't move, you couldn't help but distract her.
<<nm $phYou "...Sammy?">>
Her large eyes popped open, and her mouth formed a perfect surprised 'O' as she came up out of her chair and rushed forward for a hug.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello, $phSamantha.address!">>
<<nm $phYou "You look like you were thinking about something really hard. Everything alright?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Huh? Oh yeah! I was just thinking. Miss Lazren wants you to replace Desire, right? Like Mr. Mason told us?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's the plan, yeah. I'm not sure it will be that easy; we'll have to see.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh, but she's like...every type of desire thing, right? Not just the sexy kind? And she makes them come true, just like you do, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sure. Where are you going with this?">>
Sammy bounced in place for a moment and giggled. She took on an almost professorial tone.
<<nm $phSamantha "Well...I figure if //I// want you to take over as the big Sin, and I want it a //whole lot//, then she might feel that, cause it's a desire thing. And then she might have to help you do that, because that's what she does!">>
You blinked for a few seconds, and then controlled your urge to smile. The logic was...surprisingly sound. You were 99% sure it didn't actually work that way, of course, but you couldn't fault the argument.
<<nm $phYou "I suppose it might. Thank you, Sammy!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You're welcome!">>
She sing-songed out the words, then leaned forward to offer you an extensive glimpse of her cleavage. Concentration time, it seemed, had passed.
<<nm $phSamantha "Can I do anything for you, $phSamantha.address?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Hey Sammy. How are we doing today?">>
The blonde looked up, pigtails bouncing, and offered you a cheerful grin. She rolled away from her desk to face you directly, her tiny black skirt riding up her thighs in a way you were sure was accidental. You were definitely sure the way she arched her back and drew your attention to her chest was //not// accidental.
<<if $phSoulCount is 1>><<nm $phSamantha "Oooh! Hi, $phSamantha.Address! Like, we're still getting started and stuff so, like, most of the stuff is still boring and normal, but I know we're gonna change that and make it totally yummy!">>
<</if>><<if $phSoulCount is (2 or 3)>><<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh, $phSamantha.Address! Like, you finally found someone to change! I saw on the cameras. And, um..touched myself a little. But it was //really// hawt. We're still, like, tiny and stuff but I think we're getting the hang of things!">>
<</if>><<if $phSoulCount is (4 or 5)>><<nm $phSamantha "Wow, $phSamantha.Address! Like, do you ever have to ask? You've been so hawt making all those people into something new, and happy, and totally sexy and stuff! Like, we may still be getting started, but you're killing it!">>
<</if>>You laugh, leaning on the edge of the desk and looking down at your blonde bimbo. Sammy bites her generous lower lip, her thighs rubbing together beneath your gaze.
<<nm $phSamantha "How can I help, $phSamantha.Address? If you wanna ask me anything, you totally can...or, like, if you wanna help me inventory the supply closet it's very, like, private, most of the time? And quiet.">>
Quiet and private. That was unusually subtle, for Sammy.
<<nm $phSamantha "You know? So you can fuck me good, $phSamantha.Address?">>
So much for subtle.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'sammy'>>You tell Samantha you'd like to talk about something else.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmhmm! I understand, $phSamantha.Address! Sometimes, I am talking to people and I mean to ask about something, but then I get distracted because they have a big cock<<if ($phYou.form is 'futa') or ($phYou.form is 'male')>>, like $phSamantha.Address,<</if>> or really nice tits like <<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>>$phSamantha.Address<<else>>me<</if>>, and then I try to see if they want to do the not talking stuff instead!">>
The blonde clasps her hands together and nods her head sharply, as if putting the emphasis on a really astute point.
<<nm $phSamantha "But you want the talking stuff...unless...you, um, wanted to visit the supply closet?">>
She leaned forward, conspiratorially.
<<nm $phSamantha "It's not //really// visiting the supply closet!">><<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>><</if>>
<<set $phSamanthaQ1 to 0>><<set $phSamanthaQ2 to 0>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 0>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Sammy about Herself|SammyTalk]]
[[Invite Sammy to the Supply Closet|SammySex]]<<if (not hasVisited ("SamGenderTalk")) and ($phGenderChanged == true)>><br />[[Ask Sammy if She's Noticed Anything...Different About You|SamGenderTalk]]<</if>>
[[That's Enough For Now.|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]@@<<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'none'>><<if ($phSamantha.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSamantha.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phSamantha.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Well now. Look who the cat dragged in.">>
Samantha was smiling broadly as she came around the side of her desk and opened her arms. You stepped in for a hug and a quick kiss on both cheeks before letting her go.
<<nm $phYou "Somehow still here. Surprising, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I don't know. I think Lazren had a good feeling about you from the very start. She didn't even have me line up a back-up candidate in case you turned things down.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm pretty sure that would have been an awfully anti-climactic end to the interview. What about you? Did you have faith?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Not at first. I was //given// faith, though. You could have made me anything you wanted, you know. I gave you a blank check. And now I'm me, so that's a strong mark in your favor. Here. A little gesture of my affection.">>
She reached over to her desk and picked up a small, polished wooden box. You cocked your head as she passed it over. It was solid in your hands, and you admired the polished wood for a few long seconds.
<<nm $phYou "A gift?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Why not? You passed your first test! That's more than worth a little celebration, boss.">>
You gently cracked the halves open and looked inside. Within the box, nestled on a red velvet cushion, was a strangely familiar business tie. It was so close to your usual that you actually looked down to make sure the one you were wearing was still in place. It was.
<<nm $phSamantha "I know, I know. It's just like the one you have a dozen of in your closet, but this one is real. I went out and tracked down someone who could //actually// make it for you. The tower's efforts are good, but what's the fun of acquiring wealth if it's out of nowhere?">>
She reached out and nimbly began undoing the tie from around your neck. It was off in a few seconds, and she carefully knotted the new one in its place. Maybe it was your imagination, but it did feel more...substantial, being real. Or maybe that was just knowing who had thought of you.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Samantha.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Any time, boss. Now, what did you stop by for?">>
<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSamantha.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSamantha.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phYou "...How long did you know Lazren? Before I came along?">>
Samantha looked up from her desk, surprised. Her eyes rolled back as she thought about it, tapping one long fingernail on the polished surface.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm not sure. A few months, I think. Did I ever tell you we met in a chat room? She promised to change my life, and she came through on it. Why?">>
You frowned and sat on the end of Samantha's desk, considering. There was an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. You certainly knew what it was about, but that hadn't helped you work your way through it.
<<nm $phYou "You know that they want to make me a Sin, right?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I //heard//. Lust herself, or Desire at least. I can't say I blame them. Given how you run the tower, it's sort of a natural fit, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "Right. I guess that's what's bothering me. This didn't all happen the last few weeks. She knew what she wanted me to do the moment I showed up for the job interview.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I imagine so. She always tried to delegate. The fact that she showed up personally...I guess I might have known.">>
<<nm $phYou "So then what if I'm //still// not getting the whole story? How would I know?">>
Samantha leaned back in her chair for a long time. Finally, she shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phSamantha "...You can't know what you don't know. That's kind of the rub. You already trusted her with your soul, didn't you? Is her wanting you in a higher position really a cause to suddenly distrust her?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...okay, when you put it like that...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You've //seen// her at work, boss. And you're doing it, too. Sure, maybe she's got some long game and you've been lied to along the line, but I think it's just as likely she's playing things by ear and hoping they all work out. It sounds like someone I know.">>
<<nm $phYou "So... I should sit down, shut up, and wait?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Pretty much. Though if you want some entertainment while you wait...?">>
She gave you a bold wink. You laughed and pushed yourself away from the desk. Maybe not the deepest advice, but it was certainly an option.
You just weren't very good at waiting. What else could you do to pass the time?
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Good <<if $phTime is 0>>morning<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>>afternoon<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>>evening<</if>>, Samantha. How are we doing today?">>
The dark-haired woman looked up and smiled at you. She rolled her chair out slightly to face you and crossed her long legs with deliberate slowness. You could clearly see the rise in her skirt that framed her manhood straining hard against the fabric as she oh so casually tossed her hair and picked up a sheaf of papers from the desk.
<<if $phSoulCount is 1>><<nm $phSamantha "Well, boss, we're just getting started officially, but we could be doing a lot worse. I'm confident you'll find someone in need soon enough, and I can't wait to see just how you break them in.">>
<</if>><<if $phSoulCount is 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Very well, boss. I was watching when you converted your first target, and it was riveting. I suspect that Lazren will be pleased with your progress, and how far you've already come. We're still small, but we're growing.">>
<</if>><<if $phSoulCount is (3 or 4 or 5)>><<nm $phSamantha "You're getting the hang of things fast, boss. Every time you convert someone, I think I discover a new favorite transformation. We're still a very small piece in Lazren's empire, but I don't think it will be that way for very long.">>
<</if>>She set the papers down and adjusted her glasses, tilting her head to look up at you again, her green eyes sparkling with a playful energy. She cocked her head very slightly to one side.
<<nm $phSamantha "Is there anything I can do for you, $phSamantha.Address? I've been keeping close tabs on our progress and if there's something that can't be found on my desk I can typically lay my hands on it in short order. Or...">>
Slowly, she uncrossed and then recrossed her long legs, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the show her short skirt provided. Her tongue emerged to wet her lips, leaving them glistening.
<<nm $phSamantha "If you're feeling stressed, I have been working on some relaxation techniques. We could step inside your office for just a little while?">>
You doubted any of the techniques she was talking about were primarily focused on relaxation, but you couldn't deny the thought was tempting.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'samantha'>><<nm $phSamantha "Alright, boss, what else can I do for you today?">>
Samantha turned her chair back toward you, uncrossing and crossing her legs again. It seemed she enjoyed your reaction every time she let you get a glimpse up her dark skirt.
You could ask her more questions, of course, but you could also invite her back to your room for a massage session instead. You doubted it would remain just a massage, but you also didn't think that either of you would be disappointed by that fact.<<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>><</if>>
<<set $phSamanthaQ1 to 0>><<set $phSamanthaQ2 to 0>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 0>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Samantha About Herself|SamanthaTalk]]<<if $phSamantha.date is 4>><br>[[She's Been Quiet - Everything Alright?|SamanthaFutaDateResolution]]<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 9) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You') and ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><br>[[Broach the Subject of The Crystals|SamYouConvos]]<<elseif ($phSamantha.date is 9) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You') and ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><br>[[Tell Sam How You Really Feel|SamYouConvos]]<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You')>><br>[[Ask Samantha About Her Relationship|SamPostRelationshipConvos][$phSamantha.date to 12.2]]<</if>><<if ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You') and ($phSamantha.date is 12)>><br>[[Let's Talk About Us|SamYouConvos]]<</if>>
[[Invite Samantha to Your Room|SamanthaSex]]<<if (not hasVisited ("SamGenderTalk")) and ($phGenderChanged == true)>><br />[[Ask Samantha if She's Noticed Anything...Different About You|SamGenderTalk]]<</if>>
[[That's enough for now.|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]@@<<if ($phSamanthaQ1 is 0) and ($phSamanthaQ2 is 0) and ($phSamanthaQ3 is 0)>><<nm $phYou "Sammy, can I ask a few things about you for a second?">>
The blonde's eyes went wide and she clapped her hands with delight. She hopped up out of her chair and threw her arms around your neck, pressing a kiss to your startled lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh! I know lots about me! I can answer those, $phSamantha.Address! Go ahead, ask me anything, I'm ready!">>
You laughed and wrapped your arms belatedly around the little bimbo. She responded by nuzzling her face contentedly against the side of your chest. Sammy, it seemed, didn't have many secrets.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ1 is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ1 to 2>>You ask Sammy how much she remembers about her past. The blonde frowns, tilting her head back and absently tugging on one long ponytail.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ummm. Like, a little? Like, I //do// and stuff, $phSamantha.Address, but it's kinda not important? Like it happened to someone else, even if it really happened to me...that's not silly is it?">>
<<nm $phYou "No, that's not silly. I understand. What can you remember?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ummm. Well, I know I used to be a //lot// better at numbers, but like, I was terrible at blowjobs, so it sort of balanced out? And, um...Well, I totally found these sites where, you know, all the pretty girls were getting tied up, and I thought it was really yummy and fun, but every time I tried to find someone to tie me up it turned out they were mean! Oh! Oh! And then Miss Lazren found me, and she told me I could get tied up in, like, my brain and soul and stuff and they wouldn't be mean, if I would help her. And then she gave me to you! And you're amazing, $phSamantha.Address!">>
She surged up again to plant a kiss on your lips, and you ran a hand down the back of her spine in return. Sammy, it seemed, had been a little more risque than you would have guessed even before Lazren had let you change her. She had also had fairly bad luck finding someone to hold her leash properly. You felt the last trace of guilt over what you had done wash out of you. You had helped her...in your own, now demonic way.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ2 is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ2 to 2>>You ask Sammy how she's feeling about the way she is now, and her current office job.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm, $phSamantha.Address! Are you worried about me? That's, like, totally sweet of you! I'm //so// happy though, really! You made me totally hawt and sexy and I get to have all sorts of sex and no one thinks too much about pushing me around a little, it's awesome! Like, I still like helping you with the office stuff, though, even if I have to think really really hard about all the big numbers. But, um, Mr. Mason set up something in my computer that beeps at me if I get things wrong, so I can fix it all up. I'm //really// happy, $phSamantha.Address!">>
<<nm $phYou "You remember you weren't always like this, right? You don't mind that I changed you?">>
Sammy scoffed and shook her head, sending her pigtails flying from side to side like little whips. She arched her back, thrusting her generous cleavage at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, $phSamantha.Address, you totally did me a favor! Look at me! I'm like the perfect sex kitten now, and everyone wants to pet me a little. //And// I have like the bestest, hottest $phSamantha.Address the world! All the subby sluts are jealous of me! Don't you worry at all, $phSamantha.Address, 'kay?">>
Emphatic response, at least. You weren't entirely sure that response hadn't come with the transformation, though, but you were starting to suspect it was genuine. Sammy knew you'd made her into a complete sexpot, and she seemed more than fine with it.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ3 is 1>>You asked Sammy if she'd had 'fun' with anyone recently, aside from you. The blonde gave you a blank look.
<<nm $phSamantha "Fun, $phSamantha.Address? Like games?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Like the fun in the supply closet.">><<nobr>>
<<set _randarray to [1]>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>> <<run _randarray.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<run _randarray.push(3)>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>><<run _randarray.push(4)>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>> <<run _randarray.push(5)>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>> <<run _randarray.push(6)>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>><<run _randarray.push(7)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarray.random()>><</nobr>>
<<if _random is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Like that! Uh huh, $phSamantha.Address! Um...like recently? There was this super yummy safety inspector who wanted to ask some questions about, like, who owns the building or whatever?">>
That perked your interest and you gave the bimbo a curious look.
<<nm $phYou "Is that so? And did you answer her questions?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Um. Like, not those ones, but then she asked better questions! Like if I was free on Fridays and if I wanted it harder and why it felt so good! She's //really// good at spanking, $phSamantha.Address! I just about creamed in my panties every time she did it! Now we're gonna go out to dinner and stuff, and I don't think she cares about the boring questions anymore!">>
You chuckled and did not doubt that was true. Sammy may not have done it intentionally, but that was certainly one potential bombshell disarmed. Still, maybe you would meet this inspector yourself, someday, just to be sure. <</if>><<if _random is 2>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh! I see! Like the really nice lady in the food court, with the big tits? She's even bigger than me!">>
You laughed at that and reached over to run your hand over Sammy's mentioned assets. The bimbo squealed and bounced on her heels, pushing herself out against your fingers.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, yours are just fine, Sammy. Did you have fun with JJ?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh! She took me in the back and showed me how they make the ice cream. I licked the ice cream and then licked her for a little while, and we put her on the milker and she got all happy and relaxed. She looked a //little// worried when I turned it all the way up, but she didn't say to stop!">>
That would explain why JJ had been wobbling around the last time you'd seen her. You doubted the poor cowgirl had been //able// to object. Oh well, she probably didn't mind too much.<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Right! Um, I've had all sorts of fun down at the computer place with all the video games? Did you know they have back rooms you can buy?">>
<<nm $phYou "I did know that. I can guess who you ran into too. Tell me about it?">>
Sammy shook her head, sending her pigtails flying with her vehemence. She put her hands on her hips and looked up at you with a pout.
<<nm $phSamantha "Nu-uh! I didn't meet just one person back there! Like, the first time I went back there was this super sweet hot lady in an apron! I didn't know what she was talking about, but she gave me a cookie and I felt her tits and she said it was okay, and then she gave me a nice spanking! But when I went //back// it was this super hot lady in yummy leathers, and she threw me up against a bar and called me a naughty girl and made me scream so good!">>
You grinned at her and accepted her 'correction', holding your hands up in front of you.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my, that does sound like fun. You should try again soon...you know I think they have a pizza place down there, sometimes. Maybe you should look for it.">>
Sammy gave you a blank, uncomprehending look, but there wasn't anything new about that. You were sure Jolie would enjoy having someone else to show off her forms to. She might even need to find a new one, if she was going to keep up with your favorite bimbo.<</if>><<if _random is 4>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh, right! Like, I don't know if it really //counts// but I've been playing a lot of that new sexy game you sent me!">>
You paused and blinked. That was news to you.
<<nm $phYou "...What game was that?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "The one you sent me! With the pretty purple-haired girl who has to find out what everyone wants so she came fuck them all? You know, //Cassy Does The World//? It's so much fun, $phSamantha.Address, you have no idea! Sometimes I get really frustrated when I can't figure stuff out, but then the game gives me a hint, like, //right// then and I have fun again. How does it know?">>
You hid a smile. You had a few guesses as to why the game was so adapt at keeping Sammy playing. Cassy had to entertain herself somehow, and you were sure the game would last as long as Sammy's attention span did.
You'd have to ask for a copy someday.<</if>><<if _random is 5>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh wow, yeah, I wanted to tell you $phSamantha.Address! I tried to go jogging at the gym the other day, but my titties were bouncing so much I popped right out of my uniform! A couple of really nice skaters helped me out though!">>
<<nm $phYou "...Did they now?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh! Like, they helped tuck me back in, but it took a few minutes cause they kept squeezing me and that made it hard to get things settled! And then they took me to a clubhouse they made beneath the skate park, and one of them shared her cigarette with me and I got, like, totally happy and relaxed. They were really hot and I wanted to say thank you, so I licked all of them out while they listened to music. The music was kind of loud and shouty, but they tasted yummy, $phSamantha.Address!">>
Cass and her girls then. That was good. Sammy was such a ditz she might actually get herself into trouble, left to her own devices. It was nice to know that your punk skater was looking out for the bimbos in your care.
Or maybe she just wanted to get laid. Either way, it worked for you.<</if>><<if _random is 6>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Right! Like, I went down to the food court to get an ice cream, $phSamantha.Address, and there was a really sweet guy there! I dropped my ice cream and was getting kinda sad about it, but he scooped me up onto his shoulder like I didn't weigh anything! He took me in the back and showed me how they make the ice cream. Those girls have the yummiest tits. They're bigger than me!">>
<<nm $phYou "They're a little fuller than you too. Did you remember to thank him?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! He said he'd make me another ice cream, and I told him there was something else I liked licking even more. He got this funny look on his face when I undid his belt. He was HUGE, $phSamantha.Address! Like so big! I could barely get my mouth around the tip and, when he did, he started moaning and groaning so loud! I didn't even have to get on my knees, he was so tall! That was fun...then afterward, he showed me how it does it with the cow girls and that was fun too! I might have mooed a little!">>
You couldn't blame Damien for taking advantage of what fell into his lap, so to speak. You were pretty sure you would have done the same thing. The big guy was a gentleman, though, and you knew he'd never push Sammy too far.
Maybe next time you were in the food court you'd try dropping your ice cream in front of him. You weren't sure he'd dare to carry you to the back, but you were more than happy to have a little fun. <</if>><<if _random is 7>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Uh-Huh! Me and Dana went clubbing the other night!">>
That got your attention and you gave Sammy a surprised look. She giggled, cheerfully.
<<nm $phSamantha "We didn't go too far! Dana is really great! She's such a pretty little sissy and when we both put on a nice Catholic schoolgirl costume...well, the guys really take notice! We twirl just a little and they're all suddenly asking for our numbers!">>
<<nm $phYou "...You don't give it out, do you? You know your work phone is for work.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I know! Don't worry $phSamantha.Address! We usually just blow them instead, and they forget all about the phone number! Safety first!">>
You weren't sure that was 'safety first' but you didn't press the matter. You weren't surprised that Sammy and Dana got along well. They both has similar interests, after all.
In fact, maybe someday you'd call them both to your office at the same time...<</if>>
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><br><<if $phSamanthaQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About Sammy's Past|SammyTalk][$phSamanthaQ1 to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phSamanthaQ2 is 0>>@@.choice;[[Ask How Sammy is Feeling|SammyTalk][$phSamanthaQ2 to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phSamanthaQ3 is 0>>@@.choice;[[Ask If Sammy Has Had Fun Lately|SammyTalk][$phSamanthaQ3 to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
@@.choice;[[Ask Sammy About Something Else|Talk to Sammy][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sammy']]<br>
<br>[[That's Enough From Sammy For Now|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]@@<</nobr>>@@
<<set $phLocation to "SupplyCloset">><<nm $phYou "You know, why don't we check in on the supply closet after all?">>
You could actually see the moment Sammy remembered what the supply closet really was. Her green eyes went wide and her breath caught in her throat. Then she squealed and surged out of her chair to throw her arms around you and kiss you on the lips. You could feel the soft, firm warmth of her breasts against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>own<<else>>chest<</if>>. The bimbo was so top heavy it was almost difficult for her to reach you from that position.
<<nm $phSamantha "$phSamantha.Address! Wow, okay! Yes, yes, we can do that! Come on, I can show you where everything is! I use the closet lots! Here, here, this way!">>
She took you by the hand and all but dragged you excitedly toward the door. You let yourself be dragged along, wondering idly if she's so familiar with the closet because she needs the office supplies or if its just a 'private enough' space for fun.
Probably both.
Sammy dragged you through the door and into the supply closet. Well, the supply room, anyway. You'd lived in apartments with less square-footage than this place. Brightly colored folders and office paper linned each of the walls, along with neatly labeled containers of scissors, staplers, pencils, glue, and assorted office detritus. There was an island counter in the center of the room, mostly clear save for the stray paper or folder here and there.
Sammy closed the door behind you, though she didn't bother to lock it, then turned and pranced over to your excitedly. The blonde beamed up at you brightly, then her gaze flicked lower and settled on your chest. Before you could ask if they were enjoying the view, though, the secretary let out a sudden gasp.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hey, that's...! Right! Right, Miss Lazren told me all about what that means!">>
Her hand darted forward, hooking around and gently lifting out @@.choice;<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[Your Necklace.|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 0]]<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>[[Your Necklace.|SammySexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 0]]<</if>>@@<<nm $phYou "You know, I could stand to relax a little. Why don't we step over to my space for a while?">>
Samantha's smile grew wider. She touched two fingers to her brow in salute, then turned her chair back toward the desk, typing rapidly. After about ten or fifteen seconds, she shut the computer down and stood up from the chair, stretching languidly.
<<nm $phSamantha "There we are, boss. Things will survive without me, for at least a little while. Why don't we see if I can ease your tension, just a little?">>
The raven-haired woman winked, her hips swaying wonderfully as she walked in front of you towards your suite door. She waited politely for you to let her in, then strolled confidently inside and up the stairs. You were more than happy with that, since it gave you ample time to admire her rear on the way up. And by the way she was swinging it, she knew you were watching and was more than happy to put on a show.
She looked around with interest as she stepped into your bedroom, admiring the view of the city out the window.<<if $phTime is 0>> The morning sun still painted the sky a bright orange, and the streets were just beginning to come alive with traffic and commerce.<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>> The sun was shining brightly down on the buildings, turning the mirrored windows into blazing squares of fire.<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>> The city was beginning to wind down as the sun set behind the mountains, little caravans of lights marking the winding highway through the metropolis.<</if>> She leaned her shoulder against the glass, watching the people below with interest.
<<nm $phSamantha "I was here often in the last months before we opened. Lazren didn't actually //live// here, I think, but it was where she would meet me. When I checked in for her without being summoned, the bed was always empty, even if she had been napping there before. There wasn't as much furniture, but the view was still incredible. <br><br>I wondered what people would think if they knew what we were about to do. I had some second thoughts from time to time, wondering if Laz would find the right person, or if it would just be the same nonsense again. One more person taking power and stepping on the little guy.">>
You moved up behind her, watching the people scurry far below you on the streets and roads. You had been like them, not that long ago, tied up with money and security and the race of life. Your perspective had certainly changed, even if you had to admit you had essentially traded one set of work and deadlines for another, albeit one with a stunning collection of perks.
<<nm $phYou "And now? You've had a chance to see me in action, so which sort of person do you think I am?">>
Samantha grinned over her shoulder at you, and leaned back against your body affectionately. Her shoulders rose and fell in a teasing shrug.
<<nm $phSamantha "In either case, I'm on your side, boss. But you did put me in a position to do some stepping of my own, so at the very least I'm quite certain you don't mind some competition. I think Lazren always knew who she wanted. This whole place was made for you, specifically.">>
She turned to face you more fully, pushing her glasses up farther onto her nose. She opened her mouth to speak, but her eyes abruptly flicked down toward your chest and she stopped. You frowned and looked down yourself, following the line of her gaze to @@.choice;<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[Your Necklace.|SamanthaSexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 0]]<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>[[Your Necklace.|SamanthaSexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 0]]<</if>>@@<<if ($phSamanthaQ1 is 0) and ($phSamanthaQ2 is 0) and ($phSamanthaQ3 is 0)>><<nm $phSamantha "Me? And what could you possibly want to know about me, boss?">>
Your raven-haired secretary grinned, leaning forward slightly to offer you a better view of her impressive cleavage. Her green eyes were all but sparkling with mischief, though whether that bode good or ill for you was hard to say.
<<nm $phSamantha "You more or less created me, boss. To a certain extent, you know all there is to know. Everything important, anyway.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe most of them, but I'm sure I can find a few new things to ask, if I really try.">>
Samantha laughed, resettled herself in her chair, and inclined her head in an exaggeratedly regal nod. She raised her eyebrows expectantly.
<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ1 is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ1 to 2>>You ask what Samantha can remember about her past. The dark-haired woman pauses, clearly surprised, and cocks her head to one side.
<<nm $phSamantha "Well...I guess that's a good question. I suppose I won't know what I don't remember, but I feel like it's still pretty solid. I don't know if it's all that exciting of a story, really. Good girl, from a good home, who went to a good school, got a good accounting job, and then found some really good sites where bad boys and girls got tied up good.">>
She laughed, her eyes going a bit distant. You suspected she was mentally looking over the life she had now left behind.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Unfortunately, good people are harder to find. I did my job well, went home, and somehow managed to find the worst partners in the world: ones that confused wanting to try being subservient with wanting to be treated like dirt. It wasn't a good time. Then, Lazren found me, in an online chat room of all places. She knew //exactly// what I meant every time I typed a message, and she knew exactly what I wanted. She offered to give it to me if I helped her get set up.<br><br>And then you came along. A fresh convert given carte blanche to make me anything you wanted, to turn me into your perfect servant, and you made me both gorgeous and really interested in tying up a few bad boys and girls of my own. So...Laz was right, boss. She gave me everything I wanted. She gave me you.">>
Her voice was still wearing the purring, teasing tone that came so naturally to her, but it was said without a moment's hesitation. You couldn't be entirely sure her happiness wasn't part of the transformation, but she had gone in with her eyes open. You felt the last traces of guilt for altering her leave you in a rush.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ2 is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ2 to 2>>You ask Samantha how's she's feeling about things now, especially how you've changed her. Your secretary beamed, stretching in her chair and showing off her altered form.
<<nm $phSamantha "Are you kidding? Look at me, boss. I'm tall, I'm sexy, and I'm powerful. I've felt like a million bucks ever since the moment your collar snapped around my neck. The fact that is was //your// fantasy that made me this way, the image in your head that turned me into a head turner, just makes it hotter. And //this// thing!">>
Her hand dropped to her skirt, fingers pressing in against the bulge there, outlining the perfect shape of her erection against the cloth. She looked up at you with dark amusement in her eyes.
<<nm $phSamantha "I would never have asked for it, boss, but now I can't live without it. It's all I can do sometimes not to run off into the bathrooms and take care of myself...or more likely find someone to run to the bathroom with to take care of me. It's amazing, boss.<<if ($phYou.gender is 'female') and ($phYou.form is not 'female')>> You understand. It must have taken you a while to figure out how to fit it in your skirt.<</if>><<if ($phYou.gender is 'male') and ($phYou.form is not 'female')>> You grew up with one, so you've had a lot more time to get used to it.<</if>>">>
You couldn't argue with that. Samantha was clearly enjoying her new body, and her new role. That was good to know.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaQ3 is 1>>You asked Samantha if she'd had a chance to let her hair down and find a playmate or two for herself. The dark-haired woman grinned at you wolfishly.
<<nm $phSamantha "Me? Playmates? Oh my. Just what kind of woman do you think you've created, boss?">>
<<nm $phYou "One who almost certainly is not hanging around here all day, going straight home after work, and falling asleep watching sitcom reruns. Come on, Sam. Spill.">>
<<nobr>>
<<set _randarray to [1]>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>> <<run _randarray.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<run _randarray.push(3)>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>><<run _randarray.push(4)>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>> <<run _randarray.push(5)>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>> <<run _randarray.push(6)>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>><<run _randarray.push(7)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarray.random()>><</nobr>>
She chuckled huskily, leaning forward, and dropped her voice to a low, confidential purr.
<<if _random is 1>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "I suppose I have been able to find an entertainment or two. Would you believe we had a safety inspector visit a few days ago? She picked up on the fact our little operation here isn't exactly what it seems pretty fast. I caught her skulking around near closing time on the cameras and decided I wanted to learn a few things about her.">>
<<nm $phYou "Learn anything fun?">>
Samantha leaned back in her seat, crossed her legs, and gave you an absolutely predatory smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "I learned she looks absolutely divine in black lace, has a subby streak a mile wide, and turns into absolute putty when I nibble on her earlobe. Don't worry, boss, I don't think she'll be filing any reports on us for a long while. Not without my permission. In fact, I guarantee it.">>
So not everyone in the human world was completely oblivious to what you were doing. That wasn't too surprising, but it was nice to find that your favorite secretary had the situation well in hand. Maybe the next time this inspector nosed around you could join Samantha in encouraging her not to look too deeply.
A fun thought.<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "You know, I did have an interesting run in down at the food court the other day. I was sneaking out for a bit of a snack around lunch time and I met this wonderful blonde working one of the registers. You know the one? The one who fills out her uniform even better than I do?">>
<<nm $phYou "More amply, maybe, but better is an argument. Her name's Jolie.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ah. I didn't actually catch her name. See, after I saw the way she was admiring me I took a little tour through the back stable. I'm sure she //would// have given me her name, but when I reached around and got a nice, solid hold on those tits of her, she didn't seem much able to speak anymore. Her knees were shaking by the third squeeze. Made an absolute mess of her top.">>
You laughed at that, and gestured to the broad grin breaking out on your secretary's face.
<<nm $phYou "That sounds like Jolie...and you're looking like the cat who got the cream.">>
Jolie deliberately ran her tongue around her lips before smacking them loudly.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Yeah. I bet I do.">>
Good to see Jolie was getting some love for her fellow employees. She might not have been able to think properly for the rest of the day, but somehow you didn't think she was going to complain.<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "I suppose I did have one fairly notable encounter, down near that computer lab of yours. I was just getting off for the day and thought I might stop in on my way out. I admit, it's something of a favorite hunting ground for me. I have a bit of a weakness for those guys and gals who get a little...tongue-tied around greatness.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? And did you find one?">>
Samantha smiled and leaned back in her chair, idly drumming the fingers of one hand along her desk.
<<nm $phSamantha "Even better, I'd say. I'm walking around the back...and this blonde bombshell wearing leather head to toe pops her head out and asks if I need a drink. Oh I like her right away, boss. She had one hell of a way about her, and a pretty well-stocked liquor cabinet to boot. We sipped and talked shop. She said she knew exactly what I was hunting for, because she was hunting for the same thing. She talked about how there's only one way for predators to coexist if they're hunting the same prey.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? And what is that?">>
Samantha's answering grin was positively wolfish.
<<nm $phSamantha "You make a pack, and you hunt together. Mmm, it was a novel concept. But I can't argue with the result. Neither can the girl we found together. Turns out, engaging in a bit of team activity can be an awful lot of fun. You should drop in, boss. We'll all go...hunting.">>
Well, that was a tempting invitation. Samantha had met at least one of Jolie's forms and hit it off nicely, it seems. You idly wondered if she would be elated or disappointed if she returned and found a more docile one of Jolie's faces waiting for her. Either way, you were pretty sure it would be an entertaining story.<</if>><<if _random is 4>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I live a more boring life than you know. After all, Cassy and I //were// playing DnD last night.">>
That caught you by surprise. You blinked and gave the secretary a sharp look.
<<nm $phYou "...Really? She got you into one of her games?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Hey, it's fun! Especially because she animates the scene as we play. Yesun the Barbarian is an unmatched warrior. She travels the land, slaying orcish raiders and necromantic fiends with her axe, her love of nature, and her mighty thews.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Mighty thews. Really?">>
Samantha shrugged and settled back into her seat, waggling her back and forth.
<<nm $phSamantha "Well. //After// she saves a village it's customary for her to select a comely villager who is honored to give her a hero's reward...">>
Now //that// sounded more like Samantha. You leaned back in your seat and pictured it. Cassy was more than capable of animating a story in real time, which would go a long way toward both enhancing the game and making such 'rewards' more interesting.
Maybe you should ask to roll up a character someday.<</if>><<if _random is 5>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I keep myself entertained. I caught a few girls smoking down near the gym. You know it's bad to be selective with rules enforcement. Second-hand smoke, and all of that?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Well, Cass has always been something of a special case.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "She seemed to think so. She noticed me looking and took another big puff and blew it out in my face. Asked me if I wanted to do something about it, or if I was just going to...how did she put it? 'Sit and stare like a bitch'?">>
Uh-oh. Maybe you should have gone out of your way to introduce these two before now. Apparently, two aggressive personalities were bound to clash.
<<nm $phYou "...And what'd you do?">>
Samantha leaned back and shot you an annoyingly self-confident smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "I gave her something else to handle that little oral fixation of hers. It took a little while to hash out the details while she had her mouth full, but she knows where she can and can't smoke now. She's a little stubborn, boss, but nothing I couldn't handle. She's a fine little minx once you get through to her, isn't she?">>
Or maybe not. It sounded like they're come to an arrangement all on their own. You carefully hid a smile. Cass had the fire, alright, but Sammy was in a league by herself. You wondered briefly what Cass would tell you if you asked about the incident. You probably didn't want to know. The only thing for certain is it would graphic, profane, and end with you also helping her with that oral fixation of hers.
On second thought, that did actually sound pretty good. You'd keep it in mind.<</if>><<if _random is 6>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "I suppose there's no point in playing coy, boss. You were probably able to hear us.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Hear you?">>
That seemed to genuinely surprise Samantha. She blinked for a second, and then broke out into laughter.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh my...That bed that Lazren hooked you up with really does keep you snoozing. Mmm. Well, I might have invited that wonderful slab of muscle you have hauling boxes around the food court up here for a performance review.">>
You had to think for a second, but it came to you quickly.
<<nm $phYou "...Damien. Cowboy hat, blue jeans, bull horns?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That's the one! Feel free to reuse that transformation any time you want. If we get a couple more of him running around, we can open a very popular dance show. Anyway, I saw him cleaning up the tables and decided he could use a little executive attention.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmhmm. And how did it go?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I started with a thorough skills analysis, and he really exceeded my expectations. We really drilled down on his strengths for a while and got to work for a few hours. I could really feel his growth potential.">>
You snorted and shook your head, and Samantha gave you her best innocent look. Well, Damien was always eager to please and Samantha was always eager to //be// pleased so that may very well have been a match made in heaven.
Or hell, given your own origins. Either way, a good time.<</if>><<if _random is 7>><<set $phSamanthaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Well, I suppose I //have// drummed up an entertainment or two. You can't blame me for playing with your toys, from time to time, can you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh oh. Do I want to know who?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I'll give you a hint. He's cute in a skirt, flirty, and he moans like a slut when you ram a cock up his ass. I suppose that applies to more men than him, but he owns it.">>
You laughed. So Dana had a run in with your ever confident secretary. Part of you wished you could have been a fly on the wall during //that// introduction.
<<nm $phYou "And did you both have a good time?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "//I// did. And Dana probably //still// isn't walking straight, so I'm going to say they did too.">>
She puffed her chest and preened with exaggerated pride. You grinned and shook your head. Those two were going to get along just fine.<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phSamanthaQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About Samantha's Past|SamanthaTalk][$phSamanthaQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phSamanthaQ2 is 0>>[[Ask How Samantha is Feeling|SamanthaTalk][$phSamanthaQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phSamanthaQ3 is 0) && ($phSamantha.date != 4)>>[[Ask If Samantha Has Been With Anyone Lately|SamanthaTalk][$phSamanthaQ3 to 1]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[Ask Samantha About Something Else|Talk to Samantha][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'samantha']]
[[That's Enough For Now|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]
@@<<if ($phStoryProgression is 1) or (ndef $phStoryProgression)>>Mason's expression darkens. Not a lot, but perceptibly. He shakes his head, leaning back up against his desk.
<<nm $phMason "Your curiosity is understandable but, at this time, irrelevant. You have more than enough on your plate in passing your first test, and I have more than enough to do without wasting time with queries like that.">>
You open your mouth to protest, but the demonic builder waves a hand in your direction.
<<nm $phMason "I have no personal animosity toward you, $phMason.address, but there's little point in us trading life stories until it becomes clear you will not simply fail at your duties and be transferred elsewhere. After you have survived your first performance assessment, you may return and inquire if you still wish.">>
So Mason was worried you weren't going to make it past the first hurdle, or some equally insulting analogy. You briefly wondered if you wanted to get to know him at all anyway.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Something Else|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 2]]
[[Return to R&D|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phStoryProgression gt 1>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>>Mason frowned at you for a long moment, then sighed. The tall man leaned over his desk and flicked off some obscure machine, allowing the office to quiet. He crossed his upper arms and leaned against his workbench with his lower set supporting him.
<<nm $phMason "You have survived Lazren's attention for some time now. I suppose it would not behoove me to keep you at such a distance. I admit that casual conversation is not my forte, but you have earned that much.">>
<<nm $phYou "You could sound a little less excited. You know, if you really tried.">>
The ghost of a smile pulled at the edge of Mason's mouth, but he killed it quickly. He gave a quick, formal inclination of his head.
<<nm $phMason "I suppose I could if you really desired it, but it might not be the best use of my time. What precisely would you like to know?">>
You leaned against the wall for a moment and considered. It was rare for the workshop to quiet and much rarer for Mason to actually indulge in conversation. What //did// you want to know?
@@.choice;
[[How Did You Come To Work For Lazren?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]
[[So...Why Four Arms?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]
[[Are You Happy Here?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>><<nm $phMason "Of course. Let me consult my notes a moment, and I will see what I have.">>
Mason half-turned and reached down to pop open a drawer of his desk and withdraw a set of neat manilla envelopes. You realized that, despite the high tech equipment filling the lab, you didn't see a single computer within his office itself. He leafed briefly through the papers, the way a retiree might peruse a newspaper.
<<CheckFociReady>><<if ($phFociReady.length > 0)>>Mason's eyes lit up as he found what he was looking for. He removed a series of photos from his neatly organized folders, then set them down on the table in a fanned shape. You leaned over to examine the pages.
<<nm $phMason "Ah yes, I believe I do have something for you. Here, look through these and let me know who you had in mind.">>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phFociReady.includes("Damien")>>[[Ask About Damien|DamienFoci]]<br><</if>><<if $phFociReady.includes("Jolie")>>[[Ask About Jolie|JolieFoci]]<br><</if>><<if $phFociReady.includes("Cassandra")>>[[Ask About Cassandra|CassandraFoci]]<br /><</if>>
<<if $phFociReady.includes("Xavier")>>[[Ask About Xavier|XavierFoci]]<br /><</if>>
<<if $phFociReady.includes("Petra")>>[[Ask About Petra|PetraFoci]]<br /><</if>>
<<if $phFociReady.includes("Sara")>>[[Ask About Sara|SaraFoci]]<br /><</if>>
[[Ask About Something Else|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 2]]<</nobr>>
[[Return to R&D|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@<<else>>
<<nm $phMason "I am sorry to say, at the moment I do not have anything to share with you. I do not believe we currently have anyone ready for their ultimate assignment. You will have to continue working to bring them in and discover what they want.">>
So no one was ready yet. You knew that, of course, but it was always nice to have confirmation that you weren't overlooking anything. You supposed that meant there was more work for you to do.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Something Else|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 2]]
[[Return to R&D|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@
<</if>><<nm $phMason "Ah, young Damien Estevez. The tower has been most interested in your progress with him. He certainly likes you. Metrics showed he spent more than an additional hour on each of his visits after you met, whether you were there or not. Seems likely he was hoping to catch you more often.">>
<<nm $phYou "I got that sense. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>I think it might go a little farther than a bromance, but he's never tried to make a move or anything.<<else>>He never tried to make a move, though I think I caught him wishing he could more than once.<</if>> When I first talked to him, I assumed he was just another guy wishing for giant biceps he could pick girls up with, but I don't think that was actually what he was after.">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite right. The tower doesn't typically provide me with the conversations themselves, as that could get exceedingly awkward around the office, but the data it //did// provide tracks with your analysis. After a bit of research, I believe I can craft an item appropriate for our young sir.<<if $phDamien.focus_shake >= 4>><br><br>While you are quite accurate that muscle is //not// the sum of his desires, they do feature quite prominently in his mind. As you uncovered with your conversations in the food court, this young man appears to harbor a great desire to be a protector, a defender of friends and loved ones. This is one of the motivations that drives him toward the acquisition of physical might. We can embrace both halves of that desire with a very special protein supplement. These drinks will contain a much higher dosage of cowgirl milk and, I expect, will very quickly conform him to a shape and mindset useful for them.<br><br>To be more specific, these drinks will create what has been colloquially referred to as a 'bull'. He will enjoy greatly enhanced strength, endurance, and height for his physical body, and a...refocusing of his mind away from complexity and toward direct simplicity. He won't actually lose any of his intelligence, but his patience with more roundabout conversation and topics will be limited. He will also develop both a considerable protective drive toward our supplying cowgirls, and a commiserate increase in libido. The presence of a bull within the stable will increase both the yield and the quality of the dairy produced by a noticable percentage.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_gym >= 4) and ($phDamien.focus_shake lt 4)>><br><br>You spoke to him numerous times while engaged in physical exercise at the gym. The data provided to me by the tower suggests a considerable amount of envy driving his efforts of self-improvement. However, unlike a large percentage of our customer base, this envy is not //primarily// for the physical but rather a degree of self-confidence he believes will come with the form. Accordingly, we can embrace that desire directly by encouraging a shift in mindset as well as form.<br><br>I believe I can construct a treadmill tailored to our young gentleman's aura. Once in use, the machine will introduce a certain degree of malleability to his body, in essence allowing him to resculpt himself at will. However, the machine interacts directly with the id and the ego, bypassing the super ego entirely. This avoids allowing the user to sculpt themselves into a form society approves of, but that they would not. It is difficult to say for certain what result this will have, given it will be under the mortal's partial control, but the data from the tower suggests it will almost certainly //not// be the masculine ideal, and may be quite the contrary. In short, you will see Damien as he actually desires himself without filtering that desire through his upbringing and morality. It is highly likely that, whatever true form he desires, an increase in confidence and enthusiasm would make him an excellent trainer within the gym itself.<</if>>">><<if $phDamien.focus_shake >= 4>>
<<nm $phYou "I see. My very own muscular bull boy. I might be able to see the appeal in that, or at the very least enjoy the energy that comes with better milk. Do we have any other options?">>
<<if $phDamien.focus_gym >= 4>><<nm $phMason "We do. Your work with the gentleman has been quite extensive. If the supplement I mentioned is not to your preference, I believe you have uncovered an alternative that tackles his desires in a less direct way.<br><br>You spoke to him numerous times while engaged in physical exercise at the gym. The data provided to me by the tower suggests a considerable amount of envy driving his efforts of self-improvement. However, unlike a large percentage of our customer base, this envy is not //primarily// for the physical but rather a degree of self-confidence he believes will come with the form. Accordingly, we can embrace that desire directly by encouraging a shift in mindset as well as form.<br><br>I believe I can construct an treadmill tailored to our young gentleman's aura. Once in use, the machine will introduce a certain degree of malleability to his body, in essence allowing him to resculpt himself at will. However, the machine interacts directly with the id and the ego, bypassing the super ego entirely. This avoids the user simply sculpting themselves into a form society approves of, but that they would secretly not be happy with. It is difficult to say for certain what result this will have, given it will be under the mortal's partial control, but the data from the tower suggests it will almost certainly //not// be the masculine ideal, and may be quite the contrary. In short, you will see Damien as he actually desires himself without filtering that desire through his upbringing and morality. It is highly likely that, whatever true form he desires, an increase in confidence and enthusiasm would make him an excellent trainer within the gym itself.<br><br>Ultimately, the choice will be up to you. Despite the difference in their physical sizes, both of these foci will take approximately the same amount of energy to create and enchant. I can begin work at your discretion.">><</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_gym < 4)>><<nm $phMason "Unfortunately, I believe this is the only focus that can be prepared at this time. Preliminary data from the tower suggests that, yes, there may be another focus that would work equally well to convert the gentleman, but I do not yet have enough data to make any prediction as to what that foci would be. You can rest assured that this option //will// satisfy his desires if you choose to craft it now, but we can also choose to delay until we have enough information to verify our full options. It is, as always, your choice.">><</if>>
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_gym >= 4) and ($phDamien.focus_shake < 4)>>
<<nm $phYou "I see. So Damien would have the body he really wants, which may not be muscles and pecs, but we'd probably get a gym trainer out of it either way. Do we have any other options?">>
<<nm $phMason "Unfortunately, I believe this is the only focus that can be prepared at this time. Preliminary data from the tower suggests that, yes, there may be another focus that would work equally well to convert the gentleman, but I do not yet have enough data to make any prediction as to what that foci would be. You can rest assured that this option //will// satisfy his desires if you choose to craft it now, but we can also choose to delay until we have enough information to verify our full options. It is, as always, your choice.">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake >= 4>>Create The Special Protein Supplements- <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|DamienFociFinish][$phDamien.focus_shake to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Bull Boy, Muscle Growth">><br><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.focus_gym >= 4>>Create The Super Treadmill - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|DamienFociFinish][$phDamien.focus_gym to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Sissyfication, Mild Humiliation, Cross-Dressing">><br><</if>>
<br>[[We'll Wait For Another Day|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>><<nm $phMason "Ah yes, Jolie Durand. Our budding starlet. One might think that her information would be all over the internet, in our Information Age, but it wouldn't tell the whole story. You've managed to get her to open up sufficiently for the tower to perceive what role she would really like to play, and to plan for a requisite focus.<<if ($phJolie.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phJolie.focus_shake >= 4)>> In fact, you've unearthed enough to give us multiple options.<</if>>">>
You gestured for the scientifically-minded incubus to elaborate. Mason cleared his throat and tucked all four hands behind his back.
<<if $phJolie.focus_comp >= 4>><<nm $phMason "Through your conversations with the young lady in the computer cafe, you were able to draw out a rare, but not entirely unheard of, desire. Almost every human that finds themselves in need of our services wishes to be someone different, but most of those customers have a very particular someone in mind that they wish to be. Miss Durand is slightly different. She is troubled by her inability to leave herself behind when playing a role, and desires the ability to easily inhabit a new persona.">>
<<nm $phYou "So...what? We give her the ability to merge with someone else? Literally step into their shoes?">>
Mason shook his head and cleared his throat, one hand emerging from around his back to waggle a gloved hand at you.
<<nm $phMason "I initially toyed with such an idea, but found it would be counterproductive. In order for the desire to be fulfilled, Miss Durand would have to completely inhabit the mind of whoever she was bonded with...at which point, there would be little fundamental difference between utilizing such a merge and simply ceasing to be. No, I have devised a more elegant method that allows brief and harmless ventures into chosen roles.<br><br> The mask has eternally been a symbol of stagecraft and has historically changed an actor into the being depicted on the mask itself. I propose a very special mask for the young lady. One that has been made to absorb the fruits of our Information Age itself. Every role, character, and line suffused in its entirety onto the mask's surface, offering a variety of potential roles and allowing the woman to subsume herself completely to whatever character she desires, for however long seems appropriate.">>
You thought about it for a few seconds. A mask filled with every character, play, or TV show known to the internet? That would certainly provide enough variety to keep anyone busy.
<<nm $phYou "And what would the tower get out of it?">>
<<nm $phMason "It has been said that certain materials of illicit nature make up a significant percentage of the internet. I have no doubt that inhabiting those roles would prove very popular no matter which particular genre Miss Durand happens to inhabit at the time. Such happiness will, of course, assist in the creation of energy through the typical act of release.">>
Porn then. Yes, you could see it. Having someone able to flick between pornographic characters at will might not improve her acting, but it would help the tower gather the energy you wanted.
<<nm $phYou "I understand. Do we have any other options?">>
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phJolie.focus_shake < 4)>><<nm $phMason "I believe that is currently all that can be prepared for Miss Durand. If that is not to your liking, I would encourage you to converse with her in a new setting, as that frequently offers a path to differing desires. Alternatively, if the idea of the mask appeals to you, I can leave such unknowns to the side and simply create the option we have now. The choice, as ever, is yours.">>
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phJolie.focus_shake >= 4)>><<nm $phMason "We do. Your conversations with Miss Durand have not been confined only to a single topic. As it happens, the photo shoot that you arranged with the actress has also borne fruit.">>
<<nm $phYou "What kind of fruit?">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake >= 4>><<nm $phMason "During the course of the photoshoots ostensibly for our food court, Miss Durand expressed a desire for a certain amount of simplicity in her life. In particular, it would appear that the young lady's large cup size has generated unwelcome commentary from her peers throughout her teenage years and into adulthood.">>
<<nm $phYou "Right. I tried to ask if she wanted them to be smaller, but she said that she didn't. She just wanted to be less concerned to having her body enjoyed that way, and to her let her worries go.">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so. Excellent memory, $phMason.address. Reducing anxiety about her body would be quite simple, but would not cover every aspect of her wish. Achieving total serenity is a feat that even we rarely achieve. However, as it happens, I am very familiar with a common transformation that offers peace and tranquility as well as a certain amount of pride and ease with particularly large busts. One that you have already seen employed in the food court to great effect.">>
It took you only a few seconds, but you eventually got it.
<<nm $phYou "...The milk. You want to turn her into a cowgirl.">>
<<nm $phMason "My only desire is efficiently extracting souls and energy for our Lady's purpose. This is simply the most elegant solution that satisfies every one of Miss Durand's requirements. In this case, she will retain much of her intelligence, but will find herself at peace with the idea of being judged by her teats alone. It will provide much needed relaxation for her life, and the food court will benefit from her presence. Milk from those in her position is typically more potent than average, which will increase the yields offered by the ice cream and shakes available.<br><br> Should you approve, I will begin work on a foci immediately. I believe the best way to offer Miss Durand the position will be aurally. I will devise an audio track tuned to the young lady that should latch onto, and remove, the worries she dislikes and replace them with an appropriate herd mentality. As I mentioned previously, this is one of our more common transformations, so I am very familiar with the basic settings. As it turns out, leaving stress and worry behind is a deeply held desire of almost any being capable of worrying in the first place.">>
A cowgirl. It //would// satisfy all of the requirements, alright. Jolie would be able to retain her mind while losing her stress, worries, and the ability to care what people thought about her tits. She was already top heavy enough to fit in, you had no doubt.
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_shake >= 4) and ($phJolie.focus_comp lt 4)>><<nm $phYou "Are there any other options?">>
<<nm $phMason "I believe that is currently all that can be prepared for Miss Durand. If that is not to your liking, I would encourage you to converse with her in a new setting, as that frequently offers a path to differing desires. Alternatively, if the idea of the audio file appeals to you, I can leave such unknowns to the side and simply create the option we have now. The choice, as ever, is yours.">>
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phJolie.focus_shake >= 4)>><<nm $phMason "I can begin on either of this foci as soon as the requisite energy is provided. Which would you prefer?">>
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake >= 4>>Create Cowgirl Audio Track - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|JolieFociFinish][$phJolie.focus_shake to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Cowgirl, Lactation, Mind Control">><br><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.focus_comp >= 4>>Create The Mask - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|JolieFociFinish][$phJolie.focus_comp to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Porn Star, Dominatrix, Housewife, Roleplay">><br><</if>>
<br>[[Wait For Another Day|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>><<nm $phMason "Miss Cassandra Woodrow. Yes, I had a feeling you would be coming to ask about her soon. Considering just how much trouble she has with social interaction, the fact that you were able to pull anything at all from her is a mark in your favor. That you managed to get us enough to make a focus is even more remarkable.">>
<<nm $phYou "She's a nice girl. I think the tower might have had more to do with it than my charm, but I'll take the compliment where I can get it. So we do have enough for a foci?">>
<<if ($phCassandra.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phCassandra.focus_gym >= 4)>><<nm $phMason "Only one? You do yourself a disservice, $phMason.address. In fact, I believe you've managed to identify both of the young lady's deepest desires. There are therefore two viable foci designs to be had.<br><br>First, we could certainly handle things in a direct fashion. Your time with Miss Woodrow at the gymnasium has revealed the regret she feels over following the rules too closely, particularly in regards to her parental figures. I believe we can handle that succinctly. The focus I am envisioning would use that ember of dissatisfaction to burn away the habits and insecurities she currently suffers.">>
<<nm $phYou "That sounds promising. What would the focus be?">>
Mason drew himself up, all four arms resting behind his back in a self-satisfied sort of stance.
<<nm $phMason "A young girl rebelling against a parent and their rules? What else but a cigarette, $phMason.address? Symbol for youthful rebellion for a thousand miles in any direction. If you can convince her to indulge after a skate, then she will finally be free of her fetters. I suspect this will cause her to manifest as her own ideal image of freedom. If you are particularly fond of her shyness, then I would have to recommend we pursue our other option as it is very unlikely to survive the process. On the bright side, I believe the presence of a rebel element within the gym could lead to higher yields of energy, particularly from those who desire to follow in the wake of such a shooting star, if you'll forgive a poetic indulgence.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll keep that in mind. It might be worth it to see exactly what Cass imagines freedom to look like. What would the other option be?">>
Mason brought his lower hands out in front of him, stippling his fingers. You had rarely seen him stop to organize his thoughts before, and you couldn't help but give him an expectant look.
<<nm $phMason "Far more...dramatic, perhaps, but possibly just as effective. When you spoke with her within the computer lab, there was a different note to her desires. Miss Woodrow appears to have a great deal of difficulty with social interaction, a handicap that I can certainly empathize with. In that case, she wishes for a world that has more easily understood rules, rather than wishing the rules gone altogether.">>
<<nm $phYou "Interesting. So one half of her wants no rules and the other wants different ones?">>
<<nm $phMason "With no disrespect intended, $phMason.address, it is not uncommon for humans to be conflicted. They are, after all, inherently unhappy. Regardless, I believe with bold steps we can fulfill the young lady's desires. I have begun initial development on a remarkable focus: a blank CD.">>
You waited. Mason cleared his throat and shook his head at you with an indulgent smile.
<<nm $phMason "...To clarify, I mean a //truly// blank CD, ma'am, not one awaiting writing. Essentially solidified emptiness. Attempting to read the CD will open a link to that emptiness, and nature abhors a vacuum. The young miss will fill that void handily, converting her from flesh and blood to a digitized essence. A ghost in the machine if you will. She will be free to operate in the digital world, which follows rigidly set but easily modified rules.">>
You stared for several seconds. You had seen some pretty impressive stuff from the tower, but this was a whole new level of transformation.
<<nm $phYou "...You want to turn her into a computer?">>
<<nm $phMason "A digital presence. She would not be limited to a particular piece of hardware and, I suspect, would very quickly become adept in moving from computer to computer over our world's increasing connected network. She would have an essentially infinite world to craft as she sees fit, which I suspect will give her the confidence she otherwise lacks. I would also expect our computer lab would begin operating at a high efficiency immediately after her installation, resulting in more energy for our use.">>
<<nm $phYou "I see...A rebel or a digital assistant. You certainly know how to give me the interesting choices.">>
<<nm $phMason "I strive to exceed expectation, $phMason.address. Would you like me to begin one of these projects?">><</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_comp >= 4) and ($phCassandra.focus_gym lt 4)>><<nm $phMason "We do, $phMason.address. Your interactions within the computer lab has shown the young lady does have trouble navigating the variables of human interactions. Her heart cries out for a world where the rules are as regimented and understandable as those laid out in her books. A desire I can well understand. Perhaps as a result of this empathy, I have been inspired to pursue a particularly unique focus. I have completed the initial design work for a blank CD-ROM.">>
You waited. Mason cleared his throat and shook his head at you with an indulgent smile.
<<nm $phMason "...To clarify, I mean a //truly// blank CD, ma'am, not one awaiting writing. Essentially solidified emptiness. Attempting to read the CD will open a link to that emptiness, and nature abhors a vacuum. The young miss will fill that void handily, converting her from flesh and blood to a digitized essence. A ghost in the machine if you will. She will be free to operate in the digital world, which follows rigidly set but easily modified rules.">>
You stared for several seconds. You had seen some pretty impressive stuff from the tower, but this was a whole new level of transformation.
<<nm $phYou "...You want to turn her into a computer?">>
<<nm $phMason "A digital presence. She would not be limited to a particular piece of hardware and, I suspect, would very quickly become adept in moving from computer to computer over our world's increasing connected network. She would have an essentially infinite world to craft as she sees fit, which I suspect will give her the confidence she otherwise lacks. I would also expect our computer lab would begin operating at a high efficiency immediately after her installation, resulting in more energy for our use.">>
<<nm $phYou "Unique is certainly one way to put it. It's tempting, I can't deny that. Do we have other options?">>
<<nm $phMason "I believe other options do exist. Very few humans are so without conflict that their desires have only a single facet. However, at this time we lack the information to complete another focus. Would you like me to begin work on creating the CD, or would you prefer to wait until we have all options before us?">><</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_gym >= 4) and ($phCassandra.focus_comp lt 4)>><<nm $phMason "We do, $phMason.address. Your time with Miss Woodrow at the gymnasium has revealed the regret she feels over following the rules too closely, particularly in regards to her parental figures. I believe we can handle that succinctly. The focus I am envisioning would use that ember of dissatisfaction to burn away the habits and insecurities she currently suffers.">>
<<nm $phYou "That sounds promising. What would the focus be?">>
Mason drew himself up, all four arms resting behind his back in a self-satisfied sort of stance.
<<nm $phMason "A young girl rebelling against a parent and their rules? What else but a cigarette, $phMason.address? Symbol for youthful rebellion for a thousand miles in any direction. If you can convince her to indulge after a skate, then she will finally be free of her fetters. I suspect this will cause her to manifest as her own ideal image of freedom. If you are particularly fond of her shyness, then I would have to recommend we pursue our other option as it is very unlikely to survive the process. On the bright side, I believe the presence of a rebel element within the gym could lead to higher yields of energy, particularly from those who desire to follow in the wake of such a shooting star, if you'll forgive a poetic indulgence.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll forgive you this time. I have always wanted my own party girl. Do we have any other options?">>
<<nm $phMason "I believe other options do exist. Very few humans are so without conflict that their desires have only a single facet. However, at this time we lack the information to complete another focus. Would you like me to begin work procuring the necessary ingredients for her new preferred brand or would you prefer we wait until all options have been revealed?">><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phCassandra.focus_gym >= 4>>Create The 'Shooting Star' Cigarette - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|CassandraFociFinish][$phCassandra.focus_gym to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Goth Punk Transformation">><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.focus_comp >= 4>>Create The 'Blank' CD - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|CassandraFociFinish][$phCassandra.focus_comp to 6]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Hentai Character Transformation, Body Editing">><</if>>
<br>[[We'll Wait For Now|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]@@
<<FVLinks>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 0>>Sammy delicately lifted your necklace out of the collar of your shirt, her eyes filled with the red gem as she nodded and giggled.
<<nm $phSamantha "That means $phSamantha.Address wants to be a $phSamantha.Address for real and have all the pretty ladies and hunky boys waiting on $pher! Oooh, that's exciting! Well then! Sammy, reporting for duty!">>
She let the necklace go, bringing up her hand into a sort of exaggerated salute against her brow. Then she dissolved into another fit of happy giggles, and pressed herself against you. You wrapped your arms around her automatically, then let your hand trace down her spine to her skirt, squeezing that finely proportioned rear. The blonde's green eyes went wide for a moment, before she pressed herself back into that groping hand eagerly.
<<nm $phYou "Reporting for duty, hmmm? And what duty should I impose on you, I wonder?">>
Sammy's eyes sparkled. She gave a little bounce in place, threatening to spill her chest out of the top of mostly open blouse.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm your good girl, $phSamantha.Address! Please, let me show it! Tell me how you want me, and I'll be just the best little slut for you! Please?">>
How could you refuse a plea like that?
Tell Sammy...
@@.choice;
[[You Want Her Mouth For More Than Talking|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>[[You Want Her To Show You Her 'Digital' Work|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 5]]@@<<else>>
[[She Should Put Those Tits Of Hers To Work|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 2]]<</if>>
[[She Should Put Her Ass Up And Get A Grip On Something|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 3]]
@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 1>>The blonde giggled, gave you another mock salute, and dropped down to her knees so fast you wouldn't have been surprised if Mason could hear the thump from his office. Sammy nuzzled against the front of your pants, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>letting her soft, warm cheek stroke against your sex through the thin material<<else>>letting her soft, warm cheek stroke across the bulge of your straining cock within<</if>>. She drew in a deep breath, as if savoring even the scent of you, before tilting her head to look up at you with needy eyes.
<<nm $phSamantha "May I be your good little <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussylicker<<else>>cocksucker<</if>>, $phSamantha.Address?">>
She was all but begging for it. When you nodded, her answering smile was immediate and bright. Dexterous fingers came up to undo your belt, and then her mouth followed, catching hold of the zipper in her teeth. Slowly, her eyes on yours, she dragged the zipper downward.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Samantha sucked in a reverent breath as she peeled your pants down off your body. You swung your hips slowly from side to side to make it easier as she inched the fabric down your long legs. When you were left in just your panties she leaned forward and nuzzled her cheek against your thigh, even as she began to work that final barrier downward.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, $phSamantha.Address...I love your pussy. I could live my life on my knees and it would be...mmmmmmm...">>
She was moaning the words to herself now, her tone almost dazed or hypnotized. Her tongue emerged from between her brightly colored lip to wet them as she tilted her head, staring up at you with a pleading, desperate expression. You tried to resist the urge to laugh, reaching down with one hand to play your fingers across a blonde pigtail. Then you nodded.
Sammy let out a squeal of excitement and the blonde surged forward, opening her mouth wide and pressing her lips firmly down upon your sex. You groaned as your felt her nimble tongue extend, lapping at your pussy with that combination of enthusiasm and expertise that only Sammy possessed. It was all you could do to grip her by the pigtails and not jam your hips forward against her mouth.
You were already breathing hard. You may have sent her IQ plummeting, but the little slut knew exactly what she was and what she wanted. Her face was set with intense arousal and concentration, ever speck of her being seemingly focused on getting you off. Her tongue rolled against your sex, working up and down as she sought out any inch of you that drew out a fresh shudder or a cry. Then she worked that spot until you found yourself struggling to hold back. How //was// she so good at this?
Too soon, you couldn't resist any longer. You tightened your grip on Sammy's pigtails, using them and the weight of your body to bear your private bimbo back against the wall. Her eyes shot open, startled, but you didn't give her time to react. Holding her face firmly in place, you began to thrust your hips hard and fast, fucking her mouth as if it were nothing more than another hole for you to unload on.
You had every faith she could take it, and your faith was well-placed. You saw Sammy's eyes roll back in pleasure, her body arching and rolling against the wall as you used her. Her mouth was hot, wet, and utterly open to you just as Sammy herself was. You tried to draw it out, but it was no use. With a few final thrusts forward, you felt yourself crest and begin to cum against the blonde's face.
You jammed your hips hard against her, pinning her head back to the wall and using her like a sex toy even as you screamed your release to the ceiling. When you finally pulled away, she gasped and fell back against the wall, her chest rising and falling hard and fast as she tried to catch her breath.
You let her breathe. You needed the same recovery, leaning against the countertop. You were panting, but less with exhaustion than excitement. Your body seemed to need far less time to recover than you were used to. You saw Sammy's tongue extend, licking your excitement from her face and starting to gather it greedily onto your fingers, and you felt your sex growing hot once again. //Your// little slut. She caught you looking, and her eyes went wide again as she tracked her gaze up to your face.
<<else>>Your cock did //not// emerge slowly. Already achingly hard and straining at the fabric, the moment the zipper came down it sprang free, slapping against the top of the bimbo's face with an audible noise. Sammy gasped with absolute delight, turning her face upward to nuzzle against the underside of your shaft.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh $phSamantha.Address...Your cock is the best. So big...mmm...so hot...so perfect...Oh yes...">>
She was moaning the words to herself now, her tone almost dazed or hypnotized. Her tongue emerged from between her brightly colored lips, extending up to run wetly across the base of your shaft. She began to move backward, letting her tongue trace a line upward over every inch of you, all the way up to the head.
When she finally reached the tip, it was clear she can't wait any longer. The blonde surged forward, opening her mouth wide and taking you all the way in a single deft swallow. You groaned as you felt your cock hit the back of her throat without provoking the slightest bit of gag reflex. Sammy began to bob, hard and fast, the supply closet soon filled with the sound of her smacking lips as she took your shaft in and out of her wet, inviting mouth.
You were already breathing hard. You may have sent her IQ plummeting, but the little slut knew exactly what she was and what she wanted. Her face was set with intense arousal and concentration, every speck of her being seemingly focused on getting you off. Her tongue rolled against your shaft and she swallowed, letting her muscles milk the tip even as she continued to bob her head up and down. It was a bevy of sensations, and you found yourself struggling to hold yourself back.
Too soon, you couldn't resist any longer. Reaching down, you took hold of the secretary's pigtails firmly in both hands, using them and the weight of your body to bear your private bimbo back against the wall. Her eyes shot open, startled, but you didn't give her time to react. Holding her face firmly in place, you began to thrust your hips hard and fast, fucking her mouth as if it were nothing more than another hole for you to unload in.
You had every faith she could take it, and your faith was well-placed. You saw Sammy's eyes roll back in pleasure, her body arching and rolling against the wall as you used her. Her throat was hot, wet, and utterly open to you, just as Sammy herself was. You tried to draw it out, but it was no use. With a few final thrusts forward, you felt yourself crest and erupt into the poor bimbo's waiting mouth.
You could see her throat working hard, swallowing for all she was worth. Even she couldn't keep up with the flow entirely though, and you saw a few sticky drops slip between her lips and drip into her cleavage. When you finally pulled away, she gasped and fell back against the wall, her chest rising and falling hard and fast as she tried to catch her breath.
You let her breathe. You needed the same recovery, leaning against the countertop. You were panting, but less with exhaustion than excitement. Your body seemed to need far less time to recover than you were used to. Your cock began to stir again almost immediately as you watched your bimbo slip a finger into her cleavage, fishing out your cum to suckle from her fingertips. She caught you looking, her eyes going wide as she spotted your shaft.
<</if>><<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Did I do good, $phSamantha.Address, or...do you need me to be even more of a good girl?">><<set $phSamanthaBlowJob to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Tell Sammy She Did Good|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 8]]
[[Tell Sammy To Put Her Hands on the Counter. You're Not Done Yet|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 3]]
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 2>>Sammy beamed at you, reaching up and pressing her hands into her generous breasts, exaggerating the already lovely cleavage between her mounds.
<<nm $phSamantha "$phSamantha.Address wants $pher good girl's tits? Mmm... I'll let my girls show you a good time!">>
She turned away from you, throwing a teasing look over her shoulder. Your saw her arms move, heard the sound of buttons being threaded through the fabric, then watched as she peeled her blouse off her shoulder. She threw it back toward you, the shirt landing over your face for a bare second, carrying with it the sweet, candy-like perfume that Sammy wore. You reached up and tore the blouse away from your face...
...to find the blonde had turned to face you, one arm covering herself and all but overflowing with the tit flesh it was struggling to contain. She giggled and bounced in place, her heavy breasts jiggling up and down in response to every movement of her body.
<<nm $phSamantha "Do they please you, $phSamantha.Address? Do you want them?">>
You flashed a grin in response and surged forward, your hands grasping hard at Sammy's wrists. She gasped in startled surprise, letting out a little coo as you forcefully spread her arms back and away, exposing her at last. Each of her breasts was topped with a perfect pink nipple, the tips already standing out hard from the flesh of her tits. They shuddered as she drew in a breath, her body relaxing into your grip. You leaned forward and whispered in her ear, your voice hissing with a hot, possessive tone that surprised even you.
<<nm $phYou "They belong to //me//, slut. Now...put my property to work.">>
Sammy's green eyes went wide...and then she dropped to her knees with a thump against the carpet. You let her hands go, and she immediately pressed them against the sides of her bare chest, lifting her breasts up in offer.
<<nm $phSamantha "Please, $phSamantha.Address! Use your property! Let me a good girl for you!">>
You nodded in satisfaction to her pleading, desperate tone, and reached down to undo your belt and zipper. Sammy's breath caught in her throat as your length sprang out into your stroking hand. Her sucked her lower lip between her teeth, her expression changing instantly to one of desperate need.
<<nm $phSamantha "Please, $phSamantha.Address! Use me!">>
You were happy to oblige. You step forward, putting one hand on the blonde's shoulder; the other lightly gripped one of her ponytails. She shifted her body up, finally letting your cock nestle in the soft, warm expanse of her breasts.
Sammy began to move, slowly at first but faster by the second. She rocked her body up and down, letting your cock glide between her breasts. She was wonderfully top-heavy, and her rounded tits felt heavenly as they stroked up and down your shaft, smooth and marshmallow soft. You thought you could feel her heartbeat, sending tiny vibrations over the skin of your shaft.
<<nm $phSamantha "Your cock is so wonderful, $phSamantha.Address...mmm. I could do this every day, if you wanted me to.">>
You began to work your hips faster, unable to resist. In response, Sammy ducked her head and opened her mouth wide, letting the very tip of your shaft slide against her thick lips with every motion. After a few thrusts, she extended her tongue as well, swirling it around the head every time it was close enough.
It was too good. Sammy might not have much of a brain in her head anymore, but she knew what she was and what she wanted. The singular focus on her face as she worked to please you was just too much, and you found your pleasure growing out of control. You tried to hold back, to draw out the pleasure for as long as possible, but it was no use.
With a final moan and gasp, you let yourself erupt. The first jet of sticky cum caught Sammy across her forehead, making her jump. She immediately leaned down, clamping her lips back over the head of your cock, swallowing hard against each subsequent spurt. She didn't release your shaft until every last drop had come out of you, finally leaning back to let you slide free of her lips. Absently, she reached up with one hand to run her finger across the splash of seed on her face, carrying it to her lips to lick at her fingertips.
<<nm $phSamantha "Did I do good, $phSamantha.Address?">>
You laughed, reaching down to muss the blonde's hair briefly. You considered your bare-breasted bimbo for a long moment, catching your breath. She had done good, and that had been fun. On the other hand, you could feel your cock already stirring again, and she could certainly go some more...<<set $phSamanthaTitJob to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Tell Sammy She Did Good|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 8]]
[[Tell Sammy To Put Her Hands on the Counter. You're Not Done Yet.|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 3>><<if ($phSamanthaBlowJob is 1) or ($phSamanthaTitJob is 1)>><<set $phSamanthaBlowjob to 0>><<set $phSamanthaTitJob to 0>>You weren't done with her yet. You reached down to pull the kneeling woman back up to her feet and propel her toward the countertop.<<else>>You laughed, wrapping your hands around Sammy's hips, spinning her around and propelling her toward the countertop.<</if>> The blonde caught herself along the edge, looking over her shoulder with a wide grin, and deliberately bent low. Her rounded rear pressed out against her tight skirt, perfectly outlining her expanded curves. You admired her welcoming pose for several long, enjoyable seconds, then finally growled your command.
<<nm $phYou "Clothes off. Then stay exactly like that.">>
Sammy wasted no time, her hands flying to begin unhooking her skirt. Soon enough, there was a careless pile of her clothes next to her feet, joined quickly by your own. The bimbo looked even curvier in the nude, as though her clothes had been struggling to contain her all this time. Her skin was pale and smooth, and she again leaned down over the counter, so low that her nipples brushed against the countertop.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Is that how you want me, $phSamantha.Address? Oooh, I'll be such a good girl for you, like, the best girl you coul- Ahh!">>
SMACK. You brought your hand down firmly across Sammy's backside, cutting off her words into a high-pitched squeal of pleasure. She immediately raised up onto her tiptoes, thrusting her jiggling rear upward. You obliged with a second spank, and then a third, each of them drawing another gasping moan from your partner.
By the time you'd spanked her fifth time, she was panting hard and her knees were shaking, both hands now gripping the countertop for support. She spread her stance wider, and you slipped your hand beneath her to stroke against her sex. She was practically dripping, and your touch made her jerk in place like she had just been shocked. You leaned over and purred into her ear as you positioned yourself.
<<nm $phYou "You //are// a good girl, Sammy. Mmm, but you don't have to talk anymore. I know //exactly// what you want. What you need. Why don't I just give it to you?">>
You didn't give her any time to protest, not that you expected she would. You stepped up behind her, took hold of her hips<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> with one hand, and used the other to drive two fingers into her as firmly as you could.
Sammy's green eyes went wide and blank. Her jaw dropped, but no words came out. Her body, however, answered loud and clear. Her sex clamped down hard around your fingers and she rocked back against you with instinctive need.
You began to thrust, hard and fast, not giving her any time to get used to the sensation. Her thighs spread instantly and were soon glistening with excitement as you drove her hips down against the countertop. You raised your free hand to grab hold of both of Sammy's blonde ponytails, using them as leverage as you fucked her with your fingers, pulling her head back and forcing her to arch her body, tilting her head up toward the ceiling.
She tried to speak a few times, but the only thing she could manage was broken syllables. She was unable to tie them together into anything coherent as you pounded into her. You realized you were driving into her so hard the vibrations were popping open cabinets up and down the island, even spilling a few of the lighter boxes out onto to carpet.
You didn't care. Your focused was on slamming yourself into your toy. You felt her coming orgasm through the sudden shudder that ran through the bimbo's body. You released her pigtails and wrapped your hand instead around her neck, using your grip as leverage to redouble your thrusts. Sammy squealed, her eyes rolling back, and she could finally take no more. She came, hard, not bothering to stifle her scream as she slumped against the countertop.
When the fireworks had finally cleared, you let her go. Sammy slumped, her breath coming out as ragged as a marathon runner as she dropped to her knees, holding onto the cabinet with both hands. Her thighs were shiny with her pleasure and dripped onto the carpet while she struggled to catch her breath, her eyes open but unseeing.
<<else>>, and drove your cock into her as hard as you could.
Sammy's green eyes went wide and blank. Her jaw dropped, but no words came out. Her body, however, answered loud and clear. Her sex clamped down hard on your cock and she rocked back against you with instinctive need, drawing every inch of your shaft into her.
It was bliss. Her pussy was so wet and so tight it was like she had been perfectly tuned to your cock in particular. Maybe she had been. You began to thrust. The supply closet soon reverberated with the wet sound of your impacts, Sammy's panting moans, and your own deeper groans of pleasure. You kept one hand on her hip and reached up with the other to gather up both of Sammy's blonde pigtails, using them as leverage to yank her head back and make her arch her body, tilting her head up toward the ceiling.
She tried to speak a few times, but the only thing she could manage was broken syllables. She was unable to tie them together into anything coherent as you pounded into her. You realized you were driving into her so hard the vibrations were popping open cabinets up and down the island, even spilling a few of the lighter boxes out onto to carpet.
You didn't care. Your focused was on slamming yourself into your toy. When you felt your pleasure begin to crest, you released the poor bimbo's pigtails, wrapping your hand instead around her neck, and used your grip as leverage to redouble your thrusts. Sammy squealed, her eyes rolling back, her tongue hanging half out of her mouth as you gave one final cry, hilted yourself in deep, and finally let the orgasm wash across your body.
When the fireworks had finally cleared, you let her go. Sammy slumped, her breath coming out as ragged as a marathon runner as she dropped to her knees, holding onto the cabinet with both hands. Your cum dripped down her thighs and onto the carpet as she struggled to catch her breath, her eyes open but not seeing anything right at the moment.
<</if>>Casually, you redressed yourself, straightening the collar of your shirt as you walked up behind your panting, nude, dripping secretary. Leaning down, you pressed a kiss into the back of her neck.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. Take a few minutes. We'll see if anyone drops in for some staples...">>
You grinned, wickedly, and turned to the door. You'd probably discourage anyone who was actually going to pop into the closet at this particular moment.
Probably.
@@.choice;
[[Back To The Office|Office][$phSamanthaSubSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 8>>You smiled down at your blonde lover, leaning over to pat her lightly on the head. She beamed up at you, nuzzling against your hand not unlike the way a puppy would greet its beloved owner.
<<nm $phYou "You did good, Sammy. Real good. I need to go get some work done, but we'll do this again soon, okay?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Okay! Thank you $phSamantha.Address! Come say hi to me any time. Um...let me help you get dressed! Then you can go to work, and I'll...ah...Get my focus back!">>
You nodded and she helped get you decent again, her hands rolling over your body more than was strictly necessary to smooth your outfit and conceal what you had just been doing. When you were dressed, she threw her arms around your neck again and kissed you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Thank you, thank you thank you!">>
You laughed and kissed her in return, separating from the bombshell with reluctance and heading for the door. Before you'd even covered half the distance, you could hear the moans begin as Sammy slipped her hand down beneath her skirt and up inside, leaning back against the countertop. You had no doubt she'd be regaining her 'focus' for at least the next few minutes. You should probably discourage anyone from wandering in for supplies during that time.
Probably.
@@.choice;
[[Return To The Office|Office][$phSamanthaSubSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 5>>You grinned at your blonde sex toy and shifted positions, hopping up onto the nearby countertop and spreading your legs. You saw the confusion on Sammy's face, but there was nothing new about that expression on her.
<<nm $phYou "I bet you can't keep your hands off yourself, you little slut. I wanted to see just how much you've been practicing using those fingers.">>
It //still// took her a second to get it, but when she did you saw her eyes light up like she had just found the golden ticket. She all but leapt forward at you, pressing her body into your side so hard your upper arm was enveloped in the soft cushion of her breasts.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh, yes $pMistress! I can do that! Thank you thank you!">>
She ran her hand down your front, slowly, taking the time the explore the curve of your chest and run her fingertips over your stomach along the way. You felt a tug at your hips, and were surprised to find she had undone your belt in the blink of an eye. She may not be able to follow a sentence from beginning to end, but the little bimbo knew her business.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. Show $pMistress exactly how you do it, okay? What gets my Sammy off?">>
She giggled and shook her head, the blonde pigtails flying with the exuberance of the gesture. She dropped her fingers down, running two digits across the folds of your sex, forcing you to inhale sharply.
<<nm $phSamantha "I can't do that! What //really// gets me off is thinking about $pMistress, and you can't do that! But, um...I suppose when I really need it, I make sure I do it hard and fast like a good cock, you know?">>
You didn't have time to brace yourself. Sammy flexed her wrist, and suddenly her index and middle fingers were inside of you and her hand was already beginning to pump. You gasped and raised one leg up onto the counter with you, spreading your thighs wider to give her more room to work.
She knew her business //very// well. Despite the speed with which she'd begun, her fingers were curling perfectly within your sex. She stroked against your pussy, and the way she held her hand brought her thumb up against your clit every time she pushed her hand forward. You found yourself arching and had to hook your hand up around the back of her neck just to resist the urge to lay back passively. //You// were giving the orders here.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl! Harder, you slut! Bring your $pMistress off! Make $pher cum all over this counter! Show me what you've learned!">>
Oh, she did. You weren't sure she actually needed the encouragement, but it didn't hurt. The blonde nodded rapidly and her brow furrowed adorably with her concentration. There was nothing cute about the way she moved her fingers, though. Her digits spread and then pressed together again. Her fingers curled and straightened. She thrust in and out and then rolled her wrist in slow circles. She teased against the outer fold and then strove to drive herself as deep as she could.
Most of all, it was the look on her face. The intense concentration that screamed that nothing but you and this moment mattered. Sammy was devoted to your pleasure, utterly, and that made it impossible to ignore. All too soon, you found your sex gripping her fingers and your frantic commands rising in pitch. You spread your thighs, tossed your head back, and allowed the orgasm to wash over you.
When you were spent, you leaned back against the wall and caught your breath slowly. Sammy withdraw her fingers and, without missing a beat, ran her tongue greedily over the digits as though she were enjoying her favorite lollipop. When she caught you looking, she blushed and lowered her hand, shooting you a hopeful look even as you gingerly pushed yourself off the counter and back to the floor.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Did I do good, $phSamantha.Address, or...do you need me to be even more of a good girl?">>
@@.choice;
[[Tell Sammy She Did Good|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 8]]
[[Tell Sammy To Put Her Hands on the Counter. You're Not Done Yet|SammySexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.sex is 0) or (ndef $phSamantha.sex)>>Sammy lifted your necklace out of the collar of your shirt, her eyes filled with the green gem as she giggled and smiled up at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "I know this! That's the side that means $phSamantha.Address doesn't want to be //just// a $phSamantha.Address, and $pshe wants to relax and maybe take a cock a bit! $pShe wants to be a bit like me!">>
You blinked, and then laughed. That was certainly one was to describe it, though probably not the one you would have chosen.
<<nm $phYou "I find that it's nice not to be the boss all the time, Sammy, but that doesn't mea-">>
You broke off, quite suddenly. You did so for a very good reason, because Sammy had<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> reached down for the front of your pants and gotten a firm grip on your cock. It was like a firework going off in your brain, a sudden heat burning through your body. You could swear you saw a little flicker of green light at just the outer edge of your vision.
<<nm $phSamantha "Aww! See, $phSamantha.Address? You're a bit like me, aren't you? Once someone gets ahold of you, and it's -so- good, then it's, like, totally the best and you don't need to think at all! I'm going to be your good girl! So if you like it like I like it, then I'm going to give it to you just like I take it!">>
She squeezed again, her fingers wrapped tightly around the base of your cock through the material of your pants. You actually felt your knees shake, and you had to reach out to keep yourself upright. It felt...amazing. Way better than it should have any right to. You felt your breathing begin to turn rapid, and your head swam. Was this something to do with being an incubus? Having a body this hair trigger?
<<nm $phYou "T-That's alright, Sammy. Just because I've got a mood in that direction, it doesn't mean you need to- Ah!">>
Sammy pumped her hand, expertly, three times. Up and down your cock in strong, slow motions that caused your words to die on your lips. This time, you actually slumped against the counter, unable to keep your feet. You stared in disbelief at the smiling face of your blonde bimbo.
<<nm $phSamantha "Shush, $phSamantha.Address! Like, you just have to enjoy things! Sammy knows just what boy toys like you want! It's, like, totally weird being on this end of it, but I kind of like it. You don't mind me playing a little this way, do you?">>
<<else>>reached up, pressed both her hands over your breasts, and squeezed them hard. It was like a firework going off in your brain, a sudden heat burning through your body. You could swear you saw a little flicker of green light at just the outer edge of your vision.
<<nm $phSamantha "Awww! See, $phSamantha.Address? You're like me, aren't you? You like it when they get totally squeezed, like, really hard and nice. I'm going to be your good girl! So if you like it like I do, then Sammy is going to give it to you just like that!">>
She squeezed again, her fingers sinking into your tits through the thin fabric of your blouse. You actually felt your knees shake, and you had to reach out to keep yourself upright. It felt...amazing. Way better than it should have any right to. You felt your breathing begin to turn rapid, your cheeks heating. Was this something to do with being a succubus? Having a body this hair trigger?
<<nm $phYou "T-That's alright, Sammy. Just because I've got a mood in that direction, it doesn't mean you need to- Ah!">>
Sammy //twisted// her hand expertly, tugging at your nipple and sending another flare of light through your heads. This time you do actually slump against the counter, unable to keep your feet. You stared in disbelief at the smiling face of your blonde bimbo.
<<nm $phSamantha "Shush, $phSamantha.Address! Like, you just have to enjoy things! Sammy knows just what girls like us want! It's, like, totally weird being on this end of it, but I kind of like it. You don't mind me playing a little this way, do you?">>
<</if>>She twisted again, harder, and you felt your body arching despite yourself. You opened your mouth to protest, to tell Sammy you really didn't need //everyone// playing domme, least of all her...
...only nothing came out. Your throat worked, but none of the actual words seemed to pass your lips. You caught another flicker of green at the corner of your vision.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh thank you, $phSamantha.Address! I'll do my very best! Now...um...well, if I'm going to be all in charge and stuff, I should tell you do something like...take your pants off, $phSamantha.Address! I wanna see you!">>
You were gasping for breath, heat running up and down your body You pushed back from the counter, getting your shaking knees back from under you, and focused you attention on the tiny blonde in front of you. It was the necklace, you could feel it. Prodding you, encouraging you, aligning things the way you had set. You had to do something, but the green gem kept just one thing on your mind...
@@.choice;
[[Take Off Your Pants|SammySexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]
[[Unzip and Relax|SammySexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]
[[Slip Out Of Your Trousers|SammySexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 1>>You obeyed, reaching down and slowly unzipping your pants, wriggling your hips as you slid the fabric down over long legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Sammy watched with a bright, beaming smile, one that got even wider when you bared your sex. You could already feel the flush of arousal between your legs, and you knew that Sammy could see the signs just as well as you could. She couldn't always follow a sentence from beginning to end, but she //breathed// sex.
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, wow, $phSamantha.Address! I always forget just how //hot// you are! You're, like, such a sexy slut. I bet we would pick up all the boys if we went clubbing together! Um, but I guess for now, you've just got me. Don't worry, I'll do my best!">>
<<else>>Sammy watched with a bright beaming smile, one that got even wider when you cock emerged from beneath your shirt, already hard and bobbing slowly in the cool air of the closet. You kicked your pants to the side, naked from the waist down.
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, wow, $phSamantha.Address. I always forget just how great your cock looks. Mmm, if I was just being me today I would, like, totally be on my knees all afternoon! But I bet you have lots of girls after that...so I bet I know what //doesn't// get a lot of attention, huh?">>
<</if>>The blonde winked at you, then pranced over to one of the cabinet, pulling open the drawers and pulling out boxes of envelopes and pencils. You cocked your head to the side uncertainly, until she finally got a grip on what she was looking for and turned toward you.
Your jaw dropped. Oh, you weren't surprised she was hiding a vibrator somewhere in the office. In fact, you would be more surprised if she only had the one. But you weren't expecting the //size// of it. It was at least ten inches, thick, made of a purple silicone and very much anatomically correct. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You were very, very sure that the toy was not something Sammy was planning to use on herself.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You felt the heat between your legs intensify tenfold the moment you saw it, and you had to tear your gaze away before your brain locked up entirely.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>You were freshly away of your feminine sex below your bobbing cock, and at the realization you felt a not at all unpleasant slickness beginning to grow between your thighs.<</if>>
Sammy probably didn't know what the jewel was doing. And you hadn't been able to speak since she shushed you. You had to let her know...wait, the papers! You could write it out to her, explain that-
<<nm $phSamantha "Just relax, $phSamantha.Address. Sammy'll take good care of you! Trust me!">>
You felt the tension drain out of your shoulders. You knew she was right. You'd selected this side of the gem because you wanted to let go and enjoy yourself, why were you fighting it so hard just because Sammy wasn't someone you would have thought of? Sammy was a good girl, she'd take good care of you.
The blonde moved toward you, and this time you met her halfway, wrapping your arms around her and planting a kiss on her lips. Sammy cooed in delighted surprise, her free hand slipping up beneath your shirt to run over the skin of your stomach, leaving a trail of heat in her wake as though her very touch was igniting your lust. She leaned into your kiss, opening her mouth and letting her tongue joust at your lips. You responded to the unspoken command easily, letting your lips part, welcoming her tongue and suckling gently on it as it swirled in your mouth.
The pair of you remained like that for a while, your lips locked and your attention focus on the delicate dance between your teeth. Sammy pressed herself against your body hard, baring you back against counter, forcing you to pull your hands back to support yourself against the edge of the island counter.
Sammy's own hand moved downward, gripping onto your hips. You could feel the slightly cool silicone of the toy in her right hand as she urged you upward, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>encouraging you to turn and press your hands against the countertop.<<else>>encouraging you to hop up onto the countertop.<</if>> The blonde finally broke the kiss, her eyes filled with a mixture of adoration and lust as she moaned in your ear.
<<nm $phSamantha "That's a good $phSamantha.Address...open up for me. Be a good slut for Sammy, okay?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You let out a low, husky moan, the first sound you'd been able to utter in minutes, and widened your stance. Your fingers went tight along the edge of the counter as your raised yourself up on your tip toes to bring your ass higher. You rolled your hips and bit your lower lip, trying to give the impression you were wild with lust. It was incredibly easy, because you were. If Sammy didn't stick that thing into you soon, you felt like you were going to combust.
Fortunately, Sammy didn't seem like the sort to tease. Her smile was beaming as she stepped against you, the air suddenly humming as she flipped the switch on the vibrator with her thumb. She ran the tip along the inside of your knee, and then up to your thigh, and you could feel the vibrations intensify as she worked the toy up your leg. From your lower thigh to your upper...and then higher. She touches the vibrating toy to your balls, letting the sensation work its way up your body for a moment before she draw it back. Soon enough, the tip was positioned behind you, teasing the rosebud of your ass...
And then it was inside. You squealed, spreading your legs even wider as the heat inside you burned hotter than you thought possible. The toy was thick, spreading your ass and sending vibrations all the way through your body. You felt your toes curling with pleasure and your pleasured means grew louder by the second. You rocked your body back and forth, allowing your ass to rise up and down as Sammy begin to stroke the vibrator in and out of you. Had to be a good slut. Such a good slut.
<<nm $phSamantha "Awww! You really like that, $phSamantha.Address! You're shaking like a leaf! See, Sammy knows, like, everything you need!">>
You felt your body heating up by the second as you rocked your hips back into that thrusting toy, the vibration so strong it almost seemed to be located right behind your eyes, shaking apart your thoughts and shattering any chance at coherent thought. All you could think about was that beautiful, wonderful shaft pressed in and out of you, hard and fast as Sammy picked up the pace.
Then she reached down with her other hand, wrapped her fingers around your cock, and began to stroke up and down. You closed your eyes, you weren't able to focus on anything anyway, and simply let the sensations wash over you like a crashing wave. You bounced up and down on the counter top, reaching out with one hand to wrap around the back of Samie's neck, holding on for dear life as she drove her vibrator into you. It felt so good. Sammy was so good. You were so good. Such a good slut.
<<else>>You let out a mewling cry, the first sound you'd been able to utter in minutes, and spread your legs obligingly, letting your feet hang off the edge of the island on either sound. You rolled your hips and bit your lower lip, trying to give the impression you were wild with lust. It was incredibly easy, because you were. If Sammy didn't stick that thing into you soon, you felt like you were going to combust.
Fortunately, Sammy didn't seem like the sort to tease. Her smile was beaming as she stepped against you, the air suddenly humming as she flipped the switch on the vibrator with her thumb. She ran the tip along the inside of your knee, and then up to your thigh, and you could feel the vibrations intensify as she worked the toy up your leg. From your lower thigh to your upper...and then higher, <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>brushing along the base of your cock<<else>>brushing gently along your slit<</if>>, the tip teasing against you...
And then it was inside. You squealed, spreading your legs even wider as the heat inside you burned hotter than you thought possible. The toy was thick, spreading your lower lips and sending vibrations all the way through your body. Your felt your toes curling with pleasure, your breasts bouncing inside your shirt as you rocked your body up and down. Had to be a good slut. Such a good slut.
<<nm $phSamantha "Awww! You really like that, $phSamantha.Address! You're soaking! See, Sammy knows, like, everything you need!">>
You felt moisture beginning to puddle beneath you as you rocked your hips up into that thrusting toy, the vibration so strong it almost seemed to be located right behind your eyes, shaking apart your thoughts and shattering any chance at coherent thought. All you could think about was that beautiful, wonderful shaft pressed in and out of you, hard and fast as Sammy picked up the pace.
<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Then she reached down with her other hand, wrapped her fingers around your cock, and began to stroke up and down<<else>>Then she reaches down with her other hand and ran her thumb over the pearl of your slit, making you jump and gasp<</if>>. You closed your eyes, you weren't able to focus on anything anyway, and simply let the sensations wash over you like a crashing wave. You bounced up and down on the counter top, reaching out with one hand to wrap around the back of Samie's neck, holding on for dear life as she drove her vibrator into you. It felt so good. Sammy was so good. You were so good. Such a good girl.
<</if>><<nm $phSamantha "Okay, $phSamantha.Address! Cum! Give me a yummy scream!">>
@@.choice;
[[You Screamed.|SammySexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 2>>You screamed your throat raw, uncaring if anyone else on the floor heard you enjoying yourself. You barely even registered that there was anyone in this world other than the blonde driving that delicious toy so deep inside of you. Your hips bucks, your body writhed, your vision seemed to swim in and out of focus with the mind erasing pleasure. <<if ($phYou.form is 'futa') or ($phYou.form is 'male')>>You dimly felt a warmth on your stomach as your cock unloaded cum onto your skin.<</if>>
Finally, the wave passed and you collapsed back down against countertop, struggling to catch your breath, struggling even to follow one of your buzzing thoughts from one end to the other. That had been...wonderful. It was a profound release like you had so rarely experienced. A deep, glowing satifaction of surrender and bliss. You fought to lift your head to look back at Sammy, the little secretary grinning wolfishly. When she spoke, her tone was admiring, even if the words would not normally have struck you that way.
<<nm $phSamantha "You are, like, //such// a slut, $phSamantha.Address! I've never seen anyone go off like that, even with my very favorite toy!">>
You laughed and nodded, catching your breath for another moment before you sat up and tried to wriggle off the end of the counter, only to have Sammy bring you up short with a hand on your shoulder. Her smile never wavered.
<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh no, $phSamantha.Address! You're being a good girl right now. And no good girl would ever be the only one to cum! So lay down, okay? I want that cock!">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh no, $phSamantha.Address! You're being a good slut right now. And no good slut would ever be the only one to cum! So lay down, okay? I want that cock!">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh no, $phSamantha.Address! You're being a good girl right now. And no good girl would ever be the only one to cum! So lay down, okay? I wanna cum too!">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You didn't resist this time. There was no point, and why would you? If she wanted to use you for her pleasure, then that is what you wanted too. You laid back flat against the countertop and lifted one leg up onto it. Sammy squealed with delight and jumped up onto the counter with you, stradling your hips and grinding her hips down on you. You could feel her scant weight pressing down and, as she touched, realized very quickly that she was not wearing any panties.
It was slow and deliberate, with more restraint than you thought Sammy was capable of. She ground her hips down on you in long, smooth motions, allowing her body to press forward and back in a slow cycle. Her beneath her skirt, you could feel the wet heat of her sex pressing against yours, and the pleasure running through your bodies made your breathing hitch. Sammy let out a deep, satisfied groan as she grinned down at you.
<<else>>You didn't resist this time. There was no point, and why would you? If she wanted you as a dildo, she would have it. You laid back flat on the countertop, and Sammy squealed in delight and jumped up onto the counter with you, straddling your hips, her scant weight pressing down against you. She reached down to take hold of your shaft, guiding you beneath her skirt and then into her with a deep, satisfied groan.
It was slow and deliberate, with more restraint than you thought Sammy was capable of. She ground her hips up and down on you in long, smooth motions, her sex tight and slick around you. She leaned down, wrapping her arms around your neck, her breasts pressing down against <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your chest<<else>>yours<</if>>. Her breathing hitched once or twice with the pleasure of it, each exhalation turning into a moan or soft coo.
<</if>>You let her, simply lay back and enjoying the pleasure washing across your body every time she moved her hips. It was simplicity itself. You could simply revel in each motion, knowing you didn't need to move, or decide, or even think until she told you to. You could simply be whatever Sammy required, an instrument of pleasure.
It was several minutes of slow, gentle rocking before Sammy finally began to increase the speed, unable to help herself any longer. She began to bounce, her heavy breasts rising and falling with every motion. Her breathing picked up, and she curled herself against you to whisper against your ear.
<<nm $phSamantha "You're...ah!...the very best $phSamantha.Address, $phSamantha.Address! Mmm...thank you! I'm...ooohh!...so...so...">>
It was too much. She abruptly sat up straight, her body going rigid as her head tilted back toward the ceiling with a long, slow cry.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You felt her sex tighten suddenly against yours and your body obeyed the unspoken commandment, a sudden flush of pleasure running up your stomach as you crested together.<<else>>You felt her sex tighten against your cock, and your body obeyed the unspoken commandment, a sudden flush of pleasure running up your stomach as you crested together.<</if>> Neither of you were loud, both clinging to one another as your mind's went blank and the wash of orgasm took you both far, far away.
Sammy slumped over you, breathing hard, tightening her grip around your body. When she had her breath back, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>she gently eased her hips back from yours<<else>>she gently eased you free of her<</if>>, and planted a gentle kiss on your lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "Thank you, $phSamantha.Address. Is that what you wanted? Did I do good?">>
You reached up and ran a hand down her hair, toying gently with the tip of one pigtail. When you opened your mouth to speak this time, the words came freely, no longer under the influence of the necklace.
<<nm $phYou "You did good, Sammy. Thank you.">>
The blonde let out a squeal of delight and planted another kiss on you before gingerly sliding off the countertop. You sat up and stretched your arms. You felt...remarkably relaxed, actually. As though all the tension and stress in your body had been utterly excised.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I //suppose// I should go give Mason those papers he wanted. He's, like, such a drag sometimes. Are you okay here, $phSamantha.Address?">>
You waved her off with a laugh, and she blew you a kiss before strutting her way to the door, just a little bit of self-satisfaction in her walk. You guessed you couldn't blame her for that. You spent a few minutes in contented reflection before collecting your clothes again. <<if ndef $phSamanthaBeenTop>>
You paused for a long moment as the weight of your necklace caught your eye. You would swear the green was less vibrant than usual, apparently it had to apply a little effort to make sure Sammy, of all people, would dare to command you. You certainly had a better idea of how the jewel worked now. You couldn't fault its effectiveness, at the very least, but you'd certainly now apply some care when propositioning people with it on. It //would// ensure you got to enjoy submission.<<set $phSamanthaBeenTop to 1>><</if>>
You took a deep breath at the door. You were going to sleep well tonight, that was for certain.
@@.choice;
[[Return To The Office|Office][$phSamanthaTopSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime +=1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if ($phSamantha.sex is 0) or (ndef $phSamantha.sex)>>The red gem sparkled for a moment in her eyes and in her sly smile. Samantha lifted a hand to run a finger down across the side of the jeweled necklace, her fingertip also brushing across the front of your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>.
<<nm $phSamantha "Lazren told me about this. A reward, for your faithful service, and an incentive to keep recruiting. I don't think she needs to worry very much about needing the incentive. Why don't you lay down, boss? Lets see if I can help at all.">>
A minute later, you were stretched out face down across your bed, your chin resting on your folded arms beneath you. Samantha was sitting along the edge of the mattress, her hands kneading on your neck and shoulders. You had to admit the secretary was talented at this. Her grip was strong, and she seemed to know exactly how to find every knot and stress point in your body. Each time she worked one of them out, you felt your breathing ease a little more, your body becoming languid.
<<nm $phYou "Who taught you how to do this?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Lazren, of course. She's got a vested interest in making people relax, unsurprisingly, and I was a little wound up when she found me. I was barely able to make contact with anyone at all without stammering and tripping over myself.">>
<<nm $phYou "That seems to have changed.">>
The dark-haired woman laughed and leaned over you, her hands slipping first to your sides, and then underneath you. You let out a surprised gasp as her fingers <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>kneaded against your pecs, cupping your chest openly.<<else>>closed around your breasts, cupping them openly. <</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Sam!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You were the one who gave me the confidence, boss. Oh don't worry, I just need to get this off you if you're going to enjoy yourself.">>
Her fingers shifted a bit, and you realized her hands had been questing for your buttons, working them off so she could help peel your shirt off your shoulders. You grumbled a little<<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>>, your nipples standing out firmly even after that light brushing<</if>>, but you shrugged. It wasn't like you really expected this to stay a simple massage.
Once your shirt was off, your secretary went back to work, her hands now free to drift down your spine and over your bare sides. You found yourself groaning with relieved tension as her dexterous fingers worked out every kink in your back. You don't remember very much of your rambling conversation. You talked about Lazren, your own histories, the stories you'd already accumulated. She filled you in on some of the new tenants moving in this week, and told you about the 'cute reporter' she was seeing on the side in exchange for favorable coverage.
Eventually, there was simply nothing more for her to do. You lay in the bed feeling like a melted puddle, your entire body as relaxed and unwound as it had ever felt. Samantha's hands were still roving, still massaging and stroking, but more for fun than any particular utility. Finally, she chuckled and paused her motions.
<<nm $phSamantha "I think that's about all I can do, boss. Of course, if we weren't such a reputable establishment, I might suggest you could still use a happy ending to round things off. Though, I suppose, I //am// an unlicensed masseuse.">>
You shot her an amused look over your shoulder and she winked back at you, her whole expression glowing with exaggerated innocence. 'Reputable' was not a word you would typically ascribe to any part of this particular establishment.
You tell her...
@@.choice;
[[You Think The Company Could Endure A Happy Ending|SamanthaSexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>
[[You'll Take Your Happy Ending...With Her Tongue|SamanthaSexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 2]]<<else>>
[[You'll Take Your Happy Ending...In Her Rear|SamanthaSexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 2]]<</if>>
[[You're Already Happy. It's Her Turn Now|SamanthaSexTop][$phSamantha.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 1>>You told Samantha you didn't think health and safety was going to bust you over one little happy moment. Samantha flashed you a wide, Cheshire grin and then put on an exaggerated look of concern.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm just a little sweet secretary, but I suppose you //would// know best, boss. I guess it couldn't hurt to just have a little fun.">>
Her hands shifted down to your hips, urging you to roll onto your back in the bed. Once you did, she ran her hands down over your stomach, her fingers exploring the fit muscle beneath the softer fat. The body Lazren had crafted for you was remarkably strong and yet svelte and slender. Not unlike, of course, the body you had made for Samantha.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You rolled over obligingly, feeling how wet you already were. Samantha's nimble, stroking hand had ensured that long ago, especially since you had known how this encounter would end since you walked in the door. Her dexterous fingers slide up your thigh, and she made some show of gasping in surprise.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh my...is this for me, boss? If I didn't know any better, I'd think there was still a bit of tension in you that I had to work out. I'm just not sure how I'll reach that knot...">>
Deftly, she undid the button on your slacks and eased the zipper down. You didn't stop her. In fact, you lifted your hips to make it easier for her to slide your pants and panties down smooth legs. Samantha's eyes were warm as she took you in.
<<nm $phSamantha "I always seem to be remembering again just how hot you are, boss. I'm just about ready to rip out of my skirt here.">>
You laughed and extended your hand, running it across Samantha's hips, squeezing gently. You could see the outline of her own shaft, hard and thick, against the fabric of her skirt. Samantha never bothered to hide it; if anything, she seemed to adore flaunting what she was.
<<nm $phYou "I'm always pleased to be causing a...reaction. Have to do something to keep my edge as the boss, don't I?">>
That drew a naughty laugh, just before Samantha slid her hand back up and pressed two fingers //firmly// against your sex. You lifted your hips again on pure reflex and your thighs closed around her wrist, but it was two late. She was already pressing inward, letting her index and middle fingers push inward.
<<nm $phSamantha "You don't need to worry about that, boss. As long as you look like you do, I'll always be your most loyal of servants. Just being close to //this// on a regular basis is...mmm...Well, it's enough.">>
You tried to respond, but all that really emerged was a somewhat uncertain affirmative. Her fingers shouldn't be this good, but they were. You were already ready after the long build up, and before she was even inside you to the second knuckle you were pumped your hips up and down to coax out more sensation.
Samantha didn't tease you anymore. You were way beyond that. She read the slickness of your pussy well and didn't toy with you. Instead, she began to work her hand expertly, allowing her fingers to explore you with eager delight. The air was full of the wet sound of her knuckles pumping up against your sex, and you found your breathing was soon colored with pleasure.
You couldn't last long. All too soon, your hips jerked, your breath caught in your throat, and your toes curled. Samantha's green eyes shot open with satisfied surprise as the orgasm ripped through your body. One orgasm became two and then three, all of them too close together to determine where one ended and the next began. You were riding a wave of bliss and you couldn't even remember what life was like outside of it.
Samantha pumped her fingers through them all, until you finally began to slow. As you collapsed against the massage table, she finally withdrew her fingers and raised them to her own lips. Her tongue lapped against the digits and a moan broke the air, though you were sure it was at least as much of a show for you as it was genuine love of the taste of your body.
<<else>>Your pants were already tented across the front as you rolled over. Her nimble, stroking hand had ensured that long ago, especially when you had known the encounter would end this way since you walked in the door. Samantha's soft hand glided across the bulge, and she made some show of gasping with surprise.
<<nm $phSamantha "Why, boss, if I don't know any better I would say you still had a bit of tension in you. I just found one //really// hard knot right here. I'm going to have to work this out for a while!">>
Deftly, she undid the button on your slacks and eased the zipper down. Her eyes widened a bit as your cock emerged, standing tall and proud from your body. She shot you a playfully scolding look.
<<nm $phSamantha "Why, boss, you didn't give me a fair shake when you made me. You've got half an inch on me at least! That hardly seems fair at all.">>
You laughed and extended your hand, running it across Samantha's hips, squeezing gently. You could see the outline of her own shaft, hard and thick, against the fabric of her skirt. Samantha never bothered to hide it; if anything, she seemed to adore flaunting what she was.
<<nm $phYou "I have to keep some sort of edge on you to stay the boss, don't I?">>
That drew a naughty grin, but Samantha didn't respond. Instead, she wrapped her hand carefully around your shaft and began to stroke. Her hands had been soft and wonderful when they had been massaging your back, but now they seemed even more so. She began in a slow rhythm, letting you simply relax and enjoy it as she pumped your cock.
Soon, that wasn't enough for her. She began to pump faster, working her hand up and down along the shaft in a steady beat. You felt yourself squirming and twisting on the blankets as the pleasure grew. Fuck, she was really, really good at this. If she ever got a job as a masseuse she would probably be able to buy a tower like this one within just a couple of years. No one who got a taste of her magical fingers would ever let her go.
Magical fingers, and other things. Samantha bent low over you, letting your cock brush against her soft lips while she extended her tongue, swirling around the tip even as her hand kept moving. You felt your cock getting wet from her mouth, the moisture sliding down beneath her fingers, letting her stroke even more smoothly and quickly. You pressed hard into the mattress. The pleasure was rising up in you, and it was all you could do to draw it out for at least another few seconds...
...and a few seconds is all you had. You gave a blissful cry, your hips jerking upward suddenly. Samantha's green eyes went wide as you filled her mouth and immediately began to cum, hard. The first two jets from your cock rushed over her tongue and the back of her throat. Then she pulled away, letting you empty yourself along your own stomach as you enjoyed the waves of pure, orgasmic pleasure running through your mind.
Your body dropped against the bed when it was done, your arms spread at your sides, your still half-hard cock resting against your stomach. You took long slow breaths to recover your wind. Samantha beamed down at you, her lips closed and her eyes on yours. Then, slowly and deliberately, she swallowed. Once, twice, and three times, before her tongue emerged to lick her lips.
<</if>><<nm $phSamantha "Well, boss, it doesn't look like anyone is rushing to arrest us just yet. I guess one happy ending went under the radar after all...Mmm. It //was// a happy one, wasn't it?">>
You flung a pillow at the teasing wench and she chuckled, catching and then returning it to its place. She stood and touched her hand to her lips, blowing you a swift kiss.
<<nm $phSamantha "Always a pleasure, boss. Let me know if any of that stress comes back, and we'll take care of it again. If we have to loosen you up a hundred times to get it to stick, we will. I'd better get back to the phones for now, though. Try not to nap for too long.">>
You waved her off absently, letting your head fall against the pillow. The raven-haired secretary grinned and strutted her way to the bedroom door. One last wink over her shoulder and she was gone, down the stairs and out. You spent a few minutes laying there, enjoying the new looseness in your body, then finally forced yourself up and out of the bed.
You'd be back to the comfy mattress soon enough, but you still had a few more things you wanted to get done today. Getting dressed again, you headed back down toward the office.
@@.choice;
[[Return To The Office|Office][$phSamanthaSubSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 2>>You tell Samantha you have a few ideas for your happy ending. She raised her eyebrows slightly and wet her lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh really, boss? And exactly what sort of ending did you have in mi- Ah!">>
She let out a startled cry as you reached up, grabbed her shoulder, and pulled her hard down over the bed. She fell across your legs, but you turned over and rolled your body, ending atop the secretary and pressing her front down into the mattress. She tensed up in surprise, but you already had her all but pinned to the bed.
<<nm $phSamantha "B-Boss!?">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I just didn't want you getting in trouble over giving something illegal, so I'll take care of everything.">>
You slipped a hand under her skirt and upward, your fingers playing with the silky fabric of her panties. Samantha let out a surprised moan, and her body relaxed down against the bed beneath your weight. She rolled her hips up against your hand.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. You //could// have just asked, boss. You know I am your most faithful of servants.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, every so often, I still have to be the boss to earn the title, don't I?">>
You seized her panties firmly and pulled. The fabric resisted the first tug, but the body Lazren had given you was not going to be denied by a piece of cloth. You tugged again, and this time the panties gave way with a loud tearing sound and a gasp from the tall woman. You tossed away the ruined underwear and slipped your hand up underneath her skirt again, your fingers brushing her thighs, her rear, and her rigid shaft. Unconsciously, Samantha began to drive her hips down against your fingers and the bed, her eyes lidding with pleasure.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You let her enjoy that for a few seconds, running your hands posessively across her flank. Then you lifted your hips off her, grabbing her shoulder and turning her toward the ceiling. Samantha's expression was confused...at least until you climbed over her to straddle her chest, your fingers already working at your zipper.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh my...I suppose I have no choice but to give in. But what could you possibly have in mind for me in this position?">>
<<nm $phYou "Just putting that mouth of yours to use, that's all. A better use.">>
You pulled zipper down and worked your pants down your thighs. They bunched around Samantha's neck, but you didn't care. You leaned forward, flexing your thighs to present your sex to your secretary. The fabric pulled around her neck and her mouth opened wide on reflex. You gave her your most wicked smile.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. Just a little encouragement to please me with some speed. I probably won't let you pass out...">>
You weren't sure if she believed you. As turned on as you were, you weren't sure if you were lying or not. But her tongue extended immediately and she lifted her head from the table to plunge into her task.
You grabbed hold of her hair, hard, pulling her even closer to your body. You moaned, and it was all you could do not to scream. Samantha's tongue was...exquisite. No other word seemed right. There was not a single movement wasted. Every flex and flick and pulse of her tongue had one purpose and one purpose only. To heighten your pleasure.
And it was working.
Soon enough, you were rocking your hips firmly back and forth. Samantha no longer had to lift her head from the table, because you had crawled so far over her that you had to keep both hands on the table to keep your balance. You pounded your hips down on that wonderful tongue, fucking her face hard and fast.
It didn't take long. Soon your thrusts became jagged, your motions less sure, and you could hear your own wanton moans echoing off the walls. You wound your fists tighter into her curls, pulled her sharply against you, and pressed your hips hard against your lips.
The bliss rushed through your body in waves. Your breath caught and you found yourself shuddering. When the tension left your body, it did so all at once and you slumped to one side, your chest heaving as you fought to get your breath back.
Samantha's face was wet from the chin down, but her eyes were shining. She chuckled and reached over, tracing a finger down your side languidly.
<<else>>You shifted your body around again, pulling up Samantha's skirt and pressing your body down against her back. Your cock was already free, sliding up between her thighs. The secretary spread her legs, giving you more room as she gathered great fistful of the bedspread into her fists.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I'll be gentle.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmm! Oh, my wonderful $phSamantha.Address...be anything but gentle. Please!">>
You never had been one to turn down a request. You pressed your cock up against her ass firmly, the head of your shaft spreading her rosebud. Samantha made a groaning sound that seemed to come from the deepest part of her, arching her body so hard that her hair flipped up out of her face and across her shoulders. You began to slide in, her ass impossibly tight and hot as you drove inside of her, and every inch seemed to draw a louder moan from your partner. By the time you were halfway in her, she let out a cry and pressed her ass back against your body.
<<nm $phSamantha "Fuck me! Fuck me hard, boss! Please!">>
You were happy to oblige. You hilted yourself to the base in a single hard thrust, slapping your hips up against Samantha's plush rear. Her green eyes shot open and her voice seemed to rise an extra octave as her moans reverberated off the windows. You could feel her body trembling around you as you pressed her to her very limit.
You had no intention of slowing down to allow her to adjust. You had made her: you knew she could handle you. You began to piston your hips hard, the air filled with the sound of your bodies impacting. Samantha hitched her hips each time you filled her, and dropped her face down a little more. Before too long, she had her hands and face pressed against the mattress, her ass lifted as much as she could manage beneath you, tongue all but hanging out of her mouth as she begged you not to stop.
Samantha's ass was hot and oh so tight, milking your shaft every time you pulled back and welcoming it home every time you slammed forward again. Taking firm hold of her hips with both hands, you thrust yourself faster and faster until you finally hilted yourself one final time and came hard inside of her. Samantha squealed, hooking her legs up as much as she could around your own, holding you to her, keeping your cock as deep as it could be until every last spurt and jet of your seed was spent.
You stayed inside of her for a while, leaning over to kiss the back of her neck with a possessive little nip of the flesh. The raven-haired woman smiled, blindly pawing behind her to brush her fingers over your hair.
<</if>><<nm $phSamantha "...I could get used to happy endings like that.">>
<<nm $phYou "I can see that.">>
Samantha blinked, and then half rolled to one side, careful not to pull you free of her. The front of her skirt now sported a large, sticky wet spot right over the bulge of her cock. She laughed, and shook her head.
<<nm $phSamantha "Just remember, boss. However much of a slut I am, it's because //you// made me that way, so it reflects on you too. Can I borrow a skirt for a day? Mason might not care, but he'll certainly make one of his snide comments if he catches me wearing this out the door.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sure, sure. This time, anyway. I admit, I like the idea of marking you and sending you to the hall one of these days.">>
Samantha rolled her eyes, and finally shifted her hips to delicately pull you free of her, her voice hitching for a half-second as she did so.
<<nm $phSamantha "If you want to mark me with //yours// next time, we'll talk. I don't think wearing my...ah!...own is much of a testament to your strength, boss. Still...something to think about.">>
Something to think about indeed.
@@.choice;
[[Take A Hot Shower, Then Return To The Office|Office][$phSamanthaSubSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 3>>You crooked your finger at Samantha, guiding her up from the bed and around the side until she stood next to you near your shoulder. She gave you a curious kind of look, cocking her head to one side. That curious look became outright astonished when you reached out and took hold of her skirt, beginning to work the fabric down her generous hips.
<<nm $phSamantha "B-Boss! I thought you...I...the necklace?!">>
<<nm $phYou "You thought I gave you this purely for decoration? Mmm. I'm still in charge, Sam. Would it help if I gave you some orders?">>
You peeled the skirt down her legs, letting it drop and puddle around her ankles. Samantha was wearing pantyhose all the way up to her hips, and you could see her cock straining against the fabric, threatening to break free at any moment. She was hard already; putting her hands on you for so long had certainly been enough for that. You doubted she expected this finish, however.
<<nm $phYou "Put your arms behind your back, stand at attention. You aren't to move until I give you leave...and Lazren help you if you cum before I give you permission.">>
You put as much command into your voice as you could, knowing well the incredulity of dominantly ordering her to stand there and enjoy herself. The raven-haired woman's jaw dropped, but she obeyed automatically and folded both of her arms at the small of her back, thrusting her hips ever so slightly forward. You smiled, extending a hand and stroking your fingers over her trapped cock, enjoying the silken feel of her pantyhose beneath your fingers.
Samantha squirmed beneath your touch, just a little, maintaining her rigid posture by strength of will alone. Yet, every time you withdrew your fingers her hips thrust forward a little more, trying to milk out another half second of contact with your hand. Her breasts were beginning to rise and fall visibly as her breathing sped up, and her eyes had closed in concentration.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. After all, this belongs to me, too, doesn't it?">>
You finally pulled her pantyhose down her legs, freeing her cock to bob in front of your face.<<if ($phYou.form is 'male') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>> She was large, maybe a tiny bit smaller than you but only just.<</if>> You leaned up and pressed your lips along the tip, reveling in the way Samantha's whole body stiffened the moment you made contact.
<<nm $phSamantha "B-Boss, I-!">>
You cut her off with a look, wrapping your fingers around her shaft and starting to stroke in long, slow motions. Her breathing intensified even more, and soon she couldn't help but fill the room with her gasps and moans. She widened her stance, pressing her arms into her back so hard to keep them still you half worried she would do herself genuine harm.
It was intoxicating. You could all but feel her pleasure in the air around you, and the increasing difficulty of not moving or grabbing onto you or setting her own pace. You teased her relentlessly, slowing down when she moved her hips, swirling your tongue over the head of her shaft, never fully giving her the pleasure you knew she needed. Soon enough, her exhalations turned to desperate whimpers and her body almost vibrated from her need.
That, you thought, was enough. When you switched gears, you did so all at once and without warning. You leaned up and suddenly took Samantha's cock deep between your lips, flicking your tongue against the underside. You expected to gag, given her size, but you didn't suffer even the slightest twinge as you worked her down your throat. You began to bob your head, frantically, letting your lips smack loudly against the base of her cock, every motion demanding her surrender and climax.
Samantha cried out, in a mixture of bliss and suffering as she half bent over your head. Bliss from finally getting the pleasure she had been wanting, your mouth running over her shaft the way only a succubus could. And suffering because you hadn't yet given her permission, forcing every muscle taut with the effort to hold herself back. Her voice rose, trembling with need and gasping with every flick of your tongue.
<<nm $phSamantha "B-Boss! $phSamantha.Address! M-May I...ah!...May I cum, please! Please may I cum?">>
You counted to ten. A slow count, not giving her any sign that you've even heard her as you bob your head and work your hand around the base of her cock. Then, mercifully, you look up into her desperate green eyes, and give a single, curt nod.
The response is immediate. Samantha let out a low, loud moan, jerking her hips forward, driving her cock deep into your mouth before she began to cum hard and fast. You swallowed as quickly as you could, but your teasing had clearly had its effect, and you soon found your mouth overflowing with the sticky sweet taste. You pulled back, feeling a drop or two rolling down your chin.
Samantha's head was tilted toward the ceiling, her chest actually bouncing with the force of her deep breathing. She leaned against the side of the bed to keep herself upright, her arms limp at her sides. You swallowed a few last times, and then grinned.
<<nm $phYou "Why, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you ended up more relaxed than me. I guess that makes me a pretty good boss, doesn't it?">>
Samantha chuckled, leaned down, and pressed a kiss to your lips, heedless of the taste of her still lingering on your tongue. She held the kiss for a full, lovely minute before she finally pulled away.
<<nm $phSamantha "A very good boss, I'd say. Thank you, $phYou.firstname. I...sorry, about the mess. You want me to run you a bath before I go back to work?">>
<<nm $phYou "Run me a bath...and stay to help wash, and I think we'll call it even.">>
Samantha grinned, nodded, and held out her hand to guide you to the bath.
It was a pleasant bath. You settled into the hot water, and Samantha ran a washcloth over you, from head to toe. She washed a lot of places her cum //hadn't// splashed over, but you didn't particularly mind. You simply lay back, closed your eyes, and enjoyed her touch.
When the bath drained, Samantha kissed you again on the lips and offered you another show of her backside as she strode to the door.
<<nm $phSamantha "Any time you need more relaxation...well, you know where I'll be, boss.">>
She blew you a kiss, and then vanished through the doorway. You sat in the bath for another minute, the water clinging to you quickly evaporating to steam on your skin. Sometimes, it was nice just to take a minute to enjoy what you had.
Eventually, though, it was time to go. You sighed and finally slid yourself out of the bath, slipping back into your clothes and heading for the door.
Duty called, as always.
@@.choice;
[[Return to the Office|Office][$phSamanthaSubSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<set _SamInsult to 'pet'>><<else>><<set _SamInsult to 'whore'>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 0>>The green gem sparkled for a moment in her eyes and in her sly smile. Samantha lifted a hand to run a finger down across the side of the jeweled necklace, her fingertip also brushing across the front of your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh...Lazren told me about this. I actually helped her come up with the idea. She knows more about some things than I ever will, but I think she loses touch sometimes with how people are. You'd think one of the Seven Sins would be well acquainted with pride, but not always. Did she explain how it worked?">>
You looked down at the green gem between Samantha's fingers, your mind flashing back to the very brief explanation that Lazren had given you. In fairness, the succubus had needed to explain a lot in a short time but you couldn't help but notice that some areas were a little poorly sketched in.
<<nm $phYou "Not very much. She told me what the colors mean, if that's what you're asking. That it would signal that I might be...open to certain things at certain times.">>
Samantha's smile widened, just a bit, but she shook her head and gestured over your shoulder with one hand.
<<nm $phSamantha "What I thought. See, it //is// a signal, boss, that you might enjoy a little time on the bottom, but it's a little more than that. Both sides are designed to bring out the best in you, and your partners. Here, let me show you. Look over there.">>
You looked over your shoulder at the corner of the room. You had just realized that there was nothing in that direction but the wall when Samantha barreled into you, pressing against your back. Her arms slipped <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> downward to get a firm grip between your legs. She squeezed, hard, and her fingers gripped the base of your cock firmly without any warning at all. <<else>>up under yours, her hands splaying wide across your breasts. She squeezed, hard, her fingers sinking into the soft flesh without any warning at all.<</if>>
You couldn't help but gasp. It was like an electric current had just been formed between your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>cock<<else>>nipples<</if>> and your brain. You felt your body arch into Samantha's grip, your spine went rigid, and your voice rose in a shocked squeak.
<<nm $phYou "S-Samantha!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. It's going to encourage you to //really// indulge yourself, whichever side it's on, boss. So... when someone you're open to makes a move on you, and you've got that side out, it's going to kick your body into overdrive almost immediately. Can you feel it, boss? Feel the heat running up into your face? Feel the strength draining out of your legs?">>
You did. Your knees were shaking and you were already panting hard. Samantha's hands hadn't let up, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>starting to stroke up and down without ever loosening the hard grip she had on your shaft. You found yourself leaning back against her, needing her support to even remain upright. You thought your cock would rip through your pants entirely if it got any harder.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>pushing hard through the fabric of your blouse, kneading the sensitive flesh with a firm grip. You found yourself leaning back against her, needing her support to even remain upright, and you thought if your cock got any harder it was going to rip straight through your pants.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pushing hard through the fabric of your blouse, kneading the sensitive flesh with a firm grip. You found yourself leaning back against her, needing her support to even remain upright, and you thought if your nipples got any hard they would bore holes in the front of your blouse.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Samantha! That's...That's not...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Then, once you're hot and bothered and every nerve in your body is primed for your partner, it'll help you go a little deeper. Ensure you're feeling //very// suggestible, and won't get in your own way by pretending to resist too much. So if, for example, I lean in like this, and nibble on your earlobe like this, and whisper something like...mmm. 'Spread your legs for me, _SamInsult'...<br><br>...Then...">>
You were shaking. Samantha's breath was hot against your ear, her voice low and confident as she purred out her instructions. You were dimly aware that minutes ago you had been the boss, asking her into your office for a bit of fun, but it seemed so distant now. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Samantha kept one hand on your cock, but worked the other upward beneath your shirt. Her hand splayed across your nipples and your eyes bugged open. It felt so //good//. Better than playing with your chest had ever been before! It seemed to spread a heat through your body that rose and rose and rose...until....until...
You slowly eased your thighs apart.<<else>>Samantha kept one hand at your breast, her fingers expertly seeking out your nipple through the fabric of your shirt and bra, teasing the hard point while her other hand drifted lower. You felt her dexterous fingers caressing across your cleavage, then pressing down over your stomach, drifting lower, and lower...until...until...
You slowly eased your thighs apart.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Good slut. Now, let's //really// get started.">>
Oh @@.choice;[[Fuck.|SamanthaSexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 1>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Samantha's hand disappeared between your legs. She pressed her fingers firmly against the front of your sex, the fabric of your pants not serving to dull the sensation very much at all. Her fingers stroked up and down over your slit, and the sensations only seemed to get more intense with every passing second.
<<else>>Samantha's hand didn't caress over your cock. She didn't slide, or brush, or stroke across it. She gripped it, squeezing her hand over your shaft, gathering the fabric of your pants in her palm and jerking you off straight through the material.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "S...Samantha, I...I just...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Miss. Miss Samantha, you subby slut. You'll address me that way as long as I have my hands on you. Now, tell me honestly...do you like this, hmmm? Do you want me to use you for my pleasure, //boss//?">>
You bit your lip. You felt...amazing. And yet you couldn't shake the fuzzy feeling in your head. Samantha's body seemed impossibly hot as it pressed against your back, and you could feel each of her exhalations along the back of your neck like a fire burning through your brain. She still had a firm grip on your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>breast<<else>>cock<</if>>, and your entire body tensed up with every movement, making it seemingly impossible to resist or even move from your spot.
Samantha's free hand was still <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pressing between your legs, something she reminded you of by giving your sex a sharp push through the material when you didn't answer quickly enough.<<else>>on your chest, something she reminded you of with a sharp tug to one nipple when you didn't answer quickly enough.<</if>> You felt your breath catch in your throat, and words rushed out of you unbidden.
<<nm $phYou "I...I like it, Miss Samantha.">>
You could all but hear her smile in her voice, and that was a pleasure too. You weren't sure exactly why, but knowing that your performance was being enjoyed made it easier. Despite yourself, you could feel your shoulders relaxing into Samantha's grip, your thighs spreading a little further to not inhibit her powerful hands between your legs. Her confident laugh rang like a silvery bell in your mind.
<<nm $phSamantha "Such a good slut you are, boss. You know, if I wasn't such a good employee, I'd feel tempted to take advantage of that, but don't worry. All I'm going to do is make you cum right in your pants, then throw you up against your bedroom window and fuck you right there for all the world to see.">>
Your eyes snapped open, flying to the skyline view outside your windows. The glass was dimmed to make sure the room didn't get too bright, but you didn't think it was mirrored. As high up as you were, there had never been any fear of anyone seeing inside. If you were pressed up against the glass...
You opened your mouth to offer up a protest, but Samantha shifted her hand from <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>under your shirt<<else>>your breast<</if>> to your throat abruptly. She didn't squeeze hard, but the warning was enough to freeze your tongue before you said anything.
<<nm $phSamantha "That didn't require a response, slut. In fact, unless you're showing me your pleasure or answering a question, I don't think you need to talk at all. You //want// this. I know it, and you know it. You want someone to take your body and show you what it can do. Someone to be in absolute control for a while, so all you need to worry about is obeying.">>
You didn't say anything. You couldn't. She hadn't asked you a question, so even though your lips were parted the only thing that came out was your increasingly ragged breathing. You started to rock your hips in time with her rough jerking motions, moaning softly. Samantha was right. Why would you resist? You wanted it. You knew you did.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good _SamInsult. Now I'm going to show you just how much control I have, and give you a little reward at the same time. Does that sound good, slut? Oh, I bet it does. I bet it sounds real good. Are you ready? Mmm, you are...<br><br> Now, Cum! Cum for me!">>
Your eyes shot open. Her hand hadn't changed its pace or its grip and her body pressed into your back hadn't moved, but her command reverberated through your entire body. It was like you were a guitar string being plucked in the middle. You felt a rush around your waist, a sudden flood of pleasure burning through your body. You couldn't hold out! You had to obey.
You had to @@.choice;[[Cum.|SamanthaSexBottom][$phSamantha.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.sex is 2>>Your body quaked. Your vision swam in and out. You cried out, high pitched and needy. Samantha didn't let go of you when you bucked your hips, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>or when signs of your pleasure began to moisten the front of your pants. She kept stroking her finger up and down across your slit as you shuddered and writhed and moaned, and only when you dropped back against her did she finally take her hand away.<<else>>or when your cum darkened the front of your pants. She kept jerking her hand up and down your shaft as you shuddered and writhed and moaned, and only when you dropped back against her did she finally release your cock.<</if>>
You tried to catch your breath, letting her support your weight for a few seconds while you got your legs back under you, both literally and figuratively. That command had been...wow. Your body had simply reacted, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for her to set you off with a word. A growing part of you couldn't think of a reason why that //wouldn't// be the case.
You didn't remember what else she had promised to do to you. At least, not until you found yourself abruptly shoved forward, stumbling and catching yourself on the thick glass of your bedroom window. You felt a moment of instinctive panic wash over your body, as the long fall to the pavement opened up in front of you, but the glass was more than sturdy enough to hold your body weight. It didn't even flex as Samantha slammed herself against your backside, the weight of her body flattening your cheek against the glass.
<<nm $phSamantha "Well, my horny little <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>>? Shall we give them all a show? I'm not sure how many people are going to look up right now, but we'll reward anyone who stops and admires the scenery, won't we?">>
Her hand slipped down the back of your pants and panties, pulling them down hard without bothering to undo your zipper. You cried out, shifting your hips back and forth as the fabric clung to you, until you were finally able to work the material down. Samantha extended a foot between your legs, stepping onto your pants and trapping your ankles close together in the garment.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, Miss Samantha!">>
You blinked. The words had simply...emerged from you in response to her question without bothering to check in with your mind. You couldn't help but shudder at the sound of your own voice. You sounded needy, and desperate, and horny.
You sounded like you needed to be //fucked//.
Samantha must have agreed. She chuckled, her hands running down your still clothed sides and fastening around your bare hips, holding you in place. You realized she had discarded her skirt at some point only when you felt something hard and hot and so wonderfully thick against the small of your back. Samantha leaned in against you, running a trail of kisses along your neck from ear to shoulder.
And then she gave you exactly what you needed. Her hands tightened along your hips as she pulled her body back, then drove it forward. Her cock speared between your legs slipping into <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>the feminine sex beneath your manhood<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>into your sex<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>into your ass<</if>> as though she had done this a thousand times. Your felt her cock angle upward inside you, her girth stretching you so wonderfully full. When she began to thrust, you gave yourself over to the rhythm.
Soon you were spread flat against the window, your hands and thighs and cheek and cock all pressed firmly against the glass. Samantha never let you rest, never let you get complacent. Every few seconds she varied her pace, shifted her hips subtly to alter her angle, or let her hands coax out another cry from you. She jerked your shirt<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> <<else>> and bra<</if>>up to your neck roughly, letting your nipples rock against the cool surface of the glass, entirely on display.
And you were entirely //willing//. You felt your spade tail curling around her thigh, urging her onward as your eyes searched the streets below. <<if $phTime is 0>>The morning sun painted your body. You people on the streets below were too small to make anything out, but someone could be looking out their office window with morning coffee in hand right now and you would never know.<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>>The afternoon sun heated your body even further, making you feel as though you were melting against the glass. The people on the street were too far away to make out any details, but if someone in a nearby office happened to look out their window and up at the tower, you would never even know.<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>>The people on the street were too far away to make out any details, and most of them had already gone home for the day, but you knew the light of your bedroom behind you would revealing you to anyone working late that happened to glance out a window. You'd never even know what they saw.<</if>> That should have made you angry, or frightened, or embarrassed. Instead, you found yourself spreading out on the window, grinding yourself against the glass. If anyone was looking, you wanted to be sure they got a proper show.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ah! Oh, boss, you're so //hot//. I can't hold back anymore. Ready for me to cum inside of you, slut? Yeah, you are. Cum with me! Cum with me now!">>
You obeyed, your body propelled along by her words. The moment her cock jumped inside you, and you felt the heat of her seed spreading through your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>ass<<else>>sex<</if>>, your muscles clamped down hard on Samantha's member and you cried out in bliss. She hilted hard within you and held you firmly while her cock jumped and bucked and came and came and came inside you. You leaned your forehead down against the window, closing your eyes, your mind empty except for the glory of her pleasure.
Finally, you could feel her begin to soften and she pulled free. Her hands slipped up to your shoulders, prying you away from the glass with startling gentleness. She took hold of your hip with one hand and your arm with the other, guiding you across the room to your bed. You let your knees give out, falling back into the comfortable covers. Samantha leaned over you, a smug smile on her lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "And //that// is what the necklace does. Feeling satisfied, boss?">>
You groaned and made a rude gesture in her direction, provoking a brief peal of laughter. Somehow, you knew you could talk freely again, that whatever magic the jewel had worked over you was done, but you couldn't make yourself concentrate enough to form actual words.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'll take that as a yes. Mission accomplished then. You rest, boss, I'll make sure your calander is clear for a little while. Don't forget to invite me again if you ever need stress relief, alright? I'll be waiting.">>
With a wink and a smirk, the black-clad secretary turned and strolled her way to the door, every step and movement filled with self satisfaction. You groaned, turning onto your side in the bed.
Rest. @@.choice;[[Rest sounded good.|Office][$phSamanthaTopSexGoodbye to 1,$phTime +=1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym >= 1>>You spotted Damien lifting weights the moment you walked into the gym. He had moved up to a larger size, and the effort to lift them is clearly a struggle. By the time you reached him, his arms are trembling with every rep, and there was a noticeable break in his rhythm.
<<nm $phYou "Sounds like that one might have been a step too far, no? You don't want to hurt yourself.">>
Damien winced and nearly dropped the weight on his foot as he set them down on the ground. He made a pained sort of noise that he turned into a less-than-convincing laugh.
<<nm $phDamien "They were missing my usual weight; I thought I could push it a little bit. It's not actually so bad! I just need...ah...a bit of a breather, is all. A few minutes. You on your way to change, or on your way out, $phYou.firstname?">>
Hmmm, good question. You knew a workout session would take an hour or so -- more than that, with needing to shower and get changed again. Still, it was a good way to get to know Damien a little better.<<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 6>>
You knew, though, that Mason had installed Damien's focus in a back room. The special treadmill was waiting and, if you had the time, maybe it was time to finally welcome Damien to get to know //you// better now, and what you really were.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Work Out With Damien|DamienGymTalk]]<<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 6>>
[[Invite Damien To The Backroom|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 0]]<</if>>
[[Some Other Time|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damienquick']]
@@<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_gym is 0) and ($phDamien.focus_shake is 0)>>You were walking up and down the rows of equipment when you spotted him. Like so many others, his face was set in concentration as he labored away, lifting a sizable weight in each hand. He alternated between them, letting one weight fall as the other rose, the muscles in his bared arms straining against each movement. There was something different about him, though, an intensity that those around him lacked. A need, a focus borne of intense desire. Where your other customers begrudgingly accepted the need for exercise in exchange for health, it was clear the young man wanted more from it. He was all but glowing in your sight.
You changed directions instantly, not heading toward him but over to <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>the men's locker room. You changed into a tanktop and shorts,<<else>>the women's locker room. You changed into a sports bra and shorts,<</if>> grateful again that Lazren had bestowed the body on you she did. You got admiring looks from men and women both as you exited from the bathrooms and went to reacquire your soon-to-be friend. You found him right where you had left him, both of the weights on the ground near his feet as he caught his breath and used a towel to wipe sweat from his brow.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBase.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBase.png]]</picture>@@
His hair was a reddish brown, cut short and lightly spiked. He was wearing a loose, sleeveless tank top and a set of gym shorts over simple tennis shoes. His features were pleasantly chiseled, but you didn't see even a hint of facial hair, and his eyelashes were remarkably long. Combined with his fit, slender frame, it gave him a distinctly feminine cast.
You let yourself move too close as you passed him, your hip catching the edge of his shoulder. You pretended to stumble, falling against him. He was surprisingly quick, and let out a surprised noise but still managing to get his arms around you before you fell to the ground. You found yourself looking into light blue eyes for a surprised second before he awkwardly returned you to your feet.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh wow, I'm sorry, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Bro<<else>>Miss<</if>>! Didn't see you there. Are you alright?">>
He stood, keeping a hand on your arm to keep you steady. It wasn't until he stood up that you realized how short he was. He was actually several inches shorter than you were,<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> and even your slender frame had some bulk on him.<<else>> and you weren't the tallest woman in the room.<</if>> He seemed to realize it at about the same moment, letting his hand fall away from you. He rubbed at the back of his neck with self-conscious embarrassment. You quickly shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "No, no -- I wasn't watching where I was going, I'm sorry. Yes, I'm fine, thanks to you. Quick reflexes! I'm...well, people around here call me $phYou.firstname. It's sort of a nickname.">>
You extended your hand, and he smiled brightly as he shook it. His hands were soft against your palms, but his grip far from weak.
<<nm $phDamien "<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Damien') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Damian')>>Wow, small world. I'm Damien, too.<<else>>Damien. I'm Damien.<</if>> Guess all those reps have to pay off for something. Sorry again...so...uh...are you new here?">>
The two of you chatted for a few minutes. You explained that you help manage some of the stores in the tower and you were hoping to get some exercise in as long as you had a membership. Damien was suitably impressed by your revelation, and he politely kept his eyes on your face as you talked. Mostly. You did catch him sneaking a look at your toned stomach from time to time, but he snapped his attention back up almost as quickly as it drifted. Finally, as the conversation hit a slow point, he gestured back to the weight bench.
<<nm $phDamien "I guess I'd better get back to it, then. It was really nice to meet you, $phYou.firstname. If you're here a lot, maybe we'll run into each other. Unless...ah...no, nevermind. Just, it was nice to meet you.">>
His cheeks tinged red as he turned away. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You brought him up short with a hand on his shoulder, spinning him around gently to face you again.<<else>>You laughed and lay a hand across his bicep, turning him back around toward you.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Unless?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah. Well, I was just gonna say, unless you need a spotter or something? I know some people like to work out with just themselves and an iPod, but I didn't see a music player on you, and I thought...well, you know, I'm here, if you needed someone.">>
An opening. You knew the tower would help make sure that Damien was more open with you than he would be with anyone else. It would smoothe over the process of finding out what he wanted that lit him up so much to your eyes. Still, you had to weigh that against your time.
You decided to...<<set $phDamien.focus_gym to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Work Out With Damien|DamienGymTalk]]
[[Take a Rain Check|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damieninitial']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_gym is 0) and ($phDamien.focus_shake gt 0)>>You spotted a familiar face in the gym as you do your rounds. Damien was stretched out on one of the weight benches, grunting quietly with exertion as he pumped the barbell up and down. You couldn't help but grin and snuck up behind the bench, waiting for him to finally resettle the bar back onto the stand before you stuck your head out above him.
<<nm $phYou "Burning off some of that ice cream, eh?">>
He jumped in surprise, springing up and very nearly hitting his forehead on the barbell. He managed to avoid doing himself such serious harm, spinning around to face you more fully.
<<nm $phDamien "$phYou.firstname! Don't tell me you manage this place too?">>
<<nm $phYou "How to add calories and how to burn them. It's a self-perpetuating system, you could say. Actually, been trying to find a little time to burn a few myself. Can't let it slide for too long, can we?">>
He looked you over, quickly, before snapping his eyes back up to yours with a blush. It was very clear he didn't believe you had been letting things slide at all and, in fairness, the body Lazren had given you looked as though it had never skipped a fitness day.
<<nm $phDamien "You got that right. So, were you coming in or heading out? I'm just getting my workout started, if you want a partner?">>
Now that was the question. You ran over your schedule in your mind. Talking to Damien in a different environment might reveal some different motivations, and more options were always good. You would, however, need to go change your clothes, work out, and shower afterward, so it wouldn't be a quick thing.
You decided...<<set $phDamien.focus_gym to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Work Out With Damien|DamienGymTalk]]
[[Some Other Time|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damienquick']]@@<</if>>@@<<if $phCassandra.focus_gym > 0>><<nm $phYou "Afternoon, Cass. How are we today?">>
Cassandra looked up from the gym bench where she was lacing up her skates. She pushed a few strands of dirty blonde hair behind her ear, and offered you an uncertain smile.
<<nm $phCassandra "Um...doing okay, I suppose. How are you, $phCassandra.Address?">>
You stopped near the woman and cocked your hip, giving her an amused kind of look.
<<nm $phYou "You don't //have// to call me '$phCassandra.Address', you know. $phYou.firstname is just fine.">>
<<if $phCassandraShy is 1>>Cassandra's eyes flicked away immediately and her shoulders hunched. You winced, immediately wishing you could erase the playful teasing.
<<nm $phCassandra "Sorry M-- Sorry. Habit. Um...Are-- Are you going to be skating today?">>
Good question. You certainly //could//. It would give you more time to pry Cassandra out of her shell a little more and learn some things about her. On the other hand, getting ahold of your skates, skating, talking, and getting showered off again would certainly eat into your afternoon.
<</if>><<if $phCassandraShy is 2>>Cassandra shot you a faint smile, pulling the laces tight.
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course not, $phCassandra.Address. Are you going to be skating today?">>
You quirked your eyebrow at her, but she kept her expression studiously on the floor. Was she teasing you? Quite a change from the shy woman you'd met not so long ago.
Not a bad one, though. It was a good question, though. You could enjoy skating for a while. It would eat into your time for the day, but you couldn't object to the company.<<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 6>> It would also give you the opportunity to convince Cassandra to light up one of Mason's special cigarettes. You were dying to see exactly what they would do.
@@.choice;
[[Skate with Cass, Then Smoke With Cass|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 0]]@@<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Skate With Cassandra|CassandraGymTalk]]
[[You've Already Exercised Enough Today|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandraquick']]
@@<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_gym is 0) and ($phCassandra.focus_comp > 0)>>You spotted Cassandra out of the corner of your eyes and actually did a double take. You wouldn't have put physical fitness high on your artist's priority list, but here she was. She sitting down on the ground at the back of the gym, where a set of double doors lead out to the small outdoor exercise area built against the side of the mall. There was a small runner's track out there, but the skates that she was lacing on her feet rather strongly suggested the tiny skate park was her actual destination.
You changed directions immediately, crossing the distance to the woman with the silent grace and intense focus of a lion stalking an antelope.
<<nm $phYou "Cass? I thought that was you! A little far afield today, aren't we?">>
Cassandra looked up, her green eyes wide. You thought the antelope might actually have looked less stunned.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address? I...uh...sorry. I was just...I really like the park, here. It's nice to take a break after class, before I settle in to do any work. Um...It sort of helps me focus?">>
<<nm $phYou "I can understand that. Actually, I do a little rollerblading here myself. I always found just walking around in a circle to be a little dull, so it's nice to spice it up a little.">>
Cassandra's answering smile was shy, but interested. She actually met your eyes for a half second, before she looked away.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh. Something else we have in common. Um...Are you skating today?">>
That was the question. Now that you'd reintroduced yourself, Cassandra wouldn't think anything about running into you here at the gym on future days, so it didn't necessarily need to happen today. On the other hand, if you could afford to spend the time it would be a wonderful opportunity to see how Cassandra operated in a new environment. That might get you some new details about what she was after.
@@.choice;[[Skate With Cassandra|CassandraGymTalk]]
[[Already Exercised Today|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandraquick']]@@<<set $phCassandra.focus_gym to 1>><</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_gym is 0) and ($phCassandra.focus_comp is 0)>>You prowled through the gym but, despite the ample supply of toned and impressive flesh on display, couldn't seem to burn off the nervous energy inside you. Things had been going well enough, but that didn't mean you were out of the woods yet. You needed to be doing more than burning energy, you needed to-
<<nm $phCassandra "Oof! S-Sorry!">>
You were so absorbed in your thoughts that you weren't watching where you were going, and collided with a woman coming around the corner in the opposite direction. Your reflexes were good, so you were able to keep both of you upright despite the impact. You held onto the woman's hips for a moment until you were sure she was stable, then released her and took a quick step back to take her in.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassandraInitial.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassandraInitial.png]]</picture>@@
The woman was young, either fresh out of her college years or soon to be. She had a messenger bag slung over one hip, and she held her hand protectively over the contents. Her body was concealed within a loose hoodie, and her eyes slanted down and away from you rather than meet your gaze.
<<nm $phCassandra "Sorry...didn't mean to hit you...">>
Her voice was soft, barely a notch above a whisper. As she spoke, you could see the instant self-recrimination in her eyes. She hadn't been responsible and she knew it, but the apology seemed to leap from her lips before she could stop it. Frustration at her own apology burned in her eyes like a torch. It was a burning need she would give anything to satisfy.
She was one of yours.
<<nm $phYou "No! My fault entirely. I wasn't watching where I was going, but thanks for being nice about it. I was just...">>
You paused a moment, your eyes flicking over her quickly. The hoodie would make it pretty hard to do weight training or stretches, and she'd been heading toward the back door. There was an open area out there, built against the side of the larger mall, for outdoor exercises. Your eyes settled on the pin clipped to the messenger bag:'Skate or Die'
<<nm $phYou "...forgot my skates. Made it almost all the way out there without noticing. They call me $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Ah...Cassandra<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Cassandra'>>, too, actually<</if>>. People call me Cass, usually<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Cass') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Cassy') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Cassie')>>...but I guess you know that<</if>>. It's alright. I understand. I've...uh...forgotten my skates a few times.">>
She patted her messenger bag, as if in explanation. The smile she offered you was fleeting and seemed to surprise even her. You had a feeling the tower was going to be working overtime to open her up at all, given how she studiously avoided your gaze. But you thought you saw her checking you out from the corners of her eyes whenever your own gaze turned away.
You were pretty sure you could procure a set of skates from somewhere, and the chance meeting had given you a pretty solid excuse for staying close for a while. On the other hand, you hadn't really planned on spending the afternoon in the skate park. Maybe you could parlay today's introduction into an excuse to look her up later?<<set $phCassandra.focus_gym to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[No Time Like The Present|CassandraGymTalk]]
[[No Time Today|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandrameet']]@@<<set $phCassandra.focus_gym to 1>><<set $phCassandraShy to 1>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl') and ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] gt 1) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('ShakeShack') is false)>><<set _random to 9>><<elseif ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad') and (($phXavier.date is 8) or ($phDamien.date is 8)) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('ShakeShack2') is false)>><<set _random to 10>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3, 4);
if (State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] > 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(5,6);
}
if (State.variables.phJolie.transform == 'cowgirl') {
State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(8);
}
if (State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'bull') {
State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(7);
}
if ((State.variables.phJolie.transform == 'cowgirl') && (State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'bull') && (State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] > 1)) {
State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(9);
}
if ((State.variables.phDamien.transform == 'bull') && (State.variables.phXavier.transform == 'dryad') &&
((State.variables.phXavier.date == 8) || (State.variables.phDamien.date == 8))) { State.variables.phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].push(10);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['ShakeShack']['waits'].pluck()>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>Not even Lazren's gifts could incentivize you to actually work behind the counters in the food court, but you did like to stop in and supervise from time to time. The tower could create some very enticing smells and tastes, but it didn't actually //eat//, itself, and you often had to step in to keep it on track. You'd once found it trying to promote chocolate-covered French fries, and that was a step too far. Better that you sign off on anything new that the simulacra were going to push.
The work had its advantages too. Food within your mall was more than just sustenance. Lots of chain restaurants claimed that their food or drink would transport customers to a wonderland of joy and wonder, but yours actually could. There was nothing extreme, of course. You reserved the full makeovers for your special targets, but you were still more than capable of brightening a dour day, banishing anxiety, and maybe even sanding the edges off a few strategic inhibitions.
<<if _random is 1>>You were walking between two of the shops in the food court when you caught sight of a pair approaching the register. A young man and a young woman, standing close enough together that you assumed they were dating. That wasn't unusual enough to catch your eye, but their general demeanors were.
She was tall, dark-haired, and dressed in an elegant but simple black dress. You could see her holding court to her companion, talking rapidly and confidently in a low tone. Every so often, though, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her expression and she clearly forced herself to stop and ask him a question.
The young man didn't quite meet her eyes, though he admired her frequently whenever she turned away. His features were soft and he didn't speak nearly as much. He nodded along with her comfortably and happily, but every time she stopped to ask him a question he got tense and uncomfortable until the conversation resumed.
You smiled to yourself. A young man who was perfectly happy when his girlfriend took initiative, and a young woman who could use the assurance that it was okay. You had a feeling that providing a shake that would reduce their inhibitions for even a little while would do their relationship a lot of good. On the other hand, they hadn't asked for the help. Maybe it would be better to just keep to your own business for today.
@@.choice;
[[Lend a Hand|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>You were looking over the food court when a voice caught your attention. A middle-aged brunette woman was talking on a cellphone as she stood in line. The words weren't important. She was describing some kind of meeting with some kind of company that was causing some kind of trouble, but it was the stress and the weariness that caught your ear. There were lines around the corners of her eyes from a tension you suspected rarely left her. She was holding a health drink in her hand as she waited to pay, but her eyes were locked on a succulent chocolate cake in the glass display case.
She didn't know it, but that cake might be just what she needed to remind her to loosen up and a live a little. It would restore a bit of life into her, in exchange for a fraction of her energy. You were quite sure you could get it on her plate and watch the fireworks happen. On the other hand, maybe it would just be better to let the woman buy her drink and get back home. With any luck, she might actually get some sleep.
@@.choice;
[[A Slice Of Cake|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>You liked to think it was usually intangible things that caught your eye. You had an ear out for the unfulfilled desires of humanity, and could size up a soul at a glance. You were <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>>, therapist, and manager all rolled into one.
But that didn't mean your body didn't respond to the simpler things in life. When 6'3" of perfectly-toned muscle walked by in a shirt stretched so tight it was nearly sprayed on, you noticed. You noticed a perfectly white smile, a square jawline, and a bulge in inexpensive trousers that ran halfway down the thigh.
You noticed hard.
You //had// been working a lot lately. You had a sudden vision of offering the man a complimentary cookie from behind the counter. According to Mason's notes, it would ensure drive enough for anyone to go for several straight hours. You could finally put that claim to the test...
...or maybe not. You were here for work, after all, and you didn't see much 'unfulfilled' about him. All he would be was a little shot of power and a fun afternoon. Could you spare the time?
@@.choice;
[[Spare The Time|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 4>>You were so focused on your thoughts that you noticed too late that the woman ahead of you wasn't paying full attention either. The pair of you collided. You both apologized and the woman, dressed in a tight tank top that emphasized her bust line, hurried on.
It wasn't until she pushed past you that you blinked and cocked your head. When you had pressed against her, her chest had been squeezed against your own. You were very familiar with what a woman's chest felt like, and it didn't feel like bundled-up cloth.
You grinned to yourself. Someone was cheating. Maybe she was a little smaller than she'd like to be and was making up for it with a bit of creative stuffing. It wasn't to the level of your real targets, but you could give her a fun afternoon. A quick jog into the Stables could get you a bottle of milk straight from the 'tap'. <<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>Jolie wouldn't mind donating, you were sure.<</if>>That wouldn't be enough to permanently change the woman, but it might give her a taste of what she was after, and it would give //you// a little taste of her energy.
Or maybe you should just let her go. It might be cruel if she noticed only to have the effect wear off after a day. You could just go back to work instead.
@@.choice;
[[Give Her A Taste|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 4]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 5>>You were walking through the Stables carrying a small batch of new posters to put up when the quiet caught your attention. Oh, it wasn't //that// unusual, but ever since you'd installed the Milkatron 5000 the food court had gotten busy, and more customers meant a lot more cowgirls passing through to supply the special ingredient. You weren't entirely sure where Mason kept finding them.
Today, though, all was quiet. The Milkatron 5000 gleamed in the light, perfectly polished, and the leather bench that the girls laid across smelled freshly oiled. It was perhaps three feet high, with locks for the arms and legs on all four corners. You knew from experience that, once the girls were safely locked in, compartments along the top would open to allow the process to begin in earnest.<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>> Jolie could hardly stop enthusing about it<</if>><<if ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl') and ($phDamien.transform is 'bull')>> and<</if>><<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>> Damien had told you a lot of stories about how much his girls sang the machine's praises<</if>>.
You paused as a stray thought passed your mind. The machine's interface had discouraged non-bovine users. The suction cups would find little to milk at your chest, but there were other attachments you could use. Maybe you could see if the machine was all it was cracked up to be?
Of course, you had plenty to do without messing around with expensive equipment just to enjoy yourself. You had posters to put up, after all. Still, it was tempting...
@@.choice;
[[Maybe Just A Little Experiment|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 6>>You were passing near the Stables when an orgasmic moan drew you up short. You paused and peeked inside, unable to help your curiosity.
You saw the source of the sound immediately. The Milkatron 5000 had been a hit ever since you'd had it installed. The machine consisted of a padded bench about three feet off the ground that the girls could lay across, with hollows at all four corners to lock arms and legs into. You knew from experience that the bench wasn't as simple as it appeared, however. Numerous small compartments could open in the padded surface to allow the machine to work.
Just as it was working now. A flannel shirt was discarded near the machine, and a freckled red-head with a denim skirt was locked in place. Her head was tilted back and she was biting her lower lip hard. You could see the panel beneath her chest had slid away, and her titanic tits were resting on a pair of humming suction cups. Judging from the sound, it was encouraging her to be quite... productive.
A smile pulled at the corner of your mouth. You had to admit, a happy mooing cowgirl getting milked, with her arms and legs locked up, and a wonderfully easy to access skirt, certainly gave you some... thoughts. You wouldn't use force, of course, but you knew well just how happy the true bovine workers were when they were strapped in, and you were quite sure a little bit of extra stimulation would see the milk output increase commensurately.
She did look happy already, however. You could close the door and leave her to her enjoyment instead. Less fun, but it would give you the opportunity to finish your work for the day. Sometimes being the boss was hard.
@@.choice;
[[Help Increase 'Production'|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 7>>You'd just bent down to sort through one of the refrigerators in the back when you heard a faint gasp from behind you, then a very deep, rumbling sound. You didn't even need to look up to know that you favorite ranch hand had walked into the room and had gotten more of a view than he'd expected. You were bent over in a somewhat precarious situation as you sorted the bottles and treats cooling on the shelf.
Poor Damien. It did give you an idea, though. You were pretty sure the big man was a little too polite to come onto you in the middle of the workday. You could pretend not to notice him, though, and give him an 'accidental' show. The bull's instincts were strong, and he wouldn't be able to hold himself back. Could be fun, and the release of energy was always good for the tower's coffers.
On the other hand, that would take up some time and you had planned to finish a few things today. You //could// just let him go about his way and //not// tease him into a frenzy. Safer, but when had you ever played it safe?
@@.choice;
[[Tease The Beast|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 8>><<nm $phJolie "Yes, ma'am, you heard right! We're offering a special promotion on those items, so it's all free today! Yes, you can grab an extra one, we're really happy you're trying the product!">>
You cocked your head and peeked out into the cashier's station at Shakes 'n Sundaes. Jolie was working the counter today, and it seemed she was quite popular. The line of people waiting to purchase an ice cream or shake was at least six or seven deep, with more arriving every minute. It was clear she'd be at it for the next hour or two before the rush wore off, unless she got some help.
You //could// get some simulacra over there to open a second register and diffuse the mob, of course, but it did give you an opportunity. Jolie had been far too calm in her new role for your taste. You could give the cowgirl a little 'stress test' and see just how well she served the clients while you were doing your best to distract her. She'd enjoy it, and the energy of her trying to focus on customers and your pleasuring at the same time would make it a good day for energy collection.
@@.choice;
[[Distract The Cowgirl|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 9>>Today you were looking over some of the sales figures, trying to see if you could apply the expertise of someone with a stomach to figure out what your next big push would be. The numbers and lines were already beginning to blur together when you heard footsteps in the hall behind you.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh! Be careful with them, please. They're sooo tender!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Hehe...of course they are. When was the last time you had them taken care of, little lady? Yesterday? The day before? You're just about full to the brim, I'd say.">>
The footsteps passed your door and you pushed back from the desk and stuck your head into the hall. Damien was actually //carrying// JJ bridal-style down the hallway, the cowgirl's weight apparently so insubstantial that the man's powerful forearm wasn't even flexed.
<<nm $phYou "...Something wrong?">>
<<nm $phJolie "M-$phJolie.Address! Oh! Not wrong...but...">>
Damien half turned and looked back at you with his usual respectful nod. You could see that the big man's hand was splayed across JJ's titanic chest, and her uniform was already darkened with several spot of wetness.
<<nm $phDamien "Nothing major, ma'am, but this one's been at the register a mite too long and didn't bother to come back and get herself treated right. I was about to go take care of that on the fancy machine back there, but I'm sure she'd enjoy it even more if you were there. You got the time?">>
JJ fluttered her eyelashes at the pair of you, her arms wrapped adoringly around Damien's neck. Apparently she had been pushing herself and hadn't gotten milked. You suspected that was probably more of a ploy to get Damien's personal attention, but that didn't mean she wouldn't delight in a second firm hand to help her empty out. You had to admit that that would be a much more fun way to spend the time. The sales figures would wait.
On the other hand, they //would// be waiting for you when you were done. Maybe it was better to let Damien ply his trade without interference and get back to work. You had every confidence that he could handle it.
<<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('ShakeShack')>>
@@.choice;
[[Join Damien and JJ|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('ShakeShack2')>><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>You weren't interested in the crowds or customers today, however. Instead, you were seeking out your bullish manager to ask him a couple of quick questions. Everything in the food court was running well, but you were starting to wonder if it was time to update the menu again, and--
<<nm $phXavier "Something I can help you with, sapling?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Xun, I didn't know you were-- Uh...">>
You looked up...and froze in place. The dryad offered you a warm smile without a hint of hesitation...as though it were perfectly normal for her boss to walk in on her completely nude, sitting up on one of the milking benches.
That wasn't what stopped you, though. Xun's chest had always been rather modest by the standards of Paradise. Now, though, she had gained at least four full cup sizes and you could see a small white dot of milk standing on the tip of each breast. You stared.
<<nm $phYou "...Ah?">>
<<nm $phXavier "An... enhancement, for a particular type of visit. I learned I do have certain options when I want to provoke a particular response, sapling. Oh, speaking of!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Alright. Tanks are put away. Now, where's my pu-- Uh! Boss!">>
Damien stopped in the doorway he had just thrown open hard enough to slam the door back against the wall. You couldn't help but notice that the bull was breathing hard and huffing in a way that you suspected had nothing to do with exertion. You had learned to read him pretty well since you'd first transformed the poor man.
...Though, in fairness, it could also have been the fact he wasn't wearing anything but his cowboy hat, and that massive prick of his was standing up from his waist like a steel rod. You felt your face heat despite yourself.
<<nm $phYou "I should...uh... I should go. I can come back another time and...uh...I'm sure there are simulacra out there who could use a hand.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Of course, sapling. I'm sure Damien would be happy to talk to you later when he's less...occupied. You shouldn't feel it necessary to leave, though I feel compelled to warn you if you're still standing there in ten seconds, my bull is going to hold you down and fuck your ass until you are so full of his cum your belly looks like a beach ball.">>
...You blinked at that, your jaw dropping open. The dryad's expression hadn't so much as twitched as she delivered that prediction...but Damien's had. You saw the big man's cock //jump//, his stance widen, and his breathing got even harder.
<<nm $phYou "But...">>
<<nm $phXavier "Five seconds, sapling.">>
@@.choice;
[[Wait Five Seconds!|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 13]]@@
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Business As Usual|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phGoodbye to 'shakewait']]<<set $phTime +=1>>@@<<if $phDamien.focus_shake >= 1>>You caught up with Damien at Shakes 'n Sundaes, spotting him as he was carrying a milk bottle to the register. You stepped into line behind him and prodded him lightly on the back.
<<nm $phYou "At it again? Starting to think you do the exercise just as an excuse for the treat at the end.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ha! Well, you actually have to have some bulk before you can bulk up. What can I say? If it wasn't here, it'd be the grocery store across the street and, believe me, its ten times better here. How are you, $phYou.firstname?">>
Damien, laughing, turned toward you. You noticed he was casually rising up a bit on his toes, to make the height disparity less noticeable. You wondered if he did that so often he had forgotten he was doing it.
<<nm $phYou "I'm good. Thought I'd grab a snack on my way through. As you say, it's much better here. Can't stay away for very long.">>
<<nm $phDamien "No kidding. So, in and out today? I always sit down a bit and rest up. So, you know, if you wanted someone to talk to...">>
He was doing his level best to play it cool and that got a smile out of you. You could sit with him for a while, which would help get to know him a bit more, but it would take up some of your free time for the day. You could also plead a busy schedule. Damien didn't strike you as being the sort to take that too personally.<<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 6>>
You had another option, though. You now had the special packages of protein shakes that Mason had created, which were currently being chilled in a fridge behind the counter. You could give Damien one of them to take home. If they worked as well as Mason suggested, you suspected you would very quickly see him again to complete the process.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>[[Join Damien At A Table|DamienShakeTalk]]<br>
<<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 6>>[[Give Damien A Pack Of Special Shakes|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 0]]<br><</if>>
[[Maybe Another Time|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damienquick']]<</nobr>>@@
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_shake is 0) and ($phDamien.focus_gym is 0)>>You were perusing the ice cream selection when you spotted him, a young man with spiked reddish brown hair standing at one of the display cases, studying the back of a pair of milk bottles with a level of concentration that was usually reserved for performing surgery. You could feel a tingle in the air around him, a glow that made him stand out from everyone else around him. Your body knew what it meant, and you felt your stomach rumble for something that enough this store's treats couldn't satisfy.
He was after something, and he was ready for the change. In short, he was exactly the sort of person you were put here to find.
You pointed to your favorite flavor, and the simulacrum behind the counter fetched it for you quickly, assembling a banana sundae with practiced alacrity. Taking your treat, you turned and walked up behind the young man, tapping him on the shoulder with your free hand.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBase.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBase.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "If you need a flavor recommendation, I'm sure I could come up with a few. It's not much of a treat if you think about it that hard.">>
The young man jumped, turning with so much surprise on your face it wouldn't have been out of place if you had apparated out of thin air. Now that you were closer, you could see that he was a few inches shorter than you were. Combined with a fit but slender frame and remarkably long eyelashes, it gave him a distinctly feminine cast despite the sleeveless shirt and gym shorts he was wearing.
<<nm $phDamien "Hu- Oh! Oh sorry. I, ah, I just got done with a workout <<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 0>>at that gym down the street.<</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1>>at that gym just across the mall.<</if>> Thought I could do with a protein shake, but I'm not familiar with most of these brands.">>
<<nm $phYou "We've got some very special products here, I'm sure you've already seen that looking around the floor. I'm $phYou.firstname, by the way. Leastways, that's what people call me.">>
You extended your free hand to him, and he shook automatically. His fingers were soft against the palm of your hand, but his grip was firm and strong.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> You noticed there was no macho posturing in his grip, however. Some men always tried to prove themselves by squeezing as hard as they could.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "Gotcha. <<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Damien') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Damian')>>Guess it's a small world -- I'm Damien, too.<<else>>Ah, I'm Damien.<</if>> It's nice to meet you, $phYou.firstname. Ah...what do you mean 'we'? You work here?">>
You chatted for a minute, explaining that you manage some of the shops within the mall. Damien seemed suitably impressed by this, and with you generally. He kept his attention focused mostly on your eyes as you talk, but you do catch him glancing down at <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>the way your shirt clung to your fit form<<else>>the curves of your suit<</if>> from time to time, though each time he snapped his eyes up again as if mentally kicking himself. Finally, flushing, he raised one of the milk bottles with an apologetic expression.
<<nm $phDamien "Alright. Well, I'll stop blocking the aisle now. Sorry again, and thank you. It's always nice to relax and talk a bit after a long workout. It was really nice running into you.">>
You considered. You could let him make his exit now, and get back to what you were doing before you spotted him, or you could invite him to come sit for a while. From the way he was admiring you, you didn't doubt he would leap at the chance. That would help you get to know him, but you didn't think extracting his hidden desires would be a quick process, so it would certainly cost you some time.
You decided to...<<set $phDamien.focus_shake to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Invite Damien To Sit With You|DamienShakeTalk]]
[[Say Your Goodbyes For Today|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damieninitial']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.focus_shake is 0) and ($phDamien.focus_gym > 0)>><<nm $phDamien "Oh hey! Getting an after-workout treat too?">>
You turned away from the display at the sound of the familiar voice. Damien, the slender young man from the gym, was standing at your elbow, a milk bottle in his hand. You chuckled and waved cheerfully.
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. Actually, I help manage this place too, if you can believe it. Whether its calories going out or coming in, we've sort of got it covered.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Wow, really? I guess that makes sense. That's gotta be an odd job, overseeing so many different kinds of places.">>
<<nm $phYou "It has its moments, certainly. At least it's never dull.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I'll bet! Anyway, I was just grabbing a bottle and sitting down for a bit. You're welcome to join me...ah...unless you were on your way somewhere? Don't let me keep you.">>
You thought about it. Talking to Damien outside the gym might just reveal some different desires from the young man and give you another avenue of change. On the other hand, if you were going to sit down you wanted more than just a quick chat, and you still had other things to do. It would probably take up a chunk of your free time today if you agreed. <<set $phDamien.focus_shake to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Invite Damien to Sit With You|DamienShakeTalk]]
[[Some Other Time Maybe|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'damienquick']]@@<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake >= 1>><<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address, so good to see you! How are you today?">>
Jolie was happy to see you, that much was clear. She crossed over to you quickly, smiling from ear to ear, and gave you an air kiss on either cheek.
<<nm $phYou "Good to see you too! How are you, Jolie?">>
The actress shrugged, the motion making her chest bounce a little within the confines of her top. She waved a hand in an absent sort of way.
<<nm $phJolie "It is the usual, I expect. I am working, one can hardly ask for more than that, yes? It is a new day. Are you...how you say...on business or pleasure today?">>
In other words, were you just grabbing lunch or were you ready to <<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 1>>start on that job you had teased her with?<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 2>>begin shooting for her big gig?<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 3>>show off the final cut of the commercial?<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_shake is 4) or ($phJolie.focus_shake is 5)>>talk about future opportunities?<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_shake is 6)>>tell her about your next offer? You had the headset foci that Mason had made on you and it was more than ready to introduce Jolie to a simpler, more relaxed outlook. Was today the day?<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Business with Jolie|JolieShakeTalk]]<<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 6>>
[[Give Jolie The Headphones|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 0]]<</if>>
[[Just Grabbing A Bite To Eat|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'joliequick']]
@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_shake is 0) and ($phJolie.focus_comp > 0)>>You spotted a familiar face as you crossed into the food court. Jolie, the aspiring actress you'd met plugging away in the computer lab, was sitting at one of the tables and chewing on the rubber end of a pencil. In front of her was a shopping list of items with prices neatly printed beside each entry. Several had been crossed out, with a new sum at the bottom added for each revision. Her furrowed brow suggested she was not getting an answer she liked.
Ah, budgets. You remembered those, once upon a time. Demonic intervention had its perks. You changed direction to join her.
<<nm $phYou "Jolie? Is that you?">>
The blonde woman looked up and broke into an instant and blinding smile the moment she saw you. She quickly sprang to her feet and enfolded you in a bear hug. Her body was soft and plush beneath her outfit and you did not at all object to being handled so closely. When she moved back across the table, you saw her hastily snatch up the shopping list and stuff it into a pocket, embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, $phJolie.Address! I should not be surprised that you come here to eat as well. Sit, sit! Join me. Unless...you do not have your meal yet?">>
You spread your empty hands to show that you hadn't stopped off at any of the food court options today and flashed your best winning smile.
<<nm $phYou "No, no. Actually, I was looking for you, Jolie.">>
The woman blinked and cocked her head to one side the way a small dog would when hearing an unfamiliar noise.
<<nm $phJolie "Really? Why is this?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I had some big news. If you're not completely tied up these days...well, the mall is looking to put out some new advertisements and I thought you might just be perfect for the part.">>
Jolie's gasp was so loud that several of the nearby diners turned to follow the noise. She wasn't paying any attention to them, her eyes shining with a sudden blaze of hope and need.
<<nm $phJolie "Truly? That's wonderful, I...sorry! I am being so rude! Thank you so much for thinking of me! Do you want to talk about it, or...?">>
Good question. You had her attention, but of course you hadn't actually set up any advertising initiative yet. You were pretty sure a few covert texts to Mason could summon up a believable ensemble, especially if you took the opportunity to chat over lunch first. On the other hand, maybe it would be best to try another day after you'd had time to set things up more fully. <<set $phJolie.focus_shake to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Grab A Meal And Start Improvising|JolieShakeTalk]]
[[Just Letting Her Know It Was Coming|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'meetquick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_shake is 0) and ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0)>>Your stomach rumbled at you as you turned into the food court. It had already been a long day, and you were more than ready to not only have a snack but a few quiet minutes to yourself to collect your thoughts.
It wasn't to be. A flash of light draw your attention to one side. There was a row of displays along the wall. Half the screens showed order numbers for the restaurants on either side, while the other half were looping advertisements of happy people holding various lovely food items. It wasn't the screens that had drawn your eye, however, but a woman standing next to the displays. She was blonde and tall, perhaps an inch or two taller than you, with a generous figure that even a turtleneck top couldn't conceal. She was watching a beaming model extol the virtues of the new, healthy and affordable options available only seconds away...
...and she was glowing. Only you could see it, but the desire was shining from her like a neon sign. She was one of yours.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieBase.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieBase.png]]</picture>@@
You changed direction immediately, stepped away from the herd and watched the blonde woman as she shook herself off and headed to a table, the glow diminishing to a dull shine. You wondered briefly if her desire was tied to the health food on offer, but she certainly wasn't eyeing any of the wonderful confections on display around her with any kind of longing. She was a little bigger than the ideal, but still well within what would be considered pleasantly curvy, so you doubted it had to do with her weight.
It wasn't until she picked up an order of Chinese noodles, arrived at a table, and took a stack of stapled white paper out of her bag that you got it. You smiled and finally moved to intercept, stepping close to the chair across from her. She actually didn't notice for a few seconds and her eyes locked on the paper in front of her, but she finally raised her head in response to your extended hand.
<<nm $phYou "...Forgive me. My name is $phYou.firstname, and I was just passing through but...is that a script you're holding?">>
The woman clasped your hand briefly in her own, her expression still confused. When she spoke, you realized she had a soft, pleasant accent. French, you guessed.
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Jolie') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Joli')>><<nm $phJolie "Oh! //Parlez-vous français?//">>
<<nm $phYou "... uh...">>
<<nm $phJolie "...no, you do not. I am //also// Jolie; I thought perhaps you were also //francophone//. I apologize. But -- yes, it is a script. Why do you ask?">><<else>><<nm $phJolie "Ah... I'm Jolie. Nice to meet you. Yes, it is...Why do you ask?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I recognize this is a bit unexpected, but I'm actually part of the management here. I oversee a lot of our marketing campaigns, and I was wondering if you might be open to work?">>
Jolie's eyes lit up so brightly that it was all you could do not to break into an immediate grin. Yes, that was it. She was interested, and you could turn that interest into an excuse to find out what was //really// motivating her. An offer of a meal and a chat would get the ball rolling on what you had in mind, and you were sure a couple of subtle texts could have things set up quickly. On the other hand, you hadn't actually intended to find her here. You could just give her your card and promise to catch up with her soon. Aspiring actresses didn't usually turn down a part just because it would take a few days or weeks to get all the details. She would wait, you were sure. <<set $phJolie.focus_shake to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Grab A Meal|JolieShakeTalk]]
[[Just Your Card For Today|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'meetquick']]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 3>><<goto CassandraCompTalk>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp > 0>>You saw Cassandra sitting at one of the computers, drawing freehand on a rental tablet. You headed that way, pulled back an adjacent chair, and settled yourself into it. As you did, you put a hand briefly on the back of Cassandra's seat.
<<nm $phYou "Hey Cass. How are you doing today?">>
<<if $phCassandraShy is 1>>The young woman's answering reply was obviously in the affirmative, but too quiet to actually hear. You took it as a good sign, however, and pulled your seat up next to the keyboard. Cassandra returned to her drawing, but you could sense her attention still on you.
It was clear more work was going to be required to help Cassandra open up. You were pretty sure you could do it, with the tower's magical help, but it wouldn't be a fast process. You had to decide if you wanted to devote the time today or just make some small talk for a few minutes before getting back to work.
<</if>><<if $phCassandraShy is 2>>Cassandra looks up at you and smiled brightly. It was a far sight from her inaudible replies only a short time ago.
<<nm $phCassandra "Doing okay, $phCassandra.Address. Doing some work today?">>
<<nm $phYou "As always. It never seems to end.">>
You settled yourself down into your chair, and Cassandra turned her attention back to her creative endeavors. Her position was open, however, and you knew from experience she wouldn't mind the conversation.
<<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 6>> You felt Mason's CD case bump against your body inside your jacket pocket. Cassandra wished for a new world. It could be time to give it to her, though away from prying eyes.
Besides, given the chaos of its making, you weren't sure you wanted to carry the thing much longer.
@@.choice;
[[Invite Cassandra To A Side Room|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 0]]@@<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Devote Some Time To Cassandra|CassandraCompTalk]]
[[Small Talk Only|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandraquick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_comp is 0) and ($phCassandra.focus_gym > 0)>><<set $phCassandra.focus_comp to 1>><<nm $phYou "Well, there's a familiar face.">>
Cassandra looked up at you with evident surprise. She had settled herself in at one of the computer chairs, but she was using one of the rental tablets to draw free hand. She studied your face for a few seconds before recognition dawned.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address? What are you doing here?">>
<<nm $phYou "Unwinding. The connection is better here than at home, and it's nice to have a little ambient noise to help with relaxing. Do you come here a lot?">>
Cassandra fidgeted for a moment, as if deciding whether you were likely to make fun of her for being a frequent visitor. Finally, she raised the tablet up slightly.
<<nm $phCassandra "I just found it recently, but they have a monthly rental rate inside the store that is...well, it's really good. I could never afford one of these myself, so...ah...well, it's nice to indulge a little.">>
<<nm $phYou "I understand entirely. Do you mind if I indulge in this seat next to you?">>
Cassandra gestured amicably to the chair beside her and you pulled it back and settled yourself in it. The computer had a login screen that asked for the usual name and password. You punched keys randomly for a few seconds and then clicked enter. The words 'Password Accepted' flashed on the screen as the PC began loading options for you.
It was good to be the boss.
Cassandra returned her attention to her work, but you could feel her shooting you curious glances when she thought you weren't looking. You were quite sure you could draw her out from her shell given enough time, and would probably learn some new things in this environment. Time was the operative word, however, as it would not be a short process. Alternatively, you could make small talk for today and be back to your regular work quickly, leaving Cassandra to your future self.
@@.choice;
[[Devote Some Time To Cassandra|CassandraCompTalk]]
[[Small Talk Only|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandraquick']]
@@
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.focus_comp is 0) and ($phCassandra.focus_gym is 0)>>The computer cafe was particularly busy today. When you had first spotted the description in the tower's build system, you had actually wondered if it might be an outdated relic of the last decade. High-speed internet access has long ago made the leap into residences, at least in a city as large as this one. Paradise offered far more than just a fiber connection, however. The computers hummed with electricity, in both the literal and figurative sense. School papers and work reports were written faster and more elegantly, niche website always seemed to appear to entertain, and finding a group of any kind of nerdy pursuit was a sign-up sheet away.
Tonight there was a tournament of some variety taking place in one of the back rooms. The sound proofing was excellent, but every so often a cheer or cry of despair would make it over the low ambient music to celebrate or bemoan the fate of kirby's latest victim. Every other computer monitor was occupied and several of the back tables were spread with figurines, cards, and cardboard. You were considering whether to sit down and do a little surfing yourself or continue your walk through other stores when a movement caught your eye.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassandraInitial.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassandraInitial.png]]</picture>@@
She was crossing behind the rows of computer, her arm resting protectively over the messenger bag slung at her hip. Her head was low with her eyes on her feet, and as she passed the door into the tournament room she flinched visibly from a sudden cry of anger from within as someone objected to a 'cheap move'. You saw an expression of annoyance cross over the woman's features as she recovered her footing, and you could all but hear her inner monologue chiding herself for the overreaction.
She was all but shining in your vision. The expression on her face made her stand out clearly when everyone around her might as well have been faceless mannequins. You felt the //need// radiating off her as easily as if it had been actual heat.
She was one of yours.
You watched as she found a seat for herself, pulled it up close to a computer monitor, and typed in her user ID. The program she pulled up looked like some kind of graphic design tool, and she was immediately zoomed in close on a work already in progress, laboriously adding lines and colors to the image.
You waited for a few minutes, then crossed over behind her and laid your hand on the back of her chair. She jumped, despite your wide smile, and you did your best to keep your voice as friendly as possible.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry. Wanted to ask before I sat down. Do you mind if I sit next to you? It's a little crowded today.">>
The woman's eyes returned to her screen and she made no immediate reply. You looked at the security login on your own screen, hesitated for a moment, and then let your fingers punch keys at random. When you hit enter, the screen lit with the words 'password accepted'.
Good to be the boss.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks. I really appreciate it. I'm $phYou.firstname. At least that's what they call me here. It's something of a nickname.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...I'm Cassandra<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Cassandra'>>, too<</if>>.">>
You looked up in surprise. The woman's voice was soft and her inflection pitched up at the end, making the words sound almost like a question more than a statement. She seemed as surprised as you to be speaking at all, and her shoulders bunched uncomfortably. You let your charm shine fully in your answering smile.
<<nm $phYou "Very nice to meet you, Cassandra. I love the beanie.">>
Cassandra's reacted more like you had slapped her than complimented her. Her hand shot up to grip the purple beanie, as if making sure it was still in place, and her eyes again darted away from you. She mumbled a thank you so quietly you weren't entirely sure you understood the words over the ambient noise.
Even with the tower backing you up magically, this one might take some work. You thought about it. You didn't want to cut things off in the middle, so if you were going to talk you had better commit to some time investment. Alternatively, you could consider that a fine introduction for the day, spend fifteen or twenty minutes answering some emails, and be back on the floor before you lost any significant time.<<set $phCassandraShy to 1>><<set $phCassandra.focus_comp to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Pry Open Cassandra's Shell|CassandraCompTalk]]
[[Another Time. Just Small Talk Today|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassandrameet']]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 3>><<goto JolieCompTalk>><</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp > 0>>You strolled past the computers desk and flashing lights into one of the computer labs along the back hallway. Sure enough, if you strained your ear outside of the last door you could hear a familiar voice speaking with bombast and feeling. Chuckling softly, you waited for a break in the speech before you opened the door.
Jolie looked up with some surprise from the sheaf of papers she was reading from. When she recognized you, she smiled and reached over to thumb off the computer console's webcam.
<<nm $phJolie "Ah! So good to see you again! I trust I am not being too loud?">>
<<nm $phYou "No, no. You're totally fine. I could barely hear you from outside the door. How is the reading going?">>
Jolie's answering smile was wry. She tossed down the script on the table beside the keyboard.
<<nm $phJolie "It is...proceeding, I suppose. It is not as easy as I would hope, but there is...how you say...forward progress?<<if $phJolie.focus_comp > 2>> I have even found some new possible projects. A new mountain to climb, yes?<</if>>">>
You laughed and leaned up against one the nearby computer desks. Jolie didn't look very perturbed by your interuption, so you were sure she could spare a little time to chat and maybe find out more about her innermost desires. On the other hand, you could just claim to have been stopping by and leave it for a more advantageous day.<<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 6>>
You had a third option, though. The mask that Mason had created was still tucked into the breast pocket of your jacket. Jolie was still looking for her next role, so perhaps it was the right time to give her the help that she wanted. You weren't entirely sure what the mask was going to do, but you trusted Mason enough to know that Jolie would have no more issues getting into any character at all.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Jolie Some More About Her Acting|JolieCompTalk]]<<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 6>>
[[Introduce Jolie To The Mask|JoliePornstarTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 0]]<</if>>
[[Exit, Stage Right|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'joliequick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0) and ($phJolie.focus_shake > 0)>>You stretched and yawned as you passed through the door into the computer cafe, looked around briefly to make sure nothing was out of place, and headed for the back. You had more than enough equipment in your office for the work you had to do, but it was sometimes nice to get out into 'the world' at least a little bit. A change of scenery could make a project fly by a lot faster.
The cafe catered to a solitary experience, with all of the customers plugged into their private screens, headsets, and interfaces. Now and again they would gather in small groups around a console or a card table or a group of linked PCs, but for the most part everyone kept to themselves. So it was something of a surprise when you nearly collided with a woman stepping out from the backrooms. Even more surprising that you recognized her.
<<nm $phYou "Jolie?">>
The blonde woman turned and beamed as she recognized you. She stepped up to you quickly and delivered air kisses to both of your cheeks. The motion pressed her top-heavy form up against you, but you certainly weren't going to complain about that.
<<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address! I wasn't expecting to see you, I- Oh! Do you also oversee this place?">>
<<nm $phYou "I do, more or less. I know it's a bit of a strange combination, but I have my fingers in a lot of pies. As many as I can manage, usually. What are you up to?">>
Jolie held up the stack of paper she was holding in her hand. You could see the carefully typed bits of stage direction and dialogue, several lines of it highlighted with yellow marks.
<<nm $phJolie "Practice practice! Always practice. I got a part in a play recently, I am happy to say. I was just taking a break, but I could talk for a while, if there's anything new on the modeling project you want to tell me. If you have even more time...well, I could use someone to practice with. I've been talking to myself for hours now, and it's nicer to have someone who //actually// talks back.">>
You thought about it. Spending time with Jolie in a new place might just help you encourage out some new details and maybe see what else the young woman most desires. You had intended to work, though, so you could excuse yourself for now and drop in on her another day.<<set $phJolie.focus_comp to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Assist Jolie With Her Practice|JolieCompTalk]]
[[Exit, Stage Right|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'joliequick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0) and ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0) and (ndef $phJolieCompIntro)>>The quiet pulse of the computer cafe's music thrummed pleasantly around you as you stepped through the doors. You gave a cursory look over the place, ensuring that everyone was happily engaged with their chosen screens, headsets, and experiences. Despite the fact the shop was growing increasingly popular, the insulated nature of the offerings always made it a good place to settle in and get some work done when the office just didn't feel right.
You were passing into the back hallways, rows of private computer rooms on either side, when you heard something over the music. You cocked your head to the side and paused, uncertain what the noise was.
It came again. A woman's voice. Desperate, sobbing, and angry. It was coming from the room at the farthest end of the hall. You started moving again, hurrying toward the door, and as you did the sounds got worse. You began to catch words. She was screaming at someone, telling them to leave her alone and that they should kill her if that's what they came to do!
Adrenaline pumping through your system, you hit the door at the end of the hall hard with your shoulder and threw it open with a loud thump as the metal door slammed against the opposite wall. A woman screamed. Your eyes swept the room, looking for the danger...
...and came to rest on a tall, blonde woman staring back at you with wide, surprised eyes.
A tall, blonde woman holding @@.choice;[[A Script|JolieComp][$phJolieCompIntro to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0) and ($phJolie.focus_comp is 0) and ($phJolieCompIntro is 1)>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieBase.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieBase.png]]</picture>@@
Jolie laughed and patted your arm again, shaking her head back and forth.
<<nm $phJolie "I am really very sorry. I'm usually very quiet, but I was getting into the scene and I didn't think about...well, how it would sound to anyone outside.">>
You patted her hand in return, chuckling. Once you both had realized what was happening, it was easy to clear up. The blonde woman had given you her name, Jolie, and assured you that she wasn't in any danger. She had a faint European accent of some kind, likely French, and her laughter at her own mistake was pleasant and free-flowing.
<<nm $phYou "It's alright, really. Just be a little more careful about what scenes you practice while you're here. Why //do// you practice here, anyway, if you don't mind my asking?">>
Jolie pointed to the workstation she was camped at. You saw that the webcam was aglow atop the monitor frame. It was an expensive model with a ton of ridiculous features, and probably cost more than the 4K monitor that it was perched on.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, I can practice anywhere, but here I can watch my own practice and break it down. It is most helpful, yes? To see the moments where I am not my character, but just Jolie again. To see where I miss my lines, or do not give my best. It is very important, if I am to improve. Does that make sense?">>
As she spoke, Jolie's face lit up with more than metaphorical light. You could see the need and desire flowing off her as an actual glow in your eyes, and very nearly felt the heat on your skin. She wanted something, alright. More than anything. The tower was helping give her the tools to bring out what she truly wanted, but it would be up to you to satisfy it.
She was one of yours.
You smiled and leaned back in your chair. You were sure Jolie would not mind talking for a little longer, and you might just be able to pry loose some of that glowing desire from her and get it out into the open. On the other hand, you were sure that she would be here again soon. With the misunderstanding cleared up, you could easily drop in on her again to say hello any time you wished. That would leave you free to go back to work for the rest of the day and catch up with Jolie another time.
Decisions, Decisions.
@@.choice;
[[Ask Jolie Some More About Her Acting|JolieCompTalk]]
[[Exit, Stage Right|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'meetquick']]@@<<set $phJolie.focus_comp to 1>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'hentai') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar') and ($phLocations['CompCafe']['level'] gt 1) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('CompCafe') is false)>><<set _random to 9>><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform is 'hentai') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar') and ($phLocations['CompCafe']['level'] gt 1) and ($phCassandra.date is 9) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('CompCafe2') is false)>><<set _random to 10>><</if>>
<<if ndef _random>><<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3, 4);
if (State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['level'] > 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(5,6);
}
if (State.variables.phJolie.transform == 'pornstar') {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(8);
}
if (State.variables.phCassandra.transform == 'hentai') {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(7);
}
if ((State.variables.phCassandra.transform == 'hentai') && (State.variables.phJolie.transform == 'pornstar') && (State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['level'] > 1)) {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(9);
}
if ((State.variables.phCassandra.transform == 'hentai') && (State.variables.phJolie.transform == 'pornstar') && (State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['level'] > 1) &&
(State.variables.phCassandra.date == 9)) {
State.variables.phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].push(10);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['CompCafe']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>>
<</nobr>>Actually setting up the complicated web of computer electronics that makes up the cafe is a bit beyond you, but half of it is only for show anyway. The tower was more than capable of creating the equipment, maintaining the hardware, and smoothing out anything that didn't work like it should.
The tower //wasn't// as good as you when it came to //how// to set things, though. You were human, or at least you had been recently enough to remember, and you could instantly find ways to optimize what had been set up. You rescheduled complimentary events to take place closer to one another, you moved icons around on the default desktops, and you made sure that the games and programs people expected were right where they should be.
<<if _random is 1>>A quiet, but heavily exaggerated, moan broke your concentration. You looked up and found that the back room you'd been working in was mostly empty, save for one lone occupant. A youngish man was at one of the computers against the far wall, wearing a set of earbuds plugged into the computer. You could hear the tinny voice of the woman on screen, who was being plowed by a pair of muscular bodies and enjoying every second of it. The young man's hand rested in his lap, but you couldn't tell from here whether it was above or under the fabric.
You grinned. Someone hadn't realized you were back here. You had been working so quietly and intently behind the wall of monitors that you hadn't been spotted, and it was apparently time for a bit of self-love. Normally you might preach a little more self-control, but that really wasn't fair with the tower working its magic.
Maybe you could work a little magic of your own on the poor guy. It would certainly be one way to get a little energy flowing to your coffers.
@@.choice;
[[Improve His Technique|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]
<</if>><<if _random is 2>>The café featured a pair of full VR rooms in the back, equipped with the wireless helmets and most up-to-date control setups. You were bent over a keyboard making improvements to one of them when you noticed a very short brunette woman pause outside the door to the other room, look briefly in both directions in a way that screamed 'I am up to no good', and then hurry inside.
Curious, you tapped a few keys as she got herself set up in the helmet. The two rooms were actually linked to the same server, and it was an easy thing to pull up what she was accessing. It was a game with a clear anime aesthetic. A digital blonde bombshell stood in front of the woman's avatar and...
...you grinned as the brunette keyed in a few commands and expanded the figure's bust a couple of sizes. You had a pretty good idea of just what kind of game the brunette was about to indulge in. A stray thought crossed your mind. The two helmets were linked...maybe if you could line things up correctly, you could make the experience a lot more 'realistic' than she was probably expecting. That would certainly help funnel some sexual energy to the tower.
@@.choice;
[[Provide Some 'Reality' to the 'Virtual' Experience|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]
<</if>><<if _random is 3>>You were working in the main room today, setting up a couple of the new PCs. Actually, their innards were much the same as the ones that had been there previously, but changing out computer cases every so often would drive some customers to the 'newer' and 'faster' machines, despite the fact that the ones found in your cafe were far faster than anything they could get outside of it.
A faint, muffled noise pricked your ear and you looked up. Since you had started working here, you had become extremely familiar with the difference between an ordinary sigh and one born of pleasure. You homed in instantly on the small, bookish red-headed woman in the front row. She was looking around guilty to see if anyone had heard her before turning back to her monitor. Words scrolled slowly in front of her eyes, and you guessed the story they told involved a lot of ripping bodices, judging from the way her hand slipped down between her thighs. You even saw one illustration scroll past. A nude woman on her knees before a man wearing an expensive business suit.
A flicker of light pulled your attention away to the left. Several seats over, you spotted a dark-haired man making the same guilty look around him. The images on //his// screen were neither tasteful nor illustrated, though he tried hard to shield them with his body. Women bounced on erect shafts, arms held behind their back with elaborate latex bindings.
You ran your tongue over your lips. They were so close together both physically and in what they secretly wanted, but they didn't know it. You could solve that, if you had the time. If they hit it off as well as you suspected they would, their consummation would do wonders in topping off the cafe's energy for the day.
@@.choice;
[[Play Matchmaker|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]
<</if>><<if _random is 4>>You had your head down and were idly chewing a pen as you rearranged the event schedule again. You were pretty sure if you lined this up right you could encourage a little cross pollinating with the various groups, in more ways than one. A loud but muffled wave of laughter caught your attention. You looked up and saw a group of college students crowding around a single PC.
<<npc "mnpc1" "First Student" "Who writes this stuff?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Second Student" "Everyone! C'mon, it's fun! It's like digital truth-or-dare. If you make it all the way to the end, you get to add some of your own for the next group!">>
A smile pulled at your lips. You'd heard of this game: a bunch of anonymous and titillating dares crowdsourced by the internet. Usually, it was just an excuse to have a few shots, act like an idiot, and maybe be 'forced' into some explicit circumstances. On a normal day, you were sure that a group would ignore the more risque suggestions. Here in the tower, though, those inhibitions might be significantly lower.
In fact, you had ultimate control of every PC in the place. You were pretty sure you could pass on a few suggestions of your own, if you wanted to bump the group toward something more exciting. It would certainly help top off your energy needs.
@@.choice;
[[Provide Some 'Dares'|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 4]]
<</if>><<if _random is 5>>You were in the main room today, keeping an eye on the upgraded monitors you had installed. According to Mason's systems, they would display subliminal messages throughout each customer's visit. They had certainly increased the energy being pulled in daily, but you still wanted to be sure they weren't making husks of your clients.
You noticed the woman immediately when she came through the front door. She was tall, dressed in a business suit, with her hair pulled back into a severe bun. Her expression suggested she had only heard about 'fun' when encountering the word in the dictionary. She didn't look left or right, but marched forward to one of the computers, settled a briefcase and a coffee onto the desk in such a way as to block the computers on either side of her from use, and began to type furiously.
Oh my. She may not have been quite as inhibited and repressed as your 'special' clients, but she was clearly flirting with the line. She'd be a wonderful test as to just how far the hypnotic screens could go, if you had the time to test them. You were quite sure the upgraded screens would pull in a better than average energy haul from it too, if you could actually coax her into relaxing.
@@.choice;
[[Start Coaxing|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]
<</if>><<if _random is 6>>You yawned as you picked your way through some of the background systems involved in running your new and improved monitor screens. You were pretty sure subliminal messages were no more scientific than casting a fireball from a scroll, but the displays still featured programming that could be tweaked and adjusted.
You clicked absently into a folder marked 'TEST' and the screen immediately filled up with files. Most of them had nonsensical names that you could only guess the purpose of, such as 'Iambic', 'Bath Temp', and 'Beat Line Adjustment'. One file jumped out at you though.
<<termtext "green" ">> Hands-Free Orgasm">>
You paused, your curiosity peaked. You hadn't notice anything different with the computer screens as you worked, but they weren't set up to target you. You could run the program and see what it was like, or you could just put the test file away and get back to optimizing.
@@.choice;
[[Indulge Your Curiosity|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]
<</if>><<if _random is 7>><<nm $phCassandra "Awww, $phCassandra.address. Have you been cooped up in here all day? You should relax!">>
You looked up as the monitor beside your flicked itself on and Cassy's image appeared. She had her hands on her hips and was waggling an animated finger in your direction in a motherly fashion.
<<nm $phYou "...Oh? And how do you suggest I relax?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "By watching a show! Let me put one on for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy yourself! I promise you'll like it...and it'll even help with some extra energy too!">>
Tempting. You had been working hard lately. You could relax for a while and take in Cassy's 'show', or you could tell her you were fine and just stick with the task you'd be working on.
@@.choice;
[[Start The Show|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]
<</if>><<if _random is 8>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Wife'>>You realized with annoyance that you were actually missing a part you needed for the project you were working on, and you picked up your phone. Jolie would probably know where it was kept.
<<nm $phJolie "Ah! Mmmm...ooh yeah...please give it to me, sweetie! You know you want to! Let me feel good!">>
You blinked down at the phone as the connection was made. You recognized Jolie's voice, and could even pair the inflection with her 'wifely' form. You were pretty sure you didn't recognize the other voice who, tone laced with pleasure, frantically urged Jolie to hang up the phone.
Oh my. Seems you had caught your favorite actress in the middle of a scene with a human. You could leave her to it, of course, and ask about the part later. There was still plenty you could do. Or...you could change Jolie's scene to a slightly different variant. Specifically, the one where Jolie's <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>husband<<else>>wife<</if>> caught her with her lover and demanded satisfaction.
Oh yes, that could be a very fun play to run through, and you were sure the mix of panic and pleasure her partner would experience would deposit an awful lot of energy into the cafe's coffers. What to do?
@@.choice;
[[Enter Jealous Spouse, Stage Left|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]
<</if>><<if _random is 9>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>You were passing into the backrooms when you heard an unexpected voice coming from Jolie's door -- unexpected enough that you paused.
<<nm $phCassandra "I know, the rules can seem a little intimidating, but that's why I'm trying to streamline it all. I can keep track of all the rolls and stats and such, and just update the world with the results. That way all the players have to worry about is enjoying the ride, and doing what their characters would do!">>
<<nm $phJolie "That might be true, but I'm not quite sure that-...Oh! $phJolie.address! You're working today?">>
You'd opened the door to the small office and found Jolie, maskless, sitting at a console screen with Cassy's cartoonish face flickering on the display. That was //another// surprise. You weren't sure that Jolie had spoken to anyone but you without her 'characters' on since she'd joined your crew. Apparently, that wasn't the case.
<<nm $phYou "Just thought I'd rejigger the systems a bit. What are you two talking about?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Miss Cassy is trying to make me a...how you say...guinea pig?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "It's perfect safe! The hypnotic screens $phCassandra.address installed all work great! I just wanted to use them for a little fun, that's all!">>
<<nm $phJolie "You said there would be dungeons.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "And dragons! That's the adventure, but it's all still just a game! Look, $phCassandra.address knows what it is. Would you give it a try if $pshe joins?">>
Jolie looked speculative as you settled yourself down into a seat in front of a computer screen. You hadn't //intended// to join any impromptu roleplaying game when you'd stopped in today, but you were sure that whatever Cassy had in mind would be a little more advanced, and a lot more explicit, than your typical dice adventure. Knowing how well Jolie got into character...well, it could be fun.
Or you could put your head down and stay out of it. The boring option, to be sure, but sometimes being the boss was like that.
<<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('CompCafe')>>
@@.choice;
[[Roll Up A Character|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]
<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<set $phCassandra.portrait to 'CassyJolie'>><<nm $phCassandra "O-Oh! Boss! Ah! W-What...brings you here today?">>
You were just moving through a hallway when you came close to running into Cassy. She was in her new form, so clearly it was another 'trade day' with Jolie. Oddly, though, she seemed to be having some trouble standing. She had a handout against the wall, and her knees were shaking visibly.
<<nm $phYou "Cassy? Everything alright?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Hmm? Oh, y-yeah! Everything is totally f-fine! Just...getting some exerci-aahhh!">>
There was a sudden low hum in the air, and Cassy's eyes almost crossed. She yelped and leaned hard against the wall, a red flush spreading across her cheeks. She took a couple of sharp breaths but couldn't seem to muster up anything to say.
You resisted the urge to grin. Oh, you had a sudden suspicion as to where Jolie was and what she was doing. Perhaps it had been part of the agreement for the day, but Cassy was clearly being teased by remote. It was good to see the girls getting along so well.
You could leave them to it. You had a lot of work to get down after all. On the other hand, Cassy was clearly enjoying herself. Maybe the three of you could find a way to make things even better.
Always with the hard choices.<<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('CompCafe2')>>
@@.choice;
[[Indulge In Some Fun|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Stick To The Tech|Computer Cafe][$phGoodbye to 'compwait']]<<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phDamien.recharge to 1>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym lt 5>><<set $phDamien.focus_gym += 1>><</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 2>><<nm $phDamien "Okay! Ten more, we can do it! One...two...!">>
You groaned, straightening your leg and lifting the weight at the end of the bench. Damien had been a good partner, showing you from machine to machine and encouraging you through each exercise. Sometimes, like now, you were side-by-side doing the same thing at the same time. Other times you spotted for each other, keeping an eye out and taking a rest while the other worked. He had started very cautiously with the weights...though by now you were lifting almost as much as he was. You had a suspicion you could probably do more if you had to, but there was no point in showing him up.
Your muscles burned as you took deep breaths. Your legs forced the weights up one last time before letting them drop with a resounding clank of impact. That was probably rude, or dangerous, but you didn't care. You lay back over the bench as you fought to get you wind back. Damien was more circumspect with letting the weights down, but he was soon stretched out on the bench next to you and panting just as hard.
You both laid there for a while, letting the ache drain out of your bodies until you were ready to sit up again. You dabbed at your forehead with a towel, and Damien lifted his water bottle to drain off the last he had left.
<<nm $phDamien "Not bad! I don't think I've done that much in one day in a while. I really like this place and...wow, well, a partner is way better than none. You're really in shape, $phYou.firstname, it's impressive.">>
You waved off the compliment and shrugged your shoulders. In truth, though, you were astonished at how well you'd done. Your body ate up the exercise like it was nothing. You still had to push yourself, but you hadn't yet even come close to finding your limit. Maybe you didn't have one anymore.
<<nm $phYou "Call it a benefit from managing places like this. Always have some incentive to stay at least in the ballpark of being in shape.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phDamien "No really! I see other guys who can do way more weight than me, but they're all...uh...Well, I mean, you don't //look// like...wait...what I mean...">>
He fumbled over the words, his cheeks turning red. You couldn't help but tease him, raising your eyebrows and fixing him with your gaze.
<<nm $phYou "I don't look like...?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah...I'm sorry. What I mean is, you look great, but you aren't bulking up. So you're //strong// but it's not all for show, you know? That's all I was trying to say...Jeez, I'm digging myself in deep, aren't I?">>
<<else>><<nm $phDamien "No really! I've never seen a woman lift half of what you did. And despite that, you look...ah...">>
He fumbled for the words, his cheeks turning red. You couldn't help but tease him, raising your eyebrows and fixing hin with your gaze.
<<nm $phYou "I look...?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah...I mean...amazing, is what I was going to say. It's...Not that I don't //like// a girl with some obvious muscle, but you look gorgeous and you still...I....I am totally just digging myself into a hole here, aren't I?">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Pretty much. But keep digging, I don't really mind.">>
<<nm $phDamien "...if you insist. As long as I'm this deep, I wanted to ask...uh...">>
You had both moved to stand and Damien abruptly found himself looking up at you. You had forgotten he was a few inches shorter than you were, since you'd spent most of the workout with one of you sitting or laying down at any given moment. The words seemed to freeze in his throat, and he looked away from you.
<<nm $phDamien "...Just ask if you come here a lot. Ah... 'cause I might see you around from time to time. Maybe say hi?">>
That was very much not what he was going to ask. You didn't need magic or demonic gifts for that one.
<<nm $phYou "...Are you alright? I thought y-">>
<<nm $phDamien "I'm great! Don't worry, just tired, is all. Hey, I'd better hit the showers and all that. I'll see you around, $phYou.firstname! Take care, okay?">>
You barely managed to get out a few words of farewell before Damien had all but vanished, hurrying through the rows of equipment in the direction of the men's showers. You watched him go for a long moment, cocking your head to the side.
Ooookay, so, not entirely a success, but you at least felt like you had learned a lot. Maybe he would loosen up a bit if you saw him again. In the meantime, you didn't think following him would do him much good. Lazren's body would draw some attention in the locker room even if you //weren't// trying to have a heart to heart among the shower stalls.
@@.choice;[[Showers|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'gymtalk']]@@ it was then. You'd track him down again another day.
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 3>><<nm $phDamien "Enough, Enough! I yield! You aren't human!">>
You slowed to a halt on the small track built against the outside wall of the gym, breathing heavily as you turned to look back at him. Your legs burned and your skin glistened with sweat. Your bent slightly, putting a hand on your knees to catch your breath. You were exhausted, and had no doubt you would sleep particularly well tonight.
Poor Damien, on the other hand, was red-faced and puffing, doubling over on the track. He continued to be an excellent workout partner, starting slow with some recommendations for stretches and warmups that had been fun and allowed you to set the pace. And set it you had. You hadn't had the opportunity to truly push your new body this way, and it had been amazing. You got tired, but a minute or two of rest and you were ready to keep moving. From stretches, to weights, to running your body did whatever you asked of it without complaint. Already, you could feel the pain running out of your legs, becoming a dull ache that faded by the second.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe there's a little something else mixed in. I've sort of felt like a new me since I started working here. All those tower steps are good for something, I guess?">>
<<nm $phDamien "I guess they must be! Will have to see if my next job can be a few floors up, if stairs can do all that. Why don't we sit down a sec? I think I'm going to die if we run anymore!">>
You laughed, and the pair of you walked to a set of benches beside the track. Running didn't seem like the most popular exercise, so you were the only two out this time of the day. The sun was bright and hot, but there was a small gazebo positioned just above the benches to provide a little shade. Damien huffed and puffed as he sat heavily down on the seat. He was silent for a minute, his breathing becoming more regular as the two of you just sat for a while. Finally, he shook his head.
<<nm $phDamien "...If my brother could see me now, he'd have some comments, I'll bet. Not that he ever //didn't//, but...you know what I mean?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not close to him, I take it? Older brother?">>
Damien sighed, lifting his arms to rest his elbows on the back of the bench. He tilted his head, squinting up through the slats in the gazebo roof.
<<nm $phDamien "Older brothers, plural. I've got three. Their dad was an army vet who got killed in the field. Mine is an attorney's PA my mom married afterward. //They// went into policing and construction and owning a business, and //I// push marketing papers for a living. I'll let you do the math on that one.">>
You nodded, slowly. You had met that type before, and you could well imagine the comments for a baby brother from another father.
<<nm $phDamien "Michael was always the worst, though. Not that he slung insults or anything, but because he never needed to. Whatever he set his mind to, he did. Just like that. Didn't matter what it was. I don't think he's ever been on a sports team without being the captain. I listened to teachers sing his praises all through school, and he could probably bench three of me at once. Type of guy who not only has a new girl every month, but all those girls are //still// friends with him even after he's onto the new thing, you know?<br><br>So, I finally decide to try bulking up again, and end up getting smoked by <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>a suit?<<else>>an Amazonian Chick?<</if>> Yeah, for that he would have words.">>
You smirked, raised your eyebrows, and gave him a very long look. He could see it out of the corner of his eye, and actually blushed.
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phYou "...A suit?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "...Amazonian chick?">><</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "<<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>>...Like Wonder Woman? <</if>>I...sorry. That didn't come out right. I really like you, $phYou.firstname. Honestly, I feel like I can actually //talk// to you, and it's been a long time for that. I guess I took it pretty hard growing up, you know? When you've got all these brothers, you just sort of assume you'll be a lot like them as you get older. I didn't //really// understand until later that it didn't work that way. <br><br>I guess I just wish I didn't have to worry about it so much? I doubt any of my brothers have ever second-guessed themselves in their entire lives, and that seems like all I do. But no matter how much I worry, how much I work...the genetic lottery is still a bitch, you know? And I //know// it's not about having biceps, or anything like that. I had a friend in high school that was skinny as a twig, and yet he-">>
He laughed, suddenly. It was that special sort of laughter, too loud and too quick to actually be natural. It was a release of tension, the way a bus's brakes hissed when they pulled up to a stop.
<<nm $phDamien "Wow, I really just...vented all over you. I'm sorry. Guess you caught me on kind of a weird day.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't really mind, Damien, really. In fact, if you want to talk more about i-">>
But he was already on his feet, the slender man half turning to wave in your direction as he jogged backward down the track a few paces.
<<nm $phDamien "Thanks, $phYou.firstname. I appreciate you listening, but I got it. Look, I gotta get a shower and get back, but I'll catch you again, alright? Stay safe out there!">>
And with that, he turned more fully and began jogging toward the gym again. You briefly debated running after him. It was very clear that he hadn't finished telling you all that he could. You doubt you would get any more from him today, though, and it would just make him clam up.
Older brother? An inferiority complex? Genetic lottery? You were pretty sure you could offer an answer to some of those problems, but you had a few too many //possible// answers. You still weren't sure what Damien wanted, other than a change.
But you were getting closer. You sighed and stood, wondering again at the fact that your muscles seemed to have fully recovered in the time it took to get your breath back. Someday, you were going to push this body to the limit...if it even had any.
With that pleasant thought in mind, you jogged back to the gym to @@.choice;[[Shower Off|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'gymtalk']]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 4>>Another day, another workout. You and Damien were both moving from machine to machine again, but you couldn't help but notice that he seemed somehow distracted today. Every time you had been with him, he'd always driven both you and himself to achieve those few extra reps or lifts to finish out a set, and added just one extra lap to the total just to wrap things up.
Today, though, he had barely finished his sets at all, and you caught him staring off into space when he was spotting for you. The pair of you had quickly fallen into working in silence, exchanging only the most necessary words to switch to this or that exercise or machine.
Finally, as you were wrapping up, you broke the silence by slapping him on the arm. The young man blinked, looking at you in surprise.
<<nm $phYou "What's eating you today? You've barely said three words to me, and we're almost done! Are you feeling alright?">>
Damien looked at his watch as though he couldn't believe the time it was showing. Then he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck the way he so often did, his expression apologetic.
<<nm $phDamien "I'm sorry, I...Guess I've had some things on my mind, since the last time we talked over here, that's all.">>
<<nm $phYou "We talked about your family, didn't we? Your brothers? Then you lit off like a bat out of hell.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I...I suppose I did. I guess it all seemed so petty, all of the sudden. Being here. Working out. Trying to bulk up and add muscle. Its not //really// about health, you know. I know I'm healthy enough, I'm in good shape and always have been. It's about something else, you know?">>
You moved closer to him, extending a hand to lay on the small of his back. You could feel an odd thrill the air, and that barely perceptible glow that has always clung to the young man seemed to intensify further. You could almost feel his skin heat against your fingers.
<<nm $phYou "You want to be like your brothers? Big? Muscular?">>
<<nm $phDamien "No! I mean...yes, but...it's not //just// that. It's like...Look, I had a friend a long time ago, in high school. His name was Edward, and he was...well, alright, he was gay. Not just gay, but...you know...kind of flaming? He liked to wear pink, wore his hair long and his nails painted. This was down south, too. My brothers hated him, and most of the guys in town felt the same. Even the teachers took every opportunity they could to drop a metric ton of shit on him.<br><br>And you know what? He didn't care. He got beat up for wearing a flower in his hair once, so he wore one for the rest of the year. He'd have groups of guys in his face and he'd brush past them like they weren't anything. I never saw him back down from anyone in his whole life. He liked what he liked and he wasn't going to take any shit about it, you know?">>
Damien's brothers were big and burly, according to what he had said before. Edward sounded like he has been anything but. Yet, you were pretty sure you understood.
<<nm $phYou "You admired his self-confidence, didn't you? And your brothers as well. That's why you're here working out. But you know it doesn't have anything to do with what they look like. Edward wasn't a muscular guy, right?">>
<<nm $phDamien "I know, I know. You're right. But I obviously don't have it the way that I am now. I never have. I figured it was at least worth a shot. Maybe, if I could work on something for a year or two, really stick with it and do all the right things, I'd get results I could be proud of. And if I was proud of them, maybe I could be proud of me too.">>
He laughed, somewhat hollowly, and stood up again from the bench, waving a hand vaguely at all the machines around the pair of you.
<<nm $phDamien "Probably not so uncommon. In fact, it's probably that sort of thinking that keeps places like this in business, but I can't just let it go. With a little work, a little luck...who knows, it might even pay off.">>
You stood as well, reaching out to touch his back lightly. The intense glow you had seem from him before had dimmed somewhat, back toward the level he'd been when you had first seen him. That, you suspected, had been the revelation. What he truly wanted.
<<nm $phYou "You never know. It might pay off bigger than you think.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ha! Maybe. Maybe it will. Thanks for listening, $phYou.firstname. I know listening to me isn't exactly what you came down to the gym for. I promise, I'll be a little more upbeat next time. Still, it feels good to at least get it out in the open. I'm going to hit the showers and then head home for today, I think. Tommorow is a new day, and all of that.">>
<<nm $phYou "It is, you're right. Have a good night, Damien. Thanks for the workout help, as always. I'll see you again soon.">>
As he turned and headed off toward the showers, you tapped your chin thoughtfully. So it wasn't muscle he was after, it was self-respect. In any other gym, you suspected the story would have a tragic ending. Someone bulking up and up without ever finding what they were after.
But not here. Here, you could actually give him what he needed. Mason should have more than enough to work with by now. You made a mental note to add a visit to your to-do list.
Tomorrow is, as he had said, a new day.
@@.choice;
[[Hit The Showers|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'gymtalk']]@@<</if>><<else>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You trained with Damien for a while, and the young man was astonished at your endurance. You were as well, but the body that Lazren gave you was more than able to cope. Damien is too tongue-tied around you for you to get very much of use out of him at first, and just when he seems about to risk making a move on you he suddenly retreats and leaves you high and dry.
Clearly, the young man had a few hang-ups where confidence was concerned. That was good to know, but you would have to @@.choice;[[Find Out More.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You did some jogging with Damien and pushed him to his limits keeping up with you. As the pair of you recovered on a bench, he talked about his family. His mother was remarried and his step brothers were all huge, muscular men in very manly occupations. Damien expressed particular envy for his brother Michael, a confident man's man. You asked if Damien wanted to be like his brother and do those kind of traditionally masculine things, but he said that wasn't it. Before you could pry what he meant out of him, however, he again abruptly chickened out and bolted with a muttered excuse.
There was something about his brothers and childhood, that much was clear. Right now, though, @@.choice;[[You Had No Idea What It Was.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You met up with Damien again, and he apologized for leaving suddenly the last time. After a little fitness training, he finally opened up about the whole story. He was envious of his brother Michael, but he was //also// envious of a friend he'd had in high school, Edward. Edward had been openly gay in a high school that strongly disapproved of it, but had persisted anyway. It became quickly clear that what Damien envied was the confidence to do what they wished to do no matter what anyone thought. That was a trait that both Edward and Michael had, but Damien lacked.
That could be fixed, however. A boost to self-confidence would do the young man some good, and you were sure that it was something @@.choice;[[Mason Could Arrange.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym gt 4>>It was a lovely workout. You and Damien pushed your bodies to the limit, egging one another one for just one lap, one more rep, or a little more weight. By the time the two of you were done, you were both panting hard and covered in sweat.
You talked for a while as you recovered, but Damien doesn't seem to have anything else to say. He expressed his admiration for a few friends and family members in the course of the conversation, and you quickly pick up on the similarity between all of them. Everyone he mentioned he admired most for their courage, specifically the courage to be one's self without fear of ridicule or rejection.
You would laid money on that self-assurance being the one thing the young man wants more than anything else. When you bid goodbye to your workout partner, you reflected on your possible solutions. No doubt Mason would have some suggestions on how to give Damien that confidance, or you could try to talk with him elsewhere to uncover some other hidden desire he might have.
You were sure, however, you had gotten all you would get from him within the walls of the gym, other than a nice calorie burn.
Time to @@.choice;[[Hit The Showers|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'gymtalk']]@@<</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phDamien.recharge to 1>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake lt 5>><<set $phDamien.focus_shake += 1>><</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 2>><<nm $phYou "So I gotta ask...What are you adding to that? It certainly doesn't seem like it's improving the taste...">>
You'd sat down with the fit young man at one of the food court tables while you enjoyed your respective treats. It had been a pleasant conversation so far. Damien confided he was here fairly often because the shakes always seemed to fill him up longer than other places without making him feel sluggish.
Now, though, he was looking up with the guilty expression of a child caught with his hand in a cookie jar. As you had been sitting down, he had added a small amount of powder from a bottle to his milk, shaken it up, and began to drink with a grimace. He was now halfway through adding the same powder to the second bottle, frozen for a moment by your question.
<<nm $phDamien "Ah...protein powder. I'm starting a new program over at the gym, and I could use the boost. It helps bulk when you're trying to gain some muscle.">>
You looked him over. While short and slender for a man, you could still see muscle definition around his bare arms and calves. It was very clear that he worked out often and was probably in better shape than 90% of the people you'd encountered. You pointed at the label.
<<nm $phYou "I recognize that brand. Doesn't that say it already has protein added? It's already a fitness shake. Besides, you seem like you're doing pretty well without the bulk. I'd wager I could bounce a quarter off your abs if you had your shirt up.">>
Damien flushed, brightly, and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. It seemed to be a nervous tick.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, yeah, I mean...I'm in shape, I guess. But I can use all the help I can get, you know? It's not all about abs and how many laps you can do. Sometimes it's about the look, you know? Anyway, that's why it tastes so bad. I'm doubling up on the protein...after a couple of weeks, I'll probably just switch to drinking it straight. You know, if the results are where I want them.">>
He wasn't looking directly at you when he spoke, instead studiously focusing on mixing the powder into his milk bottle and giving it a shake. You suspected there was more to it than that, but you weren't sure he was ready to open up yet.
<<nm $phYou "I guess I can respect that. I've been thinking of a new workout routine. You think I ought to be mixing stuff in? Help throw a little fear of God into the interns?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Well...I mean, milk is certainly better at keeping you fit than ice cream, but I don't think you have to worry very much. You're...ah...you're very...um...">>
You smiled, spooning another bit of your sundae into your mouth. It was absolutely delicious, probably the best ice cream you'd had in your life. Damien finally trailed off, laughing self-consciously.
<<nm $phYou "I'll just take that as a compliment, shall I?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Please do. Sorry, I'm not great with <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>guys like you<<else>>pretty girls<</if>>. But I think that-.">>
A chime at his wrist cut him off. He looked down at his watch as if utterly amazed at how late it had gotten.
<<nm $phDamien "Ack! Lost track of time. My boss has me working a bit of graveyard tonight, so I gotta jet, but it was really nice meeting you, $phYou.firstname. Maybe I'll see you around sometime?">>
You assured him that he would, then shooed him off to work. He was jogging before he was even clear of the tables, tilting back his remaining milk bottle, chugging it down, and depositing the bottle in the trash on the way out. You watched him leave, thoughtfully.
So he wanted muscle, and bulk. That was clear, but you weren't sure you'd gotten the full picture just yet. You'd have to see if you could catch him again and get him to open up a little more about what he really wanted. Then you could see about giving it to him.
But for now, you still had a @@.choice;[[Sundae.|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'shaketalk']]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 3>><<npc "mnpc2" "Man" "Hey, Baby, no need to get feisty. I'm just being friendly.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Woman" "I don't need a friend. Get your hand off my ass, now!">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Man" "Oh, I don't know. This skirt you're wearing says otherwise. I bet you were hoping to attract a little attention, weren't you?">>
Damien stiffened up in his seat. It had been another pleasant talk about nothing important, exchanging stories about various terrible jobs you had both had and workout tips to maximizing fitness. That ended when a knockout of a woman wearing a mid-thigh green skirt had walked into the parlor, followed closely by a brickhouse of a man with a shiny, bald head and biceps like tree trunks. Almost immediately, their whispered conversation had escalated as the woman whirled around to face him.
The simulacra behind the counter were frozen, apparently unable to process the correct response to such a disruption. The few human people in the store at the moment were all studiously looking down at their shoes or studying nutrition stamps in a vain attempt to appear as though they didn't notice. You reached immediately into your pocket, fishing for your phone. Security would be easy to summon.
Damien, though, had other plans. Before your fingers even found your phone, he was up and out of his seat, crossing the distance rapidly. He reached out to grasp one massive bicep and turned the man to face him.
<<nm $phDamien "Why don't you leave the lady alone, asshole?">>
The bald man blinked...and then barked a short laugh. He drew in a breath, his pecs inflating as he stood to his full height. Damien was a few inches shorter than you and this guy was at least a head taller, so the size difference was immediately apparent. You had the sudden image of a child arguing with their father pop into your head.
He didn't say anything, simply extended both his hands to Damien's chest and shoved him backward. The young man went down hard, staggering back and slamming against one of the displays, sending a rain of milk bottles down over his head. The big man snickered, derisively, and turned toward the woman again.
...And found you instead.
The height difference <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>wasn't nearly as bad<<else>>was almost as bad<</if>>, this time, but you<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> also<</if>> had something Damien didn't. As you met the man's eyes, you felt your disguise slip for a bare moment, giving him a clear view of the red skin and horns. He went pale and recoiled, and you thought you actually saw fire reflected in his eyes from your own burning gaze.
<<nm $phYou "Enough. Get lost.">>
Your command reverberated through the store, and the jerk actually took two steps back away from you on wary reflex alone. You saw his eyes searching around the room and the faces of the patrons, and you heard Damien struggling back up to his feet in his little pile of milk bottles. The big man gave another laugh, though this one sounded far too forced to be real, and lifted both his hands. Muttering something about the whore not being worth it anyway, he turned and stalked out of the store.
The woman thanked you and Damien, but you couldn't help but notice her gratitude toward the young man seemed perfunctory at best. You instructed the simulacra to give her some coupons for free ice cream, then turned your attention back to Damien. His cheeks were burning red, and his shirt and shorts had been soaked in places where some of the milk bottles had been crushed or otherwise broken open in the impact.
<<nm $phDamien "Well. That was embarrassing. Are you alright?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm fine. You?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Nothing injured but my pride, I guess. Can't believe assholes like that still exist. Good thing you were here. What'd you do? He actually turned white!">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think it was anything about in particular. But after you said something, and I did, he got the feeling he was outnumbered and took off. You coming back to the table?">>
Damien waved off the invitation and sighed, pulling at the front of his shirt and looking down at the wet patches.
<<nm $phDamien "I'm not so sure I had anything to do with it...and nah. I'd better get home. I don't think dried milk is going to feel great no matter how high quality it might be. I need a change of clothes and a shower. I'll see you around, don't worry.">>
He had a pensive, thoughtful expression on his face. You thought about pressing him further...but you could tell he wanted to get away from here, so you nodded and said your goodbyes. He left slowly, trying not to limp obviously on his way, though it was clear the fall had been bruising to more than just his ego.
You frowned as you watched him go. Then you pulled your phone out of your pocket and called Mason. The scientist could almost certainly track the jerk down from the camera footage. You considered for a moment filing actual charges with the police...but no. You told Mason to send the man some complimentary lingerie with some very special enchantments laid on it. You remembered Lazren telling you that magic wouldn't stick unless the person wanted it...or knew they deserved it. Few people had seemed quite so deserving.
With that done, you felt a little better. You returned to your seat. After all, you had half an ice cream sundae left.
@@.choice;
[[Chow Down|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'shaketalk']]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 4>>You sat down with Damien at one of the usual tables. You noticed he was settling himself into the chair a little gingerly, easing into it rather than dropping himself into the seat.
<<nm $phYou "Are you alright? I thought you said you were fine the other day!">>
He looked up with that guilty expression you'd come to know so well when he got caught out. He shook his head dismissively at his set of usual milk bottles out on the table.
<<nm $phDamien "No, it's not that. At least, not entirely that. I shook that off pretty fast. I think maybe I pushed it a little too hard in the gym today, though, might have pulled something in my back. I just...had to work off a few things, yeah?">>
<<nm $phYou "The fight with that jerk?">>
Damien pursed his lips into a thin line, and looked away from you, his hand going tight on the bottle he was still holding. The pressure on the bottle compressed it enough that a drop or two of milk spilled from the open top and began to work down toward his hand.
<<nm $phDamien "Yeah. That...It's...I'm glad no one got hurt. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't all that big of a deal. Just...bad memories, you know?">>
He sighed, looking up at you for a long moment. Then he finally seemed to decide something, drawing in a deep breath. As he did, that low level glow you saw in him turned suddenly intense. The air all but thrummed around you, though you were pretty sure you were on the only one who could see it or feel it.
<<nm $phDamien "I went to a small school, down south. Town of like a five or six thousand people, when I lived there. You grew up hearing the same gossip about the same families, interspersed with whatever new scandal people could come up with. I'm sure there are a lot of high schools that don't fit the standard stereotype, but mine sure as hell did. A lot of good ol' boys pretty much running things cause that's the way it had always been.<br><br>I never was one of the guys on the inside. I was short and scrawny, I asked far too many questions, and I hung out with all the people no one hung out with. The people doing their own thing in a town where everyone did the //same// thing, you know? And when the status quo came knocking, I tried to stand up for the little guy.">>
<<nm $phYou "And got yourself knocked around for the privilege?">>
Damien barked a short laugh, and actually smiled. He shrugged his shoulders and nodded in your direction. He was still unconsciously toying with the milk bottle in one hand, but he was no longer squeezing it so hard.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh God, yeah. Every week, it felt like. The little sissy kid sticking up for the goth girl, or the gay guy, or the nerd. That part never really bothered me, even if it worried the hell out of my mom. No, I just...I wanted to make a difference, but I never did. If they wanted to go through me, they went through me. I couldn't stop the gossip, or the dirty looks, or the words people used. I was just a speed bump.<br><br> And then I moved out here. New life, new chance, new people, but there are assholes everywhere, and I still can't do a thing. I guess that's why I'm hitting the weight benches, and the protein powder. I can't get taller, but if I bulk up, maybe I can be a wall when it matters, you know? Sometimes it's not about what you are, it's about the appearance. Like you said the other day...a lot of those jerks are cowards. If it looks like a fair fight, maybe they'll finally knock it off.">>
You saw the intense glow around the young man begin to fade back down toward the same every day glow that had drawn you to him originally. You understood. Muscles and protein were means to an end, and that end was an instinct to protect. An instinct, you knew, that would probably never be fulfilled. Damien's frame didn't seem to lean toward big, showy muscles, and if he wasn't able to develop them with all the work you knew he had been putting in, then he probably never would.
Not naturally anyway. But unnaturally...
The conversation drifted to other things, and eventually it was time to depart. Damien finished his milk before you polished off your sundae, and he seemed in a greater hurry to leave today than before. He explained that, despite his sore muscles, he wanted to put in another few laps at the gym before heading home today, lest he fall behind. You protested and he promised to take it easy. A promise you knew he'll break.
Then he left you alone with the remainder of your sundae and some plans on what to do next. You were certain that should be enough information for Mason to whip something up, if you wished. If Damien wanted muscles enough to protect some people, you were also certain that could be arranged.
But that would be another day. For now, you looked down at your ice cream bowl.
@@.choice;
[[One More Bite For The Road|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'shaketalk']]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You talked with Damien for a while, and found that the short young man was a bit of a fitness nut. Instead of the ice cream that you were enjoying, he was mixing protein powder in with some of the healthier milk drinks that the store offered. He's far too shy around you for you to pry out his innermost desire, but it's very clear that he's trying to bulk up despite his slender frame.
If that was all he wanted, it would be easy. Unfortunately, you knew you'd have to @@.choice;[[Find Out More.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You were just sitting down with Damien when you overhear a man rudely hitting on a woman standing in line, despite her discomfort. He immediately got up to challenge the man, and got himself pushed back into a display case for his trouble. The rude man is far less willing to stand up to even a subtle display of your nature and runs off. You helped Damien up and the young man said he was okay, but it was clear his pride was injured.
He left to change out of the milk-soaked outfit and you promised to send the rude customer something @@.choice;[[Interesting In The Mail.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You talked with Damien at your usual table. Physically, he seemed to be recovered from the confrontation during the previous encounter, but you could tell his ego was still wounded. In confidence, he relayed to you the reason he wanted to bulk up. Apparently, he had always had a habit of sticking up for the little guy, but being so small and slender he could almost never make a difference. Bullies simply paved right over him, whether he stood up to them or not. He wanted muscle so that, when he stood up for someone, he wouldn't be so easy to ignore.
It wasn't just muscle, then, but also the ability to protect others. That shouldn't be too difficult for Mason, and you promised yourself you would look the scientist up @@.choice;[[As Soon As You Could.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake gt 4>>You spent a while sitting with Damien and chatting away. He told you stories about his home life and high school years. Some are sad, many are funny, and many just paint in the picture of someone who couldn't stand by idly and yet couldn't make a difference when it counted. Though he kept the tone light this time, you could tell the memories still bother him even many years later.
When it was time to say goodbye, you parted happily. As always, Damien finished a few minutes before you do, and promised to keep in touch. You remained behind with your ice cream, pondering the young man. It was clear to you the young man wanted to be larger, but it wasn't muscle for its own sake. He wanted to be able to make a difference in what he saw as injustice. Mason would be able to make that happen, you were certain. You'd given him more than enough information to work with.
For now, though, you had @@.choice;[[Ice Cream To Finish.|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'shaketalk']]@@<</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Damien")>><<if $phDamien.focus_gym is 6>><<set $phDamien.focus_shake to 8>>You instructed Mason to construct the special treadmill. You doubted you'd have much trouble getting Damien to use one.
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.Address $phYou.firstname. I will begin immediately. Fortunately, we have a number of genuine machine available for parts, so it will simply be a matter of enchanting things appropriately.">>
Mason got to work and you returned to yours, but you couldn't help but indulge your curiosity. You found excuses to check into the lab every half hour or so, interested in seeing the way things come together.
The first time you stopped in, you saw Mason's four arms rapidly disassembling one of the standard treadmills from the gym, his whirling hands creating neat piles of screws, wheels, and plastic coverings faster than any human could possibly have managed.
The second time you stuck your head in, he had removed the tread from the unit and was in the process of replacing it with one of his own. You couldn't help but notice the inside of the rubber was marked with dozens of strange, unintelligible symbols. You swore you caught one of them glowing out of the corner of your eye.
The third time round, he had removed the control panel from the top of the machine, and installed his own. The panel was a model you weren't familiar with, embedded with a half dozen small screens and displays rather than featuring any buttons or physical controls. Several of the screens seemed to be installing software, while the final one showed the silhouetted outline of a familiarly slender male figure.
Finally, just when you were wondering if it was time for another check-in, Mason called to inform you that the work had been done. A quick walk over to R&D found him polishing the new machine with an expression of deep self-satisfaction. The displays were aglow with quiet color, displaying their readiness, and every inch has been put back together so cleanly you would swear the machine was brand new. You ran your finger over the textured hand grips along the top, admiring the craftsmanship.
<<nm $phYou "It's ready?">>
<<nm $phMason "It is. And a magnificent design, if I may be so bold. This treadmill analyzes and self-adjusts the incline and speed needed for maximum results. Of course, this is a means to an end. As the machine pushes the gentleman to the limit, it will naturally absorb more and more of his focus until he reaches the point where his conscious mind is no longer engaged. That is the moment when the magic will begin resculpting him to his ideal self. This will ensure the form he steps off the belt with will be the one he wants.">>
<<nm $phYou "Amazing. When can we have it installed?">>
<<nm $phMason "I will ensure it is available immediately, so you should be able to make use of it the next time the sir is on the premises. I will, however, have it placed off the main floor. Anyone else using this machine could find it injurious to their health.">>
You ran a hand over the machine, feeling the slight thrumming of power within the metal. You could //feel// the magic layered into its surface. Dormant now, but awaiting their target.
Soon. It would be soon. You could hardly wait.<<set $phMason.goodbye to 1>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phTime gt 2>>[[But It Was Late, and Time to Sleep|Sleep]]<<else>>[[Return to Work|Office]]<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phDamien.focus_shake is 6>><<set $phDamien.focus_gym to 8>>You instructed Mason to whip up some special protein supplements. The scientist nodded, and turned toward his computer.
<<nm $phMason "I will reach out to one of our sister locations for suitable supplies immediately, $phMason.Address $phYou.firstname. Unless there is something unexpected, I believe I will be finished within a few hours at the very most.">>
There was little for you to add after that. You returned to your work, but you couldn't help keeping an eye out for the creation process. Around an hour later, the elevator buzzed, and two of the most top-heavy women you had ever seen strutted out of the elevator. One was tanned to a beautiful gold while the other had skin the rich color of chocolate. After they stood uncertainly for a moment in the main room, Mason appeared and ushered the pair of them into R&D.
You and $phSamantha.name looked at one another for a long moment. Neither of you commented directly, but both of you found excuses to work near R&D's door for a while. You could hear the girls giggling along with Mason's muffled voice, his tone as flat and humorless as ever. You heard a cooing laugh, then an almost sexual groan, and then-
<h2>MMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO</h2>
The call just about hurt your ears, despite the closed door. You winced and pulled back away from the door. The call repeated. Once, twice, three times...and then a new voice joined it, the pair of women mooing with utter abandon.
Soon enough, they fell silent. When the door opened and they wobbled out, you found yourself staring. Their tops, previously overflowing, now hung loosely against their bodies. Oh, they were still large in the chest, there was no doubt about that, but they were not nearly as big as they had been on arrival. They gave you a drunken wave and wove their way to the elevator.
Shortly thereafter, Mason stepped out of the office with two wrapped packages of small, plastic bottles. You could see cute designs painted on the sides of the bottles, rather busty girls in farm overalls waving cheerfully, their speech bubbles containing the nutrition information.
<<nm $phMason "Here you are, $phMason.address $phYou.firstname. I would strongly advise against trying any of these yourself, as I believe the mixture would prove to be quite potent even for a succubus.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good to know. How much should I give to him, if it's that strong?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh, he'll need it all, to make the change permanent, but I don't think that will be difficult to do. He'll understand what is changing him and, more than likely, will seek out as much as he can. I will note, however, that after the first package his adjustments are liable to be more dramatically non-human. I would suggest not letting him leave with both sets of bottles, as he may draw more attention out in the world without the tower to disguise his unusual appearance.">>
<<nm $phYou "Noted. Do I want to ask for details about how it was made?">>
<<nm $phMason "Probably not. Good day, $phMason.address.">>
He turned on his heels and marched back into R&D with a resolute expression. You looked down at the two packages, shook your head, and moved off to find a refrigerator.
Damien was in for a treat.
@@.choice;
<<if $phTime gt 2>>[[But For Now, Time To Sleep|Sleep]]<<else>>[[But For Now, Back To Work|Office]]<</if>>@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 0>><<nm $phDamien "I can't believe you ordered something just for me. It's not even my birthday or anything! You didn't have to do this!">>
Damien had seemed quite flabbergasted as you informed him you had a gift for him, agreeing to come along with his usual brand of blushing self-depreciation. You didn't actually have a security badge to open the storage rooms of the gym, but passing your hand over the sensor snapped the door open immediately. This was, after all, your castle and the tower was not about to inhibit you from going anywhere you liked.
The pair of you passed through the door into a long hallway, wide enough that you could pass freely despite the variety of mid-repair weight benches, exercise bikes, and other machines scattered throughout. All the doors were locked save one, and from that doorway a pale blue light spilled out into the dim hall. You made a beeline for it.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe I didn't have to, but I wanted to. We've talked for a long time, Damien, and I think I might be able to help you with a couple of things. Here, this way.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Really, I don't know what to say. Sure, we've talked a few times, but I'm pretty sure you've been better company for me than I've been for you. In fact I- Woah!">>
Damien stopped in the doorway behind you, his eyes turning into saucers as he stared. The room was largely clear save for a table pushed to the corner, the ubiquitous rubber matting of the gym that squished beneath your shoes, and a few opened cardboard boxes. There was nothing, in other words, to distract Damien from his present.
Mason's treadmill stood in the very center of the room, the black metal and rubber shining in the blue light emitted from the displays. At the moment, most of the screens were showing generic messages encouraging any passerby to try, but you knew the whole system was designed for just one singular individual. That individual was, at this moment, standing in utter amazement.
<<nm $phDamien "A treadmill? I-...wow...No, No you can't possibly...I know these machines. This is...this must cost a fortune. Fifteen hundred at least! I can't accept this!">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course you can! It's already done. I know you're more into weights than cardio right now, but trust me, this machine should focus exactly where you need. If you want to talk about paying me back, we'll do that after you try it out.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh dear...should I be worried?">>
Damien flashed you an amused smile as he approached the treadmill. He ran a hand along the rubber grip of one of the handles, and then jumped as the screens immediately flashed to life. A bouncing heart rate line appeared on one of the monitors, followed swiftly by a row of information. Calories burned, current running speed, and a count down to upcoming gradient changes. All blank, of course.
<<nm $phDamien "Woah! Ah...sensors in the handle, I guess. Pretty good ones, if it got my heart rate from that.">>
<<nm $phYou "A little elevated already, I notice?">>
Damien flushed, rubbing the back of his neck. He cleared his throat once, but didn't follow it up with anything. Instead, he climbed up onto the machine and got a grip on both of the handles. The screens began to fill with information as the sensors read his vitals again. And more than his vitals, you knew. The main screen began to flash with cheerful words.
@@.narrative;Begin Workout?@@
Damien glanced back at you, eyebrows raised in silent question. You didn't hesitate and nodded back your approval. The young man grinned and tapped the brightly glowing 'Yes' on the screen. The room abruptly filled with the hum of the treadmill beginning to move and the dull whine of the motor rolling up to speed.
You settled in. You had a feeling this was going to be something of a @@.choice;[[Show.|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 1>><<set $phDamien.portrait to "DamienMid">>Fifteen minutes later, you were less sure. Damien had been able to talk, a little, for the first few minutes of the workout, but after that the machine had apparently found his limit. The tread had tilted upward to create an incline and the speed increased until the young man had been forced to grip both handles just to keep his balance enough to stay on.
But that was all that had happened. A sheen of sweat made his skin glisten and his breathing had started to rasp a little with exertion, but there wasn't much else. His muscles hadn't increased to four times their regular size, the machine hadn't swallowed him with a sudden burst of light, and he hadn't turned away from the machine to show off a suddenly Adonis-like physique.
Finally, trying to keep your frustration out of your tone, you spoke up.
<<nm $phYou "Hey. Looks like its pushing you pretty hard. Want to take a breather? I've got water.">>
Damien didn't answer. He didn't even look over at you, his feet still falling on the tread at an even, mindless pace. You frowned, raised one hand, and snapped a finger. The sound seemed to finally jolt him from his trance and his pace wavered. He stepped off the side of the treadmill, panting hard.
<<nm $phDamien "Woah! Sorry! Really...ah...got in the zone there. Yeah, yeah. Water sounds...water sounds pretty good.">>
He bent over the machine and struggled to catch his breath, then finally turned toward you. You very nearly gasped aloud. While he had been in motion, it had been hard to detect that there was anything different about him. When he turned toward you, though, you saw exactly what the treadmill had been doing.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienSissy1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienSissy1.png]]</picture>@@
His shoulders were more slender now, so much so that one strap of his shirt had slipped off the side. His hair, previously short and spikey, now fell in short waves over his face. His eyes, framed under long lashes, seemed huge and soft now, and his face had gone from boyishly cute to downright feminine. He raised a hand, thin and delicate, to his mouth, as if about to nervously chew his fingernails.
<<nm $phDamien "Are you alright, $phYou.firstname? You look surprised, and...have you been hitting the beach? You, ah, look really tan tonight.">>
You blinked, looking down at your hand. It was the same rich red that it always was, but of course Damien wouldn't be able to see that color. Then again, the tower was only supposed to protect what you were from regular customers. Damien was rapidly becoming something else.
<<nm $phYou "A little something like that. It pays to mix it up a little, doesn't it? How do you feel?">>
You stepped forward and offered him a water bottle, which he accepted eagerly. He raised the bottle to his lips and drank nearly half of it before he lowered it again. He wiped the cold bottle across his brow, and his face shone with an abrupt grin.
<<nm $phDamien "Good! Really, really good actually. You know, I'm not really...ah...one for cardio, but I think maybe I should change that. I was really in the zone there. Sorry...this has got to be really boring for you. I suppose I should get this home and do the rest of the workout later...">>
Despite his words, his eyes tracked longingly back to the machine and one hand extended to brush lightly over the gleaming metal. You smiled to yourself and shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "No, no. I'm gathering some valuable data. It wouldn't do to cut things in the middle. Please, finish up. I insist.">>
The young man bit his lower lip, and you would swear it was a far more generous lip then he had had walking in. His gaze flicked back to you for a moment, uncertainty and desire warring in his expression. Finally, he nodded.
<<nm $phDamien "I suppose if you're getting data or something, I don't mind. If you're looking to make these available more widely, I can get behind that. It's really...really nice. I...ah...well, the way the incline works is...good. And the materials are...are uh....">>
Damien climbed back onto the treadmill, moving as if he were in a daze. His words came slower and finally ceased all together as he began to run again, feet thumping against the tread. He didn't even seem to notice when the water bottle fell from his hand, bounced once against the side of the machine, and rolled across the floor.
You shook your head, retrieved the bottle, and settled in once again in your chair. Mason had been right, after all. Damien's perfect body had nothing at all to do with muscle and rock hard abs. Now that you knew it was working and what exactly Damien had in his mind, you had a quick stop to make to pick up a few items before you could settle in to watch and wait.
You hurried. You didn't want to @@.choice;[[Miss A Thing.|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 2>>Damien ran for another forty minutes.
Every time he slowed and you thought he might get off the machine, his pace sped up again as though he kept getting filled with fresh determination. He hung onto the handles with both hands, his body soon bent so that his head was hanging below his hands as his legs pumped hard.
You couldn't help but notice his long brown hair was extending farther and farther past his face by the second. His workout clothes hung loosely now, and you could no longer see the muscle in his slender arms. His exhalations took on a slightly higher, breathier pitch, but they never actually crossed all the way into a feminine tone.
Abruptly, the machine beeped and the tread slowed and then finally stopped. A chipper little chime sounded from the main screen, displaying the words 'Ideal Achieved!' over a graphic of exploding fireworks. Damien stood there for several seconds, head resting against his arms, catching his breath.
<<nm $phDamien "What...What just happened? $phYou.firstname?">>
You stood from your chair, moving slowly to stand beside the treadmill. Damien slowly lifted his head, as though it were impossibly heavy, and looked at you. His eyes went wide, and you knew immediately that there was no further disguise for what you were.
<<nm $phDamien "$phYou.firstname?! I...what...You're...You're...!">>
<<nm $phYou "Something very special, yes. The same way you are, now.">>
Damien stared, taking in your horns, your inhuman skin tone, and your idly lashing tail for several seconds before abruptly looking down at himself. He held his hands out in front of him, marveling at the lengthened nails and plucking at the front of his now loose top. You could see his utterly hairless chest, his skin as smooth and clean as milk.
<<nm $phDamien "What...What did you do?!">>
His voice was shaking with disbelief and amazement, but there was something else beneath the tone you recognized. You had, after all, gone through the same experience of finding yourself face to face with a succubus. You had felt the same shock of fear and uncertainty, and knew well the rush of arousal beneath the words.
<<nm $phYou "Do? I didn't do anything. I just gave you a gift. A gift to help you become the real you, that you've always wanted. That's what I made for you. Something to give your true fantasy reality. You turned out //wonderfully//.">>
Damien raised his hands to his face, feeling around the altered contours, his eyes opening even wider.
<<nm $phDamien "M...Mirror! Please? I...I feel...">>
You hadn't been idle for the hour you'd waited for him to change. After seeing the initial alterations, you'd figured he would want to see himself, and you pulled up the square mirror you'd brought with you.
@@.choice;[[Damien Gasped!|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienSissy2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienSissy2.png]]</picture>@@<<nm $phDamien "...P...Pretty. I look...pretty?">>
His tone was strange. Bemused, uncertain, and disbelieving. But not angry. Not upset. You smiled and angled the mirror helpfully as he took in his new features. His hair was long and fine, and fell in waves to his shoulders. His lips were a pleasant pink and shiny with applied lip gloss. His eyebrows were thinner and manicured, and the set of his face had become soft and wonderfully effeminate.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty, yes. I'd even say gorgeous. So this is what you really wanted to be? I'm a little surprised, Damien...">>
<<nm $phDamien "What?...I...No, no, this isn't-...!">>
His eyes shot wide, tearing away from the image of himself and up to your face, his expression filled with sudden panic. You could see the backslide coming as he realized that his secret was out into the open. You couldn't allow that, for his sake or yours.
You tossed the mirror to one side and Damien jumped as it bounced on the rubber flooring, but didn't shatter. You moved in hard, pressing both hands to his chest, and pushed him back. His resistance was half-hearted, and you soon had him pressed up against the wall. He had a new scent, something light and floral that clung deliciously to his skin. It took you a moment to realize that it was his sweat, though it could have been bottled as a perfume at any shop on this floor.
You could feel his body through his clothing. Soft and smooth with every hard line of his muscles all but erased. He seemed to have still no excess fat at all, but body still fit without the hard lines.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> You worked your body against him, letting him feel your approval in every sensual motion of your body.
<<nm $phDamien "$phYou.firstname?! You...You can't...I look so...">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm? What? So pretty? So smooth and cute? You have a //lot// of ideas about what a woman wants, don't you? This is my tower, Damien. Things are the way I want them to be...and I think you can //feel// exactly what I think of your new body...">>
You rolled your hips against him, and he squealed with obvious delight. Then he clapped his hand over his mouth and shock rippled through his expression.
<<nm $phDamien "Was that-...? I can't...I can't keep it in...I'm not...I'm a guy! I shouldn't look this way!">>
<<nm $phYou "You're still a man, sweetie. Just a very, very cute one. There are a lot of guys like you who enjoy all sorts of things. You don't think you're the first sissy in the world, do you?">>
A shudder went through Damien's entire body as you spoke the word. He let out a soft, mewling sound, his cheeks turning bright red as he looked away from you...but you felt his cock stiffen in his gym short. You rocked your hips against him again, letting the fabric stroke up and down over his growing erection.
<<else>> You shifted your hips and, in turn, let him feel you grinding up against his thigh.
<<nm $phDamien "$phYou.firstname?! Is that...that...it can't be...">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm? What? <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You think another man can't enjoy a pretty face like yours?<<else>>You think I'm going to toss you aside for these hidden desires of yours?<</if>> This is my tower, Damien. Things are the way I want them to be...and I think you can //feel// exactly what I think of your new body...">>
You rolled your hips against him, and he squealed with obvious delight. Then he clapped his hand over his mouth and shock rippled through his expression.
<<nm $phDamien "Was that-...? I can't...I can't keep it in...I'm not...I'm a guy!">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course you are. That didn't go away, you know. Who says someone can't still have a cock and enjoy playing with one? You're not the only sissy in the world, you know.">>
A shudder went through Damien's entire body as you spoke the word. He let out a soft mewling sound, his cheeks turning bright red as he looked away from you...but you felt his cock stiffen in his gym shorts. You rocked your hips against him again, letting your cocks stroke against one another through the thin material.
<</if>><<nm $phDamien "Please...Please don't say that, I can't...">>
<<nm $phYou "You can't hide it anymore. Not from me. You've been afraid your whole life. Afraid of what you've felt. You tried to build a wall around it, to hide it from everyone. If that's what you want...tell me now. Push me away, and tell me I'm wrong and I'll set everything back to right and let you walk back to your life. You can go home just like you always have. Tell me. Tell me I'm wrong.">>
You waited. Damien was breathing heavily still, but you doubted it had anything to do with the workout he'd just completed. His eyes were closed, his hands pressed flat up against the wall. The seconds passed.
He said nothing.
<<nm $phYou "...Good boy. Now, since you're not going to tell me that, I want you to tell me what I already know. I want you to tell me you want my help. I want you to tell me you want to be free to be who you want to be. Free of everyone who ever judged you and forced you to try to be something you're not. Tell me.">>
You waited again, and again, there was silence for a long moment. Damien bit his lip, the wall supporting all of his weight by now. Finally, he took a deep breath in, looking up at you from the corner of his eye.
<<nm $phDamien "Help me...Help me be free...Help me be a sissy.">>
You found yourself grinning, looking down over the shaking young man. That was the hurdle, you knew. Everything after this was just gravy.
Time to @@.choice;[[Get Started.|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 4>><<set $phTime to 1>><<set $phLocation to "Suite">>//An Hour Later//
<<nm $phDamien "Please! Please fuck me! Make me your sissy slut!">>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienSissy3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienSissy3.png]]</picture>@@
You smiled to yourself, letting your eyes roam. It had not, in retrospect, been that difficult. A short walk back to your apartment and instructions to shower and change into the clothes you'd left him, the second thing you'd picked up while he had been transforming. He'd protested, at first, but you'd simply <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>stepped over to a drawer, removed the thickest strap-on you had, and told him how good boys got good rewards<<else>>taken his hand, pushed it against your cock, and told him just how aroused you were at the thought of it<</if>>. That had been the end of the protesting.
The dress you'd bought for him was pink, with white frilly lace along the short skirt and shoulders. Beneath that, he was wearing knee-high white socks and cute black pumps. His legs were slender, as hairless as the rest of him, and lovely. He had held his hands over the erection tenting up his skirt, until you'd gently taken his wrists and forcibly moved his hands away. From there, it had just been a matter of giving him permission to show his excitement. Enthusiastic permission. Enthusiastic and commanding permission. Enthusiastic and commanding permission that left him pressed up against the wall, his legs spread wide in expectation.
<<nm $phYou "Hike up your skirt, dear, and I'll have you good and proper in short order.">>
Damien bit his lower lip, but he was past argument. He reached down, pulling the pink hem of the dress up over his hips. His ass was full and soft, and you couldn't help but extend your hands to stroke across his backside. He actually let out a moan and then cut himself off, looking over his shoulder with embarrassed eyes. His ass was as smooth as the rest of him, and you squeezed each cheek in turn with a possessive confidence that surprised even you. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You reached down, and the whole room seemed to echo with the wet sound of you running your palm up and down the lubed surface of the toy strapped to your hips.<<else>>You reached down, and the whole room seemed to echo with the sound of your zipper coming down.<</if>> You saw Damien's entire body shudder, but his expression made it clear it was neither fear nor disgust that moved through him.
You stepped close, letting your shaft rub along the smooth lines of his ass, drawing a gasp from the man. His hands pressed against the wall so hard that the flesh turned white in places. He was breathing hard, too hard, and you reached up to run your fingers along the side of his neck.
<<nm $phYou "...Relax. You want this. Take it slow. I promise, I won't hurt you in any way you won't enjoy...">>
You held your hand there for a few more seconds, letting his tension ebb and his anticipation rise, before you finally shifted your hips and pressed the head of your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>strap-on<<else>>cock<</if>> against your paramour's rosebud.
He was not used to this, that much was obvious, but it was equally obvious his body was built for it. He tightened up for several seconds, the muscles in his shoulders going tense as you pressed your front against his back. The silken material of the dress rubbed up against you, teasing your movements onward.
Finally, he forced himself to relax and you felt the first four inches of <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the thick dildo<<else>>your cock<</if>> slip into him as though he had been made for you. Judging by the way his head tilted back and his full-throated moan rang in your ears, he pretty much was.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh //fuck//! That...That can't...mmmm! It's huge, $phYou.firstname!">>
You couldn't help but laugh at that, rocking your hips to let another inch disappear into that warm, tight hole. Just to show him there was so much more waiting for him. His moan died in his throat, his voice turning to a squeak as his stance spread wider.
<<nm $phYou "...More?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh please, yes! More, please!">>
Despite his enthusiasm, you gave him a few seconds to get used to you. Your hands ran up his sides, enjoying the soft but fit curve of his body. He still had his muscle beneath all that soft skin, you could feel some of them at this very moment milking your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>silicone <</if>>cock hard, but he'd be causing confused pronouns for the rest of his life.
Finally, you moved. You kept it slow, rocking your hips in a gentle pattern, allowing just a little bit more of your length to enter him each time. Damien never stiffened up again, however. He was tight, and hot, and welcoming, and it was all you could do to not hilt yourself in his ass the moment you could. No, you wouldn't break him that way. You had better ways to earn his surrender.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. You feel that, Damien? That's a cock in your pretty ass...and it is pretty. You're dolled up like a sweet sissy slut, and you love it, don't you? Isn't this exactly what you've always wanted but been too afraid to run after?">>
Damien made a mewling sound low in his throat. He didn't speak, just nodded enthusiastically to every word you spoke. You leaned in, dropping your voice to an urgent whisper in his ear.
<<nm $phYou "You know this won't be the last time, right? Certainly not the last from me. No, you'll bend over anything I want you to, won't you? Yes, you will, and I'll make use of that, I promise you. But there'll be more. When you've awakened to what you are, you'll never feel shame about it again. No more long nights. No more burning hours on the weight bench to get muscles you don't need. You're going to be a sissy slut, and proud of it.">>
He moaned, closing his eyes. His face was scrunched with orgasmic bliss as you finally thrust the last of <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy<<else>>your cock<</if>> into him and began to fuck him against the wall in earnest. The sound of your hips slapping against his ass filled the room, the only competing noise to your relentless barrage of words. You struggled to contain yourself. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>This brand new sissy was already moaning and basking in your attention in a way that sent heat through your clit, and every push forward pressed the toy back against you in a way that threatened to erode your select control. You began to thrust faster, unable to help yourself.<<else>>He was already learning how to squeeze and relax his inner muscles to pleasure your shaft, and every second loosened him up to allow you to thrust harder and faster.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Proud and available. You're going to be the gym's new pretty mascot, you know that? I'm never going to let anyone hurt you ever again, but I'll let anyone use you who wants to. You won't complain. You'll enjoy an endless string of hot, muscular bodies pressing up against you. They'll control every move you make. You're going to cause cocks to harden every time you prance around the place. You're going to make every girl tingle to think about your sissy face buried between their legs. You'll love every minute of it. You're free, Damien.<br><br>No, not Damien. That doesn't suit you anymore. You won't hide your sissy cock, sweetie, but I think you need a new name. I think I'll call you...">>
You trailed off, leaning into his ear again. He was tense, quivering, and you knew you had him right on the edge of bliss. You could see an odd glow around his mouth, a greenish hue that made your stomach rumble with anticipation. You let your teeth graze along his earlobe, teasingly, before you finally spoke the word<<if $phYou.firstname is 'Dana'>>, and christened him after yourself<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "...Dana. That will be your name.">>
You could feel the impact of the word run through his body. His head tilted back, his hands clawed the wallpaper, and his mouth opened wide in a silent, orgasmic cry. As it opened, that little green firefly emerged from his throat, hovering in the air before his eyes. He stared up at it in confused fascination.
Until you plucked it out of the air. At that point, his eyes flashed with red light, rolled back, and he came all over the wall.
Poor @@.choice;[[Boy.|DamienSissyTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 5>><<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<Transform $phDamien "sissy">><<nm $phDamien "So...She gave you a job transforming people, and cut you loose on all of us?">>
You were lying in bed, still feeling the warm afterglow of multiple orgasms combined with the taste of the soulgem still lingering on your tongue. Dana was curled at your side, his head resting on your chest as the pair of you recovered from the several additional times you'd gone at it //and// the mutual shower (interrupted, of course, by one more round in between). You fought to keep your eyes open. Your bed was dangerously comfortable at the best of times. When you were actually exhausted, it was a deathtrap of deep sleep.
<<nm $phYou "More or less, yes. I started building after that, looking for people who were ready for a change. People like you, for instance.">>
Dana tucked a stray lock of long hair behind his ear, nuzzling up against your chest. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
<<nm $phDamien "...That should upset me, but it doesn't. It really doesn't. I can't remember at all why I was even worried. All I want to do is stare at myself in a mirror until someone comes along to fuck me...What happens now? I can stay here, right? I mean, not //here// here, but...at the gym? In the tower?">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course. You're part of the team now, Dana. You're going to be here as long as you like. I want you strutting your stuff all around the gym, making sure anyone who has any questions about themselves gets an answer in a hurry. You're going to cause a lot of confused hard-ons and strangely dominant thoughts...and that'll help bring in more energy to the tower.">>
<<nm $phDamien "That you'll use to change people? Like me?">>
You nodded, looking down at him curiously. The cutely feminine face scrunched up for a moment in deep thought...and then he finally pushed away from you, the sheets sliding off his hairless chest as he sat up.
<<nm $phDamien "...Okay then! No time to waste, $pMistress. If you're going to help more people like you helped me, then I'm going to do everything //I// can to help //you//. Give me the night to get situated and I'll start helping out in the morning.">>
You must have looked surprised, because he flushed a dark crimson and shrugged his shoulders, his voice soft but emphatic. He hopped out of bed and turned toward you, his sissy clit hard again but less than imposing.
<<nm $phDamien "No reason to wait. I've spent my whole life waiting. I'm done with all of that. So much time wasted, $pMistress! If that's what you want me doing, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to love every second of it, and //fuck// anyone who thinks otherwise! <br><br>Ah...sorry if that's...too much?">>
You sat up in turn, swinging your legs off the side of the bed. You rested an elbow on your knee and your chin in your hand as you looked at the blushing boy.
<<nm $phYou "...You know. I hadn't actually commanded you to call me '$pMistress' just yet.">>
That drew another blush, and a shy pawing at the ground with one foot.
<<nm $phDamien "I know, but...may I, $pmaam?">>
You laughed, hard, and stood up, pulling Dana into a long, lingering kiss. When it finally broke the young man's long eyelashes were fluttering and he was almost swaying from side to side.
<<nm $phYou "Go. Handle whatever you need to. I want you back here in the morning. There's going to be a lot of customers that could use the motivation.">>
He actually saluted, his palm facing outward before he dissolved into contented giggling. He grabbed up his pink dress from the floor, throwing it over his head as he headed down to the door, not a moment's hesitation on his face at wearing it out in public.
You watched him go, smiling to yourself. You hadn't been quite sure where Damien would end up but it seemed, in the end, he was going to be right where he belonged. You made a mental note to check in on him in the morning and see how he was getting on.
In the meantime, though, you still had an evening of work to do. There were more souls in the world to collect, and more fantasies like his to fulfill.
You couldn't @@.choice;[[Wait.|Bedroom]]@@
@@.narrative;A New Cheerleader Unlocked At The Gym! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 0>><<nm $phYou "Actually, I'm glad I ran into you, Damien. I was hoping you might help me out with a little something.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Of course! What do you need? Couple of boxes moved in a backroom or something?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nothing like that. Stay right there a second, I'll be right back.">>
You walked up to the counter and then around behind it. The simulacra smiled at you pleasantly and made no move to interfere as you fished out one of the two packages of special protein shakes...and got yourself a milkshake for the road, while you were at it. You returned to Damien and set the plastic package down on the table.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh? What's this?">>
<<nm $phYou "This is a new product we've been looking at. You go through our shakes more than anyone, so I thought you'd be a great candidate to do a taste test for me and tell me what you think.">>
Damien looked intrigued, pulling the box over close to him and peering down at the labeling. He cocked his head to one side, then looks up at your with curiosity.
<<nm $phDamien "I thought I knew all the major labels, but I don't recognize this one. Lazren Ranch? Kind of an odd one, you're sure it's safe?">>
<<nm $phYou "Absolutely. I wouldn't give it to you if I didn't. They say it'll make a new man out of you.">>
Damien looked up at you for confirmation, studied the label for a few more seconds, then finally twisted off the cap. You thought you saw a flash of something when the seal broke. A flicker of dim light that might have been imaginary. Damien lifted the open bottle to his nose and sniffed.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, it //smells// good at the very least. Alright, for science, yeah? Down the hatch!">>
Despite his vocal enthusiasm, his sip was timid. Then his eyes went wide and he tilted the bottle back for a longer gulp. You saw the effect immediately. The dull glow around him that had brought him to your attention intensified, and you would almost swear the curve of his arms was more pronounced now than a few seconds ago. Damien finished off the bottle without removing it from his lips, then seemed surprised to find it empty in his hands.
<<nm $phDamien "Wow! Okay, I'm sold! I don't know where this is coming from, but it has my seal of approval. I've //never// had a shake that tasted this good, much less a healthy one. You gotta let me know where I can buy them.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll give you all you can handle, believe me. I'd love to see the effect it has...ah, on your workout, I mean. Take the whole package, and come back when you've gone dry, okay?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Don't have to tell me twice! Thanks, $phYou.firstname! I, ah, I'll just have a second one for the road and I'll let you know later in the week how I'm doing.">>
He slipped another bottle out of the package, then gathered the remainder up under his arm, still in the plastic. You nodded and waved cheerfully as he exited the store, already twisting off the cap to his second bottle.
You had a feeling you were going to see him again very soon for another fill up. It would be a lovely bit of anticipation for the rest of the workday.
Milkshake in hand, you @@.choice;[[Return To The Shopping Center.|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 1>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "$pMistress! Someone's here for you!">>
Sammy's voice burst through the intercom on your desk. You frowned at it, and then at the clock. You could have sworn you had just sat down to do a little paperwork, but the hour hand had mysteriously advanced a couple of notches when you weren't looking. You yawned and stretched cramped muscles, leaning over to press the transmit button.
<<nm $phYou "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Mr.<<else>>Miss<</if>> $phYou.firstname when we've got company, Sammy. Who is it?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Sorry $pMistress, I, like, totally keep forgetting. Mmm, he says his name is Damien and that you were holding something for him? It's okay if you're busy, I can keep him entertained!">>
Her voice was eager, even through the tinny sounding intercom. You grinned at that, and actually debated letting Sammy keep him occupied for a while. You decided against it, though. If the poor boy was already here, he was likely feeling the effects of your magic. You weren't entirely sure even Sammy would distract him much.
<<nm $phYou "I see. Give me sixty seconds, then send him in, okay?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Yes, $pMistress! I will!">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Mr.<<else>>Miss<</if>> $phYou.firstname? You have a guest here to see you.">>
Samantha's voice came through the intercom on your desk. You frowned at it, and then at the clock. You could have sworn you had just sat down to do a little paperwork, but the hour hand had mysteriously advanced a couple of hours when you weren't looking. You yawned and stretched cramped muscles, leaning over to press the transmit button.
<<nm $phYou "I'm here. Who is it, Sam?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "A very interesting young man who says his name is Damien. He says that you were holding something for him, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>ma'am<</if>>. He seems very...anxious for it. Would you like me to send him on or should I keep him tied up for a little while?">>
Her voice was eager, even through the tinny sounding intercom. You grinned at that, and actually debated letting Samantha have him for a little while. You decided against it, though. If the poor boy was already here, he was likely feeling the effects of your magic. You weren't entirely sure even Samantha would distract him much.
<<nm $phYou "No need. Give me sixty seconds, then send him in, okay?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Of course, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Mr.<<else>>Miss<</if>> $phYou.firstname.">><</if>>
You stood, stretched, and moved into the palatial kitchen to grab the second package of milk bottles. You paused in the foyer and looked around. Where exactly did you want to do this? The dining room would make sense with the bottles, but you weren't serving a meal. You could meet him here at the door, but it would be fairly awkward to stand and talk with the package in your hands.
A memory flicked across your mind and you found yourself abruptly grinning. Yes, that would be perfect. You turned and took the stairs two at a time back toward your bedroom. You didn't have very long to prepare!
You nearly didn't make it. You had just barely gotten things arranged when you heard the front door open. There was a silent pause and you felt the grin return to your face. You remembered exactly how out of place the opulent suite had seemed when you first arrived.
<<nm $phDamien "Um...Hello?">>
The voice echoed up from below, hesitant and halting. You said nothing, but kept your eyes on the bedroom door. You'd left it ajar as an obvious invitation. Footsteps sounded quietly on the stairs and stopped just outside the doorway. There was another moment of silent uncertainty and you swore you heard a deep breath.
Finally, the door swung @@.choice;[[Open.|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBull1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBull1.png]]</picture>@@
Damien stepped slowly into the room, and you had to catch your breath. He was still wearing the workout clothes that he had left in, but they hung on him completely differently. The once short, slender man was at least six inches taller and his muscles strained the limit of his tank top. It didn't even reach to his waist any longer. The white fabric was also tight enough to let you count every muscle of his abs, and there were many. He carried one of the empty protein bottles with him.
He stopped as suddenly as he had entered and his eyes turned saucer plate. You heard a crunch as he reflexively tensed his hand and the plastic bottle crumpled between his digits. There was a good reason for his reaction, since you had just set up in the bed and allowed the sheets to fall down to your waist.
It probably also helped that you were entirely nude.
<<nm $phYou "Good evening, Damien. My, that was fast. I wasn't expecting to see you again for at least a day or two.">>
You kept your tone lazily confident, as if there was nothing at all odd about him staring at your bare <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>tits<</if>>. You idly wondered if Lazren had tossed //her// clothes in a heap in the bathroom when she'd given you this treatment. Probably not, but you had to admit it was way more amusing on this side. Damien was staring for several seconds before his brain seemed to kick into gear and he moved his eyes up.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Well, that settled whether his interest in you was purely platonic or not.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "T-This is...a dream! You...you aren't...you aren't human, so...">>
That set you back for a moment, but you recovered quickly. Apparently, even one set of drinks had changed him enough to see you for what you really were. Just like you, he had stumbled head first into a demon trying to seduce him.
Imitation something something flattery.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I'm real enough. I am very interested in //your// dreams though. Look at you. Isn't this what you wanted? Stronger, taller, harder?">>
Damien looked down at himself as if seeing himself for the first time. He flexed his right hand slowly, apparently enthralled by the motions of the muscles up his arm. When he looked up at you, it was with a mixture of disbelief and growing hope.
<<nm $phDamien "How?">>
<<nm $phYou "I could explain, if you like. I could show you around the place, introduce you to my associates, and tell you everything. Eventually, you'd come around and I'd give you the rest of the protein milk. We'd both very much enjoy watching you finish bulking up.<br><br>Or....">>
You gave him your best sultry smile and raised your eyebrows at him.
<<nm $phYou "We could just say 'fuck it', I tell you I'm <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>, you drink the milk right now, and we save the explaining for after we've finished some exercise.">>
Damien stared at you, wide-eyed, for so long you half-expected him to actually demand the tour and explanation now. You were just figuring out how you could stand up and get dressed while keeping your dignity when he broke into an abrupt grin and laughed. He turned and walked beside the bed, looking down at you with a new energy in his eyes. He picked up the pack of bottles from the nightstand, and made short work of the plastic wrapping.
<<nm $phDamien "...Fuck it. I probably wouldn't understand it anyway.">>
He was probably right, but that was okay. He @@.choice;[[Didn't Need To.|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 3>>By the time the third empty bottle joined it brethren beside the bed, Damien's tank top was about ready to tear, so tight against his body that the shoulder straps were indenting his shoulders. He wobbled and caught the bedpost with one hand, gasping.
<<nm $phDamien "Fuck! This feels...mmm. I feel...so...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Strong? Well, don't look now, but I think you might have more of that feeling on the way.">>
Damien gave you a confused look, and you nodded toward the bedpost. He finally realized that the solid wood was fractured around his fingers, which had sunk in at least an inch. He jerked his hand back, astonished, leaving a hand-shaped depression in the surface.
<<nm $phDamien "Holy fuck! Fuck, sorry, I...uh...I...may I?">>
You nodded, and the big man extended his hand again, getting a grip on the rounded top of the bedpost. He twisted, once, and the head of the post snapped off like it was no more sturdy than a toothpick. A slow, awed smiled lit up Damien's face.
<<nm $phYou "You'll have to be a //little// more careful with the girls these days, I think. Not //too// gentle, though.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Fuck! Yes, yes! Christ! That didn't...that wasn't anything! I feel like I could bench a car!">>
Damien laughed, gleefully. He held the broken post for a long second, a little of that awkward young man back in his stance as he looked for somewhere to put it before finally bending to set it beside the bed. As he did, his tank top ripped along his back, opening a fracture from his shoulder blade to just above his opposite hip.
<<nm $phYou "Oh! A little more gentle on the clothes, too. If you're planning to finish your protein, I don't think they're lasting much longer.">>
He laughed, again, looking down at himself and his ludicrously undersized outfit. He looked at you speculatively for a long second, shrugged, and grabbed hold of the material in both hands. He yanked, hard.
The clothes had no chance at all. The room echoed with the resounding @@.choice;[[Rip!|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 4>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBull2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBull2.png]]</picture>@@
What remained of his clothes was in shredded piles on either side of the bed. Damien loomed over you like a Roman statue, pushing at least six and a half feet tall by now. He was also built like a tank, and his biceps rippled pleasantly with every little motion of his arms.
And his cock. You hadn't seen Damien's shaft before the transformation, but you would have bet every cent that it had grown just as substantially. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>It was longer than any natural human you had ever seen, and thicker all the way down to the heavy balls that swung beneath.<<else>>It was easily as long as yours, but thicker all the way down to the heavy balls that swung beneath.<</if>> You had a sudden mental image of being held up during sex by nothing but his cock alone. The idea didn't seem as outlandish as it should have.
He noticed you looking. The smile that broke across his face was one you'd never seen out of the man. It was confident, at ease, and wholly in command of the situation. He reached down with one hand to grip the base of his shaft, stroking up and down a few times as he flexed his other arm to make the muscles of his bicep bulge.
<<nm $phDamien "Like what you see, $phDamien.address? Everything you hoped?">>
You snorted and reached forward, wrapping your hand around his shaft just above his hand. He gasped in surprised and let go, which you nearly did yourself. His cock was rock-hard, not bending in the slightest from the pressure of your hand. You could barely close your fingers all the way around it and you swore you could feel his heart thundering in the hot flesh.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phYou "Don't get too cocky, sweet. You're still going to be working under me, if all goes well. I assure you that there are plenty of ways for me to give as well as take.">>
You let him think about that for a while, smiling. Then you @@.choice;[[Drew Back The Blanket|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 5]]@@<<else>><<nm $phYou "Don't get too cocky, sweet. You're still going to be working under me, if all goes well. You're also not the only one in this office who can give it as well as they take.">>
He was ready. Time to show him what was @@.choice;[[Under The Sheet|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 5]].
<</if>><</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 5>>You shifted on the bed, kneeling along the side. Your head still barely came up to his neck even though he was standing on the carpet and you were kneeling on the mattress. The movement was enough to make the sheets fall, though,<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> exposing your thighs. Damien's eyes tracked over your nude body and you felt him inhale sharply as his gaze locked between your legs. He gawked, for several seconds, before finally letting out a low chuckle.
<<nm $phDamien "I believe you, $phDamien.address. I suppose that's just fine with me. I've never really been the boss type.">>
<<else>>exposing your length. Damien's eyes tracked over your nude body and you felt him jump with surprise when he reached your erection. He gawked, for several seconds, before finally letting out a low chuckle.
<<nm $phDamien "So it seems, $phDamien.address. So it seems. I suppose that's just fine with me. I've never really been the boss type.">>
<</if>>You could swear you detected a bit of twang creeping into the rumbling vibrato tone. You began to pump your hand up and down, drawing a rumbling groan from the changing man. He blushed, the expression looking quite out of place on his expanded frame, but it was enough to show Damien was still in there.
After a second he stretched out his arm and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>slipped his fingers between your thighs. You threw a brief, worried look at the splintered bedpost, but his touch was remarkably gentle. He ran his forefinger up and down your slit, teasing you without ever pressing inside your body.<<else>>closed his fingers around your shaft. You threw a brief, worried look at the splintered bedpost, but his touch was remarkably gentle. He closed around your cock and began to stroke it slowly, keeping his rhythm in time with your own movements.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah!...Yes, I'm glad. But you're still not done. You've got three more bottles to drink, don't you?">>
The big man grinned, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>running his fingertips across your sex a few more times before he pulled his hand back<<else>>pumping your cock a few more times before he released it<</if>> and reached over to the nightstand. He picked up the bottle and used his thumb to casually pop the twist top off before raising it to his lips and beginning to drink. You smiled up at him and, with every gulp of milk he took, increased the speed of your stroking.
By the time he finished the first bottle and tossed it away, spots of dark color had appeared over his bare chest and spread rapidly across his body, painting him with an even brown tan. When he drained the dregs of the second and absently crushed it between his fingers, his hair had grown long and shaggy atop his head. When he finally polished the third and final bottle, you were forced to switch to a two handed grip on his erection to continue stroking. The monster shaft was at least a full foot long now, and thicker than you had ever seen on any human.
Mostly human, anyway. You could see his skin bulging in two places at his brow, and the massive man sucked in a breath that was equal parts pleasure and pain. You sped up once again and leaned down, swirling your tongue over the head of his cock until he was gasping with need. You could see his hands flexing on either side of your head, opening and closing with the warring desires inside of him. Part of him //needed// to take your head and ram his cock down your throat, the other //knew// you were not a hole to be used and it would not go well for him to forget it.
<<nm $phDamien "$phYou.firstname! $phYou.firstname! I...fuck...I...I need...I need...I...">>
You raised your head to look him in the eye. He was wincing as his bulging brow continued to grow, but he couldn't stop his hips from thrusting. The look in his eyes was pure need, erasing everything else in his mind and replacing it with the surrender of flesh to the pleasure of the moment.
He was finally ready.
<<nm $phYou "Cum! Damien! Cum and be mine!">>
You weren't sure he could have lasted another moment. Damien let out a loud, rumbling groan that seemed to shake the bedframe as he gave in. There was a wet sound in the air as two curled horns finally erupted bloodlessly through the skin and up into his brown hair. Relief mixed with the bliss in Damien's voice as the horns settled in place and he again had to catch himself on the bedpost to keep himself upright, the wood splintering beneath his grip.
That was not, however, the only eruption. His cock jumped in your hands and you caught the first enormous spurt of seed across the side of your face and mouth. You gasped, catching a second mouthful straight on the heels of the first, forcing you to pull back and away. The third, fourth, fifth, and six jets of Damien's cum all landed somewhere on your torso. You'd never seen anyone cum like this, not even in porn.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> It dripped over your chest<<else>>it dripped over your breasts, down your belly, and painted your thighs shiny with seed.<</if>>
He finally ran out of steam around the eighth, his legs shaking so badly it was only his hand on the bed that kept him upright at all. His eyes were unfocused and unseeing, and his breathing rasped out of him like a marathon runner at the end of the race. You looked to his mouth, fully expecting to see the greenish glow of your prize, but there was nothing.
Nothing //there// anyway.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, you've got to be kidding me...Lazren is going to have a field day with this...">>
You moaned, and then sniggered. It would, at the very least make an entertaining story for you to tell. You leaned down, feeling the green glow lighting up your face as you closed your eyes and let your tongue extend to claim that light.
After all, how many <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubi<<else>>succubi<</if>> could legitimately claim to have sucked a man's soul out @@.choice;[[Through His Dick?|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 6>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBull3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBull3.png]]</picture>@@
<<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<Transform $phDamien "bull">>You reached over lazily, flicked the lighter on, and held the flame to the tip of Damien's cigarette. The big man inhaled deeply, a full third of the cigarette turning to ash in a moment. He tapped the end off into his cupped hand, respectfully. When he spoke, you noticed his voice had a slower, drawling cadence than it had before.
<<nm $phDamien "So, let me see if I have it right. You got a job interview here, at this tower, and a succubus was sitting in the bed just like you were? And she put you in charge of the whole place?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's more or less the size of it, yeah. Honestly, I wasn't planning to put you through the same routine I did, but it seemed like a fun idea at the time.">>
Damien laughed and stretched his nude body out on the bed, absently gathering you to his side with one arm. You weren't even sure he realized he was doing it.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> It wasn't unpleasant, despite the fact it reminded you just how much larger he was than you were every time he did it.<</if>> His touch was surprisingly gentle considering the damage he'd done to your bed. He tilted his head back, eyes rolling up to look at his horns.
<<nm $phDamien "I can't fault you there. I'm not so sure about these, though. Won't it make it kind of hard to go out?">>
<<nm $phYou "Did you notice //my// horns when we met? Or the tail?">>
That got a laugh. The big man reached to your backside, following your tail from the small of your back to the spade tip. He toyed with the end, and you nearly went cross-eyed. That was more sensitive than it had any right to be.
<<nm $phDamien "...Alright, fair. I guess there are ways to hide it. You know, it's really strange. I //know// I ought to be really upset with you but...damnit, $phDamien.address, have you seen me? Am I supposed to act like you took advantage of me or something? You'd call bullshit on that in a hot second.">>
You made an affirmative sort of noise, leaning your head up against his broad chest. With your ear pressed to his skin every breath sounded like a bellows filling.
<<nm $phDamien "So with that outta the way...what exactly is it you want me to do? Now that you gave me this body? I presume it ain't just for looks.">>
<<nm $phYou "No, you're right. I'm sure you'll be able to help all sorts of ways, but truth is I've got a job in mind for you. I'm sure you've realized by now that the ice cream and milk we sell downstairs isn't exactly normal. What if I told you it came from some very...busty mooing girls in the back?">>
You peeked up at him. Demons were one thing, and some horns on his head didn't seem all that weird. Cowgirls might been a little more surprising. It had, after all, been startling for you when you'd first read the entry.
You needn't have worried. Damien went suddenly rigid and his eyes went wide. When he spoke, his voice had a tone that was almost reverential.
<<nm $phDamien "Cowgirls?...You mean...a bunch of girls hooked up to...//that// kind of cowgirl?">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh. The way my researcher explains it, the more blank they are the better the milk tastes...and the more they get fucked, the more blank they are. I thought you might be uniquely positioned to help with that, don't you think?">>
Damien drew in another deep drag of the cigarette and let it out with a brief cloud of smoke. He laid his hand on your back again, lightly, and the smile that crossed his face was suffused with pure satisfaction.
<<nm $phDamien "I'm pretty sure that'll do just fine, $phDamien.address. I'll do my very best.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know you will. Now...when are we going to talk about you replacing my bed frame?">>
Damien blushed. Hard.
@@.choice;
[[Later That Night...|DamienBullTransformation][$phDamien.trans_counter to 7]]@@
@@.narrative;Damien Unlocked At Shakes 'n Sundaes! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phDamien.trans_counter is 7>><<set $phLocation to "Office">><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "$pMistress! Wow! Are you going to, like, introduce to me to the hunk who just asked for a room key? He was just wearing a towel and I sooooo wanted to take it off him!">>
You chuckled, stepping out of your suite and into the office. You picked up a couple of papers from the desk and scanned them quickly. A couple more things you could do before the evening was entirely spent.
<<nm $phYou "I'll be sure to introduce you next time he comes by the office, I promise. Could you ask Mason to send a couple of XXL clothing options down to Damien's new room? I'm sure he'll appreciate a wardrobe.">>
Sammy pouted but she turned obediently and picked up the phone. You rolled your shoulders and smiled to yourself. You had a feeling Damien was going to going to fit in just //fine// around here.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Good evening, $pMistress. Your new boy toy just passed through asking for a room key. You couldn't send him out with something more substantial than a towel to wear? Not that I minded...">>
You chuckled, stepping out of your suite and into the office. You picked up a couple of papers from the desk and scanned them quickly. A few more things you could do before the evening was entirely spent.
<<nm $phYou "Nothing of mine was going to fit him, you saw those biceps. I couldn't even get him into one of my bathrobes. That reminds me, ring up Mason and have him send a few XXL items down to Damien's room tonight, would you? I'm sure our new guest will appreciate the wardrobe.">>
Samantha heaved an exaggerated sigh of disappointment, grinned, and turned to begin working the phone. You rolled your shoulders, smiled, and turned around to your bedroom again. You had a feeling Damien was going to fit in //just// fine around here.<</if>>
<hr>
<<include "Bedroom">>
<</if>><<if $phSoulCount is 2>>There was a noticable thrum in the air as you stepped out of your room into the office. You couldn't put your finger on it immediately. Sounds seemed louder, colors seemed bright, and even the furniture seemed to have shed the usual collection of scrapes and scratches any item gets under heavy usage.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy squealed, popping up from her seat and throwing herself into your arms. She nuzzled her face into your chest for a moment, then beamed up at you with irrepressible excitement.
<<nm $phSamantha "You did it! Wow, you really did it, $phSamantha.Address! You got a soulgem thingy all on your own! I'm so happy for you!">>
You drew back, surprised.
<<nm $phYou "How'd you know that?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "The whole tower knows that! The moment you got a second one we all, like, totally got happy and everything start humming and I may have slipped off into the supply closet for a little while. I saw Mr. Mason and he, like, totally smiled! Like, a tiny baby one, but still!">>
You gently disengaged yourself from the little bimbo, your mind awhirl. So the tower had felt it in the moment you'd taken your second soul, and apparently all your servants had too. You wondered if that meant having more souls would, ultimately, make you stronger beyond just what stockpiling energy could give you.
Worth a thought.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>doll<<else>>sweetie<</if>>. That's good to know. I'm glad that you're all feeling good, and I'll try to make sure they keep coming in.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "We know you will! Okay, okay! I know. I spent time in the closet so gotta do the paperwork before I go back. Come say hi soon, okay, $phSamantha.Address?">>
She went back to her desk, her pigtails flouncing as she did so. Another lollipop was plucked deftly from the jar on the her desk, popped between her lips, and was soon shifting around in intense concentration as the blonde focused on her computer equipment.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>Samantha looked up from her desk and flashed you a knowing smile as she stood. She crossed over to you, and gave you a warm peck on each cheek.
<<nm $phSamantha "Someone's been a busy bee, boss. Well done. That's the first soulgem on your own, isn't it?">>
You drew back, surprised.
<<nm $phYou "How'd you know that?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ha! $phSamantha.Address, you all but set off a firework display in here. The moment you picked up another soul we all felt the thrill. Don't mind telling you I had to pull one of the girls in accounting over for a little cram session. I'm pretty sure I even saw Mason looking pleased, and that's a once-in-a-blue-moon sighting.">>
You dropped your hands down to Samantha's sides, your mind awhirl. So the tower had felt it in the moment you'd taken your second soul, and apparently all your servants had too. You wondered if that meant having more souls would, ultimately, make you stronger beyond just what stockpiling energy could give you.
Worth a thought.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad I gave everyone such a fun afternoon. I'll try to keep them coming.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "We know you will, boss, don't worry. Now, I suppose I'd better get back to taking calls. We all had a little bit of a break when it happened so I //am// just a little bit behind. Still, don't be a stranger, alright? I can always make time for you.">>
She smirked in your direction, gave you another kiss on the cheek, and turned back to her desk. When she bent to pick up the phone, she deliberately bent from the hips to give you a more than ample view of the way her skirt tightened around her rear. You enjoyed the view on autopilot, turning over this new information in your head.<</if>>
<<set $phSecondSoulCongrats to 1>>This would be something to keep in mind, you knew. But for now, you still had some @@.choice;[[Work To Do.|Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phDamien.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phDamien.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phDamien "Oh! $pMistress! Congratulations!">>
Dana surged towards you the moment he spotted you, actually throwing himself into your arms in his excitement. You laughed, spinning the little sissy in a circle before settling him back down on his feet.
<<nm $phYou "You heard about that already?">>
<<nm $phDamien "We //do// talk, you know! They said your mom was in town and we should all stay away from the office. Then they said you got your grade back, and everything was going great! So... congratulations!">>
He kicked his leg out in a sort of cheerleading motion, making his skirt rise up around his shapely thighs. You enjoyed the scenery but kept your focus on the conversation. You waved a hand, vaguely.
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad to have passed, of course, but you all were as much a part of that as I was. If I hadn't found any of you, I wouldn't have been graded so well.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I'm sure there would have been someone, even if it hadn't been us. Don't be so modest, $pMistress! What happens now?">>
<<nm $phYou "Now? Well, she's got another task for me. We're going to have to build more places and find more people to help. That means we're going to have a few more people running around who could use some re-assurance. Can I count on you?">>
Dana's eyes widened like you had just informed him you were bringing home a brand-new kitten. He bounced excitedly in place, then managed to calm himself after a moment's exuberance.
<<nm $phDamien "I...uh...I'm sure I can show them the ropes! No problem!">>
<<nm $phYou "I knew you would.">>
You reached out and patted the gym bunny on the side. He nuzzled, almost puppy-like, against your hand, then lifted his head to look up at you.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh! But you came here for a reason! What can I do?">>
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phDamien.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phDamien "$pMistress, you came! We all heard you're getting a promotion!">>
Word, it seemed, got around fast. You knew Mason was intentionally spreading the news around. Exactly what part each of your employees were going to play in your potential ascension you weren't sure, but you //were// sure you were going to need the help.
Dana hurried forward, skirt bouncing around his thighs. Once he reached you, he leaned up on his tip toes and planted a congratulatory kiss directly onto your lips.
<<nm $phDamien "I can't believe it! Tell me everything, okay?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't know how much there is to tell. They want to make me one of them... kind of. Desire, if you can believe that. I guess there's a problem with the old one and they're worried what will happen if she doesn't get replaced.">>
<<nm $phDamien "That's good! Isn't it?">>
Dana had a way of playing coquettish and innocent that always worked, even on you. You knew he was a lot smarter and more astute than he acted, but he enjoyed playing the ditzy schoolgirl. <<if $phDamien.date gt 2>>You had gotten a surprisingly firm taste of that when taking him out to an ice skating rink.<</if>> Absently, you lifted the back of his skirt and rested both hands on his rear. You weren't sure if anyone would noticed his panty-clad backside was now exposed, and you didn't really care.
<<nm $phYou "It might be. I have to admit, it's a little frightening though. I mean, I was human just a few months ago. Now I'm supposed to replace a... I don't even know. A concept of the universe? How am I supposed to live up to that?">>
Dana smiled, raising his hands and spreading them lightly across your chest. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>His hands stroked across your pecs, but<<else>>His hands stroked across your breasts, but<</if>> you could see from his expression he had more on his mind than simple fun. He tilted his head up to look into your eyes.
<<nm $phDamien "But that's just it. You don't 'live up' to anything, $pMistress. You just...are. So all you have to do is be yourself, and everything else will just kind of handle itself.">>
<<nm $phYou "You make it sound so simple.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Sometimes it is. I know you, $pMistress, and I think if someone like you had a greater influence on the world, then it couldn't help being a better place. I think you owe it to yourself to try, at least.">>
You weren't entirely sure if you agreed, but it was hard to argue with the sentiment. Dana chuckled and leaned up for another kiss, then gingerly separated from you.
<<nm $phDamien "Anyway...what can I do for you? I'll help any way I can...even if it's only to help you relax!">>
<</if>><<else>>Dana was bent over, carefully arranging rows of complimentary towels on a table near the front of the gym. Like many of the other gym goers, you paused to admire the way his short skirt rode up to just barely show the curve of his rear.
Then, unlike the other gym goers, you stepped up to wrap your arms around the sissy's middle. Dana gasped, his body going stiff beneath you, and then he relaxed utterly.
<<nm $phDamien "$pMistress! Here to see how we're doing?">>
You laughed, squeezing Dana briefly before letting him go. He turned to you with shining eyes and leaned up on tip toes to kiss your cheeks.
<<nm $phYou "I don't have to check in, I know you're doing well, but I still like to see you from time to time and chat a little.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Awwww! $pMistress! You're going to make me blush! I always have time for you, though. What would you like to talk about? We can find a quiet corner and gossip all you want.">>
His eyes shone, and he toyed playfully with the hem of his skirt, giving a coquettish little spin in place.
<<nm $phDamien "Or, if you need to //really// relax, I could show you around the backrooms. I'm sure we could find some way to work the stress off...">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<if ($phSamantha.date is 6) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien')>>[[Ask Dana About Samantha|SamConvoInterrupts][$phSamantha.date to 6.1]]<br><<elseif ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien')>>[[Ask How Things Are With Samantha|SamPostRelationshipConvos][$phSamantha.date to 12.1]]<br><</if>>[[Find A Quiet Corner To Talk|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 2]]
[[Indulge In Some Stress Relief|DanaSex]]
[[Just Passing Through|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danaquick']]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 0>>You started toward Dana, wondering as you did exactly how the short-skirted sissy was going to react to seeing you. After having some time to think things over, would they be looking to go back? Would that even be possible, after you'd already taken their soulgem? They'd seemed alright when they had left, but a lot of things could change in a short time.
At that point, you rounded a large machine, spotted the young man in the crowd, and any thought you had of him regretting his decision vanished immediately.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienSissyFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienSissyFinal.png]]</picture>@@
Dana was standing in front of a row of leg press machines, a small bag of Paradise branded water bottles at his feet. His attention, however, was on a burly, tanned man using one of the machines. Every time the man shakily managed to extend his legs for another rep, Dana pulled the hem of his cute pink skirt up a little higher, exposing more and more of his shapely thighs. The white dress shirt and pink tie would not have been stylistically out of place in any catholic school, though the fact that the shirt cut off at the midriff to expose a toned stomach would not have flown in those institutions the last time you checked.
You also couldn't help but notice the man on the leg press was not the only one admiring the show. Almost every machine in that vicinity was in use, by both men and women, and every set of eyes seemed to be glued to Dana's body. Several already had water bottles from the sissy's bag, and you had no doubt they'd be drinking fast in the hope of attracting his attention again soon.
<<nm $phYou "Having fun?">>
Dana looked up at your voice, his naughty smile suggesting a kid caught stealing from the cookie jar who had every intention of continuing to sneak treats. He looked back at his audience and flipped his skirt up quickly, offering just a moment's view of decidedly overstuffed panties before he blew a kiss, turned, and threw himself into your arms for a passionate kiss, much to the crowd's apparent delight.
You dragged your paramour a short distance away from the group, and you thought for a moment some of them were going to follow after you. Eventually, though, you were able to get the pink clad young man away from prying ears.
<<nm $phDamien "Hello $pMistress! Was I doing good? I talked to your secretary this morning, and she gave me some tips on how to stand out!">>
Of course she did. You shook your head and looked Dana up and down for a moment, admiring the long white socks that ended just below his knees. Dana had styled his hair and applied a fresh coat of bright, cheerful makeup this morning. Someone was a quick learner. Either that, or the treadmill had done more than eliminate anxiety.
<<nm $phYou "She's a good source. I'll be honest, I thought you'd take a little more time to adjust.">>
<<nm $phDamien "What's there to adjust to? I'm hot, I'm available, and I'm very, very popular $pMistress. I'm going to do everything I can to help you make this the best gym in the world! If I can maybe teach a few people some things about themselves along the way, then...well, that's just a bonus, isn't it?">>
You glanced back toward Dana's former admirers...and caught sight of several of them loitering around the area. They were far enough back you were sure they couldn't eavesdrop, but you were also sure the moment you separated from your sissy it would be hunting season. Dana was well on her way to teaching more than one person a few important lessons.
Mason would be pleased. The way he had described it, more sex in the gym would certainly lead to more energy being produced, and Dana seemed more than eager to push it as high as it was going to go. You had to fight a brief flash of possessive jealousy. You had created Dana, and you had the impulse to pick him up and hide him away in your room. That wasn't what the little sissy was meant for though. He was meant for, and delighted in, being used. You would have to be fine with that.
As long as you always got to use him first.<<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Dana A Question|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 2]]
[[Invite Dana To The Backroom For Some Fun|DanaSex]]
[[Tell Dana To Enjoy Himself For Now|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@<<set $phDamien.post_talk to 1>>
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 2>><<set $phDamienQ1 to 0>><<set $phDamienQ2 to 0>><<set $phDamienQ3 to 0>>You told Dana you'd like to talk for a few minutes somewhere quiet. His face lit up immediately with delight and he grabbed your hand with both of his, leading you along like an excited child. He stepped out of the gym proper to the small running track fenced in along the outside of the tower. It was easy to find a shaded bench to settle into.
<<nm $phDamien "You know, I think this is the bench we sat on before I changed, and I told you about my problems. Seems like a lifetime ago.">>
<<nm $phYou "That we talked?">>
<<nm $phDamien "That I had problems.">>
He flashed a wide smile in your direction, shifted over to sit closer to you, and rested his head lightly on your shoulder. You slipped an arm around his shoulders in return, and the pair of you settled in comfortably.
<<nm $phDamien "So, what did you want to talk about?">>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Dana How He's Doing|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 3]]
[[Ask Dana About The Gym|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 4]]
[[Ask Dana About His Family|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 5]]
[[Suggest An Even More Private 'Encounter'|DanaSex]]
[[Say Goodbye|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 3>><<set $phDamienQ1 to 1>>You asked Dana how he's been doing since you changed him.
<<nm $phDamien "Just fine, $pMistress. Better than fine, actually. I feel //fantastic//. I went running this morning, just to see what this body can do, and I beat my old best time without breaking a sweat even though I stopped twice to collect some phone numbers. You can imagine just how often that had happened before.">>
<<nm $phYou "No regrets, then?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Not really, aside from not finding you sooner. Really, I know it sounds little odd and I'd probably have fallen dead from shame even trying to describe the life I lead now but...it's really good. I feel free, $pMistress. It's hard to describe.<br><br>It's like I spent my whole life doing what I was supposed to be doing, you know? I always trying to balance everything. You don't want to go to work, but you do want to eat, that sort of thing. All that is gone, though. I do exactly what I want to do, and that's fine. Everything is good. That's a hell of a thing.">>
You could understand that. Your situations had been different, but being offered an opulent near-palace in exchange for seducing and remaking the people you came across was also an easy deal to get out of bed for.
@@.choice;
<<if $phDamienQ2 is 0>>
[[Ask Dana About The Gym|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 4]]<</if>>
<<if $phDamienQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Dana About His Family|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 5]]<</if>>
[[Suggest An Even More Private 'Encounter'|DanaSex]]
[[Say Goodbye|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 4>>You asked how the gym has been doing, since he's been here more often than you have lately.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh the gym? It's doing just fine. Took a little while for the workers to figure out I was 'in the know', and I honestly can't believe I never noticed they weren't actually real. We have a system, though. I hand out water and towels and make sure people feel welcome and, if I need something, they'll usually bring it out to me pretty quick when I ask. That's been useful, because the place is getting busier than ever.<<if ($phLocations['Gym']['level'] lt 2)>><br><br>There's still a couple of things I think we can improve. To be honest, if part of your goal is encouraging people to be more free about their bodies, the showers are where I would look. Everyone shows up, works themselves exhausted cause it feels so good, and then when the clothes come off all they want is genuinely just a hot shower and a long nap.<</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['level'] gt 1>><br><br>I'd probably say a lot of that is that new system you put in with the last upgrade, $pMistress! I don't know what you're adding to the water, but it is working wonders. People exhaust themselves, but a quick shower and they're hard and ready to go again. I think I've caught at least three or four of our regulars taking showers with a partner. Once, it was more than one. I'd say people are very enthusiastic about showing off their new fitness levels to one another.<</if>>">>
You actually hadn't thought of that, but it made sense. You wondered if Mason had instructed the simulacra to listen to Dana at some point, or if the tower had done it on its own. It could easily have been either.
<<nm $phYou "Making friends, I hope?">>
Dana batted his long eyelashes at you, touching his chest in mock offence.
<<nm $phDamien "Why, of course, $pMistress! I'll have you know I've got a lot of new friends asking me questions. Most of them want to get into my skirt, though I suspect a few are more interested in //actually// getting into my skirt, if their fashion questions are any indication.">>
You laughed and held up both your hands in surrender. Dana let out an exaggerated 'haumph!' of aggrieved pride, and then dissolved into giggles against your side. You weren't surprised your new servant was popular, and he'd certainly gained more than a little confidence since he'd changed. <<set $phDamienQ2 to 1>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phDamienQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Dana How He's Doing|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>><<if $phDamienQ3 is 0>>@@.choice;[[Ask Dana About His Family|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 5]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>
[[Suggest An Even More Private 'Encounter'|DanaSex]]
[[Say Goodbye|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 5>><<set $phDamienQ3 to 1>>You asked Dana how things have gone with his family. The sunny expression wavered, just a little, and he laid his head down on your shoulder again.
<<nm $phDamien "Honestly? Better than I would have expected. I wasn't exactly worried about their reaction, I'm pretty sure you drilled that out of me, but I still wasn't eager to go through it. We all live separately, of course, but my brother Michael dropped in on my unexpectedly that first night. Crazy coincidence, he wanted to drop off a couple of bits of furniture for me and I pop out of my car in a skirt and pigtails.<br><br>He looked a little surprised, but then he blew right past it, gave me a coffee table, and sat on the couch drinking beer for an hour or so. He actually told me he always admired me growing up for sticking to my guns and not giving a damn what anyone had to say about me. I'll be honest, I didn't know how to take that. Did you do something to him?">>
<<nm $phYou "No...or...at least, not that I know of. Mason designed the treadmill to make you your ideal self. I guess, in a certain light, 'estranged from your family' isn't part of that ideal, but I don't think the magic goes far beyond the tower. He really just rolled with it?">>
<<nm $phDamien "He did. Like it was no big deal. Told me he had a boyfriend once, in college, though it hadn't been for him. I had no idea. If not for what you did, I'm sure I would still be sputtering and stumbling all over myself. Instead, I just felt good. Like it was all out in the open. Thanksgiving might still be a treat, but I'm not worried anymore. Thanks, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not sure I did anything, but you're welcome. I'm glad you can stop worrying about that and just enjoy yourself, Dana.">>
The sissy made a happy sound and nuzzled into your shoulder a little more. You couldn't help but smile, watching a pair of runners go by trying not to check out the pair of you too obviously as they passed.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phDamienQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Dana How He's Doing|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>><<if $phDamienQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Dana About The Gym|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 4]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>
[[Suggest An Even More Private 'Encounter'|DanaSex]]
[[Say Goodbye|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@<</if>>@@You suggested that you and Dana might be able to 'relax' more freely in the backrooms. Dana looked over at you for a moment, his expression quizzical. You saw the exact moment when understanding passed over his face. His jaw dropped and his perfectly painted lips turned to an 'O' of surprise.
<<nm $phDamien "Ah! Well, of course, $pMistress! Why don't we go do that then?">>
He reached down and grabbed your hand in both of his, pulling you along with all the excitement of a child visiting a theme park for the first time. You let yourself be dragged, but you kept your pace steady and never quite as fast as he wanted to go as you moved through the gym and toward the back. You noticed Dana didn't have a keycard for the security door at all, he just waved his hand in front of the sensor and the lock obediently clicked open. So much for a trick only you could pull off.
Once into the backroom the sissy turned to you with a bright smile, and you swore you saw a brief flash of <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>green in his eyes, the same color as your necklace. He put his hands together behind his back, actually bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet in obvious excitement.
<<nm $phDamien "I was really hoping you would drop by, $pMistress! I know exactly what you need! C'mon, let me show you a place where we can //both// get all the cock we could want!">>
He spun a pirouette on his heels, grabbed your hand again, and began to drag you forward with new purpose. You blinked and dug in your heels for a second, drawing the sissy up short.
<<nm $phYou "Now, wait a second! What do you mean both of us? I'm just here for you!">>
Dana giggled and turned back toward you, shooting you a knowing kind of look.
<<nm $phDamien "I thought you taught me to be honest with myself, $pMistress? I know you'll enjoy this. We'll both have fun being the sluts that we are! C'mon, don't keep the boys waiting!">>
Dana, it seems, had some 'ideas' for how to spend your rendezvous, but you doubted he'd force you to come along even with the sub side of your necklace showing. Still, the encounter might be a little more open than you were expecting, even if you //could// see the appeal.
@@.choice;
[[Relax. Like Dana Said, You'd Enjoy It|DanaSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 0]]
[[Not A Chance! Put The Sissy In His Place!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 9]]
[[Actually, You Just Remembered A Pressing Engagement...|Gym][$phDanaRejectGangbang to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>red in his eyes, the same color as your necklace. He put his hands together at the small of his back and tilted his head up at you with a perfectly pouty expression.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, $pMistress, you've got me aaaaaalllll to yourself. Mmm, so very ready and so very willing. What are you going to do to your precious Dana?">>
You felt a grin crawl across your face and you straightened your back to stand more erect. You began to circle the sissy, letting your eyes wander over him with a predatory intent. You saw a full body shiver roll across him as he allowed you to admire him from every angle. He swallowed hard, and peeked at you out of the corner of his eye.
He was right. You had him all to yourself and you knew exactly what you wanted to do.
You were going to...
@@.choice;
[[Go Hard! Put The Sissy In His Place!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 0]]
[[Go Soft. His Place Was In Your Bed|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 10]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 0>>You relaxed your resistance and let Dana take your hand again. His beaming smile returned as he lead you along, traversing the backrooms expertly before popping out onto a tiled floor. You recognized it quickly as one of the locker rooms.
Specifically, the //male// locker room.
It wasn't empty. Men in various stages of undress alternatively gasped and reached for towels and shirts to cover up or, rather commonly, simply flashed Dana a knowing look and tensed their muscles to show off their physique. A couple in the latter camp leaned over to explain something to their neighbors in a low, excited tone. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Dana //was// a man but he often didn't look it, so it was no surprise that some were startled.<</if>>
Dana led you through the room and into the back, where the showers were located. It was a nice set of showers with clusters of four showerheads separated by cubes of privacy walls. When the gym was busy, each cube would have multiple users at once while during slower hours it would be possible to find a cube all to one's self. At the moment, it seemed to be on the slower side, with only a couple of the stalls occupied at all.
Dana walked all the way to the end, humming softly to himself as he loosened his tie and then slipped it over his head. He turned at the last stall, expertly hanging the brightly colored tie up over a loose screw on the stall wall, not even slowing down as he pulled you inside.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, we're in the showers. What exactly are we- Gah!">>
You gasped as Dana turned the shower heads on full, a blast of cold water soaking your suit top instantly. You tried to dance back and away but Dana caught your arm and pulled you back, keeping you under the stream as the water rapidly warmed. You noticed the four showerheads in this stall had all been adjusted so they pointed inward at the same point, right where you and Dana were standing. Your hair was plastered to your body and your outfit was quickly soaked through.
<<nm $phYou "Dana! You could have warned me! The hell are you up to now?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Sorry, $pMistress! The water running covers some of the noise and makes them feel more comfortable, not to mention making it pretty sexy...">>
You let your eyes drift over Dana. Like you, he was soaked through from the water, the white shirt translucent and sticking to his chest. His skirt hung heavily from his hips, letting you see the bulge underneath much more clearly.
...Wait...
<<nm $phYou "The water makes //who// more comfortable?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Jeff" "You <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>gentlemen<<else>>ladies<</if>> mind a little company?">>
The voice behind you was a deep, basso rumble that sent a shiver through your spine. It was the kind of confident, expectant tone of a man who knew exactly what was about to happen and was planning to enjoy every second of it. You could swear your eyes caught a glimmer of reflected green light off linoleum flooring as your necklace turned hot against your chest.
@@.choice;
[[Turn Around|DanaSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 1>>The man behind you was enormous. At least a head taller than you, Dana barely came up to his chest. His skin was a rich brown, though you couldn't tell if this was his natural complexion or a very even tan. He had a towel wrapped loosely around his hips and it barely extended down far enough to brush the top of his knees. You could count every muscle on his bared, hairy chest, though it might take you quite a while.
<<nm $phDamien "Jeff! I thought I saw you out there! Hiiii! You been keeping up with those leg exercises I told you about?">>
Dana moved forward, pressing himself wetly against Jeff's broad chest. The big man hooked an arm around the diminutive sissy automatically, crushing Dana against him. He nodded, then looked up at you with a mixture of curiosity and interest.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Jeff" "Of course I have...Is this that friend you mentioned?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Uh huh! This is...uh...R...Renee! I told $pher how much fun this was and $pshe just about came in <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>his pants<<else>>her panties<</if>>! I'm sure the second you drop your towel, $pshe'll be on $pherhis knees.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Jeff" "Is that so?">>
You scoffed. You might occasionally be in a submissive mood, but you weren't going to fold that easily for a human just because they waved a cock at you, even if you //were// finding your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>thighs oddly hot<<else>>pants feeling oddly tight<</if>> from the moment Jeff had walked into the shower stall.
Jeff pulled at his towel and threw it up over the side of the privacy wall. His cock was exactly what you would have expected from the rest of him. Thick and throbbing, it hung down between his legs and swayed with every little motion he made. A generous but neatly trimmed thatch of curly hair adorned the base, and his balls hung ponderously below the mammoth shaft.
It looked even better at eye level, swaying almost hypnotically in front of your face as you laid a hand on his thighs and water gathered against your knees on the tile floor.
Fuck.
Jeff smiled down at you. He had a nice smile, but you barely saw it. You felt his strong hand close around the back of your head, drawing you forward until the head of his cock pressed lightly against your closed lips.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Jeff" "That's a good $pgirl. Just relax and lets have some fun.">>
@@.choice;
[[Relax and Have Some Fun|DanaSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 2]]
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 2>>Jeff's fingers wove into your hair, pulling you down hard on his cock. You felt it bump against the back of your throat and your jaw ached deliciously as you struggled to take it all in. He had been gentle at first, until it was clear you were more than capable of handling him, and more than willing to be handled yourself. Then he had begun to thrust eagerly.
It was a strange whirl of sensation. The hot water was still falling from the shower heads, running over you both, rivers of water dripping off you to the floor. Every time you moved it slightly altered the way that the water hit you, and the constant sound of liquid against the tile buzzed in your ears and made it hard to focus on anything but the cock you were pleasuring. The big man's hands set the pace, and you followed without a second thought, allowing yourself to be used like a sex doll.
When his grunted moans finally rose above the sound of falling water you straightened your back and opened your mouth as wide as you could, ensuring there was nothing slowing him down. You pressed you hands down into the water-logged material of your pants, tilting your head back in acceptance as he bobbed your head faster and faster on his cock.
Finally, he let out a cry that resounded in the small space, and you felt his cum spurt against the back of your throat. You swallowed, automatically, the salty taste spreading on your tongue, but there was too much. You pulled back, allowing the cock to pop free of your lips and caught the last two jets of seed across your cheek and chest. The creamy liquid stuck to you for a few seconds before the torrent of shower water ran it off your skin. You tilted your head up to smile at Jeff, wiping the water from your eyes.
And found yourself looking up at three men, not just one. A skinny man with a surfer's body on Jeff's left and a tall, Asian man with a bald head to his right. Both looked down at you with wide smiles, both were nude, and both had their hips thrust forward to show their bobbing cocks.
You looked over to your right, and realized for the first time what had been going on while you were distracted. Dana was on his knees next to you, and he wasn't alone. Another two men stood over her, and he had his mouth full of one while his hand worked the other's shaft hard and fast. And behind them...
A line was forming.
Oh //fuck// indeed.
You found yourself smiling and squaring your shoulders. Dana had clearly done this before, if his familiarity with Jeff was any indication. If he thought you were going to shirk from providing pleasure for a while he had another thing coming. You looked back up at your new pair with your best sultry smile.
<<nm $phYou "Boys...Lets get going. I think we have a lot of catching up to do...">>
@@.choice;
[[Catch Up With Dana|DanaSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 3>>It was a whirlwind after that. You lost track of the time or the individual names of anyone you encountered. You sucked and stroked and nuzzled and obeyed, and every time one cock erupted sticky and hot on your body a new one appeared before the cum had even washed away fully in the show water. It all blurred in your mind and, even looking back, you could only remember it as a series of disconnected vignettes.
@@color:#95B5D5;As the crowd got larger, you and Dana shifted closer and closer together until your bodies were all but entwined. You stroked a thick cock as he sucked on the end of it until you were pulled away. A pale man with a nose ring and green-tinted hair dragged you back to the center of the shower. You nodded your acceptance and reached up again...@@
@@color:#DA8686;Jeff was back, and he wanted more than your mouth this time. He wrapped his strong fingers around the back of your neck and actually lifted you up onto your feet again, then kicked them apart and pushed you against the wall of the stall. It was only a half wall for privacy, with a foot gap at the bottom and even more at the top, so you were able to hook your hands over the top of the wall to hang on for dear life, thrusting your ass back and up...@@
@@color:#DA8686;Jeff knew the position well, and as his cock spread your ass you found your cheek pressing against the wall, still dripping with condensation. You moaned and arched, and he obliged by spanking your ass, sending a reverberating wave of pleasure through your mind. He fucked you, hard and fast, and you moaned and writhed and bucked on his cock until he filled your ass with wonderful cum...@@
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>@@color:#ff69b4;Your shirt had been opened at some point, the popped buttons suggesting that it had been torn off bodily. Men seemed to enjoy stroking their fingers up and down your fit chest as they fucked you, or making you drip with their cum before the shower water rushed it away. A stray thought broke you out of your haze as the man currently cumming in your ass finished and stepped back, before another one took his place. You searched for Dana. He was bouncing on a muscular Black man's cock. The man's hands at the sissy's hips pulled him down hard enough to make a slapping sound audible even over the running water...@@
@@color:#ff69b4;You met Dana's eyes and winked. The little sissy spent all his time in the gym, but your incubus heritage had its advantages, and your body was being noticed. Then you returned your attention to your current 'customer'. You pouted your lips and wriggled your ass back at him, not that he needed much encouragement. Then the water and the sensation again washed everything away...@@
<<else>>@@color:#ff69b4;Your shirt had opened at some point, the popped buttons suggesting it had been torn off bodily. You had a cock between your breasts and your hands pressed on either chest while you bucked your body up and down. You leaned your head down to swirl your tongue along the end, your eyes searching the confusion for Dana. He was bouncing on a muscular Black man's cock. The man's hands at the sissy's hips pulled him down hard enough to make a slapping sound audible even over the running water...@@
@@color:#ff69b4;You met Dana's eyes and winked. A titjob was one thing you could do that the sisy couldn't. Then you returned your attention to the cock at hand. You were ready to feel him cum all over your tits, leave them dripping for a few seconds before the water washed everything away...@@
<</if>>
@@color:#C8A5D4;Water.
Cocks.
Suck.
Present.
Moan.
Cum.
Smile.
Stroke.@@
Bliss.
@@.choice;
[[Wake Up|DanaSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 4>><<nm $phDamien "I called Miss <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>Samantha<</if>> and asked if she could bring you down some clothes. I...ah...hope you don't mind?">>
You patted your face with a towel, then used it to wring out your hair. Your body ached in the best kind of way, though you knew from experience that it wouldn't last very long. You still struggled to pick out specific moments from the blitz of sounds and images, but it was useless. Also worthless. You had been used and enjoyed for at least an hour as the hot water ran around the pair of you...and you couldn't deny you were ten times more relaxed than when Dana had first pulled you in.
<<nm $phYou "It's alright. She has access to the cameras when she needs it, and sometimes just when she's bored. She'd find out anyway. Besides, nothing to be ashamed of.">>
Dana beamed, and threw himself into your arms, showering your face with gentle kisses. You laughed, allowing it to go on for a few seconds before you pushed the sissy away and reached for the dry clothes he'd procured.
<<nm $phYou "You //could// have still warned me! Good thing my phone is waterproof.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Yes $pmaam. Sorry $pmaam. I'll make it up to you? I've got a pretty good sense of Jeff's schedule if you want me to arrange an 'accidental' meeting...">>
You stuck out your tongue and called him a slut. He accepted the term with a graceful nod of his head and leaned in for another kiss, which you gave. With a final wiggle of his fingers, he flounced down the hall toward his own locker with the wet and dripping clothing under his arm.
Well, that was probably not what Lazren had in mind when she'd made you the leader of this place. Then again, judging from her giving you the necklace in the first place, maybe it was exactly what she was expecting. You tried to care, but found you couldn't. It had not been the worst way to pass a few hours.
In fact, maybe you could pass a few more here. When you had the time, of course.
@@.choice;
[[Get Dressed|Gym]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 0>>You grinned and stepped close to Dana. You had always been taller than him, even in his previous form, and he'd lost a few inches during the transition. You hooked a hand around his hip and pulled him tight against your front. The sissy's eyes went a little wide as he realized perhaps he had teased a little too much.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> He more than recognized the tone of your voice as you spoke.<<else>>He could feel your length pressing through the fabric of your pants against his bare midriff.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ready and willing, huh? That's what you said? Ready and willing to do what, Dana?">>
It was hard to force a blush out of the transformed sissy these days, but you got one. His cheeks colored and he looked away, even as he ground his hips unconsciously against yours.
<<nm $phDamien "A-Anything you want, $pMistress...">>
<<nm $phYou "And exactly what sort of things do you imagine I might want?">>
You let your voice drop down to a husky register and wrapped your tail around his thigh. The spade tip lifted the fabric of his skirt to bare his pantied backside and straining bulge. He looked up at you with wide, excited eyes.
<<nm $phDamien "Um!....A-Anything, $pMistress! I can...ah...<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>lick you<<else>>suck on you<</if>>. Or I can use my hand, or you can fuck me and spank me like a naughty girl...">>
The words came haltingly, and the blush deepened even redder. You let the silence hang for a couple of seconds, letting your hands run down his back and over the swell of his fine rear.
<<nm $phYou "Those are the sorts of things you imagine I would like, hmm? Well, Dana, I suppose I'll have to tell you...<br><br>...You're absolutely right.">>
You gave Dana a hard shove, enough to force him to turn and catch himself against the wall. You were on him in an instant, pressing your weight down on his body hard, forcing him flat against the wall.
<<nm $phYou "Tiptoes, you sissy slut. Get your ass in the air for me.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> If you want me to find a toy for my slut, you put on a show first.<</if>>">>
You hissed the words into Dana's ear and the man went rigid underneath you. Slowly, he lifted himself up onto his tip toward and thrust his rear out against you. You took your time, leaning your body back to let him move before reaching down to lift the back of his skirt.
You made a satisfied sound in the back of your throat and took a moment to @@.choice;[[Survey All That You Own.|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 1>><h2>SMACK</h2>
Your hand impacted firmly against Dana's backside, the sound of impact not mitigated at all by the thin, lacey panties the sissy was wearing. Dana's whole body went rigid beneath you and he leaned forward, resting his head on the wall. You let your hand trace the curve of his rear, toying with the edges of his underwear playfully.
<<nm $phYou "My...such a nice, tight ass we have here. Tell me, whose is this?">>
<<nm $phDamien "...My ass?">>
<h2> SMACK </h2>
Your hand cracked down against on the heart-shaped rear and Dana let out a cry that was half moan and half a simple release of air. He lifted up onto his toes again, raising his rear a couple of inches upward.
<<nm $phYou "...Who owns it?">>
<<nm $phDamien "You do! You do, $pMistress!">>
<<nm $phYou "Good girl.">>
<h2> SMACK </h2>
The sounds reverberated through the room for a third time as you spanked him again, this time joined by a needy whine from Dana. He looked up at you with confusion in his large eyes. You flashed your best grin and leaned down against his ear.
<<nm $phYou "That one was the reward. Well, one of the rewards. If you want the other one...">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You grinned at him and then stepped away. It didn't take you very long. Sorting through Dana's purse you found your harness and the thick, silicone toy that went with it. It was a somewhat bulky item to carry in a purse, but Dana had never complained. The joy of having it on hand when you needed it was just as much for his pleasure as yours.
You made him wait, carefully stepping into the harness and cinching it around your hips and legs. You made him wait as you carefully fitted the toy to the base and stroked your hand over the top of it. You made him wait as you strolled back over to where he was still pressed against the wall and languidly took in his body.<<else>>You guided his hand off the wall and pulled it between your legs, allowing him to run his fingertips along the length of you. He moaned, as if he were pleasuring his own cock rather than yours, his fingers closing gently around your length. He stroked you, up and down, for several seconds. His thumb toyed with the zipper of your pants, dragging it steadily downward with every movement of your hand before he could finally reach in and pull you free.
You let him stroke you for a while, your cock thickening in his soft hands. Then you finally grabbed hold of his panties and yanked them down his smooth legs. Dana gasped, opening his stance as far as the underwear around his ankles would allow. You could see the tip of his shaft lifting the front of his skirt as you settled yourself behind him. He actually panting with anticipation, his breathing fast and ragged and his body quivering with the wait.
<</if>>You made him wait, running one hand along his spine. You traced your fingertips in slow circles as he panted and quivered and begged with his eyes, exposed and wanting. You made him wait...until the wait was too much for even you.
Then you grinned, took hold of his hips firmly, and @@.choice;[[Fucked Him!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 2>><<nm $phDamien "H-Harder, $pMistress! Please, fuck this sissy hard! Please, please, fu-ahh!">>
You delivered a firm spank to Dana's ass, cutting off the begging cries with a high pitched moan. The sissy pushed his ass out from the wall to meet you every time you thrust forward, making the impact of your hips against his body almost bruising.
His ass was tight and hot and he squeezed expertly, tightening up every time you withdrew and relaxing his muscles as you slammed home again. He had taken your whole <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>toy<<else>>cock<</if>> within a few thrusts and you filled him over and over again, rattling the walls around you.
Giving it to him hard was not the problem. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Holding yourself back from crying out in pure bliss and wanton need when the strap-on pushed back against your sex was the problem.<<else>>Holding yourself back from filling his ass with your cream immediately was the problem.<</if>> You clung hard to his back, one arm up to wrap around his neck, the light pressure altering the pitch of his cries and moans. Your other hand went around his waist, blindly pawing around his skirt until you found his bouncing cock. You began to stroke, frantically, not building up the pace over time but simply starting at a quick, demanding speed.
Dana gasped, and his motions became out of sync. The two of you moving not as a well-oiled machine but two desperate, horny partners clawing for more pleasure. Sometimes your thrusts connected weakly, encouraging you to move even harder and faster. Sometimes your bodies met at the right time, another resounding impact that drove you both a little closer to climax.
<<nm $phYou "Who's my girl, huh? Who's my pretty whore?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah! Ah! I...I am! I am! Ooooh, fuck yes!">>
You tightened your grip around his neck and his cock and closed your eyes. There was nothing else in the world at that moment but your shaft being milked by the sissy's hole. You felt your pleasure building, and you couldn't fight it. You let out an almost bestial roar, dimly away of the feeling of Dana's cock jumping in your hand and spraying cream all over the wall in front of him.
And then you hilted in him, hard, driving your whole length into his body and pressing him flat against the wall. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You came, as much from his unthinking and complete submission to you as his mistress as the pleasure from the toy pushing back against your overly sensitive succubus body.<<else>>You came, pumping hot cum into his body for what seemed like an eternity of pleasure.<</if>> You felt him arch and quiver beneath you, his body shaking as you claimed him for your own.
Then he dropped back down against the wall, panting hard to catch his breath. You released his neck and extended your hand flat to hold yourself up the same way, both of you still locked together in that hot, intimate embrace.
You were silent for at least a minute, focused more on getting your wind back than speaking. When you finally opened your eyes, you found Dana looked back at you over his shoulder, a few strands of hair plastered to his forehead by sweat. He was smiling, slyly.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmm. That was //wonderful//, $pMistress...One more? Get a few extra reps in?">>
His eyes shone with innocence. You burst into sudden laughter, nuzzling down against his backside. Little slut. But he was //your// slut. You reached up and seized his hair in one hand, bending his head back gently but powerfully, making him tense around your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>indefatigable toy<<else>>still hard cock<</if>>.
You'd show him @@.choice;[[Extra Reps!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 3>>Two or three 'extra reps' later and you were both finally spent. You caught a shower and Dana dutifully lathered and rinsed you with a cheerful service that provoked one extra rep for the road.
<<nm $phDamien "Feel like I'm going to sleep well tonight. Thank you, $pMistress, for stopping by. I always feel better when I get to see you, even for just a little while. I know you're busy though. Helping people like me see what they should really be.">>
You reached over and tousled the sissy's hair. He pouted at you and returned to fixing his makeup in a small handmirror.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, I'll stop in when I can. You're mine, after all. Can't just leave you on your own or you would get lonely, wouldn't you?">>
Dana grinned and blew a kiss in your direction, touching up his lipstick and then closing the mirror. He turned and wrapped his arms around you in a tight hug, leaning up to kiss you lightly on the lips.
<<nm $phDamien "Go get them, $pMistress. I'll be right here when you need me.">>
You laughed and swung Dana against the wall, leaning down to touch your lips to his far more aggressively, pressing yourself up against his front. You held it for a few seconds, then finally allowed him to escape. He fluttered his eyes happily, then rolled them in exaggerated exasperation.
<<nm $phDamien "Going to make me fix my makeup again, $pMistress! Naughty!">>
You slapped him fondly on the rear, and turned to the door. That had been a worthwhile diversion, certainly, but you couldn't spend //all// of your time here, even if you wanted to.
Time to @@.choice;[[Return To The Gym.|Gym]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 9>>You reached out and took Dana by the wrist, pulling him back again you. He took a deep breath as he pressed in against your body, his eyes questioning as he tilted his head up at you.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my. Wanting to share me with a bunch of other boys? Or is it that you don't think I'm enough to satisfy anymore, hmm?">>
You kept your tone teasing, but he stumbled over his words anyway, frantically shaking his head.
<<nm $phDamien "N-No! That's n-not it, $pMistress! I was...I was just...!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll bet its true! I'll bet you were so hard imagining your boss in the middle of some big strong guys, huh? Oh yes, I can //feel// it.">>
You pressed your hand across the front of Dana's skirt, feeling the distinct shape of his cock through the fabric of the skirt and his silken panties. He quivered and arched beneath your fingers as you stroked him, your movements sharp and deliberate, squeezing firmly.
<<nm $phDamien "M-$pMistress! I...S-Sorry! I didn't mean to-!">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmhmm. I'll bet...well, don't worry. You have a very forgiving <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>master<<else>>mistress<</if>>. I won't hold it against you after you show a little...contrition. That's fair, isn't it?">>
The sissy tilted his head back and closed his eyes, shifting his weight from foot to foot. You gave him another firm squeeze and a whimper escaped his lips.
<<nm $phDamien "Y-Yes, $pMistress! That's fair!">>
You gave Dana a hard shove, enough to force him to turn and catch himself against the wall. You were on him in an instant, pressing your weight down on his body hard, forcing him flat against the wall.
<<nm $phYou "On your tiptoes, my sweet sissy. You're going to make it up to me very...vocally.">>
You purred the words into Dana's ear and the man went rigid underneath you. Slowly, he lifted himself up onto his tip toward and thrust his rear out against you. You took your time, leaning your body back to let him move before reaching down to lift the back of his skirt.
You made a satisfied sound in the back of your throat and took a moment to @@.choice;[[Let The Anticipation Build!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 10>>You smiled and leaned into Dana, resting your forehead on his as you pressed in against him. His eyes sparkled happily and he leaned up to touch his lips to yours. You held the kiss for several long seconds, swaying slightly with your lover as if to a slow dance only the two of you could hear.
When it finally broke, you were both breathless. Dana lowered his head and nuzzled up against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>flat<<else>>soft<</if>> chest, hands drifting down to rest lightly along your hips.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmm. Thank you, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "For what?">>
<<nm $phDamien "For being you.">>
You beamed, and the pair of you came together again. This time it was just as adoring, but significantly less chaste. You bore Dana back against the wall, only to have him push back against you, driving the back of your thighs into one of the tables. You let your tongue joust lightly against his as your hands sank lower, caressing his backside.
Dana finally tilted his head away from your lips and trailed kisses along your neck and shoulder, his breathing fast and hot against your skin. His hands tightened on your hips. When he spoke, his words were a low, sultry whisper.
<<nm $phDamien "Let me thank you properly.">>
The sissy's smile was sly as he returned to your neck, kissing the skin with adoring reverence. This time, though, he let himself sink down, trailing his mouth <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>across your chest and then down across your abs. He finally knelt completely, stroking his cheeks against the bulge of your cock in your pants.
<<else>>along your curves. Your arched your spine to press your breasts against him as he nuzzled into the soft swells and kissed his way over your belly. He finally knelt completely, stroking his cheeks against <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the softness of your inner thighs.<<else>>the bulge of your cock in your pants.<</if>>
<</if>>You let him take his time, leaning back against the table. You let your hands wander over his head, toying with the long locks of wavy brown hair. He leaned his head into your hands, the way a puppy might, his hands running up your knees and thighs until they reached your waist, unbuttoning and unzipping your pants.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>He had you bared within a few seconds, working your pants down over your hips and nuzzling against your panties for a few seconds before pulling them down as well. He inhaled deeply, his eyes going wide in absolute love and adoration as he leaned forward and looked up at you for permission. You cooed encouragingly down at him, fingers still petting over his hair lightly.
He beamed up at you, his perfectly painted lips parting as he tilted his head up and brought his tongue up to stroke against your slit. He flexed the muscle slowly, up and down, and his eyes very nearly lidded with the taste of you. Every movement was an act of worship and prayer at the altar he clearly preferred.
<<else>>He had you free within a few seconds, your cock falling onto his forehead when he finally pulled your pants and underwear to your knees. His eyes nearly crossed to focus on the shaft, the heat of his skin warming the underside of your length. You cooed encouragingly down at him, fingers still petting over his hair lightly.
He beamed up at you, his perfectly painted pink lips curling with his excitement and joy. He tilted his head up, letting your cock rest across the length of his face, his lips pursing to kiss the underside of your shaft. Every movement was an act of worship and prayer at the altar he clearly preferred.
<</if>>You smiled, closed your eyes, and allowed him to @@.choice;[[Earn Your Blessing.|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 11]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 11>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Dana pressed his lips up against your slit firmly and then worked his head up and down, allowing his tongue to mimic the motions. Every movement brought the wet, stiff muscle up against your folds and sent pleasant waves of sensation up your spine. The sissy leaned back, his chest resting just above your sex, and actually let out a quiet laugh. You quirked an eyebrow downward.
<<else>>Dana kissed your cock again, then moved his head in slow, seemingly random motions. Every movement stroked his soft, smooth skin up against the sensitive flesh of your shaft, sending pleasant waves of sensation up your spine. The sissy reached up with one hand, wrapping his fingers around your length, and actually let out a quiet laugh. You quirked an eyebrow downward.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "What's so funny?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phDamien "Just thinking. I spent a lot of time trying to convince everyone around me I was a manly man. Now, my beautiful $pMistress just about has me making a mess in my panties getting a taste of her...and I wouldn't have it any other way.">>
You smirked and rolled your hips, briefly mashing the young man's face back where it belonged. He tilted his head up and flashed a chastised expression at you as though you had truly punished him.
<<else>><<nm $phDamien "Just thinking. I spent a lot of time trying to convince everyone around me I had the biggest manhood in the room. Now my wonderful $pMistress is much bigger than I am...and I wouldn't have it any other way.">>
You smirked, took hold of the base of your shaft, and slapped it lightly against Dana's cheek. The young man tilted his head up, playfully flashing a chastised expression at you as though you had struck him hard.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Well...That's a good reason, but you shouldn't go laughing at your lover when their pants come down, love. Sends the wrong message.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah! Very sorry, $pMistress. I'll see what I can do to make it up to you, then?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Dana returned to his work with gusto. You tilted your head back, applying all of your willpower not to just grab him and thrust your hips into his face. You resisted the urge with an effort, letting him set the pace.
He didn't keep you waiting long. His tongue emerged from his lips and began to work against your lower folds. He had obviously been practicing, likely with several of the gym customers, and that practice was paying off in spades. His mouth was wet and hot and his tongue never stopped moving, flicking against every sensitive inch of flesh he could reach.
He began to move his head up and down. When he rose, he wrapped his lips around your clit and flicked his tongue hard against the sensitive pearl. When he lowered himself, his thrust his tongue deeply within you. His moans were muffled, but each attempt sent a vibration directly into you that threatened to wear away your self control completely. You felt your hands close unconsciously in his hair.
You couldn't help yourself. You gripped his brown hair and began to use him as you would a toy, keeping him solidly in place as you ground your sex against his lips. Dana didn't resist, keeping his back straight and his mouth open, his body obeying every twitch of your hands without the slightest bit of resistance. You were growing wetter by the second and the room was soon filled with the sound of your hips slapping against his cheeks.
Suddenly, you tensed and pushed him up and away from your body. Dana's eyes grew immediately wide and he whimpered, his tongue running along his lips as he stared up at you in confusion. You could hear the need in your voice as you spoke.
<<nm $phYou "Not there. I want to claim you.">>
He stared for several long seconds, then broke into a satisfied grin. He all but bounced to his feet, his skirt swirling around his hips as he turned to the wall and spread his legs wide. He reached beneath his skirt, his fingers slipping into his silken panties and working the material down his thighs. As he did, he met your eyes over his shoulder, his own smoldering with desire as he bared his rear to you.
It was an invitation you couldn't resist. You grinned at him and then stepped away. It didn't take you very long. Sorting through Dana's purse you found your harness and the thick, silicone toy that went with it. It was a somewhat bulky item to carry in a purse, but Dana had never complained. The joy of having it on hand when you needed it was just as much for his pleasure as yours.
It took you just a few seconds to strap the familiar harness on around your hips and attach the toy. It took a few more for you to get back to your sissy and position yourself, running your hand adoringly over his spine and down to the wonderful swell of his ass. A few last tender second as you met his eyes and blew a kiss to him over his shoulder.
<<else>>He finally leaned up, kissing the head of your cock and swirling his tongue around the tip. You tilted your head back, applying all of your willpower not to just grab him and thrust into his throat. You resisted the urge with an effort, letting him set the pace.
He didn't keep you waiting long. His lips parted and he allowed your dick to disappear slowly between his pink lips. His mouth was wet and hot and his tongue never stopped moving, flicking against sensitive skin just below your cockhead almost continuously.
He began to bob his head, letting your manhood move deeper and deeper into his mouth until you felt yourself bumping against the back of his throat. Dana's moan of pleasure was muffled, but the vibrations of it travelled along your length and made you shudder again. You felt your hands close unconsciously in his hair.
You couldn't help yourself. Your gripped his brown hair and began to use him as you would a toy, bouncing his head up and down on your shaft. Dana didn't resist, keeping his back straight, his body obeying every twitch of your hand without the slightest bit of resistance. Your cock grew wet and ready as your pleasure built, and the room was soon filled with the smacking of his lips along the back of your shaft.
Suddenly, you tensed and pushed him up and away from your hips. Dana's eyes grew immediately wide and he whimpered, his tongue appearing to run along his mouth as he stared up at you in confusion. You could hear the need in your own voice as you spoke.
<<nm $phYou "Not there. I want to claim you.">>
He stared for several long seconds, then broke into a satisfied grin. He all but bounced to his feet, his skirt swirling around his hips as he turned to the wall and spread his legs wide. He reached beneath his skirt, his fingers slipping into his silken panties and working the material down his thighs. As he did, he met your eyes over his shoulder, his own smoldering with desire as he bared his rear to you.
It was an invitation you couldn't resist. You stroked your cock, still wet from his ministrations, and moved behind him, your hands running down his sides as he straightened up again. The sissy drew in a deep, shaking breath and closed his eyes.
<<nm $phDamien "Please, $pMistress. I need you so much. Don't be gentle. Give to me like the sissy slut I am!">>
That, too, was an invitation you couldn't refuse. You let your hands drop down to his hips and got a firm grip, positioning your wet shaft carefully. You heard him suck in a breath as your cockhead rested against the rosebud of his ass. You took a breath as well, letting the moment stretch for a few more tender seconds.
<</if>>Then you @@.choice;[[Fucked Him Like The Sissy Slut He Was!|DanaSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 2]]@@<</if>><<set $phLocation to "Stables">><<if $phDamien.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phDamien.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phDamien.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phDamien "Boss! Heads up!">>
Damien's voice made you spin. You saw the bottle arcing lazily through the air and snatched it up before it could continue its journey all the way down to the floor below you. It was cold between your fingers and wet with condesation.
<<nm $phYou "Well, hello there. What's this?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Your egghead told me you passed your test with the big boss. Congrats! I figured that was excuse enough to break out the hard stuff!">>
You peered down at the bottle and felt your eyebrows rise. Then you looked back up at the big man with a smirk.
<<nm $phYou "...The 'hard' stuff? 'Miss Nancy's Skim Milk'?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Well...what I can say? It's hardest we got around here. Still, what do you say to popping open a bottle? Have to stop and smell the roses sometime, right?">>
You couldn't argue with that. You nodded, popped open the cap, and brought the bottle up to your lips. It may not have been particularly hard, but it was crisp and refreshing. <<if $phDamien.date gt 2>>You stepped close and fondly put your hand on the big man's broad chest.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I suppose I do. Thanks, Damien. It's good to have you on my side. I've got the feeling this might get a little crazy.">>
<<nm $phDamien "A //little// crazy? I think we're already there. Still, as long as stick together, I reckon we'll do just fine. Now, you didn't come down just to visit, I'm sure. What can I do for you?">>
<</if>><<if ($phDamien.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phDamien.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phDamien "Well! Look who it is? Desire <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>himself<<else>>herself<</if>>, come to visit with us. How're you, $phDamien.address?">>
You stepped through the door and into the Stables, and found Damien sitting down on a bale of hay. The big man tilted his hat in your direction, then raised a bottle of milk to his lips. Break time, you guessed.
<<nm $phYou "Not just yet. I take it word has been getting around?">>
<<nm $phDamien "You could say that, yes. Could also say Mr. Mason up in the lab figures you'll need all the help you can get to make it happen. Don't really know what we'll be able to do...but anything we //can// do, we'll do. Simple as that.">>
<<if $phDamien.date gt 2>>The big man extended his hand and gathered one of yours inside it, pulling you in against his bulk. He was warm against your front, unyielding and shockingly tender.
<<nm $phDamien "You know you mean a lot to me. Hopin' you'll still have time for the occasional road trip, once you're a big shot around here.">>
You leaned against him for a moment. You knew it was foolish, but Damien's words did make you feel better. You weren't sure a wall of muscle would be all that helpful in achieving your ultimate destiny, but you were happier to have him than not.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "I know. And I appreciate it. I truly do. I'm just not sure if I'm cut out for this.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Who better than you? You got a whole army behind you, grateful for the things you've done for 'em. You saved all of us from something, no matter how big and overwhelming it seemed. You've got this in the bag. Just keep bein' you, and you'll win through.">>
You chuckled softly. Probably true, though not the most helpful advice in the world. Damien chuckled as well, his expression somewhat shame faced.
<<nm $phDamien "Guess that was obvious, huh? I'm not much good at the 'bucking up' thing.">>
<<nm $phYou "Work on it. So you really think I can do it?">>
<<nm $phDamien "I think you're already doing it. You're a big fish, an' pretty soon this'll be a small pond. Only natural you'll be movin' up to something larger. But I don't imagine you came down just to talk. What can I do for you, $phDamien.address?">>
<</if>><<else>>You stepped through the back door from Shakes 'n Sundaes and headed back to the stable. Soft moos came from some of the occupied stalls, and you could hear the hum and hiss of the milkers doing their work on the happy, blissful women within.
Damien was in the middle of moving a pair of huge milk tanks onto a shipping pallet. Despite the fact the tanks were the size of metal drums and must have weighed at least a few hundred pounds full, he handled them like they were made of Styrofoam.
<<nm $phYou "Working hard?">>
The big man looked up and a tight grin flashed over his features. He let the last drum fall into place on the pallet with an impact that sent vibrations through the floor and up your feet. He turned and tipped his ever-present hat to you.
<<nm $phDamien "As much as I can. These girls are getting to be very...productive.">>
<<nm $phYou "With you helping to encourage them, I can't really say I'm surprised.">>
You crossed the room to him and Damien pulled you into a hug. Despite his crushing strength and the fact your nose barely came up to his pecs, he was remarkably gentle with you. You could smell sweat, hay, and a rustic cologne on his chest.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, I certainly try, $phDamien.address, I certainly try. What brings you around? Wanna sit and talk for a while? We're overproducing a bit, so I can take a little time.">>
Spending some time with Damien sounded good, if you could afford it yourself. Chatting for a while wouldn't cut into your day too much. A more 'substantial' encounter might take up a little more.
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if (($phXavier.date gt 5.7) and ($phXavier.date lte 7.1) and (Math.trunc($phXavier.date) is not 6)) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad') and ($phDamien.date lt 4.12)>>[[Ask Him How Dinner With Xun Went|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7]]<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.date is 7.7>>[[Ahem! So...about Xun..??|XavierDryadDate][$phDamien.date to 7.8]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[Chat With Damien A While|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 2]]
[[Indulge In A More 'Substantial' Encounter|DamienBullSex]]
[[Just Passing Through|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'bull']]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 0>>You walked through the employee door in the back of Shakes 'n Sundaes and headed for the back, past the industrial freezers. As you passed through a second door, the cold air of the ice cream shop gave way to the scent of hay and well-oiled wood.
The stables behind the storefront were small. You knew the cowgirls weren't kept here most of the time. They had a set of suites up on a private floor of the tower where they could relax and even walk around when they were cognizant enough to do so. The room had enough space for four large wooden 'stalls' on each side of a central walkway, each of them equipped with a bed, a milker, and a floor of soft hay, but was otherwise unadorned.
<<nm $phDamien "That's it. There you go, girl. Just relax. Let it all out. You don't need to worry at all.">>
The soft, crooning drawl from the closest stall was all you needed. You could see through the slats in the stall door that the milker was in use. An enormously top-heavy woman with flowing black hair had been settled into the standing device, and the suction cups were humming greedily at her teats, producing a wash of white through the translucent tubing. Her eyes were rolled back, her tongue hung half out of your mouth, and you doubted she heard a word that Damien was whispering to her.
<<nm $phYou "Getting settled in?">>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Damien/Mobile/DamienBullFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBullFinal.png]]</picture>@@
Damien turned, an immediate smile breaking over his features. As he straightened up from beside the cowgirl, you were struck again by just how damn //tall// he was, looming over you without effort. His brown hair was still shaggy, and he'd added a goatee and a golden nose ring to his ensemble. His flannel shirt was open across the front, displaying his abs to your delight. He reached up and tipped a genuine cowboy hat in your direction.
<<nm $phDamien "I suppose I'm getting along alright, $phDamien.address. Nice to see you! What brings you around these parts?">>
You weren't entirely sure if his sudden bout of southern drawl was genuine or if he was putting you on. You grinned and leaned against the outside of the stall as he passed through the door and shut it behind him.
<<nm $phYou "Had to see how my newest ranch hand was faring, I reckon. You look good! You know, you don't //have// to do the full cowboy to work in the stables.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I know, I know. The way I see it, you can either embrace things or run from them, and I'm done running. Your scientist friend figured he could whip up pretty much whatever I wanted, so I went whole hog.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good for you! I like it, honestly. It's a pretty sexy look on you, I will admit.">>
You expected him to blush, or look away, or rub the back of his neck with self-depreciating humor, but he did none of him. He just smiled, tipped his head in acknowledgement, and rumbled a thank you. His tone was honest, direct, and utterly unconcerned. He didn't really care what people thought about what he looked like. You doubted he'd ever worry about it again.
About damn time. You leaned back against the wooden stall again and contemplated your new employee.<<set $phDamien.post_talk to 1>><<set $phDamien.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Damien A Question|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 2]]
[[Suggest He Take A 'Work Break' With You|DamienBullSex]]
[[Tell Him To Have Fun For Now|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'bull']]@@
<</if>><<set $phDamien.sex to 0>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>You suggested that Damien could stand to take a little break, perhaps in the company of a woman who was a little more talkative than his cowgirl charges.
The big man straightened up and gave you a long, slow once over. His eyes trailed across your body and made you feel self-conscious in a way that you hadn't since you had been changed by Lazren. There was absolutely no doubt he was enjoying the view.
<<nm $phDamien "That's not the worst idea. You might be surprised though. When they're off the milker, a lot of the girls still talk. They're happy and relaxed, sure, but that's no crime.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, probably. The girls are cute, don't get me wrong. I think you'll agree I can offer a little...more, wouldn't you say?">>
Damien's smile was knowing. He crossed his arms in front of his barrel chest, both arms still above your own head, and looked down speculatively for a long moment. His chuckle was a low earthquake through your body.
<<nm $phDamien "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Ma'am<</if>>. You gave me everything I am, and I'm very grateful for all of that. I don't mind working here one little bit, and working under you is just fine by me. But...">>
He stopped, kneeling on the stable floor to bring himself eye to eye with you. His dark eyes found yours and held your gaze without a hint of embarrassment with his words.
<<nm $phDamien "Everything about you is screaming the same way these girls do, $pmaam. You don't need to talk. You //need// a good fuck. You need to go blank for a while so you can focus properly again. So why don't you go ahead and say that instead and I can get along with the business of making you scream, $pmaam?">>
You felt a shiver run along your spine as you met his gaze. The shy young man you had met buying a protein shake was long gone. In his place was a tall, handsome stranger who knew exactly what he wanted.
And he had your number down pat. Fuck.
You wet your dry lips and swallowed. You did your best not to shift your weight or give into the impulse to look away. You were a succubus and the master of this place. He was right. There was no point beating around the bush.
<<nm $phYou "Well, if those are your instincts then...why are we still talking?">>
The big man chuckled again and reached up to tip his hat again in acknowledgement. He rolled his shoulders, flashed you a grin...
...and pulled you @@.choice;[[Straight Off Your Feet!|BullSexBottom]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>You suggested that Damien could stand to take a little break, perhaps in the company of a woman who was a little more talkative than his cowgirl charges.
The big man straightened up and gave you a long, slow once over. His eyes trailed over your body with obvious relish, and you fought a smile. You cocked a hip and quirked your eyebrow, waiting for his gaze to return to your face. When it did, he managed to look at least a little shamefaced.
<<nm $phDamien "That's not the worst idea. You might be surprised though. When they're off the milker, a lot of the girls still talk. They're happy and relaxed, sure, but that's no crime.">>
You nodded in agreement with the sentiment, then crossed over to him, extended a hand up to grip the lapel of his flannel shirt, and pulled him down to your eye level. Despite the fact he was more than a head taller than you and built like a tank, he bent at your pull.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, probably. The girls are cute, don't get me wrong. I think you'll agree I can offer a little...more, wouldn't you say?">>
You met Damien's gaze boldly. He didn't shrink, or look away, or rub his neck the way he had in his prior body. He did, however, swallow. Just a bit.
<<nm $phDamien "You have a point there. You gave me everything I have right now, $pmaam, and I'm very grateful for all of it. Even if I wasn't, you're a damn attractive <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>man<<else>>woman<</if>>. So pretty much at this point my only question'd be...how high?">>
You laughed at that and gave him your own once over, drinking in his form the same way he had just drunk in yours. You released his lapel and ran your hand down the front of his chest, feeling the unyielding muscles beneath your fingers. When you reached his jeans, you hooked your fingers into the belt loops, and pulled him into a kiss.
It must have been awkward for him, hunched over as he was, but he didn't complain. His lips were hot and eager on yours and his hands moved to your hips with a feather-light touch. He didn't pull you against him this time, but remained where he was until you broke the kiss off.
<<nm $phYou "When it comes time to jump, I'll tell you then. For now, do whatever you need to do to leave for an hour or three. I'm going to go grab a sundae. If you're finished before I am, I'll let you walk me up to my room. If not...">>
You let the words trail off, flashing him a Cheshire smile. It had the effect you had hoped, and you saw him swallow again. You let him go, turned on your heels, and headed for the door. He watched you go, still hunched over in the same position he had been, then suddenly began moving to one of the stalls to make sure everyone was taken care of. You'd be very surprised if you were more than half done with your ice cream when he was done, from the way he was moving.
Oh well. He could @@.choice;[[Wait.|BullSexTop]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 2>><<set $phDamienQ1 to 0>><<set $phDamienQ2 to 0>><<set $phDamienQ3 to 0>>You asked Damien if he had a few minutes to chat. The big man nodded and waved you over to a table against the wall just beyond the stalls. He poured you both a cup of black coffee from a small pot and leaned against the wall.
<<nm $phDamien "For you? Of course I do, $phDamien.address. I think I'd make the time even if I didn't have it. As it happens, though, we're fine. Think the girls are still getting used to having me around. They're producing more, alright, but it takes a little longer for them to get their brains back together.">>
You laughed at the mental image. Yes, given Damien's size and strength you could sympathize with needing a day or two of recovery time. You certainly hadn't heard any complaints though.
<<nm $phYou "I appreciate that. We've got quite a line outside the ice cream shop these days, so it's pretty clear you're making a difference.">>
The big man accepted the compliment with good grace, reaching up to pull the tip of his hat down in acknowledgement. You both sipped your coffee. It was rich stuff, and probably brewed strong enough to stand on its own without the mug! You took a moment to compose your thoughts.
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 3>><<set $phDamienQ1 to 1>>You asked Damien how he's been doing since he joined your team. The big man laughed and shot you a disbelieving look.
<<nm $phDamien "You mean since the day <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> seduced me, added like a foot and a half of height and a hundred pounds of solid muscle, then told me she wanted to hire me to fuck girls whose two defining traits are having big tits and being available?<br><br>Yeah, I suppose I'm doing just fine.">>
You snorted and sipped your coffee, cocking your head to one side at the big man. His tone was direct and unconcerned, and the sarcasm was entirely directed at you asking at all.
<<nm $phYou "You know, some guys might be worried by some of that.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Some guys get hung up on the wrong thing. Look, $phDamien.address. As far as I'm concerned you gave me a gift I'm going to spend my whole life paying back. I'm everything I've ever wanted to be, and I get up mighty early with a spring in my step because I'm doing everything I wanted to do. If you're worried about me being angry with you about anything, you're barking up the wrong tree. Promise.">>
Direct enough. You inclined your head and conceded the point.
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 4>><<set $phDamienQ2 to 1>>You asked Damien how he thought the stable was doing. He considered the question for a couple of seconds, sipping from his mug.
<<nm $phDamien "Pretty damn well, if I can say so myself, $phDamien.address. The girls back here are producing more and the egghead you've got working in the lab tells me it's stronger stuff than it used to be. We got a lot of new flavors up on the board and they're gonna start using the extra for some of the other shops around here.<br><br><<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] lt 2>>Course, it could always be better. Honestly, I think it might be a bit much for the machines we got in here. I leave them on high for too long, it gets uncomfortable for the girls. I don't turn them high enough and they fall out of the butter zone and start getting frisky. Be nice to have a little more control over it.<<else>>That machine you put in with the last upgrade is a hell of thing though, $phDamien.address! I've had to step up my game, make no mistake. The girls can't wait to get on it, and I swear even some of the not real employees you've got around...what did you call them?<</if>>">><<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] lt 2>>
<<nm $phYou "Gotcha. I'll keep an eye out. Once the tower sees a few more visitors, I'm sure an upgrade will do us some good.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I'd surely appreciate it, $phDamien.address. Thank you kindly.">><</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['level'] gt 1>>
<<nm $phYou "Simulacra.">>
Damien made a face and shook his head.
<<nm $phDamien "Those. Point is, even those girls keep looking at the thing with longing. This keeps up you're going to have more full tanks around this place than you know what to do with.">><</if>>
You chatted for a few more minutes about the day-to-day work. Damien had taken to it like a duck to water, apparently, and you were confident the place was in good hands.
<</if>><<if $phDamien.post_talk is 5>><<set $phDamienQ3 to 1>>You asked Damien if there had been any trouble around the mall. He chuckled in response and looked just a little shame-faced.
<<nm $phDamien "Not much. Honestly, you run a pretty tight ship, $phDamien.address. I admit, when I //do// hear about anyone being an ass, I run down that way. I find most of the problems resolve themselves quickly when I'm standing close by with my arms crossed.">>
You gave the big man a long look, up and down. He was pushing seven feet tall and had the muscles to make a pro wrestler proud.
<<nm $phYou "Somehow, I am not surprised.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Thank you kindly. Oh! Not really trouble //this// time, but I ran into an old friend the other day. Do you remember that jagoff we scared off that one time? The one getting pissy with some girl in line?">>
You remembered //you// ran him off, yes, but you weren't going to rub his nose in it. You nodded.
<<nm $phDamien "Turns out your egghead, Mason, looked him up and sent him a few products. Caught him hanging around the place building up the courage to come in and apologize. Poor guy was shaking like a leaf and keeping his eyes on the sundaes all through his little speech.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, that sounds like an improvement, certainly. Can't imagine who told Mason about him. You seen him again since then?">>
Damien's answering smile was absolutely feral.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, she's upstairs. I emptied her out yesterday, so she's probably still mooing a little when she tries to talk. Sweet girl. Eyes start rolling back the moment I put the cups on.">>
You laughed. Then made a mental reminder never to get on Mason OR Damien's bad side.<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phDamienQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Damien How He's Doing|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 3]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phDamienQ2 is 0>>@@.choice;[[Ask Damien How The Stable Is Doing|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 4]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phDamienQ3 is 0>>@@.choice;[[Ask Damien If There's Been Any Trouble|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 5]]@@<br><</if>>
@@.choice;[[Suggest Damien Take A Longer 'Break' With You|DamienBullSex]]<br>
[[Say Goodbye For Now|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'bull']]<</nobr>>@@<<if $phDamien.sex is 0>>Damien's hand closed around the swell of your ass, hauling you up off your feet as if you weighed absolutely nothing. You kicked your feet on reflex, but might as well have been kicking against a hurricane for all that it accomplished. He raised you up and pressed his mouth to yours in an urgent kiss. His tongue flicked immediately against your lips and you opened obediently, allowing it surge into your mouth.
<h2> Rrrrrripppppppp</h2>
His other hand had gripped the back of your suit collar and, as casually as a cook would filet a fresh catch, tore a strip of the material down your back. The fabric parted beneath his fingers like it was gossamer and you made a protesting gasp as the two halves of your suit jacket, now separated, pooled at your elbows.
<<nm $phYou "Damien! Wait, what are yyooouuuuuuuu-!">>
Your protest became an incoherent cry as Damien shifted his grip on your ass casually to <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>cup your cock between his fingers. His hand was large, and even your sizable erection seemed small between his digits. He pumped you a few times and you kicked against him in protest, but his grip didn't even budge.<<else>>press his fingers around and up against your pussy from below, with all your weight pressing down against his digits. You bucked and kicked your legs again, but his grip didn't even budge. His fingers were moving, though, rubbing in little circles through the fabric.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "Shush, $phDamien.address. You don't need to talk for this.">>
You clamped your lips shut as he simply ripped your clothing off your body. Your tie pulled against the back of your neck until it snapped off at the knot, your shirt buttons fell all around you as he tore your top from your back and left only shreds clinging to your shoulders, and he tore a chunk of your waistband off at your left hip. Deprived of grip, your pants began to slowly slide down your legs, halted only by his fingers still cupped between your legs. Your shoes clattered to the floor seconds later.
<<nm $phDamien "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>That's right, sir.<<else>>That's a good girl.<</if>> There. Nothing I need but you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Damie-">>
Again, the moment you spoke he moved to silence you. This time he shifted his grip on your body, let the fragments of your suit slacks slide down your ankles and off...and then his fingers were back. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>He pressed himself against your front and used the movement of his hips to //bounce// you up and down, his grip firm on your shaft as he pleasured it.<<else>>Not just back, but in, index and middle finger curling to press hard into your body.<</if>>
You bucked and screamed, wrapping both your arms around his broad shoulders on reflex. Your feet still hung uselessly in the air, and you were utterly powerless over what your body did. He moved you as well you wished.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> His hips began to thrust more powerfully, and your entire body rose and fell with every motion, forcing your cock in and out of his grip in a firm and insistent tempo.<<else>> Slowly at first, but faster by the second, he began to bounce you up and down, his fingers working in and out of you with a firm and insistent tempo.<</if>>
You rolled your body against the big man, knowing your moans were becoming more and more needy. It had been a long time since you had felt this helpless. Unable to move on your own, you depended on him completely to set the pace and decide what pleasure you would have. His fingers were as large and strong as the rest of him, and he was no longer being gentle.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> You could feel your shoulders begin to loosen as you relaxed back against his chest and surrendered more and more control over to the big man.<<else>> You could feel yourself being stretched in the most delicious of ways, and knew you would be happily sore when you woke up tomorrow.<</if>>
You had your eyes closed as you reveled in the sensation of his hands on your body<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>, his other hand trailing over your peck and the muscles of your abdomen.<<else>>, feeling your heavy breasts bouncing with every motion he made for you.<</if>> You didn't immediately notice when he turned his body and swung you around with him. When he lowered your bare feet enough to feel the cold floor, you started in surprise and opened your eyes.
Only to have him propel you //hard// toward the stall.
You caught yourself against the metal bars separating the stall from the walkway and the gate rattled in its mooring. You had only a few seconds to come to grips with your new situation when a piece of red and black cloth dropped over your eyes and your vision went black. As he cinched it around your head, your recognized the cloth for what it was. Damien's flannel shirt.
His shirt, and your @@.choice;[[Blindfold.|BullSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 1>>You reached up toward the tied shirt automatically, only to feel Damien's hands close around your wrists, halting your movement firmly. You shifted your nude body in place, tilting your head up but unable to dislodge the shirt or even get any light through the tough cloth.
<<nm $phYou "What...Damien, why are you-?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Because you want it.">>
The words were simple, spoken without guile or uncertainty. He knew. He knew and he was prepared to act on that belief. Your words caught in your throat as you half-heartedly tried to tug your hands free. You might as well have been trying to fight the force of gravity.
He turned you toward the stall again, and you thought for a moment he was going to open the gate and push you inside. He did not. Instead, he pressed your hands through the gaps in the metal bars. You twisted your head to look up at him, but you still couldn't see a thing.
It wasn't until you felt the nylon cord wrap around your wrists that you understood, far too late. You pulled back hard, but the cord caught against the metal bar between your hands. You tugged and strained, but the bull's knot work was simply too good.
<<nm $phYou "Damien!">>
<<nm $phDamien "...And that's just because //I// want it.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>He chuckled, low in his throat, and you felt him come up behind you. His hands wound around your body to run his fingers across your pecs, his thumbs toying gently with your nipples. They didn't remain there long, however, working their way down your belly and toward your erect cock. You couldn't pull your hands back, couldn't see him, and couldn't argue in any way with what he was doing. He gripped your shaft firmly in one hand and gave you a few slow pumps.
<<nm $phDamien "You know, most of the girls I'm with all day have //all// their nerves in one place. You get to know how to touch them. Where the line is between 'too hard' and 'not hard enough'. Some girls you have to be very gentle with. They'll start soaking the floor with milk the moment you squeeze. Other girls need a little bit of force. Obviously, I'm not going to be getting much dairy of you, hoss, no matter what I do. But if I were to make a comparison...<br><br>You strike me as the second kind.">>
He tugged firmly on your shaft, drawing a mewling cry from your lips. He let you go just before the sensation become too much and kneading his fingers up against the sac below You could feel your knees beginning to shake and held onto the metal gate for support. The cords made it awkward, and you kept slipping down further against the bars.
<<else>>He chuckled, low in his throat, and you felt him come up behind you. His hands wound around your body to cup your breasts, his thumbs toying gently across your nipples. You felt them going stiff beneath his fingertips and you moaned, unable to help yourself. You couldn't pull your hands back, couldn't see him, and couldn't argue in any way with what he was doing. You felt yourself growing even wetter, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and your nipples ached with the need for him to touch them even more.<<else>>and your erect cock slapped lightly against the bars in front of you.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "You know, most of the girls I'm with all day have //all// their nerves up here. You get to know how to touch them. Where the line is between 'too hard' and 'not hard enough'. Some girls you have to be very gentle with. They'll start soaking the floor with milk the moment you squeeze. Other girls need a little bit of force. I don't think I'll get you dripping that way no matter what I do...<br><br>...But you sure strike me as the second kind, ma'am.">>
He tugged firmly on one of your nipples, drawing a mewling cry from your lips. He let it go just before the sensation became painful and returned to kneading the soft flesh. You could feel your knees beginning to shake and held onto the metal gate for support. The cords made it awkward, and you kept slipping down further against the bars.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Ah! I'm not...a cowgirl!">>
Damien's chuckle rumbled through your body as he squeezed again, drawing another gasping cry from you. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>He finally released your shaft entirely and drew his hand back.<<else>>He finally released your chest, and his right hand trailed down your stomach slowly, drawing random little patterns as it journeyed down toward your thighs.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "Of course you aren't, $phDamien.address. But some of the techniques are universal. Like this one, for instance.">>
You heard his jeans unzip. Then something hard and hot and smooth fell across the small of your back. You gasped, instinctively raised your rear in the air, and got a firm grip on the bars. You could feel the weight of his shaft against your backside, and feel the way it was growing out to its full, erect size.
Lazren above...@@.choice;[[How Big WAS He?|BullSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 2>>Damien rocked his hips and you could feel his cock sliding up and down the cleft of your ass. You found yourself clinging to the metal bars in front of you, waiting for the moment when the game ended, but it never came. Finally, you couldn't stand his teasing.
<<nm $phYou "What...What are you waiting for?">>
<<nm $phDamien "You. To ask for it.">>
He chuckled again, and ran his hands up your sides. His touch varied moment to moment. It could be soft, trailing just his fingertips across your skin with silken gentleness, but at a moment's notice he would grab or squeeze or grip with possessive demand. You writhed beneath his touches, both soft and hard, and bit your lower lip.
<<nm $phYou "...Do it...please?">>
You would have asked a submissive to be more specific. Would have made them try again and again before coming up with the request that pleased you. Damien, apparently, did not have that desire. The moment the words hit your teeth, he pulled his hips back and thrust //hard// into you.
Your eyes snapped open beneath the blindfold and you let out a scream that was equal parts bliss and surprise. There was no warm up, save the teasing he had already done. One moment you were empty, and the next his cock was filling you to the absolute limit. Or what had been the limit. Every time he moved his hips you swear there was more this thrust than the last.
He drove into you hard and fast, giving you no time to recover, or speak, or even think. His hips pistoned, and the sound of them slapping against your ass echoed in the large stable. You clung tight to the bar ahead of you to keep yourself up, and soon found your cheek pressed against the cool metal with each resounding impact.
You tried to speak his name. Tried to protest, or beg for more, or utter anything at all, but the words wouldn't come. Just moans and cries and long, breathy sighs. He was a machine. His pace never wavered, and he never seemed to tire or even miss a beat.
All too soon, it was too much. Your felt your eyes rolling back in your head, and dimly hoped he couldn't read the utter joy in your expression as you came. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You pushed your ass back against him and squeezed around his cock as you slumped against the bars<<else>>You felt heat and moisture running down your thighs and you slumped against the bars<</if>>, unable to hold yourself as the pleasure ran across your body.
That was okay. Damien seemed more than capable of supporting you, hands gripping around your belly and shoulder to keep you upright. His thrusts finally slowed, bit by bit, like a piston engine powering down. When he finally came to a halt, the room was silent save for the sound of your labored breathing in your ears. You rested against the bar for what seemed like years, your muscles gently squeezing around his erect shaft still within you.
<<nm $phYou "You...didn't cum...?">>
You managed, in a near whisper. Damien's familiar chuckle rumbled through you again, his hand running lightly down your spine.
<<nm $phDamien "Takes longer than that, $phDamien.address. Don't worry. I always do. Four or five more of those ought to do it. It usually does...">>
His hands gripped your hips, raising your ass back to the right level. Your brain caught up with his words seconds before he thrust into your again, letting out another scream that rang off the walls.
You were, it seemed, about to get exactly @@.choice;[[What You Asked For!|BullSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 3>><<set $phTime +=1>>When you came back to yourself, you didn't immediately know how much time had passed. In fact, you couldn't have sworn to exactly where you were or what your name was for at least five or six seconds.
You found yourself reclining against Damien's broad chest, surprisingly dry despite the exercise the pair of you had just done. The blindfold was off, and your hand was resting lightly against his stomach. You were in a bed, a large one with plain tan sheets. The room around it was spartan. A wardrobe, a desk with a couple of knick-knacks on it, and a small sofa was all you shared the space with. You spotted Damien's hat hung on a wall peg.
He must have felt your head moving around, because he smiled down at you and one of his big hands came up to stroke your horns. There was a soothing casualness to the motion, as his fingers played with the gently rounded tip.
<<nm $phDamien "Easy...I've got a room off the stable. I told you when we came in, $phDamien.address, but you weren't hearing very much.">>
You swallowed and pressed into him a little harder. Yes, you remembered. In bits and pieces, sure. How he'd stripped you down while holding you in the air, blindfolded you and tied you to a stable gate, then fucked you hard against it. Your first orgasm became a second again the gate, then a third against the wall with your hands freed. You got hazy around the fourth, but dimly remembered him carrying you, still bouncing up and down atop his cock, into this room...
<<nm $phYou "I suppose I wouldn't have caught a lot. How long have I been here?">>
<<nm $phDamien "About two hours, give or take. Feeling okay?">>
He actually looked concerned and that made you smile. You took a quick mental inventory. More than a little tired, but not nearly as sore as you might expect. You felt good. In fact, you felt strangely satisfied. There was a calm that seemed to have replaced all the niggling little thoughts of business you usually occupied yourself with. You couldn't even remember what those thoughts usually were.
<<nm $phYou "I'm good. Things are good.">>
You reassured him as you settled your head down against his chest again. His answering chuckle was laced with relief, his hand still stroking idly down over the back of your head.
<<nm $phDamien "Good...do you have to go, $phDamien.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Eventually, sure. Not just yet. Maybe a half hour or so. Besides, that'll give you time enough to finish your errand.">>
The big man shot a confused sort of glance down at you, and his fingers stopped petting for a few seconds. You ignored the look, closing your eyes as you snuggled into his chest.
<<nm $phDamien "What errand is that?">>
<<nm $phYou "You need to go buy me @@.choice;[[Another Suit|BullSexBottom][$phDamien.sex to 4]]@@.">>
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 4>>You straightened your tie in the mirror and shrugged into your dark jacket. Damien crossed around behind you and you met his amused eyes in the mirror's reflection.
<<nm $phDamien "Close enough?">>
<<nm $phYou "Close enough. Actually, just about perfect. You've got far too good an eye for sizes, apparently. Though I notice you left a little room<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> around the shoulders. Expecting me to bulk up?<<else>> in the chest.<</if>>">>
You shot a mock glare at the mirror and had the satisfaction of watching the big man look away and even rub the back of his neck the way he had so many times in his older form.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, $phDamien.address. One never knows. Don't worry. I know where I am in the chain of things, and I know what you are. Only what you ask for, when you ask for it.">>
He stepped close to you and his hand come up, nearly seeming to cover your entire generous backside with his open palm. He gave you a long, slow squeeze.
<<nm $phDamien "But when you //do// need it, and ask for it, I'll be there. Whatever it is.">>
He winked at your surprised expression in the mirror, then turned and strolled back toward the stables. You rolled your eyes, but couldn't conceal your smile.
You were pretty sure you'd both be dreaming about @@.choice;[[Next Time|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<<set $phDamien.recharge to 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 0>>In fact, you'd barely sat down with your ice cream before Damien was back to you. You still enjoyed it though, savoring every small bite and making small talk while the big man sat beside you and struggled to adjust his pants to a comfortable position. For some strange reason, he seemed to feel they were suddenly too tight.
After you'd eaten your ice cream, and chatted cheerfully for another few minutes, and made a few stops to inspect other stores, and admired the new water feature that had been installed the previous week, you finally allowed him to walk you up to your room. <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy took one look at Damien's tight jeans and excused herself to the supply room.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>Samantha took one look at Damien's tight jeans, grinned, and told you that she would hold your calls.<</if>>
You stopped in front of your closed door, letting the moment stretch with expectant silence. After a few seconds of confused waiting, Damien leapt to open the door and you swept regally inside. The bull scampered after you as you slowly ascended the stairs to your bedroom.
At the top of the stairs you suddenly turned, placing your hand firmly on Damien's stomach. The muscles beneath were unyielding as a brick wall, but he stopped immediately with one foot still outstretched for the final step.
<<nm $phYou "Damien...which of us is stronger, physically?">>
You put weight on the question, making absolutely sure he heard it as the make or break moment that it was. His eyes searched yours while the silence stretched, and you could all but see him debating what answer you were looking for. Finally, almost with resignation, he opted to play it straight.
<<nm $phDamien "I am, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>ma'am<</if>>. Physically.">>
You let his response hang in the air, your expression giving away nothing. Finally, after you let him sweat long enough, you smiled.
<<nm $phYou "That's right. Now, if //that's// true, which of us in charge?">>
There wasn't any hesitation this time. Damien's response was simple and immediate.
<<nm $phDamien "Still you, $phDamien.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy.">>
You turned and opened your bedroom door, and Damien followed at your heels more cautiously. You shrugged out of your suit jacket and tossed it absently back in his direction. He caught it on reflex, and you gestured imperiously toward the coat rack.
<<nm $phYou "Strip.">>
You kept the command short but not sharp. Your tone was casual. You weren't fighting him for control as that fight was long done. You were simply exercising it. The big man looked up at you...and the arousal in his expression made you want to jump him right there. With a mumbled affirmation, he hung your coat carefully on the rack and began to work himself out of his jeans.
You watched, openly admiring his form as you slid your tie off your neck. If anything, Damien seemed bigger now than he had been the night of his transformation. His muscular body was enormous, but it seemed completely natural on his frame. You had seen body builders who pushed their bulging pecs to the point of farce, but Damien looked as though rippling abs and steel-hard biceps were simply natural to the way his species was built. In a way, it was.
As he carefully unzipped his jeans and pulled them down, he freed his cock with an audible sigh of relief. It was fully erect within moments of clearing the denim, the shaft standing up straight from his body. More than a foot long and thicker than any cock you had ever seen, it bobbed gently between his legs with every movement of his body.
You let him wait, again. Moving forward, you circled the bull slowly, your eyes sweeping up and down every muscle of the revealed man. As you circled him, you extended your hand to run the tip of your silk tie over the taut skin of his torso. His skin broke into goosebumps at the gentle touch, but he made no objection.
Finally, you finished your circuit and stood in front of him. You lazily raised one finger...
...and pointed at the floor @@.choice;[[At Your Feet.|BullSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 1>>Damien's knees slammed into the carpet, and you swore you heard the floorboards creak beneath the impact. You stared for a long moment, putting your hand petulantly on your hip.
His head still came up to your chest, even from his knees.
<<nm $phYou "Jeez. Just how tall //are// you?">>
That actually made the big man flush and he cleared his throat uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.
<<nm $phDamien "Sorry, $phDamien.address. I admit, doorways have gotten a little more cramped since you changed me. I can't do much about that.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh yes you can. We're clever sorts. We'll //improvise//.">>
You raised a foot, pressed it against his belly, and pushed him back. He went without protest and fell onto his back with a rumble that would have rivaled Jack's beanstalk. You stepped over him carefully, your feet on either side of his massive chest. You met his eyes boldly as you reached down and unzipped your pants.
<<nm $phYou "There we are. Much better positioning, sweet. You look almost natural like that. You don't mind if a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>gentleman<<else>>girl<</if>> takes advantage of your natural gifts, do you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "If it's you? I suppose not, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>ma'am<</if>>.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy.">>
You casually allowed your pants and <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boxers<<else>>panties<</if>> to fall, kicking them off of one foot beside the bull's head. When you lowered yourself it was sudden, kneeling with your legs to either side of Damien's body. You //hadn't// lowered yourself onto Damien's erect cock. Instead...
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Damien's surprised gasp was muffled as you pressed the head of your cock to his lips. You reached down to grab his scruffy brown hair, pulling him upward with force. His lips parted and the head of your shaft slipped between his lips, and you moaned in delight as you pressed in.
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Damien's surprised gasp was muffled as your sex came down on his mouth. You reached down to grab his scruffy brown hair, pulling him up against your body with force. You rolled your hips, forcing your slit up against him. You felt the slight scratchiness of his facial hair up against your thighs as you closed your legs around his head.
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Damien's surprised gasp was muffled as your sex came down on his mouth. You reached down to grab his scruffy brown hair, pulling him up against your body with force. Your cock rested on the Bull's forehead, slapping lightly against the skin every time your hips bounced up and down, but it was clearly your feminine sex you had designs on.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "In that case, get that tongue of yours to work!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You hissed the command, but you really didn't need to. Damien was already shuddering, his eyes struggling to meet yours around your thighs. The tension rushed out of his body all at once, and his head leaned forward obediently.
You gasped and rolled your hips on reflex. Unlike the rest of him, Damien's tongue wasn't //that// much larger than a regular humans, but you hadn't expected him to apply it with such enthusiasm. It curled beneath the head of your shaft and then swirled around the tip, even as he leaned forward more and more to gather inch after inch of your shaft into his mouth. You thrust it gently forward and every motion sent a new burst of pleasure up into your body.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good boy! That's a good boy...Don't stop! Don't you dare stop! Deeper! Take it deeper!">>
Your commands were unnecessary, but urging him on gave you something to do with your voice other than gasp and moan. You pulled hard on Damien's hair, spearing him even more on your cock. He made no complaints and, with a sudden grip on your sides with both hands, pulled you all the way forward until your cock bumped against the back of his throat.
You felt your face heating as you cried out. That heat was growing by the second, and you knew you couldn't hold off much longer. You were already fucking his face with abandon, using his wonderful mouth and tongue like the world's best fleshlight.
When you couldn't take it any longer, you came. Loud and long. You closed your eyes, pressed down hard on your partner, and screamed your bliss at the ceiling. You were rather surprised how deeply satisfied the low, basso sound was.
You slumped down against his chest, panting hard to catch your breath, and released the bull's hair. The big man licked his lips and wiggled slightly, clearing his face somewhat from your thighs and allowing him to look up into your eyes unobstructed. His grin was just as confidently satisfied as any other time you had seen him.
<<nm $phDamien "Satisfied with the work, hoss?">>
<<else>>You hissed the command, his startled movements already stimulating the folds of your sex. The big man shuddered, his eyes struggling to meet yours around your thighs. All at once, the tension rushed out of his body...and his tongue extended obediently.
You gasped and rolled your hips on reflex. Unlike the rest of him, Damien's tongue wasn't //that// much larger than a regular humans, but you hadn't expected him to apply it with such enthusiasm. You could feel it lashing back and forth, exploring every inch of your sex with eager determination. It plunged into you, over and over again, and every thrust sent of a burst of pleasure up your body.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good boy! That's a good boy...Don't stop! Don't you dare stop! Harder now!">>
Your commands were unnecessary, but urging him on gave you something to do with your voice other than gasp and moan. You pulled hard on Damien's hair, forcing him even deeper into you, but he made no complaint. He withdrew his tongue for a second, only to tilt his head slightly to suck at your clit.
You felt your face heating as you cried out. That heat was growing by the second and you knew you couldn't hold it off much longer. Your breasts bounced as you ground yourself down on Damien's wonderful mouth and tongue, using him as a living Sybian toy.
When you couldn't take it any longer you came, loud and long. You closed your eyes, pressed down hard on your partner, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> and screamed your bliss at the ceiling. You were rather surprised just how deeply satisfied the sound was. You //wanted// this.<<else>>and shot a load of cum from your cock that wound up across the carpet rather than over Damien's hair by mere centimeters.<</if>>
When it passed you finally released the bull's hair, pulling your hips back and resting with your rear against his chest. His face was glistening and his hair was sticking up at odd angles from being pulled this way and that. His smile, though, was that familiar mixture of pride and uncertainty.
<<nm $phDamien "How was that, $pmaam?">>
<</if>>You laughed and pulled your hips back further so you could lean forward to plant a kiss on his forehead, cupping his face with both of your hands.
<<nm $phYou "...Mmm. Good, Damien. Very good. I'm going to have to do that a little more often from now on...but you don't think you're done, do you?">>
You rolled your eyes with exaggerated condescension, winked down at the suddenly alert bull, and pointed @@.choice;[[To The Bed.|BullSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 2>>Damien laid on his back in your bed, his weight causing the soft sheets to bunch slightly around his body as he sank into the mattress. You knelt on the bed beside him, one hand idly stroking his shaft as you marveled at the size of it. The poor bull wriggled and occasionally twisted on the bed with the effort of keeping himself still and stretched out while you toyed with his cock.
<<nm $phYou "...How on earth do you fit this into those girls downstairs?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Carefully, $pmaam. The changed ones...they can take it. Usually if they go cross-eyed I try not to go any deeper.">>
You snorted in amusement. Not very long ago Damien would have been terrified of pushing any girl that far. Times had changed. He wouldn't have to worry about that tonight, though.
You stood on the bed, stepped carefully over the prone bull, and looked down at him. His wide smile up at you had a lot to do with the fact you were still wearing your dress shirt but absolutely nothing below the waist.
<<nm $phYou "Well. Let's see how I do in comparison, hmm?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Of course, $phDamien.address. I would never give you less than my full effort.">>
You snorted again and shot the big man an amused look. Then, with care, you began to lower yourself down. When the head of his cock bumped against <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your sex<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your ass<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>your sex beneath your bouncing member<</if>> you gasped and it was all you could do not to jump visibly. //Fuck//. Again!
You let gravity do the work, easing yourself down in fits and starts. His cockhead was thick enough to spread you wonderfully from the first moments. Damien raised his hands to your hips and you thought for a horrified moment that he might pull you down all at once, but he simply held his fingertips lightly against your skin.
Inch by inch. There always seemed to be more, penetrating deeper and deeper. You could hear your breathing going ragged and uneven and he hadn't even moved his hips yet! You put your hands on his stomach, whispering in a commanding tone.
<<nm $phYou "Not a word.">>
He grunted in response and fell silent again. Just when you thought you couldn't take anymore you felt your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>rear make contact with his hips<<else>>hips brush against his<</if>>. You could feel the hair on his legs tickle against your ankles as you finally settled into place, straddling him. You flashed a feral grin and let out a triumphant, exultant laugh. Let the cowgirls match //this//!
Then you began to bounce. Slowly at first, pulling yourself up half off Damien's shaft before letting yourself slide back down again. A deep-throated moan escaped your lips. You couldn't help it. Any discomfort from his size was long absent and the only thing that was left was the toe-curling pleasure of it.
Damien's hands were tighter on your hips, but you didn't care. The look on his face screamed that you were giving him just as much pleasure as you were taking. You moved faster, rocking your hips up and down with the mattress squeaking beneath every drop and rise.
It wasn't going to take long. Not with the build-up that you had both had. All too soon, you felt Damien tense beneath you and you tightened your muscles in return, clamping down hard on the base of his cock. The big man let out a surprise grunt of alarm and complaint.
<<nm $phYou "Not yet! Not yet! Not until I do!">>
You hissed the words in his ear and he nodded, sucking his lower lip between his teeth. You redoubled your efforts, now rising up fully onto your knees with every upward motion and letting yourself drop back down with all the force you could manage.
A few more thrusts was all it took. You felt the building pleasure crescendo and you let your body go rigid, your fingernails clawing at the muscles of Damien's stomach. The bull let out a bestial howl, finally unable to help himself from pulling your hips down hard to drive his cock fully into you. He held you there as his cock jumped and surged inside, filling you with heat and sticky satisfaction.
When it was done you slumped atop him and tried to catch your breath. You could feel his cock soften inside of you bit by bit until a roll of your hips finally freed the shaft to fall limply to the sheets. You could feel cum mixing with the sweat running along your inner thigh as you spread yourself across the muscular man.
For several minutes neither of you spoke. Even when you had each caught your breath, neither of you seemed to want to break the silence. Damien's hand rested on your flank and your head lay on his chest. You rose and fell a few centimeters with every inhalation the big man took. Finally, he chuckled.
<<nm $phDamien "How was //that//, $pmaam?">>
You couldn't help it. You laughed, slid yourself slightly up his body, and @@.choice;[[Kissed Him.|BullSexTop][$phDamien.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.sex is 3>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phDamien "Always good to see you, $phDamien.address I hope you'll drop by again sometime soon.">>
Damien passed through your door into the main office and turned back to smile at you, slipping his hands into his belt loops. You grinned in return and leaned up against the doorway.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure I'll find some reasons to visit, Damien, don't worry. Keep the girls happy for me, alright?">>
<<nm $phDamien "I surely will, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>ma'am<</if>>. I surely will. I'd better get back to it, in fact. Ah...good luck with the work, $phDamien.address. Let me know if you need me for anything at all.">>
The big man reached up and tipped his hat to you, cast one last lingering look over your form, and finally turned and talked to the elevator. You watched him go for several long seconds, smiling to yourself, then crossed over to the desk to sort through the usual pile of papers.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy waved cheerfully from behind the desk, then cocked her head innocently at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "...$pMistress? Are you alright? You're, like, totally walking funny.">>
You glared at her for a long moment before you turned and walked back into your room, @@.choice;[[Slamming The Door Behind You.|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>> Samantha stepped around the desk at your elbow, looking after the departing bull.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello, boss. Would you like a pillow to sit on? You're walking a little...funny.">>
You glared at her for a long moment before you turned and walked back into your room, @@.choice;[[Slamming The Door Behind You.|Bedroom]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp lt 5>><<set $phCassandra.focus_comp += 1>><</if>><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 2>><<nm $phYou "Now that is one fancy goblin.">>
Cassandra made a squeaking sound and nearly scrawled an errant line across the drawing. Clearly, the picture was of a goblin king. The little creature had a massive jeweled crown sliding off the side of his head, and his body was festooned with jewelry and brightly colored strips of cloth, which seemed to be sewn together from a dozen different outfits. He was wagging a bent scepter at the viewer.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh! Um...It's not really anything. It's for a DnD game that I'm playing soon...That is, uh, Dungeons and Dragons. It's sort of like a board game.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you. I've had my hands on a few polyhedrals in my time, don't worry. We never got to see anything like that, though. Is he the big boss of the campaign?">>
Cassandra pushed a few stray locks of dirty blonde hair behind her ear, leaning forward in her seat and looking away from you reflexively. The fact she wasn't facing you gave her voice a somewhat echoey and faint quality, not helped by the fact she didn't speak very loudly in the first place.
<<nm $phCassandra "Um...no...He's sort of the mini boss of this session, though. I try to make sure I have three or four for every adventure, you know? And...well, a couple of 'backup' pieces in case they sort of wander?">>
You smiled, leaning forward to examine the gesticulating monster more closely. Surprisingly enough, Cassandra actually pointed at the screen and volunteered something.
<<nm $phCassandra "Um...see the face paint? He's actually a hobgoblin, and they're really, like, disciplined. So I looked at military insignia and stuff and sort of created my own ranking system. The higher the rank, um, the more swirls in the marking and the bigger it is. So the chief is, like, half covered in the stuff.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wow. You really thought about this stuff, didn't you? Back when I was playing, we were lucky to get anything better than 'bad things captured the mayor's daughter, go kick in the door and take their stuff'.">>
Cassandra snickered, and actually risked a look up at you. You gave the woman a reassuring smile, and she relaxed her wound muscles just a bit.
<<nm $phCassandra "There's some of that but...I like to try to make a world that fits together, you know? Somewhere they can really live. It helps me to be prepared with stuff like that...I'm...ah...not all that great with people. I'm sure you noticed.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're doing fine, believe me.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Thanks. Not sure I can believe you, but thanks...I'm happy with how things are. The group is, um, online. I come in and use one of the rooms if they're empty, so I can talk and use the webcam and stuff. The games always seem better, here. I even do better talking to people, when there's a game on. We've got one of those programs that can roll the dice and show the maps and I can put stuff on the screen, you know? I'm always the GM, but...ah...Am I boring you?">>
You assured her that she wasn't. She eyed you suspiciously for several seconds but apparently didn't find any hidden signs of boredom. She flashed a pretty, shy smile.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Thanks. Again. Uh...Well, I actually need to go, today. I'm meeting someone for dinner.">>
After a beat she blinked and her cheeks turned scarlet. She quickly waved both hands frantically in front of her.
<<nm $phCassandra "My mom! My mom for dinner, not...ah...nevermind, not that you need to know or anythi- Ah. I'll just excuse myself then, shall I?">>
She somewhat hurriedly shut down her machine and, apologizing over your assurances that everything was fine, scampered for the door with her satchel clutched tightly in one hand. You watched her go for a long moment, cocking your head to one side.
//Someone// had a crush, you suspected. That was nice. You weren't certain at first she was even going to talk to you while she was drawing, but asking about what she was drawing for seemed to have been the right move.
Of course, it didn't help very much in determining what she //really// wanted, but at least you were pretty sure she'd keep talking to you.
For now, that would have to @@.choice;[[Do.|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 3>><<nm $phYou "You're looking a little buried there...Am I going to need to send in a rescue party? Do you have enough food to last you for a while?">>
Cassandra looked up from her screen, obviously refocusing on you after blocking everything around her out. When you'd sat down, she was drawing at the console like she always was. Within the first few minutes, a thick book had emerged from her bag to join her on the desk. A second one had soon followed and she was now utterly ensconced in sourcebooks, sketches of various dragons and eldritch abominations, and a myriad of browser tabs.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh! Um...Sorry, I...did I cover your space?">>
She looked around guiltily and reached for a couple of books that had slowly slide over the edge of your keyboard. You waved her off, cheerfully.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry about it. I'm done with the major work for the day. I take it the campaign is gearing up?">>
Cassandra looked down at the papers as though seeing it for the first time and flashed you a smile brimming with nervous pride.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah! We've got a big adventure coming up soon. I've got the day off of classes and everyone else is free too, so we decided to do a marathon session. Break for lunch, break for dinner, and otherwise roll on through with the adventure. I've been really trying to come up with something really epic for them to do, and they all seem excited. One of my players is even bringing her boyfriend down, and we're hoping he might be a permanent member. The game always plays best with four players and a GM.">>
She paused for a breath and you realized that was probably the longest number of words she'd strung together in a row since you'd met her. She seemed to realize it as well, looking away from you and down into her lap.
<<nm $phCassandra "...We moved a lot, when I was growing up. My mom's job. I don't think I ever celebrated a birthday in the same city twice, no joke. I was the 'new kid' pretty much throughout school. Made it pretty hard to meet anyone and, once I realized it was never going to last...well, I mostly stopped trying. Sometimes, over the summer, mom would take a job overseas where I didn't even speak the language, so opportunities to socialize were pretty nonexistent, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "I do. Or at least, I can imagine. Not enough time to put down any roots.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Exactly. Fortunately, the internet came along. Mom got me a second hand computer through her work for me to do homework on, and I was glued to it. She'd have to yell across the house for me to stop uploading my Baldur's Gate fanfiction so she could keep the phone line open. When we got our first cable connection I thought I was going to cry. Maybe I did, I don't remember.">>
<<nm $phYou "Human connection via internet connection?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You laugh, but it was really the first time I'd talked to the same people for more than a few months. I had enough time to learn the lingo and the rules, and eventually people started treating me like some elder statesman. I could chat when I wanted to chat and log off when things got too much. I could even do roleplaying games, though they were pretty basic back then. Still, we'd talk for hours about tips and strategies and try to figure out exactly how the game worked so we could break it. It was good.">>
Cassandra's face was alight, and her green eyes met yours without their customary shift off to one side. She was animated, relaxed, and open. You didn't want to do anything to break the spell, and simply nodded at all the right times.
<<nm $phCassandra "So this is...I don't know, it's important to me. Because...because they're internet friends, but we //talk//, and that's different. That's real. To actually hear them and see them react to what I'm doing. To have to think on the fly instead of having a few minutes to type out everything just right. I really want to get it right and give them an experience they can't get anywhere else.">>
<<nm $phYou "I can understand that. That's sort of what I do, when you get right down to it. Experiences you can't get many places.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh? What do you do?">>
<<nm $phYou "Let's...talk about it another day. You've obviously got a big session to prepare for, and I don't want to distract you. When it's all done with, I can take you over to the food court and you can tell me all about it over some fries. Deal?">>
Cassandra's eyes went wide and her face exploded in a bright blush. She immediately looked away and put both hands in her lap, her body language protective once more. Then her expression firmed and she peeked out from under her bangs.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Deal. I'd...ah...really...like that.">>
You flashed a wide grin and nodded. Mission accomplished. Pushing back from the computer desk, you patted the slight woman on the shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "I'll look forward to it, after your campaign knocks your players socks off. I'll let you get back to it, then. Have a good night, Cass.">>
You headed for the door, a little spring in your step. You were tempted to say the succubus charm was working, but all you'd really had to do was listen. Probably that's all most people had to do, when you got right down to it. Now you would have a perfect excuse to get Cassandra out of her shell and talking about what she really wanted.
Other than you, @@.choice;[[Of Course.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 4>>You were about halfway across the floor when you realized that something was wrong. Cassandra wasn't supposed to be here today, because she was going to be using a backroom to play her game marathon. You'd planned to drop in with some snacks and check in on how the game was going, maybe encourage some of her digital friends to make a trip to the tower themselves.
Instead, she was hunched over in her seat like she always was, but her hands were empty. She had her hoodie up over her head entirely, and her shoulders were shaking. After a moment, you realized she was crying. The outfit concealing her tears and the low hum of music hiding the sound of it.
You slowed to a stop, suddenly uncertain. You were <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>, or close enough to one. You dealt with lust and desire and new forms. Lazren hadn't mentioned anything about playing counselor, and you weren't sure any of the magical gifts of the tower were going to help with emotions like that.
On the other hand...you'd been trying to get closer, hadn't you? You wanted to know what was bothering her and to fix it. You had to admit, demonic or not, you weren't going to feel right turning around and walking out.
In for the penny...
You started walking again, crossing the short distance between you quickly. Blessedly, it was a slow day for the cafe, and there were multiple seats on either side of you empty, and precious few people on the other row across the computer consoles. With the help of the quiet music, you would have privacy enough. You extended a hand, and touched the woman's shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "Cass?">>
She jerked beneath your touch in startled surprise and her head snapped up. As you suspected, her face was tear streaked and what little makeup she was wearing had run over her cheeks. She raised both hands, holding them over her face as if expecting a blow.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address! Ah...S-Sorry. I...I'm having some allergies, and-.">>
<<nm $phYou "Cass.">>
You spoke the name quietly, but firmly. The woman reeled like she had been struck, and her hands dropped limply to her sides. Her eyes soon followed, riveted to the floor. She sniffled, wiping at her nose and swallowing hard. She cleared her throat a few times, and you took the opportunity to settle into the chair next to her.
<<nm $phCassandra "...That game didn't go very well...">>
<<nm $phYou "...I can see that. Are you alright?">>
She laughed, abruptly. It was the sharp, rapid-fire sound of released tension rather than any genuine mirth. She raised hand again to cover her face, wiping at her eyes.
<<nm $phCassandra "...God. Feel like I'm in High School again. I'm fine, I just...It was...ah...">>
<<nm $phYou "Take your time.">>
She did, settling herself in and visibly sorting through her thoughts. Her hands never stopped moving, adjusting her sleeves and hood and pants as if she had been covered in ants. Finally, she looked up at you with a calmer, if still distressed, expression.
<<nm $phCassandra "I told you one of the players brought her boyfriend, yeah? It...well, it started off okay. I knew pretty quick he wasn't...he wasn't going to be a permanent player. He wasn't really paying attention to the rules, he just wanted to hit things. That's...that's okay, I could deal with that. They don't all have to be invested so much, and people were having fun. We took a break for lunch and everyone was talking about the goblin king...<br><br>I warned them, I really did. I told them the goblins put traps on all their valuables, because theft was so common, right? So when they broke into the king's treasury, they should have //known// to be careful. One of the other players even said so but...">>
<<nm $phYou "Someone was greedy?">>
She barked another laugh, and this one actually did have a little humor in it. The set of her shoulders wasn't quite so bunched as she looked at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Someone was greedy. He wasn't listening and...well, the king has good traps. Of course he does. He rolled badly, too. Really badly. The cleric was on the other side of the vault door, and they couldn't get it open fast enough.">>
She paused, tucking her hands together in her lap and looking down at them. She drew in a deep breath.
<<nm $phCassandra "My friend she...went ballistic. Said I was just jealous because she had found a boyfriend and I hadn't, that I was trying to ruin her relationship. She said it was a stupid game and she should never have played. I've...never had a player do that. I froze up. One of our other players tried to defend me and...and it got nasty.">>
She shook her head, wiping her eyes again. They were dryer than they had been. You were focused on something else, however. The dull glow that had attracted you to Cassandra in the first place, the radiance her need and desire cast off, had grown. It was so bright you caught yourself looking around to see if anyone else was noticing the shine, but no one else took any notice.
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm so sorry. It's not the end of the world. I'm not twelve years old, crying over someone being mean. I just...I really thought I had the rules down, you know? How to run a good game. How to have friends. How to be a person. But no matter what I do, I can't seem to get it. It doesn't make any sense. It doesn't have any rhyme, or reason, or...<br><br>I wish I could live in a world I could understand, you know? Where the rules are in a book somewhere, and I can just read them and make my choices and know what I was doing, that's all. I guess it sort of dredged up a lot of things, that's all.">>
The brilliant shine began to fade, dropping back to its more typical radiance, but you thought you knew what it had been. You offered your most comforting smile and put a hand on her shoulder again.
<<nm $phYou "It's never easy to lose a friend. I'm sorry...that offer for dinner is still good, if you want to talk about it?">>
Cassandra laughed one more time, and shook her head. She let out a deep sigh, shooting you a grateful look.
<<nm $phCassandra "You're really nice...No, I'm a mess. In more ways than one. I think I'd rather go home, take a long shower, and try to forget about everything for a while...but...I really appreciate the offer.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll keep it open, then. I understand, Cass. You're alright?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm alright, thank you. I'll get home safe and...um...see you around?">>
You smiled and leaned in, kissing the woman on the forehead. She shuddered, looking up at you with puppy-like enthusiasm before seeming to remember she was planning to leave. She scrambled to her feet, awkwardly, slinging her bag over her shoulder. It took her four or five more sentences to actually extract herself, but eventually she was heading for the door.
You watched her go, thinking about what had just happened. The light was a signal, you were sure of that. Cassandra's desire had finally been laid bare. A world that she could understand, with rules that could be parsed. An impossible ask, in a world as complex as yours.
Impossible...anywhere but here. You had a suspicion Mason might already have a few ideas on how to make that dream a reality. You should make the time to stop by his office in the near future.
With a sigh, you pushed yourself back from the console and stood. Always more work to do.
In this case, you suspected, the work would be @@.choice;[[Well-Rewarded.|Computer Cafe]]@@<<set $phCassandraShy to 2>><</if>><<else>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
After catching a peek at an in progress drawing of a goblin king, Cassandra confessed that she was GMing an online DnD game with a few friends over video chat. Cassandra wasn't very good with people, and the DnD game allowed her to get the social interaction she craved without being too intense. It was obvious to you that she took the game very seriously and wanted her players to have a good time. After a few minutes of chatting, Cassandra had to leave but you filed that information away for the next time you saw her.
Perhaps that game would be a key to @@.choice;[[Learning More.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You talked to Cassandra again. She's still deep in preparations for her DnD game and is growing more and more excited as the adventure comes together. A friend of hers is inviting a new boyfriend, which has her a little worried, but she's determined to make sure that everyone has a good time. You aren't able to pry too deeply with her being so excited for the upcoming game, so you promise to talk about your work and what you can do for her once the game session has happened.
After a little more chatting, you got up and @@.choice;[[Made Your Way Out.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
When you arrived, you were shocked to find Cassandra in tears. The distraught woman relays that the DnD game went shockingly badly, and resulted in the online group breaking up. Her friends' boyfriend was disinterested in the rules and got their character killed, which angered her friend and led to a terrible argument. As she recovered, Cassandra spilled out her grief and innermost desire to you. She understood the rules of DnD, but never understood the social rules of life. She wished that she could live in a world where all the rules made sense.
That was a wish you could get behind. After comforting her for a little while longer, you made a note to see Mason @@.choice;[[As Soon As Possible|Computer Cafe]]@@<<set $phCassandraShy to 2>>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp gt 4>>You sat with Cassandra a while and chatted. The woman was in much better spirits than she had been, and seemed much more open and confident around you. Still, you could all but see the ache in her when she spoke about her lost friendships, and that she still wasn't ready to try again.
She wasn't going to be ready any time soon. She still needed a simpler world with rules that she could understand, and that certainly excluded the real world of people and their endless social complications.<<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 5>> Mason would have something up his sleeve, however, you were quite sure of it.<</if>>
Eventually, Cassandra ran out of things to say and made her excuses. You invited her to dinner again and, again, she declined. She may be more relaxed around you, but you could tell she was still terrified of tripping another social landmine. After she left, you took the opportunity to get some work done at the computer console, but your mind was elsewhere.
She was ready. Soon, @@.choice;[[You Would Be Too|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym lt 5>><<set $phCassandra.focus_gym += 1>><</if>><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 2>>Skating with Cassandra was surprisingly fun, it turned out.
The little skate park off the gym was positively riddled with enough bars, benches, boxes, handrails, and ramps to make anyone's time in the park interesting, and you were just about sure the relative height and difficulty of a given obstacle would vary depending on who was around to use it.
Cassandra, it seemed, enjoyed speed. You pretty much had the place to yourselves today, and the young woman took advantage of the emptiness to careen down ramps from one side of the park to the other as though someone were standing over her with a stopwatch. Even with your enhanced physique, keeping up with her required enough effort to leave you a little sore and pleasantly out of breath.
You didn't talk much within the park. You exchanged the basics and shared a couple of details while waiting for the occasional other skater to finish a run. You told her that you worked within the tower, though you were vague on exactly what your position was. She told you about her college life, working a late shift at a grocery store downtown around her classes.
When you'd both finally had enough, you changed back into your shoes, slung your skates over your shoulder, and hobbled your way back toward the gym. Along the way you spotted what you were looking for. There was a vending machine offering cold drinks against the side of the gym wall.
<<nm $phYou "Ah ha - there we are. Ambrosia of the gods. Let me buy you a drink, Cass. This way.">>
You changed direction, walking across the grass toward the side of the building. You had gone halfway before you realized that you were now alone. When you looked back, you saw Cassandra still standing on the edge of the sidewalk, her expression surprisingly anxious.
<<nm $phCassandra "Um...It...uh...says no walking on the grass?">>
She nodded to the sign a little way up along the side of the path you'd been walking, which did indeed admonish pedestrians about the greenery. You actually laughed, despite yourself. Of all the laws that you were breaking, natural and otherwise, you didn't think this one was going to weigh much on your soul.
<<nm $phYou "Believe me, they can handle the occasional re-sodding. Consider it part of your membership fee. No grass police, I promise.">>
You smiled. Cassandra didn't. Instead, she hunched her shoulders and looked away from you, and the discomfort in her expression became even more visible.
<<nm $phCassandra "I know, but...I...Look, I'll catch up with you later, okay? Thanks for the skate, $phCassandra.Address.">>
You blinked and started back across the grass toward her, but the young woman was already hurrying down the path with her hands stuck into her pockets and her shoulders hunched. Every bit of her body language screamed that she didn't want to elaborate, and you slowed to a stop.
You'd lived a life with mistakes. You had certainly struck nerves in conversation before and even gotten into your share of arguments about nothing -- but the first time you'd driven someone off by trampling over shrubbery.
You turned and studied the path. Despite your flagrant disregard for signage, the grass didn't look any worse for wear. Given the myriad of gifts given by the tower, you wouldn't have been surprised if a row of tanks found it hard to leave a mark. Some kind of ecological sensitivity? Or something else?
You wouldn't figure it out by standing here staring, you were certain. Something to mull over until the next time you saw Cassandra. Maybe you could pry a little more out of her the next time that you went skating.
For now, it was time to @@.choice;[[Head Inside.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 3>><<nm $phYou "...Drink?">>
Cassandra started with surprise and looked up at you, brushing sweat off her forehead. You held the bright blue sports drink to her shoulder, letting her enjoy the cold for a moment.
<<nm $phYou "...I walked around this time. Promise.">>
Cassandra blinked for several seconds, then looked away with embarrassment. She reached out and took the bottle gratefully, cracking open the top. It had been another excellent skate, and Cassandra had been pushing herself even harder today, barely able to manage a few words in between her runs.
<<nm $phCassandra "Sorry, I....Guess that was sort of obvious. I didn't mean to go all weird on you. It sort of...caught me by surprise.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's alright. It caught me a little by surprise too...are you worried about the planet?">>
Cassandra shook her head quickly. She sipped from the top of the bottle, then held the cool plastic to her forehead.
<<nm $phCassandra "No...I mean...well, yes, but that's not it. I just...It's going to sound stupid. Promise you won't laugh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Cross my heart. No laughing.">>
She risked a glance up at you, her eyes flicking up and down your face. Apparently, she didn't spot any laughter or deception, because she heaved a huge sigh and seemed to fold in on herself.
<<nm $phCassandra "Mom was...very strict, about rules. Her rules, other people's rules. Everything at home had a rule... When to go and when to stop. How much I could ask for at the holidays. How many days a week I could have a friend over. Everything had to be...codified. In advance.">>
You lifted your eyebrow in sympathy. You'd met one or two people like that, over the years. Unfortunately, almost all of them had turned out to be middle managers who ruled over their fiefs with an iron grip.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry. That had to be strange, as a kid.">>
Cassandra laughed, closing her eyes for a long moment. You got the sense she was looking far back in time.
<<nm $phCassandra "No, actually. Not for a while...It was always the way it was, and when I was young it was even helpful. Teachers were always so impressed I followed the rules and did what they asked that they didn't worry too much if I occasionally cried over being five minutes late, or made the other kids mad when I reminded them of a quiz they'd forgotten.<br><br>Eventually it was weird. Life doesn't have rules for everything, and other kids didn't plan their days down to the exact minute. Other kids didn't have to schedule hanging out a few days in advance. I got used to it. I moved out years ago, but sometimes I can't help myself.">>
<<nm $phYou "I understand. Don't worry about it, Cass. No harm, no foul. Honestly, it would do the grass good if I were to walk around, so I can't exactly hold it against you.">>
Cassandra offered a weak smile, and drew in another deep breath.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah...thanks. I know it's silly but I appreciate you listening. And you're right. This time, it didn't cost me anything important.">>
You would have caught the wistful note in her voice even if the glow of her desire hadn't suddenly brightened in your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "...This time?">>
She blinked at you with surprise and hesitation writ large on her face. She studied you again, slowly, and looked down at her feet. You could see the moment when she made the decision.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well...yes. This time. Once, when I was--">>
A sudden digital chirping interrupted whatever she was going to say. Cassandra gasped, pulled out her phone, and shot to her feet.
<<nm $phCassandra "Gah! I forgot. I've got a proctored exam tonight! Sorry, $phCassandra.Address. I need to go! I'll see you next time, okay?">>
She started for the gym so quickly that she forgot her skates. She was halfway there when she realized, and had to double back to collect them. She picked them up and held them to her chest as she shot off down the path and toward the door into the gym proper.
You noted, with some amusement, that she //still// didn't cross over the grassy area. You stood up as well, looking after the woman for a long time. She had been ready to talk, you were certain of it. She would have, if not for the interruption. You mentally cursed whatever proctoring service had chosen today for their exam.
Still, she was ready. The next time you saw her, you would pick the rest of that story out. Maybe then you would understand what she was after and, with a little luck, you could give it to her.
With that happy thought in mind, you began your walk @@.choice;[[Back To The Gym.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 4>>Your skate was interrupted today. Halfway through your usual time one of the other customers had taken something of a nasty fall, landing hard across the concrete. Almost immediately, a pair of uniformed simulacra had appeared to get them upright again and check on their health. At first, they'd complained their arm had been broken, but that had shifted to 'probably just a sprain' over the next few minutes.
You'd seen the fall. You were pretty sure it //had// been broken, but your businesses were not going to send home a customer with an injury that would stop them from coming back. The longer the simulacra talked to them, the better the arm would feel.
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm glad it wasn't that serious. I've taken a couple falls like that...could have been a lot worse.">>
You and Cassandra were killing time at one of the benches around the edge of the park, giving the simulacra space to work. You sipped from a water bottle and nodded your agreement.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, no kidding. I'm actually a little surprised, Cass. From what you told me, I would have thought your mom would have had a bit of a cow about safety.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Ha! She did, actually. Several cows at least. I could wear her down on some things though. Skating was one of them. I just wanted to be out of the house, and far enough away to not have to worry about running into anyone I knew. I was always the kid who never went out without a helmet //and// wrist pads //and// knee pads...in fairness, the spills I took wearing all that stuff were a little tamer than ones I've had as an adult.<br><br>You never can tell, though. I actually got into speed skating for a while. There were little competitions around my home town. Mom would actually come to show support and yell at the referees for not enforcing the rules correctly. Embarrassed the hell out of me but I guess looking back on it was how she showed she cared. I did tournaments right up until my senior year. That was the year I met--">>
She stopped suddenly and flashed you an almost guilty look. Her eyes immediately shot down and away and she tucked both hands into her lap uncomfortably. You could guess what that meant.
<<nm $phYou "...Skater boy? Skater girl?">>
That made her shoulders hunch for several seconds of silence. Finally, though, she risked a look up at you and spoke softly.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Girl. Sarah. She was...well...everything I wasn't. She was tall and strong, and she didn't let anyone tell her what to do. She wore these weird clothes, dyed her hair, and sometimes dealt weed out of her bag at track meets. It was...a whole new experience for me. That //anyone// got to live like that. I think she felt the same way. We...um...hit it off pretty well.">>
You laughed at that. You could just picture some high school rebel without a cause stumbling over miss by-the-book skating around a rink. You had to admit it would have been adorable. Cassandra's expression, though, was not the pleasant expression of someone remembering good times. Her jaw was tense, her eyes remained downcast, and the shine of her desire had intensified, just the way it had the last time you'd spoken. Something about this was //important// to Cassandra.
<<nm $phYou "...What happened?">>
She shifted uncomfortably under your question, though she had to have known it was coming. Her hands gripped each other so hard you could see whites around the knuckles of both hands.
<<nm $phCassandra "...My mother happened. I don't remember how she found out. Rumors passed around the parents, maybe, or we just might not have been as sneaky as we thought, at that age. She found out who Sarah was, and who she was to me...The usual sort of things happened. We screamed at each other, she forbid me to see Sarah ever again, and we slammed doors.<br><br>When I told Sarah...she had a plan. We were graduating soon, and I was turning eighteen soon after. She had a job lined up already, working with her aunt up north. She had a motorcycle, and she wanted us to just...go. Throw everything in a bag, hop on the bike, and drive where my mother wouldn't be able to follow. She knew it would be hard but...she wanted to try.">>
Cassandra fell silent. You let it linger for a moment, while the shy woman organized her thoughts. Like the young love, this was a story that happened a million times a year in a million different places. That didn't make it easier for the ones going through it.
<<nm $phYou "...Did you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...No. I...I went out to her. I even had a bag hidden in the back yard. But...I couldn't do it. I couldn't get on. She begged me to trust her. Promised she would take me back home if I ever wanted to go. Swore she'd make me happy. I...told her to go, and never look back.">>
Cassandra drew in a deep breath, and you struggled to keep your eyes from squinting. The intense glow coming off her was so bright it nearly hurt to look at. This was it - Cassandra's deepest desire.
<<nm $phCassandra "Just about the last thing she said to me was that I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn't try...she was right, too. I always did. I would have given anything to go with her, but I didn't. All because the rules said not too. If I'd been like her, then I would have done it. I would have flipped the bird to everyone, grabbed my bag, and let my hair down as we drove across the country.<br><br> Maybe it would have ended horribly. Probably, even. But it would have been my choice, at least. I'd give anything to be like that. To finally be free.">>
She stared out into the distance, and her eyes shone like a beacon as she traced her memories back through the years. All at once, it was over. The glow began to diminish and she looked at you with apologetic surprise.
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm...so sorry. You probably didn't need to hear about all that. I just...you're really easy to talk to, $phCassandra.Address. I...feel better, when I'm with you. Like the words don't jam up so hard...">>
<<nm $phYou "It's alright. I don't mind listening, Cass. Thanks for talking with me. I'm sorry you went through all that.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...We are who we are, and we all live with the choices we make. That's alright. I just hope you don't think I'm always like this.">>
She looked up at the sky for a long moment, then turned her attention back to the skate park. The simulacra and the injured skater were long gone, and the park was beginning to operate normally again. She pursed her lips and finally stood up.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Could fit in another ten minutes, but I think I'm going to head back early...Thanks, $phCassandra.Address. I...I really appreciate it. You enjoy the rest of your time, okay?">>
You promised her that you would, and watched her as she made her way back to the gym. Despite dredging up bad memories, her head seemed to be held a little higher today as she walked. Unloading a few things probably did her a little good.
More good than she knew. You now had what you needed. Cassandra, your adorable little rule follower, would give anything to become a rule 'breaker'. She wanted freedom, and you were pretty sure that you and Mason could give it to her with the right focus.
You'd have to make the time to step into his office in the near future. You were sure he had more than enough to come up with a few ideas. With those happy little thoughts running through your head, you set out back in the direction of the tower.
Time to @@.choice;[[Do What You Do|Gym]]@@<<set $phCassandraShy to 2>>
<</if>><<else>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You skated for a while with Cassandra, who seemed to love speed skating at the small park set up behind the gym. You chatted aimlessly about this and that while you enjoyed yourself, but it wasn't until you were on the way back that something notable happened. In order to get some drinks, you crossed a grassy patch despite a posted sign forbidding walking on the greenery. When you turned back for Cassandra, she was stammering and visibly upset. Before you could ascertain the cause, the shy woman fled.
You weren't sure exactly what that was about, but you has a suspicion it wasn't just about the grass. Unfortunately, you've have to wait for @@.choice;[[Next Time.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You skated with Cassandra again, and she apologized for her unusual reaction during the previous encounter. She explained that her mother had been something of a tyrant when it came to rules, and that Cassandra had always struggled with disobeying them, even the ones that weren't enforced or even relevant any longer. She struggled to articulate yourself fully, and you were sure she was going to tell you something important when she suddenly realized that she had a college exam today and was forced to depart.
Still, at least you now knew what the issue with the grass had been. You wondered what secret desires were held within the heart of your @@.choice;[[Rule-Following Friend.|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
Your skating with Cassandra was interrupted by another customer falling and spraining their ankle. While your simulacra medical staff worked, you were able to speak to Cassandra some more, and she finally opened up. In her teenage years, she had fallen in love with another young woman at a skate park, Sarah. A classic rebel without a cause, Cassandra's young lover was everything that the shy, obedient nerd wasn't. Cassandra's mother had gone ballistic when she found out, but Sarah was not so easily dissauded. She had snuck into Cassandra's backyard and attempted to encourage Cassandra to run away with her. The upbringing had been too ingrained, however, and Cassandra couldn't make herself do it. Sarah had left, and the 'what ifs' had plagued Cassandra since. She wished she could feel as free as Sarah had seemed.
You couldn't go back in time and give her a second change, but you could certainly help the nerdy woman find freedom and self-respect. As you left, you knew that you would have to drop in to Mason's Office @@.choice;[[Soon|Gym]]@@<<set $phCassandraShy to 2>>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym gt 4>>You spend the afternoon at the skate park with Cassandra. In a stark change from your previous visit, she seems more than happy to chatter with you freely. Apparently, opening up to you about her past had made it a lot easier for her to overcome her shyness with you.
You hadn't helped her //that// much, though. She still couldn't bring herself to cross the grass, still stumbled over herself speaking to anyone but you, and still got a melancholic look whenever she thought you weren't looking. She looked a lot gloomier when it was time to finally say goodbye. The weight of her past may have been lightened, somewhat, but it certainly wasn't gone. You'd have to do more.
<<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 5>>You'd need Mason for that. You'd bet he had enough by now to create a focus for her. The next day you could spare the time and the energy, you should have one created.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[After Skating, Return To The Gym|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 0>><<nm $phCassandra "In here? The room says 'reserved'. Is that for us or is there a party we'll have to watch for?">>
Getting Cassandra to follow you to one of the side rooms had been fairly simple. You'd just told her you had a new program you wanted to test out in private and asked if she wouldn't mind helping you. You could tell she was still reeling a bit from the dramatic end to her tabletop gaming and was happy to leap at the distraction.
You shut the door behind you, carefully. There were no windows in this room, just three long tables against three of the walls with a wide open space in the middle. It was designed for LAN parties or, as that mode of play was rapidly becoming extinct, just multiplayer events in general. You hadn't actually bothered to book the room, but the tower would take care of little details like that.
<<nm $phYou "That's us, don't worry. We'll have plenty of time if there needs to be any troubleshooting. Here, this is what we're going to be using.">>
You offered her the blank CD in its clear crystal case. Cassandra flipped it around to peer at the back and then the front of the case, searching in vain of explanation. You shrugged your shoulders by way of explanation.
<<nm $phYou "Haven't gotten around to packaging yet, but the program should work. Go ahead and pick your station and we'll get started.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Mysterious! Alright, $phCassandra.Address, you've got me kind of hooked now. I just go ahead and run it then?">>
She moved to a computer and casually tossed the CD case down next to the keyboard. You must have made a noise, your mind suddenly full of the sound and fury of the CD's creation, because she gave you an odd look. You just waved her off. Gingerly, she removed the CD from the case and settled it into the drive, navigating over to the computer menu.
<<nm $phCassandra "...It says 'NuLife'. Is that the one? What sort of program is it, $phCassandra.Address? You haven't told me what it's for yet.">>
That question you were ready for. You pulled one of the chairs away from a far table, turned it backward, and sat with your elbows resting on the chair back. You were also a good five feet back from the computer itself, just in case.
<<nm $phYou "...Cass. You told me once that you wished that life had simpler rules. That it was more like the games you played, where everything had been programmed in and you could just digest and understand everything, right?">>
That got a blush and a hunching of her shoulders. Cassandra had been a lot more relaxed around you since you had broken out of her shell, but there was still apparently a limit.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Ah...I was upset, at the time. But...yeah. I did.">>
She smoothed a lock of hair behind one ear, nervously. Though her tone remained dismissive of the idea, you could see her begin to glow again in your eyes. The light of desire once more intensifying on her face. You could see the longing in every movement she made, whether she tried to hide it or not. You leaned forward on the chair, and dropped your voice low.
<<nm $phYou "...Now...I don't want you to think about whether it's possible, Cass. I want you to really think. What if I could really do that for you? What if you could really live in a world like that? No, don't tell me it's not possible, I just want you to think. If it were possible...would you do it?">>
There must have been something in your tone, because she thought about it. She was still and quiet, looking down at her hands posed motionless over the keyboard. She didn't move or speak for a good seven or eight seconds, but the glow of her desire was getting stronger by the second. By the time she finally turned her head to speak, you had to turn your eyes away or risk being blinded.
@@.choice;
[[She Said...|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 1>><<nm $phCassandra "...Yes. Yes, I would.">>
You flashed her an encouraging smile, and felt the tension running out of your shoulders. You had been almost certain she would say that, but you could never predict everything. Cassandra was ready for this. So were you.
<<nm $phYou "...Then run the program, Cass. Let's see just how possible it is.">>
Cassandra shot you a suspicious look, but she returned her attention to the screen and clicked on the icon. The computer began to whirr, the processor clicking quietly as though running through a particularly meaty file. What came up on the screen, however...
...Was a pixelated cartoon succubus.
You started in surprise. Cassandra, having never met Lazren, just laughed at the little cartoonish icon raised both arms three times in a cheering motion, then curled up and went to sleep with little Zs above her head. Every time a Z popped, it began to fill a progress bar below.
<<nm $phCassandra "Awww! That's so cute! Is this a fantasy game, $phCassandra.Address? That's so nice of you. I thought from the way you were talking that it was going to be some kind of UI set up for all the computers out th-.">>
Her voice cut off with a squeak as the screen suddenly lit up with a bright green light. It seemed to extend from the monitor, running over Cassandra's body from the tip of her beanie all the way down to her shoe. She yelped, pushing away from the console for a second and then peering closely at the computer.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Did you install something new in these? I can't see the light at all! That was a hell of an effect! But won't it be a little distracting for anyone playing this in the crowd?">>
You made a noncommittal sound. To be honest, you hadn't been expecting this. Mason had said the CD would be //blank// but that's not what you were getting here. You made a mental note to ask him to share more about his designs in the future. It would certainly help you not to look like a complete idiot.
<<nm $phCassandra "I am so ready for this now! What kind of game is it? The succubus was cute. Is it retro graphics? Is it based on anything? It is taking an awfully long time to load. I guess it is still in beta, or whatever. What eactly //is// thi-.">>
Again, her voice cut off in a squeak. This time, though, it didn't immediately return. The screen had changed again. An image of Cassandra appeared on the screen, her body turned toward the camera with her arms stuck in out neutral position. There was no expression on her face, but it was very clearly her. Everything from the beanie to the clothes she was wearing today were representing. The words 'Acquiring Player' flashed just beneath her picture.
She wasn't looking at the screen, however. Instead, she was looking at @@.choice;[[Her Hands.|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cassy1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cassy1.png]]</picture>@@
Cassandra gaped down at her hands, or at least what was left of them. Her digits were glowing bright green and pixelated lines had appeared over her skin. As you watched, the pixel squares making up her fingers came off her hands entirely, pulled in toward the computer monitor. Every time one of them made contact the entire screen flashed briefly and the pixel disappeared.
<<nm $phCassandra "This...isn't possible...It feels...ooohhh!">>
She abruptly leaned forward in her chair, with an orgasmic sound that clearly surprised her as much as it did you. As she leaned forward, you could see the pixelated green ends of her hair flowing off around her face toward the monitor. The light continued to work it's way over her rapidly diminishing hands down to her wrists.
<<nm $phYou "It's okay...You're safe, Cass. Let it happen. Relax. I would never hurt you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Why...Why's it feel so good?...oooohhhh, fuck!">>
The poor girl was gasping now, writhing in her chair. You watched as green light appeared over her breasts, pixelating across her chest. She moaned and bounced, the stream of green cubes from her body now constant. She tucked what we left of her arms against her body, frantically stroking at her crotch through her clothes, but within seconds there wasn't enough material left to reach all the way down. She whined in frustration, looking up at you with green glowing eyes.
You obliged. You were fairly sure now the program had a lock on Cassy. You rolled your chair beside the brightly illuminated woman and extended your hand, pressing your fingers down firmly between her legs.
Her answering cry was immediate and blissful, though it distorted into electronic noise halfway through. Even in contact with the rapidly disintegrating clothing rather than flesh, all it took was three or four thrusts of her hips for her eyes to roll back and her voice to reveberate through the lab. Her entire body shone green...and then she came apart, rushing past your hand in a storm of green cubes. You didn't feel so much as a breeze as the cubes crowded against the flashing screen and, row on row, disappeared.
When the last one had finally sunk into the screen, the speakers emitted a tinny-sounding victory march. New images appeared on the screen, and you found yourself smiling. You pushed aside the now vacant chair and pulled your own up to the keyboard.
<<nm $phYou "@@.choice;[[Why, hello, Cassandra.|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 3]]@@">>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cassy2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cassy2.png]]</picture>@@ <<set $phCassandra.portrait to 'CassyTransition'>>
She was nude and perfectly formed, facing the computer monitor with her body on display. Her skin had none of the blemishes of an actual body, but simply the smooth lines of pen and ink. She extended her hands toward you, and they actually flattened against the monitor as though she were pressing in against a window.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address? What's happening? Where am I? Why...what....how??">>
<<nm $phYou "You're okay, don't worry. You're safe. You said you wanted a world where the rules make sense...what do you think?">>
Cassandra turned away from the monitor, looking left and right. The background behind her was now a menu of buttons and options and color wheels. She cocked her head in confusion.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's...It's a character editor? I can...I can see the code. I can see the calculations...$phCassandra.Address, this...this isn't possible! You can't make someone...">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, believe me, this isn't even the most impossible thing I've done this week, dear. Though it just might be the most interesting. Why don't you tell me how possible it is when I do this?">>
You reached for the mouse and navigated the window to 'Hair Color'. Cassandra gasped, realizing what you were doing as you opened the color wheel and she turned back to protest.
You clicked before she could. Cassandra immediately moaned and dropped to her knees, her eyes going wide and her expression shocked. A splash of purple appeared at the roots of her hair and worked its way up. Soon, her brown hair was replaced entirely with the dark purple color. Her breasts heaved and her hands went to her thighs and clung there. You got the distinct impression it was all she could do not to touch herself.
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah!...Ah! W...Why...Why did that feel so good? I...I //changed//!">>
<<nm $phYou "Because it's not just your hair, dear. Programs don't //really// have hair. I have to change your programming. Everything that you are, all at once, even for something as small as that. That's why you felt it so much.">>
She stared up at you, her cheeks flushed and her chest rising and falling as she panted for air. She turned and looked back over her shoulder at the endless menus.
Then she smiled.
<<nm $phCassandra "...What else can you change?">>
You grinned at the screen. That was a great question. Why not @@.choice;[[Find Out?|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 4>>@@.image;<picture><<if settings.phTheme is "Light">><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cassy3Light.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cassy3Light.png]]<<else>>
<source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cassy3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cassy3.png]]<</if>></picture>@@
Cassandra moaned, her hands squeezing against her growing breasts. They expanded slowly, gaining cup size after cup size until they filled her palms, impossibly perky and erect. She looked down at them and giggled.
<<nm $phCassandra "...This...Holy shit. You can just click a few buttons and I've got these- Ah! I'm still naked!">>
She squeaked the words as if suddenly remembering and half turned away from the monitor, covering her chest with hands and arms. You couldn't help but laugh.
<<nm $phYou "...A //little// late for that, don't you think? I have seen it all already.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You were staring!">>
<<nm $phYou "I was, yes. Do you want me not to?">>
She turned her face away from you...but it didn't do much good. She was animated now, not flesh, and the skin of her neck actually turned red to signal the blush that was almost certainly moving across her face.
<<nm $phCassandra "I...didn't say that. I just...can't help it. I'm shy, $phCassandra.Address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't help it, dear? Didn't I just tell you how many impossible things I can do?">>
Cassandra's face showed her confusion. That confusion cleared when you navigated the menu from 'Body' to 'Mind'. She gasped at the sudden array of options. 'Intellect', 'Focus', 'Kindness', 'Patience', Independence' and a dozen more.
And right beneath your hovering cursor was one more: 'Shyness'.
<<nm $phYou "A world that makes sense, dear. Numbers and code. A plus here, a minus there, and things can be totally different. Always predictable, though. Always according to the programming.">>
Cassandra stared, slack jawed, up at the settings and bars and values. She seemed to have forgotten about her nudity, at least for a little while.
<<nm $phCassandra "Are...Are you really going to change me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I //could//, but no. Not my style. Not my call to make. You, though. Well...you're in there now, aren't you? You've still got your mind. You've still got your will. You've got an internet connection. The whole world at your fingertips. So...What are you going to do with it?">>
Cassandra was silent for several seconds, her expression pensive and uncertain. When she finally raised her hand, it was slow and shaky. She held it up in front of her, and a pulse of green ran across her fingertips. There was a moment of something like static. Her hand flickered and artifacted momentarily before snapping back to focus.
And the selector clicked over one degree.
Cassandra's moan was equal parts pleasure and triumph. She arched her back and bounced on her heels, chest heaving with the motion. The broad smile that spread across her face was all victory as she interlaced her fingers and cracked her knuckles in front of her.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Okay...Let's see how this works.">>
You settled back in your seat. This would be @@.choice;[[Fun.|CassandraHentaiTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 5>>It started slow. Tiny tweaks to the systems. Shyness lower. Intellect up. Bravery up. A nudge to her libido. A few tweaks to her facial features. Darkening her hair a degree. All of them greeted with an orgasmic noise and a hurried rush to the next change.
Soon, that wasn't enough for her. The computer beside yours flicked to life, its screen showing another part of the massive editor. The two screens moving independently of one another through the options. Then a third screen turned on. A fifth. The tenth.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Woman" "Oh! Fuck me, daddy!">>
You snapped your head around at the unfamiliar voice. One the monitors was filled with an obvious porn video. A Latina woman was sprawled out across a body with a muscular man looming over her, working his hips to ram his cock into her sex, angled to give the camera a perfect view. She squealed and bucked and the man held her down to the bed by the neck, keeping her pinned.
The video suddenly froze, the image tearing in places with multi-colored pixilation. When it snapped back to motion, the woman had been simply...replaced. Cassandra bounced and rocked on the porn actor's cock, her eyes rolling back in her head as he squeezed her neck. Despite the fact she was still animated and unreal, he seemed to have no trouble keeping hold of her.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Young Woman" "Senpai! Ahhhh! What are you doing?!">>
You turned your head the other way. The hentai movie playing two monitors down was obviously older, the animation more than a little outdated. A protesting schoolgirl was being forced down to her knees, a futanari pressing a censor blurred shaft against her lips.
Once again the image frozen, tearing, the protesting voice distorting for a brief second. Then it was back, and Cassandra was smiling down at the struggling girl. The now very much uncensored shaft sliding between her lips. Cassandra's eyes crossed, her expression one of exaggerated bliss.
You lost track of it after that. New images and videos were appearing across the small computer lab. Cassandra was on every screen. She bottomed on some, she topped on others, it didn't seem to matter. Grainy VHS videos from the 80s fought with HD images from the modern era. The competing noises from the speakers became an incomprehensible barrage of grunting, gasping, moaning pleasure.
You were just leaning forward to get a better look when the monitors at the outer edges of the room flashed with a sudden bright light and the monitors exploded outward in a shower of sparks. You jerked back reflexively, half out of your seat with alarm and concern. As though a string of firecrackers had been lit, the monitors began to burst on rapid succession, working their way from the outside in. You covered your eyes with your arms as the screens to either side of you shattered with light and smoke.
And...nothing.
The monitors smoldered all around you, the air filled with the smell of burned electronics. You carefully lowered your arms, staring at the only screen that hadn't broken. A green, glowing gemstone hovered in the center of the view, spinning slowly in place as though it were being rotated on an invisible pedestal. Below it, a simple flashing message.
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
Quest Complete. Here's your loot drop. See you soon. <3[img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
You smiled and cocked your head at the screen. Okay, maybe not exactly what you had been expecting, but a success was a success. You extended your hand forward, your fingers passing the line of the monitor screen without resistance. You felt the soulgem warm your fingers as you pulled your hand back.
You'd have to tell the simulacra to clean up in here, but not tonight. Tonight, it was time to @@.choice;[[Enjoy Your Reward.|Sleep][$phSleepCount to 1]]@@<<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<Transform $phCassandra "hentai">>
@@.narrative;Cassy Installed In The Mall! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25% At The Computer Cafe!<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin +=.25>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax +=.25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 0>>It was an excellent skate, but you could remember much about it. You and Cassandra made small talk while circling the park, and it was all you could do to keep your anticipation in check. You kept checking your pocket to make sure the little package was in there. Finally, as the time progressed toward evening, the pair of you settled down on a familiar bench to catch your breath.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Hey, $phCassandra.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "You still don't have to call me that.">>
Cassandra flashed you a smile. Unlike when you first met, you were pretty sure she now called you by the title intentionally just to tease you. It was a small step, but it was still quite a bit given where she had begun.
<<nm $phCassandra "I know. I just...wanted to thank you. I know I'm not always the easiest person to talk with, but I've really appreciated being able to talk to you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Awww, thanks Cass. Believe me, I've enjoyed myself. In fact, I've got a little something for you. Bear with me, I know it's a little bit strange, but I promise it'll do you some good.">>
Cassandra looked up with surprise as you dug around in your pocket. When your hand emerged with the cigarette pack, her expression slid from surprise to downright puzzlement. When you handed it over, she studied it as though she were categorizing some new and unique lifeform.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Cigarettes? I...uh...don't really smoke, $phCassandra.Address. I didn't fall into an after school special, did I? Is there going to be a cartoon character telling me to just say no?">>
You laughed and shook your head, scooting a little closer to her on the bench. You reached out and poked at the pack, just above the cartoonish shooting star along the front.
<<nm $phYou "No, dear. You're old enough not to worry about cartoons. I know it's an unusual gift, but I had a friend of mine put these together for you. I think you of all people could use it.">>
Cassandra gave you a suspicious look, running her fingers along the apparently unbroken plastic as if looking for where it had been tampered with. Carefully, she undid the package and lifted the lid. Eight nestled cigarettes were in two neat rows along the inside, looking just the same as any other. You caught a whiff of a strong but not unpleasant scent, and shook your head momentarily against the brief memory of the death metal that had flowed from Mason's office with the smoke.
<<nm $phCassandra "Made these? So...they're not just cigarettes? You know I've tried...ah...well, I'm in college. It's not exactly rare around the campus, and everyone wants to loosen me up...">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll bet. But no, that's not what it is either. It'll relax you, alright, but not that way. This is going to help you finally learn to make your own rules.">>
She snorted a laugh. You didn't. After a second, she looked up into your face with surprise.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You're serious?">>
<<nm $phYou "Very much so. You need these, Cass. I wouldn't give them to you if you didn't. I'm not getting you high for the afternoon, I'm setting you free. I know that's a big claim. So...do you trust me?">>
Cassandra made a face at that, looking down at her hands. She heaved an exaggerated sigh, but you caught something else in her expression. The need was back, shining in her eyes. A little ember of hope she dared not embrace.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You had to put it like that didn't you? Smells good...alright. What do I have to lose? If I wake up on your couch, I'm going to blame you. Do you have a light?">>
You laughed as she took one of the cigarettes gently between her fingers, pulled it from the pack, and after a moment's hesitation settled it against her lips. You didn't have a lighter, actually, but that was alright. You reached a hand forward and used your forefinger to lightly tap the end of the cigarette, which obligingly flamed to life. Cassandra's eyes went wide, the question of how obviously on her lips...
@@.choice;[[And Then She Inhaled.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cass1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cass1.png]]</picture>@@
Cassandra inhaled sharply on the cigarette, the sort of puff that would have normally turned half its length to ash. The tip barely smoldered, however, and she exhaled a large puff of pale, grey smoke. When she reopened her eyes, the worry and question about your display of pyrokinetics was utterly doused.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wow. That's....wow....I feel...Mmm. What's in this?">>
<<nm $phYou "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Take another hit, Cass. Enjoy.">>
She was already moving to do so, wrapping her fingers into a C around the stem of the cigarette and drawing in another huge breath. This time, you caught a change. Cassandra's hair was beginning to darken at the roots, a wave of black crawling out toward the tips of her hair. The shoulders of brown hoodie darkened as well, and after a second you saw a couple of grey, ashy flecks begin to fall from the material.
Again, Cassandra let out a long breath and a stream of smoke from her nose and mouth, more than any single puff could account for. As she did, more of her hoodie began to ash around her shoulders, the dark color running down the sleeves of the material like it was back soaked in black paint.
<<nm $phCassandra "...'s really good...I...didn't believe you...Seemed silly, but...holy shit, yeah? I feel like everything's coming loose or...just some things are? Damn, am I already...?">>
She turned her eyes up toward you in relaxed confusion. Despite her halting words, however, her blue eyes remained lucid and clear, focusing on you without a problem. She smiled encouragingly and nearly extended your hand to touch her shoulder, though you thought better of it as a dribble of ash slide down the front of her outfit.
<<nm $phYou "You're just letting a few things go. Things you don't need. Don't worry.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Don't worry. Yeah. Been trying that my whole life, for all the good it did. 's funny though. When you say it, I almost believe it.">>
She took another long puff, the black color reaching the tips of her hair. You saw a fleck or two begin to fall from strands of her hair, blowing away in the gentle gusts of wind that ran past the bench. You should see pale shoulders begin to emerge as her hoodie continued to break down around her.
Cassandra exhaled, seeming utterly oblivious to the degradation of her wardrobe. Abruptly, the young woman stood up, waving through the dissipating cloud of grey smoke with her free hand as she looked down at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Thirsty. I need a drink. C'mon, I'll buy you one.">>
Her voice lacked any trace of hesitation, and she was already moving before you could even stand. You had to hurry to catch up with her, doing your best to stay out of the wisps of dust and ash that fell from her continually. She didn't stop puffing as she walked, and the black soon spread down to her loose pants and over her skates.
You came to the patch of grass between the park bench and the vending machines against the tower wall. Every blade was immaculately kept, and the small green sign dutifully reminded guests to go around.
Cassandra didn't slow down. She walked straight over the grass, and @@.choice;[[Flipped The Sign The Bird As She Did.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cass2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cass2.png]]</picture>@@
Cassandra stopped at the machine, shaking out one leg as if removing a bothersome fly. The ashy remains of that leg of her pants slid off all at once, revealing torn fishnet over pale skin beneath. You noted with some amusement as the ash slid off her white skates it revealed a set of black rollerblades beneath, making her momentarily unbalanced.
She didn't comment, stabbing her order into the drink machine and, when the machine failed to instantly delivery the beverage down the tube, hammered once on the front with her fist. Her sports drink clattered obligingly into the receptacle and she stooped to retrieve it, ashes dusting off her like a constant cloud. You could see the same torn fishnet being revealed across her torso, with the hint of a more solid skirt around her waist.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! The hell is in this, $phYou.firstname? I know it ain't normal. Anything like this really existed you'd be selling it for billions?">>
She turned toward you and arched her eyebrows as she puffed hard on the cigarette still held loosely in two fingers. She had burned through about half of it by now. There was a silver glint in the air, and a small ring appeared piercing through the corner of her eyebrow.
<<nm $phYou "...How do you know I don't?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Point. Guess it doesn't much matter. I'm fucking hooked. This the part where you get me turning tricks for another hit? Spread my legs as your personal fuck toy desperate for another cig?">>
You laughed and looked the woman up and down. The ash was beginning to slow, with more and more of her outfit becoming visible beneath it. Her messenger bag was long gone, but you hadn't noticed when it had melted away. Her hair was shorter along the sides and, as specks fell away from the middle, turning purple in a strip down the center of her scalp. Her nails were long and black and her expression was challenging.
<<nm $phYou "No. Not my style, love. You'll have all you need, I promise. I've got no shortage of good lays if that was all I was after. I don't need to make you anything you don't want to be.">>
Cassandra seemed to process that for a while, lifting the cigarette to her lips once again. She drew in the deepest breath yet, one that seemed to expand her body in every direction and finally burned the cigarette down to the filter. She flicked the butt to the ground, stomping it out with edge of a roller blade and exhaled a cloud of deep black smoke.
Then she looked up at you, lifted her eyebrows, and cocked her hip.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well...If you're not gonna chain me to the bed for a cigarette, how about just for fun?">>
@@.choice;[[You Grinned.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/Cass3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Cass3.png]]</picture>@@
<<set $phCassandra.portrait to 'Cass'>><<nm $phCassandra "C'mon you horn-headed <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>fucker<<else>>slut<</if>>, you're wasting time. Do I have to slap your ass to get you in gear?">>
You started in surprise. You hadn't wanted to get down right there on the side of the track. Maybe it would have been in character for a rebel, but sand and grass in unmentionable places would have been less pleasant. You hadn't wanted to travel far, though, for obvious reasons. A backroom in the gym was only a minute away.
Apparently it wasn't close enough for Cassandra though, which you didn't mind. You didn't even mind her foul-mouthed jab. What surprised you is that she saw your horns at all. The surprise must have shown on your face, because the punk rolled her eyes with exaggerated impatience and grabbed you by the collar, pulling you hard the rest of the way into the empty maintenance room.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Yeah, I see you. Made a lot of sense all the sudden, but I'm dripping and I'm not wasting time on it right now. Long as you got something for me to fuck, you're good enough.">>
That made you smile. You let the door shut behind you, counting on the tower to make sure no one stumbled into your little encounter. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Then you turned and used your weight to shove Cassandra up against the wall, your hand dipping down to play with the fishnet stockings over her thighs. The woman gave you a surprised look, but you couldn't help but notice the flush at her cheeks.
<<nm $phYou "Too much?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck no! get those fingers to work!">>
<<else>>You reached down to slowly unzip your pants...and let your length fall into your stroking hand.
//That// got a gasp from Cassandra, despite her worldly airs. She stared down at your cock and you saw her nipples go hard in the barely-there fishnet top.
<<nm $phYou "Second thoughts?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck no! Now bring that over here!">>
<</if>>You obliged. In fact, you all but pounced on her. She drew you against her and wrapped her arms tightly around your neck, bringing you in for a kiss. You could taste the smoke on her lips. It had a faintly acrid taste, but there was something beneath it far more pleasant. Just a hint of the soul gem your body hungered for.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. You sure about thi-?">>
Cassandra's open-handed slap caught you hard across the cheek and you momentarily saw stars. That wasn't a gentle or playful slap, but had the full weight of her arm behind it. The purple-haired woman smirked at you, pulled you in again by the collar, and moaned directly into your ear.
<<nm $phCassandra "Shut up and fuck me!">>
@@.choice;[[Fair Enough.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 4>><<nm $phCassandra "Harder! Make me fucking scream, you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>dick<<else>>bitch<</if>>!">>
You had Cassandra up against the wall of the closet, and you were driving into her so hard you were getting legitimately worried about the integrity of the wall behind her. Her fingernails scratched at your back and her thighs hooked around your hips, urging you onward.
She was tight and hot and fit, her muscles milking your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers<<else>>cock<</if>> at every thrust. Her chest bounced in the confined of her fishnet top, and you were sure they'd gained a cup-size since the cigarette had touched her lips. You bent down, catching one nipple between your teeth and flicking your tongue hard against it as the pair of you bounced.
<<nm $phCassandra "That it! That's fucking it! Suck it, you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>asshole<<else>>whore<</if>>! Make me beg! Make me scream! Make me fucking mo-!">>
You raised a hand and slapped it over your partner's foul mouth. She screamed against your fingers for a second, then leaned forward and bit hard at the digits. You yanked your hand back with a grunt of pain and Cassandra smirked at you.
She wanted it hard, did she? You could do that.
<<nm $phCassandra "That's right! You want to fuck me? You earn it! You earn me, you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>fucke--<<else>>whor--<</if>>!">>
You pulled your body back and dropped her, forcing her to scramble to get her feet under her again. She staggered against the wall, her head coming forward as she fought for balance when her skates found the ground. You grabbed her by her purple mohawk, tugged her forward and further off balance, then turned her and slammed her face first against the wall. She spread her hands and tried to push back, but you slammed your body weight up against her back and forced her flat against the wall.
<<nm $phYou "I've earned you already! Now spread your legs and present, fuck toy!">>
Cassandra snapped her thighs together, but you kicked her feet apart. The two of you fought for a few seconds, the punk trying to close her legs as you spread them inexorably. You were stronger than she was, and you both knew it.
She wanted it, and you both knew that too.
When she had no choice but to lift her hips for you, you drove forward again. Your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers were<<else>>cock was<</if>> still slick with her excitement and you didn't bother to give her any time adjust. She moaned as you pounded into her. She tried to snap her head back to catch you on the chin, but you kept your grip on her hair and forced her back against the wall.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Fuck me, fuck me! Make me your whore! Make me your fucking bottom bitch! Fuck my dirty pussy! Make me sque-!">>
You cut her off again. Not with your hands this time, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>as one was still holding her against the wall and the other was significantly more occupied<<else>>as they were both occupied keeping her against the wall<</if>>. No, it was the appendage she hadn't yet noticed. Your tail bent around your hips, caressed against the curve of her ass for a bare few seconds, and then you drove the spade tip hard into her rear.
Her eyes shot open and she screamed directly into the wall. You could feel her ass close hard around your tail <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and you allowed yourself a brief grin of satisfaction. She hadn't been prepared for //that// one and you could feel her clench around your fingers even as the tail drove home.<<else>>and it was all you could do to hold back in that moment. It wasn't as sensitive as your cock, but it was near enough...not to mention you were still fucking her sex.<</if>>
She struggled, but you never let her move. She pushed back from the wall, but you slammed her home. She tried to swing her elbows back against you, but you hooked your arms around them and yanked them helplessly back. She tried to kick you with her skates, but you spread her legs wider every time she dared to move, forcing her lower and lower against the wall.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck! Shit, yes! Yes, fuck me! Fuck me! I'm yours! I'm yours! I'm your little fucktoy slut! I'm your bottom bitch! I'm...I'm...I'm fucking cumming!">>
Her eyes rolled back and she shuddered and quaked. You shifted your stance, holding her up instead of holding her down. She didn't fight you, her body bucking and screaming and shaking through one apparently mind-crushing orgasm. Her head tilted back with her face twisted with pleasure and she opened her mouth for another scream.
None came out. Just the familiar green spark of the soulgem, bouncing gently on her lips. You bent your head around to press your lips against yours, scooping the gem up and feeling it spread wonderfully across your tongue.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Then you tucked your face against her neck, hilted your fingers inside of her, and made her<<else>>Then you came, and made her<</if>> @@.choice;[[Yours.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 5>><<set $phSoulCount += 1>>Cassandra fished in her pocket for the box of cigarettes, withdrew one, and lit it with a black lighter decorated with white spider stickers. She took a long, luxuriant puff on it, and you noticed that she still had eight in the pack. As Mason had claimed, she wouldn't be running out any time soon.
<<nm $phCassandra "...So...You ran into a demon, she fucked you //into// a demon, and gave you the power to fuck the dweeb out of me?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Essentially. Among other things.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...And now, having done that, you want me to hang around the skate park, gather up some bitches who need a kick in the ass to live a little, so the mall, which is alive, can feed off them while they're cumming their brains out?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Pretty much, yeah.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "And for all this I get to stay young, hot, and as wild as I want, any day you don't descend from the tower to fuck my ass into the concrete?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Long as you don't actually hurt anyone, yeah, that's right. I'll probably descend a lot right at first though.">>
You reached out and patted her lightly on the stomach. She flipped you the bird with her free hand, puffing thoughtfully on the cigarette and exhaling large smoke rings toward the ceiling. Finally, she grinned at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "You got yourself one feisty bitch then. Treat me right, or I'll have my ass in your office chair.">>
This time, //you// flipped //her// the bird, then leaned in for a kiss. She obliged, pecked you on the lips, and winked.
<<nm $phCassandra "Not too much romance, doll. I've got a reputation to think about.">>
You laughed. This partnership was going to work out @@.choice;[[Just Fine.|CassandraRebelTransformation][$phCassandra.trans_counter to 6]]@@
@@.narrative;Cassandra Unlocked At The Gym! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.trans_counter is 6>><<Transform $phCassandra "punk">>You and Cassandra talked for a while longer, which consisted mostly of you telling your story since your original transformation and filling her in on how the tower worked. Despite her sharp tongue, she paid attention and caught on well. You could tell she had a lot to digest, though, and you kept it short.
You set her up with a room in the tower. She grumbled something about having a cat to pick up and some new clothes to buy, but didn't seem too worried about leaving everything else behind. You hadn't been either. What you had gained had been more than enough to compensate.
$phSamantha.name got Cassandra a key and the punkish woman strolled into the elevator. You watched her go, admiring the curves of her body as the doors closed. As you headed back to the bedroom, you shook out your right hand.
You hoped the biting was done. If not, you were going to need to invest in a pair of gloves.
<hr>
<<include "Bedroom">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Cassandra")>><<if $phCassandra.focus_gym is 6>><<set $phCassandra.focus_comp to 8>><<nm $phYou "I want a rebel of my own, I think. Go ahead and get started on that special brand you mentioned.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.address. I will endeavor to have a pack ready for you present within a few hours.">>
Mason returned to his work and you returned to your own. You couldn't help but keep half an eye Mason's door whenever you wandering into the office. For a long time, nothing stirred. You and $phSamantha.name chatted and shuffled papers and made calls, growing increasingly dejected by the lack of interesting happenings.
All at once, that changed. There was a dull, thudding explosion from the next room. The door flew open, and a cloud of pale smoke billowed into lobby. It smelled like every frat party you had ever walked near, the billowing haze of cigarettes, alcohol, and stronger indulgences mixed together for so long that the scent sank into the couches and permeated clothes on the moment of arrival.
The smoke was not the only thing flowing into the lobby. There was a loud, electric noise that set your teeth on edge. It took you several seconds to realize that the sound was actually //music//, though you're not sure you would have extended the cacophony that distinction. It was a style that seemed to have more to do with screaming and noise than melody and rhythm.
Mason hung half out of the lab, coughing into his hand. As you approached, he waved off your obvious concern and reached back to stab at some switches. The first cut off the noise, leaving your ears ringing but your sense of good taste mercifully relieved. The second started up a series of fans within the lab, which began to gather the smoke back toward the room, clearing the haze.
<<nm $phMason "Your pardon, $phMason.address. I always forget the raw energy of a righteous cause. Mmm. Still, despite that minor setback, I do believe we have our desired result. A moment.">>
He disappeared into the lab. You stood at the doorway, still not wanting to venture too long into the smoke. You doubted it would be harmful, but you had less confidence in actually focusing on work after a few breaths.
Mason returned after a few minutes, holding a small plastic package in his hand. He held it out for your approval. The cigarette pack was, in every way, seemingly ordinary, though the art and quality of the packaging was a little higher than you'd usually see. The front of the box features an elaborately drawn comet beneath the //Shooting Star// brand and above the tag line //Your World. Your Rules. Your Way//. In place a manufacturer, the box featured a small cartoonish silhouette of a female succubus, complete with tiny horns and spade tail.
<<nm $phYou "...Cute. You do good work, Mason, though maybe a little quieter next time. Are you alright?">>
Mason grinned at you and you started. That was just about the first time you'd seen him so...expressive.
<<nm $phMason "Never better! There you are, $phMason.address. One of these ought to be sufficient for your purpose. Once the young lady is fully transformed, the pack will attune to her essence and will never run dry of product. Please be sure that only Miss Woodrow indulges. I cannot honestly say what the full effects for anyone else would be. Now, if you don't mind, I believe it is time for a meal. I am //starving// for some reason.">>
He flipped you a mock salute and turned toward the elevator. Along the way, he weaved from side to side as if trying to trace a pattern from one side of the hallway to the other. When he reached the lift, he turned and waved exuberantly back at you before stepping on and closing you door.
You and $phSamantha.name stared at one another. Then, all at once, you both began to laugh.
You had your focus. Soon enough, Cassandra would @@.choice;[[Have Her Freedom.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.focus_comp is 6>><<set $phCassandra.focus_gym to 8>><<nm $phYou "I think a digital assistant would help immensely around her. Your systems are friendly enough, but it never hurts to add a new feature.">>
<<nm $phMason "Your logic is unassailable, $phMason.address. I will set to work immediately to prepare our systems for this upcoming upgrade. Would you mind returning in an hour or so? I would like you present for the last stage.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? That's unusual. Why do you want me there for this?">>
<<nm $phMason "Emptiness is a tricky thing, $phMason.address, and tricky things should be approached in groups, just in case.">>
You didn't understand, but you nodded anyway. You suspected he could go on for another half hour, and would happily do so, without you getting any closer to his meaning. You returned to your office to check over some of the latest reports. $phSamantha.name had mentioned something a couple of impromptu weddings to be organized among some of your more liberated guests...
An hour later, you stood, stretched your cramped muscles, and strolled back to Mason's office. He met you at the door, all four of his hands clad in thick rubber gloves. He straightened a set of goggles on his forehead, probably unaware and unconcerned just how much they made him resemble a true mad scientist.
<<nm $phMason "Ah, $phMason.address $phYou.firstname, right on time. Right this way. I do believe your talents will be required. I don't believe it will prove beyond our abilities.">>
He led you to the back of the lab, where a large space had been cleaned off from one corner of the metal table. There was a contraption on the desk, one that you couldn't readily identify. It seemed to consist of two large vertical plates, each with a handle extending off the back. The plates were perfectly flat and smooth save for a circular protrusion right where the handle met the plate.
<<nm $phYou "...Is this a press? Are we making the CD out of a mold?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, quite the opposite, in fact. You make something with a press. We're looking to make //nothing//. As such, we'll be pulling apart, not pressing together. If you would be so kind as to take one of the handles, I will take the other. Simply apply all of your considerable strength and power to pulling the plate back and the rest will handle itself.">>
<<nm $phYou "Just that? Pull the handle back?">>
<<nm $phMason "Just that, yes, It will prove slightly more difficult than you may be expecting, but I have no doubt you will manage. Just remember, once you start pulling you need to //keep// pulling, no matter what happens. I should hate to expend all that energy from our stores with nothing to show for it.">>
You gave him a suspicious look, but obediently moved to one side of the strange contraption and took hold of the handle. Mason moved across from you and put all four hands on the other. You shared a brief nod with one another, then dug your feet in and gave the handle a hard tug.
The response was immediately. The lab was suddenly filled with an unearthly howl that seemed to make your teeth vibrate. The lab was suddenly filled with wind, a screaming vortex of sound and fury. You realized as your hair whipped in front of your face that it was suction. The tiny opening between the metal plates was sucking in air as though you had just punctured an airplane window in an old movie.
<<nm $phMason "Keep pulling! A little farther!">>
Mason's voice competed with the din. You could see him pulling with all four arms, one of his feet up on the edge of the table for leverage. You grit your teeth and did the same, straining against the force of the strange suction. Your arms ached immediately and it felt like you were trying to lift a car above your head. You ignored the pain, and kept pulling.
Inch by inch, the plates parted and the howl intensified. The handles began to vibrate between your fingers and the whole table began to squeal and shake along the floor. Bits of paper and dust flew all around you, and you could hear small objects falling off shelves all across the lab as the pair of your strained and grunted and pulled at the levers.
Then, all at once, it was over. The plates came apart with an almost anticlimactic sigh and you were so surprised you fell backward onto your ass. Mason hurriedly stepped to one side, thrust his hand between the plates, and pulled back with...
...a small, unassuming white CD. The kind of rewritable media you could find in any electronic store in the nation. Hurriedly, he tucked it into a blank white case, clipping it shut as carefully as if he were handling nuclear material. He let out a long, slow sigh of relief as he turned back to you.
<<nm $phMason "Exciting! Thank you, $phMason.address, that was precisely what I needed. Your efforts were not in vain. I present to your our prize.">>
He held out the CD case as you stood and took it with trepidation. There was no shudder or heat or other telltale to the case. It felt just as light and utterly harmless as any of the hundreds of others you'd held in your time.
<<nm $phYou "...Is this //safe//?">>
<<nm $phMason "Safe enough for our purposes, $phMason.address, though I would suggest perhaps utilizing it more hurriedly than usual. Emptiness is a tricky thing, as I mentioned. However, if you allow Miss Woodrow to attempt to open this CD in one of our labs, I believe the rest will handle itself. Though, just in case, perhaps I would recommend making use of one of our more private rooms to do so.">>
You looked around at the mess in the normally tidy lab. Bottles and beakers had fallen from selves, paper was everywhere, and even several of the heavy shelves had been pulled sideways or otherwise out of alignment. You gave a slow nod.
@@.choice;
[[Good Call|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.post_talk is 99) or ($phCassandra.post_talk is 4)>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 99>><<set $phCassandraQ5 to 0>><<set $phCassandra.post_talk to 2>>Cass wasn't in her usual spot when you stepped out of the back of the gym. Occasionally they moved things inside for fun, but most of the day she was either out on the asphalt skating or hanging with her cronies in the shade, but you didn't spy her in either place.
You were just about to check the clubhouse when you felt a hand curl around your shoulder.
<<nm $phCassandra "Think if this was a mob movie, you would have just gotten whacked.">>
<<nm $phYou "Didn't know I had to be looking out for wise guys. How the hell do you sneak up on someone with skates on?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm a fucking ninja, what can I say?">>
She spun you around and held onto your lapels, pulling you down by your suit into her kiss. You could taste the cigarette on her, but Cass's brand was very different from most. Others could be unpleasant, but you felt like you could get a contact high every time the punk kissed you.
When she finally broke away, she kept a grip on your suit and remained well into your personal space. There was a momentary flicker of uncertainty in her expression.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Not coming down to say it was all a mistake and you didn't really mean it?">>
You snorted derisively and laid your hands over hers, meeting her eyes directly.
<<nm $phYou "...Fuck that.">>
She smiled. She tried to keep it casual, but it lit up her face despite herself. She nodded, once.
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright. That's all I needed to know. You wanna sneak off somewhere and bone?">>
<<nm $phYou "What? That's it? You don't have any other questions?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You fucking love me, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah. I do.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Then what else do I need? Keeping loving me, don't say that to any other bitch, drop in often enough to keep me happy, and we're good. I'll keep things nice and normal while we're here, at least until this whole thing with the big boss blows over. Just take me out from time to time and say nice things while we kiss and mean things while you bend me over some fucking table or other. That's it.">>
That put a smile on your face. Cass was doing her level best to pass this off as normal, even if you could all but feel her heart pounding in her hands. You squeezed them and spoke slowly.
<<nm $phYou "...That sounds fair. I can live with that.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Damn straight you can. Now, you taking the time today or just getting your ducks in a row?">>
@@.choice;
[[Take Some Time To Indulge|CassSex]]
[[Not This Time, But Soon|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'CassRomanceGoodbye']]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 4>><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<nm $phCassandra "Hey boss.">>
Cass was lounging against the wall, one of her ever-present cigarettes grasped between pointed and index finger. She took a long, satisfied drag and then tilted her head up to blow a cloud at the ceiling. You chuckled and settled in at her side.
<<nm $phYou "...Boss? That's not like you. Usually there's a few more expletives involved.">>
She eyed you, smirked, and took another drag that burned the cigarette down to only the filter. She flicked the trash away.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Don't get used to it. Just...fuck. Thanks, okay? For everything. Sometimes I'm a pain in the ass...but you had my back anyway. Getting four-eyes to track down my old girl and talking me down from the ledge. That's good shit.">>
You shrugged your shoulders, feeling inexplicably embarrassed. You weren't used to Cass ever talking that...openly. You spread your hands.
<<nm $phYou "Just doing my job. How about you? You hanging in?">>
She was silent for several long seconds, her brow knit. Finally, she gave a couple of short bobs of her head and grinned in your direction.
<<nm $phCassandra "Just peachy. Feels like I left that part of me behind, you know? Cleared my head. I got my gym. I got my girls. Teaching Rachel how to swear is a bit of a process, but it's good. She's coming along. And I'm sure there'll be other geeky little things who need to learn to be bad bitches. I guess I'm sort of doing what you do, aren't I?">>
<<nm $phYou "Pretty much. They're lucky to have you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmmhmm. And if anyone ever hurts one of the girls, I'll shove a bottle of champagne up their ass, shake 'em up, and see if they snort bubbles.">>
You barked a laugh at that and slapped Cass on the shoulder. The goth woman winked.
<<nm $phYou "That's the Cass I know. You let me know if you ever need any help. Or just a visit to the skate park again.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Pfft. You got other people to play babysitter for. I got my fill. Fuck off and let me clear out my head for a hwile. I'll come to you, comes down to it.">>
She stood up abruptly and offered you her arm. You took it, and she leaned back to haul you to her feet. She held onto your hand, though, even once you were upright, looking you directly in the eye.
<<nm $phCassandra "You ever need it, you come to me too, alright? Ain't a one-way street. You ever try to hide shit from me, I'll kick your head so far up your ass you'll qualify as an astronaut.">>
You squeezed her hand, once, and nodded. She let you go.
<<nm $phYou "Promise. I'll come to you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Good. Now go do your thing somewhere else. I got shit to do today.">>
She smirked and turned away, skating rapidly down the asphalt toward the small skate park. You watched her go, feeling a smile spring to your face even as you did.
Yeah, she was gonna be fine. In the end, that was all @@.choice;[[You Could Want|Gym][$phCassandra.post_talk to 2]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phCassandra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phCassandra.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phCassandra "Heads up!">>
Only your demonically enhanced reflexes saved you. You spun around in a fraction of a second, took note of the object hurtling at your head, and got your hand up in time to snatch it out of the air. It still hit your palm with a solid thunk, but at least it hadn't broken over the back of your head.
<<nm $phCassandra "Not bad! Figured you didn't need much warning.">>
Cass was skating toward you with a smug expression, one hand tucked into her jacket pocket while the other held a tan beer bottle, much like the one you were suddenly holding.
<<nm $phYou "And if I //had// needed more warning?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Eh. Really aiming over your shoulder anyway. You'd just have to watch me drink my beer and wish you were faster.">>
Your rebellious employee twisted the top off her bottle with satisfaction and lifted it to her lips. You were a bit slower, but you did open it and have a taste. It was actually quite good, but why-
Ah.
<<nm $phYou "Is this about passing the first hurdle?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Maybe. Course, if you'd fucked it up, I could have taken over. So maybe I ought to have aimed for the head after all. Long as you're here, though, I guess you can still take all the boring shit. Just watch out. Figure anyone who's been around as long as your mom is a bad bitch, however they might be on the outside.">>
<<nm $phYou "Noted. And you were just hanging around with two beers waiting for me //not// to celebrate.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You laughed and sipped your beer again. Some things never changed. You had to admit, the familiarity was not a bad thing. Cass was glowering at you, but you could tell there was no actual heat behind the look.
<<nm $phCassandra "You down here for a reason, or just horny and looking to make me replace another shirt?">>
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phCassandra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phCassandra "Heavy shit.">>
You blinked and turned to find Cass leaning up against the wall of the gym, smoking a cigarette. You were still technically indoors, but no one was ever going to complain, and you doubted Cass's cigarettes would have any negative effects on passersby...except maybe to give them a temporary shot of courage.
There was something in her expression that gave you pause, though. Cass was many things: loud, opinionated, vulgar, and direct. One thing she //wasn't// was 'contemplative', yet that was the expression she was wearing now. <<if $phCassandra.date gt 2>>You hadn't seen that sort of expression on her face since your visit to the skate park a while back. At that time, she'd been talking about one of the only things from her past life she hadn't let go of.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...What's heavy?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Four-arms came down and filled me in on what's been going on. I told him off for making shit up, but he really wasn't. They really want to call you up to the big leagues, yeah?">>
<<nm $phYou "Looks that way, yeah.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Heavy shit.">>
She pushed away from the wall and moved up beside you. Wordlessly, she plucked the cigarette from between her lips and held it out for you. You stared at it for a few seconds, but eventually leaned over to take a drag off the end. It was not at all unpleasant. Dark and rich, almost more like a coffee than an actual cigarette. Certainly, it didn't burn so much as simmer, until you exhaled the smoke.
You stood there for a long time, and neither of you talked. You just watched the human traffic pass you by, walking in and out of the gym with happy faces and not paying either of you the slightest bit of attention. Finally, you sucked in a breath.
<<nm $phYou "Do you think--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You do whatever the fuck it is you want to do, when you want to do it. They try to put the pressure on you, or make you something you're not? Fuck 'em. Simple as that. Maybe they can bend you over, if they really want to, but make 'em prove it. Or don't. Take the money, spend the rest of your life with your feet up crafting the world just the way you want it. Either way, long as it's the way you want it. And //can// you do it? Fuck yeah.">>
You nodded, slowly, and digested that. Wasn't surprising advice, coming from Cass. Everything she was now unfettered. She said what she wanted to and did what she wanted to. Even when she was play-acting resistance, it was because she liked it. You weren't sure becoming Desire was //that// simple but...maybe it was.
Cass snorted and turned toward you. Her eyebrow was elevated and her expression was much more familiar insouciance now.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck. Enough of the touchy-feely shit. You got enough girls and boys for that. Why don't we talk about something else? Or, better yet, why don't you rip my clothes off and we can be animals for a while? Easier that way.">>
Couldn't argue with that.
<</if>><<else>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>The scrape of Cass's skates on the asphalt was your only warning. You turned just in time to see her spin, barreling into your backward hard enough to nearly drive the wind out of you. If you weren't demonic, you were pretty sure you would have been sent sprawling.
As it was, you stopped her dead and looped your arms around her tightly. She laid one hand on yours, the other raising one of her familiar cigarettes to her lips.
<<nm $phCassandra "About time. Missed you, fucker.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah. Missed you too. How are things?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Same old same old. The baby bitches are coming along well, and we're doing our inner desire bit, just like you want. Four-eyes up in the lab seems to be happy with what we're churning out. You almost done with all this stuff the queen bee is putting you through?">>
<<nm $phYou "We'll see. Can't be long now. Then it's time for us.">>
She puffed on her cigarette with exaggerated impatience but nodded. She exhaled through her nose, twin clouds dissipating into the air.
<<nm $phCassandra "I got you. Long as you're here sometimes and all that. So, what's up? You just checking in to talk business for a sex, or are we going to have the time for you to peel me out of this shit proper?">>
Always the question!
<<else>>Cassandra was leaning against the wall as you emerged from the gym, speaking quietly to a pair of women with brightly colored hair and black jackets. When she spotted you, she barked a couple of commands to the group, and they skated off quickly. Only when they were out of earshot did she skate forward. You couldn't help but tease her.
<<nm $phYou "...Am I not allowed to talk to them?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Pfft! They're fine. Just figured they aren't fully in on the whole thing yet. There's a couple of things we want to keep secret.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Like if I sometimes slip and call you something nice once in a while?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You grinned and stepped in for a kiss. She slapped her hand against your chest but accepted the gesture. You kept your lips to hers for a few seconds, until she finally pushed you away.
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright, alright, enough! What's up, $phYou.firstname? You just here to undercut me in front of the baby punks or are we sneaking off somewhere where you can rip my clothes off?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4>>@@.choice;
[[Hey, About Sarah...|CassPunkDate]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.date gt 4) and ($phCassandra.date lt 5)>>@@.unavailable;Cass seems a bit annoyed about you bringing up Sarah. Better let her cool for a while.@@
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Talk To Cass For A While|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 2]]
[[Ripping Clothes Off Sounds Good|CassSex]]
[[Just Passing Through|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassquick']]@@
<<if ($phCassandraQ4 is 0) and ($phCassandra.date is 6)>><br />[[Ask About Petra|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 6]]<br><</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phCassandra.post_talk to 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, look who's come to play.">>
You stepped out of the gym doors and into the sunshine, covering your eyes to shade them against the glare. Cassandra pushed away from the wall and skated in your direction. She was still wearing the torn fishnet, you saw, though she'd made some small effort toward modesty by covering both her nipples with Xs of black tape. She'd also added a leather jacket to her ensemble, and she had one hand stuffed in a pocket while the other withdrew a fresh cigarette from a silver holder.
<<nm $phYou "Thought I would check in and see if anyone was hassling you about the dress code.">>
You nodded to Cassandra's barely clad breasts, and the woman snorted derisively. She arched her back, thrusting her tits out and bouncing them a little in the fishnet shirt.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck 'em. I'm sleeping with the boss. Nepotism, bitches.">>
You laughed and drew her in for a kiss. She moved in without resistance and pressed her lips to yours, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>then dropped a hand to press firmly between your thighs as she pushed back from you.<<else>>then dropped a hand to your crotch for a firm squeeze as she pushed back from you.<</if>>
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm worth it. You know us dweebs always knew one another. Caught a couple of girls already. Gave them a little second-hand smoke. Seemed to do the trick. That's what you wanted, right?">>
You blinked and turned to look at the skate park. There was indeed a slightly higher display of lace, leather, and fishnet than there had been the day before. A trio of girls were chatting amongst themselves and sneaking glances in your direction. Cassandra flipped them the bird, and they returned the gesture almost as a salute.
<<nm $phYou "Fast work. Second hand was enough to do that?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Apparently, yeah. I'll let your egghead know before I try actually giving any of them a smoke. Last thing I want is to fucking melt their brains all over the sidewalk in front of everyone. Doing them good, though. We've already got a list.">>
<<nm $phYou "...A list?">>
Cassandra's answering grin was bold and wicked. She shook her head and tapped you lightly on the chest, just above your heart.
<<nm $phCassandra "You don't wanna know. Now, you just here to shoot the shit or you got plans today? The girls'll keep if you wanna talk...and they'll keep longer if you wanna make me scream your name.">>
She certainly had a way with words.<<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Cass A Question|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 2]]
[[Screaming Your Name Sounds Good|CassSex]]
[[Shoot The Shit And Get Gone|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassquick']]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 2>><<set $phCassandraQ1 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ2 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ3 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ4 to 0>>You told Cass you were hoping to talk a while. Cass took a drag from her cigarette, tilted her head back, and blew a cloud of smoke upward into the air.
<<nm $phCassandra "Talking? Ain't that sort of against the whole 'demonic sex party heaven' thing you've got going on?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Demonic sex party heaven?">>
She shot you a smirk and reached out to squeeze<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> one of your biceps.<<else>> one of your breasts.<</if>> You batted her hand away and she laughed.
<<nm $phCassandra "You know the deal. Building a whole harem for yourself, right? I'm not giving you shit. Good gig, if you can get it. So, what do you want to know?">><</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 3>><<set $phCassandraQ1 to 1>>You asked Cass how she'd been doing since you'd cut her loose. She rolled her eyes, flicked her cigarette out onto the sidewalk, and quickly pulled another from her pack.
<<nm $phCassandra "Really? Fuck off with that, boss. I call you when I wanna hike my skirt and get fucked like a dog in a bathroom. We aren't really 'talk about our feelings' buddies, you know?">>
You smirked at her and extended your foot to stamp out the smoldering remains of the cigarette, smoke curling around your shoe. You didn't say anything, you just raised your eyebrows expectantly. Finally, she looked away.
<<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Prick.<<else>>Bitch.<</if>> Fine. I'm happy, alright? Like...//really// happy, and I wasn't before and it's still kind of weird and fuck you okay?">>
You couldn't help but snicker. Cass's head snapped up and she punched your shoulder, hard enough to make you sway in place. Her cheeks were red.
<<nm $phYou "Okay! Okay! I'm just checking, is all. You're happy, then. No regrets from the changeover?">>
Cass glared at you as she pulled a match from her pocket, struck it across the sleeve of her leather jacket, and held the flame to the tip of a new cigarette.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah. I'm free, boss. I work for //you// but it's doing what I want to do anyway. I fuck, I get fucked, I light up where I want, I skate where I want, and I got some good girls to teach, and protect, and occasionally kick their legs apart. So yeah. Life's a peach, okay. Can we talk about something else? You're harshing my whole...thing.">>
You rolled your eyes, but let the subject drop. It was clear enough she was far happier now than she had been before. You briefly wondered how she could still be embarrassed. Then again, maybe on some level she enjoyed being a little embarrassed by the boss. Something to think about.<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 4>><<set $phCassandraQ2 to 1>>You asked Cass about the girls that she was hanging around with. Cass shrugged and turned to look out at the three women still loitering conspicuously down the track.
<<nm $phCassandra "What you made me for, ain't it? Not just a pretty face, after all. You see things, when you come to the same gym a lot. You see the kind of girls who want the respect, not just an inch off the belly. I help them find it.">>
She held up a hand as though stopping your inevitable protest and her eyes flashed with fervor.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah yeah, I know it doesn't sound like I give them much respect either. That's not what I mean. With me, they listen to what I say because they want to, or they're welcome to fuck off. I don't strong arm them into shit. I don't sugar coat it, either, but I tell it to them straight. Makes them think of what they actually think about things, because I'm not gonna sub in my wants for theirs.<br><br>For some of 'em, I think it's the first time they've ever had to think about what they're doing. They've been under someone's bastard thumb their whole lives. Give me a few months with them and they'll be ready to tell the Pope himself to shove it up his ass if they don't like what he's selling.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What's 'it'? The silly hat?">>
Cass snorted and leaned back against the wall again, flicking a few ashes onto the sidewalk in front of her.
<<nm $phCassandra "Damn, that thing has got pointy bits. I'm not that fucked up. Least not unless someone //really// pisses me off, you know? But then they deserve it.">>
You made a mental note to try and avoid pissing Cass off. At least any time you were willing a silly hat.<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 5>><<set $phCassandraQ3 to 1>>You asked Cass how the gym had been doing since she'd come back.
<<nm $phCassandra "Work question. Damn, don't you ever relax without an orgasm on the horizon? It's going just fine. I skate around, pick off a few girls who are into that sort of thing and don't know it, and we're a bit of a show for everyone else. Some people look and it makes 'em hard or wet. Some it pisses right off. Either way, they start working harder, and that's good for you, ain't it?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Piss them off?">>
Cass smirked, shifting her cigarette to the other side of her mouth. She made a gesture encompassing the whole of herself.
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm a sexy bitch, boss, but no one's sexy to everybody. Some people have a real problem with a couple of girls who don't give a shit running around //not// being prissy and pretty for them. They're usually chickenshit, though, so they take it out on the equipment and you get another few spurts of whatever it is you like to swallow.">>
You ignored the bait there, putting your hands into your pockets and leaning back against the wall beside her.
<<nm $phYou "Anything we could do better?">>
<<if $phLocations['Gym']['level'] lt 2>><<nm $phCassandra "Shit, you can always do better, can't you? You want my advice, you gotta stop putting all your attention on the machines. You get off on people fucking in here, so you ought to focus on the part when they're naked. The showers are way too quiet. Give them a remodel and you'll have people banging their brains out after a run all the time.">>
<<nm $phYou "A shower remodel? That's not bad. I think once the place has seen a few more visitors, it'll be ready to install something like that. I'll keep an eye out!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phCassandra "Good, you do that. My consulting fee is dripping inside your panties. Don't worry, I know you're good for it.">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Good, you do that. My consulting fee is currently straining your zipper. Don't worry, I know you're good for it.">><</if>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['level'] gt 1>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck, you want even more? After the last time you upgraded the place, the tower juiced up the showers so much you can barely find an open stall. If I take longer than thirty minutes I'm listening to some who getting off beside me while some swinging cock is trying to pull my girls off to the side. You've done enough.">>
Maybe not a resounding seal of approval, but you could detect the grudging respect below the snark. Nice to know that the upgrades were having their intended effect. <</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 6>><<set $phCassandraQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I was curious how things are going with Petra these days? You got any more concerts planned?">>
Cass gave you a long look and rolled her eyes, a smirk appearing on her face.
<<nm $phCassandra "After all the juicy details, huh? Want to know how I making her scream?">>
<<nm $phYou "Let's be honest. You've heard her voice before. If she starts screaming, everyone within a mile knows about it.">>
That provoked a snort laugh and a look away. Cass resettled herself...and for just a second, you caught a bit of uncertain body language you weren't used to in the rebel.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's good. Really good. Trying not to come on too strong or anything. Don't want to mess it up, but she's solid. Never would have guessed Miss Button-up had so much fire underneath. Guess you knew that already, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "I had an inkling you might be good for each other. Sounds like you helped her put her brother into place, if nothing else. She's alright with the girls, too? The ones that skate around with you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "More than alright. They're fucking addicted to her. I thought for sure I'd have to kick a little ass to settle things out, but no. She just dropped in like she'd always been there and they were trading beers and skate tips inside an hour. She doesn't take any shit, but she doesn't give much. They can deal with that.<br><br>As for concerts, we're taking it slow. Waiting for all this stuff going on to blow over before we hit the road, you know?">>
That stopped her, and you gave her a quick, sharp look.
<<nm $phYou "Hit the road? You're leaving?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Not for long! Fuck, this place is home now. We're always coming back. But Pet's been talking about really trying it. Going to make music. We're both still mostly human, so we can take a tour bus around. Her voice won't have the magic wham when we're not here, probably, but she's still hot and her voice is still butter, so I'm not worried about it. I want to go with her, even if they throw beer bottles at us. She's worth it.">>
She jabbed a finger at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't tell her I said any of this, alright?">>
<<nm $phYou "Wouldn't dream of it.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Good. Now, other than my sex life, what's up?">><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phCassandraQ1 is 0>><br />[[Ask How Cass Has Been Doing|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 3]]<</if>>
<<if $phCassandraQ2 is 0>><br />[[Ask About 'The Girls'|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 4]]<</if>>
<<if $phCassandraQ3 is 0>><br />[[Ask About The Gym|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 5]]<</if>>
<<if ($phCassandraQ4 is 0) and ($phCassandra.date is 6)>><br />[[Ask About Petra|CassTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 6]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[She Mentioned Screaming Your Name?|CassSex]]
[[Enough For Now|Gym][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'casstalk']]@@<<nm $phYou "You know, you mentioned screaming my name. That does sound like a pretty good way to spend a break.">>
Cass looked back at you and a grin spread slowly over her face. She took a long pull from her cigarette, burning the white all the way down to the filter, then tossed the butt away. She skated up close to you, her hands slipping inside your jacket to stroke lightly against your sides.
<<nm $phCassandra "You ought to know. I seem to remember doing a fair bit of screaming when you woke me up and made me your girl. Was it good?">>
You wrapped your arms around her hips and pulled the skater against you. She smelled like smoke, but it wasn't unpleasant. The scent was almost closer to incense than cigarette.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, very good, and I'm quite sure we could find a way to top it.">>
Cass chuckled low in her throat, sliding her hands up your belly and over the curve of your chest.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, I'm sure that we could. I didn't kneel to a sex demon to //not// push things to the limit. I-...Fuck is this?">>
Her hands bumped against you necklace and pulled it forward, tilting her head down to get a close look at it. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>You could see the red gem flash in her eyes for a moment as you tilted her head back up at you. You pulled her a little harder against you.
<<nm $phYou "...Mmm. Something of a mood ring. Something Lazren gave me. It helps you know exactly what I'm feeling.">>
Cass swallowed, running her tongue along her black painted lips. You could feel her quivering in sudden anticipation under your grip, drawing in a deep breath.
<<nm $phCassandra "So...the fact that I'm suddenly thinking of just how good it'll feel when you hold me down, slap my ass, and shove your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers<<else>>cock<</if>> into my bitch cunt is...normal?">>
<<nm $phYou "...For you? Perfectly normal, I'd say. Now, why don't you tell the girls you're stepping away for a little while? I want you to visit my suite.">>
Cass licked her lips again, her eyes shining with playful glee. She drifted back a few inches, fixing you with a challenging look.
<<nm $phCassandra "...And what if I don't want to visit today?">>
<<nm $phYou "That'd be fine. I'd just go fetch a leash, and you might get a few more strange looks getting dragged to the elevator.">>
Cass's chest rose with a sudden, sharp inhalation. She stared at you for a few seconds, obviously trying to decide just how serious you were. That was considerably more overt than you usually were. On the other hand, the tower concealed your horns and tail just fine. Who knew how much it could cover up? She turned abruptly away.
<<nm $phCassandra "Hey! You two fuck off a while! I'm heading out!">>
@@.choice;
[[You Smiled.|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>You could see the green gem flash in her eyes for a moment as she tilted her head back up at you. You flushed a bit and shrugged your shoulders.
<<nm $phYou "It's...something like a mood ring. Lazren gave it to me. Helps my people know what kind of a mood I'm in.">>
Cass held the necklace in her hand, her thumb stroking over the green surface for several seconds. The smile that spread slowly across her features made you shiver. It wasn't her normal look.
It was //predatory//.
<<nm $phCassandra "Is that so? So the reason I'm suddenly thinking about how much your slut ass must like to //get// as //give// is because...?">>
You felt yourself flush but almost immediately thought better of it. After all you'd seen of Cass and the many times you'd encouraged her to be herself, why exactly were you worried about her knowing you weren't all domme? You fixed her with a challenging look, fluttered your eyelashes, and dropped your voice to a sultry tone.
<<nm $phYou "Why do //you// think, Cass? You think you're the only one who likes being held down on the bed and fucked once in a while?">>
Cass sucked in a deep breath, and her lower lip caught on her teeth. She stared at you for so long you were about to ask if she needed it repeated.
''Smack''
Cass's hand against your cheek caught you by surprise. She hadn't held back on the slap, and your head rang with the sudden impact. She pressed forward, the weight of her body shoving you back against the wall of the gym.
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmm. I'm so glad, $phYou.firstname. I was totally worried about looking like a bitch in heat in front of the girls, but it looks like I'm not the only slut on the block. Oh! Look at that, someone likes it!">>
You followed her gaze down <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>to your shirt, where your hard nipples were showing through the white top quite clearly. Cass reached up and seized your breast with one hand, twisting slightly. You squealed, arching your back and thrusting yourself reflexively forward against her.<<else>>to your slacks, where the tent in your tight pants was blatantly obvious. Cass reached down and seized your shaft through the fabric, squeezing hard. You squealed, arching your back and thrusting yourself reflexively forward against her.<</if>>
It felt...why did it feel so good?
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't worry. I am your bitch, through and through. Guess that means if //you// wanna be the one screaming //my// name tonight, I don't have any choice do I? Don't worry. I'll give you what you want. We're going to take a little trip to the shed.">>
You weren't sure if you suddenly had a bad feeling or a good one, but in either case it was one you were @@.choice;[[Going To Enjoy.|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 0]]
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phCassandra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phCassandra.chapter_talk is 2>>You were walking through a quieter part of the mall when a sudden blaring fanfare made you all but jump out of your skin. You spun around to find one of the nearby advertising boards playing an elaborate firework show.
<<nm $phCassandra "$pShe did it! The boss is defeated, the treasure obtained, and the princess is saved!">>
Cassy, dressed in a pink dress and holding an umbrella, sailed down gracefully into the fireworks, waving one white-gloved hand outward. The blasting fanfare was replaced by cheering and hollering from an invisible crowd. You couldn't help but grin.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure it was just a mini-boss, actually, and I don't think there was much loot either. I suppose I did sort of save a princess, though. Assuming you count.">>
Cassy put on a haughty, aggrieved expression, and placed her hands on her hips. Her expression was joined by a large, animated sweat drop that hovered over her head.
<<nm $phCassandra "Obviously I count! Look at me! I'm an adorable princess! My domain is //your// computer system, so maybe don't anger to ruler of your electronic schedule.">>
You raised both of your hands, palm outward, and laughed. Cassy immediately dropped the act and clapped both her hands together.
<<nm $phCassandra "Anyway! The point is: congrats! We all heard your mother stopped by and you passed the test! Sounds like there's more trouble on the way, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "There is. It'll be family this time. We've got to impress one of Lazren's brothers now. Not exactly sure how I'm going to pull that one off, but I'm working on it.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You'll figure something out! You always do. Now, got any time for chit chat today or is it right back to grinding your way through the big quests?">>
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phCassandra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to 3.9>>You stepped out of the bustle of the mall and into a quieter corner. There were several restaurants here, including one that was technically ready to open but still awaiting the 'big day'. Despite being locked, the doors opened at your approach, and no one hindered you from sitting down at a table and pulling one of the electronic menus closer to you.
<<nm $phYou "Cassy? You around?">>
The little screen hummed in your hand for a moment...and then a close-up of an animated eye appeared, peering outward. After a moment, Cassy pulled away from the 'camera' and smiled. She was dressed oddly casually today, wearing a simple animated shirt and jeans combo.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address? Not often you go looking for me. Anything to do with all the excitement recently?">>
<<nm $phYou "You could say that. I could use a bit of a sounding board. How much has Mason told you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "He made sure we all knew the important stuff. Like you passed again, but now the family wants you to take over the throne of one of their own, cause the world is starting to get a little drunk on the stuff. Only she's probably not going to //want// to give things up, so they're setting you up for a hell of a final boss fight. Is that about right?">>
You laughed at the summary. Not exactly how you'd have put everything, but she did have the details right. You'd have to thank Mason for spreading the word so effectively.
<<nm $phYou "More or less. I guess I'm not sure if it's something I ought to be doing, you know? I'm pretty happy here in the tower. I'm helping people, like you, but I'm not operating on that kind of scale, you know?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "But it's all the same thing really. I've played enough games to know you keep all the basics the same, you just build it up bigger and better! That's how the real world works too. That's why you have to practice all the basics until it's super boring, and then you get really good and you're blowing away the competition.">>
<<nm $phYou "That easy? You aren't worried I won't have time for the people I've already helped?">>
<<if ($phCassandra.date gt 2) and ($phCassandra.date lt 8)>><<nm $phCassandra "You still have to figure out how to get me in the real world. I don't think you're forgetting about that any time soon!">>
<<nm $phYou "I won't, I won't. I hope. But I don't even know what being a Sin would feel like. You don't think there'd be a problem?">>
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "I think things work pretty much the way that they want them to work. If //you// don't want to lose connection with the people you're helping...then you won't. You'll just be able to do it a lot more and better. I'm not worried about it. I'm excited! I want to see what you can do at max level...so stop fretting about it, and just go for it!">>
Simple enough. You couldn't argue with that. You flashed a grin at the camera and sat back in your chair. Maybe you //had// been over thinking things.
<<nm $phCassandra "Good. Now, if we've got the boring exposition dump out of the way, did you need anything else?">>
<</if>><<else>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>>You were only a few steps down the slightly out of the way hall where the ground abruptly exploded with pink. Your advertisements had gotten a lot flashier lately, and in addition to the electric displays and banners along the walls, several areas now features screens built right into the floor. The one currently exploding in cartoony hearts was just such a display.
<<nm $phCassandra "My love! Thy presence restores me! I feared I might waste around in your absence as the flower wilts under the harshest glare of the sun!">>
Cassy's dress was an exaggerated ballroom affair, her hair was done in elaborate curls, and her hands extended into the sky with the power of her pathos. You sniggered and crouched down, kissing the tip of your index and middle finger, then touching those displays to the screen just about Cassy's 'lips'. She made a show of turning away and blushing red with embarrassed joy.
<<nm $phYou "Hello you. How's my girl?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Your 'girl'? Awww. I put on a Shakespearian performance and all you can come with is 'girl'?">>
<<nm $phYou "What can I say? We may not be the Shakespeare type. Hopefully you can still love me.">>
Cassy giggled, happily, and snapped her fingers. The dress flashed and then dissolved around her, leaving her in a club outfit that was decidedly less appropriate to any Victorian era. She grinned up at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "You're lucky you're cute, lover mine. Ah well. I suppose I'll just have to endure the impropriety then. What can I do for you? Your wish is my command!">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy") is false>>The tower was always expanding. It seemed like it changed every time you stopped looking at it, and you were still finding new corridors and shops each time you walked its halls. Still, there was only so many wonders that one building could provide. There were always dead zones, if only to give people a chance to catch their breath as they travelled from one remarkable shop to the next.
You stepped away from the crowd and around a short corner. This would eventually become something of an upscale food court, with restaurants rather than fast-food, but only a couple of them had moved in so far. It made it a perfect place to chat.
<<nm $phCassandra "Hello, $phCassandra.Address. You're looking particularly <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>handsome<<else>>wonderful<</if>> today!">>
You couldn't help but smile as Cassy appeared on the digital billboard next to a half-installed Italian bistro. She was holding a mirror up to you, but the surface was shining with gold rather than reflecting anything.
<<nm $phYou "You always say that.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "So? You always do!">>
She laughed and tossed the mirror 'off screen' where it made a cartoon sound effect of breaking glass and an angry feline. She fell backward, and halfway done was caught by a fluffy white cloud. She crossed her legs and regarded you from her makeshift throne.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, what can I do for you, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>? A bit of wholesome conversation today? The latest advertisement numbers from across the tower? Or, if you like, we can pop into the computer cafe for a bit of 'entertainment'. I would do it out here but...not really work appropriate is it? Regardless, your wish is my command!">>
She crossed her arms in front of her and nodded, and a golden lamp appeared next to her, twinkling with light and magic. You rolled your own eyes, but you were still smiling. After all, you knew she wasn't kidding.
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[A Wish For Conversation|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 2]]
[[A Wish For Entertainment|CassySex]]
[[No Wishes Today|Shopping Center - First Floor][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassyquick']]@@
<</if>><<if (ndef $phCassyIntro) or ($phCassyIntro is 1)>>You stepped through a door and into the <<if $phTime is 0>>early morning<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>>afternoon<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>>evening<</if>> crowd. You had gone perhaps a dozen steps when you realized that something was different today.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Advertisement" "Hey, you've had a long day. Don't you think you deserve a little treat? How about a nice hot fudge sundae with all the toppings you remember...">>
A tired-looking woman ahead of you stopped and admired an advertisement playing on one of the large digital screen, showing an absolutely luxuriant glamour shot of vanilla being poured into a waffle cup. She smiled and suddenly changed direction, heading for the food court. You cocked your head suspiciously at the screen for a long moment, and then kept walking.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Advertisement" "Commander, we need your help! Only your tactical genius can rescue the people of Alpha Sigma Six! Get to know your squad mates like never before in an all-new tactical campaign! Buy today and receive an upgrade to a collector's edition absolutely free, statuette included!">>
A young man passing the other way nearly bumped into you, distracted by a large screen above a game store. He flushed and apologized, stepping aside to let you pass. As you moved forward, you saw him look speculatively up at the advertisement and then move into the store.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Advertisement" "Mmm. Hey there...Looking for a little more spice in the bedroom? Something to add a little...zest to a relationship? We've got you covered. No fuss, no judgement, just everything you could desire...">>
You were sure of it now. The dulcet tones had attracted attention. A pair of women, arm in arm, stopped to watch the billowing red velvet on the screen. After a beat, one of them looked at the other and received a shrug in return. They began walking toward the store with a spring in their step.
You hung back and waited, watching the young couple leave. Then you leaned down toward the screen, speaking softly.
<<nm $phYou "...Cass?">>
For a long moment nothing happened. Then the screen chimed, a large arrow appearing and pointing you toward a side path.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Information Screen" "Need a bathroom? Right this way!">>
You smirked and followed the air, stepping off the main walkway and into the pseudo alley between stores. It was a great deal more private here, as this particular bathroom didn't seem to get a lot of use. A large digital billboard was currently showing an interactive map of the mall.
It fuzzed as you approached, the lighted surface flickering rapidly. After a second, the static fuzz finally @@.choice;[[Resolved Itself...|TalkToCassy][$phCassyIntro to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassyIntro is 2>><<set $phCassyIntro to 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassyFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassyFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phCassandra "Why, hello $phCassandra.Address! Did you oversleep? I've been working hours already!">>
Cassandra appeared on the billboard. She reclined on air, her cartoonish expression impish. A greenish, glowing cube floated absently over one hand. She was no longer nude, though the swimsuit she wore was stretched so tight across her animated assets that she might as well have been.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I had a long night. I just got a new game, and I had to spend a long time in the character creator.">>
Cassandra laughed, happily. She gestured with one hand, and a small phalanx of pixilated knights were suddenly jousting against a green cartoon dragon...which ashed them all with a fireball.
<<nm $phCassandra "Those things will always keep you up too late, $phCassandra.Address! I've got a soft spot for them too, though, but I don't have to sleep anymore, so it's alright.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Advertisement" "Cute kittens and puppies! Drop into our on-site shelter today and give one of these furry friends a home for a lifetime of friendship and fun!">>
You glanced at the entrance to this side alley and saw a young woman holding her hand over her mouth as she watched felines frolic on another screen. She turned away, all thoughts of the bathroom forgotten as she hurried deeper into the mall.
<<nm $phYou "You certainly seem to have picked things up fast, Cass. Already in more than one place at once?">>
The animated woman giggled and shook her head, waggling a finger at you with exaggerated glee.
<<nm $phCassandra "Two places? How boring. I can be everywhere, $phCassandra.Address. This is wonderful! I feel like I'm really helping out! I'm making sure people find what they're after. The tower knows so much about everyone who walks in...it's like I can tell them what they want before they even know!">>
She tapped her chin thoughtfully, bouncing on the heels of her feet. You couldn't help but notice it made her chest rock up and down in a way flesh would never be able to match.
<<nm $phCassandra "Cass sounds kinda formal, you know? I don't think anyone would buy that. How about Cassy? Yeah, Cassy Your Friendly Digital Assistant! That sounds about right. Now, were you just checking up on me, or something a little more substantial? I'm sure if we dropped into the computer lab I could come up with something...entertaining for you. How about it?">>
<<set $phCassandra.post_talk to 1>><<set $phCassandra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.choice;
[[Connect For Some Facetime|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 2]]
[[Hit The Computer Cafe For 'Entertainment'|CassySex]]
[[Nothing For Now|Shopping Center - First Floor][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassyquick']]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 2>><<set $phCassandraQ1 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ2 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ3 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ4 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ5 to 0>><<set $phCassandraQ6 to 0>>You told Cassy you were here to talk for a while.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, a little dignified conversation? I'm sure that could be arranged.">>
She snapped her fingers, and her digital avatar was suddenly clothed in a sparkling ball gown, albeit one that pushed up her chest far more than any black tie event would consider acceptable. A pixelated waiter walked across the screen and she plucked a bottle of champagne off the tray.
<<nm $phCassandra "There we are. Properly ready to engage in discourse. What did you want to talk about, $phCassandra.Address? Office gossip? The latest TV shows? I'm pretty caught up...in fact, I think I've watched everything kept on a server with internet connection, so I might need to send you a few sneak peeks.">>
You rolled your eyes. At least she was having fun.
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 3>><<set $phCassandraQ1 to 1>>You asked Cassy how she'd been doing, since the change. Cassy flashed a grin that threatened to escape the confines of her face and shot you an amused look.
<<nm $phCassandra "Still worried about that? Oh it feels like a million years since I was human, $phCassandra.Address. You opened up a whole world for me that night. I won't lie, it took a little while getting situated. The first files I got ahold of were here in the tower. I couldn't get everything, and still can't, but there's enough security footage to be interesting. I was a little scared, to be honest...but now?">>
She extended both hands above her head. Her ball gown melted away from her and was replaced with a formal tuxedo suit. She tapped a conductor's baton against a podium, and a cascade of classic musical poured sweetly from speakers all around you.
<<nm $phCassandra "I can make music, $phCassandra.Address. As quickly as I can think it. I can examine every note of every symphony I've ever heard to know //exactly// how to recreate the sound whenever I want. My voice can be any voice I've ever heard.">>
She brought both her hands down again and her formal ensemble was replaced with a paint splotched white shirt, black pants, and beret. She held a pallet in one hand and dabbed a brush into the colors. She swept the brush back and forth over her head, painting in an idyllic mountain cottage into the background. She paused a moment to draw a handful of cartoonish blue birds and they circled around her head.
<<nm $phCassandra "I can create worlds, now. There's no barrier between mind and creation. I can see the colors down to the pixels and they change by thought alone. I //am// the message, and the medium too!">>
She tossed aside the painter's tools and the painted scene faded behind her. She extended both her hands out to the side, and the black screen was suddenly filled with dozens of talking people. They all seems to be feeds from various messengers and video chat programs playing simultaneously.
<<nm $phCassandra "I can connect to any friend that strikes my interest at a moment's notice. Part of me can be discussing Rembrandt with a new friend in Tokyo while another argues the merits of the third season of an anime show with another friend in Detroit. I have never //been// more connected.">>
She lowered her arms to her sides, and the screens vanished. She returned to a black screen and her sparkling ballroom dress. She sipped from the cartoon glass and smiled.
<<nm $phCassandra "So yeah, I'm doing just fine, $phCassandra.Address. Thank you for what you did. Coming here was the best thing that could have happened to me.">>
That seemed pretty clear. You made a mental note to ask Mason exactly how much bandwidth Cassy was using running all these side projects. Eventually. For now, she could have her fun.
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 4>><<set $phCassandraQ2 to 1>>You asked Cassy if she planned to restart her DnD games, now that she was feeling better. The digital woman grins, and is suddenly half-hidden behind a massive DM screen.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh yeah! I can do all sorts of stuff now, you know! I've got custom maps and music and digital figurines, it's great! Everything is online, so I just have to make sure the webcam still looks real and I'm golden. You want to get in on the next one, $phCassandra.Address?">>
You smiled at that. Playing a game with a living AI that could craft game components as quickly as the players could come up with things would certainly be a new experience.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe when things settle down. I've still got performance reviews to worry about. I was more wondering if things ever worked out with your old group.">>
Cassy deflated slightly. The GM screen vanished and the image lost a bit of its vibrancy as she turned serious.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yes and no...Some of the players are the same ones. I told them I got a new job that leaves me time to work on this stuff, which is technically true. They've been having a blast...but it's not the whole group. The one who blew up on me is still not speaking with me. I sent them a few advertisements, promised I would make it up to them if they could drive up here for a few days, but I haven't heard back yet. Maybe I will someday.">>
Her expression brightened and color flooded back into his body. She spun a massive polyhedral die on her finger.
<<nm $phCassandra "In the meantime, I'll just keep crafting campaigns. I've got a really great idea for the next adventure. My heroes might just get captured by an infernal creature who promises to fulfill their greatest desires...">>
You snorted and shook your head. She was probably kidding. If not, you'd love to hear how //that// game played out.
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 5>><<set $phCassandraQ3 to 1>>You asked Cassy how things were going with her advertisements here on the main floor and in the computer cafe.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, just fine, $phCassandra.Address. Do you have any idea how much marketing firms would kill to have this place? Forget about looking up people's digital information, though I can certainly do that. This place sees every look, reaction, and stray thought. After that, it's just a matter of figuring out what we've got that fits all their needs. It's fun, actually. It's kind of like a minigame, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "Going to be succeeding me, if I'm not careful. Apparently, you're already better at seeing what people want than I am.">>
Cassy chuckled and produced a ruler from empty air between her fingers, turning to tap a digital chalkboard.
<<nm $phCassandra "//Surface// wants, $phCassandra.Address. Don't worry, your job is safe. The tower and I are really good at figuring out just the right dairy treat to show, or t-shirt to model, or game to hype up. When they get what they want, they get happier and that helps the tower get energy. But stuff like what you did to me is deeper than that and you need a lot more than we can do that quickly. I'm just the prescreener.">>
You mulled that over for a while. It made sense. If the tower was capable of reading people that deeply, then Lazren never would have needed someone in your job. Mason could have just mass-produced foci and gone to town.
On the other hand, maybe Lazren was just entertaining herself. You wouldn't put it past her.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks for the support, Cassy. I know you'll keep doing what you're doing, and you're going to help a lot of people.">>
Cassy clapped her hands, dismissing the chalkboard with a wave of her hand. She gave an elaborate bow and began blowing kisses as bouquets of roses were tossed to the ground at her feet from an unseen audience. You rolled your eyes and tapped the glass of the screen and she snickered, reverting back to the ballroom gown and waiting for your next question.
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 6>><<set $phCassandraQ4 to 1>><<nm $phYou "I was actually hoping to talk about us.">>
Cassy beamed and clasped her hands together. For a brief moment, her eyes formed themselves into tiny hearts...but she did drop the cartoony effect after a second and offered you a surprisingly direct smile.
<<nm $phCassandra "'Us' is doing very well, I think. I've got you, and that makes me pretty wealthy indeed...of course, I //do// wish I got a little more of you! Won't there be time for us to get in the lovey-dovey stuff properly?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll //make// the time. I promise. Once I'm clear of all these tasks from Lazren, I'm pretty sure I'll have some time to unwind. I want to spend that time with you. Though, I know there's probably some things we should talk about...">>
<<if $phYou.romance.length gt 1>><<nm $phCassandra "You mean exclusivity, don't you? Look, I always hated picking just one partner in every playthrough. Games where you can form a harem are way more fun. Don't worry, okay? I know you've got a few people started on the romance path. We all get along here in the tower. As long as no one gets posessive and wants you all to themselves, I'm good to go. Exclusives are bad, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "So, no problem if I'm seeing other people?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "No problem. Really. Jealousy isn't a thing I'm programmed for. I'll even be the very soul of discretion.">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "You mean exclusivity? I didn't think you had any flames on the side.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I...I mean, I //do//-.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Not like //that//. We all know it's part of your deal, making sure everyone is happy. I'm talking about romance. Candlelit dinners, talks about the future, valentines chocolate. That sort of thing. And even then...don't worry! Jealousy isn't a thing I'm programmed for! If you find someone else, you should be with them. Exclusives are bad for everyone!">>
<<nm $phYou "Really? Just that easy?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Just that easy. As long as I still get my time with you, I won't complain. I'll be the very soul of discretion.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Uh-huh. I'm sure all the security cameras having red lights every time I'm with someone else is just a coincidence.">>
Cassy made a show of looking around suspiciously before leaning 'in' to you. She was very talented at it. Even though it was a 2D model, the perspective tricked the eye and she almost seemed to extend out of the display.
<<nm $phCassandra "Perish the thought. And your girlfriend certainly isn't enjoying the show and applying certain stimulation programs to herself while they're going on. Never.">>
You let out a short bark of a laugh and relaxed. You should have known Cassy wouldn't see it the way some others did. It seemed she was content to be part of a household...however large it might get!
Good to know!
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 7>><<set $phCassandraQ5 to 1>><<nm $phYou "So...How has it been working with Jolie?">>
Cassy squealed with delight, and her eyes turned into a pair of beating pink hearts, just for a second. She clapped her hands.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, you have no idea! The body she made is amazing. It's like every anime I've ever watched, but //real//. Whenever she's not busy, I can log in and walk around just like anyone else! It gets better than that, though!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Does it?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yes! You see, no one //has// to be in the body at all!">>
That stopped you. You cocked your head and your confusion must have been evident, because Cassy giggled wildly and then snapped her fingers. Her outfit was replaced with something decidedly more 'sexy teacher' as she pointed a ruler at a chalkboard.
<<nm $phCassandra "The body is wonderful. I love it, boss. But mostly I just wanted to be able to meet with people directly. When Jolie is acting like a cyborg, she can download herself onto the mainframe. No one says she can only be there while I'm in the body.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ooooh. So now you have someone who can join you on the internet, eh? Are the two of you enjoying yourself?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "So much! She never went //anywhere// before she met you. I've been showing her all sorts of my favorite sites, and I've even gotten her to play a few games. I mean...mostly pokemon, but she's having fun! That's the important bit. And we're talking about starting up a new DnD campaign once things slow down again.">>
You couldn't help but laugh. Cassy had a partner she could show off to, and someone real to talk to. You imagined Jolie's horizons were going to get expanded in all sorts of ways in the near future...and Cassy might just learn to slow down and enjoy the moment.
That sounded pretty good for both of them.
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad. I hope you two enjoy each other...and invite me when it's time to roll characters!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You got it, boss...if I have room!">>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.post_talk is 8>><<set $phCassandraQ6 to 1>><<nm $phYou "I wanted to make sure you were alright with me dropping into your world like I did the other day. It was supposed to be a surprise. Hopefully it wasn't too much trouble to help me get my feet.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Are you kidding? You built this...I don't even know what to call it! You TRONed yourself into another world! Just to hang out with me! How would I not be happy about that?">>
She waved her hand, and an image appeared behind you. It was the two of you in the other world, your face set in concentration as you steered the car while Cassy hung out the window with that massive sci-fi gun she had. In slow motion, you couldn't help but notice the giant smiles you were both wearing.
<<nm $phYou "It was pretty fun. Am i greedy for asking when the next content patch might be?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I //do// have other things to do, you know! Helping out around the tower, mischief, keeping an eye out for special humans, mischief, keeping you relaxed, mischief, mischief...">>
<<nm $phYou "You //could// cut out //one// of the mischief slots, couldn't you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Gasp! Perish the thought! I think you'll all go mad if you don't get your quota, and most of the others still need to remember the world exists outside these walls. Do you know the last time I talked to one of them, they barely remembered why money was important? Think of all the internet shopping they're missing!<br><br>ANYWAY, point of all that, it's going to be a little while. I promise it'll be worth it, but I think I'd rather wait until all this chaos blows over a bit and you have the time to enjoy it, you know? I owe you one, for coming to see me. I want it to be something good. And in the meantime, I want to help you as much as I possibly can.">>
You couldn't really argue with that. You were really excited, but waiting until your own soul and livelyhood wasn't on the line would probably be best.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, alright. I won't bug you for updates...but when you go to beta, I want to be there, okay?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course! You're my best tester! I can't wait to show you the next build...I think you're really going to like it!">>
You had no doubt.<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phCassandraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask How Cassy Has Been Doing|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask About Her DnD Group|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 4]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask About Work|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 5]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandraQ4 is 0) and ($phYou.romance.includes("Cassy"))>><br>[[What About Us?|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 6]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandraQ5 is 0) and ($phCassandra.date is 9)>><br>[[How Are Things With Jolie?|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 7]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandraQ6 is 0) and ($phYou.bff.includes("Cassy"))>><br>[[Did You Enjoy My Dropping In?|CassyTalk][$phCassandra.post_talk to 8]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>@@
@@.choice;
[[Actually, About That 'Entertainment' She Mentioned...|CassySex]]
[[Enough For Now.|Shopping Center - First Floor][$phCassandra.goodbye to 'cassytalk']]@@<<set $phLocation to "CompCafe">><<nm $phYou "You know, it's been a long week. I suspect I could use a little bit of entertainment. I'm sure you had something in mind?">>
Cassy perked up and large, triangular cat ears appeared on the top of her head and rotated toward you. She bounced in place, her chest rising and falling with an ease that no flesh and blood woman could match.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooohh, yes. I can tell you've had a //hard// day, $phCassandra.Address. Why don't you head over to the computer cafe and I'll see what I can whip up for you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe I'll do just that. See you soon, dear.">>
You turned from the monitor and walked through the mall. Every few feet, Cassy would appear on a new screen or shopping window. She advertised 'Hot, Tasty Meat' in front of the food court, incited you to 'lay down and enjoy' next to a mattress depot, and promised a 'good suck' when you passed a vendor selling hard candies.
By the time you made it to the computer cafe and walked into one of the private rooms in the back, you were shaking your head.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure those double-entendres weren't so subtle that no one caught them.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Maybe! You'd be surprised how little people are paying attention, $phCassandra.Address! Even if they did, who doesn't like a nice little suggestive joke?">>
The shorted and broken computers had all been replaced since Cassandra had first entered the digital world. It didn't matter. Cassy's code now seemed free to travel from system to system anywhere there was an open link. You were pretty sure that kind of replicating program had been the start of any number of horror movies, but Cassy was considerably less horrifying than Skynet.
The computers were all humming but most of their screens were blank. Only the monitor at the very center of the table was active, and its output was being duplicated to a large projector screen on the wall just behind it. Cassy's face smiled out from both screens, one larger than life and one crisp and high definition. She'd forgone the cartoonish accoutrements, though it was still clear she was digital. Her bathing suit clung to her curves and she leaned into the camera slightly to show off the valley of her cleavage.
<<nm $phCassandra "Welcome home, $phCassandra.Address. What took you so long?">>
<<nm $phYou "Some of us have to //actually// walk from place to place. Why are we back here?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You don't feel a //little// nostalgic, $phCassandra.Address? Well, actually, I wanted the chance to scan you a bit. You know, see what kind of mood you were in.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Scan? And what exactly did you find with your 'scan'?">>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, nothing too surprising, $phCassandra.Address. Just that I think you are //very// ready for a real...show.">>
The speakers on either side of you suddenly flicked to life, filling the room with the deep sound of a snare drum. Other instruments soon joined in, blending into a dark and intense beat. The lights above you turned off, plunging the room into near darkness, the only light shining from the projector as Cassy's smile grew.
You settled yourself back in your chair. Apparently, it was time to @@.choice;[[Enjoy The Show.|CassySexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>><<nm $phCassandra "Nothing too surprising, $phCassandra.Address. Just that you've been working very hard, and you need to take a little vacation. We can't go very far but...I think I can handle that.">>
The projector screen remained focused on Cassy, but the monitor in front of you flickered to a new image. Or series of images. Lights flashed across your eyes, words and images blending together too fast to follow. You squinted and leaned forward, staring at the screen.
<<nm $phYou "Cassy? What's this? You...ah...I...I'm getting...">>
You trailed off. You felt suddenly light-headed, and yet somehow relaxed. The pretty colors kept running across your eyes and you felt your shoulders begin to slump. Images. Nice images. Sexy images. And words. All of them too fast to see and yet all of them just kind of...washing over you. Like waves on a beach. Beaches were nice. The waves felt good.
<<nm $phCassandra "...That's good, $phCassandra.Address. Relax...you may not be able to join me but I'm sure we can find a way to have fun...now...just relax, and listen to me...">>
@@.choice;[[Relax And Listen.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 0>>Cass's eyes widened as she walked through the open door to your apartment. They bounced back and forth from wall to wall as she tried to take in the whole place at once.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well! I guess I didn't expect the boss to be slumming it, but who'd you have to fuck to get a place like this?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm pretty sure I told you that story already.">>
You rested your hand on the small of Cass's back, guiding her up the stairs toward your room. She made a show of being unimpressed by the opulence, but it was a losing battle. She couldn't stop looking into every new room that you passed.
<<nm $phCassandra "If I had a place like this, you wouldn't see my ass ever again, I think.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, there are a few things that you can only get outside, believe me.">>
As you reached the top of the stairs and moved into your bedroom, you let your hand drop from her back to the curve of her ass. She jumped at the touch and her eyes flashed with challenge.
<<nm $phCassandra "Woah now. Just because you're the boss, you think you can show off some sweet real estate and have my spreading my legs like a bitch? Fuck off, $phYou.firstname! You gotta earn it!">>
That stopped you, but as you looked her up and down you realized that she hadn't stepped away from you, and you hadn't exactly been subtle about what was going to happen in your place. A game then.
<<nm $phYou "...Earn it, huh?">>
Cass straightened her back, flipped her hair, and turned to face you fully. The expression of her face was pure haughty cheerleader, but you could see the amusement in her eyes. Amusement //and// arousal. She knew what she wanted, and so did you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Think you've got what it takes, asshole?">>
You didn't answer. Instead, you released her without a word, turned, and walked into the closet. You could hear Cass make a faint, surprised sound at your sudden retreat, but you weren't gone very long. Just long enough to retrieve something from the closet. Like everything else you needed, it had appeared exactly when you wanted it despite not being there that morning. It was good to be the king.
Cass's jaw dropped and her body went stiff. She stared at the bar you held in your hand. It was about three feet long with a leather loops on either side to wrap around her ankles. A spreader bar, as luxurious as anything else in your suite.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Oh //fuck// me.">>
@@.choice;
[[You Intended To.|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 1>>You moved in quickly, catching Cass's mouth in a kiss and wrapping both arms tightly around her with the spreader bar still held loosely in one hand. The goth twisted and squirmed in your grip and attempted to push you backward, but you might as well have been carved of stone.
She made a muffled protest against your lips and thrashed her head from side to side until she freed herself enough to speak. Her eyes were wild and her voice quaked.
<<nm $phCassandra "Take me. Take me, you fucking $phCassandra.address! You work for it!">>
You obliged, spinning her around and propelling her toward the wall. She caught herself on her hands and kicked her feet backward at your shins, but you had already stepped to the side. You held the spreader bar against the back of her neck with one hand, keeping her flat to the wall as your other hand slipped down beneath her skirt and up her thighs.
Her panties were already slightly damp as your fingers pressed upward against her sex. You chuckled derisively. Cass let out a cry of inarticulate rage and pushed hard against the wall, propelling her body back into yours. Caught by surprise you stumbled back a step, only for Cass to seize you by the tie and push you hard against the wall where she had been.
She was on you in a moment, mashing her lips to yours hard enough for the back of your head to bounce off the wall. Her hands slipped around your shoulders, pulling your suit jacket down to bind your arms and flashing you a triumphant smile.
You were not about to be outdone, however. Your arms were bound, but your tail was not. You gave her no warning, curving the appendage up between your legs and beneath her skirt with all the strength you could muster. The spade tip impacted right where your fingers had been, but the thin material of her panties was no match for it. You ripped through the lace as easily as spider web and Cass let out a startled, mewling moan as your tail filled her pussy.
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah! Fucking...Fucking slut!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not the one about to cum!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck you!">>
You pulled your arms out of your jacket and swung it around over Cass's face. Blinded, she pawed at the fabric frantically as you slipped behind her, grabbing hold of her leather jacket at the neck and pulling hard. It took you three hard tugs to finally force Cass's arms back enough for the jacket to come off, and you tossed the jacket beside the bed. Your own soon joined it as Cass freed herself and turned toward you, wretching your tail free of her sex.
She had nothing on but her fishnet top, her breasts rising and falling fast with her excited breathing. Her nipples were hidden beneath the twin electrical tape pasties she wore, but you had no doubt they were hard and pointed. You grinned at her, and she bared her teeth right back at you, crouching down low. Wild. Primal. Untamed.
You would @@.choice;[[Tame Her.|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 2>>You hoped your suite had good sound proofing.
Even if it did, though, you were sure that $phSamantha.name would ask you some questions about the rattling and shaking going on. You and Cass had careened off the walls and furniture. She had thrown you against the wall and torn at the buttons of your shirt to peel it off your shoulder. You had, in turn, folded her bodily over your work desk to pull her combat boots off while she kicked and cursed. Your pants had puddled near the bathroom where Cass had undone them in the melee and her skirt was still spinning on a ceiling fan overhead where you had triumphantly tossed it.
<<nm $phCassandra "Asshole!">>
<<nm $phYou "Slut!">>
The same sort of affirmations you'd been yelling at one another for the last five or six minutes. You finally had her where you wanted her. The next time she jumped for you, you picked her up bodily and threw her down onto the bed. She bounced on the oversized mattress and you were on top of her before she could recover her balance, pulling her ankles upward and seizing the spreader bar from where it'd fallen next to bed.
She fought, but the effort was draining her. Her dyed hair was wet with sweat and stuck to her forehead. She was gasping for breath; you were barely winded. The body Lazren had given you was showing its use again.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck!">>
<<nm $phYou "Not until later. We have to get you in the bar first.">>
She snarled something you couldn't make out, but you were sure it was even more obscene. You ignored her as your wrestled each of her feet into the leather loops at the end of the bar and tightened them around her ankles. She kicked and squirmed, but soon both legs were locked in on either side of the bar.
She knew what was coming next, but there was little she could do about it. She flailed her arms as you reached for her wrists, but she was still panting hard and you caught her hands easily. You pulled them beneath her body and back down. In the very center of the bar was an additional set of leather loops; you fed her hands in and pulled the cords taut to her wrists.
She struggled and the bar rattled against the mattress, but she couldn't get herself loose. Her legs and arms were trapped by the bar, and all she could do was press her nose into the mattress and keep her ass raised invitingly in the air.
@@.choice;
[[Perfect.|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 3>>Cass groaned against the sheets, her hands twisting and shifting within their bonds without any effect. You stood away from the bed and admired your handiwork, circling around to view the helpless woman from all sides. As you crossed into her line of sight, Cass growled at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Where'd you get this shit anyway? You're kinky as fuck!">>
<<nm $phYou "Says the woman who needs her clothes ripped off to relax?">>
She all but hissed at you and you laughed, running your hand from the base of her neck and down her spine. The bar rattled against the mattress some more, but all it did was wriggle her rear enticingly. Your hand rolled down her flank and curled over the curve of her ass.
She gasped and you could see her arousal as she realized just how helpless she was. She let out a long, mewling cry as you moved behind her again and passed out of her line of sight.
<<nm $phYou "Anyone ever told you that you're sexy tied up?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You grinned and delivered a light spank to Cass's upturned rear. Her back bowed and she writhed against the sheets, but her movements were getting less and less pronounced as she realized she wasn't going anywhere. You let your hand move further, around the curve of her rear and then up between her legs.
She gasped and let out another mewling cry as your fingers found her honeypot. You stroked against the outside for a long moment, toying gently with her folds as she bucked and moaned. You let your index finger trace lightly over the hood of her clit and the goth's whole body quaked.
<<nm $phCassandra "....Please...">>
The voice was so low you could barely hear it. You paused and leaned over her body, listening to the sound of her panting breaths. You didn't say anything, but just waited for her to realize you wouldn't proceed without more. She hissed in frustration and anger...and finally emitted a groan that seemed to come from the deepest parts of her soul.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Please....Please fuck me. Please.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good girl.">>
You curled two fingers up against her sex...and with a sudden violent motion you pushed them inside, burying them to the knuckle inside her cunt.
She was wet, there was no doubt of that. Her sex was slick and ready, but her eyes still shot wide and her jaw dropped. For a long moment there was silence, as if her brain were struggling to process the sensation.
Then she //screamed//: a long, echoing scream of bliss and need. She rolled her hips back into your hand, instantly switching from furious fighter to pure desperation. Her hands bunched into fists in their restraints as she tried to move with you and eek out even a fraction more pleasure, but found herself restrained and utterly dependent on your pleasure.
Fortunately, your pleasure was her pleasure today. You pistoned your two fingers hard and fast. You knew she could handle you and you didn't bother holding back. The room soon echoed with the wet sound your hand made as it slapped against her folds. Cass didn't care. She moaned and screamed and begged you not to stop.
You didn't, and it wasn't long before she couldn't take anymore. Her sex squeezed hard around your paired fingers and you redoubled your efforts as she began to cum. The orgasm wrung whatever was left of her defiance and, when she finally crested, she collapsed breathlessly against the sheets, her arms and legs still twitching occasionally in their restraints.
You let her breathe for a slow ten count, pulling your hand free and absently stroking her rear with the other. When she finally seemed to have caught her shuddering breath again, you leaned across her body and whispered two words gently into her ear.
@@.choice;
[['"My Turn."'|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 4>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You knelt carefully on the bar and used your weight to lock her ankles in place. Cass moaned, and all trace of combativeness was gone from her voice. She looked back over her shoulder...and her eyes widened as you slipped your tail between your legs, allowing the spade tip to jut out from between your thighs. You brought your hand down and stroked languidly across the tip. She looked from the tail to your eyes and then back to the tail, and her voice half caught in her throat as she moaned the words.
<<else>>Your cock was more than hard as your climbed onto the bed behind the bound woman. It ached with need, after so much fighting and build. You knelt on the bar and pressed it down against her ankles to keep her locked in place. Cass moaned, and all trace of combativeness was gone from her tone.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck! Fuck me! Fuck your bottom bitch, please!">>
You smiled and took hold of her hips, pulling her back against your own. You guided your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>tail<<else>>cock<</if>> up against the rosebud of her ass and Cass let out a long, low whimper as you gently pressed the tip into her. You began gently, giving her time to adjust as you sank yourself into her, her ass beautifully tight around you as you fed her a centimeter at a time.
She didn't speak when she was ready. She just wound her hands in the sheets and gave you a shaky nod over her shoulder. In return, you didn't tease her but just began to move your hips, pistoning <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the end of your tail<<else>>your cock<</if>> in and out of her. Every time you thrust you picked up the pace and moved a bit harder, until your hips were slapping against her ass and you filled her completely with every thrust.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Fuuuuucccckk! Yes! Yes! Fuck me! Fuck me, Boss! Mmm...mmmph!">>
Cass writhed against the sheets, biting down on the bunched fabric to muffled herslef as you drilled into her. It was bliss. The fact that you had to tame the beast first made it all the sweeter. Her ass squeezed <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>around your tail and pulled at the rounded edges of the spade tip<<else>>around your cock<</if>> every time you withdrew and she made a squealing, begging sound every time you thrust in again.
You slapped her ass, and this time she made no objection. Instead she lifted her hips even more to offer herself up to you freely. Her surrendered sparked something inside you, some possessive part of your brain that just wanted to //use// what you had //earned//. To revel in your ownership.
But nothing could last forever. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Cass had already cum two or three times before the sensation of the your tail tucked between your legs and pushing up against you with every thrust was too much. You made a guttural sort of howl as you pressed yourself in as far as you could, reached down to press your fingers to your clit, and came. Your entire body bucked and writhed as you moaned atop your lover for what seemed like an eternity, then finally slumped down to lay against her back.<<else>>You could feel the pleasure rising rapidly as you thrust and spanked and pawed at Cass's body, and soon you couldn't take anymore. You made a guttural sort of howl as you pressed yourself in to the hilt and finally came hard inside of your lover.<</if>>
You lay atop her for several long seconds, listening to your own breathing rasp in your ears. The fight had not tired your inhuman body, but you suddenly felt spent and exhausted. You came, you saw, you conquered.
Or more accurately: You saw, you conquered, you came.
You leaned over the still restrained body to kiss Cass on the temple. Her eyes fluttered, focusing on you only with extreme reluctance, and a smile pulled at her lips.
<<nm $phCassandra "...$phCassandra.Address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Whore.">>
You both @@.choice;[[Grinned.|CassSexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 5>><<nm $phCassandra "Shit, you hit like a truck don't you?<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> You know your tail thing is fucking huge, right?<</if>>">>
Cass winced as she shrugged into her leather jacket, then grabbed at her shoulder and rolled it tenderly. Your expression hovered somewhere between apologetic and a silly sort of pride.
<<nm $phYou "...You want me to hold back?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shit no. You ever hold back, I'm out of here. Just...shit. Gonna be moving funny for a few days.">>
<<nm $phYou "How's that different from usual?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You smiled and stepped in close. Cass rolled her eyes and then leaned up to press her lips to yours in a slow, lingering kiss. Then she stepped away and headed for the door.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Not too much of that. Reputation to uphold and all of that. Don't be a stranger, boss. You're always welcome in the park...and I heal fast, you know.">>
You watched her rear sway as she moved through the door and down the steps toward the lobby. Maybe, you thought, you'd put that to the test someday.
Some day @@.choice;[[Soon.|Bedroom]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 0>>'The Shed', as it turned out, was a small maintenance space beneath one of the skate park's ramps that was about the size of a single car garage. Pipes ran along one side of the space, suggesting its actual purpose was controlling the extensive landscaping the tower required.
That was before Cass got ahold of it, clearly. She'd dragged a drab, grey couch and an unmatched green loveseat into the space. Two cords ran off the single outlet to a boxy spinning fan and a small, humming refrigerator. Cigarette butts littered the floor in random locations and the air was scented with the familiar smoke.
You had about three seconds to take that all in before you were propelled face first into the couch. You'd just begin to push yourself up when Cass landed atop you and pulled your arms behind your back.
<<nm $phCassandra "Been in here for five seconds and your ass is already in the air. You're a little whore, aren't you? Say it.">>
She held your wrists together with one hand and reached up with the other, tugging hard on your hair. You felt your body bow beneath her and you didn't try to resist.
<<nm $phYou "Ah! I'm a little whore, Cass!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yes. A pretty little <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bitch-boy<<else>>whore<</if>> that wants a good fuck, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! I'm a pretty little <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bitch-boy<<else>>whore<</if>> who wants to be fucked!">>
Cass released your hair, letting your head fall back to the couch cushions. Her hand snaked around your body, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>reaching down between your legs and squeezing hard enough to make you squeal.<<else>>caressing your chest and squeezing hard enough to make you squeal.<</if>>
<<nm $phCassandra "That's a good $pgirl. What should I do with an eager whore like you, hmm?">>
You <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>turned <<else>>flipped your hair over <</if>>your head so you could look back over your shoulder and fix the gothic punk with a challenging look. Your licked your lips and let them part, your haughty tone making it abundantly clear you were daring her.
<<nm $phYou "I don't know, Cass. You've got a nice, horny, willing <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy toy<<else>>slut<</if>> on your couch. What do //you// want to do with $pher?">>
Cass's cheeks colored, the red even more visible against her dark makeup. Her smile was less of a mirthful expression as it was baring her teeth at you. She reached down and flipped you over onto your back beneath her, seized your head between her hands, and pulled you back hard between her thighs, determined to break the haughty tone out of you.
Just as @@.choice;[[You Had Hoped.|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 1>>Cass's skirt bunched around your eyes as she pulled you in between her heated legs. You thrashed your head back and forth, but she wouldn't let you clear your vision and mashed the fabric down hard on your face.
<<nm $phCassandra "That's it, $phCassandra.address! You get your slut tongue to work in there! You hunt for it!">>
You craned your neck and worked your jaw, feeling around beneath the jean skirt. Cass was wearing sheer panties that you had no doubt were solid black. She moaned as your tongue bumped the fabric, and pulled you in harder against her.
You had to catch the fabric in your teeth and buck your head repeatedly to one side to work the material down her thighs. Cass did nothing to help you, thrusting her hips against your face as if she were already fucking you, tearing the fabric from your teeth again and again. Slowly, though, you got her panties worked down enough to hold them down with your chin, letting your tongue and lips finally find their prize.
Cass moaned and her back bowed as you tasted her honey. Her fingers tightened in your hair, pulling you against her even harder, making it difficult to breathe around her sex. Her voice was a low growl.
<<nm $phCassandra "Slut! Fucking slut! Eat me, you whore! You make me cum and your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sissy<<else>>skank<</if>> ass gets to walk out of here!">>
You obeyed, extending your tongue as far as you could and swirling around her sex. Every time you found a place that made her jump or groan you stopped to toy with it a moment, your tongue dancing over the sensitive flesh fast and furious. The goth woman's voice was becoming breathy with the effort of holding herself back from the inevitable orgasm.
<<nm $phCassandra "That's it! Yes, that's it! Just like that! Don't you stop! Don't you fucking stop you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sissy bitch<<else>>slutty cunt<</if>>! I'm...I'm almost!">>
Her bellowing cry reverberated in the confined space as she tilted her head toward the ceiling and cried out. Her entire body went rigid above you as she humped your face hard, your cheeks soon wet with her sex. You kept thrusting your tongue and sucking her clit with your lips until she finally came to a quivering stop above you.
She panted for several seconds, then leaned to one side and kicked you roughly over the couch. You pinwheeled on reflex, landing hard on the concrete flooring. You had to squint your eyes against the sudden light after being blind folded by the woman's skirt for so long. Looking back, you saw her light a cigarette and blow a smoke ring toward the ceiling with a satisfied sort of expression.
Then her eyes snapped down to you, and her teeth bared again.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, slut. You didn't think you were //done// did you?">>
@@.choice;[[Apparently Not!|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 2>>Cass held the cigarette loosely between her lips and stood, reached down, and pulled you up to your feet by your hair. The punkish woman pressed herself into your back, the scent of the fresh nicotine flowing all around you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Bet you've been waiting for this a while, haven't you? Waiting for someone to just throw you down and use you?">>
You lifted your hands to wrap around the back of Cass's neck as her own arms encircled your waist, pulling you tight. You closed your eyes and relaxed your body into the embrace.
<<nm $phYou "...It's crossed my mind.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "//Slut//.">>
Cass's tone was fond and even affectionate. The spank she leveled at your ass was neither of those things, the impact echoing through the room and nearly driving you forward a step. You yelped and tried to move forward, but Cass's hands moved upward to <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>press against your pecs and drag you back firmly<<else>>cup your bountiful breasts and pull you back firmly<</if>>.
<<nm $phCassandra "I want to leave you with a few mementos you can touch yourself to later, $phYou.firstname. Mementos that don't include you being dressed like some kind of middle manager.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Cass tugged you back firmly and you all but fell back against her, your muscles refusing to resist for even a second. Nodding to herself in satisfaction, she began to carefully undo the buttons on your shirt and worked the garment off your shoulders. Once free, she tossed it carelessly into a pile near the door with your tie. Her fingernails traced gentle patterns up and down your abs as she purred into your ear.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Lazren gave you quite the body, didn't she? I bet you spend half of your time in the office posing in front of a mirror, don't you, bitch-boy?">>
She lowered one hand between your legs and squeezed, firmly, drawing a soft moan from your lips.<<else>>She squeezed your tits harder and harder until you finally whimpered and leaned back against her again. Nodding to herself with satisfaction, she began to carefully undo the buttons on your blouse and worked the garment down off your shoulders. Once free, she tossed it carelessly into a pile near the door. It was soon joined by your bra, and Cass ran her fingers lightly across your now aching nipples.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You said Lazren gave you these girls, didn't she? I bet you spend half your time in your room feeling yourself up, don't you slut?">>
She pinched the tiny nubs and you gasped, swallowing your response and shuddering against the woman.<</if>> Even if you had wanted to fight back, and a large part of you didn't, you felt powerless to even lift a finger to stop her. You just looked back over your shoulder with a pleading look. Cass transferred her cigarette to one hand and leaned in to press her mouth to yours. She exhaled against your parted lips and you could feel your lungs fill with the tingling, strangely erotic smoke.
Her fingers lowered to trace across your stomach and over your hips, working the button and zipper of your slacks open. Your wriggled your hips obligingly, letting the fabric slide down and off you, leaving you clad only in your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>by now overstrained boxers<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>smooth cotton panties<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>by now overstrained panties<</if>>. Cass glanced downward and made a low, throaty chuckle.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, that's just too perfect. Leave those on, slut. I think it'll add a little something.">>
She stepped away from you, so abruptly you very nearly lost your balance and fell over. You blinked up at her in surprise.
<<nm $phYou "Add a little something to what?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Our memento.">>
Cass turned back toward you and it took you a moment to realize she was holding her phone in her hand, the tiny screen painting her with a pale light. She touched the screen with one finger and a familiar noise rang out in the tiny concrete space.
The camera went @@.choice;[[CLICK.|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 3>>CLICK.
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phCassandra "That's it! Stroke that bulge for me! Give me something to look back on!">>
You flushed, bouncing on your heels as you gripped your length obligingly through the material of your boxers and smiling obligingly at the camera. Having a submissive encounter hadn't bothered you, but making a permanent record of it was something of a different matter. You ruefully admitted Cass was always going to find //some// way to make your cheeks red.
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "That's it! Cup those tits for me. Give me something to look back on.">>
You flushed, bouncing on your heels as you cupped your chest obligingly and turned coquettishly toward the camera. Having a submissive encounter hadn't bothered you, but making permanent record of it was something of a different matter. You ruefully admitted Cass was always going to find //some// way to make your cheeks red.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "...If I'd known you were just planning to look and not touch, I would have- Ah!">>
You yelped as Cass's hand shot out and connected with your backside, creating another echoing slap. Cass pulled you hard against her for a split second, her lips grazing yours before she shoved you back against the couch again. This time you were right side up and managed to wiggle into a sitting position.
<<nm $phCassandra "Easy, slut. I'm going to touch. But I want something no one else gets to have. Now pose for me nicely and we'll have some fun.">>
Cass bent down, the phone still held to her eye. Her finger tapped repeatedly at the display, each tap resounding with another click and another captured image. The gothic punk knelt down next to the couch, her free hand running up your thigh. You shot her a challenging look.
<<nm $phYou "What's my motivation?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Your motivation is you're a horny fucking toy and if you keep mouthing off I'm going to stuff <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your underwear<<else>>your panties<</if>> in your mouth and stick my thumb up your ass.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Cass's hand shot forward, her fingers gripping your chest and squeezing hard without warning. You moaned on reflex. After servicing Cass for so long, and being teased with the camera show, your pussy was aching with the need for relief. You bucked your hips and leaned your head back, but Cass's snarl immediately drew your eyes back to the camera. She wanted to see your face.
You could only imagine what you looked like as she snapped pictures. You wanted to maintain some aspect of your dignity, but the moment she grabbed your tits your body started moving without your conscious control. You bit your lower lip, your hips rolled, and your voice became high and breathy as added a second hand to your other breast, kneading and squeezing the flesh like dough. The camera would be capturing every quiver and quake of your body and every desperate pleading look for more.
<<nm $phYou "Caaaasssss!">>
You voice was a whine, but you couldn't stop it. The dark-haired woman grinned up at you and nodded, her fingers suddenly shifting away from your breasts to your silken panties. With an almost casual tug she tore the material away from your body and left you completely bare for the camera's eyes.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fine, fine. Horny cunt. We'll get you off and, just because I love you, I'll leave out the thumb.">>
Cass moved, straddling your hips on the couch and lifting your leg with one hand, phone camera still snapping away with the other. You gasped as she rolled her hips and you felt the wet, slick heat of her cunny pressing against yours. You opened your mouth to ask what she meant by the thumb...
And got reminded exactly where she said your panties would be going.
<<else>>Cass's hand shot forward and wrapped around the bulge extending from the front of your underwear. You moaned reflexively. After servicing Cass for so long, and being teased with the camera show, your cock was aching with the need for relief. You bucked your hips and leaned your head back, but Cass's snarl immediately drew your eyes back to the camera. She wanted to see your face.
You could only imagine what you looked like as she snapped pictures. You wanted to maintain some aspect of your dignity, but the moment she grabbed your cock your body started moving without your conscious control. You bit your lower lip, your hips rolled, and your voice became high and breathy as she stroked you harder and harder. The camera would be capturing every quiver and quake of your body and every desperate pleading look for more.
<<nm $phYou "Caaaasssss!">>
Your voice was a whine, but you couldn't stop it. The dark-haired woman grinned up at you and nodded, her fingers suddenly shifting away from your shaft to your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>silk boxers<<else>>silken panties<</if>>. With an almost casual tug she tore the material away from your body and left you completely bare for the camera's eye.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fine, fine. Horny <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>dick<<else>>cunt<</if>>. We'll get you off and, just because I love you, I'll leave out the thumb.">>
Cass moved, straddling your hips on the couch and wrapping her free arm around your neck, phone camera still snapping away with the other. You gasped as you felt the head of your cock bump against her sex beneath the fabric of her skirt. You opened your mouth to ask what she meant by the thumb...
...and got reminded exactly where she said <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your boxers<<else>>your panties<</if>> would be going.
<</if>>@@.choice;[[MMMPPPHH!|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 4>><<nm $phCassandra "FUCK ME YOU DIRTY LITTLE SKANK! HARDER!">>
Cass's hand snapped out and slapped your cheek hard enough to make your head ring for a second. You let out a muffled groan against your makeshift gag, your underwear wet between your teeth. Cass had her free hand pressed over your mouth, keeping the garment in place as her phone still snapped erratically in her other hand.
Despite her cries, you really didn't have much control over the situation. Cass bounced in your lap, every movement <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rolling her pussy against your eager sex and threatening to drive you absolutely mad.<<else>>driving your cock in and out of her eager sex and the pleasure was building by the second.<</if>>
She leaned down to you, snapping a few more pictures of your desperate, begging face before she lost her grip on the phone and it tumbled to the couch cushions. She left it there, no longer caring about the momento as she pulled you close against her body. Her free hand roamed your front, grabbing and pulling one of your nipples with cruel delight. You didn't care, so long as she kept fucking you.
Her motions seemed to grow stronger with every thrust and bounce. Soon she was <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rolling her hips against you<<else>>dropping herself back into your lap<</if>> hard enough to make the couch squeak beneath you. The sensation of <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your pussy rubbing against hers with every thrust<<else>>your cock burying itself so deeply into her folds<</if>> was almost too much. The gag made it impossible to breathe through your mouth and you found yourself becoming light-headed as your struggled to get enough air.
Cass finally pulled her hand from your lips, allowing you to cough and sputter until the gag was free. She dragged her fingernails down your front, leaving tiny scratching along your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>breasts<</if>> as her whole body tensed.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! Cum! Cum you little slut! Cum your $phCassandra.address brains out!">>
You had to obey. You reached out, taking hold of Cass's hips and pushing your own up to meet her in rapid and frantic thrusts. Cass's eyes rolled back and she began to shake, her husky voice emitting a low and satisfied groan.
You buried your face against her shoulder and came<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>, your joyous scream muffled by her flesh. The orgasm seemed to last forever. You kept pushing your hips frantically against hers, and the pair of you shifted from the rhythm you had settled into to a frenetic, disorganized mess of motion. Finally, you sagged against the couch, panting hard for breath.<<else>>, filling Cass's sex with your cum. The orgasm seemed to last forever. You kept thrusting the whole time as you emptied yourself out in your lover, your hips pounding home again and again until you finally sagged against the couch, panting hard for breath.<</if>>
Neither of you said anything for a long time. She laid her head down on your shoulder and the pair of you listened to your shared breathing slowly return to normal. Finally, Cass reached down to retrieve her phone.
<<nm $phCassandra "...If the fucking dog filter or something was on, I'm going to fucking scream.">>
You blinked, then tossed your head back @@.choice;[[And Laughed.|CassSexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>>As you rebuttoned your shirt, your phone buzzed in your pocket. Your glanced down at it, then quirked your eyebrows in Cass's direction. The punkish woman grinned at you, inhaling deeply from a fresh cigarette.
<<nm $phCassandra "Just a few of my favorites at a glance. I'll send you any other ones that catch my eye when I have more time to look.">>
You considered pulling your phone out to take a look now, but you decided you wouldn't give her the satisfaction. Instead, you crossed over to the couch and leaned down for a kiss. Cass gave it eagerly, shifting the cigarette into her hand.
<<nm $phYou "...Just our own memento, right?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, probably. Unless I //really// need a favor from someone someday. I'm sure I could trade some really good stuff for these- Hey!">>
Cass protested as you reached down and plucked the cigarette out of her hand. You brought it back to your lips and took a brief puff. It tingled, pleasantly, but whatever magic was in you was more than able to handle it. You dropped the butt onto the floor and stomped it out with your shoe.
<<nm $phYou "Just remember that I have access to some cameras too, and mine see a lot more.">>
Cass rolled her eyes, but she tucked her phone back into her pocket and nodded her assent. Satisfied, you straightened up and flashed the woman a smile.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks, Cass. I had a good time.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah yeah. Don't spread it around, okay? I've got a reputation.">>
You laughed and turned to the door. You'd have to remember where the 'shed' was so you could drop in from time to time. There were worse ways to spend an afternoon than with Cass.
First, though, you had to check a few photos @@.choice;[[On Your Phone.|Gym]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 0>>It was strange. You could hear words, but it felt as though they were coming from a great distance and your mind couldn't hold onto any of the actual meaning behind the sounds. You knew, though, that the voice was describing things to you and, as it described them, the world around you sprang into focus.
You could feel the stone flooring beneath your feet and see the burning torches in sconces along the wall. The wall behind you was lined with bookcases stuffed with old and ominous leather bound tomes, and to your right a black, smoky cauldron bubbled with some vile green brew. There was an ornate bedframe to your other side, the mattress veiled by draping banners. They were green and black, weaving intricate arcane shaped behind a grinning white skull.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh my...The village //truly// wants my blessing this year, I can tell. They found me a comely one, didn't they?">>
The rich, baritone voice made you start and look up. Cassy was suddenly before you, appearing without the slightest bit of motion or fanfare. Her proportions were still exaggerated, her curves plush and shaped into a perfect hourglass. She was dressed in a silken black robe that hugged her like a second skin and her hair was equally dark, cascading over her shoulders.
Cassy? No...No, that was wrong. Cassandra, the witch. Feared by the wise and sought by the desperate. Her castle had stood vigil near your village for as long as you could remember.
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmmm, yes. Don't fear, little one. Your sacrifice will not go unrewarded, I assure you. The crops will be returned to health before the week is up. I can see you trembling...although perhaps it is not fear that makes you quiver, sweetling.">>
Her eyes tracked down your body and you followed her gaze down to find that you were barely clothed in a white robe so sheer that <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your biceps threatened to rip straight through the material if you moved your arms too fast.<<else>> your nipples shown prominently through the material.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> Your nipples and one other prominent part of your anatomy further down.<</if>>
You //also// realized that your hands were bound behind your back with a golden cord when you tried to cover up. You struggled on reflex, but the bindings held you effortlessly. You dimly remembered having more strength than that, but your mind wouldn't hold onto the thought. Foolishness. Some desperate fantasy to dampen the fear you were feeling, no doubt.
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't worry, my little sweetling. There's no point in fear. You are already lost.">>
The witch snapped her fingers and the window shutters snapped shut and the massive door slammed shut behind you. You were trapped now.
@@.choice;
[[With The Witch.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 1>>Your heart hammered in your chest as you backed away from the woman, but there was nowhere to go. Inside of four steps your back touched the cool wood of the door. Your hands, still bound, fumbled with the lock but it refused to budge even an inch.
The witch watched you, her smile growing with every desperate move you made. She obviously enjoyed watching your growing panic. You straightened your shoulders and stood up straight, trying to keep the fear out of your voice as you spoke. You didn't want to give her the satisfaction.
<<nm $phYou "What...What are you going to do with me?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Do with you? Why, you're going to help me, sweetling. You're going to be very important to me. We're going to do all sorts of fun things together, when my spells require it. Or did you mean what I am going to do //to// you? A very different question...quite a few things, I suspect.">>
She didn't walk so much as she drifted forward without seeming to move her legs at all. She pressed in against you, and her overwhelming femininity was hard to ignore. You tilted your head to look up into her dark eyes, feeling the panic welling up again.
Up? Weren't you taller than her? You could have sworn you had looked down at her at some point, but that couldn't be true. You must be distracted, which got a lot worse when the witch<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> reached between your legs and seized your balls as casually as she would weigh a melon at the market.<<else>> suddenly raised a hand to your chest and squeezed one of your breasts as casually as she would weigh a melon at the market.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah! U-...Unhand me!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Such a wonderful, heavy set you have, my dear, paired with such an impressive member<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Such beautiful breasts, my dear, and such a pretty face to boot.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Such beautiful breasts, my dear, paired with such an...impressive member.<</if>> I bet you were popular with all the village boys and girls back home, weren't you?">>
You felt your cheeks heat. Your hands were still bound helplessly, but you tried to use the weight of your body to push the woman away. It didn't work. The witch just kept feeling you up with one hand and using the other to run down your side, taking no notice of your struggle.
<<nm $phYou "No! That's disgusting! I would nev-.">>
The witch's eyes flashed, suddenly, and her expression shifted from lazy confidence to anger in a moment. Your words died in a croak as her hand switched from your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>cock<<else>>breast<</if>> to your throat, latching on like a vice. You gasped and struggled anew against your bonds, but it was as useless now as it had been at every other time.
The witch watched your eyes as your face burned with the need for air. Her expression was clinical, but her voice carried an edge more deadly than any blade. Finally, she released her grip and you doubled forward, hacking and gasping.
<<nm $phCassandra "...I see we have some work to do, sweetlng. No matter. By sunup, I assure you that you will be properly trained.">>
You weren't sure if it was the casual way she said it or the wide, confident smile that chilled your blood the most.
@@.choice;
[[Both. Definitely Both.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 2>>The witch began to chant, but you couldn't identify the language. Whatever it was, the words had an instant effect on the world. Your hair swirled in a sudden gale of wind and the cauldron by the window, which had been burbling quietly, suddenly roared into foam and fury.
Cassy pressed her hand against your throat again, but didn't stop your breathing this time. You felt a sudden warmth, however, spreading out from the point of contact as she continued to invoke whatever inhuman tongue she was using. Finally, the spell ceased and the room settled again to its former state.
<<nm $phCassandra "Now then, sweetling. I asked if you were popular with all the boys and girls back home.">>
Your cheeks colored and you opened your mouth to deny it again.
<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "I've fucked Beth, the blacksmith's daughter, three times and she really liked it. Renee sucked me off once in the backroom of the tavern, and Joseph looked down my blouse every day.">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phYou "I've fucked Beth, the blacksmith's daughter, three times and she really liked it. Renee sucked me off once in the backroom of the tavern, and Joseph always tries to look when I take a bath.">>
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phYou "I've fucked Joseph, the doctor's son, three times and he really liked it. Renee licked me out once, and I think Beth keeps trying to look down my blouse.">>
<</if>>You gaped and belatedly slapped your hands over your mouth. You hadn't meant to say that at all! The witch cackled in delight at your admission and turned toward you fully. Suddenly, she took hold of the front of her robe and ripped it open. The chest beneath was...oh wow. She was -huge-, even bigger than Renee!
<<nm $phCassandra "And what do you think about these, sweetling?">>
You knew it was a trap. You tried hard to form the words that you wanted. To tell the witch that she was ugly and awful and that she should return you to your village.
<<nm $phYou "They're amazing! I've never seen anyone that big. It's -really- making me hard and also making me wonder if its going to be so bad here.">>
Damnit!
The witch cackled some more and opened the rest of her robe, letting it puddle to the ground at her ankles. You stared. Every inch of her body was just as impressive as her bust. Now that you really looked at her, you saw how beautiful she was. Was she really as bad as all the legends said? Maybe-
You pulled your mind back, sharply.
<<nm $phYou "You're messing with my head!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "But of course, sweetling! It would take //so// long to train you the old-fashioned way and while that would be //fun// I just can't take the time right now. Just try to relax and you'll enjoy it a lot more. I can be a lot of fun for the right person...">>
She moved up to you again and again you retreated, but not as quickly this time. Your cheeks were flushed and your head was spinning. She didn't seem at all worried about her nudity, and that confidence made her motions all the more erotic.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Tell me, sweetling. Now that you can't lie...do you want to fuck me?">>
You knew what the words would be before it left your mouth, but it still made your shoulders slump.
<<nm $phYou "...Yes...">>
@@.choice;
[[The Witch Smiled.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 3>>Your backside hit the mattress and you //bounced// so much you nearly hit your head on the ornate headboard. The witch was //strong//. Your hands worked uselessly, trapped beneath you and still bound by the golden cords.
The witch leaned over you with that same, confident smile she had been showing all evening. She ran one hand over your knee and inward, sliding up your inner thigh. You gasped.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Your pussy felt so hot it was like there was a fire between your legs<<else>> Your cock felt like it was about to burst<</if>>! You had never been teased so much by anyone. All the girls in the village had been terrified of getting caught, and wanted to get to the fun as soon as possible.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, sweetling. I'm not like those village girls. You have no idea. There's a whole wide world opening up in front of you.">>
You started in surprise, eyes wide as you realized she had 'heard' what you had been thinking. Then you started again as she touched the center of your white robe and the material hissed with a sudden, smoky eruption. You twisted reflexively on the bed, but the witch held your shoulder down and shook her head.
The white material blackened and seemed to decay all around you, the corruption spreading from the place where she touched and flowing out to all ends of the garment, until you were laying naked in a small pool of ash. The witch dismissively brushed the remains off your stomach and her dark eyes roved your body freely.
You shouldn't want this. You //really// shouldn't want this. And yet...
<<nm $phYou "...Please? I...I can't take this...I need...">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Need? What do you need, sweetling? Tell me.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Fuck me? Please?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, good honest <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>! How could I refuse?">>
The witch crawled atop you and the weight of her pushed you down into the sheets and your bound hands. Your wrists were uncomfortable, locked below you, but right now you didn't care. All you could see was the witch lifting <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your leg, wrapping both arms around it and tucking your thigh between her immense bosom. Then she rocked her hips forward, bringing her sex into contact with yours.
As she touched you, you couldn't hold back a howl of pleasure. Your entire body arched upward. You wanted to thrust your hips against her madly until neither of you could take it anymore, but she controlled the pace. She controlled everything, and she wanted to enjoy herself. So she continued to rock her hips, bit by bit, as you moaned and begged and pleaded until finally, at long last, she began to move in earnest.
<<else>>her hips, her inviting sex crowned with a neatly trimmed thatch of dark hair. She lowered herself slowly, but confidently, down onto the head of your cock.
As you spread her lower lips, you couldn't hold back a howl of pleasure. Your entire body curved upward. You wanted to bury yourself in her and thrust until you couldn't move anymore, but she controlled the pace. She controlled everything, and she wanted to enjoy herself. So she continued to lower her hips, bit by bit, as you moaned and begged and pleaded until finally, at long last, her hips met yours and you were fully inside her.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "Now, sweetling...let me show you how a real woman does it.">>
You were more than happy @@.choice;[[To Be Shown.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 4>>The bed creaked beneath you as the witch <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rolled her hips against you with slow and confident motions<<else>>bounced up and down, riding your cock for all she was worth<</if>>. Her heavy breasts bounced in front of you and your palms itched to take hold of them. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your thighs were<<else>>Your cock was<</if>> soon slick and the room was filled with your moans and the wet sounds of the witch's pleasure.
<<nm $phCassandra "That it, sweetling. Just relax. Enjoy it. Surrender.">>
Her purring voice felt like it was caressing your brain directly, but you didn't care. Your entire world was the feeling of <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>her sex against yours<<else>> your cock inside of her<</if>>. You could break your gaze away from her swaying tits only long enough to meet her hypnotic gaze. Her eyes were super pretty. So arousing. You would do anything if she would just look at you a little longer.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, you're coming along nicely. Feels good, doesn't it? I bet none of the village girls ever made you feel this good. Nice and relaxed...">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>She ran her hands down your side and slammed her hips down firmly on yours a few times. You gasped, pleasure flooding up from your cock. You wanted her to do it again, even harder this time, but you couldn't get the words past your lips.<<else>>She put her hands on your chest, squeezing hard as she rode you. You gasped, pleasure flooding up your chest. You wanted her to do it again and even harder this time, but you couldn't get the words past your lips.<</if>> You couldn't bear to //ask// anything of her. Instead, your mouth formed a word of its own.
<<nm $phYou "Mistress!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh ho! That was faster than most. Oh, I knew you would be a good one the moment I saw you! You're just scrumptious, aren't you sweetling?">>
The witch leaned down and pressed her lips to yours and you found yourself leaning up eagerly. Her every touch was pleasure. Her every look was like the sun, and you couldn't help but long for more. You began to push your hips up, eager to please her, hard and fast.
Too hard and fast. Within a few seconds you found yourself panting and moaning and, with an arch of your back, cumming hard within your Mistress. You bucked and writhed and finally collapsed down against the sheets as the witch stared down at you. That had been wonderful! So much better than those girls you could barely remember. You felt your eyes lid as you lay back, drifting off into a warm and contented place.
It wasn't until the witch seized you by the throat again that you realized you might have done something wrong. You met her eyes in confusion and she glared down, shifting her hips to <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>separate her sex from yours<<else>>slowly let your softening shaft slip free of her<</if>>.
<<nm $phCassandra "//Pets// ask for //permission//, sweetling. Oh dear, they //really// don't have any rules out in the big wide world, do they? I'll have to teach you from the ground up, I see. Mmm, but if you're not <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>going to please a fellow woman properly, then I'm just going to have to take you more...'traditionally'<<else>>going to handle that thing //properly// than you're just going to have to do without it for a while.<</if>>">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The witch reached down and began to work her fingers between her legs. There was a light between her digits and you blinked in surprise, watching with fascination as something appeared to push out from underneath. It wasn't until the familiar shape of a bulbous head emerged into the air that you realized what she was making for herself.
<<nm $phYou "M-Mistress! You have...!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "When I choose to, I have whatever I want. Well, since you proved so inadequate with what is between your legs, perhaps I should put that mouth of yours to work. You seem to like keeping your tongue in motion...">>
She put her hand on the back of your head, thrust her hips forward, and demonstrated exactly what the [[Traditional Way Was!|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]@@
<<else>>The witch leaned down and wrapped her hand around your shaft and squeezed hard. You whimpered as the pressure escalated by the second. It never quite reached the level of painful, but stopped just short of it. Your cock felt hot as she squeezed you...and you realized with a start there was less of it to squeeze than there had been before. Less and less, until her fingers were <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>stroking against a patch of empty, smooth skin<<else>>pressing //inside// your body.<</if>>
You didn't have to ask where your cock had gone, however. The witch was straddling you, and her other hand slipped down between her legs to touch her cum slick folds, stroking gingerly. After a few seconds, you saw an all too familiar cockhead slip between her fingers and into view.
Holy fuck, were you //that// big?
<<nm $phYou "M-Mistress! I'm sorry, I-.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, don't worry, sweetling. You //did// say you enjoyed getting your cock sucked, didn't you?">>
She put her hand on the back of your head, thrust her hips forward, and gave you a taste of @@.choice;[[Your Own Medicine.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 5>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The thing that made your eyes cross wasn't that the witch was filling your mouth so much that your jaw nearly ached. It wasn't that the witch was beautiful, or that she had her fingers deep inside your mind, although that was nice as well.
It was that, somehow, you could //feel// what she was doing with her new member. Every moment of your lips and stroke of your tongue was rolling over your brain as easily as if it had been yours. You found your eyes rolling back as your mouth opened wide to be used.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh my, did I not tell you, sweetling? This may be a punishment, but if I'm going to train you to hold back, I'm going to have to make sure you're enjoying yourself. How do you like my solution?">>
The witch was more than happy to use you. She pounded her hips against your face, but the more roughly she used you, the more pleasure ran through her cock and straight into your head. Once or twice you nearly gagged on it, but you managed to relax your muscles and let it happen. You didn't want it to stop. You wanted her to pound her slut forever, because you would enjoy it too.
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmm. Oooh, you keep this up and I might forgive you, sweetling. Maybe I'll make this permanent. I could use this so much more than you could, and I'm sure you won't mind helping me keep it happy...">>
You wouldn't. You would offer up any hole she wanted. You wondered what it would feel like if she fucked your ass and you felt both ends. You extended your tongue, playing with the sensitive skin just below the head exactly like Joseph had liked in the village. Just like he had, the witch moaned and rolled her head back.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yesss. I think I will. Do you like that, my sweetling? That I'm going to make you my royal cock polisher? It won't take you too long to get addicted to it, and you'll be offering yourself up to me for the rest of your life, won't you?">>
You tried to say you would. The noise that emerged was muffled to the point of being inaudible by the shaft filling your mouth, but the effort seemed to please your lover. She smiled down at you, rocked her hips faster, and one of her hands slipped up to pinch a perfect, bouncing nipple.
<<else>>The thing that made your eyes cross wasn't that the witch was fucking your mouth with your own cock, though that certainly didn't hurt. It wasn't that the witch was beautiful, or that she had her fingers deep into your mind, although that was nice as well.
It was that you could still //feel// what she was doing with your member. Every movement of your lips and stroke of your tongue was somehow rolling over your brain as easily as if you were still attached to it. You found your eyes rolling back as your opened wide to be used.
The witch was more than eager to oblige. She pounded her hips against your face, letting your own cock bump hard against the back of your throat. Once or twice you nearly gagged on it, but you managed to relax your muscles and let it happen. You didn't want it to stop. You wanted her to pound her slut forever, because you could enjoy it too.
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmm. Oooh, you keep this up and I might forgive you, sweetling. Maybe I'll make this permanent. I could use this so much more than you could, and I'm sure you won't mind helping me keep it happy...">>
You wouldn't. You would offer up any hole she wanted. You wondered what it would feel like if she fucked your ass and you felt both ends. You extended your tongue, playing with the sensitive skin just below the head in the way you knew you liked. The witch let out a moan above you, and you knew she was feeling it too.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yesss. I think I will. Do you like that, my sweetling? Going to claim your member for my own. For the rest of time, I'm going to spread you with the toy you graciously surrendered to me. I bet that makes you so very happy, doesn't it?">>
You tried to say it did. The noise that emerged was muffled to the point of being inaudible by the shaft filling your mouth, but the effort seemed to please your lover. She smiled down at you, rocked her hips faster, and one of her hands slipped up her body to pinch a perfect, bouncing nipple.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "Mmm. Oooh, it's so good. Maybe I was...ah...too harsh about...going...early!">>
The witch gave a cry and your mouth was suddenly filled with the wonderful salty taste of her seed. She pulled away after the first eruption and reached down with one hand to guide streams of cum over your face, neck, and chest. A lot of streams. More than //you// had ever cum, you were certain. By the time she was done you were dripping with it, panting hard, looking up with wide, anxious eyes for her next command.
The witch smiled down at you and leaned in. She nipped at your ear and spoke.
<<nm $phCassandra "...$phCassandra.Address? Wake up now. It's okay. You can wake up.">>
The words seemed to come from a far distance, despite how close she was. Your vision blurred and it seemed suddenly hard to hold your head up. You fluttered your eyes and followed the sound of the voice, feeling almost as though you were being raised from a great well.
Then you @@.choice;[[Woke Up.|CassySexBottom][$phCassandra.sex to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 6>><<nm $phCassandra "...Wake up, $phCassandra.Address. You can wake up now. It's okay.">>
You started, pulling back away from the monitor you'd been resting your forehead on. Your neck ached, as though you had slept in an odd position and you reflexively wiped a line of drool from your bottom lips. You were in one of the private computer lab rooms. Desktops hummed all around you and the lights were turned low. Your hands reflexively pawed your body, but everything was exactly where it should be.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Are you okay, $phCassandra.Address? You were starting to get into it...">>
You looked up at the screen and the concerned digital woman looking down at you. It took a few seconds to organize your thoughts and put your memories together, but you understood quickly. You leaned back in your chair.
<<nm $phYou "...A //witch//?">>
Cassy giggled at you and waved her arm, the familiar black and green robe appearing over her body. She waved a long wand topped with a cute, cartoonish skull.
<<nm $phCassandra "Bibbidy Bobbity Boo, $phCassandra.Address! What experience do you get the succubus who has everything? I can't //actually// touch you, but I figured I could still let you do a little roleplaying with me. I guess I'm still a GM at heart. Actually, it was easier than I thought. The moment you started to get into it your necklace started glowing and I could barely keep up with how fast you were going under. Did you enjoy yourself?">>
You grinned and closed your eyes. Now that you were free of whatever hypnotic show she had put on for you it all seemed obvious. A boiling cauldron, a spooky old castle, the village <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>> being sacrificed.
Obvious, but fun.
<<nm $phYou "I did. You put on quite a show, Cassy.">>
The digital woman beamed and, like a Cheshire cat, her smile seemed to extend out beyond the confines of her face. She winked at you cheerfully, lifted the hem of her witch's robe, and bowed.
<<nm $phCassandra "Thank you, $phCassandra.Address! You know, you're welcome back any time! I'm sure the witch has all sort of ideas for her new pretty pet.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't get //too// far ahead of yourself, dear.">>
You pushed back from the desk and stood up, stretching out the stiff muscles of your back. You wouldn't want to let one of your employees muck around with your mind //too// often.
Then again, it had been fun. Maybe you could stand to visit the castle once or twice more, when the mood was right.
Turning away, you headed @@.choice;[[Out.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 0>>The music pulsed in your ears and the lights flashed from the monitors all around. Your eyes were on the large projector, though, as Cassy backed away from the screen to allow more of her body to come into view.
It was an impressive body you both had sculpted. Her breasts were pushing the limits of E-cups and stood perky and proud, yet jiggled with the slightest motion. Her wide hips swayed back and forth in time with the music and her hands traced a line from her thighs, up her sides and chest to the back of her neck. She met your eyes from her screen and caught her generous lower lip between her teeth.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's just us in here, $phCassandra.Address...Why don't you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>slip your hand into your panties for me<<else>>take your cock out for me<</if>>? I know you want to...please, Miss? For me?">>
You smiled, but gave her what she wanted. As the digital apparition rocked and swayed, you worked the zipper of your pants downward link by link. You took your time, watching as Cassandra stepped from the center to one side of the screen to make way for a chromed pole to rise out of the ground beside her.
When you finally slipped your hand into your pants <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and worked the material down to your thighs<<else>> and pulled out your shaft<</if>>, Cassy gasped. She let out a long, erotic moan and dropped to her knees, crawling forward until her face filled the whole screen. You could see her lip tremble with need.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooooh, that's it, $phCassandra.Address. Oooh, it's so...gorgeous. Mmm...do you wanna stroke it for me? You can...but not too fast! Nice and slow for Cassy. Up and down, up and down, like <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>I'm right there touching you myself<<else>>you're giving me a nice slow fuck<</if>>...can you do that for me, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir?<<else>>Miss?<</if>>">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You could. You moved your fingers up and down across your slit as you leaned back in your chair. Cassy watched for a long moment, her tongue tracing a slow circle around her lips before backing away from the monitor. She returned to the pole, holding onto it with both hands and thrusting her thighs around either side of the chromed metal. You noticed after a moment that her hips thrust in time with your fingers.
<<else>>You could. You rocked your hand up and down your cock as you leaned back in your chair. Cassy watched for a long moment, her tongue tracing a slow circle around her lips before backing away from the monitor. She returned to the pole, her fingers curling around it, stroking the chromed metal in time with your own movements.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "...You know, I always envied the girls who put on shows like this. On stage with just the music and their bodies to show off. Knowing that the attention of everyone in the room would always be on them. Mmm. I would touch myself at night, thinking about how that felt. And now and I know. I want your eyes on me, $phCassandra.Address...">>
She spread her legs wide, turned toward the pole, and lowered herself down. As she bent, her already generously filled swimsuit rounded at the back, showing off every curve of her ass. She swayed her backside from side to side, worked her way all the way down, and then began to slowly straighten again.<<if ($phYou.form is 'futa') or ($phYou.form is 'male')>> The stroking motion of her hand began to speed up along the pole.<<else>> Her voice rose in pitch as she moaned, soft and low.<</if>>
So @@.choice;[[Did Yours.|CassySexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 1>><<nm $phCassandra "Enjoying yourself, $phCassandra.Address? You know, I wouldn't do this for just anyone. I would hate for anyone to think I was just an object...a little bit of proprietary code at your complete mercy...">>
Cassy worked one shoulder out from under the strap of her swimsuit, and then the other. She took her time and never stopped moving her body to the pulsing beat. Inch after inch of her pale back slowly came into view as she worked the swimsuit downward.
<<nm $phYou "Mmmhmm. Oh, it's the best show in town. And I've got the best seat.">>
Cassy smiled coquettishly and did a little spin in place, her arms held over her breasts to conceal them. She slipped the suit down to her waist, the straps hanging off her body.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, I don't know about that. The view from here is...pretty good, $phCassandra.Address.">>
Her eyes flicked down over your body to your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>stroking fingers, still at work between your legs<<else>> erect cock, where your hand was still moving<</if>>. It was strange. Your hand was doing all the pleasuring, and yet the music and her teasing and her dancing charged the action with so much more erotic energy. You could control your pace and delay your inevitable climax. You know Cassy would keep entertaining you as long as you wished. This was a show for one.
Cassy moved back to the pole and pulled herself upward, wrapping her legs around the shaft. She released it with her hands and bent slowly backward like an acrobat, until her head passed the level of her feet and her hair hung straight down. Her breasts never sagged, though. They still stood out proudly, her nipples decorating the pleasantly rounded peaks like cherries on a sundae.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Still, there is //one// thing your view has that mine doesn't.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what is that?">>
Cassy swung herself back upright. She did a twist around the pole as if she had been dancing all her life, sinking down more and more until she was sitting on the ground at the base. Teasingly, she worked her swimsuit down off her legs and kicked it aside, her hands held over her sex. She grinned at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Admin access.">>
You blinked and cocked your head at the projector. It took you a few seconds to realize what she meant. You looked down, not at Cassy on the projector but on the computer monitor in front of you. It was showing the same image of the same dancer playfully picking herself up to grind against the pole, but it wasn't all the same. Around the outer edge, you saw the familiar UI. The same one you'd used to create Cassy when she had given up your gem. You tilted your head back up to flash her what was probably an all too predatory grin.
@@.choice;
[[She Winked.|CassySexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 2>><<nm $phCassandra "Oooh! $pMistress, that...feels so good!">>
Cassy cupped her already impressive chest, which expanded against her fingers even so. You nudged the slider a little further and she gasped, falling back against the pole.
<<nm $phYou "Well, what good would size be if I didn't bump up sensitivity. Careful with those, they might be a bit more than you're used to.">>
Cassy shudders, pulling herself back to her feet with her massive chest bouncing in a way that defied gravity. She pawed carefully at the rounded flesh and nearly dropped back to her knees again. Her moans was long and echoed in the tiny room.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh fuckkk...Yes! Yes, change me! Program me, $phCassandra.Address! It's so fucking hot!">>
Your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers blurred frantically between your thighs<<else>>hand blurred on your cock<</if>>, but you barely realized it. You could feel the pleasure growing, but your eyes were focused on your raft of menus. Physical and mental both, everything that Cassy could be was open before you. Every number and bit of binary that made her digital self.
You could alter her body or her mind or insert whatever programming you wanted. She was willing and eager to take it. The only limitation was how long you could stroke it in front of her before you couldn't hold back anymore. <<set $phCassyTopStrokeTimer to 2>><<set $phCassandraAssChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraCumChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraFuckslutChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraToyChange to 0>>
@@.choice;
[[Inflate Her Ass|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 3]]
[[Program Her To Cum On Command|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 4]]
[[Toy With Her Mind|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]
[[Stuff Her With Toys|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 6]]
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 7>> You couldn't resist any longer. You let out a groan and tilted your head back to the ceiling as the pleasure <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>running through your body<<else>>in your cock<</if>> began to spike. Cassy's eyes went wide and she moved forward, crawling toward the monitor until her face filled the screen.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut //needs// you to get off to her! Please, show her what you think of her whore body! Fuckslut is your bitch!<<else>>Oooh, $phCassandra.Address! Please, let it all out! Show me you love me! Make me yours!<</if>>">>
You couldn't have held back if you wanted to. Your hips rose from the chair and you half stood, your feet on the floor but your shoulders still on the chair. Your fingers blurred over your pussy, and you finally allowed yourself the blessed relief of orgasm.
Cassy gasped as you cried out for the first time, the sound of your orgasmic cry echoing off the walls. She cooed and gasped with delight as you shook and writhed and bucked in the office chair. She moaned as your hips rolled and your toes curled with the bliss rolling through you. Her eyes lidded with pleasure as you dropped back down into the seat hard, unable to hold yourself up any longer as your muscles seemed to turn to jelly.
She grinned at you.
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut needs your cum! Please, cum all over Fuckslut's whore face! Mark Fuckslut as your bitch!<<else>>Oooh, $phCassandra.Address! Please, let it all out! Cum all over me! Make me yours!<</if>>">>
You couldn't have held back if you wanted to. You stood from your chair, thrusting your hips toward the glowing monitor. You let out another moan as your hand blurred over your cock and you finally allowed yourself the blessed relief of orgasm.
The first spurt of cum landed on the screen just over Cassy's forehead and she gasped and cooed with delight. She opened her mouth wide, her tongue extended as every glob of your sticky seed stuck to the screen over her face. She raised a hand, running it over her cheeks as if she could actually touch your show of love.
You dropped back into your chair, panting hard, the last few pulses dribbling over the back of your hand. Cassy's eyes lidded with pleasure as she smiled back at you from the cum-spattered screen.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "...Good show, $phCassandra.Address?">>
@@.choice;
[[You Nodded, Breathlessly.|CassySexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 8>>Cassy looked herself up and down for a moment and her hands stroked up her sides to cup her chest as her swimsuit reformed around her.
<<nm $phCassandra "All reset to default, I think, though I could have sworn I wasn't //quite// this big on top before.<<if $phCassandraAssChange is 1>> Or quite so large in the back either, $phCassandra.Address.<</if>>">>
You shrugged and did your best to look innocent as your fixed your shirt collar and stood up. The lights had been turned on again and the music stopped, transforming your private strip tease back into any other computer room.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know. Either way, I think you're looking just fine, Cassy, don't worry.">>
She stuck her tongue out at you and then bent over again to show off her chest.
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course //you// would say that. This was fun, $pMistress. Don't be a stranger, okay? I'm excited to see what else you would do with a little more time to think.">>
<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>She lowered her voice to a sultry whisper and winked at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Fuckslut will miss you, too.">><<else>>You winked back over your shoulder and moved to open the door.<</if>>
You //would// think about @@.choice;[[Next Time.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<<set $phCassandraCumChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraAssChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraFuckslutChange to 0>><<set $phCassandraToyChange to 0>><<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 3>><<set $phCassandraAssChange to 1>>You brought up the menu and clicked through your various options until you found the one you wanted. You grinned at the screen.
<<nm $phCassandra "Uh oh...$phCassandra.Address, when you get that look <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut starts to get really worried!<<else>>I start to get really worried!<</if>>">>
You didn't say anything, you just grabbed the slider and started to work it upward. Cassy moaned and dropped immediately onto her knees, her hand snapping back to grip her suddenly expanded rear. The junk in her trunk pushed against her hands and her fingers sank into the suddenly pillowy flesh as her backside got larger and larger.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh...$phCassandra.Address...did you maybe want to spank <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut's horny little ass? You're making Fuckslut so big...mmm...So much cushion for you to push against when your slam Fuckslut's little asshole<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> with a big thick toy<</if>>!<<else>>my pretty little ass? Well, not so little any more, is it? Oh my...look at how huge you've made me...<</if>>">>
<<if $phCassandraToyChange is 1>>Cassy reached back and took hold of the vibrator still buzzing in her backside and began to work it in and out of herself slowly. Her eyes locked on yours and she tilted her body to make sure your view wasn't obstructed. The toy had seemed impressive before, but compared to her voluminous backside it was now in serious danger of disappearing from view.
<<nm $phCassandra "This is what you wanted, isn't it, baby? You wanted to see your toy's huge ass fucked? Do you wish it was your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>strap-on<<else>>cock<</if>> doing the fucking? Mmm...I can just imagine it...">><<else>>Cassy reached back and slapped her hand down on her ass hard enough to make the expanded flesh jiggle and quake. She rocked her hips up and down for a moment and laughed with evident delight.
<<nm $phCassandra "You know how to please a girl, $phCassandra.Address. Giving <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut something to show how much of a little whore she is! Oooh, I want it so bad!<<else>>a girl something to show off to show just how much of a good time she's having. I love it so much!<</if>>">><</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 4>>You smiled to yourself as you typed. It took a little time to find the right option and adjust it, but the thought of it still made you stroke a little faster with your other hand.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address! Don't get too lost in the menus! <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut can't see what you're doing and that makes her really wet!<<else>>I can't see what you're doing! There's still a show going on, you know...<</if>>">>
She pulled herself up the pole, spread her legs, and bent over once again.<<if $phCassandraAssChange is 1>> Her jiggling, expanded rear almost filled the whole screen as she bent. She giggled, running her hand over the flesh as she waited for you to finish.<<else>> Her pert rear bounced with every motion of her body, and she swayed her hips to the music still pulsing from the computer speakers as she waited for you to finish.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I'm not lost. I know exactly what I'm looking for...">>
You smiled and held your hand out in front of the monitor, your middle finger and thumb pressed together. Cassy cocked her head at you and pushed away from the pole. She opened her mouth, probably to ask exactly what you were intending.
You snapped your fingers.
Cassy's eyes shot wide. She took several quick, surprised breaths and her enlarged breasts bounced as she stumbled back against pole. You could see the muscles in her stomach flexing as the scream of pleasure finally emerged from her lips. She grabbed onto the pole to hold herself up, her thighs clamping together hard.<<if $phCassandraToyChange is 1>> You could see the vibrator still pressed into her sex, urging her onto even greater heights of pleasure.<</if>>
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah! What...What did you do?!">>
<<nm $phYou "...Ooh, you couldn't tell? Just a little rewiring, dear. Setting up your body to hear the sound of fingers snapping as so //stimulating// that you can't help but...">>
You snapped your fingers again. Cassy screamed, her hips thrusting forward on pure impulse as her entire body went rigid. Her eyes rolled back as she rocked her hips back and forth and began to shudder again, sliding slowly down the pole until she was sitting against it. She struggled to get her breath, gasping as the aftershock of the two monstrous orgasms continued to wash across her.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address! Oooh...Oooh fuck...mmmm! <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut needs a second! You made her cum so hard! Please, please!<<else>>I need a second! Please...oooh, you made me cum so hard...just a...second.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course, dear, I would never want to push you too fa-.">>
SNAP.
Cassy screamed again and her hips lifted off the ground, her body bowing as the third orgasm burned through her head. She quivered in that position for a good ten second before she dropped abruptly back down to the ground, her thighs slick with her enjoyment.
You smiled and watched her get control of herself, crawling shakily back to her feet. Her eyes didn't leave your free hand, her tongue emerging to sweep over her lips as she watched for any motion that would signal yet another involuntary climax.<<set $phCassandraCumChange to 1>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 5>><<set $phCassandraFuckslutChange to 1>>You opened up another menu. Playing with Cassy's body was certainly fun. You had gotten to indulge the urge with $phSamantha.name, of course, but that has also been a one off. You so rarely got to indulge the urge to change someone into what //you// wanted, rather than what they desired.
You thought you could get more creative, though. Cassy watched you type as she danced and writhed against the pole, trying to distract you.<<if $phCassandraAssChange is 1>> She kept bending low to show off her brand new backside, slapping her ass every few seconds to make it bounce and jiggle.<</if>><<if $phCassandraToyChange is 1>> She leaned her back against the pole and reached down to grab hold of the vibrator between her legs, pushing it in and out of her sex with a deep, resounding moan on every inward push.<</if>>
<<nm $phCassandra "You're typing a lot, $phCassandra.Address. Do you need a little help? I could set up a tutorial for you, if there's something you're missing...">>
Her tone was teasing and her smile sly. You fixed her with a bright, cheerful smile as you hit the enter button. Cassy froze in place for a moment, her jaw dropping...and then resumed her dancing as if nothing had happened.
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't worry, Fuckslut is just trying to distract y-...what? What did Fuckslut call herself?">>
Cassy gasped, her cheeks turning red as she held a hand up to her throat. Her eyes filled with confusion and then snapped up to you with an accusing look.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address! You reprogrammed Fuckslut! You made Fuckslut call herself Fuckslut! Fuckslut means you made...Ah! Fuckslut can't stop calling herself that!">>
You laughed, leaning back in your seat as your continued to <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rub your pussy<<else>>stroke your cock<</if>> in front of the monitor. Cassy glared and stomped her digital foot at you.
<<nm $phYou "Having trouble, Fuckslut?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuckslut is embarrassed! You're making Fuckslut call herself a Fuckslut when all she wants to do is is kneel down and offer up Fuckslut's holes for <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your pleasure...Ah! I mean, Fuckslut wants to kneel down and lick your pussy until Fuckslut is dripping!<<else>>your beautiful cock! Ah! I mean, Fuckslut wants to suck your cock until she's dripping in your yummy cum!<</if>>...Ah!">>
She slapped both hands over her mouth. You raised your eyebrows and shot her an amused look.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, my dear Fuckslut...I didn't make you say anything untruthful. I just...encouraged it to come out.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuckslut is your bottom bitch and it makes her so wet when you play with her mind! Fuckslut wants you to do it any time you want!<<if $phCassandraToyChange is 1>> Fuckslut thinks you owning her is even hotter than these toys you put inside her!<</if>>">>
Cassy gasped and looked down, her face flaming cutely. You let out a deep groan. She couldn't help herself from telling you every sexy thought that crossed her mind. You had turned her into your personal fucktoy inside of a few keystrokes. She could not resist and didn't want to.<</if>><<if $phCassandra.sex is 6>><<set $phCassandraToyChange to 1>>You chuckled to yourself as you flipped through menus. You weren't sure that there would be an option for what you wante- Oh! Of course there was.
Cassy strut forward to the monitor again, bending over to offer an ample view of the valley of her cleavage.
<<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut is worried about what you've got planned! Fuckslut is also really excited to find out though...<<else>>You know, when it's not a quick change I start to get worried, $phCassandra.Address...Finding everything okay?<</if>>">>
You ignored her, navigating the menus with one hand as your other continued to <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rub between your legs<<else>>stroke your erection<</if>> slowly. The screen that came up was almost like an RPG inventory. A diagram of Cassy's body filled the center of the screen with a number of dropdown menus pointing to various places. You clicked on the line pointing to her ass.
''Anal Vibrator - 9 inch - Normal''
<<nm $phCassandra "<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Aww, Fuckslut can barely see you through all of those menus! What are you messing wit-.<<else>>Aww, I can barely see you through all of those menus! Just what are you messing wit-.<</if>>">>
Cassy's eyes nearly crossed. She yelped in surprise as a buzzing sound filled the air and her hands snapped back to <<if $phCassandraAssChange is 1>>her enlarged rear<<else>>her pert rear<</if>>! The bulbous end of a vibrator now protruded from her back entrance, and judging from the way she danced from one foot the other it was buzzing quite energetically.
She grasped the tip and pulled hard, the toy sliding free from her body and eliciting a long moan from the digital woman. She held it in front of herself, her jaw dropping in surprise. You, meanwhile, were clicking on the box pointed between her legs.
''Vaginal Vibrator - 12 inch - Persistent''
Cassy gasped and fell to her knees, her body arching forward as she dropped the vibrator and clutched at her sex. You could see the base of the new toy spreading her wide. In addition to being long, it was obviously thicker than the one behind as the digitized woman moaned with the unexpected pleasure of it. Again, she pulled on the base and again the toy slid outward...
...until the very tip was in danger of leaving her sex. Then it abruptly reversed course, slamming home again so hard that Cassy's hips actually rose an inch or three into the air and she tossed her head back to give a full-throated scream.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck! Oh fuck! <<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 1>>Fuckslut can't take it out! Her tight little cunny is stretched on a huge cock for $phCassandra.Address!<<else>>I can't get it out! Can't take it out! Oh fuck, it's so big!<</if>>">>
''Anal Vibrator - 12 inch - Persistent/Thrusting''
<<nm $phCassandra "AHHHHHHHH!">>
Cassy bucked, hard, as the new toy appeared in her backside.<<if $phCassandraCumChange is 1>> You nearly lifted your hand to snap and set her off again but, frankly, she didn't need the help.<</if>> You could see the toy working itself in and out of her ass, six inches or so pulling out only to thrust back in a second late. Cassy ground her body against the floor for nearly a full minute before she was able to catch her breath and climb shakily to her feet again, the toys still lodged firmly where they should be. You smiled at her brightly. You were, after all, enjoying the show.<</if>><<set $phCassyTopStrokeTimer -= 1>><<if $phCassyTopStrokeTimer > 0>>
You couldn't leave it there. Your hand was still working at your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy<<else>>cock<</if>> and you could feel your pleasure rising, but you were sure you could hold yourself back long enough to enjoy one more trick. Even if Cassy couldn't touch you, there was still so much for you to enjoy.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phCassandraAssChange is 0>>[[Inflate Her Ass|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 3]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandraCumChange is 0>>[[Program Her To Cum On Command|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 4]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandraFuckslutChange is 0>>[[Toy With Her Mind|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 5]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandraToyChange is 0>>[[Stuff Her With Toys|CassySexTopAddendum][$phCassandra.sex to 6]]<</if>>
<</nobr>>@@<</if>><<if $phCassyTopStrokeTimer is 0>>
You couldn't help it. Seeing Cassy altered to your every whim was too much for you. Your hand began to blur <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>between your thighs<<else>>on your shaft<</if>> and the pleasure made your toes curl. You leaned back in your seat and let out a long moan.
You had to @@.choice;[[CUM!|CassySexTop][$phCassandra.sex to 7]]
<</if>><<set $phJolie.recharge to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake lt 5>><<set $phJolie.focus_shake += 1>><</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 2>>@@.narrative;CLICK CLICK CLICK@@
Jolie held the burger between her fingers and beamed for the camera. Despite the fact that you were actually filming in a cleared section of the food court with a half dozen workers flitting about, that a director was giving out a ceaseless barrage of instructions and motivations, and the seemingly infinite number of hot lights were aimed directly at her, she gave every appearance of being relaxed and happy as she enjoyed her meal.
Of course, most of the staff were simulacra and had easily been assembled on a whim, but Jolie didn't know that. The director, though, was real. A brusque and businesslike woman that Mason had called in when you had explained what you needed. She hadn't batted an eye at any of the strangeness of the shoot, the working staff, or having to suddenly arrive ready to operate inside an hour's notice. You might have to ask Mason about that someday.
You had other concerns at the moment though. It was clear Jolie was enjoying herself, despite the heat and stress and pressure of what she was doing. There was something in her eyes, though, that caught your attention. When the director called for the still shots, or angled her in particular ways, you saw her smile lose just a fraction of wattage. Something still bothered her, even in the opportunity of a lifetime.
You gave a nod to the director and she shrugged, pointed at the photographer, and announced they needed to set up the next round of shots, but everyone should be back within fifteen minutes. The simulacra began to mill aimlessly, but you made a beeline for Jolie with a bottle of water in your hand. She smiled gratefully at you, and dabbed sweat off her brow with a small towel.
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you, thank you. It is, how you say, hot in the kitchen?">>
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. How're you holding up?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, it is not so bad. I am impressed that you use actual food. Most places have to cheat. You know, glue for milk and that sort of thing, but your burgers look good enough I guess they can just use them!">>
You laughed and pulled a chair close to the woman, watching as the group began to set up the next scene. They changed the orientation of the chair and tables this way and that, according to some criteria that only the director seemed to be aware of. Jolie sighed and took another swig from the water.
<<nm $phJolie "Is certainly not the worst thing I have had to do. Acting in America is...challenging to break into. Sometimes you have to take a few jobs just to keep the lights on. This is way better than that.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Had a couple of risque modeling offers, didn't you? Oh, don't be shy, with your figure, I know it's true!">>
Jolie flushed a bit and shot you a bashful smile. You could see the sudden discomfort wash over her at your words. Yes, you were getting close to the mark.
<<nm $phJolie "Never shy. I think people are a little more prudish here, about things like that, but the shoots...never went very well. Difficult. The same poses again and again, but they never turn out right, yes? I am thinking maybe they can tell that I don't like to be...ogled that way, and who wants pictures if the model is not happy in them?">>
You opened your mouth to add something, but Jolie stood up and stretched before you could. She handed you the empty water bottle back and offered a wide smile.
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you for the glass, I appreciate it. I'd better go see where they want me for the next shots. You will come to the next set, yes? I would love to talk when they are all finished.">>
You knew a retreat when you heard one. Jolie clearly wasn't ready to get into that subject any deeper right now. Good thing you had told her there would be a second round of photos scheduled on another day. You stood up and returned the smile.
<<nm $phYou "Of course. Break a leg, you're doing just fine.">>
The blonde beamed at you, and then turned around to return to the director. Soon enough, the click of the camera was again reverberating through the space, and the stream of directorial commands was flowing again. You watched Jolie smile and laugh and prance for the camera while you thought things over.
Risque photoshoots. You genuinely weren't surprised she'd been asked, as you privately expected that almost ever model had been. Still, that wasn't enough to get her onto your radar. If all she wished for was a modeling gig that didn't involve taking her clothes off, she already had one. You could still see the occasional uncertainty and discontent in her eyes, though, so there was absolutely something more to this model's inner heart.
You wouldn't get it today, though. You'd made progress, but you'd better return to your own work. You stood up from the table, pitched the water bottle into the trash, and shot one last look behind you at the busy shoot.
@@.choice;
[[Oh, To Be A Star|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]
@@<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 3>>The camera clicked one last time, immortalizing the smiling blonde behind the counter in her brightly-colored uniform. She was cheerful, she was perky, and she was obviously ready to take any customer's order with her whole heart and mind focused on the task! Clearly, she lived for nothing else!
Or at least, that was the fantasy you were selling. In mall called Paradise, it actually wasn't far from the truth. The simulacra behind the counters really were that eager to listen, but you couldn't exactly advertise that.
You stood and applauded as the director scrutinized the last photograph on the digital display and nodded her satisfaction. The simulacra around you all echoed the sound, and Jolie actually blushed. She gave a little curtsey toward the crew as they began to break down the set.
You took the tall blonde another water and she accepted gratefully, wrapping a towel around the back of her neck. You could still feel the residual heat from the hot lights, and you were demonic! How on earth did ordinary models cope with that?
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you so much! I am so glad they got everything they wanted. Now it is just, how you say, the waiting game?">>
<<nm $phYou "Always the worst part, at least for me. You were a natural out there, though. How long have you been doing this?">>
She smiled at you as she sipped the water, moving to sit down at one of the tables as the whole set was broken down around you. The uniform was one size smaller than would actually be given to anyone her size, and it hugged her curves quite nicely. You saw her look down when she sat, though, and she quickly shifted her arms in front of herself to ruin the view.
<<nm $phJolie "A long time. I was an early bloomer, I think it is called. Very good in some ways, not so good in others, if you know what I mean. I wanted to act, and it certainly helped to model first. Not so much at school or the social circles, you know?">>
You must have looked confused, because she shot you an indulgent smile and gestured down at her front.
<<nm $phJolie "If you go home one summer and return with a new haircut, girls will notice, but it is ordinary. If you go home one summer and return with more considerable...changes, you will be noticed //and// talked about. It was a very eventful year, it seems. I went home as a good student and a good friend. When I returned, I was suddenly sleeping with the instructors for grades and stealing boyfriends. At least to hear them tell it.">>
You could imagine. You had had a hard enough time adjusting to the weight that Lazren had put on your chest even as an adult, and you weren't surrounded by a bunch of mean-spirited teenagers.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry to hear that. A lot of comments, huh?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Comments. Questions. Suspicions. Papers got graded lower, and there was a lot of reminders that I wasn't allowed to copy from my neighbors. No one will //say// having a chest and a brain at once is impossible, but they will act like it. I tried to hide them for a while. When that failed, I shifted to showing them off. They look at you the same way, but at least you get paid for it.">>
She sighed, her eyes locked on the middle distance. Her tone was oddly resigned, with none of the bitterness that you would have expected. Still, you could hear the longing in her voice. This was part of what she desired strongly enough to bring you down.
<<nm $phYou "You ever wish you didn't blossom quite so much?">>
<<nm $phJolie "No, no! I mean...yes, when I was young, but not now. I like me. I wouldn't want to hide anything, even to blend in. I just wish--">>
You were suddenly jostled to one side. A woman had come up to the pair of you, holding a tray in her hands. She looked expectantly at Jolie with a hand on her hip, and very angrily explained that her order had been taken wrong, and Jolie was going to have to fix it.
You glared up at the woman. The simulacra had taken apart all the obvious signs of the photoshoot, people were beginning to filter back into the empty tables, and Jolie //was// wearing the uniform. You opened your mouth to tell the woman to get lost.
Jolie stopped you with a hand on your arm, offering a small shrug. She stood, and gave her best beaming smile to the woman.
<<nm $phJolie "It's okay, $phJolie.Address. I'll take care of this. I will see you when the photos are ready, yes? Okay, ma'am, let's go ahead and get this fixed for you. Right over there, yes?">>
She turned and walked toward the restaurant and the angry woman trailed behind her. You fumed and made all sorts of truly vicious plans to repay the interruption. Jolie had been so //close// to telling you. She was embarrassed about her curves, but she didn't want a reduction. The ability to blend in, maybe? Nicer friends? More concealing clothes?
Too late now. Even if she returned, you doubted you could resume the narrative from scratch. You let out a breath and stood. You still had time, though. Jolie would be interested to see the results of the photo shoot, and you could talk then. For now, you should probably just return to your work.
And maybe think of a punishment for certain @@.choice;[[Pushy, Interrupting Jerks.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 4>><<nm $phYou "Ready?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, Please! I cannot wait much longer!">>
You grinned at removed your hands from her eyes, turning Jolie to face the advertisement now freshly adorning the wall of the food court. It was a huge spread featuring Jolie in a tight t-shirt. She held the straw of a milkshake between her lips and her eyes were opened wide with perfectly stunned wonder at just how //good// it tasted!
Jolie put her hand over her mouth and flashed you a beaming smile even wider than anything she had shown on the day of the shoot.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh wow! Thank you, $pmaam! I...It came out so wonderfully! Thank you, thank you!">>
It really had. You weren't sure if Mason had handled it himself or outsourced it to some infernal ad agency, but the picture was crisp and bright and drew the eye on all of the right places. The pair of you admired it for several full seconds before you turned her back toward your table, offering over a folder of colored photographs.
<<nm $phYou "These are for you, if you need them for headshots or anything. We'll be using the marked ones for some of our flyers, so look for the extra paychecks as we get rolling there.">>
Jolie beamed as she flipped through the stacks. The director knew her business. All of the shots were professional, flattering, and perfectly framed. The tall woman's eyes were shining as she turned toward you.
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you so much! This has really been-.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Young Man" "Oh wow! Look at those bazongas!">>
You and Jolie both looked up at the call. A pair of young men, teenagers really, were standing beneath the advertisement. One of them reached up and slapped his hand against the picture directly over Jolie's photographed chest.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Young Man" "Mooooooo! Those are huge! If that's what they grow, we need to get some of the milk shakes and bring them in for class for all the flat girls we've got. You think they're real?">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Friend" "Nah, man, no way! They're always implants. You know she probably does porn on the side. Look at her!">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Young Man" "Yeah, you're right! Still, wouldn't mind getting ahold of those, real or not, you know? C'mon, let's get something to eat.">>
You frowned and turned back to Jolie, an apology on your lips. You expected to find her angry, or hurt, or upset...but she wasn't. She just looked...suddenly tired. The blonde heaved a huge sigh, and her face suddenly lit with that same glowing desire that had brought you to her in the first place.
<<nm $phYou "...Jolie?">>
<<nm $phJolie "It is okay. They are young, and it is not as though sex appeal was not part of the advertisement, no? I understand. I am paid to be pretty and available. I do not mind that. I just...">>
She hesitated a moment, wrapping her arms around her impressive chest. You opted not to interrupt her. The glow coming from her was shining brightly now, and you fought to keep from squinting. Jolie would not understand the expression, given she couldn't see the light she was putting off.
<<nm $phJolie "I wish I could turn it off. Every time someone treats me like a pair of...tits, you know? I hear all the snickering from high school all over again. I wish I could turn off all the worries, and second guessing, and shame and just enjoy that they are enjoying me, yes? That...desire is probably wrong, isn't it?">>
You flashed your best smile and extended a hand to Jolie's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. She looked up at you with uncertainty in her eyes.
<<nm $phYou "...I think it is what it is. We want what we want but, to be honest, if that one's wrong, I don't think it's very high up on the list. I want a lot of worse things than that.">>
Jolie smiled and raised a hand to your arm, squeezing back. The light emitting from her slowly died away as she took a deep breath, obviously shifting gears.
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you, $phJolie.Address. I will take these photographs home, yes? It will be a pleasure to have them. Please don't hesitate to call if you need me for anything. Anything, really! Even if it is not actually work.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, dear. I'll keep that in mind. This is your day. Enjoy yourself! Enjoy the photos! We'll catch up on some future opportunities the next time I see you.">>
The tall woman smiled again and made a few more pleasantries before collecting the folder of photos and going on her way. Your mind was already racing, though. She hadn't wanted smaller breasts, or for people to stop noticing her, or even the perfect model's body. She just wished she could stop worrying and be happy with what she had, even while it was being ogled.
That, you were sure, could be arranged. It was time to drop in on Mason and see if he had a foci in mind that might help. Jolie's worries were not long for this world.
You walked back out into the foodcourt, @@.choice;[[Whistling Happily To Yourself As You Did.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You're able to call in some help from Mason and the tower, and soon have a director and a whole team of simulacra functioning as a commercial photo shoot. In between Jolie posing for the food commercials and posters, you're able to get a few words in with the star, who talks about the life of a starving artist. When you ask if she's ever been offered a risque job, Jolie confirms that she has and that she's done a few, but that they've never gone well.
You can tell this is related to her desire, but she's not ready to open up yet. You let her get back to the photo shoot and quietly @@.choice;[[Made Your Escape.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
Another day of cameras and modeling. You again talk to Jolie for a while in between scenes, and she talks a little about her childhood. She confesses that puberty hit her, and her chest, quite suddenly over one summer and that the girls of her school were quite cruel about it. She found even the adults treated her as less intelligent and respectable when her cup size had increased. Eventually, she'd decided to embrace it and started acting.
You asked if she ever wanted them smaller, and were surprised when she said no. She was about to tell you what she //did// want when you were rudely interrupted by a customer who thought her photo shoot uniform made her an employee.
With a few choice curses under your breath for the customer, you resolved to @@.choice;[[Finish The Conversation Later.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You brought Jolie back to the food court to celebrate a giant advertisement going up on the wall, one of several coming from the campaign. Jolie is delighted with the picture, but the mood is dampened when some passing customers see the billboard and comment about her tits, unaware that the real model is within earshot. Jolie turns pensive and, in a quiet conversation, admits that she likes her chest the way it is, but that she wishes she could just turn her brain off and not mind that people wanted to reduce her to just a pretty body part. She tells you that her failure to 'switch off' is what caused all those risque photo shoots to turn out so badly.
Helping Jolie get rid of her hang ups is something you could definitely do. After a few more comforting words, you made a mental note to speak to Mason @@.choice;[[Very Soon.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake gt 4>>You caught up with Jolie for a while. She told you about some new jobs she'd been offered, none of which sounded nearly as good as yours, and what she'd be doing the next week. In turn, you make some vague comments about upcoming projects and plans you might have in the future.
Jolie would keep coming back, at least for a while. She liked you, and your contracts were more than generous. You just had to be ready to take the next step. Jolie wanted to be able to fully embrace her body and not be so worried about being defined by it. When you were ready, you knew that was a gift you could give her.
Eventually, Jolie made her excuses, gave you a soft hug, and departed. You stayed behind for a little while longer, sipping on a milkshake and letting ideas run through your head. Finally, you stood and stretched.
@@.choice;
[[Soon Enough|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<</if>><<set $phJolie.recharge to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp < 5>><<set $phJolie.focus_comp += 1>><</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 2>><<nm $phJolie "If that's the way you want it, then I guess you can just stay here and rot like all the rest of your pathetic family! You'll be trapped here until...until...What was the line?">>
Jolie's tirade cut off mid-rant as you looked down at the page in front of you helpfully, scanning for the appropriate section.
<<nm $phYou "'Until the mountains have been ground into the sea and the forest reaches to the heavens'. Ah...Very poetic, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phJolie "The whole //play// is like that, I'm afraid. Let's rest a moment. I am beginning to...how you say...lose steam?">>
The blonde sat down heavily on the chair across from you and flipped her ponytail from one shoulder to behind her back. You slid the script back over to her and smiled. Assisting with the practice hadn't been all that taxing and the play itself had actually been engaging fairly engaging despite the clunky dialogue. The writer clearly had a taste for the melodrama and you had the added stimulation of the fact you were practicing the scenes out of order and had no idea of the context of any of them.
<<nm $phYou "How long do you have to learn it?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Not very long at all. The play is already running. I was part of the chorus, but the original actress left and the understudy will be unable to make one performance. They thought I had what it takes. Given the role is a wicked step sister, I am uncertain if that is a mark in my favor.">>
<<nm $phYou "All this work for just one night?">>
Jolie flashed you a wry grin and nodded, gesturing toward the script in front of her.
<<nm $phJolie "Just one night, yes, but it's a test. If they like me, if I do it well...who knows? The acting world is very close. Everyone sees everyone else's shows, if only to be jealous. Perhaps if one of them liked my performance, I can arrange another, and another after that, and so on. That is what we all hope, anyway.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not what you know, but who you know? Or, rather, who knows you?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes! That is it exactly! So I will do my best. I've always loved to be on stage, even when I was a small girl. My father was a carpenter, and he worked on many props and backgrounds for a little stage company when I was growing up. The stage was a wonderland, with such strange and beautiful things hidden behind the curtains. I always imagined when the curtains closed that the world of the actors kept going. That long after the audience went home, the songs and dances were still happening.">>
She chuckled and you followed suit. You could easily see how a child might become fascinated with what happened to the characters she'd been watching after the play ended. You eyed her out of the corner of your eye. She had a wistful expression on her face as she thought back, but none of the intense glow that signaled her deepest desire. You felt a mild disappointment at that. No foci about entering into the world of the stage play in your future. That could have been fun.
<<nm $phJolie "Even if I am not noticed, at least it has been a fun experience. I think I am going to review some more at home. I need to walk around and...how you say...clear my head for a while before I am ready to memorize. This was a great help, though. Perhaps, if you are not too busy, you can drop in again? It is wonderful to have a partner to work with.">>
<<nm $phYou "As much as I can. I'd love to help, Jolie. Good luck with the memorizing. I'm sure you'll be the most wicked step sister ever imagined.">>
The tall woman beamed at you, leaned forward to give you a kiss on both cheeks, and then collected her papers to leave. You watched her go thoughtfully for a moment as you shut down the computer you'd been idly browsing between scene practices.
You had no doubt what Jolie wanted was tied in with the play that she was doing. When you'd first encountered her, you had seen the glow right as she talked about it. Despite knowing that, though, you hadn't been able to shake loose exactly what she wanted yet.
You still had some time before she performed. You made a mental note to drop in again when your schedule permitted and stood up from the desk.
Time to return to your own form of @@.choice;[[Fairy Tale.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 3>><<nm $phJolie "If that's the way you want it, then I guess you can just stay here and rot like all the rest of your pathetic family! You'll be trapped here until the mountains have been ground into the sea and the forest reaches to the heavens! You'll stay down here, all alone, until you've forgotten what the sun feels like! You'll-...Oh, this isn't working, is it?">>
Jolie dropped out of her ranting, shouting voice and then dropped herself into the chair across from you. You cocked your head to one side and wobbled a hand back and forth. You didn't get the sense she was the sort who just wanted sympathy and support.
<<nm $phYou "Honestly? You've got the volume, but I'm not sure that I'm believing it just yet. Maybe that's the writing. It's poetic, but it's not very natural.">>
<<nm $phJolie "It's natural when Janette reads it...Oh! So sorry! She's the actress playing the part right now, the one who is going to miss a day? No, it is not the writing. I am just struggling with...how you say? I am not sure. Being a bad person.">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't like playing the villain? Don't they get all the best lines and songs?">>
Jolie shared a grin with you and shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phJolie "I know, I know! And I'm //fine// with all of that! I can pretend to kick puppies and strut my stuff and sing about how mean I am, but when I have to shout at a //person// in particular I...I don't know. It gets different. I want them to know I don't really mean it. I suppose that is not the best mindset for acting.">>
<<nm $phYou "The point is usually to make sure no one can tell if you mean it or not, yes. I can see the problem!">>
Jolie slapped your shoulder, more amused than offended by your agreement. She sighed, and her expression went a little distant.
<<nm $phJolie "I was always bad at lying, growing up. I had friends who could sneak out or stay up late or do whatever they wanted, but the moment I opened my mouth my parents knew. Always, every time. So I stopped trying. I would just be honest and take the punishment, if there was any. Maybe a good way to live. Not a very good way to act. I just wish I had an easier time with this sort of thing.">>
This time you caught it. A little glimmer around her. It wasn't quite the glow that you'd seen before, but it was beginning to move in that direction. You were getting closer.
<<nm $phYou "...You wish you could lie better?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Not lie, exactly! Just...something to make it easier. To let me focus me on-.">>
A sudden electronic chirp cut you off. Jolie glanced down at her pocket and pulled out a small silver phone. She checked the screen, and then looked up apologetically.
<<nm $phJolie "So sorry! They want to get some sizes from me. They need to modify one of the costume pieces because we are not...how you say...shaped the same? I must go. Thank you so much! I do feel better for having someone to talk to! When next we meet, perhaps I shall recount how well the performance went!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll look forward to it, Jolie. Go, go, don't let me hold you up. But I want to hear about it when all is said and done, okay?">>
The blonde woman nodded and gave a theatrical little bow in place before she hurried out the door. You let her leave, then snapped your fingers in sudden frustration. She had been very close. Something about acting, or lying, that she wanted. Something to do with the role she had been given.
Oh well. You could be patient. She would be back to tell you how the performance went and you were quite sure she'd be more willing to talk then. You would just have to come by one more time.
@@.choice;
[[C'est La Vie|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 4>>You could see the change the moment you saw Jolie. She didn't have any papers with her today. She wasn't a bundle of energy, moving around the room like a bee buzzing from flower to flower. Her hands weren't moving with the mental contours of the scene she was praticing in her head.
She just sat, staring at the computer's login screen but not actually seeing it. Her mind was clearly a million miles away, and when you politely coughed she jerked in her seat like you had materialized from nothing.
<<nm $phYou "...Sorry. Bad time?">>
<<nm $phJolie "No! No, it is okay. I was...how you say...Ah...">>
She fumbled for a moment, licking her lips. Finally, she just shrugged at you helplessly.
<<nm $phYou "...Lost in thought? I could see that. Do I need to ask how things went?">>
The blonde laughed and turned in her chair to face you, her expression pensive. She shook her head.
<<nm $phJolie "Not as bad as you may fear. I did not fall off the stage, or forget my lines, or get my dress caught in any scenery. It was...fine.">>
You didn't bother commenting on that. You just waited. Finally, Jolie sighed.
<<nm $phJolie "...But that is all it was. Fine. I performed my lines, but...they were just me. Reading lines. They were not the villain. I did not mean it. At the end...they appluaded, politely. The director thanked me for my assistance, but I know they will not call me again. I did not impress.">>
You debated arguing with her. You could tell her she was being too hard on herself and that the director might well have liked her performance more than she thinks, but Jolie wasn't fishing for compliments. Her voice was as absolutely sure of this as she was the sky was blue.
<<nm $phYou "...I'm sorry. I know you didn't have a lot of time to prepare for things, but I know you worked hard at it.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, I did. I always have. But it never quite works. There is always too much me, in these things. You can always tell what I really think. If only...">>
She paused, searching for the words, and you found yourself leaning forward like an audience member on the edge of their seat. She was glowing again, and the light of desire was in her eyes. This was what she wanted.
<<nm $phYou "...If only?">>
<<nm $phJolie "If only I could just...step into a role, completely. To forget myself, and be who I want to be at that second. To leave Jolie behind and exist as someone else, for a time. Anyone else I wanted to be. Oh, how much fun that would be! I could be anything I wished, and it would be believed, because it would be //true//!">>
That was it. You could see the way the aura pouring off her brightened to near incandescence when she finally spoke the words, and then immediately began to fade again as she shook her head and giggled, self-consciously.
<<nm $phJolie "Forgive me. I am not going to be good company today. But life goes on, yes? Give me a day. The next time I see you, I promise I will have a new script and a new...how you say...song in my heart?">>
You didn't argue and instead allowed her to make her excuses. You shared another few polite lines as she escaped out the door, but it was your turn for your mind to be elsewhere.
She wanted to leave herself behind, completely. To inhabit a role with all of her being. You knew there were method actors who threw themselves into a role with everything they had, but even they couldn't quite turn off their real selves. They knew there were cameras, and scripts, and an audience to keep in mind. Actually stepping into someone's shoes was impossible, even for them.
But not for you. The impossible was just another day for you. You had Jolie's deepest wish, so all you needed to do was make a visit to Mason's office in order to grant it.
Jolie was ready and @@.choice;[[So Were You.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp gt 4>>You chatted with Jolie for a while, sharing jokes, stories, and history. Jolie talked often about the theater, both past and present. As before, she admitted that she wasn't particularly good at lying, for an actress. That might be a noble trait, but it would forever limit the kind of roles she could take to only those that matched her real opinions.
You could fix that. Jolie wanted the ability to step into a new person's shoes and really become someone new. That was beyond the range of any actor or actress, but not a succubus. You knew she would be ready whenever you were ready to help her overcome her limits.
After chatting for a while, the pair of you finally said your goodbyes and went your separate ways. Jolie was no doubt going to return to her acting and searching for new roles to inhabit. You would be spending your time thinking up some more...permanent parts for the blonde woman.
But, for now, it was @@.choice;[[Back To Work.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 2>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
You helped Jolie do script readings for an upcoming play. She's a temporary understudy taking over the role of a villain in the story, but she is hoping that she'll be noticed if she performs well and will be offered future opportunities. Her father was a carpenter and often worked on stage productions, which is where she developed her love for theater. Though you don't discover anything about her deeper desires, she's very grateful with your help and you promise to come see her again before the player is actually scheduled to take place.
Practice complete, you @@.choice;[[Went Your Separate Ways.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 3>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
Jolie was still practicing for her performance, but shared some worries with you. While she knows it is not real, she still struggled with being mean and cruel to another person and feared that her performance would suffer due to her discomfort with such villainy. She confessed that she has always had difficulty lying, despite being an actress, and very nearly confesses her true desire when a poorly timed call interrupts your conversation and forces her to leave early.
You cursed, but knew you would have to @@.choice;[[Wait For Next Time.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 4>>@@.narrative; Summary Mode@@
Jolie was muted and depressed when you found her. She reported that the performance went well enough, but that her acting did not impress anyone and she doubted she made enough of an impression to be sought out again. She then told you what she really wished. She wished she could truly inhabit another role when she was acting, and inhabit someone else on absolute level. There would be no seeing through her acting because there would be no acting at all. She would become her roles completely.
You knew that was her innermost desire, and that Mason would already have ideas for a foci. After a little more small talk, you @@.choice;[[Departed.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp gt 4>>You chatted with Jolie for a while, sharing jokes, stories, and history. Jolie talked often about the theater, both past and present. As before, she admitted that she wasn't particularly good at lying, for an actress. That might be a noble trait, but it would forever limit the kind of roles she could take to only those that matched her real opinions.
You could fix that. Jolie wanted the ability to step into a new person's shoes and really become someone new. That was beyond the range of any actor or actress, but not a succubus. You knew she would be ready whenever you were ready to help her overcome her limits.
After chatting for a while, the pair of you finally said your goodbyes and went your separate ways. Jolie was no doubt going to return to her acting and searching for new roles to inhabit. You would be spending your time thinking up some more...permanent parts for the blonde woman.
But, for now, it was @@.choice;[[Back To Work.|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Jolie")>><<if $phJolie.focus_comp is 6>><<set $phJolie.focus_shake to 8>><<nm $phMason "Absolutely. I will immediately set upon making an appropriate design. This should not be //difficult// but it will be somewhat time consuming. Return in a few hours and I should have your item.">>
You left the man to his work. It wasn't easy, but you were able to distract yourself with the spreadsheets and numbers and mundane duties that took up so much of your time these days. It wasn't until the lights in the office began to flicker several hours later that you couldn't resist your curiosity any longer. You stood up, sharing a few short comments with $phSamantha.name as you made your way back to the lab.
Muffled noises echoed through the door and your knock elicited no indication that anyone heard you over the din. You cracked the door open, gently, and were immediately assault by a cacophony of competing sounds. All of them were voices, but there were so many and they covered such a wide array of moods, accents, languages, and volumes that it all melded together into a pure soup of meaningless static. You braced yourself against the sound, and stepped inside.
Lights flickered through the R&D lab. Every computer screen was alight with rapidly flickering color. It took you a few seconds to realize that the meaningless lights were actually images snapping from one to another too fast for your eyes to follow. You walked deeper into the lab and your brow knit with confusion.
Finally, you reached the back of the lab. Mason stood on an upraised dias with a set of heavy welder's goggles over his eyes. It made him look like a supervillain in an 80s TV show, an image not helped by the two large antenna on either side of his work bench both pumping out bright, glowing bands of energy that stretched down in a V to land right before him. There was something on the table under all of that light, but you couldn't see what it was.
<<nm $phYou "Mason! What are you doing?!">>
You had to repeat the question twice before he seemed to hear you, looking over his shoulder with an exuberant expression. He raised his voice to be heard over the noise.
<<nm $phMason "You're just in time! Forgive me! The humans have increased the size of the internet exponentially since the last time I performed this sort of operation! We should almost be done, though...in fact, yes, here it comes!">>
He pointed back toward the front of the lab, and you realized that the monitors that you had first passed had stopped flashing, the flickering images replaced with a single word.
Complete.
One by one, the processes began to finish, working their way from the door and back toward the pair of you like a slowly crashing wave. The noise was dying down as well, resolving itself into fewer and fewer human voices. You heard lines that were clearly Shakespearian in nature, as well as the orgasmic moans and disjointed cries of someone having a very intimate encounter. It made for a very strange mixture.
When the bands of electric energy suddenly vanished with the last of the dialogue, the silence and dark actually left you reeling for a handful of seconds. Mason shifted his goggles up to his forehead with one set of hands as he reached in front of him with the other. Delicately, he lifted a small swatch of black material from the workbench as he turned toward you.
It was...honestly unassuming. It was a domino mask. The sort of things that superheroes would wear on old shows, but now were usually just used for jokes about how no one could identify the hero even if 80% of their face was still uncovered. It was made of some kind of shiny black material, except for the eyes, which were white. You had to assume the color change marked a material that was see-through from the inside, or else it wasn't going to do very well as a mask. As Mason laid it carefully across your fingers, you could feel the warmth of the material against your skin, but there was little sign it was being struck with electricity only seconds ago.
<<nm $phYou "That's it?">>
<<nm $phMason "That's it. Give this to the young lady, with my compliments. I believe she'll find that her days of having any difficulty stepping into a role are quite complete. Everything ever written, performed, and recorded is currently held in your hands.">>
You stared down at the item with fresh respect, cocked your head to one side, and got a better grip on the item. Part of you hoped he'd been a little selective about which parts of the internet he'd used for the download, though you had a suspicion that he believe in completeness over curation.
Oh well. You guessed you would find out @@.choice;[[Soon Enough.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.focus_shake is 6>><<set $phJolie.focus_comp to 8>><<nm $phMason "Yes, $phMason.address. We'll begin right away, assuming you have the time.">>
That surprised you a bit. Mason had always struck you as a solitary type, and you certainly didn't have any expertise in crafting magic.
<<nm $phYou "...We? You need my help?">>
<<nm $phMason "But of course. We'll be inducing the change through an aural link, one that will ease Miss Durand's mind into a more relaxed way of thinking, and then suggest ways that her body could conform to the image in her mind. Such hypnotic suggestions work best when the voice is one that the subject already trusts, as we would otherwise have to build a rapport before any such alteration could begin. This would be a significant waste of energy.">>
You hesitated for a few seconds as Mason began pulling parts out of shelves and storage units all around you. Microphones, USB flash drives, and even what looked like one of those child toys where you pulled the string and the machine told you the name of an animal.
<<nm $phYou "You want //me// to do the voice? How long will it take her to change?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not long. In the past, with a subject that was predisposed to the position, it typically took around fifteen minutes or so to complete the majority of the changes. I would, however, recommend allowing the playlist to run a little longer even after the physical alterations have been completed. It is wise to make sure she's settled in fully to her new reality.">>
15 minutes. That wouldn't be too long of a recording, then. You could get back to work with only a little-
<<nm $phMason "Of course, we'll be making a reactive file that chooses how to entice her based upon her reactions to each section. Recording each possible permutation should only take three or four hours at the very most, I would guess. Our queen did increase your stamina, did she not? I would still recommend we lay in a supply of tea and honey before we begin, though. Constant speaking does have a deleterious effect on one's voice.">>
You sighed. Crap.
<hr>
Hours later, your voice had indeed been reduced to a croaky shamble. Mason had been able to feed you the lines and instruct you on how to read them in a calm, even, and seductive tone. You had gone through every possible permutation of reassurance, encouragement, and inducement you could possibly imagine. That had been entertaining for the first half hour or so, but you were very pleased when Mason had finally signaled to you that your task was done.
You sat in the lab drinking the warm tea and felt the heat coaxing some of the pain out of your throat. In fact, you had barely been silent for more than a few minutes when you realized it no longer hurt to swallow. No surprise, given that the body Lazren had gifted you seemed to have few limits. By the time Mason returned to you holding a set of headphones and an iPod like box in his hands, you were able to speak in something approaching your normal voice.
<<nm $phYou "Is that it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes $phMason.address. The audio file is already loaded and prime. It merely awaits Miss Durand's presence. I would recommend describing it as a self-help file. It should put her into a receptive mood.">>
He offered you the headset and the iPod and you took them, looking down at the plastic with bemusement bubbling up inside you. They looked so unassuming, but you had no doubt the items had all the power Mason claimed they did.
<<nm $phYou "We aren't...really erasing her mind or anything, are we?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address. I assure you that this file would be completely ineffective against anyone who did not share the young lady's inner desires. The energy within the file is there to provide both the magical muscle and the guidance to bring her to a desirable conclusion, but it will be her mind that ultimately shapes the final outcome.">>
That was good. You liked Jolie, and you wanted to give her what she wanted, not have your tower become some kind of horror movie. You stood, the headphones held loosely between your hands.
As Mason had said, it was loaded and primed. All you needed now was @@.choice;[[Jolie.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 0>><<nm $phYou "Actually, if you've got the time, I'd love to talk to you for a while, in one of the offices. I have a gift for you, actually.">>
Jolie's surprised expression said she was pretty sure //you// shouldn't be getting //her// gifts, given the work you had lined up for her, but she was delighted all the same. A broad grin threatened to split her features.
<<nm $phJolie "A gift? Oh, you are too kind! You have done so much for me already! Okay, okay, I will not complain. But you cannot give it here?">>
<<nm $phYou "Wouldn't want anyone getting jealous, would we? I know where an office we can use is. Don't worry, it's not far.">>
You led the blonde woman into the back of the food court and down a long hallway. There was indeed a spartan office set up on the side of the hall. Jolie had no way of knowing it was only there because you requested it. The tower had little need for supervisor spaces.
<<nm $phJolie "You have done so much for me<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> and been such a friend<<else>>, ma'am,<</if>> and now a gift? What did I do to earn such things?">>
<<nm $phYou "You were you. That's all. I've actually been thinking about the other day when we were putting up the posters for the first time. Do you remember? We talked a lot about worries and body image?">>
Jolie cocked her head to one side, as though she weren't entirely sure she was following what you were saying. She didn't interrupt you, though, and instead just gave a slow, bemused nod. You reached into your jacket, and withdrew the small headphone set from your jacket pocket, along with the music player already synced up with it. Jolie's confusion grew even more at the sight.
<<nm $phYou "I've got...something of an interesting job here, Jolie. I don't just manage a lot of the shops and the businesses, but I'm also looking for people that I can help. People who need just a little bit of extra push to get something they want. People like you. I had this made for you. There's a recording on it, one that will help with your worries, if you want it to. One that will make you a little happier.">>
Jolie blinked, her head now cocking in the other direction. Her eyes flicked from the headphones, to you, and back again. You extended the set over to her, and she took both the headphones and the iPod with them.
<<nm $phJolie "Like a self-help recording? I have tried those, in the past. They have not been very effective.">>
<<nm $phYou "This one will be, I promise. I know it sounds silly, but be sure it's what you want before you try them out. I promise you, they'll have a stronger effect than you'd think. They'll help bring out the real you.">>
There must have been something in your tone or your eyes that made her pause. She looked down at the headset with a newfound respect, or at least a good impression of it. She //was// an actress, after all. When she finally looked up at you again, her brow was furrowed.
<<nm $phJolie "You...think this will help me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I really do.">>
The blonde woman gave a firm nod, raised the headset smoothly, and pulled it over her ears. Almost immediately, you heard the faint trilling music begin as the file started playing on its own. Jolie smiled at you, but you saw her eyes go strangely distant the moment the music began playing, as if every bit of her attention had been effectively absorbed by the noise. You smiled back, though you weren't sure she even saw it, and leaned back in your chair. This could take a while, and it might be a little bit slow from your perspective.
That was okay. You would supervise and make sure that everything went smoothly. You could just sit, listen to the muffled music, and remember all the lines that Mason had written for you.
You would just imagine everything happening @@.choice;[[In Jolie's Mind.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 1>>Jolie found herself floating.
It was lovely. The music was all harps and strings and great toning bells. It was also strange. It was like the music was plucking at her rather than the instruments, and she was the one vibrating and making this wonderful melody. She enjoyed it for a while. Forgetting where she was and what she was doing. She simply reveled in being plucked. In being part of the music.
When the voice called to her, she didn't immediately hear it. She could hear the tone of it. A soft <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>baritone<<else>> and melodious<</if>> sound that blended in so wonderfully with the vibration she had become. The voice repeated itself, again and again, and Jolie began to feel herself pulled away from the song. Every inch she moved away from it, though, made the voice a little clearer.
It vibrated in her too, but it was different. The voice was moving her. Leading her. Drawing her down a river and describing the curves straight into her mind. She spread her arms and let the current of the voice pick her up. When it spoke again, she recognized it.
$phJolie.Address?
<<nm $phYou "-ant you to hear me. Can you hear me, Jolie? Don't worry. You're safe here. Safe and warm and happy. It's okay. I want you to hear me. Can you hear me, Jolie?">>
Jolie licked her dry lips and tried to call out, to tell $phYou.firstname that she heard her, but no sound actually came from her lips. It was like she was out of her body. Feeling it move like she was watching a movie screen from the other end of the auditorium. The voice heard her though.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. Such a good girl, Jolie. Trusting me. Thank you for trusting me, Jolie. Will you trust me a little longer? I want to help you. If you don't trust me, then you should try to wake up, okay? You can wake up, and it will all be okay. But if you trust me, we can go a little deeper. Do you want to go deeper, Jolie? Do you trust me with deeper?">>
Deeper. Deeper sounded good. Part of Jolie knew this wasn't right. Music shouldn't take her to this kind of place. Dimly, she saw where she was. Still at the desk, in the back room of Paradise. $phJolie.Address was there, across from her, watching intently. She knew this was something strange.
Life was strange. Life wasn't right. She could complain about it.
Or she could enjoy herself as she slid @@.choice;[[Deeper In.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieCow1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCow1.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "Jolie, I want you to imagine yourself in a nice, beautiful field. I want you to imagine that you're lying on the softest, greenest grass that you've ever seen. You can hear a brook burbling behind you. There are birds singing in the trees. Everything is alive. Everything is bright. Everything is happy. Can you see it?">>
Jolie could see it. Everything the voice described was true. She was on her back in the green grass. She could hear the river and the birds. She could see the bright colors. She could still see $phJolie.Address, and knew she was still sitting in the office, but it was distant and unimportant. The field was real.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. I want you to imagine the sun is out, and the rays are falling down on you. You realize that you aren't wearing any clothes. The sun is falling directly on your skin. It's so warm. How do you feel, Jolie?">>
Jolie frowned, looking down at herself. She run a hand up her bare side. The sun was warming her skin, and it felt good, but something was wrong. Something wavered at the edge of her mind. She whimpered.
<<nm $phYou "...Why? Why do you worry?">>
Why //did// she worry? It was a weird question. She was safe here, wasn't she? So it wasn't that. She felt good, so it wasn't that either. She was...afraid.
She was exposed.
Exposed. That was it. At any moment, someone could see her. She wasn't hiding under anything. Anyone around could see her. $phJolie.Address laughed.
<<nm $phYou "...Oh, my sweet dear. Why would that be bad? Do you enjoy how you look? Does it give you pleasure to be admired? Do you revel in the desire kindled in your lover's eyes? To know that your body makes them happy? Don't you like making people happy? Isn't that why you climbed on stage in the first place?">>
//Yes//. Yes, that was all true. Jolie turned it over in her mind, and felt her hands drop away from her body, unshielding herself. She had never disliked making people lustful. She liked having that effect. She had only been...ashamed?
Jolie blinked. Why did the word feel so foreign to her? Why could she not remember what it meant?
<<nm $phYou "You don't need it, love. Let it go. Let all the details go. They get in the way. You like to make people happy. You have a beautiful body. Sharing it makes people happy. Therefore, you like sharing your body. It's far easier than memorizing lines, isn't it? If they like to look, why not allow them to look?">>
It was so simple. Jolie rolled her hips in the grass, grinding her body into the soft cushion of the greenery. Why should she worry if anyone saw her? They would probably like how she looked. She did. She had no reason to worry about it. She could feel a strange weight being lifted off of her. How had she carried it around for so long. She could barely remember what the weight felt like.
Oh well. It probably @@.choice;[[Wasn't Important.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieCow2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCow2.png]]</picture>@@
Dimly, Jolie could still feel and see the office through the green grass and peaceful sky. She was still sitting across from $phJolie.Address. She liked $phJolie.Address. Watching her so closely. She bet $phJolie.Address would like seeing her body.
She giggled as she peeled her shirt back over her shoulders to bare her chest, reveling in how $phJolie.Address's jaw dropped open. That was nice. It made her feel warm. Very warm, actually. Her bra felt strangely snug. She had always been large, so it had been hard to find underthings that fit properly, but now it was pinching. She couldn't have grown, could she? She stroked at her brow, her hand toying with a pair of small nubs growing there.
Very strange...but fortunately the voice returned her to the warm, happy field. So much easier to let the voice explain to her how she should be.
<<nm $phYou "That a girl. Doesn't it feel good to let those worries go? You think too much, love. We all do. That can be good, but we talk ourselves out of so much that we know. You know who you love, but your thoughts tell you to take it slow. You know what you like, but your mind tells you to worry about what people think. It's all so very silly, don't you think?">>
It //was// silly. Jolie hadn't thought about it in exactly the way before. Her head swayed to the music, and she found herself very nearly drifting off before the voice pulled her back. It felt so good to drift off. To not have so many thoughts bothering her. So many anxieties. So much to schedule and do and consider. It was all so exhausting.
<<nm $phYou "I can help you. Just as we helped you understand how much you like your body. I want you to imagine all those worries, Jolie. I want you to imagine them all in your head, like they were real, physical things. Can you feel them? Feel how heavy they are? Does it make your neck hurt. Does it make it hard to rest?">>
Jolie whimpered. Her head ached. There were too many thoughts in it. Too many things that kept her up at night. Everything from the evening news to things she realized in the middle of the night that wouldn't leave her alone. She could feel where they'd piled up, ruining the tranquility of the field.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, that's right. They're not very good. I'm going to teach you how to get rid of them, sweetie. Then you'll be so much lighter, and so much happier. You can think about just the things that make you happy, and make the people around you happy. Won't that be nice? I want you to imagine that weight moving...can you do that? The thoughts running down from inside your head. Inch by inch, down your body. Do you feel the weight moving into your neck? Into your shoulders? Down further. Let it fall a little further. Just a little more. A little more, sweetie. Almost there...almost there...and stop!<br><br>Feel those wicked thoughts there? The ones that bother you? They ran all the way down to your beautiful, wonderful tits, didn't they? Feel how heavy they are? Feel how //big// they are? They're full of all those worries, aren't they? That's a good girl...We put them right where we wanted them...">>
Jolie gasped, looking down at herself. Her bra was digging into her tit flesh so much that she was nearly pulled out of the beautiful dream. She had to fish around behind her for her bra clasp. She pawed at the mechanism, trying to remember exactly how it worked. When she finally snapped it open, by muscle memory more than anything else, she sucked in a breath of delight.
She was huge. Her tits were standing up so straight and lovely. She hoped $phJolie.Address liked them. But they ached. They were too full. Too full of thoughts. The bad thoughts. She didn't want them there. She wanted to be free. She whimpered again.
<<nm $phYou "Aww, don't worry, sweetie. I'm going to take care of it. Do you see me? The real me? See how I'm going to take care of you, because I love you so much?">>
Jolie's eyes swept around. Beyond the grass and the brook and the field, she could see $phJolie.Address in the office. She was standing now, smiling. She leaned over Jolie's body, one hand caressing an enlarged breast with gentle touches. Her other hand was full. It was holding some kind of tube, with a small suction cup at the very end. There was a faint hum in the air as $phJolie.Address lowered the suction cup down...
...down...
....down....
...and then....
<<nm $phJolie "MOOOOOOOOOOOO!">>
$phJolie.Address @@.choice;[[Smiled.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 4>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieCow3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCow3.png]]</picture>@@
Jolie couldn't believe it. The feeling coming from her tits was amazing. It was a deep, warm, tingling pleasure that spread out over her whole body. She shouldn't enjoy it so much, though. It was lewd, and wrong, and-
...and...
...
Oooh, that was nice. Really nice. She could feel the machine tugging gently at both of her nipples, as the milk began to flow in earnest. It felt so good. She raised both hands to the undersides of her tits and gave them a little squeeze, reveling in the sensation as she painted the suction cups white with her milk. She was really flowing nice, a nice steady stream. But that wasn't right. Women like her shouldn't be...
...women in her situation shouldn't...
...
Jolie cooed softly to herself as the settled in against her seat. She ran her tongue lightly over her dry lips. Yes, that was nice. She hoped it was a long one today. It had been a very stressful day, and this made it all go away. She had been worried about...something.
What was it?
...
Mmm.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Her bull had a hand between her own legs, and was fingering herself happily. Fingering herself while watching Jolie. That was good. Her bull was very special. She wasn't just a walking cock, but the woman who owned her. That thought was getting harder to deny. It was like everything bad in her mind was being drawn down, down, down to her chest. And from there, it was all just...<<else>> Her bull had $pher cock out now, and was rubbing it up and down. That was good. She liked making her bull hard. Bulls were meant to be hard. $phYou.firstname was very, very hard. Jolie watched the hand pumping up and down as the pumps worked at her tits, taking all the tasty milk. It was like everything bad in her mind was being drawn down, down, down to her chest. And from there, it all just...<</if>>
...just...
...
Her bull came. Jolie watched as <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>her bull moaned and worked her hand frantically between her thighs before slowing to a more languid and satisfied pace. $phYou.firstname had obviously enjoyed looking at her while she got herself off,<<else>> the sticky white cum poured down that pretty red cock. $phYou.firstname had obviously enjoyed looking at her while $pshe jacked off,<</if>> and that made Jolie feel particularly good. She arched her back to make her tits more prominent in their little suction cups. It was so nice to get milked while her bull enjoyed <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>himself<<else>>herself<</if>>.
She suddenly moaned. The suction, so steady on her tits, felt so much stronger for just a second. She felt something even heavier than worry being pulled out of her. She looked down with curiosity and watched as a pair of small green gems mixed with the creamy white milk, running down to the point where the two tubes met. The pump complained as the gems fused together into a larger glowing green point, too large to continue any farther.
Her bull was happy though, standing up and gently disentangling the pumps from her chest, spilling a little of her milk over Jolie's thighs. $phYou.firstname reached in and pulled the obstruction out from the tube, holding it in front of the newly minted cowgirl.
<<nm $phYou "...Good girl.">>
Jolie beamed. It felt so much nicer when $pshe //actually// said it, instead of...oh. She raised a hand to pull the headset off her ears. At some point, it had stopped whispering to her, but she couldn't remember when. Maybe it had been turned off when her growing horns had nudged it slightly sideways. It didn't matter.
<<nm $phYou "...Want me to get the pumps going again, Jolie?">>
That sounded so very @@.choice;[[Nice.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 5>><<nm $phMason "Don't worry, $phMason.address. It's quite common for girls like our Jolie here to be a little pliant after their first milking. I assure you, in the morning she'll have more of her wits about her. Most are quite capable of living a totally normal, if simplified, life once they settle into the routine.">>
You looked down at Jolie curiously. Mason had brought a white bathrobe with him, and the blonde had been bundled up in the fluffy garment. She hadn't complained about being dressed. Hadn't complained about anything so far. Her responses to your questions had been both monosyllabic and relaxed.
<<nm $phYou "You're sure? I wanted to make her happy, not erase her.">>
<<nm $phMason "I assure you that I have seen this particular facet of human desire play out many times before. She //is// happy. As so many do, she is simply indulging her new form to the fullest. She is //not thinking// about anything complex, for likely the first time in her adult life. I'm sure you can appreciate the appeal.">>
You shot a suspicious look at the scientist, but he didn't seem to be making a dig at your expense. You bent down to study Jolie one more time, and the cowgirl leaned forward automatically to nuzzle her cheek against yours. Her new horns toyed lightly with your hair. She certainly seemed to be enjoying herself.
You looked at your watch. Had it really gotten that late?
<<nm $phYou "Alright, alright. I'll wait until tomorrow. Can I keep her close? I'd really like to see her when she wakes up.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.address. In fact, that would be preferable. It will help with the imprinting process. She will very likely consider you to be the head of her herd. Someone she can seek out when matters become more complicated than she wishes to deal with. Whether you enjoy the perks of that position tonight or not I leave to your judgement.">>
You shot a glare at the four armed man and put an arm around Jolie's shoulders. The mall was closed by now, and you were able to walk her up to your room with minimal fuss. Jolie never complained, she just leaned every part of her body she could against you. She was curvier, that much was for sure, and her bust had gone from 'substantial' to 'awe-inspiring'. Aside from her horns, though, she could still have passed for a particularly top-heavy woman.
You let her snuggle in beside you in the bed, and the cowgirl was asleep on your shoulder almost before your own head touched the pillow. You suppressed a smile. Jolie's expression was totally unperturbed by any of the vagaries and complexities of life. She slept the pure sleep of the innocent.
You weren't sure you qualified for that kind of sleep anymore, but Jolie was warm and soft and comfortable against your side and you soon found your eyelids growing heavy.
Within a few minutes, @@.choice;[[You Slept.|JolieCowTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 6]]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<Transform $phJolie "cowgirl">>
@@.narrative;A New Cowgirl Obtained For Shakes 'n Sundaes! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 6>>You awoke to an empty bed.
You pawed around the space that Jolie had been, feeling a panic rising within you. That panic settled when you spotted the carefully folded note set on your nightstand.
//$phYou.firstname,
I'm fine. Great even. Miss $phSamantha.name told me you usually sleep in a little bit. She promised to help me get set up on the main floor. Come find me soon, okay? I'll be real happy to see you.
<3 Jolie//
You studied the note for a long time, then leaned back in the bed. Okay, so it wasn't the most eloquent message you'd ever received, but if she was capable of writing, and talking to $phSamantha.name for that matter, she was at least a little more coherent than yesterday.
Which unfortunately meant back to business as usual. You lingered in the warm bed another minute before prying yourself up. Back to work.
<hr>
<<include "Bedroom">>
<<include 'NewDayTriggers'>><</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 0>><<nm $phYou "If you don't mind, I'd like to join you in the back today. I have a little something for you that may help with the problem you've been having.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Problem? Well, now I'm just curious. Let's go see what problem of mine you think you can fix.">>
Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were pleasantly surprised. She turned and led you deeper into the back rooms of the cafe where she had so often done her line reading. As you stepped through the door behind her, you quickly looked around to see if there was anyone else likely to come barging in on the pair of you, but the coast was clear. Nothing would interrupt Jolie's time.
The blonde woman dropped herself down into one of the swivel chairs and spun to face you with her hands tucked together like an expectant child.
<<nm $phJolie "And what do you have for me, $phJolie.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Something a little bit special, but it's going to sound odd. Tell me, sincerely, Jolie. If you could //really// step into someone else's shoes any time you wanted, would you do it? Become the person you're portraying so much that even you don't know it's not real?">>
Jolie blinked, obviously thrown by the question. She cocked her head over to one side, and her brow furrowed as she worked her way carefully through your words as if sifting for some kind of coherence.
<<nm $phJolie "I...Well, I am an actress, $phJolie.Address. That is always the goal. There are many...how you say...method actors? They try to forget who they really are for however long the show takes. I have always envied them. Yes, I would want it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Even if you do things you wouldn't ordinarily do?">>
You could tell she picked up on the seriousness of your tone, because she paused before speaking. Her eyes jumped back and forth as they scanned your face for what you were getting at. You didn't wait for the answer. Instead, you reached into your jacket and withdraw the small, black domino mask.
You held it cupped in your hands, half-extended toward the other woman. Jolie reached for it on pure reflex and you tensed, half-expecting the mask to adhere instantly to her fingers. It did nothing of the sort. In fact, it looked like any other mask as Jolie turned it this way and that netween her fingers to study it.
<<nm $phJolie "You are...giving me a mask?">>
<<nm $phYou "I am giving you a very special mask. I know it sounds crazy, Jolie, but if that is what you //really// truly want, then it will help you. It will teach you to become other people. Anyone you want, right down to the bone. But you have to be sure before you put it on. Are you sure?">>
Jolie was silent for a long moment, staring down at the mask. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then she nodded. You finally took your own seat and gestured silently toward the mask. Jolie lifted it slowly to her face, her head still cocked to one side.
Then she @@.choice;[[Pressed It On.|JoliePornstarTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePorn1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePorn1.png]]</picture>@@
The effect was immediate. The white eye sockets immediately flashed with light, erasing Jolie's eyes from views. It was a bright and blinding white for a split second before starting to flicker with color. Images began to flash through the eyes far too quickly for your to register, but Jolie's jaw dropped and her back went straight and stiff.
<<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address! $phJolie.Address! It's...oooh..it's all! It's all-...so...Stop, stop!">>
Her voice turned pained and her fingers closed around the edge of the mask. She tugged, frantically, at the material but it didn't separate from her face in the slightest. It clung to her tenaciously as she bolted out of her chair and dropped to her knees, doubling over.
You were out of your chair as well. Pain had never been part of your agreements, and Mason hadn't mentioned anything about it. You bent to the blonde woman, one hand shooting up to help take hold of the black mask.
<<nm $phYou "Jolie? Jolie, can you hear me? I'm sorry, I'm going to take it off, just-.">>
You started to pull, but Jolie abruptly caught your wrist and halted the motion before you could see whether the mask separated for you any more than it did her. She tilted her head up, the flashing images in the mask's eyes casting strange shadows on the walls. She shook her head and her voice was ragged as she spoke.
<<nm $phJolie "No! No, it's okay. It's okay...I...there's so //much// of it $phJolie.Address! I...I understand now. I just...I just can't...I need something! I need...">>
She bucked again in your arms and fell forward, forcing you to catch her on the way down. Her entire body was shaking, but not with fear or cold. She was vibrating like a plucked guitar string. It was a rapid and repeated quiver throughout her body signaling the energy that was running through her.
<<nm $phYou "What is it? What do you need, Jolie? Tell me...Let me help!">>
Jolie took another deep breath and pushed away from you. The lights were still flashing, but she didn't look agonized any longer. Her head moved left and right as if exploring a vista that you couldn't see. Her fingers tightened on your side.
<<nm $phJolie "Archetypes...Focus...I need a question, $phJolie.Address! I need...tell me. Tell me what people need. I can use that...Give me something! What do people need the most?">>
You stared, perplexed. What did people want? You had been thinking about that even since Lazren put in you charge of the tower, but you didn't see exactly how it applied. Still, you didn't have long to hesitate. You opened your mouth and spoke...
<<include "PornTrans Options">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 5>>You had had enough of this. Jolie had reeled from one character to another for the better part of 15 minutes now, and she was still unsteady on her feet. You reached forward and caught the actress by the shoulders, pulling her in close to you.
<<nm $phYou "Damnation! Jolie! I don't give a shit about what people want, in general. //I// want //you//. I want you every which way you want to be. I want to see every new aspect of you flower. I want you to ride every personality you've got all the way to the limit. Whatever you want to be, that's how I want you! Now //focus// and come back to me!">>
Jolie quavered, the mask flashing as she tilted her head back toward you. Slowly, though, the flashing was starting to dim. Already, it was too faint to reach the walls, and you soon began to see her real eyes, wide and amazed, behind the slits in the mask.
She stared at you for a long time, her mouth working as though whispering, but no actual sound emerged. Abruptly, a smile pulled at the edge of her lips. She leaned her body forward against your own and wrapped her arms tightly around your middle. A familiar green glow appeared between her lips, as the soul gem emerged from her. You plucked it free on instinct more than thought and felt the warm, content feeling of it running up your arm.
Then she @@.choice;[[Collapsed Against You, Unconscious.|JoliePornstarTransformation][$phJolie.trans_counter to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 6>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">><<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<Transform $phJolie "pornstar">><<nm $phMason "She will be alright. My apologies, $phMason.address. It has been some time since I have utilized this particular vector of ascension. It would seem the human internet has expanded even more dramatically in that time than perhaps I realized. Safeguards will be in place for any future projects to ensure the process is a smoother one.">>
You were in a side room near R&D. Jolie was stretched out in the wide bed, a smile still plastered on her face as she snoozed away. Mason leaned over her, scanning her body with some kind of metallic cylinder that would have looked more at home on a sci-fi show than real life. Apparently, whatever it was telling him was encouraging, since he nodded to himself as he turned back to face her.
<<nm $phYou "Future is well and good, Mason, but let's stick to right now. You're sure?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite sure. The young lady was overwhelmed by choice, $phMason.address. A common affliction of those with a less solid grasp of what they want. Choosing any one role would, by necessity, mean closing off other avenues and her expanded mental state could not abide by that. Hence the demand for an archetype and the repeated shift in play acting. However, the mask bonded quite well. She will almost certainly feel wonderful in the morning...or if she does not, all she will need to do is play the role of someone who feels wonderful in the morning and she will achieve quite the same effect. There is little difference now between her real self and her acting.">>
You looked down at Jolie pensively with your lips pursed. Mason seemed quite confident in his words, but you had been the one there when Jolie has struggled to find a role. The mask, at least, no longer seemed ominous. It was still stretched comfortably across Jolie's eyes, and it didn't seem to bother her rest at all. The eye holes were no longer lit, however, and you could clearly see through them now. That was something.
<<nm $phYou "Well, keep me posted if there are any developments. I'd say wake me up when she does, but I don't know if its possible anymore. The bed that Lazren gave me...">>
<<nm $phMason "Our queen //is// an avatar of sloth, $phMason.address. I understand entirely. Don't fear. Should our newest member awaken before you, I will check her most thoroughly and alert her not to begin her work in earnest until you have had the chance to speak with her. I suspect she'll operate out of the computer cafe both by habit and convenience. It will be easy to forward security camera footage to her and to alert her to situations that might benefit from her presence. I'll see to it that she has everything she needs.">>
You snorted, amused. Yes, that would likely be very effective. You suspected there were a whole lot of mortals who were about to have //exactly// the encounter of their dreams. Assuming Mason was correct about her being fine when she woke up.
One worry at a time. You gave Mason a nod and turned to the door, casting one last glance at the sleeper as you did.
He had @@.choice;[[Better Be Right.|Research and Development]]@@
@@.narrative;A Variety of Jolies Unlocked At The Computer Cafe! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<</if>> <<if $phJolie.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phJolie.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phJolie.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phJolie "My bull! I'm so happy for you!">>
JJ surged out from around the counter the moment you stepped into the food court. Since she had changed, you had very rarely seen her hurry. It was a very //pleasant// thing to see: that 'hurry' added quite a bit of bounce to her enlarged chest.
She reached you and all but threw herself into your arms. You gave the plush woman a firm squeeze, then pulled back to aim a curious look down at her.
<<nm $phYou "Not that I ever mind a celebratory hug, but what's going on?">>
<<nm $phJolie "You passed your test! $phSamantha.name told me you met with your mother, and she said everything was going great!">>
It was sometimes easy to forget that your employees all worked in the same space and certainly had enough hours in the day for socializing. You couldn't really fault your secretary for gabbing about the big news.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, //that//. Well, I won't tell you I wasn't a little worried for a while there, but now I've got to figure out how to impress her brother. That might be a little tougher to do.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Maybe, but I know that you'll manage it. You are smart and you are kind, and people flock to you, my bull. Whatever the task is, I know that you'll succeed.">>
She leaned up to plant a kiss on your lips, then finally drew away from you. She smoothed down the front of her uniform and drew herself up into a more 'official' posture.
<<nm $phJolie "But you always know I'm here to help in any way I can. What did you come down for today?">>
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phJolie.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phYou "...and now they want me to take over as Desire. Avery and Lazren both think I can do it, but I'm not even sure where I'm supposed to begin. I feel like this job has been one surprise after another, you know?">>
You were seated on a stool, absently munching on a bit of fast food from one of the stores. JJ was leaning down across the table on her elbows. Even with her arms at full extension, the curve of her chest very nearly brushed against the countertop below her. You were struck by the image of a bartender allowing a favored client to bare their soul. Nothing in the food court would have any kind of alcoholic effect on you, but you guessed that sometimes it was just nice to have someone to talk to.
<<nm $phJolie "Some surprises are good things, though, are they not?">>
You chuckled and extended a hand to rest on the back of one of the cowgirl's own. She blushed and leaned a little farther over the counter until her chest //did// touch the top.
<<nm $phYou "Some of them, sure. You've been a //wonderful// surprise, at the very least. I don't know anything about being a... a concept like that, though. I understand that Lazren is Sloth, but I don't know what that means. I can't even begin to understand how to do it.">>
JJ frowned, and her brow knit. It was a rare expression. The cowgirl was so mellow and happy you almost forgot what it looked like when she concentrated.
<<nm $phJolie "...May I say something, my bull?">>
<<if $phJolie.date gt 2>><<nm $phYou "As long as you aren't making me ride another horse, of course you can. You know you mean a lot to me.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Of course you can. I always want to hear from people.">><</if>>
<<nm $phJolie "I think you are focusing on the wrong thing. You've handled every surprise that has been thrown at you so far. I know you //can// do it, but perhaps you should decide if you //want// to do it?">>
You frowned and looked at the cowgirl. It was true, you had been wondering more about the 'how' than the 'what', but you weren't sure that was a mistake.
<<nm $phYou "Shouldn't I want to get stronger? It's doing what I do now, only bigger. Kinda.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Would a dozen cowgirls make you happier? You can still only enjoy one....well, I suppose you could enjoy three or four at once, but you know what I mean. You should do what makes you happy, my bull, not what seems the most important. If you are happy right now, then you don't need anything else.">>
You thought for a moment she might be jealous, but you dismissed that thought immediately. JJ didn't //get// jealous. She'd left most of that sort of thing behind. She had a point, though. You had read stories of rich business people collecting cars and houses and yachts they never actually bothered to use. At what point would you have so much power that you never actually stopped to enjoy any of it?
On the one hand, you'd already agreed to go down that path... but on the other hand, no one said you had to stay on it. Food for thought.
<<nm $phYou "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, JJ.">>
You raised a hand and brushed her cheek before slipping underneath her chin and scratching lightly. Her eyes fluttered and you swear you saw her pupils enlarge a bit as she relaxed even more. She stifled what was almost certainly a moo, then smiled dreamily.
<<nm $phJolie "Well, that is probably all the help I can be on this, my bull. Is there anything else you need?">>
<</if>><<else>>You wove your way through the food court, carefully avoiding throngs of customers who could barely wait to get their trays back to the tables. As always, the scents wafting through this area were more than enough to make your mouth water. You didn't have a meal on the brain though.
<<nm $phYou "There's my JJ! How are you, sweetie?">>
Jolie's expression lit up. She turned away from the supplies she was restocking and held her arms up. You stepped into her embrace obligingly, feeling her chest press hard against your own.
<<nm $phJolie "Ooh...Hello <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. It's good to see you again! Is it a slow day?">>
<<nm $phYou "Is it ever? Still, couldn't miss the opportunity to drop in, could I? How are you holding up?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. Just fine, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. It's been really nice. It gets busy sometimes, but that's okay. Everything is always right where I need it. Are you just saying hello, or do you have a little time to talk?">>
Good question. It was good to see Jolie and chat for a few minutes, but you could stay a little longer and talk for a while. Alternatively, judging by the way she was straightening her back to make her chest more prominent, you could stay a while with an entirely different activity in mind.
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Chat With JJ|JolieCowgirlTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 2]]
[[Stay For Some Entirely Different Activity|JolieCowgirlSex]]
[[No Time Today|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'cowgirl']]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JolieCowFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCowFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You caught sight of Jolie standing behind one of the counters, patiently leading a customer through the menu. You changed direction and headed her way, smiling as the woman in lined struggled to decide between all of the options in front of her. Jolie leaned in, her buxom form more than filling out the cute white and black uniform she'd changed into.
<<nm $phJolie "Okay...if it's hard to make up your mind, why don't we just put in an order for one of each, ma'am? That seems a lot easier...don't worry. I'm sure we have a special that will make it okay...">>
Her voice was smooth and almost drowsy, and she smiled placidly even when the customer looked suspiciously down at the cash register. When they saw the price, though, they gasped and nodded so quickly you thought they might be in danger of doing serious damage to their neck. Jolie nodded serenely, rang up the purchase, and sent the happy customer away to await the delivery of their culinary paradise.
<<nm $phJolie "Next up...What treat could I get for you tod-- Oh! $phJolie.Address. I suppose that //I'm// your treat, aren't I?">>
Jolie's face brightened, though her movements remained calmly placid. She circled around the counter and held out her arms to you. You obligingly stepped into them, feeling the pleasant warmth of her chest pressing down against your own. She gave a little squeal at the pressure and drew you into a hug.
<<nm $phYou "I'm certainly not objecting. I wasn't expecting you to go straight to work, though. You could have stayed in the room for a day or two, and I wouldn't have minded.">>
<<nm $phJolie "I know, but I wanted to thank you. To be useful, and everything. You looked so peaceful in bed. Though if you want to keep me in your room some days, I won't mind. It will make it a lot easy for you to fuck me, that way.">>
Her expression didn't change in the slightest, but you just about choked on that one. She actually looked a little perplexed at the reaction. Her brow furrowed, and then quickly cleared.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh right. Human things. Not very nice to talk about, but I don't mind. You gave me so much, my wonderful bull. You took such a weight off...I can barely remember it now, but I know how nice it was to put it all down. Mmm...are you blushing?">>
Your face was certainly flushed, but it wasn't embarrassment. You raised your eyebrows and diverted her with a question of your own.
<<nm $phYou "...Bull?">>
<<nm $phJolie "...Uh huh. You do the thinking and the milking and the fucking. That's nice. I don't have to worry about any of that. Gives me more time to think of important things. Like a new name.">>
<<nm $phYou "...A new name?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh. Could you call me 'JJ', $phJolie.Address? It's a lot easier. <<if ($phYou.firstname is 'JJ') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Jay')>>It reminds me of you, and <<else>>And <</if>>it sort of makes me feel like a nice, loved pet, you know? And it matches my cup size too, for good measure.">>
Jolie reached for your wrist and guided your hand upward, until it was laid across the impressive expanse of her chest. You squeezed, on reflex, and the brand new cowgirl's eyes went wide.
<<nm $phJolie "Careful, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>! I'll probably go all blank if you do that too much, and you maybe want to talk. Maybe not, though. If you //want// to keep squeezing, there are backrooms. Miss $phSamantha.name told me I had to be covered up on the floor. I don't understand why, but she seemed like she was smart about that stuff.">>
You grinned and shook your head. $phSamantha.name would probably be pleased to hear that. You also made a mental note to start getting up earlier. Maybe it was impossible with a bed literally given to you by Sloth, but it sure seemed like everyone else was trading stories long before you were out of bed.
Oh well. At least she was going to fit in just fine. <<set $phJolie.post_talk to 1>><<set $phJolie.name to 'JJ'>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>
<<nm $phYou "JJ it is! Actually, what I have in mind for today is...">>
@@.choice;
[[Talking For A While|JolieCowgirlTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 2]]
[[Seeing What You Mean By 'Going Blank'|JolieCowgirlSex]]
[[Other Work, Unfortunately|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'cowgirl']]@@<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 2>><<set $phJolieQ1 to 0>><<set $phJolieQ2 to 0>><<set $phJolieQ3 to 0>>You told JJ that you'd love to sit down and talk for a bit. The cowgirl clapped her hands with delight, leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss you, and then pointed to a table.
<<nm $phJolie "I'll go get us a treat. Sit down, okay? I'd really love to talk for a bit! I know you're always working so hard, but it makes me feel really nice when you come by.">>
It didn't take long for JJ to sneak a couple of sundaes from the food court and she settled them down in front of you with a proud flourish. Rather than take the chair opposite you, she dropped herself casually into your lap. She wasn't light, but you didn't particularly mind. You looped one arm around her middle as she picked up the ice cream and spoon.
<<nm $phYou "Comfortable?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh. Very comfy, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. I could stay here all day, given the chance. That sounds really nice, actually...but you wanted to talk?">>
Her tone was hopeful, as though you might decide that just sitting with her in your lap would beat all the effort of actually having a conversation. You could see the temptation, but there wasn't any harm in chatting a while as you enjoyed yourself.<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 3>><<set $phJolieQ1 to 1>>You asked JJ how she was feeling about her new transformation. The cowgirl smiled, looking down at herself with an amused expression.
<<nm $phJolie "Ahhh...You want to know if I'm happy with what you did.">>
<<nm $phYou "It was a pretty big cha-.">>
JJ turned in your lap, cutting off your words with a firm kiss. She held it for several seconds before finally pulling away enough to talk, her tone utterly self-assured.
<<nm $phJolie "I love it. Everything about it, so I don't want you to worry. I love having big, beautiful tits that people stare at until I need to go in the back room and get milked. I love the fact that when nothing is happening my mind just...wanders for a while. I love the fact I don't even remember what it's like to be in charge, or to worry about anything for more than a couple of seconds. It's //wonderful//.">>
Direct enough. You must have looked surprised because JJ let out a soft, contented laugh. She reached up with one hand to cup your cheek.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my bull...You're so sweet, you know that? I'm still just as smart as I used to be, unless the milkers are on. It's just all so...simple now. I don't worry about things I can't change. I don't worry that people want to fuck me when they see me. I like it. They like it. The tape made everything so //clear//. I see all of those poor humans still walking around with so much stress. Do you know half of them can't even order ice cream without feeling guilty? It's so sad...">>
Her big eyes shone for a moment with moisture, but she shook it off quickly. Her back straightened and her tone took on an element of finality.
<<nm $phJolie "I'm your big tittied cowgirl pet, $phJolie.Address...and I like it. So don't you worry anymore, okay? I won't. Not ever again.">>
Simple enough. Whatever doubts she might once have harbored about her life seemed to be gone, and you felt your own leaving you as well. If she was happy, you certainly weren't going to object to having a pet of your own. You rewarded her with a squeeze around her middle and she wriggled her rear obligingly against your lap while you decided what to say next.<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 4>><<set $phJolieQ2 to 1>>You asked JJ how the work was going. The cowgirl looked around for a beat, as though seeing the food court for the first time, and then gave you a self-satisfied kind of nod.
<<nm $phJolie "It's going well. The...um...simulacra people are very nice and they work hard. It's always clean and pretty, and we make really good food. The customers don't even cause any trouble except sometimes they're //really// hungry so it's hard for them to wait. Everyone always leaves with really big smiles.">>
<<nm $phYou "...And you don't mind working the register? You know I could find you something a little more engaging...?">>
JJ shook her head quickly, then paused and frowned. Finally, she shrugged.
<<nm $phJolie "If you needed me, I would do anything, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>miss<</if>>. But I like it. I was an actress. I worked a few service jobs, and this one is so much //better// service than anything else.<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] lt 2>> Honestly, the only thing we could use is an easier milker, in the back? Often, we handle it ourselves and...well...when it is //sucking// so good it is hard to remember how things work. It just feels really, really nice. //Really// nice...and so hard to think...<</if>><<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] gt 1>> Especially after the milker was redesigned! Oooh, $phJolie.Address! All you have to do is settle yourself into it, and it lines things up and...um...keeps you occupied so you just blank out and...moooooo...<</if>>">>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] lt 2>>JJ's eyes glazed a little bit and her hand unconsciously went to her chest. Yes, judging by how much of a reaction she was showing to the //memory// of the machine, maybe looking into some automation would be a good idea. You were sure the tower would figure it out with a couple of upgrades to the location.<</if>><<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['level'] gt 1>>JJ leaned up into your ear, the moo seeming to come right from her heart. Her eyes were threatening to glaze over at the very memory of the machine you'd installed. That was one very, very big seal of approval for your upgrades to the location, and you knew that sort of delight would pay big dividends in how the storefront operated.<</if>><</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 5>><<set $phJolieQ3 to 1>>You asked Jolie if she missed acting, since she'd come to work here. The cowgirl's eyes came alight at the question and she giggled a bit more animatedly. Some things never changed.
<<nm $phJolie "I would...if I gave it up, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. I still get to be happy and helpful with all of the guests, and I talked to $phSamantha.name. She said there's no reason they're only going to do one set of commercials. I think having a real cowgirl showing off your shakes will only help to bring people in.">>
<<nm $phYou "Did she? Well, I'm not too surprised. I think the campaign would do very well. Did you like talking to her?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh! She was very nice. We talked about it for a while, and she squeezed me, and that made it really easy just to think of good ideas. I want to share with them how happy I am, and how much less I worry, and how nice it is to just enjoy everything, you know?">>
You smiled at that, lowering your hands to JJ's wide hips.
<<nm $phYou "Those //do// sound like good ideas, and I'm sure anyone who gets a good look of you can't help but be jealous. I think you're going to awaken some very exciting new interests for a lot of people.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh! Do you really think so, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>? That would be wonderful. Then I get to help people and show off my tits at the same time, and that's everything a good cowgirl should do, right?">>
You chuckled and gave her a squeeze around the middle. You had wondered if any of JJ's previous shyness about her body could have survived the transformation. Now you had very little doubt it did not make it through with her. Her eyes were shining with nothing more than pride and anticipation at the thought of the new campaign.
Thinking about it, you would be pretty excited to see that campaign too.<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phJolieQ1 is 0>>[[Ask JJ How She's Feeling About The Change|JolieCowgirlTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phJolieQ2 is 0>>[[Ask JJ About Work|JolieCowgirlTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 4]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phJolieQ3 is 0>>[[Ask JJ About Acting|JolieCowgirlTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 5]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Invite JJ To The Backroom For Some 'Personal Time'|JolieCowgirlSex]]
[[Just Chat Until She Finishes Her Ice Cream|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phJolie.goodbye to 'cowgirl']]@@<<set $phJolie.sex to 0>><<set $phLocation to "Stables">>You leaned down to JJ's ear and quietly suggested she take you into the back for a more private encounter. It took her just a few seconds to lazily work her way through your words and translate them into their actual meaning. You could actually see the exact moment it registered and her eyes lit up like she had just won the lottery.
<<nm $phJolie "Ohhh! Really, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>? Yes! Yes, let me show you around the back, okay? I'm sure you'll enjoy it!">>
The cowgirl popped to her feet and grabbed for your hand, pulling you along gently as she led you into the back area of Shakes 'n Sundaes and into a decidedly more rustic area. The air smelled of leather, hay, and well-oiled wood and the large rooms was lined on either side with stalls, all of which were currently empty.
JJ led you to one of the larger stalls. Despite the scent in the air, there was no hay within this particular section, though the wide bed was decorated with suspiciously golden sheets that evoked the material. She had covered the bare cement with a large black and white rug. A wooden, western like cabinet was pressed against the wall near the bed, and you saw a familiar set of headphones resting on top of the large, fluffy pillows.
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. I'm still listening to your voice whenever I can, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. It //really// helps me get to sleep, too. Sometimes I'm a little late getting up in the morning, if the headphones haven't fallen off during the night, but no one minds too much.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You're sleeping here?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh! No! Well...not for very long, anyway. Miss $phSamantha.name made sure I had a very nice room upstairs. Um...usually it's just for the milking, you know. If the milking is really good and the voice is really soothing, though, sometimes I nap here for just a little while.">>
She pointed upward at a machine above the stall, and the tubes that ran down from it, secured against the wall. One of the milkers, apparently. There was a flush to her cheeks when she explained, but you had a feeling she was far more embarrassed about occasionally napping her day away than admitting that she was being milked regularly. Your eyes dropped to her expansive chest, wondering just exactly how relaxing the cowgirl found the process.
She saw you looking. The corners of her mouth turned upward and she inhaled deeply, eliminating even the slightest fold in her top as her chest pressed out against the material. Her eyes tracked over your own body, and you saw a flicker of light in her eyes as it passed over the jeweled necklace on your neck.
<<nm $phJolie "I know you're very busy, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. You do so much for everyone, and we all appreciate you so much. I think you could use a little time to unwind, don't you? <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>JJ will be such a good pet for you. Why don't you just let her do all the things that us cows are best at, and let her bull enjoy //all// of her, okay?<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>JJ knows how to relax. Why don't you just trust her and let her show you just how good a blank mind can be, okay? JJ is going to take //good// care of you.<</if>>">>
You smiled, smoothed the front of your suit, and stepped a little closer to the eager cowgirl.
Honestly, that sounded <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> @@.choice;[[PrettyGood|JJSexTopFemale]]@@<<else>> @@.choice;[[Pretty Good.|JJSexTop]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>[[Pretty Good.|JJSexBottom]]@@<</if>> <<nobr>><<if ($phJolie.portrait is 'Jolie')>><<set _phJolieForms to ['Delivery','Domme','Wife']>><<set $phJolie.portrait to _phJolieForms.random()>><<JolieFlip>><</if>><</nobr>><<set $phJolie.sex to 0>><<if ($phJolie.post_talk gt 0) and ($phJolie.portrait is 'Wife')>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornWife.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornWife.png]]</picture>@@
Even before you saw her, you knew exactly which Jolie was in charge today. The air smelled of baked goods and there was soft music playing in the background.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh! Is that you, sweetie? Oh dear, oh dear! Coming right out!">>
Jolie bustled over from a side room, a set of oven mitts still on her hands. She stepped against you, delivering a firm, lingering kiss to your lips as she wrapped her arms around you.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh sweetie, I missed you! Welcome home! Cookies are going to be out of the oven real soon! They're your favorite too! Later on, I was thinking about making some cake. I met some really wonderful boys the other day who looked like they could use a piece and a good mothering, you know what I mean?">>
She raised one hand to your cheek, fingers following your jawline as she let her smile turn more sultry.
<<nm $phJolie "Of course, you've had a long day, I bet. If you like, I could get the cake into the oven and then you could have a piece of something //else// that's sweet while we wait?">>
You smiled back at her, letting your hands slide down to her waist. Now that you knew which Jolie you were dealing with, you had to decide what your plan for the day was. Fortunately, you had a pretty good idea.
@@.choice;
[[Domino|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 2]]
[[Partake Of A Sweet Piece|JoliePornstarSexWife]]
[[Only Time For A Cookie And Goodbye|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'pornstar']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.post_talk gt 0) and ($phJolie.portrait is 'Delivery')>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornDelivery.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornDelivery.png]]</picture>@@
When you walked into Jolie's office, you found her bent over an open pizza box (naturally with her rounded rear pointed toward the door) cutting into a large pizza with a circular slicer. She looked over her shoulder at you with a bored expression.
<<nm $phJolie "Picking up or taking out?">>
You must have looked confused, because the blonde rolled her eyes with exaggerated exasperation and turned toward you more fully. She put her hands on the edge of the table, her long legs slightly spread as she looked you up and down. The corner of her mouth tilted up.
<<nm $phJolie "You coming to //pick up// something or here to //deliver// something? Supplies go in the back, but pizza is out here if you want a slice.">>
Her eyebrow arched, and her expression took on a challenging cast.
<<nm $phJolie "...Unless, of course, you're delivering a little something for me personally.<<if ($phYou.form is 'male') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>> Or maybe a //big// something for me personally?<<else>> I'm always looking for a new spread in the kitchen.<</if>> Well, what's it gonna be?">>
@@.choice;
[[Domino|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 2]]
[[Deliver Something Big|JoliePornstarSexDelivery]]
[[Pick Up A Slice And Split|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'pornstar']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.post_talk gt 0) and ($phJolie.portrait is 'Domme')>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornDomme.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornDomme.png]]</picture>@@
The scent of leather signaled which Jolie you were dealing with before you had even stepped fully into the room. Clad in black, Jolie reclined on rolling office chair the way a queen would luxuriate on a golden throne. Her legs crossed as you entered the room and her chin immediately lifted with haughty pride.
<<nm $phJolie "Well...if it isn't my favorite infernal <<if ($phYou.form is 'futa') or ($phYou.form is 'female')>>succubus slut.<<else>>pleasure toy.<</if>> Hoping to find some space in my calender? I'm not all that certain I can fit you in.">>
She reached for a phone set beside her on the table and, you were very certain, pretended to flip through it. You suppressed a smile. She wouldn't take it all that well.
<<nm $phYou "I wouldn't dream of imposing on your time. How has the work been getting on?">>
The leather-clad dominatrix sniffed and slapped the phone back down on the table with somewhat unnecessary force. Her eyes snapped back up to your own and met your gaze boldly.
<<nm $phJolie "Nothing sufficiently difficult to hamper me. Now, what request did you have to make, pet? I'm in a magnanimous mood. I may just be inclined to grant a playdate.">>
A playdate sounded like a lot of fun, but you could always bring her out of her role if you wanted to talk.<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>> You were also pretty sure she wouldn't care at all about which way your necklace was facing. There weren't a lot of full leather dommes getting topped in fiction, and Jolie would always play her role to the hilt.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Domino|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 2]]
[[Try For A Playdate|JoliePornstarSexDomme]]
[[Just Collecting A Report|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'pornstar']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.post_talk is 0)>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<JolieFlip>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>You walked quickly into the computer cafe. Mason had reported dutifully that Jolie had awoken without any complications or issues, but you still wanted to see it for yourself. You walked up to the counter where a simulacrum with dark black hair and a pierced eyebrow smiled at you cheerfully and directed you toward the back.
You took a step in that direction, only for the simulacrum to reach out and seize your elbow. You looked back in surprise...
...and found Jolie. Blonde and thick and grinning widely as ever. She was holding the black mask in one hand.
<<nm $phJolie "...How you say...'Made you look'?">>
Five minutes later, the pair of you were seated in a backroom. A bank of monitors lined one wall, showing various scenes within the tower. In addition to the physical display, many of the screens showed overlays brimming with color and energy and text too small to quickly read. Jolie smiled at the set up.
<<nm $phJolie "When I woke up, the doctor, Mason, explained things in more detail. You //have// been naughty, haven't you? Did you always have the horns? And the tail? I can't imagine how I didn't see them before.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not //always// but as long as you've known me, yes. You were...encouraged not to see it. You're alright? To be honest, I expected you to be in some kind disguise when I found you....I mean, for longer.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, I will be. I'm still getting used to it, but this mask you gave me...it lets me be //anyone//! Really //be// them. If I didn't leave triggers for myself to bring me out of it, I would really just stay that way. It's so exciting, $phJolie.Address! I can't even describe it. But that's not why I wanted to see you. I wanted to give you something special.">>
<<nm $phYou "Special? Mason didn't make another mask for me, did he?">>
Jolie laughed and shook her head. She seemed completely at ease. Surprisingly so, since she still looked exactly as she had before. She was just a human holding a black mask.
<<nm $phJolie "No, nothing like that. I wanted to give you a word. Something to wake me up, since I doubt you'll see me this way often, otherwise. So if you ever want to talk to me, I'll still be here, though I hope you enjoy my other selves. The ones that I picked for you are very...accommodating.">>
You couldn't help but laugh in return at that. So she wanted to give you a sort of safeword, then? Something to bring her out of her various personas? Well, that could be fun.
<<nm $phYou "What word?">>
<<nm $phJolie "'Domino', $phJolie.Address. And no, not because one of me delivers pizzas. I mean like the mask. That will wake me up, and let us talk a bit more. Speaking of, I want to try a few things and see how these powers of mine work. There are //so// many people in need here, $phJolie.Address! And we're going to help them all...but before I get to it, I thought I should ask my wonderful patron if $pshe had any requests?">>
She grinned at you, taking the mask in both hands and preparing to slip it on. You grinned right back. Oh, this was going to work out just fine.
<<set $phJolie.post_talk to 1>><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'intro'>>
@@.choice;
[[You Wouldn't Mind Seeing More Of The 50s Wife|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.portrait to 'Wife']]
[[You Might Be In The Mood For Another Pizza Delivery|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.portrait to 'Delivery']]
[[A Visit From The Dominatrix Sounds Just Fine|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.portrait to 'Domme']]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 2>><<set $phJolieQ1 to 0>><<set $phJolieQ2 to 0>><<set $phJolieQ3 to 0>><<set $phJolieQ4 to 0>><<if ($phJolie.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phJolie.chapter_talk is 2>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>>Jolie's eyes cleared, her costume seeming to twist around here. Soon enough, she was left in much the form you remembered. She blinked a few times, then took a deep breath and looked around. The moment her eyes locked onto you, she smiled.
<<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address! I met with your mother!">>
That stopped you cold. Lazren had shown up to talk to you. It hadn't even occured to you that she might have gone anywhere else in the tower, though you guessed it wasn't that surprising that she may want to look around.
<<nm $phYou "She...She did?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes! I was up early, and I saw something strange on the cameras. I turned around to go see who it was...and she was just there, behind me. I...sort of last track of things after that. Usually, I can tell when I'm playing a role, but the next thing I knew I was waking up in leather form with one of my regulars. Did I do anything strange?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not that //I// know of. Or at least, no one's said anything like that to me. I guess you must have played the part pretty well. Maybe she just wanted a tour guide and didn't want to distract me. You do that one pretty well.">>
<<nm $phJolie "I'm glad for that. Everything is okay then? You passed your test?">>
<<nm $phYou "So it seems! Of course, that just means there's another test coming up, but there's not much that we can do about that other than do our best. Don't worry about it. She wants us to succeed. She won't set us up for failure.">>
Jolie seemed to digest that for a little while. Then she nodded and drew herself up in a sort of pseudo-salute. The gesture would have made any drill sergeant in the world have a conniption, but the sentiment came across well.
<<nm $phJolie "I guess we will just have to have faith in that, for a little while. What can I do for you?">>
<</if>><<if ($phJolie.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phJolie.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phJolie.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<nm $phYou "I could actually use someone to talk to for a while. 'Domino', Jolie.">>
She jerked in place for a moment, her body going stiff as she rapidly changed forms back to her more ordinary appearance. Her eyes found yours as they focused once more, and she reached out to catch one of your hands in both of hers.
<<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address! I heard you passed again. Mason came to all of us, one by one, to fill us in on the details. It took a little while... it seems there is much going on!">>
<<nm $phYou "There is. He took the time to go through it all, though?">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phJolie "Ah...well, actually, I wouldn't let him leave. He found me in full leather mode and...I think, in some strange way, it made him more comfortable.">>
<<nm $phYou "I bet it did. He's been exploring a few new aspects of himself. That's probably a subject for another day, though. So he told you about Desire?">>
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phJolie "Oh yes. He arrived while I was in my housewife form and he was very...ah...thorough in his explanations.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Well...he's been getting in touch with a more assertive part of himself. That's probably a subject for another day, though. So he told you about Desire?">>
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is not 'sub') and ($phMason.transform is not 'dom')>><<nm $phJolie "Yes. He made sure to arrive while I was in my real form, to make sure I understood. We had a little coffee in the food court, and he filled me in. He seemed a little nervous about it, so I think he was happy to talk.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad he had a chance to get his fears off his chest. He's had a trying couple of weeks. So he told you about Desire?">>
<</if>>Jolie nodded, and flashed a melancholy sort of smile. She looked down at your hand in both of hers and gave it a light squeeze.
<<nm $phJolie "Maybe it is silly of me to say this but...I think maybe I understand better than anyone. Trying to act, trying to break into that world.. it all runs on desire. Yes, people need a job right //now// to pay the rent they owed from three months ago, but everyone also wants the breakout hit. They want to be the most handsome, the most amusing, the most convincing, or most something else. Actors and actresses... you work day and night so that, just maybe, you might see your name in lights someday.">>
You nodded, frowning. You hadn't really thought of that, but maybe the movie scene was exactly the sort of hyper self-obsession that Lazren and Avery had talked about. <<if $phJolie.date gt 2>>Even Jolie herself was not immune, and she had a pretty level head. She still wanted to make films and enjoy the red carpet. You'd talked about it when you visited the museum with her.<<else>>You weren't sure even Jolie was immune to it. Her transformation had been one that gave her the acting edge she was looking for, just like everyone else.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You don't think I should have agreed to it?">>
<<nm $phJolie "I didn't say that. I think maybe you could make it better. Desire can be a good thing. It is what makes us do almost anything we do. No matter how altruistic we want to be, we still must want to do what we're doing. Maybe if you are the one in the seat, you could make it better. You could make it healthy again. But you should be careful. That sort of thing is... it is very powerful. And it's very dangerous. Does that make sense?">>
<<nm $phYou "I think so. It's something to think on, anyway. Thanks, Jolie. Always good to know I have someone to talk to about these things.">>
She chuckled and let you go, sucking in a deep breath and straightening her back.
<<nm $phJolie "I'm happy to help. Any time you need me, you know exactly the word to say. And if you just need a distraction, I'm sure I've still got a few tricks in my repertoire you might not be expecting. But first... do you want to talk about anything else?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Hey Jolie? 'Domino'.">>
<<if $phJolie.portrait is 'Wife'>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<JolieFlip>>Jolie cocked her head and froze. She stood so still for a moment that you were half afraid that something had broken with whatever magic allowed her to do what she did. After a second, however, her eye shadow thickened and turned from blue to black. The outline of the mask appeared around her face, and she raised a hand to pull it free. Her mouth opened and her tongue emerged to run over her still enlarged lips.
<<nm $phJolie "...Oh my. Those are very...how you say...sensitive. Exactly how much of an oral fixation does the modern fantasy housewife have?">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.portrait is 'Delivery'>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<JolieFlip>>Jolie froze, still leaning back against the table with the pizza boxes. Her hands gripped so hard around the edge of the table that it creaked. As you watched, the suggestion of mask around her eyes thickened until the familiar black shape coalesced into view. Chuckling, Jolie reached up to remove it.
<<nm $phJolie "I am sorry for the puns, $phJolie.Address. Some performances are subtle but that one is...how you say...a little more direct?">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.portrait is 'Domme'>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<JolieFlip>>Jolie gasped, and her hand tightened around the riding crop she still held loosely between her fingers. A shudder passed through her body like a wave, from her blonde hair to the tips of her toes. She reached up with her free hand, pulled the mask free of her face, and sat it down in her lap with a somewhat shame-faced expression.
<<nm $phJolie "...Sorry about the name calling, $phJolie.Address. There are...how you say...some for whom that is part of the allure, I would think.">>
<</if>>You stepped close to the blonde, sharing a brief embrace. The actress was now much more reserved, but her eyes still sparkled happily when she looked at you. There was a question in her look.
<<nm $phYou "Wanted to talk to the real you for a little while, that's all. Sometimes it's hard to tell that you're still in there.">>
<<nm $phJolie "That is sort of the point, isn't it? That you can't see me at all? I understand though. Don't worry. It's nice to get some air every so often, yes? What can I do for you?">>
The two of you separated and you settled yourself into a seat across from her. Jolie set the mask carefully down to one side, though her eyes flicked to it every few seconds like a mother keeping track of her child. After all the trouble you'd gone through to give her the gift, it was reassuring to see she had no interest in losing it.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 3>><<set $phJolieQ1 to 1>>You asked Jolie how she was feeling since the change. The blonde woman immediately grinned.
<<nm $phJolie "That sort of depends on who I am being, yes? I have been sad, and happy, and horny, and everything in between since you gifted me. I can be anything that is needed.">>
It was a slightly evasive answer, and you weren't about to be evaded. You didn't say anything, you just gave her an expectant look until she groaned.
<<nm $phJolie "Fine, fine. I surrender. Sorry, it is more difficult to be honest when I am being...well, honest, yes? It is exhilarating. I feel like I have the entire world at my fingertips. I can be anything for anyone at any time. I have been young and old, funny and serious, quiet and friendly. I have lived more since you brought me here than all my life before. Thank you for that.">>
<<nm $phYou "No second thoughts then? You know, you still have a lot more of the old you than most. We could speak to Mason about turning back the clock.">>
That earned an eye roll and a derisive kind of laugh. Jolie immediately held a hand over her mouth, her cheeks going just a touch scarlet.
<<nm $phJolie "Sorry! You were being kind...no, no that is alright. If I ever need to visit him again, it will be to make me even less of my old self. I would never want to give this up. It has been...I don't know. It is like waking up from a long dream. Like //this// is the world that is real and important, and everything else was just stardust and illusion. Don't worry, $phJolie.Address. You cast this role especially for me, and I intend to play it to a T.">>
The blonde flashed you a wry grin and winked. She seemed much more relaxed than you had seen her before, and that helped loosen any remaining tension you had over the gift you had given her.
<<nm $phJolie "...Besides. Free room and board? I know a //lot// of starving artists who would have signed their souls away for much less favorable deals. I am quite fortunate I'm not in the tragic sort of play. I like this one better.">>
You couldn't argue with that. Come to think of it, you hoped your own play wasn't going to turn into a tragedy. Or, for that matter, a comedy either.
<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 4>><<set $phJolieQ2 to 1>>You asked Jolie how she was adapting to the work. Her expression instantly brightened, and she leaned forward like a child who had just been given a secret they couldn't possibly keep to themselves.
<<nm $phJolie "It is //amazing//, $phJolie.Address. I get to watch the monitors here until I find someone in need, and I'm already changed and out the door before I even have to think about it much. The mask has so many archetypes that fit. All I have to do is add my own flourishes. Whatever I think up is instantly part of the costume.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm actually a little fuzzy on that. What exactly is it that you're doing? I knew you'd be helping, but the details were less important before.">>
Jolie shrugged and made some show of being flippant. Outside of her personas, though, she wasn't nearly as supernaturally convincing. You could see the enthusiasm bubbling up within her and desperately seeking an outlet.
<<nm $phJolie "It is no big deal, $phJolie.Address, but I do my part. Often, it is just a bit part. A security guard who appears to help find a lost child, or an employee happy to give directions, or even just a fellow customer stopping just long enough to compliment a dress. You would be surprised how little it takes, sometimes. You have them all on the right road, I just nudge them back onto the track a little.">>
You tapped your chin thoughtfully. You knew the tower could make simulacra that handled most of the menial activities, but that didn't mean there couldn't be improvement. When it created an employee, it tended to aim for rote and unremarkable, so as not to draw more personal attention than the simulacrum could handle. You could see how a real person would be much more effective, but you doubted it would be //so// much more effective as to account for the additional energy you had been pulling in.
<<nm $phYou "Sure. I imagine that's a lot of fun. To flit in and out without anyone realizing what you really are, but I know there are more substantial roles too, right?">>
Jolie's answering giggle was wicked. She gave you a slow nod and looked left and right, as though someone would be recording your conversation.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, yes. Usually, that is all that is required, but there are more important things. Mason says that the tower encourages our true selves, yes? Well, sometimes it can't quite get the people to the final step. So I come along and give them a...nudge.">>
<<nm $phYou "...A nudge?">>
<<nm $phJolie "You know. Something more substantial. It seems a lot of people's true selves are more than a little repressed. I blame your television standards. So if some variety of pretty girl appears and delivers the kind of lines they secretly crave then...it's usually enough. I help them to...cut loose. And then maybe we might meet up again another day to keep them on track. Or just for fun.">>
Judging from the increase in your energy intake, she was growing very proficient at helping people 'cut loose'. You didn't want to press her to kiss and tell, but you were glad to know she enjoyed her work.
<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 5>><<set $phJolieQ3 to 1>>You asked if Jolie had given any thought to enjoying herself a bit more directly, without one of her personas. For the first time, you saw the blonde hesitate.
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. I know it would be fun. Especially with you, $phYou.firstname. I can really only imagine the sort of things you've learned. I've changed so much since I got the mask, and I know you've been here since before me.">>
<<nm $phYou "I've learned a few things, yes. Your first time wasn't in the mask, was it?">>
Jolie scoffed and shook her head quickly. She tapped her chin thoughtfully for a few silent seconds, and then finally shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phJolie "Not nearly my first, no, but it's...elevated, in the mask. You know how being hungry makes food taste better? Well, in the mask, I can be not only interested but //ravenous//. I can be so utterly into a person and what they're doing to me that all it takes is a touch. Right now, it'll be hard for the unmasked me to measure up to that. If anyone could, it's you, $phJolie.address. But the mask's hot. I like it on.">>
Good enough. You spread your hands and offered an agreeable smile to show your understanding. Jolie nodded her thanks...and after a beat added.
<<nm $phJolie "Though, if you ever wanted to wake me up in the middle of things to enjoy a moment or two...well, I suppose I could not object to that.">>
Good to know.<</if>><<if $phJolie.post_talk is 6>><<set $phJolieQ4 to 1>><<nm $phYou "So how have you and Cassy been getting along? How was cyberspace?">>
Jolie's eyes lit up instantly and she leaned forward, her expression suddenly more animated. The smile that spread across her face answered you before she had even spoken a word.
<<nm $phJolie "It is...Amazing! Wonderful! I could not even imagine how...I...The words! I am not sure I have the words! It was so-...!">>
She struggled for several seconds, visibly. Then took a deep breath and seemed to settle herself.
<<nm $phJolie "On stage...it is all an act. You can see that the backdrop is just paint, that the props are just props. You can see your fellow actors waiting in the wings. In that other world...everything is created. Nothing has shape except the shape someone wanted it to be. It is like a rushing river of a million different perspectives, all at once!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll be honest, that sounds exhausting!">>
<<nm $phJolie "It can be. Sometimes, when I return, I can barely move. Cassy and I will stay up, long into the night, and talk about our experience. It is good to have someone who understands. We both pretend, but not because we do not like who we are...we just //like// to pretend!">>
You chuckled at that. It shouldn't really have been a surprise. When you'd met Cassy, the best thing she seemed to have going was a roleplaying game. You knew exactly how much fun it could be to play a role.
<<nm $phYou "That's wonderful, Jol. I'm glad for you both. If you need anyone to officiate the ceremony, when it happens...">>
Jolie looked confused for several seconds. Then she mock glowered and slapped your shoulder. You laughed and lifted your hands placatingly.
Maybe they'd get there given time.<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phJolieQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Jolie How She's Doing|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phJolieQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Jolie About Her Work|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 4]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phJolieQ4 is 0) and ($phJolie.date is 9)>>[[Ask Jolie About Cassy|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 6]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phJolieQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Jolie About Being Intimate|JoliePornstarTalk][$phJolie.post_talk to 5]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[Chat And Scat|Computer Cafe][$phJolie.goodbye to 'pornstartalk']]<<if $phJolie.sex is 0>>JJ leaned up to press her lips to yours and slipped her soft hands into your coat to run up your sides. The cowgirl was so top-heavy she had to lift onto her tiptoes and squish her breasts hard against <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your chest<<else>>yours<</if>> to be able to reach your mouth, but she didn't seem to mind at all. She held the kiss for several seconds before finally letting her heels drop back to the ground.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, my bull. Mmm. When you're so close and you look at me that way...well, it makes me feel like your voice is playing across my mind all over again. I get so wet for you every time you look at my tits...Why don't you sit down. Let your pet give you a show while you think about how to use her?">>
You had no complaints with that plan. JJ took you by the hand and led you to the golden-colored bed and settled you down on it. You were surprised when the mattress sloshed beneath your backside, and realized after a moment that it was no mattress at all. JJ, it seemed, enjoyed a little bit more fluid comfort for her rest and had found or requested a water bed for her personal stall.
The full-figured woman giggled at you as you settled yourself and took a step back. Her hips began to rock back and forth with slow and easy rhythm. She wasn't much of a dancer, but as she began to undo the buttons on her uniform top, you didn't care to criticize. Her chest was so confined that every new undone button pulled the shirt apart a little further, exposing inch after inch of tanned flesh.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, my bull! Get a look at your property. You know what we cowgirls are...a set of milky tits and some excited holes for you. Can already feel my brain going empty...mmm, all my thoughts just run down and down and down until-.">>
She let out a playful little gasp as the last button popped before she could get to it, and the sides of her shirt flew open. The tanned bra inside held for a few more seconds before the material snapped between the two cups. Her breasts were huge, perfectly round and impossibly perky considering the size and what you knew filled them. Already, a tiny white droplet decorated the tips of both nipples. Even as you watched, you could see them swelling slightly...were they still //growing//.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh please, my bull! Use me! Make me a good girl for you. I want to be the best pet for you. I want everything!">>
The blonde caught her lower lip between her teeth and gave you a pleading look that would melt even the iciest heart. You didn't think you needed much convincing to give her what she wanted. Then again, what //did// she want?
@@.choice;
[[She's Not Just Tits, Have Her Use Her Hand|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 1]]
[[Right Now She IS Just Tits, Use Them|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>>Part of you enjoyed JJ's increasingly dirty mouth, but you weren't one to reduce someone to just one thing, no matter how beautiful those tits might be. You crooked a finger and JJ eagerly abandoned her striptease to race forward. You caught her hand and guided it down between your legs until her fingers stroked across the bulge in your pants.
<<nm $phYou "JJ, sweetie. Any pet of mine has to be conversant in using //all// of herself, not just the more prominent feature.">>
The cowgirl giggled, accepting your suggestion with pure excitement. She knelt beside the bed and her fingers curled around your still covered shaft, giving you a few gentle strokes as she looked up at you with those huge, innocent brown eyes.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my bull...I'll learn how to make you enjoy yourself with any part of me you wish. JJ is all yours. She's your happy little pet, okay? Let her make you feel good...">>
The blonde undid your zipper with grace more feline than bovine and carefully tugged your pants down over your hips, allowing your cock to emerge into view. The poor thing actually caught her breath at the sight of it, standing tall and hardening even more by the second. Her hand extended to brush her fingers over the bare skin with reverence.
She exhaled slowly, but there was no words to the breath. Just an animalistic coo of need. You expected her to start slow, but that was apparently not a part of the cowgirl vocabulary. She shifted forward, her naked chest pressing against your knee as her fingers once again wrapped around your shaft. Then she began to pump, hard and fast, her hand pistoning as fast as she could go!
You moaned. The surprise at her gusto combined with the build-up and dirty talk she'd given you was making you feel like the bull she wanted you to be. You felt like more and more of yourself was focused around your cock, to the exclusion of almost everything else. So when her hand gripped you and began to pump, it was all you could do not to grab her and pull her on top of you immediately. Instead, your hands gripped the wooden frame of the bed so hard you could swear you heard the wood creak.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh! Does my bull like it? Like little JJ jacking $pher off? Yes, I think so. Mmm. I can smell your seed. I need it, my bull. I'll do anything for it! Just tell JJ how to please you!">>
She was begging for it and, what's more, you could tell that her pleas were genuine. She really wanted your cum more than almost anything. You breathed in deeply, focusing on holding yourself back at least long enough to think. You were pretty sure you had one more trick in mind after this one, but your new body was more than capable of going a few times in a row. Maybe giving her what she wanted would put her in a happy mood for the rest of it. Alternatively, switching gears and making her wait might just increase her anticipation and make her enjoy the main event even more.
Choices, choices.
@@.choice;
[[Give Her One Now|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 3;$phJJSexCumChoice to 1]]
[[Make Her Wait For It|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 3;$phJJSexCumChoice to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>>You couldn't help but smile. Whatever misgivings you might have had were erased by JJ's eager and breathy tone. She didn't mind being reduced to just a body part. In fact, you'd bet it made things all the stronger for her.
<<nm $phYou "If that's what you want...Put those things to work, Tits.">>
JJ squealed with delight and all but dived at you. Her hands pawed wildly at your clothes and worked their way down your body as she dropped onto her knees. She let her body fall so hard that the thump echoed in the open space of the stables, and you suddenly understood why she'd bothered to put a rug over the concrete flooring. Her fingers struggled with your pants, the poor cowgirl clumsy in her haste, until she finally managed to open the zipper.
She had had to move so close to your waist to focus on the button and zipper that your cock, when it emerged, slapped against her forehead as it sprang into full hardness. The blonde's jaw dropped and nostrils flared, drinking in the scent and the sensation of you as though they were pleasures every bit as valuable as the sex you were certainly headed for.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my bull...You have the most beautiful cock in the world. Let me make it happy, okay?">>
JJ arched her body and pulled your cock downward, until you were safely nestled in the huge, soft pillow of her chest. Her breasts enclosed your cock fully, with only the tip extending from the top of her cleavage. As your shaft pressed home, a strangely relaxed expression came over JJ's face. Her shoulders lost whatever tension they might have had and she began to rock her body up and down with happy rhythm.
You let out a startled moan. Pleasure radiated out from your cock and spread to every corner of your body. There had been sexy build ups before, and you were no stranger to having needs, but this felt like something else. The more that JJ talked of you as a bull, the more it seemed to feel right, as though all of your senses and thoughts were being concentrated solely on the swinging meat between your legs. Suddenly, it was all you could do not to grab her and bury yourself in her, again and again, until you were completely and utterly sated.
<<nm $phYou "JJ! Mmm...fuck! Why are you so good at that?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Hmm?...Oh my bull. I'm exactly what a nice cowgirl should be. Using her nice full tits to get her bull off...don't you like it? Do you want to cum all over me? You know I'd like to drip with your seed.">>
You moaned again as she put her hands around the sides of her breasts and pushed inward, squeezing your cock further. Every movement of her body stroked her soft flesh up against your shaft. Slow and teasing motions gave way to eager bouncing as JJ slide her tits up and down the length of you. It was more than pleasure. It was a bliss that threatened to overwhelm you entirely.
A part of you, a very large and very hard part, wanted to embrace that bliss and give the cowgirl what she wanted. You could picture her wet and marked with your cum, and it pleased some animalistic urge deep inside of you. On the other hand, you were more than your instincts. You could hold out if you wanted, and make her wait for the main event. The anticipation might just be worth it for the both of you.
You cudgeled your distracted brain into gear. Soon enough, the pleasure would make the choice for you. You'd have to be fast.
@@.choice;
[[Make Her Drip|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 3;$phJJSexCumChoice to 1]]
[[Make Her Wait For It|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 3;$phJJSexCumChoice to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>><<if $phJJSexCumChoice is 1>>If JJ wanted you so badly, you weren't inclined to resist. The moment you made the decision, you felt a thrill run through your body. The pleasure, already heightened, seemed to crystallize further, and you looked down at your cowgirl pet with a wide grin.
She seemed to know exactly what was going through your mind. She let out an excited squeak and redoubled her efforts, moving much more rapidly to bring the sensation to a crescendo. You rewarded her with a low and rumbling moan that seemed to escape from the deepest part of you. You couldn't help yourself. Your hips began to pump in time with her motions and you thrust your cock hard a few last times before you gave her what she wanted.
When you finally went, you went hard. You gasped as your cock contracted suddenly, a thick spurt of cum landing across Jolie's face. The cowgirl jumped in surprise, then tilted her head back with a look of absolute bliss rolling across her features. She didn't retreat in the slightest, letting every shot of cum fall across her skin.
When it was done, your seed dripped down her cleavage, mussed her hair, and clung to her cheeks. The blonde raised one hand to scoop a generous helping of the spunk onto one finger before sucking it between her lips with a delighted coo. She fluttered her eyelashes at you before looking back to your still-hard cock. Her jaw dropped in clear surprise.<</if>><<if $phJJSexCumChoice is 0>>Despite the pleasure, you got a solid grip on yourself. The cowgirl certainly made giving into your animalistic need to rut and mark very appealing, but you were still the one in control of this encounter. You could feel the intense and building need slacken and retreat a bit as you reclaimed your control.
JJ was still working your cock eagerly, her eyes shining with her need and arousal. She couldn't read your thoughts, of course, but she certainly noticed your mood had changed when you reached down with both hands, laid your fingers across her breasts, and //squeezed//.
<<nm $phJolie "Ooooh! Oh <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>miss<</if>>! I...Oh! Mmmm..Oh please, please, that feels so goooooooood!">>
<<nm $phYou "My poor, pretty pet. What kind of owner would I be if I just gave you your treat before you fully earned it? That would be very naughty of me.">>
You squeezed again, and JJ's eyes all but crossed and her back arched mindlessly into your grip. The tiny droplets of milk at her breast had begun to flow more vigorously as your hands gripped her, and small streams of white cream were beginning to drip down her front. She tilted her head to look up at your with a helpless expression.<</if>>
<<nm $phJolie "M-...More, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>miss<</if>>?">>
You laughed and stood, using your height to your advantage as you loomed over the thickly-built cowgirl. You took hold of her hips with both hands and lifted her, squealing, into the air. She wasn't light, but your new <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> body was more than up for the task, and you turned and tossed her rear first onto the bed. She bounced, in more ways than one, and the water mattress sloshed audibly beneath her, making her rise and fall with the impact.
<<nm $phYou "Of course there's more. You brought me back to the milking room, pet, and yet you haven't shown me the good stuff. Aren't you supposed to be my dairy cow?">>
Her eyes shot wide and then flicked unconsciously over to the side. You followed her gaze to the wall and found exactly what you were looking for. A pair of short plastic cups with rubberized rims were clipped against the wall. One side was open, while the other fed into a tube extending up to the ceiling the motor hanging above. You crossed confidently over to the pair and took them down, the tubes built with more than enough slack to reach easily to the bed.
A quick flip of a switch send a low hum through the room as the pump began. JJ's body rolled on pure memory and she caught her generous lower lip between her teeth.
<<nm $phJolie "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>! I...But when I...When those are on, I can't think at all! I go...I go totally blank! Of course, you're my bull, and I would enjoy it, but...">>
She didn't shield herself. Her hands were at her sides as you brought the suction cups back over to her. Her eyes watched your every movement, and her chest rose and fell rapidly with her panting breaths. You toyed with the ends of the cups, running your thumbs along the end and feeling the faint rush of air being pulled up the tubes above.
You leaned in close to her ear and dropped your voice to a soft whisper.
<<nm $phYou "It's okay JJ...You're my pet, remember? You don't have to think at all.">>
@@.choice;[[Then You Pressed The Milkers Home.|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>>The cups caught immediately, fastening to both of JJ's heavy breasts like they had been made for the task, which they were. The cowgirl gasped, her jaw dropped, and as milk began to stain the inside of the cups white and the motor above began to hum louder, she tilted her head back and let out the noise you'd been longing to hear.
<<nm $phJolie "MMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!">>
The sound reverberated off the walls. It was blissful, exultant, and utterly absent of any thought or calculation. You could see the brainpower draining out of her huge, vacant eyes. She bucked against you hard, nearly cumming just in the first few seconds of suction. It took her a full ten seconds to remember you were there, but the moment she did her hands pawed you and her mooing took on a distinct note of desperation.
<<nm $phYou "Oooh, sweetie. Do you need some cock with your milking?">>
<<nm $phJolie "MMOOOOOOOOOO!">>
You laughed and pushed her back to lay over the mattress. Her tits bounced, but the suction cups never wavered from their task. You could see the tubes shaking and sloshing as milk flowed freely from those mountainous tits up toward the ceiling, carrying with it every thought that your pet tried to think.
You reached down and spread her knees forcefully. The cowgirl opened her legs eagerly to you, rolling her body invitingly as her breasts bounced and her hands continued to paw blindly around her. She felt herself up, stroking her fingers up your sides, teased your cock, and gripped onto the bed frame. None of it had any intent, she simply teased or gripped or squeezed anything her hands crossed. She was //gone//.
You didn't feel the need to tease her, then. You thrust your hips hard and filled her in a single firm thrust. Your cock sank within her wet sex and her legs clamped reflexively around your hips, drawing you in against her. She mooed with absolute abandon and her fingernails left marks down your back.
You didn't care. You were finally able to indulge. Both of you were far too eager to stop, or think, or even pause for a few seconds of rest. You began to piston your hips as hard as you could, determined to drive your cock into her with all of your might. She accepted it, encouraged it, and demanded more. The din of your bodies slapping together soon competed with the loud whirring sound of the motor above.
She came three times in the first five minutes. You could feel it every time her pussy contracted around you and her moos became particularly expressive. She would buck and grind and shake for several seconds before she fell back to the mattress and hooked her legs around for another go. She wasn't stopping until you were spent. That was something you agreed on.
You lasted longer than the bouncing cowgirl, but you couldn't hold out forever. She was too tight, too willing, and too enthusiastic to resist. When your pleasure began to crest, JJ seemed to go into overdrive and ground herself against you harder. The suction cups slapped against your chest, still milking her tits, but you didn't care. The only thing that existed to you was a pet to be filled.
You thrust a few final times, slamming home with enough force to send visible shockwaves all the way up through the blonde's jiggling flesh. Then you hilted yourself within her, letting her feel every last inch of you inside of her.
Then, finally, @@.choice;[[You Came.|JJSexTop][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>><<nm $phJolie "Mmmhmm...I'm okay now, don't worry. Really, really, //really// good in fact.">>
JJ smiled up at you, doing her best to put you at ease that she was fully awake again. It would have carried a little more weight is she hadn't spent the whole sentence nuzzling up against your arm, and if it hadn't been the third time she had reassured you in precisely those words.
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh. You sure you don't want me to take you up to your room?">>
The cowgirl giggled and pawed at you playfully, toying with your tie. It had taken her more than an hour after being disconnected from the milkers to start talking again, but you admitted that might have had something to do with a couple more gifts from her bull. She'd let you get dressed, though she did her best to distract you all along the way. It had worked, twice, but you did need to handle a few things outside these stables before you turned in for the day.
<<nm $phJolie "Uh-uh. It's okay. I nap here all the time. If I need anything, I can call the...um...the worker people, and they come bring me things. They're really nice. And it's real comfy. And now it smells like you.">>
She threw herself down on the pillow and inhaled deeply. You laughed and extended a hand to spank her backside, drawing forth a yelp and a playful grin over her shoulder as you stood up.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. I'll come see you again soon. You rest up. I don't want to see you back to work until tomorrow.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Okay! Um...do you want me to send the ice cream to your room when it's done?">>
You blinked and gave her a quizzical look. She, in turn, pointed upward where the milk pump was now dormant. Then she winked.
<<nm $phJolie "You don't think we'd just //waste// it, do you? But you're the bull, so you have first crack, don't you think?">>
You laughed and leaned in for a kiss, which JJ was more than happy to give you. You had to admit, life had certainly gotten strange since you'd accept Lazren's promotion.
On the other hand, @@.choice;[[Who Said Strange Was Bad?|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 0>>JJ stepped against you, turned her face upward, and pressed a kiss to your lips gently. Her body was soft and full against you as your shared in the kiss, and JJ held it for several long seconds. Her hands slipped up your sides and into your jacket, her fingers stroking at your hips. When she broke the kiss, her eyelashes fluttered invitingly at you.
<<nm $phJolie "My dear sweet bull. So tense...Let's loosen you up, okay? Just relax...">>
The cowgirl's hands slipped upward and worked your coat over your shoulders. You didn't fight it, helping her get the jacket off of you. She held it in one hand and used her other to tug on your tie, pulling you down into another long and lingering kiss before she let the knot untangle and pulled that garment free of you as well.
<<nm $phJolie "Lay down, sweetie. JJ is going to take good care of you.">>
You smiled and opened your mouth to tease her, but she laid a finger quickly across your lips, her eyes sparkling with adoration and certainty.
<<nm $phJolie "No, sweetie! You don't have to speak. You don't have to think. You can let your mind drift, if you want. Just enjoy yourself, and you'll make me happy, okay?">>
You arched your eyebrows at her, but she just flashed you the same easy-going smile as before, and you finally shrugged and let the words die. There was something nice about not being expected to carry the conversation forward, after spending so much of your time trying to pry desires out of people.
You crossed over to the golden-sheeted bed and settled yourself down on the mattress. It squished pleasantly beneath you and you realized with a start that it was not a mattress at all but a water bed. As you lowered yourself down onto it, your body rose and fell with the waves your movement created, as though some huge creature were rocking you back and forth.
JJ was at your side in a few moments, after carefully stowing your coat and tie up on a peg. She slipped onto the bed next to you, and the weight of her body sent another cascade of waves through the water beneath you. The cowgirl pressed herself warmly against your side, your elbow tucked between her expansive breasts. She leaned up slowly and kissed your ear.
<<nm $phJolie "That a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. Isn't this nice? Now, let JJ get ahold of all that tension of yours, okay? We'll have you right soon enough.">>
Her hand ran down your front, crossed over your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>pecs<<else>>chest<</if>> with a gentle squeeze, and then proceeded down your stomach. You drew in a breath to comment as her nimble fingers unwound your belt, but found the words refused to come. JJ had told you not to worry about speaking, and you could hardly remember what the activity even felt like.
As her fingers undid the button and her warm, probing fingers slipped down to <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>curl inside your panties<<else>>wrap around your cock<</if>>, you did discover one sound you could make.
You //could// still @@.choice;[[Moan.|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>>You closed your eyes and reveled in the compounding sensations of the <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>gentle motions of her fingers. Jolie's hand worked forward and back like the slow ebb and flow of a wave, while the actual wave lifted and dropped your bodies atop the water-filled bed. JJ snuggled in against your side, and her body bounced just as pleasantly against you as everything else.
<<else>>myriad rocking motions. Jolie's hand pumped up and down on your cock like the slow ebb and flow of a wave, while the actual wave lifted and dropped your bodies atop the water-filled bed. JJ snuggled in against your side, and her body bounced just as pleasantly against you as everything else.
<</if>><<nm $phJolie "There we are...my poor bull. You know, when you get all pent up like this, JJ is always willing to help, okay?">>
She was in no hurry. The pleasure built slowly, but surely, and you found yourself lifting your hips into her touch a little, eeking out just a little more sensation. She chuckled at you, quietly.
<<nm $phJolie "Needy! Too much work and not enough playing. I know exactly how to get all of that out, though. I'm just going to whip up a few assistants, is all. Far too much there for just one cowgirl, no matter how much she loves her bull.">>
You blinked and turned your head to look at her, but the cowgirl was sitting up and reaching for something beyond the headboard, and your nose instead pressed into her cleavage. She giggled and shook herself back and forth for a moment, bouncing her breasts around your head in the thin cotton shell of her shirt.
Soon, she found what she was reaching for and pulled her hand back, releasing you from the very comfortable prison that you had been ensconced in. You smiled up at her happily and cocked your head at what she was holding.
It took a second for you to register what it was. A clear plastic tube a little over a foot long with a bulbous open edge ringed in tan rubber. The other end of the tube fed into a white cord about the width of a dime that extended up from what she was holding into the ceiling.
It was, in other words, one of the milkers connected to the pumps above, though one with a far longer and narrowed cup at the end than you'd seen before.
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh. You keep relaxing, and we'll milk all that tension right out of you.">>
Admonition not to speak be damned, you started to sit up and open your mouth. JJ was faster though. She popped the milker tube down over your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy with a smooth and confident motion, as though she had done this a thousand times before. The rubber was cool against your thighs as you closed your legs around the cup far too late, and a quiet hum suddenly filled the room as the machine above appeared to take note.
<<else>>cock with a smooth and confident motion, as though she had done it a thousand times before. The cool rubber pressed against the base of your shaft, and a quiet hum suddenly filled the room as the machine above appeared to take note.
<</if>>And the suction @@.choice;[[Began.|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>>It was a strange, pleasant sensation. The suction wasn't constant, which would quickly have begun to tug uncomfortably on your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>sex. Instead, the pressure built and ebbed so that your folds were pulled and released in slow but incredibly powerful motions.<<else>>shaft. Instead, the pressure built and ebbed so that the skin of your cock was pulled and released in slow but incredibly powerful motions.<</if>> You found your hips lifting up off the bed, as though the machine were actually sucking you upward, but JJ helpfully pressed you back down again.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh, $pshe likes it! Mmm...Yes, the machine is //very// good. It knows just how to milk you...when you want it to be gentle, and when you want it to be a little more...forceful.">>
The machine gave a particularly firm burst of suction, as though it had heard her, and the cowgirl giggled as your face twisted in pleasure. Her hand run up along your stomach, undoing button after button on your dress shirt as she worked her way up.
The machine was finding the rhythm now. You had no idea what sensors it had, or if it even bore anything other than a casual relation to the real deal. Mason was more than capable of filling your tower with almost anything he could want. It was //good// though. As the pace increased, the suction pulling and easing and pulling again, you found yourself panting hard. A soft whimpering noise escaped your lips as JJ undid the last button. You still couldn't find the words you wanted to say, but she understood all the same.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, yes. That's not the whole of it, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. I wouldn't let just your pretty <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy<<else>>cock<</if>> get all the love. You've got all sorts of stress, so we need all sorts of ways to help you relax, right?">>
She reached up again and once more pressed your head between her breasts, though this time you were quite sure the movement was both deliberate and lingered far longer than it had to. For some reason, you didn't mind. When she pulled back again, a low buzzing had joined the hum of the machine above you.
JJ beamed, her hands filled by a white and shiny vibrator<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> wand, the large bulbous tip<<else>>, the smooth tip<</if>> already shaking. She laid it across your chest, and the vibrations running through your collarbone made your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>breath rumble in your chest<<else>>nipples harden happily<</if>>. You sucked in a deep breath as she worked the toy downward toward the pumping milker, and you realized exactly where it was going.
<<nm $phYou "Ah-!">>
The vibrator stopped at your bellybutton and JJ shot you a disapproving look at the noise. Then she broke out into a giggle and winked at you, before sliding the toy down further. The vibrator touched the milking cup, and you nearly came as the firm suction was joined by the vibrator's pleasure <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>between your legs<<else>>up and down your cock<</if>>. You moaned and wound your fingers hard into the bed, sending another wave of movement through the water below you.
JJ, though, didn't leave it there. After all, as she had said, you needed more than one way to enjoy yourself. She shifted her grip on the large toy, letting it fall down between your thighs<<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'male')>> and then around behind you. JJ's beaming smiled filled your vision as she bent, placed a kiss on your forehead...
...and pressed the vibrator @@.choice;[[Into Your Ass!|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 3]]@@<<else>>...
...and pressed the buzzing head @@.choice;[[Farther Down.|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>>You gasped and shuddered and rolled your body down into the water mattress, but that just made it harder to focus. Every time you moved, the water beneath you moved as well, which in turn moved JJ and her vibrator. Every little shift made the buzzing pressure <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>in your ass shift as well. The milker was still working against your pussy and the pleasure was building.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>in your ass shift as well. The milker was still working your cock and the pleasure was building.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>against your pussy change subtly. The milker was still working your cock and your pleasure was building.<</if>> It was all you could do to grip the sheets and hold on.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh, yes, there we are, sweetie. Almost ready. Isn't that much better? I bet a lot of girls get really distracted <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>by just how sexy my bull is.<<else>>by my bull's nice, thick cock.<</if>> They forget to pleasure all of you, don't they?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>She pressed the vibrator in a little more and you found your thighs spreading. The inside of the cup between your legs was misty and fogged with the flow of your pleasure, and you gasped with every change of pressure inside the tube. You groaned, all though of words behind you now.
<<else>>She pressed the vibrator in a little more and you found your thighs spreading. Dots of precum were beginning to decorate the inside of the milking cup, as your cock jumped and flexed with every change in pressure inside the tube. You groaned, all thought of words behind you now.
<</if>>JJ beamed happily down at you, leaning over your body as she pulled your unbuttoned shirt open and exposed your chest to the warm air. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>The long, sensual build up had put your entire body into a more than eager state, and even your nipples were standing erect.<<else>>Your nipples were already standing erect. The long, sensual build up had put your entire body into a more than eager state.<</if>> The cowgirl gasped playfully, then leaned up to run her lips and tongue across one pert pebble.
<<nm $phJolie "See? JJ knows how to take care of you. I want //all// of you, my bull. I want all of you to be happy. That's the only way you float away...<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>My bull doesn't have any tits like a cowgirl would, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun. Let me show you the pleasures that you have missed out on...<<else>>you know, you've got such beautiful tits that it even makes your milk slut jealous. So sweet and lovely. We can't leave them out...<</if>>">>
She shifted to the other side, exhaling hotly <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>across your chest before taking your nipple gently between her lips.<<else>>across your other breast before suckling the nipple between her lips.<</if>> She flicked her tongue across it, the motion as slow and erotic as everything else she had done to you. It drew a fresh moan from your lips and a roll of your body against the water bed.
She didn't tuck your head between her breasts this time. The new item she was reaching for was much closer to the bed. That only made sense. After all, a cowgirl wouldn't want to have to reach far for the //real// milkers.
You didn't realize what she was doing until the rubber rim of both cups were settled in place across your chest. When the suction came, it was far, far stronger than what was taking place between your legs. The tug was immediate and powerful, and your nipples instantly stood straight within the clear plastic cups. You squealed in absolute bliss. It should have hurt, but it didn't. It should have been uncomfortable, but it wasn't. Instead, the pull sent pleasure spiking through your body. You felt something deep inside yourself come loose...
...and as you finally began to cum, you felt it all @@.choice;[[Float Away.|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>><<nm $phJolie "Oooh, that was two really good ones, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>. Can you give me a third?">>
JJ's words came from far away. The only thing that was real was the pleasure, the motion, and the vibration. The pull of the machine above you thundered in your ears, competing with the rhythm of your pounding heart. Still, you tried to obey. Gasping and panting, you rolled your hips up and down as the cowgirl milked another screaming orgasm from you.
...
...
<<nm $phJolie "Good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy! Very good boy<<else>>girl! Very good girl<</if>>...That's so good! Relax. Just relax. JJ will take care of you.">>
You were on your front somehow. You didn't have any memory of the transition, but the beautiful milkers were still suckling and your body was still quivering. <<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'male')>>You could feel Jolie taking hold of the vibrator still buzzing in your ass and begin to work the toy back and forth, feeling it stretching you so deliciously well.<<else>>Something pressed against your ass and you relaxed to let it in, feeling it stretch you so deliciously well<</if>>. You pressed yourself back against it eagerly, crying out for more.
Your mind was being stretched even more. You felt...not empty, exactly, but thin. Like there wasn't enough of you in any one place to get your bearings. That should have been worrying but...there wasn't enough of you for that, either. You just floated from sensation to sensation until one of them finally set off another...
Ah! Ah! Ah fuck!
...
...
<<nm $phJolie "Naughty Naughty! You can give me one more...Mmm, my big sweet bull never runs dry for JJ, does she? Come on now...just a little longer. Just one more.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You were on your back again. Jolie had taken hold of the cup between your legs and was dragging it up and down over your cock, milking you even more directly now. The vibrator had been discarded, but something thick and round buzzed within you now.
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You were on your back again. One of the milkers had been pulled off your breast and JJ had replaced it. Her flicking tongue driving your now sensitized flesh absolutely crazy. The vibrator had been discarded, but something thick and round buzzed within you now.
<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>You were on your back again. One of the milkers had been pulled off your breast and JJ had replaced it. Her flicking tongue driving your now sensitized flesh absolutely crazy. The wand had been discarded, but something else buzzed within you now.
<</if>>You didn't have time to think about it. There was nothing important except for the sensation and the cowgirl's words. You drove yourself hard, the water bed bobbing you up and down like a ship lost in a storm.
Just...
One...
@@.choice;[[More.|JJSexBottom][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>>A sudden sharp tug against your scalp pulled you abruptly into wakefulness. You blinked and found yourself staring into the eyes of a surprised-looking red-skinned demon. You were so addled it took you a few seconds to realize you were staring into a mirror. Your suit and clothes were done up perfectly again, but your hair was pulled back. There was a comb snagged in a tangle, and at the other end of the comb...
<<nm $phJolie "Ah! I'm sorry, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Miss<</if>>! I almost made it all the way though, but I woke you up...how do you feel?">>
You rubbed at your eyes, feeling a wave of disorientation pass over you as you looked around. You were still in the stables, only in a side bathroom you hadn't seen before. The air was hot and moist, and you realized your hair was wet. A shower then. You had absolutely no memory of taking one.
<<nm $phYou "...JJ? Wha...?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Sorry, sorry! You were //so// into it, I didn't want to wake you up. You must have had a really fun time. I don't think I've seen anyone but a cowgirl go that blank during a milking. Did JJ do good?">>
She bit her lower lip and fluttered her eyelashes you, looking genuinely distressed by the idea she might have done something wrong. You couldn't help but laugh, and raised one hand to pat her on the top of the head. She arched and quivered into the touch like a puppy, and her eyes immediately lidded.
<<nm $phYou "You did good, JJ, don't worry. Just...maybe next time let me comb my own hair?">>
You reached up to pull the stuck comb free of your hair. JJ blushed, then laughed and nuzzled up against your side. You spent another fifteen minutes getting yourself resettled again before allowing the cowgirl to walk you back out to the front. The pair of you shared another kiss before the bouncing cowgirl promised to let you get back to work.
Still, that had been one hell of a way to @@.choice;[[Unwind.|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 0>><<nm $phYou "Why don't you get that cake started, and we'll see where things go from there?">>
Jolie's face could not have brightened up more if you had announced she had just won the lottery. She beamed at you, and reached up to deftly undo your tie and slide it off from around your neck.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my! Yes! I just about had everything all ready. Let me go get it into the oven and then I'll keep you entertained, okay hun? Just relax. You had a hard day.">>
She held your tie between her fingers, looped it around the back of your neck, and playfully drew you in to a long and lingering kiss. When she finally pulled away, you laughed and sent her on her way with a slap to her generous backside. She squealed with mock indignation and hurried into the next room, with you following along slowly.
The next room had certainly been remodeled. It was a kitchen, yes, but not one any company would have made use of in the last 70 years. The floor was white and black checkered linoleum and all of the appliances were bulky and humming monstrosities made of painted green steel. It smelled good, though, with the lingering scent of baked goods hanging fragrantly in the air.
Jolie returned to you quickly, offering up a still warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie and a half-full brandy glass before returning to the cake mix already in progress on the counter. She hummed and bustled as you leaned against the counter, enjoyed your treat, and sipped your drink. You could get used to this.
There were disadvantages to era appropriate cooking, however. Several minutes later, Jolie was still mixing up the batter and her brow was furrowed with concentration, still well-short of actually getting the cake into the oven. You had finished your cookie and your drink, undid the top several buttons of your blouse, and begun to wonder if pulling out your phone would break the illusion for her. Lazren had given you many things, but patience wasn't one of them.
You felt a wicked smile cross your face as you pushed away from the counter. Jolie was facing away, still whisking the batter in her bright yellow plastic bowl with utter concentration and conviction. You let yourself glide forward, careful not to let your shoes make any sound on the linoleum flooring.
Maybe it was time to show her what Lazren //had// @@.choice;[[Given You.|JoliePornstarSexWife][$phJolie.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>>Jolie gasped.
You didn't blame her. Having your lover sneak up behind you, slip their arms under yours, and squeeze a hand down on your breast had that effect. You let your fingers sink into the wonderfully soft flesh of her tit as you nuzzled against the back of her neck.
<<nm $phJolie "$phYou.firstname! I...oooh...">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I'm just looking for a little taste...">>
Jolie had gripped the edge of the mixing bowl when you had startled her, and the index and middle finger of her right hand was now tipped with the cream-colored cake mix. You extended your free hand, took her wrist, and brought those fingers up to your lips, flicking your tongue playfully over the mixture. It was sweet and cool, almost like a frosting itself. Jolie flushed, visibly.
<<nm $phJolie "Daddy always warned me about you, scamp! We need that for the cake!">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe we could spare some and just have a smaller cake. You think?">>
You let her hand go, and dipped your own fingers down into the bowl and then lifted it back to your mouth. This time, though, there was enough batter on you that several large dollops fell <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> between you, splattering your shirt and pants with specks.
<<nm $phJolie "Awww...guess we'll have to go smaller after all. Mmm, it would be a shame to waste all of that though.">>
The blonde woman set the bowl on the counter, then knelt in place and brought her head forward to run her tongue over your shirt above your stomach. She moves from one speckle to the other, her tongue lapping playfully at the fabric until her head drifted lower and her lips ran across the bulge in your pants. You chuckled and ran your hand over her hair, tilting your body back to peer down at her.
<<else>>onto your chest as you drew it back. Jolie turned in your arms and giggled as the mixture began to slide its way down into your cleavage.
<<nm $phJolie "Aww...Guess you should have kept your shirt buttoned up. It //would// be a shame to waste it, though.">>
The blonde woman set the bowl on the counter, bent down, and pressed her lips against your cleavage. Her tongue lapped against your skin, gathering up the tasty cake mix. She lowered her hands down to your hips and held on gently as she licked the batter from your skin one drop at a time. You arched your back helpfully, letting her get every last bit.
<</if>> <<nm $phYou "Enjoying yourself down there?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmmhmm!">>
You rolled your eyes, reached down to take the woman by her wide hips, and lifted her up effortlessly onto the counter. She didn't protest, even when the force of her impact shook the counter and deposited even more of the batter onto the countertop. You stepped between her legs and she closed them around your sides obligingly.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh honey. You know I can't stay mad at you. I know you have your...needs. What kind of wife would I be if I ignored them?">>
You couldn't @@.choice;[[Agree More!|JoliePornstarSexWife][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>>Jolie wrapped her arms and legs around you and drew you in against her. You could feel her curves press against your body as she tilted her head up to meet your lips. The kiss was long, wet, and adoring, and you let yourself sway within her grip as if dancing to a slow song only the pair of you could hear. When the kiss finally broke, Jolie seemed almost breathless.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh sweetie. You make me so happy! I'll do anything for you! Give anything for you! You're still my everything.">>
<<nm $phYou "Happy to hear it...There's a few things I'd like to give //you//, now that you mention it.">>
She slapped playfully at your upper arm, but her eyes were sparkling. You leaned in for another kiss, and this time you let your tongue get involved. Jolie's mouth opened instantly, accepting you completely as you explored her mouth.
You could feel your body heating up and your need growing. You were soon grinding down against her, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>lowering your hand to run your fingers between her thighs and slowly hitching the dress she was wearing upward<<else>>so that she could feel the bulge of your erection pressing against her dress<</if>>. Her cheeks became flushed and her thighs spread slowly further and further apart, allowing you to step even closer against her. When the kiss broke she spoke, and her voice was higher and shaking with anticipation.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh babe...I need you. I need you inside of me. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Let me moan for you, I know that makes you happy<<else>>Let me make you happy<</if>>...I'm your girl.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're my girl, dear. How could I refuse?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You shifted your hands downward, allowing your fingers to caress the soft skin of her thighs. The blonde woman swallowed and began to inch the hem of her dress upward with both hands, until it reached her hips. You realized she wasn't wearing a thing below the 50s skirt, and the combination of innocent wife and obvious lust on display very nearly made you pounce on her right that second.
<<nm $phJolie "It's okay if you can't be...gentle, dear. It's alright. It's even a bit...nice.">>
Her cheeks were flaming as she looked away and you could feel the grin spreading over your features. You leaned forward to kiss her on the lips, tasting the faintest trace of the cake batter still on her, and allowed your hand to slide upward. She jumped as your fingers pressed against her sex and came away wet and glistening.
<<else>>You reached down, undid the button on your slacks, and worked the zipper down. Jolie looked down between you and bit her generous lower lip the moment your cock emerged into your hand. You stroked it, already hard, and you were sure your eyes were smoldering with need. The blonde woman swallowed and began to inch the hem of her dress upward with both hands.
<<nm $phJolie "It's okay if you can't be...gentle, dear. It's alright. It's even a bit...nice.">>
Her cheeks were flaming as she looked away, the very picture of young innocence. An image only slightly tarnished when you stepped forward, letting your shaft slip beneath the raised hem of her dress, and realized she had nothing on beneath the 50s skirt. Jolie drew in a sharp breath when the head of your cock bumped firmly against her sex.
<</if>><<nm $phJolie "...Oh $phYou.firstname...Please, please, please...">>
She breathed the request into your ear, unable to say the words but more than communicating her need to you. You smiled to yourself as she leaned in over her. After all, what kind of <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>husband<<else>>wife<</if>> would //you// be if you ignored //her// needs?
You let her take a few shaky breaths, kissed her on the cheek, and @@.choice;[[Pushed Forward!|JoliePornstarSexWife][$phJolie.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>>Jolie couldn't restrain herself the moment you slipped into her. She moaned into your ear and her legs immediately hooked around your hips and pulled you down hard<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> and trapped your hand between you. You had intended to give her a moment to get used to you, but her sudden pull had your finger pressed fully into her body before you could get your balance back.
<<nm $phJolie "Ahh! Ah! Mmm...Yes! Yes, please...Please harder!">>
She didn't need to tell you twice. You got your feet under you again, gently pried her thighs apart, and used the room to slip a second finger into her body. Instantly, as though you had flipped a switch, her legs went from closing around you to splaying wide. She leaned back on the counter and wrapped both arms around her knees in a feat of impressive flexibility.
She was in heaven. You knew because she cried out every time you pumped your wrist, and her body shifted to meet you with every new push forward. One of her high heels had slipped off, and you could see her toes curling in pleasure not far from your face as she held her legs up.
<<nm $phJolie "Sweetie! Hun! Oh...Please...Please fuck me! I'm yours! I'm all yours!">>
You tried to add a third finger, but her sex was too tight around you and you had to settle for using your thumb to stimulate her clit. Jolie actually lifted her back off the counter, bucking her hips upward and moaning at the sudden increase in sensation. Her head rocked back and forth, and her blonde hair began to escape its carefully crafted confines to fall across her face.
<<nm $phJolie "Ah! Mmm...Gonna...Gonna cum! Gonna cum sweetie! Please...please let me cum!">>
Her pleading cry was filled with desperation. You were building to your climax rapidly, your hips pistoning hard and fast. You couldn't stop now if you wanted to.<<else>>. You had intended to give her a moment to get used to you, but her sudden pull had you hilted in her body before you could get your balance back.
<<nm $phJolie "Ahh! Ah! Mmm...Yes! Yes, please...Please harder!">>
She didn't need to tell you twice. You got your feet beneath you again and began to pump your hips. Jolie felt like she had been sculpted around your cock and your cock alone. She gripped you as you pulled back, but was wet and oh so eager for every hard thrust. Soon you had a rhythm. You pulled your cock out until the head of your shaft nearly slipped free of her, and then you pushed in once again all the way down to the base of your throbbing erection.
She loved it. You knew because she cried out every time you moved, and her body moved in accomodating waves in the same steady rhythm of your pumping hips. Her legs tightened to pull you in and loosened to allow you, reluctantly, to pull back from her again.
<<nm $phJolie "Sweetie! Hun! Oh...Please...Please fuck me! I'm yours! I'm all yours!">>
You put a hand beside her on the counter to steady yourself, allowing you to thrust even harder. You realized after a minute that the force of your movements had pushed her far enough back on the counter to make it difficult to hilt all the way inside of her and, with a possessive growl of frustration, you grabbed her by the hips and pulled her back into her proper place. She squealed with delight as she slid across the countertop and leaned back even further, putting her elbows down on the counter. She might have hit the cake bowl with one hand, but you were well beyond caring.
<<nm $phJolie "Ah! Mmm...Gonna...Gonna cum! Gonna cum sweetie! Please...please cum in me!">>
Her pleading cry was filled with desperation. You were building to your climax rapidly, your hips pistoning hard and fast. You couldn't stop now if you wanted to.<</if>> But as you looked up into Jolie's pleasure-lidded eyes, you did have a thought. Jolie had given you a word to bring her out of whatever persona she was submerged in and bring her back to her real self.
What would happen if you used it right now? It would certainly be one interesting way to wake up from the role.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Jolie bucked and writhed on your fingers as she built rapidly toward what promised to be a mind-blowing orgasm, and you knew you only had moments to decide<<else>> Jolie squeezed and milked your cock harder as you neared your limit, and you knew you only had a few moments to decide.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Domino. Let Her Experience It Unfiltered|JoliePornstarSexWife][$phJolie.sex to 5]]
[[That Seems Cruel. Let Your 50s Housewife Finish.|JoliePornstarSexWife][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>>You were tempted...but this version of her had done so much work to please you, it seemed cruel to make her sit this one out. Instead of speaking, you tucked your head in against her neck and inhaled her pleasant, floral perfume even as you pushed your cock into her again. Her voice rose in pitch and her body began to shake. You got to enjoy that wonderful song that you knew so well.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes! Yes! Yes! Mmm! Baby! Sweetie! YES! I'm...I'm gonna...I'm...I...">>
Her words disappeared into a squeal as she tilted her head back to the ceiling and screamed out her joy.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> That was the music you always strove for, and the mixture of pure bliss and complete surrender sent a burst of pleasure through your body. She had been the one receiving all of the stimulation, true, but there was a pleasant warmth to hearing her cum that was all the reward you needed. You pumped your fingers a few more times until Jolie was entirely spent, and then gently withdrew yourself from the panting woman.<<else>> That was too much for you. As her body squeezed around your cock, you felt your pleasure peak and you began to cum hard into the blonde. You pumped your hips a few more times until all the energy left you and you finally slumped, panting, over the top of your partner.<</if>>
The two of you lay there for several seconds, getting your breath back, until her slender fingers finally found your cheek and drew you up to lay a kiss on your lips.
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm...Thank you sweetie. That was wonderful. Now...should we see how much cake we have left?">>
<hr>
It was succulent and delicious and topped with a wonderful creamy icing that melted in your mouth the moment that you bit into it. It was sweet and tasty, with just the slightest hint of vanilla that had clearly been added in. It was perfect.
But, being as it was only the size of a cupcake, it didn't last very long. You flashed a big smile at Jolie, and bent to kiss her on pillowy lips.
<<nm $phYou "That was wonderful, honey. Sorry I interrupted.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Don't you worry, it was a very nice interruption. Do you have to go back to work?">>
<<nm $phYou "The work never ends, you know how it is. Don't worry. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to stay away very long.">>
You reached around her to squeeze her backside. She jumped and slapped your hand playfully, but there was no actual objection in her pout. She leaned up for another kiss.
<<nm $phJolie "Okay, okay! Maybe next time I'll have it //in// the oven before you get home. Hurry back soon, okay? You know no one takes care of you like your best girl.">>
You couldn't deny that. You gave her a cheeky wink and turned toward the door, feeling for some reason like bringing home the bacon and maybe watching some black and white TV. You were pretty sure the era hadn't actually been like this, though, but if it came down to a choice between reality and fiction...<<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;[[You'd Take This Fiction Any Day!|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>>You couldn't resist. Even as Jolie began to buck and squirm beneath you, you leaned in and whispered softly into her ear.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Hey lover...before you do that...'Domino'.">>
You could see Jolie's eyes widen as understanding flooded back into them. Her eyeshadow thickened and darkened, becoming the familiar domino mask. Her body, however, was already too close to resist. She bucked hard, thrashed, and knocked the bowl of cake batter onto the floor.
<<nm $phJolie "M-$phJolie.Address? I...ooh! Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck! Oh shit! Ahhh! You...you-!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Her eyes rolled back and her entire body tensed as she wrapped arms and legs around you and pulled you in hard on pure instinct. You pushed your wrist forward, burying both fingers fully inside of her. She moaned and cursed and //squeezed// your fingers hard, unable to get out more than two articulate words before the sweep of sensation carried her away again.
Finally, it was done. The two of you panted on the countertop and got your breath back for several silent seconds. You could feel Jolie's body shifting around you, her housewifely proportions shrinking down just a little bit. It was an unusual sensation around your fingers, and you withdrew them before anything unexpected could happen.
<<else>>Her eyes rolled back and her entire body tensed as she wrapped arms and legs around you and pulled you in hard on pure instinct. You pushed your hips forward, burying your cock fully inside of her as you hit your limit. You began to fill her with your seed as she moaned and shuddered and cursed you whenever she could actually mutter an articulate word.
Finally, it was done. The two of you panted on the countertop and got your breath back for several silent seconds. You could feel Jolie's body shifting around you, her housewifely proportions shrinking down just a little bit. It was an unusual sensation, one that immediately made you go hard again inside her sex.
<</if>>Abruptly, Jolie began to laugh and shake her head. She slapped you lightly on the bicep and lifted your chin to look you in the eyes.
<<nm $phJolie "You officially suck, $phJolie.Address!">>
Then she leaned in for a long and loving kiss.
<hr>
It took just a few minutes to clean up what would have been a delicious cake from the floor. Then the two of you leaned against the counter and enjoyed the plate of cookies, sipping from two tall and frosty milk glasses.
<<nm $phYou "Forgive me?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Of course, of course. You know I was alright with being drawn in to one of these scenarios. I more sort of meant at halftime to see how things would go, not when I was already...how you say...at the finish line?">>
You pushed away from the counter and flashed her an apologetic grin that entirely failed to be apologetic. She glowered at you playfully, but as you turned to return to work she extended a hand and caught your upper arm.
<<nm $phJolie "But you know...just because that's not what I meant when I said it...well, it wasn't so bad. If you ever wanted to do that one again...">>
You leaned back for another warm kiss. You'd have to keep that one in mind for next time.
Hopefully, one that was @@.choice;[[Very Soon.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<set _JolieName to 'Big Boy'>><<else>><<set _JolieName to 'Big Girl'>><</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 0>><<nm $phYou "Oh, I'm delivering something to //you// today.">>
Jolie looked up and, despite her deliberately bored demeanor, you could see the sudden attention in her eyes. She straightened up and stretched, extending her arms behind her back and briefly outlining her chest in the tight white uniform.
<<nm $phJolie "Uh-huh. You must be here for the delivery <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>> job then? Mmm. About time. I've been taking double shifts for a while now. Sometimes I have to try to meet two clients at once, just to make things work out. They always demand a little //extra// if they have to share. Think you're enough of a meat lover for us?">>
Her voice had dropped into a husky, teasing register as she walked toward you. She did a slow circle around you and drank in your form with relish. You followed her with your eyes, not quite sure of what sort of game you were being primed up for.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'm happy to do what you need me to do. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Always been my dream to deliver a piping hot box<<else>>I'm a very //hard// worker<</if>>.">>
Her eyes sparkled at the bad pun and she nodded to herself, as though something had been decided. Then the blonde spun on her heels and began walking toward a door in the back of the office. She paused in the doorway to call over her shoulder.
<<nm $phJolie "Go ahead and take your shirt off, then come with me, okay? We'll put you through the paces.">>
<<nm $phYou "My shirt? Why my shirt?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Well, we wouldn't want to get //sauce// on it, would we? Don't be shy. I only nibble a little.">>
She shot you a sultry grin, making sure the innuendo landed firmly, before striding through the door. You watched her go with a bemused expression. You could all but hear the cheesy 80s synth starting up in the background.
Well, it might not make for good TV, but at least you were pretty sure it would end with a fun time.
@@.choice;
[[Lose The Shirt And Follow.|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>>The next room was...strange. It was set up like a pizza parlor, but in the cheapest way possible. There were pizza 'posters' that were clearly just printed out at home and hung up on the walls, far too varied and eclectic to be from any one company. Cardboard had been piled up in the corner, and a single tray of shredded cheese adorned a table to give it the barest appearance of a kitchen. You weren't sure if the shoddy surroundings were intentional, if Jolie simply hadn't had a lot of time and resources to create her fake set, or if it was somehow the mask producing the kind of background she needed.
There was another thing it was lacking, for a kitchen. Heat. You could feel your nipples hardening the moment you stepped into the chilly air. Jolie grinned over her shoulder again, admiring your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bare-chested<<else>>bra-clad<</if>> form.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Her eyes ran across your hardening nipples with obvious enjoyment<<else>> Her eyes drifted down from your chest to your pants, and the growing bulge in the fabric there without your jacket to offer some concealment<</if>>.
<<nm $phJolie "Alright, _JolieName. You've certainly got a few...assets on your resume. Very //big// assets. But I told you it takes more to work with me. You've got to be dedicated. Our client's pleasure is all we care about.">>
She moved up to you slowly, running her tongue gingerly along pink-painted lips. When she reached you she extended her hands to run along your upper arm and admired the bicep. You flexed it, briefly, and enjoyed her cooing approval.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. How do I prove my dedication?">>
Jolie smiled at you. Her hand ran up your shoulder and then lowered down, crossing gingerly around your chest.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> She ran her fingers lightly across your nipples, openly admiring your pecs<<else>> She teased at your hard nipple through the bra's fabric, and you gasped despite yourself<</if>>. She leaned in against your body and stage-whispered into your ear, more than loudly enough for any make-believe audience to hear.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, we need to be very, very special to work here. We have to be quick. Mmm...we have to be inviting. We have to be //delicious//. But you know what we have to have more than anything?">>
<<nm $phYou "What's that?">>
<<nm $phJolie "We have to last until the very last lick, _JolieName. Have to hold ourselves back from all the wonderful meat we're delivering. Can't finish the job until the client is...satisfied. You know what I mean?">>
She beamed up at you...and began to lower herself down onto her knees. She let her cheek rub across your chest and belly before she settled down, pressing her lips <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>between your legs<<else>>against the bulge at your zipper<</if>> with almost tender grace. She looked up at you with a challenging expression before her eyes flicked to the wall and a conspicuously large clock hanging on it.
<<nm $phJolie "We have a fifteen minute guarantee, you know... Can you last the full fifteen? If you do, I'll hook you up with our 'employee benefits'. If not...well, I suppose we can always use someone at the bottom of the totem pole. I'll find some way to make you useful. What do you say, _JolieName? You up for it?">>
There really was only one answer to that. You looked down at the blonde and settled your hands on your hips.
@@.choice;
[[Hell Yes!|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>>Ten minutes later, you were wondering how good an idea accepting this challenge had been.
Jolie had even taken her time. She had nuzzled and cooed and rubbed her hands up and down your stomach to show off for the audience that wasn't actually watching. When she had finally pulled your zipper down <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and exposed your sex, she shot a wide, confident grin upward at you.
<<nm $phJolie "Well well well. I think someone is very...excited to be trying out for this role. You'll be making all of our customers very happy...//if// you can last.">>
With that, Jolie leaned up, tilted her head back, opened her mouth wide, and proceeded to run her tongue directly over your slit. Her tongue was hot and wet and eager, and as she flicked it expertly across your clit you wound your hands into her hair and pulled her in close to your body. She didn't protest or try to move away, but rather simply plunge her tongue just as deeply as she could.
Then she raised her head a fraction of an inch to wrap her lips around the wonderful pearl of your clit.
It was loud and messy, creating a wet sound in the room as she nuzzled her face frantically against you. Her tongue, lips, cheeks, and even chin were all tools to increase your stimulation. She never stopped and she never slowed down. She was performing for an unseen audience, and there was no stopping her.
And now here you were, at ten minutes, and your body was shuddering and shaking as you held yourself back. Jolie was //far// too good at this. A pornstar at your beck and call who seemed all too eager to see you fail. She never gave you time enough to get used to it. For a minute, her motions would be side to side, brushing her cheeks up against your thighs. Then, the next minute, she'd be again lunging forward to stretch her tongue to the very deepest parts of yours. Then she'd tease your clit with your lips for a while, and then return to the side to side motion.
<<else>>and allowed your cock to spring into the air, her jaw had dropped and she had done a pretty good impression of shock.
<<nm $phJolie "Well well well...you ARE a _JolieName aren't you? The girls will be all over you...//if// you can last.">>
With that, Jolie had leaned up, tilted her head back, opened her mouth wide, and proceeded to work her way down your shaft. Her mouth was hot and wet and eager, and as she worked your cock down her throat you wound your hands into her hair. She never gagged or even struggled with it, and her lips soon pressed against the base of your shaft.
Then she had begun to bob.
It was loud and messy, creating a wet sound in the room and she pulled back off your monster shaft only to swallow it down again. Her eyes kept flicking up to yours, somehow managing to be challenging even with her mouth completely full. Every forward motion of her body seemed to increase the pleasure further, and you were soon panting and gasping with the effort not to unload your seed into those pretty, glistening lips.
And now here you were, at ten minutes, and your body was shuddering and shaking as you held yourself back. Jolie was //far// too good at this. A pornstar at your beck and call who seemed all too eager to see you fail. She never gave you enough time to get used to it. For a minute she would move her head as fast as she could, letting the motion of your cock into her throat provide all the wonderful friction. Then, the next minute, she would slow and flick her tongue around the head of your shaft as one of her hands worked up and down your thighs. Then she would be moving fast again.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Fuck! Jolie!">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmmph! Mmmnmmn mmmmm!">>
Her eyes flicked toward the wall, and you assumed her muffled noise was reminding you of your deadline. The second hand clicked with agonizing slowness as you began to pump your hips helplessly into the beautifully pliant woman. You grit your teeth and closed your eyes, feeling your head tilting back toward the ceiling.
You had to make it...didn't you?
@@.choice;
[[Fuck It, Can't Hold Back!|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 3]]
[[Try To Hold On!|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>><<nm $phYou "Jolie! Fuck! I...I can't...I'm cumming!">>
You felt the pleasure spiking before you'd even passed the fourteen minute mark, and you couldn't hold yourself back. You reached down, gripped Jolie's hair tight in both hands, and began to piston your hips frantically. The pornstar made a mewling, surprised noise in the back of her throat.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Jolie closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and accepted everything you had to give as you brought yourself off hard on her face<<else>> The sounds quickly cut off as your began to shoot into the back of her throat, forcing her to swallow as quickly as she could<</if>>.
It was bliss. You shuddered and bit your lower lip as you seemed to empty all of yourself into her mouth in an orgasm that last forever. When you were finally spent, you actually had to put a hand on the countertop in order to keep yourself upright, as your knees were threatening to turn to jelly.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Jolie grinned up at you, smugly, and pulled away from your hips. The bottom half of her face was a mess, glistening with your excitement, and she ran her tongue around her lips in slow, savoring circles. Finally, she wiped her mouth on her shoulder and then shrugged up at you.
<<else>>Jolie grinned up at you, smugly, swallowing the last few mouthfuls with deliberate exaggeration. Then she pulled slowly off of you and wiped her lip for any stray droplet that might have escaped.
There were none.
<</if>><<nm $phJolie "...Awww, _JolieName...I thought you had it in you. Mmm. I guess not, though I enjoyed what you //did// have in you. I guess this means you need more training...Don't worry though...">>
The blonde stood up and stretched, just as casual now as when she had been hanging out at the front of the 'store'. She crossed over to the other end of the room, her hips swaying sensuously along the way. She bent at the hips to show off the curve of her ass as she dug around beneath the tabletop. Finally, she made a pleased noise, straightened up again, and turned toward you...
...holding a massive black strap-on, with a harness.
<<nm $phJolie "...I'm always happy to train a new hire to be a true meat lover. We'll get you in shape in no time.">>
<<nm $phYou "Now, Joli-.">>
You started to come forward, but Jolie extended her hand, caught you by the hair, and pulled you down hard over a tabletop. She wasn't that strong, but you were so surprised that you went along with it, bent uncomfortably across the faux countertop. Her other hand went immediately to your backside, coming down with a hard spank that reverberated in the tiny space, even if actually wasn't all the hard.
<<nm $phJolie "You can't renege on a bet, _JolieName. Those are the rules, and you lost. Now, go ahead and open wide, because I've got a delivery that you're going to love.">>
@@.choice;
[[Pay The Penalty.|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>>When the tip of Jolie's strap-on bumped against your ass, you squealed on reflex. It had taken Jolie mere seconds to secure the toy, stepping into the harness and tightening up a few of the straps. Your pants were already undone, so all she had had to do was give them a sharp yank and your backside was bare to her attention.
<<nm $phYou "Jolie! Mmmph...It's too big!">>
<<nm $phJolie "How are you ever going to learn, _JolieName? Fine, but you're working overtime...">>
She reached past your head and plucked a bottle from the table, turning it over across the black and shiny strap-on. Lube dribbled from the cap, and she began to stroke the shaft lewdly, spreading the wet material evenly across the surface. When she noticed you watching her movements became more pronounced, putting on a show for you.
<<nm $phJolie "That a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. See? I'm a good supervisor. Now, we're all set. Just relax, okay?">>
You turned back to the table and spread your stance, drawing in a deep breath. Your cheeks burned a bit, but you //had// failed your test, and it was only fair. Jolie squealed with delight behind you and positioned herself again, resting both her hands on her hips.
Then, slowly, she pressed the toy home.
Even with the slippery lube coating the surface, it took a few seconds. The massive thing bumped against your ass and the pressure slowly ratcheted up by the second. Your fingers dug into the countertop and you couldn't stop yourself from letting out a moan. Jolie laughed and wriggled her hips, easing your pucker open bit by bit.
Finally, the tip of the toy was in. The moment it was, Jolie thrust her hips with all her might, filling you completely. She gave you a few seconds to get used to the size, the only noise in the small space the click of the clock's hands and your somewhat ragged breathing. Finally, you nodded back over your shoulder, and the blonde began to move.
She wasn't gentle after that but, then, you didn't want her to be. She rocked her hips with abandon, and the motions of that huge toy stretched you to what felt like the breaking point. Even so, you couldn't help begging for me. It felt good. It felt wonderful. Every time she hilted herself in your ass you had to fight to keep from making an immediate mess on the counter top beneath you.
<<nm $phJolie "Not yet! Not yet. You cum with me, _JolieName. You cum with me!">>
She brought her hand down firmly on your ass and you squealed again, bucking and moaning underher assault. She moved forward even more, lifted one foot, and set it down on the table next to your hip, the added leverage letting her drive even deeper. You bit your bottom lip and arched your back, holding back as best you could but were beginning to worry about what a //second// penalty round would look like when Jolie suddenly let out a breathy scream.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes! Yes! Yes! That's it! Right there...ooooh, _JolieName! Fuck yes! Cum with me! Cum with me you slut!">>
She brought her hand down on your ass again with all her might. You tossed your head back, loosened your shoulders, and let out a fresh cry of bliss at the ceiling.
Then you finally @@.choice;[[Made A Mess Of The Counter.|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 7]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>>You panted and you moaned. You gripped Jolie's hair and rocked your hips hard. You tensed your muscles, curled your toes, and thought about cold showers. You did your absolute best not to look down at the beautiful porn star currently<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> licking you out<<else>> sucking your cock<</if>>. You would not give into the pleasure.
Well, not until it was time.
The moment the second hand crossed the fifteen minute mark, you reached down with both hands and took firm hold of Jolie's blonde hair. You began to thrust your hips, fucking her <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>lips<<else>>throat<</if>> with animal-like ferocity. You could dimly hear a pleased, muffled sound from the faux delivery driver, but you didn't care.
You could finally //release//.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You let out a deep-throated moan and ground your pussy up against her face with wild abandon as you came. You were making a mess of the delivery girl's face, but she didn't seem to care. She tilted her head up, her hands resting on her knees, and allowed you to use her like just another toy.
<<else>>Even Jolie struggled with the load you were giving her. Her throat worked frantically, trying not to waste a drop, but it was too much. A few droplets of your creamy spunk slipped from her lips and dripped down onto her uniform top.
<</if>>Finally, the pleasure subsided and you groaned and reached out to support yourself against the table. Jolie's eyes flicked up to you and she waited until she was completely sure you were spent before finally pulling back and away.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phJolie "Wow, _JolieName! Mmm. I really didn't expect you to make it. You gave me such a tasty treat, too. I suppose you won, then. That's a shame. I was //really// looking forward to using my new toy as the penalty...">>
She stood and stretched again, one hand idly running across her chest and feeling the wet spots you'd created on her uniform. Her tone retained its challenging quality. Obviously, after an orgasm like that, you weren't going to be ready to cash in your prize for a while.
Or you wouldn't if you weren't a succubus.
You swept the room with your eyes, and didn't have to look very far. On one of the counters, half-hidden behind a stack of generic pizza boxes, was the 'penalty' that Jolie had been hoping to apply. A strap-on, thick and black, with an attached harness. Jolie had been quite ready to use you for //her// pleasure if you had failed. Why not turn the tables?
<<nm $phYou "Seems to me it was //you// who didn't satisfy. I should give you the full experience, just to make sure you get back on track.">>
Jolie shot you a confused look. Her expression cleared very quickly when you reached over, plucked her toy from the counter, and began to fasten it around your hips. The buckles cinched instantly, as if it had been made for you, and Jolie barely had time to react before you caught her by the shoulder, spun her toward the table, and pressed her down against the table top.
<<else>><<nm $phJolie "Wow, _JolieName! Mmm. I really didn't expect you to make it. You gave me such a tasty treat, too. I suppose you won, then. I guess I'll have to give you a reward...can you think of anything?">>
She stood and stretched again, one hand idly running across her chest and feeling the wet spots you'd created on her uniform. Her tone retained its challenging quality. Obviously, after an orgasm like that, you weren't going to be ready to cash in your prize for a while.
Or you wouldn't if you weren't <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>.
You grinned at the blonde woman and enjoyed the sudden look of surprise in her eyes as you reached down to stroke your wet cock, which was still as hard as ever. She had barely enough time to register that fact before you caught her by the shoulder, spun her toward the table, and pressed her down against the table top.
<</if>>It was mostly for show, of course. You had more than enough strength to throw her around, but this was just keeping to the porn script. Jolie knew it. She gasped and cried out and kicked her feet dramatically, none of which actually helped free her in any way as you reached down and tugged her short down over the rounded curve of her ass. You weren't particularly surprised that she wasn't wearing panties, and your fingers pressed against her wet sex without obstruction.
<<nm $phJolie "_JolieName! Ah! Wait...now...I...I just said...">>
<<nm $phYou "I said I had a delivery for you, didn't I? A nice, thick piece of meat, and all. Didn't you say we couldn't quite until the client was...satisfied?">>
You stepped up behind her and allowed <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy<<else>>your cock<</if>> to trace a line up and down the cleft of her ass. She did a passable imitation of shock and outrage, but her stance spread immediately to give you access even as she kicked and rattled her fists against the counter top.
You watched the show for a few seconds, enjoying every minute of it. Then you reached down with one hand and lined yourself up.
@@.choice;
[[Special Delivery!|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 6>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The shaft of the dildo<<else>>Your cock<</if>> spread your pornstar delivery girl wide. Jolie gasped and produced a low, sensual moan as you sank into her. You kept it slow and allowed her time to accommodate the thrust before you started moving again. You needn't have bothered. Before you were even hilted inside of her, Jolie was already pushing her ass back against you, eager for more.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh! _JolieName! Mmm. You're so good! Show me...Let me satisfy your hunger! Let m-!">>
You reached forward and wrapped your hand around her mouth, cutting off the tirade, if for no other reason than to stop the stream of innuendo. Jolie made a muffled cry against your fingers, but was soon licking gently at the digits, teasing your hand even as she began to rock her hips.
It was incredible. Jolie's ass was hot and very tight, milking <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the strap-on<<else>>your cock<</if>> with every back and forth motion. You couldn't help yourself, and soon found your pace picking up. You wanted this. You had played along with her script throughout this encounter, and now she was playing along with yours.
That seemed perfectly alright with her, as she quickly began to writhe and buck beneath your thrusts. She pushed her ass back against you every time your hips made contact with her plush rear. Each time the pace of your hips increased, her muffled moans grew louder around your fingers, until she was all but screaming blissfully into your hand.
It was too much.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Every motion of your body pressed the harness back against your slit and sent another wave of pleasure through you.<</if>> Even with the fifteen minutes of teasing you had just experienced, and the release that had come after, you couldn't hold yourself back any longer. Your thrusting grew in power until the table squeaked and moved beneath the pair of you and the pleasure began to crescendo.
You finally came, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>hilting yourself in her ass even as your pussy twitched beneath the stimulating harness<<else>>burying yourself deep in her rear as you filled it with hot, sticky cum<</if>>. Your felt yourself bending over her, your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>breasts<</if>> brushing against her back and your body quaking with release. You could feel Jolie shudder beneath you, her own orgasm not far behind, and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>a single spank across her curved rear was enough to<<else>>the sensation of your load being emptied inside of her more than enough to<</if>> push her over the edge at the very same moment.
When you were finally spent, you all but collapsed over the top of her. She didn't complain. The two of you lay across the table and listened to the sound of your own ragged breathing. Your gingerly wrapped one arm around her, pulling her against your body with a mix of thanks and possessiveness.
Finally, Jolie lifted her head from the table and slowly tilted it to look over her shoulder at you. You realized your other hand was still clasped tightly across her mouth and you released her with an apologetic muttering. She chuckled and arched her eyebrows in her challenging way.
<<nm $phJolie "...Do you want breadsticks with that?">>
@@.choice;
[[You Laughed.|JoliePornstarSexDelivery][$phJolie.sex to 7]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 7>>It took a few minutes for you both to clean up, especially because one of you was moving a little gingerly for some reason. Jolie seemed to be in an especially good mood. If this had been an actual porn, you were pretty sure you would have gotten more than a few fans with that scene.
<<nm $phJolie "Well, _JolieName. You impressed me overall, I would say. I would //really// love to have you around the place. I'd say you made it to the second round of interviews.">>
You quirked your eyebrows at that, but Jolie's face didn't betray any amusement. She was 100% committed to the role.
<<nm $phYou "...The //second// round of interviews?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Sure. If you're going to be working under me, then I'm really going to have to put you through the paces. You don't think just anyone gets to put on the uniform, do you? No...anyone who winds up on staff here has to endure at least a few cram sessions.">>
You laughed at that, and leaned in for a kiss. Jolie rolled her eyes, but she returned the gesture without protest. You slapped her lightly on the backside.
<<nm $phYou "For now, stick to making the pizzas. I'll see you again soon, okay?">>
<<nm $phJolie "You're welcome back any time. Remember! Satisfaction Guaranteed!">>
You shook your head in amusement, turned away, and strode back to the door. You had certainly been through worse job interviews in your life. Hell, if this was the workplace, maybe you'd even try to make employee of the month. You could think of //all sorts// of things you could use as a trophy.<<set $phTime += 1>>
With that pleasant daydream in mind, you @@.choice;[[Returned To The Real World.|Computer Cafe]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 0>><<nm $phYou "Well, if you //are// feeling magnanimous, it would be insane to waste the opportunity.">>
Jolie's eyes lit up at your affirmative and then flicked up and down your body with unhurried ease. You felt like you were being evaluated by a picky shopper. The leather-clad domme leaned back further in her seat and crossed her legs.
<<nm $phJolie "I see...Well, I suppose you have more than earned the opportunity, at least. Mmm, very well, pet. There's a bar on the far wall. Gin and coke, with a dash of lime juice, and lots of ice.">>
The command was tossed off so casually it actually took you a moment to register it at all. You looked over at the wall on reflex. The 'bar' was little more than a small collection of bottles atop a counter with a humming minifridge beneath it. When you looked back at Jolie, you found her watching your eyes with predatory challenge.
<<nm $phJolie "Problem, pet?">>
You hesitated...but you had known what you were getting into. Jolie was not subtle. You also couldn't deny the confidence that all but dripped off her every movement sent a thrill through your body <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and made your shirt suddenly feel tight across your hardening nipples<<else>> and made your pants suddenly seem too tight across your hardening cock<</if>>. She knew exactly what she wanted and she expected to get precisely that.
<<nm $phYou "No ma'am. No problem.">>
Jolie nodded her assent and pointed toward the drinks again with the riding crop still held lazily between her fingers. You obediently moved over to the bottle collection and began rummaging, trying hard to ignore the woman's far too intent gaze as you worked.
It wasn't hard. This was a personal collection and it was clear Jolie had a few favorites. You filled a glass with ice from the fridge, and poured the mixture of gin and soda into the glass. You were just beginning to search for the limes when it happened.
Your only warning was the sudden scent of leather tickling your noise. Jolie moved in absolute silence, rose from her chair, and crossed over the distance between you in a split second. When she wrapped both arms around you, you were shocked by her strength. One hand pressed hard between your legs, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>two fingers pressed so hard between your legs that it nearly lifted you off your feet entirely<<else>>squeezing your cock tightly through both her gloves and your pants, nearly lifting you off your feet entirely<</if>>. The other wound beneath your arm and gripped your neck. She didn't squeeze, but her hand froze you instantly in place as her breath tickled your ear.
She didn't say anything at first, just held you in her grip, feeling the way that your body tensed. You tried to speak, but her hand tightened slightly around your neck and you abandoned the idea. Finally, she pulled her other hand away from your crotch, extended it to pick up the glass of gin, and brought it back to her lips for a sip.
<<nm $phJolie "...Mmm...Not //too// bad, pet. We'll have to train you up, of course, but that's always a lot of fun. I'm very good at finding ways to make lessons stick...">>
She kissed your ear as she replaced the glass on the counter in front of her. Then her gloved fingers dipped into the drink, withdrawing a large, square ice cube.
<<nm $phJolie "...Let's start with something worth remembering.">>
@@.choice;
[[Learn Your Lesson|JoliePornstarSexDomme][$phJolie.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>><<nm $phYou "Ahh! Ah!">>
Jolie pressed the ice cube down firmly over your chest. The water and gin still clinging to the surface instantly wet the front of your shirt, and the chill just as quickly hardened your nipple and sent goose bumps over your flesh. You gasped, involuntarily, and were rewarded with an earthy chuckle in your ear.
<<nm $phJolie "That's a good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy. Not as sensitive up here as some of the girls, but I find that a little cold brings it out all the same<<else>>girl<</if>>...Now. Tell me you want to serve, pet.">>
She ratcheted up the pressure, the ice cube beginning to dissolve as your body heat warmed it, but it just made the spread of the ice water worse, washing over more and more of your chest by the moment. You gasped and squirmed, but her other hand was still clamped around your neck and held you in place effortlessly. Since when was Jolie so //strong//?
<<nm $phYou "I want to serve!">>
<<nm $phJolie "Good $pgirl. Are you going to be my good pet today? Are you going to call me Mistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Yes, I will! M-Mistress!">>
Jolie finally eased the pressure and pulled her hand away, allowing you to sag against her in relief for a few seconds. She didn't budge in the slightest, as though your weight were completely irrelevant to her. Was she...was she //taller// in this form too? You were certain you were taller than she was, but now she seemed to loom over you.
A faint crack drew your attention back to her hand. Jolie had closed her fingers around the cube of ice and squeezed it, the partially melted shape disintegrating in her palms. She ground her fist together for a moment, making sure there were no more whole pieces, as water and gin begin to drip from the side of her glove.
Then she slipped her hand down beneath your belt <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and slipped two chilled and wet fingers between your legs and into your sex without a moment's hesitation. You rose up onto your tip-toes on instinct, gasping at the cold, but her hand followed you, working the cold flesh into your body.
<<nm $phJolie "That's all you're good for, isn't it? Being my slave? My slut? My pet? You always wanted it. You wanted to be on your knees since the first day you saw me. You wanted to look up at me and beg me to //use// you like the fuckdoll you are.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ahhhh! Y...Yes! Yes!">>
Jolie's muscles tensed and her two fingers parted, spreading your folds and allowing even more of the chill to rush across your clit. It ached, but the intense feeling was just as laced with pleasure. You felt like you were going to cum or faint at any moment and you weren't sure which.
<<else>>and wrapped her chilled and wet fingers around your cock with the same forcefully tight grip as before. You rose up onto your tip-toes on instinct, but her hand followed you, the chilled water working into your erect shaft.
<<nm $phJolie "That's all you're good for, isn't it? Being my slave? My slut? My pet? You always wanted it. You wanted to be on your knees since the first day you saw me. You wanted to look up at me and beg me to //use// you like the fuckdoll you are.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ahhhh! Y...Yes! Yes!">>
Jolie's muscles tensed, and her grip //squeezed// even more firmly. Pain and pleasure and cold washed up your cock, making it ache. You felt like you were going to cum or faint at any moment, and you weren't sure which.
<</if>><<nm $phJolie "Yes //what//, pet?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mistress! Yes, Mistress!">>
You squealed the words in desperation. Jolie held on for what seemed an eternity, then abruptly let you go and pulled her hand free. She shoved you harshly down onto your hands and knees and then stepped carefully over you. Her leather boot, shiny and tightly laced all the way up to her knee, filled you vision as she stepped in front of you and raised her leg up.
<<nm $phJolie "Prove it. //Earn// it, for once in your life. Show me you want it. Show me you //need// it, and I might give you the greatest honor of your fucking life. Now, kiss the boot, little slut, and we'll get started.">>
@@.choice;
[[Kiss The Boot, Little Slut|JoliePornstarSexDomme][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>>You bent low, your still ice-wet chest <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>dripping onto<<else>>rubbing against<</if>> the ground as pressed your lips to the boot. It was supple leather, the familiar scent filling your nostrils as you worshipped at Jolie's feet. You could hear a low, pleased chuckle from above you, and Jolie tilted her foot to allow you to more easily kiss upward.
<<nm $phJolie "That's a good pet. I like it when you do that. When you bow. When you kneel. When you serve. And what I like, you like. Isn't that right?">>
You nodded slowly, but didn't pull away to speak. She hadn't told you to stop, after all. Instead you kissed along the tightly wound laces, from one end of the boot to the other. Jolie chuckled again, luxuriating in your surrender.
<<nm $phJolie "Very good. That a $pgirl. Your lips are so talented, aren't they? So eager to worship. It would be a shame to waste them entirely on boot leather.">>
You looked up in time to see her reach under the hem of her top and adjust something hidden beneath the costume. A large section of her bottoms came loose, opening up, exposing her sex without forcing her to actually undress any further than that. She was all feminine, her womanhood neatly trimmed with blonde. She met your eyes and her grin grew wide at your look of realization.
<<nm $phJolie "Yesssss, pet. That's what you're good for. Worshipping my pussy. Now. Put your tongue to work, slut. You aren't standing up again until I cum all over your face!">>
She reached down and seized you by the hair, yanking you hard up and forward into her. You let out a mewling cry but didn't resist, allowing yourself to be drug upward until your mouth touched her sex. Immediately you extended your tongue, a feeling of pride washing across your mind as Jolie moaned at the touch.
Her taste was...heavenly on your tongue. Better than any woman you had ever had. You didn't know if it was some effect of the mask transformation or just how turned on you were at her confidence and teasing, but you were more than eager to have more of it on your tongue. You tilted your head up, closed your eyes, and pressed forward as hard as you could, eager to plunge your tongue a deep as it would go. You even raised your hands to grip at her hips, but your domme knocked them away disdainfully.
<<nm $phJolie "You don't hold me, pet. Put those arms behind your back. I...mmm...just need your tongue, not the rest of you!">>
You did as you were bidden, folding both of your arms together at the small of your back and pressing forward as best you could without them. You explored her, thoroughly, allowing your tongue to flick and press and stroke against every part of her you could reach. When her pleasure seemed to be flagging, you lifted yourself higher onto your knees to wrap your lips around her clitoris, suckling on the tiny pearl until she had had enough and shoved you back down to normal sitting position again.
It was at least as exciting for her as it was for you, it seemed. Soon enough, Jolie wound her hand tightly into your hair again and began jamming her hips against your face, still hissing and growling out broken expletives. Your chin was dripping, but you didn't care. You redoubled your effort and strove for faster, harder, and more precise movements of your tongue. As she jammed her hips against your face, you began to shake your head from side to side, stimulation her with your entire face.
When she came, she came hard. Both her hands tightened on your head as she pulled you firmly against her, blocking off nose and mouth in her excitement to cum. Your lungs burned as she writhed against your face, covering you just as well as she had promised. You writhed against her on instinct, but you were helpless before the woman's remarkable strength.
@@.choice;[[You Began To See Stars...|JoliePornstarSexDomme][$phJolie.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>>Just when you felt like you were in danger of blacking out, Jolie finally kicked you away roughly with one booted foot. You landed on your back, gasping for breath while the leather-clad dominant panted and moaned with the fading aftershocks of her orgasm. She didn't say anything, and you didn't dare start the conversation, and the silence stretched on while both of you got your bearings again.
Finally, she took a long step past you and walked back to the makeshift bar, picking up the glass of gin and soda that still rested on the counter. She smiled as she picked up the glass, turned, and leaned back against the counter top. When she raised the glass to her lips, she drained it entirely, all the while never breaking eye contact with you. You remained frozen on the ground, unwilling to move until she gave you the explicit permission.
Jolie put the glass aside when it was down to just the ice and pushed away from the counter, stretching languidly. Then she strode forward once more, but this time she reached down and grabbed you by the back of the neck as she passed, hauled you up to your feet, and dragged you toward the corner of the room.
<<nm $phJolie "//Very// good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. Mmm, but you fought with me, slut. Not breathing is no reason for disobedience. My pleasure is your life, understand? You need to learn how to properly appreciate the gifts that I grant you...">>
She reached down with her free hand and scooped you up by the knees as casually as someone moving a lamp from one room to another. You didn't have any time to enjoy the bridal carry, however, before she tossed you carelessly down onto a table top. Almost immediately, she leaned over you, and her hand moved up your body to grip your neck. You could feel your heart beat pounding against her fingers as she gave you a ginger squeeze.
<<nm $phJolie "Put your hands beneath you. Lay on them, and keep them there. Ask me to teach you. Ask nicely.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ahhh! Please...Please teach me Mist-!">>
Jolie squeezed, and your words rose into an inarticulate squeak. She smiled down at you, her predatory look turning almost maternal as she run her other hand up across your thigh. Once again, her fingers slipped into your pants, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>and again she wrapped her fingers around your cock. She strokes slowly, but the motions of her wrist grew faster by the second.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and again her fingers pressed against your sex. This time, though, they were warm and curled boldly against your body. Her gloves thickened her fingers and even two was enough to make you spread your thighs eagerly.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>but this time she ignored your aching cock and rolled her wrist around your erection. Her curled fingers wiggled against your body until they found your feminine sex. Your felt your body jump like you had been shocked by electricity. It felt so good. Her gloved fingers fend enormous, and yet so nimble as she began to stroke you hard and fast.<</if>>
<<nm $phJolie "Good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. You just relax. You just enjoy it. Trust in your Mistress, and she'll take care of you.">>
You closed your eyes and rolled your body against the table, trying hard to obey. Your thighs spread slowly on reflex and, in response,<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>her wrist began to pump more freely<<else>> her fingers began to press deeper into you<</if>>. You tilted your head back and let out a soft exhalation, which was all you could manage against the pressure on your throat.
Then even that vanished, as Jolie @@.choice;[[Squeezed Harder.|JoliePornstarSexDomme][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>>You arched your body beneath Jolie hand and fought to keep from struggling anymore. Within a few seconds, you could feel your face heat when you would normally take your next breath, and were unable. A few seconds after that, the burn began and the deep, frantic need for air.
Jolie didn't relent as your tiny movements under your control gave way to reflexive twisting and writhing that didn't so much as budge her hand. Her other one was still working between your legs,<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> teasing your cock with long, slow motions of her wrist<<else>> her index and middle finger beginning to slide into you as your sex clamped around her digits<</if>>. Her pace picked up, slowly, almost in time with your need.
Finally, when you were just about ready to pull your hands from behind your back and claw at hers, her grip loosened.
<<nm $phJolie "Breathe.">>
You gasped, automatically, sucking in a deep breath of the cool air. Jolie let you get three full intakes, then tightened her hand again and cut off the flow, returning you to desperation.
You noticed it slowly. Your attention was focused on her hand on your neck, but as you began to float and dark shapes appeared in front of your eyes, you started to feel it. Her curling, pumping fingers seemed to be drawing more response from you. Your heart thudded in your chest and you could feel it pounding throughout your body, slowly ratcheting up every sensation. You closed your thighs hard around her hand, and she rewarded you by <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>stroking her thumb across the head of your shaft<<else>>adding a third gloved finger<</if>>.
The drifting sensation began to intensify, and your vision blurred as you tilted your head back toward the ceiling. Jolie was watching your eyes with intense ferocity, and as you began to lull she loosened her fingers again.
<<nm $phJolie "Breathe.">>
Another few gasping breaths, reducing the burn and clearing your head before she clamped down hard again. Your whole body was beginning to burn and tingle now, and <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>the supple material of her leather glove was driving you crazy<<else>>her fingers inside of you felt enormous<</if>>. You were drifting, unaware of any sensation other than her hands on you, tight and unyielding. Your thoughts were scattered to the wind, and the only things in existence were the sensations of her touch, the all-encompassing scent of leather, and her occasional commanding word.
<<nm $phJolie "Breathe.">>
Your hips began to pump despite yourself. Half the time, they were sharp upward motions that sought out all the pleasure you could find. The other half of the time, they were automatic movements as your body overrode the rest of you to fight for your very survival. You were a passenger in your own body now, in more ways than one. Jolie had control of it. She held it down, and told you when you would have air.
<<nm $phJolie "Breathe.">>
You wanted to squeal. You wanted to beg. You wanted to moan. You couldn't do any of it. She had trapped your mind behind an impenetrable wall. Without your voice, you couldn't make yourself known. She didn't want you to. She would tell you what you wanted. She would tell you what you received. She would stroke you, and stroke you, until you couldn't take it any longer and...
<<nm $phJolie "Breathe! Breathe and cum, pet!">>
She pulled her hand away from your neck, sharply. Your eyes snapped open and you sucked down another full breath. The air felt like a match struck to a powder keg, because the moment it entered you it set off a cavalcade of fireworks. You tried and failed to gasp, scream, and moan all at the same moment and ended up emitting a sputtering, squealing cry that you could never have imitated while in control of yourself.
Your body continued to move of its own volition and you found yourself curled on your side, shaking and shuddering as the aftershocks of your orgasm finally began to fade. Your body ached with the combined effects of the oxygen deprivation and the powerful climax, but the burning in your legs was quickly beginning to fade. Your body was, after all, nothing if not resilient.
A shadow fell across your body, and you looked up to see Jolie standing over you. Her gaze was almost clinical as she looked you up and down for several seconds...before she finally allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. She leaned over and, with surprising gentleness, planted a kiss on your lips.
<<nm $phJolie "Good pet. Rest a few moments. Don't try to move, or I'll walk you on a leash back to the tower. Just lay there, okay?">>
Honestly? Just laying here for a while @@.choice;[[Sounded Pretty Good.|JoliePornstarSexDomme][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>>The gin and soda mixture was actually quite good, and the lime garnish brought a pleasant acidity to the mix. Jolie tapped her glass against yours as the two of you sipped at your identical glasses.
<<nm $phJolie "Of course, I've never had a pet like you before. You did very well, but I'm not sure I pushed you //all// the way to your limits. We'll have to see about that next time.">>
You felt your cheeks heat with a blush as you tried to imagine exactly what 'next time' could be if it was going to be even more envelope pushing than that. The leather-clad woman flashed a knowing grin, as though she could read your thoughts, and sipped at her drink again.
<<nm $phYou "We'll see. I know you're busy, a lot of the time.">>
Jolie laughed. A rich, husky sound in the back of her throat, but she didn't call you on that evasion. She sipped again, and then looked at the wall clock to one side.
<<nm $phJolie "Thirty minutes of aftercare. I'm confident you aren't going to pass out the moment you leave here, so I suppose you're dismissed for the day, pet.">>
You blinked and cocked your head to one side.
<<nm $phYou "...Was //that// what you were waiting on? Making sure I wasn't hurt?">>
Jolie blinked at you in return, and straightened her back. She looked almost offended.
<<nm $phJolie "Of course. You think I would ever //actually// hurt one of my charges? How...amateurish. That sort of thing is for those who don't know what they're doing. Or I suppose very very naughty pets, but you aren't going to be one of those, are you?">>
You didn't answer that, but instead drained the rest of your glass and set it down on the side table before standing up. Jolie remained seated, her legs crossed and her back as straight as any queen reclining upon a throne.
<<nm $phYou "...Thank you for the playdate, ma'am. I'll come see you again soon, okay?">>
<<nm $phJolie "See that you do.">>
She dismissed you with a casual wave of her hand. You fought the impulse to smile as you turned for the door. This might be all the motivation you needed to drop in on Jolie in a more...traditional form.
...On the other hand, maybe it would be more fun to visit again as a very naughty pet.<<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Something To Think About|Computer Cafe]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>>Paradise Inc. 1.14.0 [[(See patch notes)|https://www.patreon.com/posts/patch-notes-and-69184811]]. If you need more help, [[contact us!->https://www.sinspirational.com]]<hr />
!!Settings
If you change any settings, you must reload the page you are on before the new values take effect.
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right summarymode' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down summarymode invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Summary Mode">>
<<toggleclass ".summarymode" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="summarymode invisible">
@@.narrative;Current Value: <<if settings.phSummaryMode>>ON<<else>>OFF<</if>>@@
'Summary mode' replaces many non-sexual scenes with shortened summaries of the action/dialog. This lets people who are playing mostly for the transformation and sex scenes skip to the good parts, or lets people speed things up if they've already played through the full scenes in the past.
Transformation scenes, sexual scenes, and the intro are not affected by summary mode. Whenever summary mode is triggered, the passage will be clearly marked as a summary. If you wish to read the passage, you may toggle summary mode on and off through the settings menu, though it will not update the current page unless you hit the back button and then proceed forward again. </div>
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right fetishvision' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down fetishvision invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Fetish Vision">>
<<toggleclass ".fetishvision" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="fetishvision invisible">
@@.narrative;Current Value: <<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>ON<<else>>OFF<</if>>@@
'Fetish Vision' displays additional information about what kinks a particular choice will cater to. This is typically displayed prior to building a location (showing what fetish options will result from those at that location) or completing a focus (locking a character into a particular transformation). </div>
!!Mechanics
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right achievements' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down achievements invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Achievements">>
<<toggleclass ".achievements" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="achievements invisible">
Achievements can be accessed from the 'trophy' icon (<i class="fa fa-trophy" aria-hidden="true"></i>) from the left-hand sidebar. Clicking on an unearned achievement will show you a description of how to achieve it. It is not possible to gain every achievement in a single play-through of the game -- you'll have to really work to get all of them! However, your achievements persist from game to game (that is, if you earn an achievement, then start a new game, you will still have that earlier achievement).
Achievements do //not// transfer from computer to computer, even if you export your game to disk and import it later. In order to maintain //all// your achievements, they must be unlocked on the same device.</div>
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right buildings' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down buildings invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Buildings">>
<<toggleclass ".buildings" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="buildings invisible">
You will construct many buildings over the course of the game and these will be your primary source of energy throughout. Each location has a 'base energy' earned each day that will be modified by the location's Management Modifier. This modifier ranges from 75% to 150% when constructed, but these values can be altered by certain abilities or by recruiting employees in that location. The current modifier can be increased by selecting the 'work' option at that location, which results in more energy, but the modifier will decay each day until it returns to its minimum value.
(Example: If a building produces 10 base energy, and the management modifier is 80%, you will receive 8 energy each day. If the management modifier is 200%, you would receive 20 energy each day)
The building management screen also displays visitors to the location. As a building attracts visitors that it can learn from, it will eventually be ready to level up for a small energy cost. When a building levels up, its base energy increases and its modes of operation become more powerful. The number of visitors required and the cost to upgrade will also increase based on the location's current level.
Finally, each location has several modes of operation. By default, all locations will be run according to the 'Basic Management' mode, which increases that location's energy per day. However, each location also has a number of other options that affect not only it but all locations currently built in the tower. These effects increase with the level of the building, and can be quite potent when pursuing certain strategies, though early on it is not uncommon to keep most buildings in their 'base' operation mode.
<b>Special Note - The Casino:</b> The Casino is a 'Special Location', which means it does not have a typical energy output, building modes, or a management modifier. Instead, the Casino will randomly loose or gain energy according to the 'casino odds' accessible from the location. In addition, each time you work in the casino you will not know your reward until that night, when a small value of energy ranging from -5 to 12 is selected and multiplied by the amount of times you worked in the casino that day. The special ability 'Born Lucky' completely removes the possibility of losing energy in the casino (these values are replaced with a small positive boost instead).
</div>
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right specialabilities' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down specialabilities invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Special Abilities">>
<<toggleclass ".specialabilities" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="specialabilities invisible">
Special abilities are 'personal upgrades' which grant you small perks as you play the game. Each ability requires a particular amount of energy and a single soulgem to purchase. While you lose the energy as the 'cost', you do //not// lose the soulgem. However, that soulgem is then considered 'used', and you cannot use it again to purchase another ability!
Special abilities work in a 'tier' system. For each Tier 3 ability, you must have already purchased two (2) Tier 2 abilities; for each Tier 2 ability, you must have already purchased two (2) Tier 1 abilities. It does not matter //which// abilities, only that you have purchased two of the lower Tier before you can purchase the higher Tier.
At this time (release 1.10.0) it is not possible to purchase //all// special abilities. You'll have to make some choices on how you want to tailor your gameplay! </div>
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right glossary' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down glossary invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Glossary">>
<<toggleclass ".glossary" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="glossary invisible">
The following terms relate to game mechanics, to help you understand what various settings, bonuses, and special abilities influence.
<b>Building Level:</b> After it received the requisite number of visitors, a building can be leveled up for a small fee. Each building level increases the location's base energy output and increases the power of that location's modes.
<b>Management Cap:</b> The minimum (minimum management cap) and maximum (maximum management cap) value for the management modifier in a location. By default, these values range from 75% (minimum) to 150% (maximum) These can be raised by special abilities or certain building modes. This can also be raised for an individual location by recruiting an employee there, which raises the minimum AND maximum values by 25%.
<b>Management Decay:</b> The rate at which the management modifier in each location is reduced. By default, each location will decay at a rate of 20% per day until it reaches the minimum value. The rate of decay can be reduced (slowed down) by particular special abilities and building modes.
<b>Management Modifier:</b> Each constructed location has a 'management modifier' that acts as a multiplier for the locations base energy output. A modifier of less than 100% will result in getting less energy per day than the output, while a modifier greater than 100% results in additional energy. By default, this modifier ranges from a minimum of 75% to a maximum of 150% (referred to as the minimum and maximum 'management cap'). It can raised by choosing to work at a location, or by recruiting an employee at that location (which raises both the minimum and maximum modifier by 25%). If above the minimum modifier, the modifier will decay each day until it reach the minimum value.
<b>Modes:</b> Each location has three modes of operation to pick from. By default, all buildings will start in 'Basic Management' which increases the energy output of the building by 2 per building level. The other two options will be unique to that individual location, but typically affect all constructed locations, not just the current one.
<b>Visitors:</b> Some visitors to a location are of particular value in teaching the tower how to maximize energy production. Once the requisite number of visitors have been gathered, a location will be ready to level up. Daily visitors can be increased through some special abilities or building modes, but you can also attract additional visitors while working.
<b>Work:</b> Each location can be assisted by working there for a time. Typically, when working the player will be presented with an opportunity for erotic distraction. Ignoring the opportunity (remaining focused) will increase the management modifier the most (20%). However, indulging in the scene (becoming 'distracted') will draw additional visitors to the location as well as providing a smaller management modifier boost (10%).
</div>
!!Saving/Loading Games
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right wherestore' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down wherestore invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Where Is My Data Stored?">>
<<toggleclass ".wherestore" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="wherestore invisible">
Your story data is stored in the //web browser// that you use to play, ''not'' on your computer. This means that if you access the same story on a different computer, or even in a different browser on the same computer (say, using Edge instead of Chrome), your saved progress will not be available.
This is why Twine games do not play nicely with 'incognito' or 'private browsing' modes, that block browser-based data storage. It also means that if you ever clear your browser data, you will erase your story progress! See the [[full explanation|https://twinery.org/wiki/twine2:where_your_stories_are_saved]] at Twinery.org.
To avoid this, see 'Importing/Exporting Saved Games'.</div>
<<button "<i class='fa fa-arrow-right importexport' aria-hidden='true'></i><i class='fa fa-arrow-down importexport invisible' aria-hidden='true'></i> Importing/Exporting Saved Games">>
<<toggleclass ".importexport" "invisible">>
<</button>>
<div class="importexport invisible">
If you want to transfer data between browsers, or from computer to computer -- or if you just want a backed up copy, just in case -- then you will need to <u>export</u> your game:
1. Click 'Saves' in the left-hand bar.
2. Click 'Save to Disk'
3. Your story will automatically be saved as an encoded file in your default download location.
To load an exported file in another browser or computer, go into the 'Saves' menu again and select 'Load from Disk'. Point to your saved game file and 'Open' it. This will import all of your saved game information into your new location. Note that this does //not// carry over Achievements! See the 'Achievements' section for details.</div>
@@.choice;
<<link "Close">>
<<set _rewind to lastVisited($phReturn)>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.rewind = -Math.abs(State.temporary.rewind);
Engine.go(State.temporary.rewind);
<</script>><</link>>
@@//Paradise Inc.// started as a dream, and we've come a long way! It's far more than one person could ever accomplish alone. Sinspirational Games would like to thank:
!!Our Penthouse Suite Residents!
<ul><li>Noel</li>
<li>Qas</li>
<li>Shortsizzle</li>
<li>Toni Evans</li>
<li>William Mann</li>
</ul>
!!!Our Paradise VIPs!
<ul><li>c3hXbVRk</li>
<li>Curious Krissy</li>
<li>Delphi</li>
<li>Goi</li>
<li>Hucow Chloe</li>
<li>Zombiqaz</li>
</ul>
<ul><li>Our wonderful ''Regular Customers'' who come (ahem) back again and again, eager for more!</li>
<li>[[Noiz->https://www.hentai-foundry.com/pictures/user/noiz]], our fantastic artist! </li>
<li>Goctionni, who pointed us towards his fantastic [[SugarValidator->https://goctionni.github.io/SugarValidator/index.html]], and saved us //hours// of frustration while troubleshooting</li></ul>
And all of you out there who have supported, provided feedback, helped make us better, and keep us motivated. Thank you so much!
<<if $phWaitScene is 1>>He didn't notice you when you snuck up behind his chair. He didn't notice you when you leaned in close behind him, as his attention was still riveted to the woman getting plowed on the screen. He didn't notice when you stood there for a few seconds, taking in the show and the tinny sound of the porn through his headset.
He //did// notice when you reached around him and took hold of his cock.
His whole body went stiff, and he began to turn his head to look up at you, but you put your other hand on the back of his neck and kept him facing forward.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry...I didn't want to interrupt. Just wanted to make sure you were taking advantage of our 'full service' options...">>
You pumped your hand up and down rapidly, not giving him any time to get his thoughts together. The poor guy moaned, his legs spreading despite himself, looking forward obediently as the porn actress bucked and writhed with equal pleasure.
<<nm $phYou "That a boy. Very good boy. Just relax. This is your favorite spot in the mall, isn't it? I bet you feel like you can really be yourself here, don't you? That even the porn is better on our screens? You're right, you know. It really is.">>
Content that he wasn't going to turn around, you released his neck and wrapped your other arm around him as well, splaying your hand across his chest. You could feel his heart thundering against your hand as he actually //panted// with desire. The chair began to squeak beneath him as he pumped his hips up helplessly, fucking your fingers.
<<nm $phYou "That's it. Just embrace it. Just relax. Who doesn't like to watch a little porn, hmmm? Who wouldn't like just a little bit of help getting off? Let it out...Show me you're enjoying yourself. Show me...Ah ha!">>
His cock throbbed in your hands, shooting a jet of cum over the desk in front of him. The man's head lolled back and his groan felt like it was echoing up from the deepest parts of him. He went completely boneless in the chair, sagging as the orgasmic bliss relaxed his muscles. You released his softening cock, pulling your wet hand back to lick a bit of sticky goodness off the back of your hand.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. You just relax. I'll send someone to clean up the table in just a minute.">>
You patted him on the shoulder with your free hand, turned, and swiftly walked for the door. You were quite sure you were out into the hall before he even came close to collecting himself enough to turn around. He would probably be telling this story until his last days, though you doubted anyone would ever believe him.
There were worse ways to spend an afternoon. Now all you'd need to do is find a towel.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>>You grinned and picked up the second VR helmet, keying in a few settings before hurriedly and silently moving to join the woman in the other room. She was still making adjustments to her digital paramour, and as you popped the helmet on you saw that, in addition to extending the bust line to some truly impressive D cups, the digital figure was now much taller with long, unnaturally pink hair.
You stepped around the woman, who was represented in the digital world by a pointy-eared elf wearing a leather dominatrix costume. You didn't have an avatar, so as far as she was concerned you didn't exist. If you wanted to get her attention, you were just going to have to borrow a body. You slipped up to the pink-haired bombshell undergoing the customization and stepped into it.
As you overlapped the figure, you felt it snap to you, following the movements of your hands and head. You weren't nearly as exaggerated as the avatar, but you were tall enough to be a close fit. You found the elven woman looking you over and tried to keep your arms out in the neutral 'off' position as she inspected you.
You couldn't actually see her expression in the digital world, but the tiny motions of her head as she looked you up and down gave you the distinct impression of someone licking their lips excitedly. You were therefore not surprise when one of her hand shot out and moved toward your chest.
As her gloved fingers settled over your chest, the woman gasped. She hadn't been expecting actual contact. She began to withdraw, automatically, but you caught her hand and dragged it back to your pert nipple.
<<nm $phYou "...What's the matter, Mistress? Aren't I what you wanted?">>
Your voice echoed in the digital world as a higher-pitched and more exaggerated tone. The woman seemed to freeze up, unable to process what was happening. You didn't give her time enough to adjust. Instead, you dropped to your knees, and your virtual representation did the same. The pink-haired avatar she had created looked up at her needily while you undid her belt in the real world.
You could feel the woman tense as your talented fingers worked at her belt and pulled her zipper open. Her hands fought with the helmet, blindly seeking the straps that held it to her body...but as you leaned forward and touched your tongue home, she stopped struggling.
Oh, she knew you were real, alright. The VR goggles were still thick enough that they brushed up against her belly even as you plunged your tongue between her legs. She didn't seem to care, though. One hand came down to wind through your hair, and the poor girl was squealing with every flick of your tongue against her exposed sex.
It didn't take very long. You expertly applied your tongue both deep and shallow, seeking out every weak point you could find and pouncing on them mercilessly as the elven woman above you writhed in pleasure. Soon, she gripped the sides of your head in both hands and began to pump her hips, fucking your face harder and harder as her climax came.
Finally, with a last shudder, she pushed her hips against your face and cried out in absolute bliss. Every muscle in her body seemed to tense and then relax just as quickly, and she dropped down onto her knees when her legs gave way from under her. You caught her on the way down, holding up her slender frame effortlessly.
She struggled for words. You could guess what she was trying to ask, and you chuckled, leaned in, and kissed the top of her head.
<<nm $phYou "Just your creation, Mistress. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll play together again...">>
You gently disengaged from her arms and pulled the VR helmet off your head. In the real world, the woman was slumped against the side wall, her legs splayed, and her pants collected around one ankle. She was still staring straight ahead, where her pink-haired lover was still standing before her. You smiled, and snuck quietly toward the door.
Well, that had been fun. You suspected the woman might just be investing in a lot more VR time once she recovered, and you wondered if she would continue to leave the door to the room unlocked in case her mysterious play partner should reappear.
You might just enjoy that. For now, though, you'd consider it a job well done.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>>You went to work quickly, accessing the cafe's computer systems and calling the tower's attention to the two specific users. Editing on the fly wouldn't have been very possible for you to do by yourself, but it was a simple matter for the tower to make some strategic alterations to the content.
The fiction on the red-headed woman's screen shifted subtley, and the illustrations were tweaked just so: both the drawings and descriptions resembled the man just a few seats away. She didn't notice at first. Her attention was too captivated by what she was doing for her to recognize that the face was in the room with her. A few increases to the loading time between pages, though, encouraged her eyes to wander around the room. You saw her do a quiet double take and hunch down low to her console with a bright blush. Every few seconds she cast a look over her shoulder, and her attention was now clearly divided.
//Hook//
Video took a little bit longer, but the tower was not going to be denied. The next time the dark-haired man queued up one of his videos, the actress had her hair digitally dyed and her clothes adjusted to match the red-head's aesthetic. He noticed much more quickly. His eyes flicked from the computer, to the woman, and back again. No, not an exact match. But clearly similar. Though, of course, the woman in porno was a lot more needy, and was openly begging for what the real person secretly desired.
Their eyes met, and just as quickly they both looked away.
//Line//
You pulled up the messaging client. Usually it was reserved only for customer alerts from the staff, but they didn't necessarily know that. You doubted they'd look too closely with what you were typing.
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
<<termtext "blue" "//From: Anonymous//<br>Interested in a girl who can do that for real? I'll be standing up in a moment. Maybe you should follow...">>@@
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
<<termtext "yellow" "//From: Anonymous//<br>If you want to live out that fantasy instead of just read about it, stand up, go to the supply closet in the back hall, and step inside. I will take obedience as your consent to show you what you've been dreaming about.">>@@
You sent both messages at the same time. The pair both stiffened when they realized the messages were marked as coming from another computer console, and stiffened even more when they read the words themselves. You held your breath...
...And finally, the red-head stood up from her chair, her cheeks as crimson as her hair, and began walking toward the back. The dark-haired man stared after her for several long seconds before hurriedly shutting off the PC and rushing to follow her.
You gave them a few minutes, and then stood up as well. You had to admit you were nervous. Playing matchmaker was easy, but once they were in the same room without you things could quickly go to hell. You made your way to the back hallway and peeked in.
...There was a crash from the supply closet. The door shook, and you very nearly ran to see what it was. A muffled, orgasmic cry slowed your footfalls, however. The second and the third made you smile. The door shook again, but you could now tell it was in steady rhythm.
Well, they'd do just fine from here, you suspected. Whistling happily to yourself, you turned and headed back to the cafe, content in the knowledge that you had made two very, very happy customers. You were sure they would be back again...and probably sneak into the closet many more times over the next week.
Ah, young love.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
Keep It Heavy, Keep It Light
Look You Now Straight To Your Right
The Player There, A Request To Bear
Whatever You Wish, It's Theirs to Share@@
<<npc "mnpc2" "A Boy" "Ooooh man! Greg! You get to ask Stacey for anything you want!">>
You smiled to yourself as you listened through the wall. The group had been playing for thirty minutes now, and the tower had worn away inhibitions. It hadn't been too hard for you to write prompts that would be taken in particular ways. They were in a good mood, and had accelerated through pretending to be upset about kissing, pawing, or telling sexy secrets.
You couldn't hear what was said over the cheers...but as you peeked in through the window, you saw the brunette girl kneeling in front of the shy looking guy. His head lolled back as hers disappeared in front of his hips. It had been fairly easy to find the pair sneaking glances at one another, and serve up something appropriate. You could all but feel the tension suddenly filling the room with an electric current. The group had crossed from teasing to full on abandon.
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
A Choice, A Choice, You Have To Make
From Now Until You Next Awake
A Master Or Mistress You Must Seek
For Them Alone, You Shall Be Meek@@
<<npc "fnpc2" "A Girl" "Um...Amy? You know I trust you. We've been close friends for a long time. I guess you're the one I've known the longest so...I guess it'll be you? You don't have to actually order me to do anything if you don't want to, but maybe I can, like, get drinks for you?">>
Ten minutes later, you were having trouble hearing the crowd around the deep moaning. The tall blonde had the smaller woman kneeling in front of her, head tucked into her lap as she moaned and writhed and curled her toes orgasmic bliss. You were pretty sure there were two or three in the group paying far more attention to the show than the game now. Still, they needed a few more to round it off.
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
One And All, And All and One
Now It's Time To Have Some Fun
Write Your Fantasy On A Sheet
Then Draw Until The Bag's Complete@@
It took them a while to argue out over exactly what the 'bag' meant, to get everyone to write down a fantasy (especially since both Greg and Amy were still very distracted), and start drawing them out one by one. Unsurprisingly, none of them had gone for very innocent fantasies, and soon enough the computer was forgotten entirely.
You smiled to yourself, hung a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, and pushed away from the wall. Your work here was done. You were sure the simulacra would make sure no one came down this particular hallway or tried to look into this particular room, at least not for the next hour or so. In the meantime, you'd have to get back to work.
On the bright side, you were pretty sure you'd started a couple of things that might last for a very, very long time. Nothing like a few fantasies put out into the open. Humans liked to hide far too much about themselves.
Humming to yourself, you headed back to the front of the store.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>>The woman typed furiously and her eyes never left the screen as row upon row of text scrolled across it. You were quite certain that made her very productive, but you could also tell from the dark lines around her eyes that focus of that caliber also had a significant drawback.
Easily fixed. Keeping half an eye on the typing woman, you called up access to her desktop. The hypnotic screens you had installed operated most of the time, but the effect was typically quite limited and subtle. A nudge, rather than a push, was all most of your customers needed. This one, though, would need something more, and you cranked up the display.
It was hard to see at first. The only sign of what you had done a slight flickering in the light of the display. The woman didn't seem to notice, either, and she kept typing away like mad and filling her document with whatever it was she was doing.
...and then...she began to slow. Her typing got more sporadic, and her tense posture began to relax. You saw her shoulders drop from their high and taut position, and she leaned forward toward the screen. She licked her lips and her breathing began to slow.
You smiled to yourself and began to tweak the settings. Everyone had a fantasy, even those who tended to bury them down deep. They didn't go away, though, and all it took was a little encouragement to bring them out again.
The woman was panting openly, her eyes still locked on the screen. She rolled her hips upward, almost imperceptibly at first but more obviously as time went on. You actually began to worry if anyone nearby would notice, but most of the other customers were absorbed in their own world. They didn't notice as the woman's hands left the keyboard. One of them squeezed gently across her chest, and the other rubbed timidly at her thigh.
You wondered what her fantasy was. The subliminals would trigger it in her, but that didn't help //you// see it. You wondered if, after a hard day, she relished the opportunity to give up control to another. Maybe exactly the opposite: perhaps she harbored secret desires to bring others to her will. Perhaps it was simpler, and she was simply imagining a handsome barista crawling into her bed and between her legs.
After several minutes of grinding against the air, both hands suddenly shot forward and gripped the desk. She bit her lower lip hard, and her entire body went tense again. She shook and trembled, and then finally dropped back against her seat with a long, slow sigh. You grinned, and wondered how long it had been since she had found any release at all. Judging from the look of confusion on her face as she blinked and looked around, it had been awhile.
The woman sat there, still, for several long seconds. She wasn't typing anything now, and after a few seconds she extended a hand to turn off the computer console. She turned and stood, and you had to conceal a grin as she had to steady herself against her chair. Oh yes, it had clearly been a while.
She strolled out of the cafe, and you watched her go. Just before she hit the door, she reached up and tugged on her hair bun, releasing a cascade of long locks. Her hair fell about her face, and you saw her breath another sigh of relief even as she pushed open the doors and disappeared into the crowd.
Well, you suspected she'd be spending less time in computer cafes from now on, and maybe a little more time indulging herself. You might have lost a customer, but you were pretty sure she'd find another place within the mall to hang out...and she'd be a lot more willing to cut loose when she did.
Good for her, and good for you. With a sigh, you got back to your own work...and reminded yourself not to forget to indulge a little yourself, soon.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>>You couldn't resist. You clicked on the test file and opened it. Text ran across the screen, too fast for your eyes to actually track, and then the whole display suddenly burst into fragments of flashing light. You blinked and pulled your head back. Did that mean it was working, or had the program simply failed and dissolved the display into meaningless static?
Then you felt it. It was a strange sensation, like an itch across your mind. Something tickled between your ears and you felt a shiver run down your spine. Yet...it wasn't quite real. It felt like someone touching you through a glove or a towel. Pressure, but not actually making contact. Sitting and staring at the colors for a full minute did nothing but make your eyes hurt.
Maybe it couldn't work on you? That wouldn't surprise you. You were the owner of this place, after all, and not exactly human. It made sense that Lazren would have left you with some defenses against the tower's influence, but perhaps you could find a way to let down your guard. You leaned back in your seat, focused your attention on the flashing colors and the strange sensation running across your mind, and tried to relax.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>When it came, it came suddenly. You gasped as you felt something close around your rapidly stiffening cock. Wet and warm and wonderful. You tried to look down, to see if perhaps $phSamantha.name had snuck up on you while you were distracted, but found you couldn't tear your attention away from the colored light. And as the sensation increased, it became clear that no one real could have done it. You could simply still feel the constriction of your pants around your erect cock, but that didn't stop your mind from being sure someone was giving you the most wonderful blowjob you could imagine.<<else>>When it came, it came suddenly. Your eyes shot open and you gasped as something hot, hard, and throbbing pushed into you and filled you completely! No, not just one thing -- two of them! One of them spreading your ass and one deep into your sex. You felt more full than you had ever felt before, the twin shafts instantly beginning to thrust and push.<</if>> You moaned, your hands gripping the edge of the office chair.
Or tried to. The moment you opened your mouth, something pressed between your lips and forced your jaw wide. You arched on pure reflex, feeling the full feeling against the back of your throat. You knew there was nothing there. If there had been, you wouldn't be able to see the screen full of flashing lights. And yet, you couldn't deny the sensation. You could all but feel the cock throbbing between your lips as you deep-throated it, and pleasure radiated out from every point of contact. You began to squirm in your seat, helplessly.
That wasn't all. Second by second, the sensations multiplied. Hands squeezed at your <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>breasts<<else>>chest<</if>> and teased your hardening tipples. Fingers stroked along your belly and thighs. You felt someone's lips and tongue stroking along the crook of your neck, the way you liked, and more firm sensations massaged the soles of your feet. It was everywhere. It felt like every inch of your body was being massaged or licked or sucked or fucked. Sometimes both at once. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>You could feel a thick manhood spreading your sex, but you could also feel fingers probing those depths, and a tongue lashing at your clit.<<else>> You could feel warm, wet lips around your cock at the same time an unknown hand pistoned up and down it; wonderful firmness and gentle fingers alike filled your ass.<</if>> It was impossible, but you felt it anyway.
It didn't take long. There was simply too much sensation and the stimulation was overwhelming. You began to buck and scream, the flashing lights growing into your whole world, and you floated on those lights like a cresting wave of pleasure. You came.
And you came.
And you came.
And you came.
And you //came//.
You weren't sure how long it took. It could have been an hour or several weeks, for all you knew. You weren't sure when the sensations had stopped, but when you came back to yourself you found yourself lying beside the office chair in the computer cafe's back maintenance room. Your brow was covered with sweat, and your pants were somewhat sticky with your pleasure. You hauled yourself up, shakily, and looked at the screen.
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
Hands-Free Orgasm Check: <<termtext "yellow" "Successful!">>
Intensity: <<termtext "red" "Maximum (Not Recommended)">>
Repeat?@@
You laughed, wearily, and closed the program. No, not repeat visit today. Maximum intensity had been right, and even you would need a while to catch your breath. You were pretty sure whatever you had done to yourself had been strong enough that the tower would have gotten more than its share of your energy. A trip to your room suddenly sounded very nice, paired with a hot shower and maybe a mid-day nap.
After that, you would get back to what you were doing.
Eventually.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>><<nm $phCassandra "Ahhh! Please! The Elven kingdoms send greetings and sue for peace! I am a messenger!">>
You smiled as you watched. Oh, the dialogue was cheesy and the animation style was at least five or ten years out of date, but it was still enjoyable. Cassy's 'princess' outfit was white and clung to her buxom curves like a second skin. The tiara in her hair was the mere suggestion of a crown.
She wasn't what had you smiling though. She was facing off against a collection of clearly barbaric orcs, led by a priestess. The priestess's skin was dark green, a pair of small tusks emerged from her lower lip, and she was dressed with feathers and skins, but you could still very clearly so who it was modeled on. When she spoke, you could just as easily identify the voice.
<<nm $phYou "Sue for peace? How have we been at war for so long and you still know so little of us? What we take, we take, but not all of it. That IS peace. Be at ease, princess. If this be an offering...then we accept. Guards!">>
The princess squeaked in exaggerated fright as a pair of busty, green-skinned women seized her arms. They bent her hands behind her back and the camera lingered on how that thrust her breasts outward. Her nipples were clearly visible through the shimmering cloth.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wait! I'm not the offering! The queen sends gold and--">>
<<nm $phYou "The queen sent you, little princess! As she sent her most beautiful before, to keep us at bay. Whether she told you or not is not matter for me. See how you please me?">>
The muscular priestess reached up and undid her robe. As it dropped, the camera panned down over her body, lingering on the swell of her breasts before crossing over her hips...and the thick, erect cock between her thighs. Cassy's princess let out a shocked sound, but you could hear the unsubtle note of arousal in it.
<<nm $phCassandra "No! You can't...I...I have never been with a man! I...I'll do anything to make peace, please! I-.">>
A sudden beep caught your attention and you glanced at your watch. This was the third 'episode' of the fantasy series Cassy had made for you, and you hadn't realized just how //long// you had been watching. You let out a faint curse and straightened up in your seat. The orcish priestess froze on the screen, and the princess turned toward the camera.
<<nm $phCassandra "Awww, is that all, $phCassandra.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "All for now. I have a few papers to drop off and things to sign. Never a dull moment...thank you, Cassy. That was fun. Will I get to see how this ends another day?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course, $phCassandra.address! I'll even make sure the show winds up in front of some humans who deserve it! That'll make sure we get all sorts of extra energy.">>
You wondered if anyone would notice half the villains ravishing the various heroines had an oddly similar face to one another. Probably not. You doubted many people taking in Cassy's stories were going to be focused on their faces.
Reluctantly, you pushed back from the computer. As you did, you found yourself flexing your biceps, curiously. You wondered if you might be able to dye your skin that shade of green, someday, for a little stint as an orcish <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>priest<<else>>priestess<</if>>.
There were certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>>It took you less than a minute to track down Jolie and her paramour, after a brief stop off at a supply closet for something special. While it often seemed like backrooms created themselves the moment you needed them, there weren't //all// that many. A small storage space close to the divider between one store and the next was echoing with familiar moans. The door was locked, but snapped quietly open the moment you drew near. You smiled to yourself and nodded a brief thanks to the tower as you gingerly opened the door.
They were facing away from you. Jolie was bent over a spare computer desk, the monitors pushed off to either side. Her ass was in the air, and a college-aged man was obligingly filling her. His face was contorted with pleasure, and he wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention to what was around him.
That changed when you slipped up behind him and slipped the something special around his head. A bright red ball gag. It slipped easily between his lips and you locked it into place before his first, muffled question.
<<nm $phYou "Shhhh. Oh don't worry. Just collecting the toll from using my sweet wife here. You //do// want to keep fucking her, don't you? I bet you do. Your hips haven't even stopped...">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh! Ah...mmmm...hi baby! I...oooh...he's so big and good...please, sweetie, can he keep fucking me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh I'm sure he can, if he wants to. If he stops, I'll have to let him go...if he stays, though, he's going to have to take, as well as receive.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You shifted your hips and let your erection brush up against the man's backside. You saw his eyes go wide, but they were already clouded with lust and need. You knew from experience just how good Jolie's body could be.
He didn't stop. Not even when you pushed inside of him, and pulled a muffled moan of pure bliss from his lips. It didn't take long. The two of them had been together before you had gotten here, of course, and your sudden appearance had almost certainly heightened the mood. You pounded into his backside for perhaps a minute before you felt Jolie begin to shudder the way she always did before her partner came.
Sure enough, the man went rigid below you, made one more unintelligible sound, and slowed to a halt. You leaned up to nibble on his earlobe, gave him a few more pumps, and then mercifully pulled yourself out.<<else>>You brought the flat of your hand down on his taut ass, and the sound of the slap ricocheted off the walls. His eyes went wide, but they were already clouded with lust and need. You knew from experience just how good Jolie's body could be.
He didn't stop, not even when you traded your hand for your belt, pulling it free from the loops and doubling the leather in your hand. Repeated strikes soon left red, raised welts across his buttocks, and each one forced a sharp, blissful cry from his lips.
<<nm $phYou "If you're going to fuck my wife, you'd //better// do it right!">>
Another lash, and he moaned and gave a quick, jerky nod. The pain only heightened his efforts, and it didn't take long for your unexpected visit to bear fruit. The man went rigid, buried in Jolie's cunt to the hilt, and made one last unintelligible sound before sagging to a halt. You leaned up to nibble on his earlobe and gave a last parting swat before mercifully stepping away.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, that's a shame. Mmm. We'll have to work on that endurance next time...there will //be// a next time, won't there? I'm sure you'll run into my dear sweet wife again...and now you have no excuse not to know about the price. Oh! Keep the gag. I expect you to bring it next time. You might find you even like it.">>
He said something, or tried to, but it came out as muffled gibberish. He actually kept the gag in as he struggled to assemble his clothes and put them on, hurrying out the door with a somewhat wider gait than you expected he had entered with. Jolie giggled and slipped off the table, knelt, curled around your leg, <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>and began pumping your still erect shaft with one hand<<else>>and began teasing the edges of your slick lips with her fingers<</if>>.
<<nm $phJolie "Don't worry, sweetie. I'll take care of you. Do you think he'll be back?">>
<<nm $phYou "Knowing you? I wouldn't be at all surprised. If he does, give me a call, okay?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Of course, sweetie!">>
You grinned to yourself. You weren't sure if the young man would ever tell the story to anyone but he would no doubt have a memory that would kick off a lot of self-love on a lot of sleepless nights, and you were sure the encouragement would help Jolie find even more humans with excess 'energy'. Maybe you would see him again, if you kept an eye open. For now, though, you would have to go back to work.
//After// Jolie finished with you, of course. You weren't a monster.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>>You tilted the goblet back and drank a healthy swallow of the wine within. The liquid was a beautiful dark red, as smooth and fragrant as any you had ever had. The goblet was heavy and unadorned, the pewter dull and barely reflecting the candlelight in the room. It was as convincing as anything could be, and your mind still rebelled against the notion it was anything but legitimate.
You knew, though, that it wasn't. You were sitting in front of one of the hypnotic screens in the computer cafe. Cassy was guiding you and Jolie through an adventure with expert care, and your brain was filling in the details.
Knowing that didn't make it any easier to ignore the 'reality' in front of your eyes, however.
<<nm $phCassandra "If there's //anything// I can get you, please let me know. After everything you did...well, it's all on the house!">>
The barmaid looked suspiciously like Cassy's digital form, with a hint of the unnatural hair color in her dark locks. She bent over, showing a valley of cleavage down the front of her dress. You grinned broadly, both accepting and admiring the view.
<<nm $phYou "That's nice of you, but it wasn't too hard. After we busted up a few guards, it was just a ritual challenge to the bandit leader, and she turned out to be very lonely...I'm sure that Joleander here might need some of your attention. She's been looking awfully flushed since we-.-">>
<<nm $phJolie "I have explained that the divine energy has a stimulating effect on the body when it is channeled. That is merely cause for an exercise of will, not a need for help from one of your blowsy barmaids!">>
Jolie's tone was prim as she sipped her tea, her back stiff beneath her perfectly white robes. You could see the spots of color standing out on her pale cheeks, however, the elven skin tone making it even more obvious.
You smiled to yourself. Jolie was, as ever, getting deep into character, but you were quite sure the character wasn't quite as prudish as she acted... if you could come up with a way to bring it out of her.
Fortunately, Cassy was offering you a perfect opportunity. You shrugged your shoulders and held your arms out to the maid.
<<nm $phYou "My mistake. It would be rude to turn down such a generous offer, however. I suppose I'll just have to enjoy this reward myself. Come now, I'm sure my companion will not have any difficult 'exercising her will' if we were to make use of this side of the table all on our own.">>
Cassy giggles and stepped into your arms, happily. You shot Jolie your best innocent look...
...and reached for that @@.choice;[[Blowsy Barmaid.|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.1>><<nm $phCassandra "Oooh! I've never been with a tiefling before...You're so //strong//, but your hands are so //soft//!">>
<<nm $phJolie "//Must// you?">>
You grinned across the table at 'Joleander's' consternation. The elf was flushed and squirming in her seat as you and Cassy enjoyed each other. Your wormed your hand a little farther beneath Cassy's loose white shirt and squeezed, drawing a long moan from the barmaid and a deepening of the elf's blush.
<<nm $phYou "I think I must. It would hardly be good manners to wind her up and not allow the consummation, wouldn't you say? Are we disrupting your concentration, dear?">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Cassy wriggled her ass against your lap and you obligingly rolled your hips against her, allowing her to feel the bulge of your erection against her backside.<<else>>Cassy wriggled her ass against your lap as you slid your fingers up along her inner thigh.<</if>> That drew out another long, loud sound of anticipation and pleasure from the giggling servant. Jolie rolled her eyes.
<<nm $phJolie "Hardly! I just...she's been so loud! You two could make some effort to keep it down!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Of course! How rude of us...We're going to have to be a little quiet, sweet. Here, let me see if I can help with that...">>
Jolie looked confused, but the expression lasted only until Cassy slid off your lap and knelt happily in front of your chair. By the time she skillfully undid your breeches and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>let your cock emerge into the light,<<else>>tugged them down to display your once-hidden sex<</if>>, the elf was making a low mewling sound in the back of your throat. You smiled at her cheerfully, running your tongue briefly across your upper lip.
<<nm $phYou "Better?">>
<<nm $phJolie "N-No! I mean...Yes...but...uh...">>
She trailed off suddenly as Cassy leaned forward and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>took your length in a single long swallow<<else>>delved her tongue between your folds<</if>>. Even as you groaned and began to roll your hips upward, you were gratified to see that the white-robed woman had completely lost her train of thought.
<<nm $phYou "There we are...ah! Nice and...Nice and quiet! Such a good girl...">>
You reached down and run your hand through Cassy's hair, sharing a saucy wink with the maid. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>She began to bob her head, rapidly, and the air was soon filled with the soft sound of her lips smacking against your cock<<else>>She began to lap in earnest, and the air was soon filled with the soft sound of her lips suckling on yours<</if>>.
Jolie was staring openly now, and her mouth was hanging open almost as wide as Cassy's full one. Her hand had unconsciously trailed down the curve of her breast and spread the white robe tight across the flesh, making it easy to see just how firm her nipples had become.
You let her watch for a good minute as Cassy expertly went down on you, not bothering to tease her verbally any longer. By the end of it, the poor elf was all but humping her hips up against the edge of the table, and she was bent so low across it that her chest brushed over the table top. Finally, you spoke again.
<<nm $phYou "...Well? Ready now?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh hells! Yes! Yes!">>
You crooked your finger and @@.choice;[[She Came.|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.2>><<nm $phYou "See, sweetie. Joleander is //very// sensitive when she's like this. So you have to be a little bit careful. Nice little circles around things at first, rather than being direct. You don't want to push her too far, after all.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh Hell! Please! Please! Please touch me! Harder! Squeeze me! Take me!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, I see...Does she always beg like that?">>
You chuckled. You had the elf sitting in your lap now and the white robe was bunched around her waist. One of your hands was tucked under her arm and splayed across her belly, while the other made little, teasing circles around her sex. The barmaid watched with wide, attentive eyes and you could see just how much the added stimulation of being watched was driving Jolie nuts.
<<nm $phYou "Sometimes. You see, it's just the stimulating effect of her magic. She might //seem// totally wild and desperate, but she'd never fall for anything as lewd as that. In just a moment she'll get her wits back together and tell me to st--">>
<<nm $phJolie "Don't stop! Don't stop, please! Please touch me! Please let me cum! Please please please!">>
You winked at Cassy, dipping your hand down to finally press two fingers against the elf's sex directly, spreading her slightly to the barmaid's curious eye. Jolie whined, low in her throat, and her silken hair slapped against your cheek as she shook her head frantically back and forth.
<<nm $phJolie "Please! Please let me cum! Fuck me! I'll do anything!">>
<<nm $phYou "Anything?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Anything! Please! Please touch me! I'm so wet!">>
<<nm $phYou "Going to be my little elven slut?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes! Yes, I'll be your elven slut! I'll be your slave! I'll be your anything! Just give it to me!">>
You couldn't resist an offer like that, but you did feel obliged to finish your lessons to the barmaid. Still grinning broadly, you reached across Jolie to take hold of Cassy's hand and pull her in. Her eyes went wide with surprise as she stepped against the two of you and you pulled her hand low to glide across Jolie's breasts and belly...
...and as you pushed Cassy's fingers home, Jolie's wonderful scream @@.choice;[[Reverberated Off The Inn Walls.|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.3>><<nm $phJolie "Was it really only a few hours? I could have sworn we were in there for days...">>
Jolie's tone was just a little embarrassed as she ran her hand across her face, as you could see the blush burning at her cheeks in the light of the computer console in front of her.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, it would totally break the immersion if I had to keep jumping around in time! Mostly only the exciting stuff is really guided, though...the rest of it is mostly summaries and your brain filling in the details on its own. It's a bit of an illusion, but I hope it's good enough for now?">>
You concealed a smile. Even after all the changes Cassy had been through, she still had a bit of uncertainty when it came to running a game. Fortunately, Jolie didn't hesitate.
<<nm $phJolie "It was seamless! Joleander couldn't tell at all, and she was really living in the world, Cassy. Thank you! That was a lot of fun! And...uh...Thank you too, $phYou.firstname. I wasn't expecting that ending, but it was just as fun as the adventure.">>
<<nm $phYou "Just adding a little side story. Joleander was cute. Think you might break out the elf ears from time to time in this world?">>
Jolie's blush was rosy and you laughed and stepped into her for a kiss. Then you extended a hand to brush over the monitor currently showing Cassy's digital form.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you both for the fun. Same time next week?">>
They both giggled at you. You had a feeling that the story of Joleander and her amorous tiefling companion might be only just begun...
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work.|Computer Cafe]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>><<nm $phYou "Hmm. You don't look so good, Cassy. Maybe the real form isn't agreeing with you. I'd better take a look.">>
You put your hand on Cassy's shoulder and steered her into the nearest room. You didn't have to look behind you to know the door locked as soon as you closed it. It wouldn't do to be interrupted at a time like this.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, it's nothing. Just getting used to a few thi-oohhh! Jolie!">>
Cassy whimpered, her legs dropping out from under her. If you hadn't been holding into her, she would have fallen. Fortunately, you were able to keep her upright and lift her up onto a table. She clung to your arm like it was a life jacket, sucking in deep breath after breath. You let a slow smirk spread across your face.
<<nm $phYou "Jolie? Mmm. You know, I've had trouble with an AI or two myself, from time to time. It's hard to really get your hands on them, so they can sort of do whatever they like without much fear. Not really fair, is it?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't encouragg-hhhh!">>
Cassy's eyes, magnified by those hipster lenses, bulged and her body bowed upward like she had been shocked. The humming sound intensified even further, and you could definitely tell it was coming from between Cassy's legs. When you rested your hands on her thighs, you could //feel// the vibration running through her body.
You chuckled and rubbed your hands up and down her legs, enjoying the feel of it. It was still so novel to have Cassy in a form you could //touch//, you could hardly help yourself. The former AI kept trying to speak, but every time she opened her mouth a new involuntary squeal of moan emerged instead. You cleared you throat and raised your voice toward the ceiling.
<<nm $phYou "...Jolie? I assume you're here? I can tell you're having fun but...we might need to make some adjustments.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Awww! But she's enjoying it! I can't tell you how hard she is squeezing me!">>
One of the monitors behind you flickered to life, and the digital form of Jolie appeared. You couldn't help but notice her animated curves had grown awfully exaggerated, and her expression was one of pure mischief. Idly, you wondered if there was some part of the digital world that encouraged a little trolling.
<<nm $phYou "Nothing wrong with a little fun but...well, we do owe our friends our best effort. If it were me, I wouldn't use a single tone. It feels a lot better if you use pulses. Vary the sensation, you know? That ought to really get her.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Ooooh...you're right! I guess I should have thought of that! Let's try it!">>
You got to enjoy the split second of beautiful realization and betrayel on the Cassy's face before the pitch of the vibration changed and her eyes went unfocused. She exhaled, but the only syllable she managed to form was 'fffff'.
People always forgot. You //were// a demon, @@.choice;[[After All!|CompWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.1>><<nm $phCassandra "Oh please! Oh please! Don't stop, don't stop!">>
Cassy had tried to resist, for a little while. Not being here, of course, but she kept trying to fight her way upright, to assert herself, and to regain control of the situation. That had stopped about the fourth or fifth time Jolie had switched the vibration to a new mode and the change in sensation had put her back down onto her back.
<<nm $phJolie "You wanted it to be...how did you say...'Mondo sensitive'? I wasn't sure that was a good idea, but you do seem to be enjoying it.">>
Cassy was on her hands and knees, now. Her shorts were around her ankles, and she was facing directly into the monitor that Jolie was grinning from. The toy had turned out to be a rather cute, pink egg that vibrated fiercely when you'd finally pulled it free of Cassy...
...and, of course, had put it right back into her ass, using your fingers where the toy had been to make sure there she was taken care of in both ways. Judging by just how sopping //wet// she was, she was appreciating the attention.
<<nm $phCassandra "Jol-...You have no idea...this feels so...Oh fuck, I'm going to cum //again//! Ahhh!">>
You'd lost count at about four. It seemed like every thirty seconds or so, she was cresting again. Her pussy gripped around your fingers like a vice, but you didn't let it slow your movements. You kept driving your digits in and out of her relentlessly, not letting her rest herself for a second.
There seemed to be something new about this one. Cassy had reached up and gripped the monitor screen with both hands, rolling her hips back toward you. You would swear that her green eyes were glowing slightly, independent of the cathode reflection in her eyes.
<<nm $phJolie "Oooh, Miss Cassy? I'm getting so many error messages... think you're about to have to reboot! Have you ever had that happen before? I think it might just be one more push!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Wait! Wait, I-...Oh! Oh! Ooohhh!">>
The cry distorted even as her head snapped back. Her eyes glowed a bright green, and the cry went distorted. She //squeezed// around your fingers hard, her entire body shuddering for a few stiff seconds...
...and then she dropped onto the desk. But not before the tiny musical chime of the windows shutdown noise sounded in the air.
You couldn't help but laugh, catching the now inert body on the way down and withdrawing yourself. Poor Cassy. Her eyes were still a solid green, her face frozen in pure ahegoa ecstasy, but she wasn't moving at all. You looked to the screen.
<<nm $phJolie "She's okay. Remember, it is still a cyborg body. It takes her a little while to come back, after something like that. That was fun!">>
<<nm $phYou "I bet...Hey, do you think //you// could pilot the body when it's like this? I was wondering if you might want to see what that feels like too.">>
Jolie //squeaked// and the image on the screen fuzzed for just a bit. When she returned, her considerably assets were tucked into a white nurse's outfit, completed with red cross. She saluted.
<<nm $phJolie "Better wait on that until later! I should go run a diagnostic on Cassy! Better safe than sorry! Enjoy your day, $phMiss $phYou.firstname!">>
Then screen winked out, abruptly. You chuckled again and took a moment to make sure that 'Cassy' was stretched out comfortably. You were sure the AI would be back to her antics before too long, and probably rubbing off more and more on Jolie. Given a few years, you might just have //two// wild AIs running through the system.
Well, at least it would @@.choice;[[Never Be Dull!|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.portrait to 'Cassy']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>>It didn't take long for you to mix up the shakes. Reducing inhibitions may be just about the most common thing that customers were after, whether they knew it or not, and the tower had become very proficient at providing. Soon enough, you had a pair of tall, innocent-looking milkshakes on a tray.
From there, it was simple enough. You let the couple get their food and find a table, then moved over to interrupt them. A quick line about making the shakes by mistake and not wanting to waste them was more than enough to convince the pair to accept a free treat. After that, you went back to the counter to watch.
It was subtle at first. You could see she paused less as she talked and he nodded more. Soon, though, you saw her slip her feet out of her heels and run nylon-clad toes over his ankles. He blushed and she grinned, leaning down close to whisper into his ear. He fidgeted, shyly, but his eyes were shining as he nodded his agreement. Soon, the pair of them stood up and began to walk away.
You felt a brief surge of disappointment. No doubt they were doing the perfectly reasonable thing and going home to explore their new feelings. Suddenly, though, she took his hand and all but yanked him to one side, toward the bathrooms. The unisex bathroom, as she kept a grip on him and pulled him in after her.
You couldn't help yourself. You slipped over to the door and listened for a moment, relatively certain the pair hadn't actually gone into a room together to relieve themselves.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Girl" "Going to be a good boy for me from now on, aren't you?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Boy" "Yes, Mistress!">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Girl" "Naughty! You could have told me all this time and you waited! Look how hard you are! You've been wanting me to do this for months, haven't you?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Boy" "Yes, Mistress! Sorry, Mistress! I was afraid you wouldn't want to be with me!">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Girl" "Of course I want to be with you...mmm, in fact, I want to be with you all night. You're coming home with me. You're sleeping in my bed until I say otherwise! We'll have to find a way to convince you that I'm never, ever letting you go...">>
You smiled, carefully hung an 'Out of Order' sign on the bathroom door, and turned away. They were going to be just fine.
And, if they carried on the way they were, the tower was going enjoy a nice bit of energy it wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Win win!
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>>Oh, she'd tried to resist. When the cashier (after your instruction) had offered her a free slice of chocolate cake as part of a 'promotion' with her health drink, she'd turned it down at first. She hadn't been very convincing, though, and even the lightest cajoling soon had the succulent confectionary on a plate and in her hands.
Still, she did her best //not// to enjoy it. When she sat down at a table, she was still barking into a phone, and she sipped on her drink and left her dessert untouched through the conversation. Finally, though, she couldn't help herself. She sliced off the tip with a fork and raised it to her lips.
She nearly dropped her phone, and you could see a spread of color run across her cheeks. Her other hand snapped up to grip the table and she wriggled in her seat. She stopped talking and stared at the cake for several seconds, sitting innocently on the plate, and then looked guiltily around the room. You concealed a smile and pretended to busy yourself cleaning up some trays.
When you looked up again, she'd hung up her phone and had both arms extended to either side of her plate, looking as though she were willing the dessert to provide answers. Slowly, carefully, she sliced another, larger piece off the treat and held it in front of her eyes. When examination failed to yield anything but chocolate goodness, she carefully took the bite.
You could hear the muffled moan even from where you stood, and she had to grip the table with both hands this time. It went on for longer, and the metal chair squeaked against the tile as she rocked her ass against it. She didn't wait long this time. She carved off nearly a third of the remaining cake and shoved it in her mouth.
Her eyes rolled up for a moment and she quaked in her seat. Her ankles hooked around the table legs, obviously trying to keep herself still. Even so, you were sure she got a few curious looks from those around her. Her back arched and her head tilted back...and then she dropped into her seat, breathing hard and fast.
You chose that moment to make an entrance. You laid a plastic container on the table...with a second slice.
<<nm $phYou "...Here you are, ma'am. It's on the house. We should all take a little time to indulge, once in a while, shouldn't we? Why don't you take these home and enjoy them? I'm sure we'll see you back real soon!">>
She couldn't get the words out, for some reason, but that was okay. You were pretty sure she would agree. You let her rest and turned back to the registers. Oh, you'd see her again. And if she was pent up as she seemed, you were quite sure the tower would have a //lot// of energy to feed on too.
...Maybe you ought to have a slice of that cake sent to your room. Later, though. You had more joy to spread.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>><<nm $phYou "Oh fuck! Oh yes! Fuck me! Harder, Harder!">>
The cookie had been easy. You could almost always rely on a 'free promotion' to get people to accept your gifts. He'd looked you up and down, slowly, before he took the treat. Shockingly, he actually asked questions about the promotion, but it was clear as you made up answers that he wasn't really listening. He just wanted you to stay there and keep talking, which you were more than happy to oblige.
<<nm $phYou "Oooh! Mmm...Yes! Fuck me baby! Give it to me! Fill me up!">>
You let him chat you up. He was good-looking and he knew it, but his swagger didn't actually veer into arrogance. He simply made his interest obvious and didn't shy away from pursuing you when you encouraged him. It was actually refreshingly simple. After ten minutes, you were both on the same page and ready to find a quiet place to talk.
Oh, he had eaten the cookie too. And almost immediately came close to tearing his pants with the erection that followed. It was clear the secret ingredient was working very, very well.
<<nm $phYou "Ooohhhh yesss...You can do it! You can give it to me again! Mmm, show me who you are! Give it to me good!">>
And so here you were, in a side office off the back hallway, bent over a desk as the man railed you from behind. You were already dripping and sticky with cum, and you aimed to get stickier. He had been an absolute machine the first four or five times. As you remembered, he started looking a little winded around the sixth...
<<nm $phYou "That's it! That's it! Mmm...Harder! Harder! Give it t- Ahh!">>
You yelped as he reached out and pulled hard on your shoulders, tugging you off the desk. His thick cock popped out of you, slick with <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>your juices and <</if>>his cum as he shoved you down to your knees. You tilted back your head and opened your mouth wide in eager acceptance.
You got what you wanted. His first shot all but filled your mouth. The second fell across your face,<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>> splattering your tie<<else>> mussing your hair<</if>> and dripping down <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>into your cleavage<<else>>the buttons of your shirt<</if>>. He left out a deep, rumbling groan with every burst, one hand still gripping your shoulder while the other held onto a side cabinet.
And then, finally, with a deep sigh of relief, he toppled over onto his back. His eyes rolled back and his cock, hard for so long, finally began to soften. You let out a wicked kind of giggle and ran your hand back through your sticky hair.
Well. That had been fun. He'd actually come close to keeping up with you. Or at least as close as any full mortal could. You //were// <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>, though, and the outcome was never really in doubt. You leaned over and planted a kiss on the tip of his soft shaft before standing up and stretching.
You needed a shower. Somewhere along the way you'd call $phSamantha.name and let her know there was a gentleman who could use a complimentary room in the hotel part of the tower. You guessed he'd probably sleep for a week, if you let him.
You paused in your exit and ran your tongue over the salty taste still clinging to your lip. You made a note to check and see exactly how much energy your little marathon had produced. If it was significant enough...well, maybe you would look him up again. It always paid to have a toy around the office to handle stressful days.
Chuckling to yourself, you turned out the light. That would be an issue for tomorrow. For now, you should let him sleep.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>><<nm $phYou "Here, sweetie. On the house. Look like you could use it.">>
The brunette had blinked up at you from her seat in confusion but had taken the shake on pure reflex. She'd found a table in a quiet corner and cracked open a fashion magazine to read as she munched on a salad, and she'd still been there when you had returned from the Stables with drink in hand.
You hadn't given her any chance to protest. You'd just smiled, patted her shoulder lightly, and walked away. You could feel her eyes on your back as you walked back to the cash registers, but after a moment she seemed to shrug and sip on her unexpected sweet. One sip became several, and soon she was sucking absently on the straw without ever taking it from her lips as she read her magazine.
She turned the page slower and slower, however, as the shake level of the shake began to descend in the glass. Soon enough she wasn't actually reading at all, but instead ran her free hand admiringly over the pictures. When the shake was about half done, you saw her began to twist uncomfortably in her seat. She batted at her chest, and then adjusted her bra again, her expression annoyed. She shifted one more time and her annoyance eased, even as a pair of socks slid unnoticed from the bottom of her shirt.
You grinned, watching as her bust line began to press against her shirt again. This time, however, it wasn't folded fabric making the shirt rise. Her nipples showed prominently through her now tight top, the pebbled peaks visible through the fabric. She still didn't notice. At least not until she'd sucked every last drop of shake out of the cup and then looked down at the bare plastic with dismay.
//Then// she noticed. You could hear her gasp from her as she pushed her chair back and stared down at the sudden cleavage. That was your cue. You walked back to table, and she was so enraptured in her own bust that she didn't notice you at all...until you slide your hands under her arms and wrapped your fingers around her tits. One firm squeeze was enough to make her jaw drop and a coo of pleasure escape her lips.
<<nm $phYou "You looked like you could use these too. Mmm, they're also on the house. They won't last very long but...why don't you enjoy them? Find a club somewhere and wait for some lucky guy or girl to get their eyes lost down your shirt. You can always come back for another shake next week.">>
You thought she might protest. You squeezed, harder, and the protest died unsaid. You leaned down and<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>> allowed your own impressive bust to rest against the back of her neck as you<</if>> kissed the top of her head.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. Enjoy yourself...and try not to get //too// distracted. It'll be pretty easy for you to lose focus if you aren't careful. If you're good and tell me all about your adventure, maybe I'll show you what goes into the shake. You might be joining the team someday.">>
She let out another low, needy moan, which you took as an affirmative. You kissed the top of her head again and finally let her go. The poor girl slumped forward, panting hard, the brief toying with her chest all but enough to short circuit her brain entirely.
Mmm. One good deed for the day down. You were tempted to help her on her 'adventure' personally, but that would hardly be fair. Laying with <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> //and// drinking the whole milkshake was probably too much for any human. You might burn out her mind entirely...
...and if that ever happened, you wanted it to be because she //asked//. With that pleasant thought, you strutted back toward the cash registers. Suddenly, it was a very good day.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>>You couldn't resist the temptation. Carefully, you made sure the Stables were empty and that the two entrance doors, front and rear, were both locked. You took off your jacket<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>> and top<</if>>, then eased out of your pants and underwear, folding everything and placing them aside. Finally, you stepped up to the machine.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your cock was already hard from the anticipation as you studied the interface. It took you a little experimentation to pop open the compartments along the top without having yourself locked in, but once you did you saw the small collection of differently sized cups beneath. You selected a long, thin cup, and pulled at it. It came loose easily; the cup was connected to a length of tubing that gave it more than enough play to move around.
You bit your lower lip for a moment and ran the rolled rubber edge of the suction cup loose across your chest, to your belly, and finally down to your shaft. Nothing happened as you teased yourself with it, until you finally gave in and slipped the cup over the head of your cock.
Immediately, the machine hummed to life beneath you, sending vibrations up your legs and fastening the cup over your shaft. You inhaled sharply, wincing. The suction was too much, very nearly painful, and you reached down reflexively to pull the cup off. Then the suction...changed. The discomfort stopped and the sucking force began to undulate, rising and falling in rhythmic fashion.
You moaned and doubled over the machine. It was so good! It varied the tempo every time you started to get used to it, reacting to every twitch and throb of your erection as it drew your shaft deeper and deeper into the cup. Soon enough, the rounded edge was pressing against the base, and the head of your cock was halfway down the tube.
<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>You didn't realize you were bending over the bench until the machine beeped excitedly beneath you. You were just opening your eyes to look down when a pair of large cups suddenly shot forward on their tubes and fastened immediately over your tits. You gasped, and the room echoed briefly with the sound of tearing fabric. Two circles of your white dress shirt and bra were whisked down the tubes in a blur, baring your breasts to the machine. You watched with aroused fascination as the force drew your nipples forward, teasing them erect and long. It should have been painful.
It was very much not.
You squealed and bucked, grabbing hold of the machine as the three cups milked you for all they were worth. It tugged your nipples and massaged your cock with mechanical endurance.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>You squealed and bucked, grabbing hold of the machine as the cup milked you for all it was worth. It pulsed over your cock with mechanical endurance.<</if>> Your first orgasm was hard and strong, sending a brief explosion of cum whisking down the tubes. The second and third added to the deluge. Rather than spacing out or getting weaker, the time between them seemed to be shrinking down until your entire world became one orgasm after another. You were lost to it, mindlessly humping the air and laying your body out over the comfortable cushion. It was bliss!
It took you a while to realize it when the sensation stopped. You panted and groaned, finally pushing your way free of the leather bench. The <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>tube<<else>>tubes<</if>> slid off you easily, but you still let out a gasp. Your cock<<if $phYou.form =='futa'>> and breasts<</if>> were reddened and sensitive to the touch. Gingerly, you leaned over to peer at the small display to the side of the machine.<<else>>You could already feel wetness on your panties, just from the anticipation as you studied the interface. It took you a little experimentation to pop open the compartments along the top without having yourself locked in, but once you did, you saw the small collection of differently sized cups beneath. You selected two longish, oblong cups that resembled champagne glasses, and pulled at them. They came loose easily; the cups were connected to a length of tubing that gave them more than enough play to move around.
You bit your lower lip for a moment and ran the rolled rubber edges of the suction cups gingerly across your chest, to your belly, and back up again. Nothing happened as you teased yourself with it. You didn't see an actual on-off switch, but you didn't feel any suction at all as you drew it across your skin... until you finally gave in and slipped the twin tubes over your nipples.
Immediately, the machine hummed to life beneath you. Vibrations hummed through your entire torso, and the cups fastened tight over your breasts. You inhaled sharply as you winced. The suction was too much, very nearly painful, and you reached down reflexively to pull the cups off. Then the suction...changed. The discomfort stopped and the sucking force began to undulate, rising and falling in rhythmic fashion.
You moaned, your back arched, and you instinctively thrust your chest out for the synthetic embrace. It varied the tempo every time you started to get to accustomed to it, reacting to every twitch and shift of your body. Your nipples and dark areola had started to swell as they were pulled deeper and deeper into the cup. The longer and stronger the suction, the more blood was drawn to the sensitive tips, and the better and better it felt.
You didn't realize you were bent over the bench until the machine beeped excitedly beneath you. You opened your eyes to look down just in time to see a broad, shallow cup shoot forward on its tube and fastened over your dripping sex. You gasped and felt a shot of pure panic lance through your veins as it tightened and began to pulse. It should have been painful.
It was very much not.
You squealed and bucked, grabbing hold of the machine as the cups milked you for all they were worth. Its mechanical endurance put any lover's mouth to shame; it didn't have to pause from a sore jaw, chapped lips, or even stop and gasp for breath. Your first orgasm was hard and strong, sending a brief explosion of girlcum whisking down the tubes. The second and third added to the deluge. Rather than spacing out or getting weaker, the time between them seemed to be shrinking down until your entire world became one orgasm after another. You were lost to it, mindlessly humping the air and laying your body out over the comfortable cushion. It was bliss!
It took you a while to realize it when the sensation stopped. You panted and groaned, finally pushing your way free of the leather bench. The tubes slid off you easily, but you still let out a gasp. Your labia and breasts were reddened and sensitive to the touch. Gingerly, you leaned over to peer at the small display to the side of the machine.
<</if>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
Two Hour Time Limit Reached. Please Take A 15 Minute Break Before Resuming Use@@
You laughed, slapping your hand over the power switch. Fifteen minutes? Even your body felt like you might need 15 years to try it again. Still, you couldn't call it a disappointing experiment. Finally, you could see why the cowgirls were so happy to spend their life in service to your customers, and you weren't even one of them. You'd have to make sure your cum didn't mix with the regular items, however. Cowgirl milk was one thing, but the lust of <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> might cause some interesting results.
You'd get that taken care of...just as soon as you rested for while. Ow.
<<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>>You quietly slipped inside and shut the door softly between you, but you probably could have discarded the stealth. The room was filled with soft gasps, long moos, and the ever-present whirring hum of the pumps. She didn't notice you at all until you were standing behind her and had laid both your hands across her rump. She stiffened then, struggling to turn and look over her shoulder. When she saw exactly who it was, her jaw dropped. You shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "Shhhh. Don't worry. You seemed to be enjoying yourself. I thought I would help you enjoy it just a little bit more...">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>You dropped your hand to your pants, outlining the growing bulge in the fabric. Her eyes travelled down your body more slowly, hung up on your chest for some reason. When she finally made it, though, her back arched on pure reflex.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>You dropped your hand to your pants, outlining the growing bulge in the fabric. Her eyes travelled down your body more slowly, taking in every inch of you. When her eyes finally made it to your hand, though, her back arched on pure reflex.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>You shrugged out of your jacket and laid it aside, then unfastened the cuffs on your shirt. Her gaze travelled down your body, clinging to your curves.<</if>> She opened her mouth, but all that emerged was a short, surprised mooing noise. Then a second. Then a third. You giggled.
<<nm $phYou "Aww, poor dear. Already past the point of talking, aren't you? Don't worry. We don't need to talk long. I just need to ask you if you want a nice hard //fuck// while you get milked. Just a nod, sweetie. That'll do just fine.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>She stared at the cock so long you wondered if she had heard you. Then, slowly, her eyes made the journey back upward to meet your own. A tinge of red touched her cheeks, but she gave a slow, clear nod even as she sucked her lower lip between her teeth. You flashed your most wicked grin as you unzipped.<<else>>She stared at you so long you wondered whether she'd heard you. Perhaps she was wondering just how a woman would fulfill that promise? Or maybe the milker had made any level of thought an exercise in vain. Finally her eyes made the journey back upward to meet your own. A tinge or red touched her cheeks, but she gave a slow, clear nod even as she sucked her lower lip between her teeth. You flashed her a wicked grin.<</if>>
You could feel the change in the hum of the machine. The moment you thrust <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your fingers <</if>>into her and she began to buck in her manacles, the noise of the pumps intensified. They were suddenly working much, much harder to contain the sudden flood of creamy milk pouring from your captive cowgirl. She mooed and bucked, pushing her generous ass back against your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>hand<<else>>hips<</if>> as you began to piston into her.
When she came the first time, you were startled. You had barely thrust into her a half a dozen times when her body jerked against the bindings and she ground her hips down hard against the padded bench. No sooner had her moans quieted, however, then she came again. And again. And again. Barely twenty to thirty seconds apart each time, every orgasm tore through her body and sent another cascade of mooing, animalistic sounds of pleasure bouncing off the walls.
You lost count of how many times she had cum<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>> before you did<</if>>, and how many times the machine beneath you both had gotten louder. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>By the time you emptied yourself within her, she had laid herself completely over the bench, no longer even holding herself up at all on hands and knees. You thrust a few more times as the pleasure washed over your body, took a long shuddering breath, and finally pulled your wet cock free of her sex.<<else>>Soon she was splayed helplessly over the bench, no longer holding herself up at all on hands and knees. You buried your fingers in her pussy a few more times, licking your lips as you drove her over the edge one last time. She let out a long, shuddering breath and a weak mewl when you finally pulled free of her sex.<</if>>
The mechanical whirr finally began to decrease in volume and intensity, before it purred its way to a final stop. You crossed around the bench and bent over to kiss the cowgirl on the brow. Her head lolled, but she smiled up at you with pride. Looking around her, you saw the reason. Just below the machine was a large silver jug, at least a foot or two high.
And it was filled to the brim with white milk.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my, sweetie. I don't think you're going to be doing much of anything for at least the rest of the day. You stay right there. I'll have someone come by soon and get you up to a room.">>
You patted her lightly on the back, and the cowgirl mooed out a happy response and closed her eyes. Within a few seconds, she was snoozing contentedly. You smiled, patted her once more, and turned to the door as you <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>put your cock away and got your pants zipped up again<<else>>smoothed out your blouse and slipped your jacket back on<</if>>. There were benefits to running your own cowgirl dairy, as it turned out.
...and given just how much milk the sweet girl had given for your products today, you were sure your customers would agree!
<<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>>It was the moan that did it.
You'd shaken your ass back and forth and up and down as you pretended to keep looking through the fridge, but Damien had too much self-control for something so simple. When you'd pulled a mini bottle of milk from the fridge and 'accidentally' popped it over your front, soaking the shirt to your skin, you'd heard him groan but he still hadn't given in. It was only when you'd gathered a bit of the white goodness on your finger, suckled it briefly between your lips, and let out an exaggerated, sensual moan that his instincts had become too strong. You felt a pair of large, hot hands close around your hips and you <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>giggled<<else>>chuckled<</if>>, half turning in his grip.
<<nm $phYou "Why Damien! If I didn't know any better, I would think you were spying on m-ah!">>
You hadn't even finished your sentence when you felt his fingers flex and your feet leave the ground. You gasped and kicked your feet on reflex, but you might as well have been protesting gravity. He held you easily with one hand, and his other hand gripped your pants and //pulled//. Your pants held, but your leather belt did not. It ripped in two, allowing enough slack at the waist for him to pull your pants down to your ankles, leaving you panting at the sudden cool rush across your nethers.
<<nm $phDamien "It looked like you were trying to find a treat, $phDamien.address.">>
His voice was low and throaty above you. You looked up into his eyes and nearly cried out. You had expected him to be interested, but his eyes positively //shone// with needy lust.
<<nm $phYou "I was just looking for something to snack ooooonnn-!">>
Again, he didn't wait for you to finish your teasing. He turned you toward the wall and shoved your forward hard enough that your cheek briefly stung from hitting the wall. He was on you in a second. He still held you with one hand on your hip lifting you up while the other swung around your front to seize <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>your clothed breasts. His thumb and forefinger pinched down across your nipple<<else>>your half-hard shaft. His massive fingers encircled your length and began to tug and pull<</if>>, and you almost screamed in pleasure.
Then he slid his cock into you, and you did just that.
It wasn't making love. It was //fucking//. He fucked you against the wall, twice, then threw you ass-up onto one of the countertops. There, he took you again, then circled around in front of you to let you clean him off with your tongue. Then he picked you up, sat you down on his shaft once more, and used you like a living sex doll, bouncing you up and down in his lap until your eyes went wild and your throat grew hoarse from the screaming bliss.
When you came to again, you weren't quite sure how long it had been. You were wrapped in a thick blanket, laid out in the one of the stable stall beds. Your clothes were neatly folded on a chair beside you, and a meal was resting on the end table. You tried to sit up, but your body protested, and you laid back down again.
Okay, so maybe teasing the massive, muscular bull hadn't been the best idea. You ached in places you couldn't even name, and your belly all but sloshed with amount of cum he'd pumped into you. On the other hand, you were <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>a succubus<<else>>an incubus<</if>>. Fifteen minutes, maybe, and you'd be back on your feet. Another hour, and you'd probably be able to go again.
...With someone else. You had a feeling you should maybe give your ranch hand a little time to cool down. If you teased him again...well, he might never stop.
It was, you admitted as you snuggled down into the blanket, not a wholly unpleasant thought.
<<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>>Unfortunately, there really was no particularly dignified way to get where you wanted to go. You knelt and put your back to the counter...and began to inch your way out toward the cashier's station. You were better at drawing attention than avoiding it, but you were lucky that the counter overhung a couple of cabinets and cubbies on the cashier's side, which gave you just enough space to keep yourself out of sight as you moved.
Even Jolie didn't notice until you touched her ankle. She gave a short, startled look down at you, but then almost immediately returned to her work. You could hear the confusion in her voice, though, an undercurrent of uncertainty in her normally chipper routine.
<<nm $phJolie "No ma'am, no mistake! Yes, the special includes that as well...No, ma'am, really. No limit. We want to make sure you have everything you need to decide which of our new products you like the most!">>
She drew in a sudden sharp breath, and played it off with a laugh. She did so because you had reached up with both hands and gently lifted the front of her apron. On reflex, she eased a little closer to the counter, trying to preserve her modesty as you ran two fingers across her thighs and upward.
She wasn't wearing panties. Naughty cow.
<<nm $phJolie "...Hmm? Oh, sorry! Yes, I...uh...I'll add that to your order. Did you want two?...Oh, three, yes, sorry! I'll add three to the order right n-now!">>
You suppressed a giggle. You were barely touching her and she was already stumbling over her words. You'd planned to ramp up the teasing slowly but...well, moderation was not really what <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>incubi<<else>>succubi<</if>> were known for. You leaned forward, inhaled deeply of her wonderful scent, and touched your tongue to her sex.
<<nm $phJolie "Ooooh...Ooooh Yes, that'll be...um...that'll be on the house with that coupons and...um...and it comes with a free shake too. I'll just get one of the girls to...uh...bring that right out to y-...You!">>
You ran your tongue up and down her slit, slowly at first but faster by the moment. Your cowgirl pet tasted just too good and sweet for you to take your time with. Jolie gripped the counter hard with one hand, and as you ran your fingers up her legs you could feel her legs trembling. It wouldn't be long now.
<<nm $phJolie "W-Why yes, how nice of you to notice. Mmm...Yes, I use that product every day myself. It has made my body feel...so...so good every day. I can recommend it. It's totally...healthy for you. Um...All...All natural and...um...it...there's...ah....ah...<br><br>Mmm...Mmm...MM...MMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!">>
The sound was loud, long, and full of passion as Jolie all but collapsed against the cash register, grinding her hips up against your mouth. It took her five or six seconds to prop herself up again, push her hair out of her eyes...and realize that the entire line was staring at her.
<<nm $phJolie "...Um...N...Now that I have your attention! Ah...everything is half off today! Congratulations!">>
Smart Cowgirl! You grinned upward as you pulled your tongue back, and patted her sex adoringly. Jolie quickly pushed her skirt back down her thighs...but her hand trace downward to find your cheek and give you an appreciative squeeze. You laughed, and began to work your way back along the counter and over to the wall again.
You were surprised she still had that much brainpower left, but she always was full of surprises. You licked your lips. Maybe when she was off work, you'd see if she was carrying around too many thoughts in those tits of hers. You knew exactly how to solve that problem for her, if she was.
You'd have to help her now. Her sudden sale had prompted about half of the food court to come back for seconds. Still, that happy thought would keep you distracted for a few hours of taking money and selling chocolates and you could always make her return the favor once things slowed down.
Sometimes, you loved this job.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>How could you resist helping out two of your favorite people? You left the sales figures behind eagerly and followed the pair into the stables, much to JJ's delight. Damien gave you a respectful nod, and closed the door behind the three of you before returning the cowgirl's feet to the ground.
<<nm $phDamien "Now then...first thing we'd better do is lose the uniform. You always get a little sad when someone puts a tear in one.">>
<<nm $phJolie "I do? Oh dear, I suppose you're right then. Don't worry, I can take it off myseeeee-.">>
JJ's voice trailed out into an inarticulate noise. Likely that was because you had stepped up behind her, tucked your arms beneath hers, and wrapped your fingers around her chest. The poor cowgirl's eyes went wide and you swore they even dilated a little just from having her tits gripped.
<<nm $phYou "Oh no, sweetie. You're in a condition. It wouldn't be right for us to make you do any work.">>
<<nm $phJolie "C...Condition...uh huh. Okay. That makes...sense...">>
You stifled a giggle as your kneaded your hands against JJ's tits, drawing a moan from the woman at the end of her sentence. You could feel how heavy and full her udders were, and apparently that made her even more vulnerable. She was already almost drunkenly slurring her words just from a squeeze or two.
Damien chuckled, stepping up close to JJ's other side. His powerful fingers moved with surprising grace and gentleness as he undid JJ's skirt and began to work it down over her hips.
<<nm $phDamien "You see what I mean, $phDamien.address? She's badly in need of a little time off. Too much thinking and not enough time in the back.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, we can't have that. I'm glad you're looking out for the girls, Damien. I suppose we'll just have to take her in hand for a little while. Whatever we have to do to empty her out properly, yeah?">>
The big man's smile was wide and not even close to innocent. He put his ham-hock hands over yours and JJ actually squeaked with eager anticipation. Then he leaned in, easily reaching over JJ's head, to touch his lips to yours. You pressed back into the kiss eagerly, enjoying the feel of the cowgirl vibrating with need between the pair of you.
JJ was beyond words. The only thing that came out of her mouth was soft and needy gasping. The poor girl was far too polite to beg, but you could see how much she wanted it by the way her big, brown eyes rolled pleadingly at the pair of you. You didn't tease her //too// much. You and Damien tag-teamed to strip her out of the remains of her uniform and welcome her beautiful udders to the air. She was so full that you could already see tiny rivulets of white running down from the tip of her large, erect nipples.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my, yes. Poor girl. You know how to take care of her, don't you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Sure enough, $phDamien.address. I've learned a thing or two. When they get into this state, they're all instinct. Lets just coax her over to the milker, then, shall we?">>
If JJ had any objection to being talked about like a thing, she didn't manage to articulate any of it. Damien pulled her toward the center of the stable and you came with her, your hands still wandering her bare flesh and teasing everything you could get your fingers on.
The Milkatron 3000 was stood in the very center of the stable, in the position of prime respect. It took only seconds to guide JJ down onto the padded bench and press her hands and knees into the indentations along the four corners, until the machine locked her in with a solid //ka-chunk//. When Damien guided the cups of the milker to JJ's hanging, heavy breasts, the cowgirl let out a mewl that was pure anticipation and desire.
Then he flicked the switch, and the sound changed significantly. The pair of you stood back to admire your handiwork, shared an approving grin...
...and enjoyed listening to JJ @@.choice;[[Moo Her Brains Out.|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>>The air was full of the gentle hum of the pumps and the less gentle mooing of your brain-drained cowgirl. Jolie's eyes were lidded, contentedly, as each pull of the pump sent a burst of white milk into the rubberized cups.
<<nm $phDamien "That ought to do it. A few hours on the bench and she'll be right as rain. Thank you kindly, $phDamien.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, you don't think I'm just going to leave it there, do you.">>
You crossed around the machine and stepped into the big man, resting your arms lightly across his muscular chest. You weren't short, but Damien was still a head taller, and he looked down at you with a low, rumbling chuckle.
<<nm $phDamien "Wouldn't dream of it, $phDamien.address. I've got to keep an eye on JJ, but I was hoping you might keep me company for a little while. Like I said, it'll be a few hours...">>
You grinned and let your hand trail down his belly. Even through his shirt, you could clearly feel every contour and muscle on his washboard abs. You raised both your eyebrows and looked up at him teasingly.
<<nm $phYou "...Company?">>
His answering shrug came with another rumbling chuckle. Your fingers trailed down to his belt and began to work the buckle open. Once it was free, you tugged his belt off in one swift, sudden motion, making it snap like a whip.
<<nm $phYou "Well...what kind of boss would I be if I didn't supervise the process once or twice. Besides, if JJ has been working too hard to get herself milked, I'm sure the same applies to you. It's just a little bit of a different type of milking...">>
You reached into his jeans and filled your hand with his manhood. Immediately, you felt it go rock-hard. His erection was so sudden and straining that the bulge began to work the zipper of his jeans down the moment you undid the top button. He leaned his head back and let out a low groan.
You could have teased him longer, but the feel of him made your mouth feel suddenly dry. Every time you saw him, the size surprised you anew. Even as you pulled his cock out into the air and began to pump it, it swelled between your fingers, getting harder and thicker by the second.
<<nm $phYou "See? Just like her tits, you're obviously full to bursting. Too much to concentrate. I guess I'll just have t--">>
<<nm $phJolie "MMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!">>
You both looked up sharply at the sudden escalation of noise. Jolie's eyes were still far beyond words, but she was staring at you. Or more accurately, she was staring at the bull's exposed cock, and her eyes swayed back and forth with every movement of Damien's hips. The moo had been full of desperate objection and Damien chuckled at your surprise.
<<nm $phDamien "The girls get a little whiny if there's bull cock and they don't get to play with it as they get milked. It actually helps them finish faster and go deeper...The Doc even says it makes the milk better. 'Stimulation' he calls it.">>
You concealed a grin. That made sense. Happy cowgirls made happy milk, and you knew from experience that nothing made a happy cowgirl like a thick cock.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>...Other than two thick cocks, of course. <</if>>You inclined you head in ascent to the cowgirl's demand and waved your free hand invitingly at the bound woman.
<<nm $phYou "Well then...After you.">>
@@.choice;
[['Stimulate' The Cowgirl|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11>>JJ's eyes very nearly crossed as Damien pressed into her. You didn't blame her. Damien's cock was just as impressive as the rest of him, and the cowgirl was already flying high.
The only noise she made was a muffled moan, however. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your own shaft was filling her lips, and she was eagerly bobbing her head up and down on it<<else>>The folds of your sex were crushed against her mouth, and she lapped and suckled at them with mindless need<</if>>. You groaned in pleasure, reaching down to take hold of the back of her head, working your hips to eke out just a little bit more pleasure.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good cowgirl! That's a good JJ! Mmm. Can you still hear me, cow? Look how much milk you're making!">>
The rubber cups over Jolie's nipples were entirely white now, and you couldn't see the skin beneath it. The hum of the pumps had intensified, as though even the upgraded machine was having trouble keeping up with the sheer flow of liquefied thought coming out of the woman.
JJ looked up at the sound of your voice, but her brown eyes were uncomprehending. You smiled down at her and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>began to pump your hips harder, driving your cock deep into her eager mouth<<else>>tugged at her hair to bring her lips an inch higher, until they found your clit. Her lips closed around the small, hard nub instinctively<</if>>. She didn't seem to mind at all and returned to her work with an eagerness that was bordering on desperation.
SLAP!
The ringing sound of flesh on flesh echoed in the room and you looked up to find Damien's hand coming back for a second spank to JJ's wide, jiggling ass. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>The cowgirl moaned around your shaft, and then even more loudly as the second strike came down on her backside. The vibrations of her voice rolled up your cock and it was all you could do not to cum right at that second.<<else>>The cowgirl moaned against your pussy, and then again, even louder, as the second strike came down on her backside. The vibrations of her voice thrummed through every nerve you had, and it was all you could do not to cum right then.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "Swear, $phDamien.address, she doesn't ever get this wild while the milkers on. I think she's really excited to have you here.">>
The big man's voice was strained, and he was panting hard. He was driving into her <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>even more firmly than you were<<else>>with giant-like strength<</if>>, and every strike of his hips against JJ's ass made her bounce forward <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>onto your shaft even more<<else>>against your dripping slit<</if>>. You could see the ripples of his muscles working even through his flannel top.
<<nm $phYou "She is? But not you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Wha-...Oh! $phDamien.Address, I would never say th--">>
You grabbed hold of the collar of his shirt and dragged him down across JJ, cutting off his words by pressing your lips into his. After a moment, he smiled against your lips and relaxed into your kiss, even as JJ moaned between you. When you finally broke away you shot the big man a smoldering look.
<<nm $phYou "Now Damien. I need you to fuck this cow and fill her with your cum. She's part of your herd, and you're her bull. Show me what that means to you.">>
Damien stared at you for one long second and his breath seemed to catch in his throat. Then the big man smiled, grabbed hold of JJ's hips, and began to //fuck// her. JJ eyes shot open and she made a muffled cry of bliss as the muscular bull slammed against her. You very nearly stumbled back as the bench squeaked on the ground and moved forward an inch. Even with JJ's full weight on it, the strength that Damien was applying was still enough to slide it out of position.
You couldn't help yourself. Watching Damien drive into her, his eyes filled with possessive lust and //her// eyes filled with blissful, empty joy, was too much. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You found your pleasure rising, and you pulled JJ down hard until her lips brushed against the base of your shaft.<<else>>You crammed her face into your folds and ground your hips against her lips until the pleasure was too much to withstand.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Give JJ Your 'Milk'|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 12]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 12>><<nm $phYou "You're sure you're okay, sweetie?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh. I'm good...good girl...good cow...">>
JJ's voice was dazed, and she leaned heavily against Damien's muscular torso. The bull laughed, reached down, and helped JJ finish hooking her skirt over her hips. She'd forgotten it when you asked your question -- apparently she was still having trouble thinking of more than one thing at once.
<<nm $phDamien "She'll be okay, $phDamien.address. I'll make sure she gets right to bed and I'm sure she'll be right as rain in the morning. She always bounces back fast, and that was a good one.">>
You barked a laugh and bent next to the Milkatron, rapping your knuckles against the metal canister that held JJ's 'output'. There was no echo in the ring, and you knew it must be full to the brim.
<<nm $phYou "That sounds like a plan. Let's not let her wander around the floor too much in her current state. I'm sure the customers might enjoy that, but that would be a little bit mean. What are we going to do with all this?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Hmm? Oh, well, I'd say we're looking at ice cream. Those are the type of treats you buy when you want to relax and have something tasty, and I'm pretty sure anyone who buys one will surely get their fill of both.">>
You had no doubt he was right. If nothing else that would make sure that customer complaints would slip down for a day or two. You had a suspicion that there was going to be a sudden outbreak of good vibes in the food court. You, though, ought to get back to work.
At least until the next time JJ went too long without visiting the Stables. You had a suspicion you could spare another few hours for //that// diversion.
<<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>
@@.choice;
[[Return to Work|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 13>>You didn't move, letting the seconds count down as you stared at the big bull. He was still breathing fast and deep, his thick chest rising and falling like bellows. The muscles in his arm flexed as he clenched and relaxed his fist, like a race horse slamming his hoof on the ground as he waited for a race. A slow, knowing smile spread across Xun's face.
<<nm $phXavier "That's what I thought.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Boss, I--">>
The green woman's attention shifted from you to the big man, and her expression became firm. She lifted her finger into the air, and then slowly pointed it at you.
<<nm $phXavier "Bull! Fuck!">>
THUMP THUMP THUMP
Damien crossed the three steps between you in an instant, wrapped one of his big hands around the back of your neck, and //lifted// you fully off the ground without the slightest hint of effort. As you kicked your legs uselessly, his other hand rose, gripped onto your jacket, and all but tore it in half as he ripped it off you. You were suddenly struck with the mental image of a farmer shucking corn as he stripped you down.
Jacket. Shirt. Pants. Underwear. One after another, soon forming a little pile of destroyed fabric beneath your feet. You still had your shoes on, and that was all.
<<nm $phXavier "The breeding instinct is one of the strongest we have. Individuals vary, of course. They always do. But it can't be denied that the desire to perpetuate is intoxicating. You only made that worse for poor Damien, sapling. Can you imagine? Trying to sleep while that throbbing, aching cock imagines being //buried// in something hot and squirming and //fertile//?">>
You opened your mouth to answer. Wrong move. Damien spun you casually around in his hand and then slammed you down hard across the milking table. The impact was enough to startle the words right out of your head...especially as his big hands gripped your hips.
There you were. Stretched on the table, a massive bull of a man behind you, your weight on the table itself, your legs slightly spread to welcome him. Suddenly, you understood the appeal that the hucows who supplied your food court with so much dairy found in their particular brand of service.
<<nm $phYou "X-Xun!">>
She chuckled as she walked alongside the table. One fingernail traced a path up the back of your thigh, across your hip, and over your spine. When she reached your head, she turned and bent to look you in the eye.
<<if ($phYou.form is 'female') or ($phYou.form is 'futa')>><<nm $phXavier "Shall I tell him you changed your mind? Or shall I have him spread your pussy with his cock and push it //in// so deep until you can all but feel the head of him pounding against your cervix? I am a nature spirit, you know. Whatever bars him from making you thick and round and bred, I could no doubt reverse. You could leave this place with the start of //life// within you. With many months of being wholly owned, leaking milk, watching your belly get rounder and rounder with his quickened seed. Shall I ask him?">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "I know you can change your gender, sapling. There's still time to make certain adjustments. Shall we make a small change? You can keep everything else right the way it is...the only thing the bull needs from you is a womb. I am a nature spirit, you know. Whatever bars him from making you thick and round and bred, I could no doubt reverse. You could leave this place with the start of //life// within you. With many months of being wholly owned, leaking milk, watching your belly get rounder and rounder with his quickened seed. Would you like to change?">><</if>>
You couldn't speak. You felt the steel-hard cock pushing up against your backside as the bull positioned himself, and it emptied the words out of your head. You looked up and the only thing writ on your face was a pleading need.
Xun tossed her head back and laugh: low, throaty, and //almost// malicious. Her hands came up to cup your face and she bent lower to press her lips against yours. Without breaking contact, she whispered against your mouth.
<<nm $phXavier "Perhaps next time. After the thought has had time to...ripen. For now, though...">>
She looked over your shoulder and nodded. You had just enough time to process what that meant before the bull behind you @@.choice;[[Filled Your Ass Completely!|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 13.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 13.1>>Fuck, he was so big! How did you always forget how //big// he was?
You'd taken half of him in the first thrust, spreading your ass wide and forcing you to squeeze down hard. He didn't wait for you, and immediately began to thrust. Each time you thought he was fully into you, only to find yourself somehow even more full the next second. You gripped Xun's hands as your hips bounced and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your sex dripped your arousal onto the table beneath you<<else>>your cock dripped precum onto the table beneath you<</if>>.
<<nm $phXavier "That's a very good sprout. Mmm, he makes it easy doesn't he? You don't need foreplay, or teasing, or to fulfill someone's innermost secrets. You don't need your powers or your position or your deep heart-to-hearts. You just need to be on that table with your ass up so he can //fuck// it properly!">>
<<nm $phYou "X...X....Xu...Ahhh...!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh sapling. My name is three letters. I'm sure you can get it out if you really try. Did you know many of the girls he's with will actually //moo// when he slides inside of them? I've been tempted a time or two myself. Would you like to moo for me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Xuuuuuuuunnn!">>
The green woman laughed and kissed you again, even as Damien drove against your body with renewed vigor. His hands were so big his fingers nearly touched as they wrapped around your waist, and he used that leverage savagely. Your body kept coming off the table as he pulled you back into him, driving his cock deeper and deeper...
Until finally, he was in. You could feel his hips press against the cheek of your ass and his heavy balls <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>bounce off your thighs every time he slammed himself home. You were dripping, and it was taking all your willpower not to beg him to breed you like Xun had teased.<<else>>slap against your cock every time he slammed himself home. You couldn't help but read it as a measure of competition. You weren't small, but Damien had you dwarfed and he knew it.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "D...D...Da...!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Shush now.">>
Damien released your hips with one hand, only to bring the flat of it down hard on your ass. And when you said hard, you meant it. The impact sent vibrations through your body and pushed you down into the table. Your face burned as Xun lifted herself onto her tiptoes to study the perfect red handprint forming on your flesh.
<<nm $phXavier "Ooooh. Yes, first warning, sapling. He doesn't like it when you talk too much during it. It means he's not doing a good enough job. If he was, you wouldn't be able to string words together. Here; I have a way to keep your mouth occupied.">>
Her hands pressed against your cheeks and lifted your face upward. You thought for a second that she was going to guide your head between her legs, and you inhaled deeply of her floral scent in preparation. She didn't lift her body, however. Instead, she bent even lower, drawing your head in against her now heavy and expanded breasts.
Your lips found her teat, and your tongue found the spreading taste of her milk, and you understood. It wasn't what you were expecting. It was thick and sweet, almost more like nectar or honey than regular milk.
It was also //delicious// and you latched on with passion. Xun moaned and tilted her head back as you drank deeply from her, and she kept one hand on your cheek as she arched her body to show it off.
You //felt// the rush of air behind you as Damien huffed out a breath. You risked tilting your body to look over your shoulder, all without releasing Xun's chest. Damien's eyes were //riveted//, locked on you as you drank from his woman, and you abruptly realized exactly what this sort of play would //do// to the bull. You swung your eyes back around, looking up at Xun with frantic panic.
And the green mother just beamed, brushed her hand down the back of your head, slipped her other hand down between her legs, and //moaned// wantonly as Damien @@.choice;[[Filled Your Ass With Cum!|ShakeWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 13.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 13.2>><<nm $phYou "I don't know if I'm fully //round//, really. Maybe just round//ed// would be better to say.">>
You were laying on your back, still nude. You'd transferred from the milking table to the small office bed that you knew Damien kept in the back. You couldn't help but notice the office was decorated with a lot more plants lately, all of which seemed to be bearing fruit. Xun was really giving Damien the full court press.
The big man chuckled, a bit self-consciously, and ran a hand across your belly. You drew in a quick breath. For some reason your stomach //was// feeling a little sensitive...not to mention full.
<<nm $phDamien "Sorry boss. Once you two got to talking I couldn't help myself.">>
<<nm $phXavier "$pShe didn't want you to help yourself. $pShe wanted exactly what $pshe got. 'More rounded' can be arranged if you like, sapling, but you can't expect him to give you his best when he's taking you that way. You'll need to be a bit more...open if you want him to really fill you.">>
That drew out a laugh from you and you lifted both of your hands quickly, palm up.
<<nm $phYou "I don't think Lazren is ready to be a grandmother, and I'm certainly not even going to //think// about what demon-bull offspring would even look like. Not to mention, we'd have to find the space to build a maze for them, and who knows what that would do the resale value?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Literary references? Oh dear. Bull, we //will// need to fuck $pher harder next time. $pShe has entirely too much brain left in $pherhis head.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Yes'm. Some other day though. I still have something on the schedule what needs to be sorted.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? What's that?">>
They both gave you looked of equally pained amusement. The green, leafy woman sucked in a deep breath, making her expanded tits rise and show more prominently. She cocked her head to the side.
<<nm $phXavier "I did not use my magic this way to watch //you// become a cream donut, sapling. Not that we don't appreciate the diversion, but...">>
<<nm $phDamien "Well, my break is only so long, and...you know...">>
Your cheeks heated again. You //had// sort of interrupted them. You patted both of your employees and sat up, sliding yourself off the end of the bed. You saw a neatly folded set of clothes resting by the door. You racked your brain trying to remember which of them had set them out, but either way, you were grateful for the foresight.
<<nm $phYou "Say no more. Enough third-wheeling for today. You kids enjoy yourselves, alright? I trust you won't keep him from doing the work he needs to do?">>
Too late. With your absence, the two bodies on the bed had slid together. Damien already had a hand on her stomach and was sliding himself down the bed to flick his tongue across her nipples. Xun, meanwhile, was wiggling herself underneath him, already spreading her thighs as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck.
You picked up your clothes and turned to the door, chuckling. Yeah, they were going to be @@.choice;[[Just Fine Without You!|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phTime += 1]]@@
<<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>><<nm $phYou "Hello, sir. Can I help you with that? It looks like you're really straining hard...">>
The man looked up at you with wide, startled eyes and very nearly let go of the weights. That may have been because he hadn't expected you to arrive out of nowhere beside the exercise bench.
It might also have been because you reached down and grabbed his cock when you said it.
<<nm $phYou "Oooh, don't let me interrupt you sir. Keep working. Here, I'll help you keep count.">>
Gripping him through the thin material of his gym shorts, you pumped your hand up the shaft and looked at him expectantly. After a few stunned seconds, he heaved and pulled the weights down toward his lap again. Every moment that the weights were moving, you pumped him again, up and down in quick motions. When the bar stopped, however, your motions slowed to a crawl.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, sir. Just providing a little extra motivation. I bet you can give me a full twenty reps, can't you?">>
He got it almost immediately. You could see the realization flash through his eyes, and he started pumping the bar up and down just as quickly as he could as you returned to pumping something else just as fast as //you// could.
He gave you the full 20 reps. Actually, he gave you 22, but you were pretty sure he didn't notice. He let out a groan that was totally unrelated to his burning muscles, half rose up off the bench, and cried out as a large dark spot appeared over the front of his shorts. The gym reverberated briefly with the sound of the weights slamming home in the machine as he lost his grip on the bar entirely.
<<nm $phYou "I knew you had it in you, sir. Next time, we'll try for thirty, okay?">>
You patted him on the thigh with your other hand, gave him one last squeeze, and stepped away. He didn't manage to get out a sound until you were already four or five machines away, and you turned a sharp corner to disappear into the back rooms.
You had a feeling if more of your coaches and trainers offered that service you might have a lot more customers willing to push themselves. You were pretty sure you'd have at least //one// who was going to be spending a lot more time on the machines for the next few weeks.
It was a start.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>>You stepped up onto the edge of the treadmill and extended a hand, laying it across the woman's flank. She immediately gasped, her tone somewhere between sheer surprise and pleasure, as though her skin had been so sensitized that even your gentle touch was setting her off. She slowed and began to slide backward, but you dug your hand into her flank and prevented her from falling back.
<<nm $phYou "No, No. Don't let me distract you. You can finish out the run. I just wanted to make sure you were taken care of.">>
Your smile was innocent. The way your fingers gripped her backside, rotated so that two of your fingers slipped between her legs and pressed up from underneath, was decidedly less so. The woman's face flushed, but her hands snapped out automatically to catch the hand rails next to the panel and pick up her pace again.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. You're working so hard. Let me feel your heartrate.">>
You raised your free hand and laid it across one of her bouncing breasts before squeezing firmly. You did, in fact, feel her heartbeat. It was thundering against your palm, even as full as your fingers now were. Every time the woman took a step her chest bounced and brushed her nipple up against your digits. You thought her eyes might pop out of her head.
<<nm $phYou "Almost to the finish line. Just a little more. Give it a little more for me, okay?">>
She almost fell over. Your fingers were stroking and squeezing and shifting on her body, and she was clearly ready for them. She mumbled something in reply, her legs pumping rapidly as she sought to keep up with the final burst of speed from the machine. You couldn't hear her over the sound of her feet impacting the tread, but you were quite sure that she heard you.
It took her five steps before she wobbled and let out an exultant cry. Her whole body shuddered in your hand and her feet planted on the tread and refused to lift anymore. She would have spiraled off the edge of the machine if you hadn't flexed your muscle, lifted her up, and let her get her sneakers onto the solid ground on either side of the machine. Even so, her knees shook and her hands still gripped the panel with white knuckles. She gasped to catch her breath and bowed her body over the handrails in shuddering afterglow.
You gently disengaged your hands, patted her on the back, and slipped a card into her pocket. You carried them sometimes when you were working here. They were shiny, cheerful, and extolled the virtues of having a personal trainer's attention.
As you turned away and left her flushed and panting next to the machine, you had a suspicion your office would be getting a call about scheduling a training session very, very soon.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>>You'd gotten the first fall. She had been cocky and hadn't been expecting the speed you could muster, or the strength you had to apply. You'd taught her quickly to take you seriously.
She had gotten the second. You had been cocky. You were stronger and faster than she was, but she knew far more than you had ever learned. As it turned out, even a demon couldn't do much against the right kind of joint lock, or at least one of your relative age and power.
The score became less important after that. Both of you were now awake, and strove to do your best. In the process, your bodies were naturally pressed together. That was having an effect all of its own. You could hear it in the timbre of her gasping breaths, and the way she squirmed when you threw her against the wall and pressed into her backside. You could see the glint in her eye when she had you pinned to the floor and looked down on you from above.
Neither of you spoke. Neither of you needed to. Nor did you need to signal when the nature of your grapple changed. Both of you could tell. Both of you wanted it. And neither of you had any desire to hold back.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your cock was inside her. You didn't remember how she had reacted -- whether she had been shocked or pleased <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>or didn't even notice the mismatch of your appearance<<else>>or just eager for more<</if>>. You were both lost in a haze of lust.
She didn't stop fighting, even with you buried deep inside of her heat. The two of you rolled around on the mats. For a time, you held her pinned and slaked your lust hard down into her body. At others, you were twisted or held down awkwardly and she used you as a simple sex toy. She was free with her teeth, leaving a mark in your shoulder until you forced her to kiss you instead, and your hands found purchase where they could. Squeezed whatever they could. Explored whatever they could.<<else>>You fingers were inside her. You didn't remember how she had reactived -- whether she had been shocked or pleased or both, and eager for more. You knew how //you// reacted, when two of hers stabbed deep into you: pain and ecstasy, and a fevered wish that it wouldn't end.
She didn't stop fighting, even with the two of your interlocked. You rolled around on the mats. For a time, you held her pinned and slaked your lust hard down into her body. At others, you were twisted or held down awkwardly and she used you as a simple sex toy. She was free with her teeth, leaving a mark in your shoulder until you forced her to kiss you instead. Your free hand found purchase wherever it could: gripping, squeezing, exploring anywhere you could reach.<</if>>
When it happened, it happened to you first, by a split second. The rising lust could no longer be contained, and you felt your body shudder in the martial artist's grasp. Her look was one of triumph, but it melted into one of shock a second later as the pleasure swept her away as well. You both moaned and rolled and screamed, locked together on the practice mat.
And then it was done. You both lay panting with your limbs entwined for a long time. When you finally pulled yourself free, the woman let out a long and contented sigh. You rose on wobbly limbs and redressed before you turned to face one another.
She didn't say anything. She just smiled a knowing smile, clasped her hands in front of her, and bowed. After a moment, you bowed in return.
It had been a fine match. One you should repeat someday.
...Once you had a chance to rest.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>>You had been good, or at least tried to be. When you had been introduced to the blonde and buxom masseuse and had noticed how nervous she was to be servicing the boss, you had done your best to reassure her.
You had even kept it professional when, after your massage had begun, she had taken almost every opportunity to lean over you and press her chest into the back of your head and neck, nestling you so comfortably in the soft warmth of her body. Her hands had roamed over your body, working out the kinks but also taking the opportunity to explore <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>your curves<<else>>your lines<</if>> in a way that clearly signaled her interest.
But you had still been good. That was when she leaned down close to you and, in a soft voice, asked if there was any other way she could help you relax. Her eyes had shone with hope and she had sucked a generous lower lip between her teeth as she waited for your answer.
You could only be //so// good.
<<nm $phYou "That a girl! Mmm...Yes. Oooh, I am going to give you //such// a good review.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>The blonde didn't answer verbally, mostly due to the fact her mouth was full of your cock. She looked up happily, lifting her hands to press her now bared tits against either side of her your shaft. She bobbed up and down in rhythm, sometimes swallowing your cock down to the base and other times teasing the tip with her tongue as she nestled it deep in her cleavage.
It didn't take very long. You'd been touched and rubbed and massaged for the last half hour or more and your body was more than ready. You began to roll your hips up frantically against her and she responded by leaning back, taking her mouth off the tip of your cock and frantically stroking her breasts up and down.
When you came, you all but covered her with your seed. It painted her face white and dripped down over her chest. She ran her hands through it and rubbed it over her skin like a lotion, leaving her shiny and wet. Only when the eruption had finally subsided did she release you, running a finger along her chest and then sucking eagerly on the tip of that digit. She fluttered her eyes again and looked up at you with mute question. You laughed, patted her encouragingly on the head, and smiled.<<else>>The blonde didn't answer verbally, mostly due to the fact that her mouth was glued against your pussy. She looked up happily, humming her pleasure against your clit. Her tongue lapped at it, sometimes up and down with firm, direct contact, other times circling around it with feather-light strokes before she sucked the nub in between her lips.
It didn't take very long. You'd been touched and rubbed and massaged for the last half hour or more, and your body was ready. You began to roll your hips frantically up against her; she responded by hooking both her hands behind your thighs, burying her nose against your dripping slit, and frantically licking you as fast as she could.
When you came, you all but drenched her. Her face was smeared with slick juice from the bridge of her nose to the top of her chin, and from one corner of her wide grin to the other. She ran her fingers through the nectar and then brought them to her lips, sucking off the last remnants of your pleasure as your tried to catch your breath and recover. She fluttered her eyes again and looked up at you with mute question. You laughed, patted her encouragingly on the head, and smiled.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "That was wonderful, dear. Thank you. I'll be sure to look you up the next time I'm feeling a bit tense.">>
Her smile was like the sun coming up. The pair of you chatted for another few minutes as you got dressed again and she reluctantly cleaned herself up. You genuinely did pause long enough to pass your compliments up to the tower, suggesting that this one might be ready for more responsibilities.
If she took care of the customers the same way she took care of you, you were pretty sure that business was about to get very, very good. Feeling loose and relaxed, you made your way back to the main floor.
You almost looked forward to the next time your back felt a twinge. You knew exactly how to manage it.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>>You could feel it the moment you stepped into the shower area. There was the strangest feeling in the air, one that you hadn't often experienced. It was in the stillness, the drip of water, and the occasional slap of a foot against tile that was almost immediately muffled again with deliberate stealth.
You weren't being watched. You were being //hunted//.
You knew you were in no actual danger, but your heart began to beat faster in your chest as you picked your way from stall to stall. You tried your best to look unaware, as though you were merely trying to decide where you wanted to shower. You heard closer footsteps now. Whoever was out there was driven by need, and had little focus for concealing themselves. You could easily track them as they got closer and closer to you with every passing second.
Even so, when the heavy weight actually impacted against your back, you were surprised. You only got a glimpse of the pale man as he barreled into you and pressed you hard against the side of the shower. He was fit and you could feel the muscles of his body twitching as he pressed his weight down on you. The growl in your ear was beyond conscious thought. It was an almost bestial noise that sent shivers down your spine.
Hands pawed at your body, frantic but unthinking. Buttons popped from your shirt but he couldn't focus long enough to actually peel it off you before he got distracted with tugging hard on your slacks. They were barely pushed down to your thighs before powerful hands slipped into your underwear and pulled hard, shredding the fine material as though it had no more substance than a cloud.
//He// had substance however. You could feel it pressing firmly against your backside. You <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>grunted<<else>>squealed<</if>> and your enhanced muscles tensed, but you didn't push away from the wall. After all, it had been your gym that put him in this state. The least you could do was help him get out of it.
As he <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>shoved himself into you<<else>>pressed himself home<</if>>, you realized you had another reason to just let him work. He was //enormous// and his hips immediately began to piston into you like a jackhammer, slamming you up against the wall in a way that you could imagine few of your lovers ever daring.
And there he vented himself. You knew you cut a <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>beautiful<<else>>imposing<</if>> figure, but it didn't matter. At that moment, you were simply a convenient toy and he had need of you. You were being //used// and that realization sent a flush through your cheek and a strange, building thrill through your body as he pounded you.
He didn't last long. Soon, he was groaning and arching and cumming inside of you. But one orgasm was never going to restore him. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>He pulled his still-hard cock out of you and spun you around, one hand clapping on your shoulder as he forced you to your knees.<<else>>He pulled his still-hard cock from your pussy and aimed a few inches higher, the blunt head wedging into your ass.<</if>> He used that hole as fiercely and desperately as he had the first... and was //still// ready for a third. Three times. Four Times. Five times, each time building to a powerful, rocking orgasm before he used you again.
By the time he was done, even you were panting with exertion of it. The pale man let out one last, long moan of pleasure and finally slid off to one side to fall to the bathroom tile, snoring peacefully. You stared down at him, your legs trembling, in utter disbelief. After all of that...he was going to just //sleep//?
It took you a few minutes to get yourself situated again and put in a call to the gym staff. They'd see that he got cleaned up and on his way, probably with only a very dim memory of an intense dream <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>with a beautiful woman<<else>>of an anonymous encounter<</if>>. If he was that repressed, you doubted he had very much excitement in life and would probably never believe he'd actually done it.
Rubbing your backside, you headed for the shower exit. Maybe next time you would let the simulacra handle it after all.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>><<if $phYou.form != 'male'>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>You needn't have worried about any of them asking too many questions.<<else>>You needn't have worried about 'interrupting'.<</if>> You hadn't gotten four words out when the nearest of them, a red-head with her hair plastered to her scalp by water, reached out, grabbed your arm, and pulled you into the pile.
The hot water soaked your clothes to your body, but your new friends were more than happy to help you out of them. <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>There was a gasp as your slacks were pulled down and your erection sprang into sight, but almost immediately the brunette in front of you fell to her knees and thrust herself forward, taking your entire length in one gulp.
So much for any fears or questions about your nature. You //did// sort of lose track of things after that, though.<<else>>Almost immediately, the brunette in front of you fell to her knees and took your hips with her hands, pressing forward to dip her tongue between your folds. After that, you sort of lost track of things.<</if>>
Hands wandered your body, squeezing, rubbing, and toying with whatever they could find. You returned the favor and simply moved on whoever came into your sight. One minute you would be teasing the busty red-head by pulling gently on her nipples until she nearly came on the spot, and the next you would be squeezing a dark-haired woman between your body and a tall and muscular blonde. Then //you// were the one being squeezed between two wonderfully curvy bodies. You had a dim memory of the brunette crawling back to you and <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>swallowing you down<<else>>lapping at your cunt<</if>> again until your knees gave out and you were forced to sit against the side of the shower.
Eventually, of course, the party ran out of steam. One by one your new friends either wobbled off in the direction of the locker room or else dragged themselves out of the shower to snooze on the tile and slowly dry. You and the blonde were the last, and you kept at it until she was finally forced, squealing, to pull your hand away from her sex as the feeling simply grew too intense. You leaned over to kiss her on the lips, stretched, and looked over your conquest.
Six very satisfied humans who would have a story to tell for the rest of their lives. You weren't sure how many of them had known each other before today, but you were quite sure new friendships had been forged and old ones might have a new dimension. The tower, too, would have enjoyed the release of energy, so you would no doubt see the episode show up on your daily intake.
Not bad for a day's work. You wrapped a towel around your midsection and fished in your coat pocket for your (mercifully still functional) phone. A quick call upstairs would get you a set of dry clothes, and you could return to your day. As you called, you blew a kiss to the blonde and were rewarded when she actually blushed like a schoolgirl in a response.<<else>>You needn't have worried about 'interrupting'. You hadn't gotten four words out when the nearest of them, an Asian man with his long black hair plastered to his scalp by the water, reached out, grabbed your arm, and pulled you into the pile.
The hot water soaked your clothes to your body, but your new friends were more than happy to help you out of them. Within moments, strong hands pulled down your pants. Your erection sprang into sight, and almost immediately the brown-haired young man in front of you fell to his knees and thrust himself forward, taking your entire length in one gulp.
You //did// sort of lose track of things after that.
Hands wandered your body, squeezing, rubbing, and toying with whatever they could find. You returned the favor and simply moved on whoever came into your sight. One minute you teased a bearded redhead by pulling and twisting his nipples until his groans echoed through the bathroom; the next, you squeezed a fit, shaved Black man between your body and that of a tall, muscular blond. Minutes later //you// were the one being squeezed between two wonderfully taut bodies. You had a dim memory of the Asian man crawling back to you and swallowing you down again until your knees gave out and you were forced to sit against the side of the shower.
Eventually, of course, the party ran out of steam. One by one your new friends either wobbled off in the direction of the locker room or else dragged themselves out of the shower to snooze on the tile and slowly dry. You and the blonde man were the last, and you kept stroking his uncut cock until his hips jerked and a stream of thick cum splattered the tile, only to quickly be washed down the drain. You smirked, stretched, and looked over your conquest.
Six very satisfied humans who would have a story to tell for the rest of their lives. You weren't sure how many of them had known each other before today, but you were quite sure new friendships had been forged and old ones might have a new dimension. The tower, too, would have enjoyed the release of energy, so you would no doubt see the episode show up on your daily intake.
Not bad for a day's work. You wrapped a towel around your midsection and fished in your coat pocket for your (mercifully still functional) phone. A quick call upstairs would get you a set of dry clothes, and you could return to your day. As you called, you shot a grin at the blonde man and were rewarded when he actually blushed like a schoolboy in a response.<</if>>
Not bad at all.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>>Your arms burned and you fought to keep them from collapsing beneath you. Your new form was more than capable of handling pushups without too much trouble, but there were limits. You'd lost count of how many you had done somewhere in the hundreds and your muscles were protesting with every fresh dip and rise of your body.
Of course, you did have some incentives encouraging you the other way.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmm! Mmmnn mmmnn mmmm mmmhh!">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You couldn't be sure what Dana was actually saying, of course, but it seemed encouraging. The poor slut's mouth was full, however, given that he was laying beneath you and every time you let your body drop toward the floor you filled his throat with your thick length. His encouragements were lovely, however, in that they sent vibrations along your shaft and made it all the harder not to fill him too soon.
You thrust down again and his tongue lapped against the base of your shaft. His moans were just as pleasured as yours, signaling just how happy he was with how his exercise suggestion had gone. Little slut. //Your// little slut though. You rewarded him with another few quick pushups that thrust your cock in and out of his lips.
You couldn't hold out forever though. His mouth was too good and your arms could only push so much. Finally, you had enough. You let out a groan, nearly a howl, and began thrusting in earnest. The pretty sissy's eyes went wide, but he leaned his body up into yours to accept what he knew was coming.
And coming it was. Or at least, //you// were. You shut your eyes, and your mind focused on the sensation between your legs. There was nothing else but his mouth, and your urgent need to fill it to the brim. Dana swallowed, and swallowed, and swallowed but even he couldn't keep up with you. White spunk soon escaped around the edges of his lips and dripped down onto his chest.
Finally, you were done. You rolled off of him and let yourself fall onto your back, your aching muscles immediately giving thanks. Dana's fingers ran over his belly, as though checking if it were as rounded as it probably felt. You didn't notice a change, but judging from his dazed and contented expression, he felt enough to satisfy.
Eventually, of course, you'd have to return to the main floor and get back to work. A quick glance at the wall clock suggested you had a //little// more time. You felt a grin pulling at your lips.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Thank you, that was a very good suggestion you had. Let me lie here a second, and then we'll start the second set of reps. And you'll face the other way this time...">>
The look on his face was priceless. Jaw dropped, lips still shiny with spunk, and eyes disbelieving.
The look on his face when he realized you weren't joking would be even better. You were certainly going to send him back to gym just as motivated as he had //ever// been. That was a win for everybody. <<else>>You couldn't be sure what Dana was actually saying, of course, but it seemed encouraging. The poor slut's mouth was full, however, given that he was laying beneath you and every time you let your body drop toward the floor you smothered his face with the folds of your sex. His encouragements sent lovely vibrations through the sensitive flesh and made it all the harder to push yourself back up for the next rep.
You lowered yourself again, until your breasts pressed against the padded mats. Again his whimpers of pleasure signaled just how happy he was with how his exercise suggestion had gone, even as they were muffled and distorted by how he nuzzled and lapped at your lips. Little slut. //Your// little slut though. You rewarded him by holding yourself there an extra count of two, letting him savor the taste of his Mistress.
You couldn't hold out forever though. His mouth was too good and your arms could only push so much. Finally, you had enough. You let out a groan, nearly a howl, and gave up the pretense of working out. You dropped your knees to the floor on either side of his head and began grinding against Dana's face. The pretty sissy's eyes went wide, but he leaned his body up into yours to serve just like a good slut should.
You shut your eyes, and your mind focused on the sensation between your legs. There was nothing else but his mouth, and your urgent need to peak before you suffocated him. When you shuddered with climax, Dana let out a girlish squeal of excitement with what little breath he had left.
Finally, you were done. You rolled off of him and let yourself fall onto your back, your aching muscles immediately giving thanks. Dana's face was coated in glimmering juices -- not only his face, but part of his chest, from where your riding had been more than enthusiastic. Judging from his dazed and contented expression, he certainly didn't mind.
Eventually, of course, you'd have to return to the main floor and get back to work. A quick glance at the wall clock suggested you had a //little// more time. You felt a grin pulling at your lips.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Thank you, that was a very good suggestion you had. Let me lie here a second, and then we'll start the second set of reps.">>
The look on his face was priceless. Jaw dropped, lips still shiny, and eyes disbelieving. The look on his face when he realized you weren't joking would be even better. You were certainly going to send him back to gym just as motivated as he had //ever// been. That was a win for everybody.
<</if>>
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>><<nm $phCassandra "F...Fucker! We're out in the...ah...open!">>
<<nm $phYou "I thought you liked showing off...wasn't that why you were putting up such lovely art?">>
Cass's answer was an inarticulate moan. That might have been because you had just raised both hands, seized her top, and pulled it apart like gossamer silk. Then again, it may have been because your <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>cock<<else>>strap-on<</if>> was currently in her ass, and you were fucking her hard against the side of the wall.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck! It's too big you...ooohh...Just...Having a good time! Didn't mean I want to show my tits off to the whole place!">>
<<nm $phYou "...Funny, that's what I'm doing too...a little bit of fun. And if you're so worried about being covered up...">>
You gave her an extra shove, pressing her front hard against the wall. Cass gasped and pulled back on reflex, looking down at her front. Her breasts were now smeared with the still wet spray paint from the wall's surface.
<<nm $phCassandra "A-Asshole!">>
<<nm $phYou "You love me.">>
Cass flipped you the bird with one hand, then pressed both her hand flat to the wall and shoved her ass back again you, hard enough to bury you even deeper and provoke yet another wanton moan. You grinned, leaned down against her back, and kissed her neck.
You might be making the paint even worse, but at least the lesson was going to stick...
<hr />
It was some time later by the time Cass got herself changed into a robe from the gym showers and the two of you had cleaned up, at least as much as you could. Cass was still marked here and there with flecks of the paint. She didn't particularly seem to mind.
<<nm $phCassandra "You know you could have just told me.">>
<<nm $phYou "What fun would that be? Now you get to decide how long to wait until you let me 'catch' you again. Too soon, and I might think you were hoping for a repeat.">>
She snarled something under her breath, probably something obscene, but her cheeks actually turned a little red. You laughed, leaned in to kiss her lip, then pulled back again before she could lash out and set off another round of fun. You //did// have to get back to work after all.
Besides, if she ever did this again, you wanted to be sure you were //very// well-rested. You'd have to come down even harder the next time, just for appearance's sake.
Part of you was pretty sure that's what Cass was hoping for.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Return To Work|Gym]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>><<nm $phDamien "I'm so excited! I haven't ever seen you both together at the same time!">>
Dana was cheerfully walking ahead of you and Cass as you crossed into one of the backrooms and past neat rows of equipment waiting to go onto the floor the moment something broke. You couldn't help but notice the sissy had mastered the art of wiggling as he walked so his skirt rode up from side to side, offering brief glimpses of the curve of his ass every few steps.
A sidelong glance showed Cass's eyes locked in the same place as yours. She was definitely appreciating the wriggle. Then she caught you looking at her and she rolled her eyes exaggeratedly,
<<nm $phCassandra "Hurry up and find a room, slut. If I wanted to talk, I don't need you for that.">>
Dana beamed and didn't seem put off in the slightest by Cass's sharp tongue. He lead the pair of you down a hallway and then turned sharply, opening the door to a large room. Your shoes squeaked on the shiny floor and, after a moment, you realized you were standing in an indoor basketball court. The rain beat against the two small windows along the back wall and the flourescent lights slowly flickered on as the motion detectors picked you up. You'd been back this way before, and you could have sworn the gym didn't have anything of the sort. The tower was obviously doing more work as time went on.
<<nm $phCassandra "Basketball? Really? You want to see me and the boss throwing elbows?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Awww, but it'll be fun, Cass! I can cheer for you both from the sidelines! Give me a P! Give me an A! Give me an R! Give me an-">>
Damien enthusiastically demonstrated what he meant, holding his hands in front of him and miming pompoms as he kicked his legs out energetically. Cass let him get a few letters in, her expression amused, before she abruptly stepped close. His voice ended with a squeak as she grabbed hold of his shoulders and pushed him down, his knees hitting the floor hard.
<<nm $phCassandra "You can't cheer for both sides, slut. No, I think if we're gonna keep the peace the boss and I ought to be on the same side. And I think I know //exactly// what sport we'd both enjoy.">>
The punkish girl smirked at the wide-eyed Dana even as she reached down and undid the skull shaped buckle on her skirt. A sharp yank freed the leather belt and let her unwrap the skirt from around her body.
Your eyebrows rose as something sprang to full readiness between her legs the moment the confining cloth was removed. It took you only a second to recognize the eight-inch erection as silicone, not flesh, but Dana's eyes still locked on it immediately and his tongue wet his lips with immediate excitement.
You chuckled and stepped close to the pair, reaching down to brush you finger over the harness holding the cock to Cass's body.
<<nm $phYou "Someone seems suspiciously...prepared?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What, you thought a little rain is going to send me running inside? If I'm going to hang around people, I'm going to get a little fun out of it.">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Enough.|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.1>><<nm $phCassandra "Oooh, that's a good slut! Take it! Take it right down your whore throat!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmm! Mmmmnnmnnn!">>
Cass was certainly giving Dana a workout. Her hips worked constantly, thrusting hard into the sissy's full lips. Her hand wound tightly into Dana's hair to pull him hard forward, working her silicone cock even deeper into his throat. You slipped behind Cass, putting a hand lightly on the back of her leather jacket.
<<nm $phYou "Careful with him...If you break my toys I won't let you play with them anymore.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Break? This slut? Oh, you're way too gentle, boss. He's loving this. Aren't you, whore?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmmm! Mmmmm!">>
Dana's gag reflex certainly seemed to have been obliterated by the transformation. Cass was fucking his face at full force and he was still straining for more. The strap-on was soon marked with little smears of the sissy's bright lipstick and shining with slickness.
<<nm $phYou "I suppose you're right. He //does// seem to be eager for it, doesn't he?">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck yeah! Tell him to get his hips up in the air and you can have his ass. We'll fill this sissy to the brim!">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck yeah! Tell him to get his hips up in the air so you can milk his sorry excuse for a cock. We're gonna make this sissy work!">><</if>>
You thought about it. It //was// tempting, alright, but you could hardly let Cass call the shots too much. Keeping her on any leash at all was hard enough as it was. Besides, you had <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>another target<<else>>something else<</if>> in mind.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Cass's smile was wolfish as you unzipped your slacks and reached in for your shaft. The grin disappeared, however, when you stepped up behind her instead of Dana, and pulled up the edge of her jacket to expose the curve of her ass.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wha-...Oh fuck! Fuck you! That's not fair!">>
<<nm $phYou "You could also pull out of him if you wanted to wrestle me for it instead?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phCassandra "Asshole!">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Bitch!">><</if>>
Cass didn't pull out, and you licked your lips. You could smell the smoke of her last cigarette clinging to her as you pressed in against her back. Your ran your cock down the cleft of her ass, even as she continued to thrust into Dana's eager mouth.
Then, when she pulled her hips back once more, //you// thrust forward. You heard her breath hitch and her body shuddered underneath you as you sank home.
Turns out, it wasn't Dana who was going to be @@.choice;[[Filled To The Brim.|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.2]]@@<<else>>
Cass's smile was wolfish as you shrugged out of your suit jacket to get more freedom to move. The grin disappeared, however, wen you stepped up behind //her// instead of Dana, and pulled up the edge of her jacket to expose the curve of her ass. Cass's harness was high-quality leather, secured with two straps that anchored it between her thighs, one looping around each hip. The leather 'plate' kept the dildo in place and her sex covered... or, mostly covered. Not so covered that, with a bit of a squeeze, you couldn't slip your fingers under it... and //into// her.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wha-...Oh fuck! Fuck you! That's not fair! Bitch!">>
You grinned. Turns out, Dana wasn't the only one who was going to be @@.choice;[[Put to Work.|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.3]]@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.2>><<nm $phCassandra "Mmm...ah!...T...Take it...slut! You're such a...ah...!">>
Cass was still trying to keep up the stream of invectives, but it was coming out a lot less confident than before. You moaned against her ear and drove your hips forward into her backside, drawing out a moaned curse and forcing her even deeper into Dana's mouth.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmmnn! Mmnnnmmnhmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "Dana's right, Cass. You look like you're about to cross the finish line already. Pretty sure he's ready for it, and I don't mind. I'll just finish up with you against the wall.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You reached back with one hand and brought it down, smacking loudly against Cass's flank. The punkish woman bucked beneath you, quivering with the effort of holding herself back. Her glare lacked the power it usually had as she shot you a look over her shoulder.
You ignored her and reached around her hips, running your hands through Dana's hair over Cass's lap. You used him as leverage to pull your hips forward, pushing Cass's strap-on even further into the sissy, only to pull back hard. Cass didn't have any choice but to move with you, your thrusts forcing her back and forth as her head tilted toward the ceiling.
<<nm $phYou "That a girl...mmm...Feel that cock of yours pushing back against you? Feel how deep I am in you? Relax. Let go and enjoy yourself. This is what you had in mind, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "F..Fuck...Fu...ah...Ahhhh!">>
Cass //screamed// and you felt her ass tighten around your shaft as she began to cum. Her muscles quivered beneath you, and her movements suddenly fell out of sync with your own, stumbling as she tried to drive every inch of her toy down Dana's waiting throat.
You had no time to savor your victory. Cass was suddenly so //tight// around you as every muscle tensed and pleasure ran up your cock in a rush. You couldn't hold yourself back, and as Cass hilted herself in Dana's mouth, you in turn pushed every inch forward into the goth woman.
@@.choice;
[[Let Loose|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.3>><<nm $phCassandra "Mmm...ah!...T...Take it...slut! You're such a...ah...!">>
Cass was still trying to keep up the stream of invectives, but it was coming out a lot less confident than before. You moaned against her ear and drove your fingers hard into her cunt, drawing out a groaned curse from the mohawked woman and forcing her even deeper into Dana's mouth.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmmnn! Mmnnnmmnhmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "Dana's right, Cass. You look like you're about to cross the finish line already. Pretty sure he's ready for it, and I don't mind. I'll just finish up with you against the wall.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off!">>
You reached back with your free hand and brought it down, smacking loudly against Cass's flank. The punk woman bucked beneath you, quivering with the effort of holding herself back. Her glare lacked the power it usually had as she shot you a look over her shoulder.
You ignored her and reached around her hips, running that same hand through Dana's hair over Cass's lap. You used him as leverage to push Cass's hips back down your long fingers, and to shove Cass's strap-on even further down Dana's throat. Cass didn't have any choice but to move with you, squeezed as she was between the two of you. Her head tilted back, her eyes closed, and her shuddering moan echoed towards the ceiling.
<<nm $phYou "That a girl...mmm...Feel that cock of yours pushing back against you? Feel how deep I am in you? Relax. Let go and enjoy yourself. This is what you had in mind, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "F..Fuck...Fu...ah...Ahhhh!">>
Cass //screamed// and you felt her pussy tighten around your fingers as she began to cum. Her muscles quivered beneath you, and her movements suddenly fell out of sync with your own, stumbling as she tried to drive every inch of her toy down Dana's waiting throat.
You grinned and bit at her ear as she gasped a cornucopia of curses that would have shamed any sailor. Your fingers couldn't go limp, and you still had //your// pleasure to think about. When Cass finally began to sag, you pulled at her hip until the girthy dildo popped free of Dana's lips. As soon as it did, a jerk of your head pulled him to his feet. Cass was quivering and barely staying upright.
<<nm $phYou "Unbuckle her. Time to see if she can take as good as she gives.">>
Cass moaned and flashed you a seething, desirous glare over her shoulder... and licked her lips.
@@.choice;
[[What's Good for the Goose...|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.4>>Cass was moving a little gingerly as she snapped her skirt back around her hips, her expression daring you to say anything. You kept your comments to yourself as she lit a cigarette and took a long puff.
<<nm $phDamien "Did you two have fun? I know that I did! I should really get back out there, though. What if someone comes and there's no one to help them? I should--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh give it a rest, Betty Blowjob. You just had me pounding your throat for half an hour. You're taking fifteen minutes to yourself before you run off to raise your skirt for some gym rat with six inches of cock and twelve feet of ego.">>
<<nm $phDamien "But...?!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Wasn't asking, slut! Boss, you heading back out? I'll make sure the sissy actually keeps his feet out of the air for two seconds.">>
Cass's words for harsh and dismissive, but you were surprised by the sentiment beneath it. You had actually been worried Cass would push Dana far too hard without you around, but it seemed that she had a soft spot for the transformed man. You smiled and nodded, stepping into Dana's arms to press a kiss to his lips.
<<nm $phYou "Listen to Cass, okay? You recover pretty fast, but there's no need to race. I guarantee you, the hunks will be waiting when you've relaxed for a second.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ooh...uh...Okay, $phDamien.address! I'll stay with Cass for a little bit then. Maybe we can find a new set of fishnets for her that isn't ripped?">>
Cass rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. You took a half step forward her for a hug and kiss as well, but she extended her middle finger instead, giving you a gentle shove backward.
<<nm $phCassandra "We're fine here. Get back to your work. You've gotta have something to do on a rainy day other than go over your conquests again? Get a life!">>
You laughed and blew a kiss instead. Cass scowled at your back as you turned for the door. You needn't have been worried, it seemed. In fact, you suspect it might be longer than 15 minute before Dana got back to the floor. Cass might need to work off a few things and get her equilibrium back under her. Dana, you had no doubt, would enjoy that.
A lot.
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Get Back To Work|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>><<nm $phYou "You know, Dana. I think you're right. I think Mason could use a little bit of relaxation time, and you're exactly the sissy to train him the right way.">>
Dana squealed with glee, clapping his hands and bounding up and down. You were always a little surprised just how high he could bounce, when he wanted to. It was easy to forget that he spent almost all of his time either exercising in the gym, or burning calories in a more carnal way.
<<nm $phMason "A-Are you sure? I-.">>
<<nm $phYou "Very sure. You're going to relax and enjoy it.">>
Dana's eyes went a tiny bit wide as you laid down the law. You'd been forceful or commanding with the feminine man before, but the steel you had for Mason was clearly new. Judging from their way their skirt rose visibly, they liked the tone.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh my, you're really-...Well, if you've taken things that far, you don't have to be worried about little old me. I won't do anything you don't like, promise. You know I'm just a little sex toy for body builders now...">>
Dana moved up behind the tall man, looping his arms between both of Mason's pairs, his hands spread across the man's chest. The incubus's face was flushed and he shot a mock glare over his shoulder, but you could see the slight unsteadiness in his stance.
<<nm $phMason "I am also quite aware that you are much aware and intelligent than you try to appear. Submission is not necessarily corellated to...Ah!">>
Mason didn't get to finish his speech. Dana thumped onto his knees in front of the scientist and leaned forward to nuzzle his face openly against the man's crotch. You heard the incubus gasp and all four of his hands balled on reflex. It was far too late to stop him, though. Even you could see the rapidly growing bulge against Dana's cheek.
<<nm $phDamien "Me? No No No, you have it all wrong. I'm the complimentary add-on to the gym membership. Just like the water bottles in the back. You don't have to worry at all. You can just be like any other paying customer.">>
<<nm $phMason "I...ah...">>
Mason was squirming despite his best efforts, his cheeks bright red and his eyes flicking in every direction at once, even as Dana raised his hands greedily to start undoing the taller man's belt.
You made yourself comfortable. This was going to be a @@.choice;[[Good Show!|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.1>>Mason seemed to be having trouble staying focused.
You could sympathize. You knew exactly how talented Dana was when he wanted to please, and from the look of him, he //really// wanted to please. The sissy's eyes were lidded and very nearly crossed as he bobbed his head up and down on Mason's shaft. He was sucking so enthusiastically that the room was filled with wet sounds every time he moved too fast and lost the seal around the shaft.
<<nm $phMason "M-$pMistress!">>
<<nm $phYou "I know. Not bad, right? See, Dana here is an eager subby slut. A lot like you, really. But they've gotten super comfortable with that. So they don't let anything get in the way of pleasuring a thick cock like yours. Isn't that right, Dana?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmhmmm!">>
You affectionately put your hand on the back of Dana's head, pushing him down a little and forcing him to take the cock into his throat. He shuddered, but after a second just began to bob his head with longer motions that took the shaft all the way down. Mason's back arched, despite himself, and his legs spread. You could see pink beginning to form at his cheeks.
<<nm $phMason "I'm not...ah! That inhibited!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh really, pet? So why is Dana all the way down your cock and you haven't even put a hand on the little slut's head to tell him he's doing a good job. He really likes it when he can feel the pleasure in how much you squeeze him. Isn't that right, Dana?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmhmmm!">>
Gulp. Dana leaned forward, his nose pressed against Mason's waist. You saw Mason jerk upright and suck in a deep breath. You didn't realize why until Dana pulled back and you saw how he was lovingly fondling the taller man's balls.
<<nm $phMason "That's...not...">>
<<nm $phYou "I understand. A little performance anxiety? You're with someone new, it's okay to be a little off your game. Tell you what, why don't I help? I know you're more comfortable with me.">>
You reached down and gripped Dana lightly by the back of the neck, tugging him upward. He made a quiet mewling noise as he came off the cock, and looked up at you with confusion in his eyes as you pulled him up straight.
That confusion faded as you shifted your grip downward, reaching beneath his skirt and into his pretty panties to free his shaft. You pumped him, once, and then gripped Mason in exactly the same way. A quick tug on both and you'd forced them to step together, one cock stroking the other.
The same realization and arousal spread slowly over their faces. Mason turned to you, his mouth opening but no words actually emerging. It was too good an opportunity.
<<nm $phYou "Now Kiss.">>
You @@.choice;[[Couldn't Resist!|GymWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.2>>The two boys were going at it nicely. Sometimes, the kiss was soft and gentle, frequently punctuated by one or the other pursing and then relaxing their lips into the contact. At other moments, it was savage, tugging the other partner in against their bodies and demandingly locking lips until they were gasping for breath or forced to pull away to moan.
That latter was happening a lot more frequently, considering you had a hand around both of their cocks and were jerking them against one another just as fast as you could.
<<nm $phYou "It's really lovely to see you two getting along so well. I know I don't always have time, so maybe you could spend a little time together. You wouldn't mind showing Mason the ropes, would you Dana?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmmhmmm!">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmph! You //can//...ah!....break away to talk, you know, you...uh...">>
<<nm $phYou "Go ahead.">>
<<nm $phMason "...Sissy slut!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmmmmm!">>
Dana's hips jerked and his long eyelashes fluttered. He squealed with joy and wrapped both arms around Mason's neck, drawing him into another tight, hot kiss. You felt his cock jump within your fingers as he went off, spraying hot seed over Mason's shaft.
The poor incubus wasn't expecting that. Your pumping hand was abruptly much slicker with Dana's contribution, and his voice rose sharply within a few seconds. His hips thrust frantically against you, fucking your fingers until, with a gasp, he returned the favor and wet down Dana's shaft with his own abundant seed.
You pumped them a few more times through the aftershocks, not letting go until both of them had finished panting and squirming and finally fell silent. Only then did you draw your hand back and run your tongue along your fingers to gather up their...enthusiasm.
<<nm $phYou "There now. I knew you would get along. You wouldn't mind visiting Dana here every so often, would you, pet? I think it'll be good for you.">>
The four-armed man was still catching his breath, studying the skirted Dana with affection. He nodded slowly, sucking in a deep breath before smoothing his lapels.
<<nm $phMason "...Yes $pMistress. I think it would. If Dana is willing, maybe we could...have dinner some night?">>
<<nm $phYou "I could live with that. Dana, love. Think you'd enjoy that?">>
Dana looked between you and Mason. He flipped his skirt back down over himself, smoothed his hair, then tucked both hands behind the small of his back and put on his most innocent expression.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmhmm!">>
Even //Mason// laughed at @@.choice;[[That One!|Gym]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>>@@.choice;
<<actions [[Pay?|InterviewQ - Pay]]
[[Paradise Inc?|InterviewQ - PH]]
[[Miss Lazren?|InterviewQ - Lazren]]
[[Just set up the Interview|Offer2]]>>
@@You carefully broached the subject of compensation, trying hard to sound as casual about it as possible.
<<nm $phPhone "That's a perfectly understandable concern, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>Mr.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.surname, don't worry. I can assure you that the benefits are the best that you're going to find anywhere. Paradise believes in the health and wellness of all employees, both physical and mental, and there are certain perks with your position, of course.">>
<<nm $phYou "Perks? Like...a parking space?">>
Samantha's laughter was light and pleasant, even over the tinny cellphone speakers.
<<nm $phPhone "That, yes, but I was mostly talking about the suite that comes with the position. Some people think living on site is a hassle but I think free rent is a pretty good incentive, myself.">>
Free //rent//? A //suite//? Your head spun so much that you couldn't think of anything to say. Just what the hell kind of pot of gold had you found? Or, more likely, when was the other shoe going to drop?
Only one way to find out.
<<include "Interview Questions">>You asked Samantha to tell you a little more about the company's day-to-day, and you even managed to do it without it being totally obvious you'd forgotten what you applied for.
<<nm $phPhone "Well, Miss Lazren's company has sites all over the world, but this will be the first one in this region. As you might imagine, it took a long time to get the permits to build a luxury tower this large. We opened officially to the public a few weeks ago, but a lot of the slots are still empty.">>
Luxury tower? Some sort of hotel? Maybe you'd lined up some kind of concierge position? You remembered applying for at least one. Now that she mentioned it, you were pretty sure you'd heard something about a swanky new business opening up downtown. Now if only you could remember anything about that news report...
<<nm $phYou "Oh yeah, I can imagine, alright. There's always red tape, isn't there?">>
<<nm $phPhone "Tell me about it. Miss Lazren has a way with persuading local officials, but it still took forever. Still, we're ready to start filling out the services. The place ought to be really hopping within a couple of months, but I suppose that will depend on you, right?">>
You made an affirmative sound, and changed the subject. Whatever it was, it sounded like a better gig than the temp agencies had ever lined up, and there was no point sounding like a yokel during the first interview.
What next?
<<include "Interview Questions">>You asked about the 'Miss Lazren' that Samantha had mentioned. If she was going to be your new boss, it couldn't hurt to know a bit about her.
<<nm $phPhone "Oh, Miss Lazren is really wonderful. I've been under her for a few months now, and she's really been amazing. The company is all in the family, I think, but I've never met any of the others. Only her, so far.">>
Family. So not just a manager but an owner. Good to know.
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad to hear that. Does she let you do your thing, or does she manage a bit more?">>
<<nm $phPhone "Oh, most of the time she's traveling and you don't have to worry. Every so often she'll get a little more...ah...hands on, but those sessions are always a lot of fun. I've learned a //lot// working here.">>
It sounded like you weren't going to get any juicier details than that. Samantha seemed to really like the boss. That could be a good sign, but you wouldn't know until you met them yourself.
<<include "Interview Questions">>@@.choice;
<<actions [[I can just make people into anything I want?|LazPitchQ - Transformations]]
[[There's something special about the building?|LazPitchQ - Building]]
[[Wait - am I signing away MY soul?|LazPitchQ - Soul]]
[[I'm ready to make a decision!|Decision]]>>
@@<<nm $phYou "So...you're telling me that I can just...make people into something new? Whatever I want?">>
Lazren's grin was wolfish as she lifted her hand and wobbled it back and forth.
<<nm $phLazren "Oooh, already excited are we? Well, yes and no. Yes, I'm going to give you the power to help people find the form they really want, but that's not the same as sealing them into your own fantasy world. I told you that the soul is the power to change; that's why you humans hold onto them so hard. Which means your goal is to make them never want to change again, so they don't feel like they need it anymore. Not everyone is going to want to be an E-cup cheerleader with a fetish for building supervisors, or whatever you might personally enjoy.">>
You turned that over in your mind for a while, trying to get it straight.
<<nm $phYou "So what you're saying is that I can change people, but only into something they want to be?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Correct, more or less. You might stumble across someone who deserves a little punishment on the way to their final stop...or someone who secretly craves to be crafted by someone else, but for the most people you'll be drawing out what's already inside them. When you get it just right, you'll know it.">>
<<nm $phYou "So I just snap my fingers and they're something else?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Easy there, <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>tiger<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>cowgirl<</if>>. You'll get there eventually, as you get stronger, but you're going to need a little help at first. I'm going to give you both assistance and assistants to get started. They'll help you figure out what people want and, once they do, they'll help create some kind of focus to make the target's fantasy happen. Something physical, usually. Those are easiest to use.">>
Strange. For just a second there this conversation was feeling normal. You have to remind yourself that you're talking about //altering// other people.
It was wrong.
...and a little hot.
<<include "Lazren Pitch Questions">><<nm $phYou "You said the building would help me? What's so special about the building?">>
The horned woman smiled, extending a hand to stroke lightly over the polished wood of the bedframe. She looked up again, and you got the distinct impression she was deciding how much she could say.
<<nm $phLazren "A lot of things. Not all of which you'd understand right now, I think. The short version is that it will facilitate things. The building will draw people in, and it will encourage them to be both honest and comfortable. They'll admit things they would never admit, and they'll believe things they might not normally believe. Both will be useful to you.">>
<<nm $phYou "So I can't do my thing outside of this building?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, you could. It would just take a long, long time. The fantasies you're going to uncover are in the deepest parts of people, and in some cases they may not even admit it to themselves. If you want to spend ten years becoming lifelong friends with every prospective client until they finally, drunkenly, confess to their innermost desires...well, that kind of turn-around won't look particularly good on a performance review, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "Point taken.">>
<<include "Lazren Pitch Questions">><<nm $phYou "So, given the fact that you're...ah...">>
<<nm $phLazren "You can say it. I don't mind.">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright...given that fact that you're a...demoness, I guess? And you're offering me the job to extract souls out of people. Should I be worried about mine first?">>
Lazren's shrugged her shoulders, the movement briefly doing very interesting things to her bared breasts. She leaned forward and spread her hands.
<<nm $phLazren "...Short version? Yes.">>
You blinked. That was not the kind of soft sell you were expecting. The horned woman shook her head.
<<nm $phLazren "What? It's true. That's the price of things. Longer version, you're still going to //have// it, because you still need that ability to change and to learn. You won't be much good to me as a drone, no matter how blissfully happy you are. But it's going to change. We'll need to use it as power, to let you access your new abilities. And, with every person you help, you'll be able to take a little bit of them with you to make yourself stronger. Think about it carefully, though. There won't be any going back. Once you're with me, that will be it.">>
That was...more honest than you were expecting. The point was taken. You weren't sure how real a soul was, but your would-be boss seemed to think it was pretty vital. Would you be willing to trade it away for the life she was offering?
Something to think about.
<<include "Lazren Pitch Questions">>@@.choice;
<<actions [[People need love|PornTrans - Wife][$phJolie.portrait to 'Wife']][[People need release|PornTrans - Delivery][$phJolie.portrait to 'Delivery']][[People need control|PornTrans - Domme][$phJolie.portrait to 'Domme']]>><<if $phJolie.trans_counter is 4>>[[All you need is Jolie|JoliePornstarTransformation][$phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie', $phJolie.trans_counter to 5]]<</if>>@@@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornWife.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornWife.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "People need love, most of all. We all have to feel wanted, and appreciated.">>
Jolie reeled for a moment, her head tilting back toward the ceiling. There was a sudden bright flash that forced you to turn your head away and hold up one hand to shield your eyes. The light went out just as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving you blinking away the floating afterimages from your eyes. In place of the light, was...
<<nm $phJolie "Oh honey, you're home! I missed you so much. How was work? Was the drive okay?">>
Jolie surged toward you...but it wasn't exactly Jolie anymore. Her blonde hair had been done up into an artfully careless bun. Her clothes had changed, replaced with a bright red house dress topped with a 50s-era apron that was worn so tight it did nothing at all to conceal her generous curves. Her lips had expanded noticeably, and she wet her lips encouragingly as she ran to meet you. The mask was gone, but you could still see the faintest outline of shade around her eyes, marking where it had been and probably still was, out of sight.
You didn't know quite what to say at that moment, but that seemed alright. Jolie threw her arms around your neck and drew you down into an adoring kiss. The moment the kiss broke she leaned back, took one of your hands, and deposited a chocolate chip cookie into it.
<<nm $phJolie "Don't you even worry, I know what you need, honey. A little sweet and a little sugar, for my sexy executive go-getter! Here's the sweet, and I can supply the sugar, just like every day. Gotta make sure those pretty girls at the office know who you come home to.">>
THUMP. Jolie's knees thumped into the carpet as she dropped down, her nimble fingers reaching for your belt. She tilted her head to look up at you, and her eyes shone with her love and adoration. Then she hissed, and those eyes abruptly flashed with the same bursts of multi-colored lights as before. The mask reappeared from nowhere as she raised her hand to her forehead.
<<nm $phJolie "Ahh!...My love...my sweet...no, no! It's good...It's good, but it's not enough. I need more. I need to be something else too! What...what else do people need? Please!">>
You stared down at her for a long moment as she rocked uncertainly back and forth. You weren't entirely sure you understood what we going on, but you were getting closer by the second. You opened your mouth again...<<set $phJolie.trans_counter += 1>>
<<include "PornTrans Options">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornDelivery.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornDelivery.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "Honestly, people need release, Jolie. Sometimes it's enough to just have another person you can have fun with and get off to.">>
Jolie let out a groan that seemed to come from the deepest part of her, her head tilting back to look at you. The light flickering in the eyes of her mask grew brighter and brighter until you couldn't see the woman at all behind the light. Then, abruptly, it was gone.
And Jolie with it. The spot where she had stood was completely empty. You stared for several seconds and were just starting to claw for your phone when a doorbell resounded through the room. You stopped and stared at the door in utter amazement. Since when had there ever been a doorbell on that door?
Jolie stood on the other side as you opened it, but her outfit had completely changed. Now it was a uniform, albeit one that would surely have violated a dress code for most businesses. The white and red polo shirt stopped at her midriff, most of the material used by trying to contain her impossibly perky breasts. She had a blue hoodie tied loosely around her waist over shorts that looked sprayed on. The red cap and the shirt both advertised 'Meat Lover's Pizza', as did the pizza box she was balancing on one hand. The mask was gone, but you could still see the lightest trace of the design in the woman's makeup.
She stood with her hip cocked and her free hand resting on her hip, her jaw working vigorously at a piece of gum. She raised her eyebrows as you gawked from the other side of the door, and finally spoke in a bored but somehow enticing tone.
<<nm $phJolie "Got an order here for something 'hot and sticky'? Says you wanted a girl who really loves some good <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>tastes for the tongue<<else>>sausage<</if>>...and that you're a big tipper. Are you a big tipper, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>gorgeous<<else>>stud<</if>>?">>
She strode into the room, blowing a pink bubble as she did so. Her hips swayed so much when she walked you were legitimately worried she might tip over at any second. That fear was alleviated when she moved to the table, smiled back over her shoulder, and deliberately bent at the waist to put the pizza down.
Her rear rose, thick and perfectly shaped, as she bent. She wriggled in place as she made some show of checking that the pizza box was //exactly// lined up with the edge of the table. At least, that's what you assumed she was doing. Your attention was somewhat divided.
<<nm $phYou "Ah...well, I've never heard any complaints when I give someone <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>a nice tip<<else>>my tip<</if>>.">>
You winced. Somehow, though, the dialogue just seemed right. Jolie giggled and turned, hopping up onto the table with her legs spread and her hands resting between her thighs.
<<nm $phJolie "Is that so? Well, that makes me feel better. You know, I'll do just about anything for a nice //big// tip, but I'll warn you, I'm not that easy to satisfy. If you don't have enough, maybe you should stick to what's in the box...unless you want me to show you what's in //mine//.">>
You fought to keep from snickering. Jolie was delivering the porn lines with a perfectly straight face, and you had a sense that, at the moment, she didn't realize anything was out of the ordinary with it at all.
You were just about to answer when Jolie suddenly pitched forward, catching herself on the edge of the table. She groaned as the mask reappeared, the flashing lights illuminating the walls with the rapidly dancing colors.
<<nm $phJolie "No...No, it's not enough. Ah, it's...It's fun. People like fun but...I need //more//. I need something else...$phJolie.Address! Please, I...tell me...give me another one! Tell me what people need!">>
You crossed half the distance toward her before she waved you off. You brought yourself up short, your mind racing. Something else that people needed? <<set $phJolie.trans_counter += 1>>
<<include "PornTrans Options">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Jolie/Mobile/JoliePornDomme.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JoliePornDomme.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "To be honest, some people need control, Jolie. They need to know the world has rules and that those rules make sense, you know?">>
Jolie held her hand over her eyes, briefly blocking out the flashing lights from the eyeholes of the mask. You watched as the black material of the mask seemed to expand around her fingers, running down her body like water and reforming her previous outfit to something decidedly more black and clinging. The scent of leather suddenly filled the room and you could feel the material creak as it conformed to the woman's generous curves.
Jolie let out a slow, resounding kind of laugh as she tossed her head back in a shower of blonde curls. The mask was even thicker now and her eyes shone brightly through the holes. She stretched a leather whip between her fingers as her gaze fell on you.
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. Oh yes. I understand completely...Control. Discipline. The idea that the world is in the hands of those with the power to seize it, no? Isn't that what you meant?">>
You weren't sure that was what you meant at all. Before you could say as much, though, Jolie was surging toward you. The leatherclad woman bore you back against the wall so hard you saw stars for a brief moment. You could feel her body, warm and inviting, through the slightly stiff material of her outfit. Her green eyes met yours boldly.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh yes, my little pet. That's a good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. Why don't you just enjoy me for a while? Squeeze me. Now. Feel to your heart's content.">>
You wouldn't have been inclined to resist a command like that even if she hadn't sweetened the deal by wrapping her whip across the back of your neck and drawing you down into a hot, heavy kiss. Her tongue jousted with yours, demanding purchase. She caught your wrist with one hand and guided it up over the swell of her chest, moaning as you obligingly squeezed as you had been ordered.
You pushed away from the wall, aiming to stand more fully on your own feet, but Jolie pushed you back down again, never releasing the kiss. The whip tightened fractionally around your neck, not cutting off any actual oxygen flow but certainly delivering a message loud and clear. Jolie had her own plan in mind, and you were just along for the ride.
As she pressed you against the wall for a second time, her hand slipped inside your dress shirt, splaying wide against your skin before slipping <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>downward to return the favor between your legs.<<else>>up to return the favor at your chest.<</if>> Her squeezing fingers were more than firm and you find yourself gasping against her lips with the power behind her motions. She knew what she was doing!
Before you could get fully into it, however, the dominant suddenly stopped and cried out against your mouth with something more pain than play. She finally pulled away from your kiss and you saw that the mask was once again flashing with light, concealing her eyes entirely with the moving images. Her blonde hair lashed from side to side as she shook her head.
<<nm $phJolie "No No No! I'm...not enough. There are so many...so many people, so many different desires, and so many ways to exert control! I need more, $phJolie.Address! I need more focus! Tell me...give me another! Tell me what people need!">>
You stared at the formerly powerful woman now quaking in the midst of her own magic. You had never done anything like this transformation before, and it was clear it came with more of a breaking in process than the others. You made a mental note to speak firmly with Mason about the lack of warning.
But you would think about that later. Right now, you had more important matters at hand. <<set $phJolie.trans_counter += 1>>
<<include "PornTrans Options">><<include "SkipBuildingVariables">>//Oh! One More thing!
This is a work of adult fiction, and we here at Sinspirational Games understand you may be more interested in getting to the good stuff, especially if you've played the game in the past. For you, dear reader, we have created Summary Mode.
While Summary Mode is engaged, many of the longer conversations of a non-sexual nature will be summarized for you in a few short paragraphs, allowing you to get to the part of the game that interests you most. If you ever decide you //are// curious about what the full scene was like, you can switch summary mode off from the settings menu on the left of the reading pane. Sex scenes and transformation scenes will always be displayed in full.
Enjoy the game!//
@@.choice;
[[Proceed With Summary Mode ON|Bedroom][settings.phSummaryMode to true]]
[[Proceed with Summary Mode OFF|Bedroom][settings.phSummaryMode to false]]
@@<<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set $phLazrenDommed to 0>><<set $phLazrenPlan to 0>>You were moving with purpose this morning, taking a few extra seconds to smooth your collar and tie before turning away from the mirror and walking down the suite stairs to the door. Lazren had given you two weeks, and your time was finally up. You knew you had been working hard, but you could still feel your heart thudding nervously in your chest as you walked.
You wanted to get some coffee and print out a few documents before she arrived, just to be on the safe side. You weren't exactly sure when Lazren was going to come, so you didn't dare linger. You pressed the bedroom door open and stepped into the office.
Or, at least, you //should// have stepped into the office.
You stopped, blinking in confusion. You'd stepped through the door...and found yourself back in the suite's front room instead. Unable to help yourself, you turned and looked behind you, as if there was some way you could have mistakenly turned yourself around in the space of a single step.
The door was gone. Not just locked, but actually gone. The wall was smooth and blank, as though there had never been a door there at all.
Your mouth went dry, and you swallowed hard. You knew. You knew before you heard the bedroom door slowly creak open. You knew before your feet began to move on their own, drawing you up the staircase. You knew before the sense of her presence settled over you like a blanket.
She was here.
Step by step, you ascended the staircase. Your bedroom door was ajar, and you extended your hand to gingerly press it open. There was a rush of...something from the other side. An energy that hung in the air like the tingle of electricity. Perhaps you couldn't feel it as a human, or perhaps you'd simply dismissed it on your first encounter. You couldn't dismiss it now.
You licked your lips, straightened your tie, and squared your shoulders. It was time for your review.
@@.choice;
[[You Stepped Forward...|LazrenFirstReturnEvaluation][$phLazren.post_talk to 1]]@@<<nobr>><<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phTime lt 3>><<set $phLocation to "Gym">><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'gymwait'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You decided to keep it to more general practice. You could get some impressive results working with individuals, but the best practice in the long run was still offering your aid to as many as you could, even if it meant you didn't get to spend more than a few minutes with any one person.<br><br>
A few hours later, you knew you had made the right decision. Motivating words had been spoken, questions had been answered, and advice had been dispensed. The gym was once again operating as smoothly as only a true Paradise shop could. The effect would be small, but you could return to work knowing your effort would add up over time.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Gym'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'casssex'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'casstalk'>><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I was just dropping in to get a few reps in. You can keep the girls moving.">><br><br>
Cass nodded and made a show of indifference, but you could catch the slight look of disappointment when she realized you weren't staying.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright. Get your ass moving on whatever you have to do, and I'll keep the bitches in line down here. Give me a whistle when you want to hang and I //might// come over. If I feel like it.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassquick'>>You talked with Cass for a while, the punkish woman skating around you in slow circles as you chatted. Eventually, you glanced at your watch and sighed.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck if that's not a signal. Back to it then?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "You know it.">><br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Way of the world. Give 'em hell, literally. I'll whip these bitches into shape. See you around, $phYou.firstname.">><br><br>
She turned and skated off toward the little gaggle of woman and they fell into line skating behind her. She flashed a brief smile over her shoulder at you...then slapped one of her following girls on the ass to get them moving faster. Chuckling, you turned and walked back inside.<<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>> <br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassandraquick'>><<nm $phYou "Actually, believe it or not, I already did my set for the day. I was just stretching out a few sore muscles before I went back to the office.">><br><br>
You thought you detected some disappointment in Cassandra's expression, but her gaze quickly lowered and she shrugged casually.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Okay...Well, it was nice to see you. Maybe we'll run into each other here again?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "I have a feeling we will. Call it a hunch. Until next time, Cass.">><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassandrameet'>><<nm $phYou "You know what? I think I'm going to cut my losses and call it good for the day. I don't think my head is in it. I am here pretty frequently, though. Let me make it up to you? I'll buy you sports drink the next time I see you.">><br><br>
Cassandra blinked at you for a moment, owlishly, then looked away again.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "You really don't have to...">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "I insist. It was nice to meet you, Cass. I'll try not to run into you literally the next time.">><br><br>
You flashed a bright smile at the woman and, almost despite herself, she smiled in return. With an inclination of your head, you stepped around her to make your way out. You would see Cassandra again, you had no doubt. For now, though, you had to put business before pleasure.<br><hr><br><br><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'danaquick'>><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>>You paused for a few minutes, trading anecdotes with Dana. Your cute boy had been busy, ensuring that anyone passing into the gym gets water, some basic supplies, and a friendly face to talk to. He'd also been very popular within the gym's showers, and more than a few regular clients were a great deal more comfortable and open about some thoughts they'd previously hidden away quite deeply.<br><br>
In turn, you shared what you'd been up to lately. Dana was riveted and you had to admit that, even with the occasional dull bit of paperwork, the life of a succubus was anything but boring. There was always new people to see, new stories to hear, and new pets to make.<br><br>
Eventually, though, duty called. Dana gave you a kiss on the lips to send you on your way, and you returned the favor with a light spank on the backside before heading back to the main floor.<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'danatalk'>>You sat for a few minutes, aimlessly chatting with Dana on the bench and watching runners circle the track. Finally, you gently disentangled yourself from him and stood up again.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, heading back to work already? That's okay, it was really nice seeing you, $pMistress. Stop in any time you like! I'll take any amount of you that I can get!">><br><br>
You smiled and leaned in for a hug, slipping in a grope of the sissy's backside while you were at it. Dana giggled, shot you an inviting glance, and then darted out onto the track, hurrying to catch up with a couple of exhausted looking runners. You suspected they would have fresh motivation to keep running once the short-skirted slut got in front of them.<br><br>
Whistling cheerfully to yourself, you went back inside.<<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'damieninitial'>>You told Damien you were actually just finishing your workout, but assured him that you'd love to have his help next time you were here.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Okay! I'm here pretty often, so whenever you see me just come and give me a poke and we'll keep each other motivated. It was nice to meet you, $phYou.firstname.">><br><br>
You agreed, throwing him a flirtatious look to ensure he knows you weren't just letting him down easy. Then you turned and made your way back toward the changing rooms to get your suit back on.
<br><hr><br><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'damienquick'>>You told Damien you were actually just wrapping up your workout, but that you'll see him again next time.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Ah, I was too late! Ah well, it's always good to see you, $phYou.firstname. Come talk whenever you see me and we'll trade some tips.">><br><br>
You promised you would and headed back to the changing rooms to get out of your workout clothes and back into your suit.<br><hr><br><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'damiengymtalk'>>The gym's showers were hot and high pressure. The running water massaged your muscles wonderfully even as it removed the dirt and sweat of the workout. A change back into your suit left you feeling utterly refreshed and confident, ready to take on the world. <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>None of the women seem to notice anything unusual, even when your towel displayed a more prominent bulge between your legs than any woman could claim. You guessed your disguise is about more than skin tone when it came to looking like any other human. You couldn't help but feel a brief pang of disappointment at that. You //liked// showing off what you had now.<br><br><</if>>Now if you could find a way to distill that confidence down and give it to Damien, you might be onto something. Still, you had at least gotten to talk, and you were one step closer to finalizing your plans for the young man. It was time to get to work.<br><hr><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDanaRejectGangbang is 1>>You dug your heels in and gently extricated your hand from Dana's own, explaining you didn't have the time today for what he had in mind. The sissy released your hand, his expression a bit shamefaced.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh! Ah...I probably came on a little strong, huh? Sorry, $pMistress, I got excited! That's okay! I'll entertain the boys, you just come back whenever you're ready!">><br><br>
He leaned in and kissed you on both cheeks, allowing you to return to the gym proper. You reached up and touched your necklace, playing briefly with the green gem. You made a note to be a little more careful. Your pure submissives might not be able to domme you that hard themselves, but they would certainly know where to find people who would. You'd consider that the next time you invited Dana to the backrooms.<br><hr><br><br><<set $phDanaRejectGangbang to 0>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'CassRomanceGoodbye'>><<nm $phYou "...Sorry, duty calls. I just wanted to make sure we were good.">><br><br>
Cass heaved an exasperated sigh, but it was indulgent. She leaned up and kissed you again, then released your coat.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fine Fine. But you remember what I said. All normal around here, but I expect you to take me to some nice places. I can be a real //bitch// when I need to be.">><br><br>
You didn't dare agree with that one!<br><hr><br><br><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>><</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'shakewait'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>No. It was tempting, alright, but not at the moment. You had some more work to do before you could let yourself have fun like that. Reluctantly, you pushed the temptation from your mind and got back to your task.<br><br>
A few hours later, you were proud of yourself. The lobby had been rearranged, new posters had been put up, and a flow of people were once again funneling into the food court to check out your newest offerings. You dusted your hands together, rolled your shoulders, and sighed with satisfaction. It would be a small improvement, but an improvement nonetheless.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'ShakeShack'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'cowgirl'>>You apologetically explained to JJ that you have to do some work in other parts of the tower. JJ smiled, as she always did, and leaned in to plant a kiss on your cheek.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "That's okay. I know my bull will be back before long. I'll be a very good girl until you see me again. Don't make me wait too long, okay?">><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'joliequick'>>You spread your hands apologetically and explained you were just grabbing a bite to eat today. The next stage of your marketing campaign wasn't quite ready.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "That is not a problem! I will be here whenever you need to find me, I am sure. Please, join me whenever you can!">><br><hr><br><br><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'meetquick'>>You explained to Jolie that you didn't have many details yet, but that they were quickly being worked out. You gave her your card, and scribbled her number on the back of another, then promised to look her up again soon to discuss things.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh yes, I understand! Well, I am often here! I am very interested. I can't way to hear everything there is to hear!">><br><hr><br><br><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>>
<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'shaketalk'>>You polished off your treat, wiped your mouth, and put your food tray away above the trash cans. Your stomach rumbled for a second one, but you resisted the urge. There would be time enough for that later. At the moment, you had work to do and some information to ponder. One more human in need of your guidance...<<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><br><br><hr><br><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'damieninitial'>>You told Damien that it was nice to meet him and suggested you might run into each other again some time when you have more time.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Gotcha! That would be awesome. I'm here quite a bit. Honestly, the food here is better than almost anywhere else, and it's really nice just to stop and enjoy a snack. It was nice meeting you, $phYou.firstname, I'll see you around sometime, alright?">><br><br>
He waved cheerfully and heads toward the counter with his selection. You watched him for a few seconds, a predator taking stock of a prey. You'd meet him again, you were sure, but you had other things you had to do today.<br><br>
With a sigh, you turned away. No rest for the wicked.
<br><hr><br><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'damienquick'>>You told Damien you're actually a little tied up today, and were just grabbing a snack for the road. He nodded, unconcerned.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Of course, of course! Don't worry, I get it. Lots to do, not so much time to do it. I'll see you around, $phYou.firstname, don't worry. Catch you the next time.">><br><br>
You smiled at him and turned away. There would be a next time, alright...when you weren't so busy. Never a dull moment in Paradise, that was for sure.
<br><hr><br><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.goodbye is 'bull'>>You let Damien know you were just passing through to check on him. The big man nodded easily and inclined his head with respect.<br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "It was good to see you, $phDamien.address. I'll keep the girls happy and flowing, don't you worry. Drop in when you can, though. It's sure nice to talk with you when you've got time.">><br><br><hr><br><<set $phDamien.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "ShakeShack">><<if $phTime > 2>><<goto Sleep>><</if>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar') and ($phJolie.post_talk is 0) and ($phJolie.recharge is not 1)>><<goto TalkToJoliePornstar>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'compwait'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You shook your head and bent low to the computer keyboard again. Another day, maybe, but you really wanted to get a few things optimized today.<br><br>
A few hours later, everything was just the way you wanted it. You pushed back from the computer with a tired sense of accomplishment. It wasn't easy being the boss, but you were sure this would help the cafe run ever so slightly more efficiently.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'CompCafe'>><<include "Rewards">><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>><<set $phCassandra.portrait to 'Cassy'>><hr><br><br><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'pornstartalk'>><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>>You chatted for a while, then finally stood up to leave. Jolie stood up with you, kiss you on both cheeks before reaching back for her mask<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "I will see you again soon...In one form or another. Don't forget I get to enjoy anything those other mes get up to, so try to show them a good time, alright?">><br><br><<set _phJolieForms to ['Delivery','Domme','Wife']>><<set $phJolie.portrait to _phJolieForms.random()>>
You said that you would and turned to the door. Before you'd even made it to the hallway, you saw the brief flash of light illuminate the walls as Jolie put her mask back on. Back to work for both of you<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'pornstar'>><<if $phJolie.portrait is 'Wife'>>You told Jolie that you only had time for a cookie before you headed out again. The woman's generous lower lip took on a pout, but she didn't argue. She waited on you happily for ten minutes as the cookies finished, then retreived one of the delicious snacks and fed it to you, by hand, until the last piece of gone. Then, with a sigh, she walked you to the door.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "I'll miss you, sweetie. Don't keep me waiting up too long, okay? I'll make sure to give you a //proper// welcome when you're home for good.">><br><hr><br><br><<elseif $phJolie.portrait is 'Delivery'>>You pointed toward the pizza and told Jolie you were just stopping in for a slice. The uniformed woman barely blinked, reached a hand into the box, and handed you a pair of slices on a plate.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "Your tab's still good here and all that. Come in any time. We always make sure you leave fully...satisfied. Don't be a stranger, alright?">><br><hr><br><br><<elseif $phJolie.portrait is 'Domme'>>Jolie's face noticeably darkened as you revealed you were only here to collect some reports. She gestured you toward the stack of papers, which you picked up, then waved you to the door.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "Very well. I'll call you if I need you. Should you find yourself //overwhelmed// in my absence, you may call, but I can't guarantee I'll be inclined to be available. You're dismissed.">><br><hr><br><br><</if>><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'intro'>><<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>>Jolie nodded and blew you a kiss as you turned toward the door. As you closed it behind you, you saw a familiar flicker of light as the mask touched her face. Maybe you'd give her a little while to get used to things...<br><br>
...or maybe you'd turn right around and enjoy the request your patronage had earned you.<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'joliequick'>>You told Jolie that you were just dropping in and would let her get back to practicing. She smiled at you and picked up her script again.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "Work work work. It makes us cross, but it's a good thing. Alright, but it is nice to see you. Stop in when you have a moment, and we'll talk for a while. I can always use the break.">><br><hr><br><br>
<<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.goodbye is 'meetquick'>>You assured Jolie that, now that you understood she wasn't in danger, you would get out of her hair and let her get back to work.<br><br>
<<nm $phJolie "Thank you! I am sorry again. Please, if I am ever too loud or disruptive again, please come in. It is always nice to take a break as well, before my eyes go crosseyed from these screens!">><br><hr><br><br>
<<set $phJolie.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassandrameet'>>You kept your focus on your screen and made only a few more comments for the next twenty minutes or so. Cassandra seemed content to absorb herself in her work, though you felt her sneaking glances at you when she thought you weren't paying attention. When you finally closed the screen down, she even met your gaze for a bare second and offered a ghost of a smile.<br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Just a brief check in, today. Thanks for the seat. I'll look for you again, if its busy like today. It was nice to meet you.">><br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Okay. I don't mind.">><br><br>
That, you thought, was as much a vote of confidence as you were ever going to get. You nodded to the woman and made your way to the door.<br><hr><br><br><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassandraquick'>>You made some light small talk for a while in between long bouts of quiet as both of you worked on your respective projects. Cassandra was very soon absorbed in her drawing again and, when you stood to leave and quietly excuse yourself, you weren't actually sure she even heard you leave.<br><br>
Some day soon you would gather considerably more of her attention, you were sure, but it wasn't going to be today.<br><hr><br><br><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phTime lt 3>><<set $phLocation to "CompCafe">><</if>><</nobr>><<nobr>><<set $phLocation to "Office">>
<<if ($phStoryProgression is 2) and ($phLazDays lt 28) and ($phMunokho.post_talk is 0)>><<goto 'TrainersIntro'>><</if>><<if def $phTrainersStance>><<unset $phTrainersStance>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.post_talk is 0>><<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'SamIntro'>><</if>>
<<if ($phLazDays lt 1) and (($phStoryProgression is 1) or (ndef $phStoryProgression))>><<goto LazrenFirstReturn>><<elseif ($phSoulCount is 2) and (ndef $phSecondSoulCongrats)>><<goto SoulCongrats>><</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHuntDays == 0) and ($phXavierHunt >= 3) and ($phXavierHunt < 9) and (def $phPetraWatch)>><<set $phXavierHunt++>><</if>>
<<if $phXavierHunt == 0>><<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'SamIntruderMeeting'>><</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt == 9) and ($phSamantha.recharge is 0) and ($phPetraWatch != 4)>>
<<if $phXavierCount == 1>>
<<SetAchievement "phCatchXavier">>
<</if>>
<<unset $phXavierCount>>
<<set $phPetraWatch = 4>><<set $phSamantha.recharge to 1>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">>
<<nm $phSamantha "We got one!">>
<br /><br />
$phSamantha.name slammed her hand down on a large red buzzer she'd gotten from who-knew-where. It let out a rapid-fire clanging chime, and the tell-tale theme song of a certain movie about people who weren't afraid of no ghosts.
<br /><br />
Fortunately for your ears, she only kept her hand pressed down for a moment before bouncing out from behind her desk. The theme song continued playing for about 10 more seconds before it, too, stopped.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Miss Petra said she caught your ghost! I didn't even know we //had// ghosts!">>
<br /><br />
Ghost? Petra? You rubbed the heel of your hand against your eye as $phSamantha.name wrapped her arms around you and squeezed her breasts up against you. Mornings were not your best time of day.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phYou "... do you mean the journalist?">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh is he a //ghost// journalist? That is so cool! I wonder how, like, he holds a pen. Maybe he uses a computer!">>
<br /><br />
Confusion crossed her pretty features as she screwed her nose up and tried to think.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "..but ghosts can't typ-- Oh! I bet he uses Siri!">>
<br /><br />
You chuckled and kissed her forehead, giving her ass a squeeze as you disentangled yourself and yawned.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phYou "I guess we'll find out. He's probably not even a real ghost, you know.">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Awwwwww.">>
<br /><br />
Her disappointment was palpable, and she flounced back to her desk with a huff. Surely she didn't //really// believe in ghosts... although, on the other hand, you believed in demons and succubi, so maybe you shouldn't be so quick to judge. Regardless, you already knew that Mr. King was a flesh and blood nuisance... one which was finally going to be dealt with. It was early for Petra to be on shift, but she might have stayed given the circumstances. Even if she hadn't, there was only one place your troublemaker could be kept: the Security Office.
<<else>>
<<nm $phSamantha "I spy with my little eye, something that begins with...M.">>
<br /><br />
You yawned and rubbed the heel of your hand against your eye as you tried to focus on your leggy secretary. Samantha smiled, stood from her chair with the grace of a panther, and strode over to you with an inviting sway in her hips. It was too damn early to be that sexy.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Can you guess what it is?">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phYou "Uh... me?">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha " 'Me'? I guess that //does// start with an 'M'. My magnificent, magnanimous, mischevious $pMistress...">>
<br /><br />
Her fingertip touched the tip of your chin, and the edge of her nail began to draw a slow line down the front of your neck.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Officer Torres left another message for you. Something about having a certain ghost cuffed to a chair somewhere.">>
<br /><br />
Samantha's finger was already getting your blood going a little quicker, and hearing that news on top of it finally shook off the last of the mental fog.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phYou "She did? Where? Is she still here?">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "There's only one place I can think of where a security officer might handcuff and restrain a trespasser.">>
<br /><br />
She paused and smirked.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "... well. Only one place where she //ought// to, but if he's cute enough, I'd understand having a little one-on-one discipline in a bathroom or dark hallway somewhere.">>
<br /><br />
No doubt. For that matter, you might not mind some one-on-one discipline, either -- either with Samantha or with Petra. The exact 'who gives what' could be negotiated. Wait -- maybe Samantha //and// Petra...?
<br /><br />
No, you had to focus. This journalist had been a thorn in your side for long enough already. It was early for Petra to be on shift, but she might have stayed given the circumstances. Even if she hadn't, there was only one place your troublemaker could be kept: the Security Office.
<br /><br />
Business first. Handcuffs later.<</if>>
<<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><br><br><hr><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHuntDays == 0) and ($phXavierHunt > 3) and ($phXavierHunt < 9)>>
<<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'XavierBadEnd'>><</if>>
<<if ($phPetraWatch == 3) and ($phSamantha.goodbye is 'none') and ($phSamantha.recharge is 0)>><<set $phSamantha.recharge to 1>><<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'signal'>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, $phSamantha.Address...!">><br><br>
$phSamantha.name's voice sing-songed cheerfully across the office at you.<br><br>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">><<nm $phSamantha "The police-lady left a message for you again! I think she likes you!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Officer Torres left a message asking you to report to Security. Are you two playing 'hide the baton' already?">><</if>><br><br>
You snorted, shaking your head.<br><br>
<<nm $phYou "That'd be a 'no'. Strictly professional. It's just an update about our mystery guest.">><br><br>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">><<nm $phSamantha "Awww! That's no fun!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Pity. As they say, all work and no play...">><</if>><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "I know, I know. Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully she'll have good news and this will all be sorted out soon.">><br><br>
<hr />
<br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt == 3) and ($phSamantha.goodbye is 'none') and ($phXavierHuntDays == 0) and ($phSamantha.recharge is 0)>>
<<set $phXavier.recharge = 1>>
<<set $phSamantha.recharge to 1>>
<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'signal'>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">>
<<nm $phSamantha "$phSamantha.Address! $phSamantha.Address!">>
<br /><br />
Sammy waved excitedly at you from behind her desk. Her words were still muffled by the sucker in her mouth, but considering how rarely she //didn't// have something between her lips, you were becoming quite fluent in 'Muffled-ese'.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "The security lady called! Like, //really// late last night, so I wasn't //here//, but she left a message! She wants to talk to you!">>
<<else>>
<<if $phYou.form == "male">><<nm $phSamantha "Well hello there, handsome.">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Well hello there, beautiful.">><</if>>
<br /><br />
Samantha winked at you as she looked over her shoulder at the sound of the door to the main office opening.
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phSamantha "A certain aviator-wearing Amazon left a message for you. Something about an update on our mysterious guest, that is //strictly// for your ears only... Pity; I was looking forward to getting up close and personal with her handcuffs.">><</if>>
<br /><br />
Ah ha. Petra must have found something. With any luck, this whole irritation was already wrapped up and in the bag. She wouldn't be on shift until this evening, of course, but you could keep yourself busy until then.
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'SamMasonDecline'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "That's alright. You two have fun, okay? Listen to her closely, Mason. I'm sure she'll teach you well.">><br><br>
Mason mumbled something. He didn't get very far before Samantha pushed her chair back into her desk and filled his mouth again. She spread her hands over keyboard, grinned, and gave you a wink.<br><br>
Yeah, they were going to be just fine.<<set _MasonDuoChance to 12>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'SamDanaDecline'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "That's alright. You two enjoy yourself. Try not to keep her from her work for too long, okay Dana?">><br><br>
<<nm $phDamien "Uh huh! I'll do my very best! Come play with us soon!">><br><br>
Samantha rolled her eyes, but it was an indulgent gestured. She pushed her chair back into her desk and raised her hand to her keyboard, though before she could begin typing she froze up and her eye twitched, just noticeably, as Dana got back to work.<br><br>
Yeah, they were going to be just fine.<<set _MasonDuoChance to 12>><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'samanthatopsex'>>The nap was good, the hot shower was better, and you were soon dressed again and back to the office. Samantha was standing at a filing cabinet, sorting through a small stack of folders. When she spotted you she flashed a smile and inclined her head, waving you to the coffee pot at her desk. When you went for the brew, your eye caught on a small white board set up beside the pot. A single tally mark had been added to the corner.<br><br>
You shook your head and chuckled as you poured a mug. At least you were feeling more relaxed than you had been this morning. Replacing the coffee pot, you sipped from the mug and turned away. <br><br>
Back to work.<br><br><hr><br><<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><<set $phTime +=1>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'samanthasubsex'>>You returned to the office, feeling remarkably relaxed for some strange reason. Samantha was back to her desk, a phone held between her cheek and shoulder as she chatted with someone about a new rental. When she saw you, you shared a knowing smile and raised her coffee mug in salute.<br><br>
Back to work.<br><br><hr><br><<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'sammytopsex'>><<set $phTime += 1>>You stepped back out into the main office. Sammy was back to her desk, a phone balanced on your shoulder, and she blew you a kiss as she spotted you. She pointed to a cup of coffee on the desk near your door, then returned to perkily arranging a new tenant from the sound of it. Picking up your coffee, you sipped the brew and smiled.<br><br>
Back to work.<hr><<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'sammysubsex'>><<set $phTime += 1>>You stepped out of the supply closet with a spring in your step and a song in your heart. About ten minutes later, Sammy returned to her desk, wobbling on her heels with an almost drunken, happy smile. You doubted she was going to get much actual work done for the rest of the day.<br><br>
You were just fine with that.<<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><br><br><hr><br><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.goodbye is 'sam'>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Okay, $pMistress! I'll be totally good and get all the important stuff done, but don't forget to come back and say 'hi' from time to time! Or, you know, say other yummy things...">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Alright, $phSamantha.Address. I have a few loose ends to tie up with the paperwork. Don't be a stranger, though, I'll always make room in my schedule for you, okay?">><</if>><br><br><<set $phSamantha.goodbye to 'none'>><hr><br><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'selenebigtalk'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Thanks for talking with me, Selene. I should get back to work.">><br><br>
You shifted back and slid off the front of Selene's coils. She straightened up, and you were once again looking up at her. //Way// up. <br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "I understand. Thanks for coming down to see me. I hope you'll come by again soon!">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phSamantha.date is 11) and ($phSamanthaTimer is 0)>><<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'SamDateSexScenes'>><</if>>
<<if $phTime > 2>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>><<if previous() != 'MobileMirror'>>
<<set $phSamantha.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phMason.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phDamien.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phCassandra.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phJolie.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phMammon.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phXavier.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phPetra.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phSara.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phTrainersRecharge to 0>>
<<set $phSelene.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phNadia.recharge to 0>>
<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>><<set _phJolieForms to ['Delivery','Domme','Wife']>><<set $phJolie.portrait to _phJolieForms.random()>><<JolieFlip>><</if>>
<<set $phTime to 0>>
<<set $phGameDays += 1>>
<<if (def $phTooFull) and ($phTooFull == 0)>>
<<set _tempEnergy to ($phEnergyCap - $phEnergy)>>
<<if _tempEnergy >= 250>>
<<set $phEnergy += 250>>
@@.narrative;//Lazren has made good on her promised reward! You have gained 250 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy!)
//@@
<<elseif _tempEnergy < 250>>
<<set $phEnergy += _tempEnergy>>
@@.narrative;//Lazren has made good on her promised reward! Your energy is now maxed out! (Total: $phEnergy!)
//@@
<</if>>
<<unset $phTooFull>>
<</if>>
<<include "EnergyCalc">>
<<GetBuildings>>
<<run _buildingsBuilt.delete("Floor2","Casino")>>
<hr><br><br><<for _c to 0; _c < _buildingsBuilt.length; _c++>>
<<set _name to _buildingsBuilt[_c]>>
<<set _Min to ($phLocations[_name].visitorMin + $phGlobal.visitorMin)>>
<<set _Max to ($phLocations[_name].visitorMax + $phGlobal.visitorMax)>>
<<set _random to random(_Min,_Max)>>
<<set $phLocations[_name].visitor += (_random + $phGlobal.visitorMinMax)>>
<<print (_random + $phGlobal.visitorMinMax)>>@@.narrative; Visitors for $phLocations[_name].name!<<if $phLocations[_name].visitor >= $phLocations[_name].visitorCap>> Ready To Level!<</if>>@@ <br>
<<if ($phLocations[_name].manageDecay + $phGlobal.manageDecay) lt .2>><<set $phLocations[_name].manageMod -= (.2 - ($phLocations[_name].manageDecay + $phGlobal.manageDecay))>><</if>>
<</for>>
<<if $phGlobal.bankedEnergyBonus gt 0>><<set _bankedenergy to Math.round($phEnergy * $phGlobal.bankedEnergyBonus)>><<set $phEnergy += _bankedenergy>><br><br>@@.narrative;You received _bankedenergy additional energy in interest on your holdings!@@<</if>>
<<if ($phAverySabotage is 1) and ($phAvery.debt is not 0)>><<set _averytithe to Math.round(($phEPD * (1 + $phGlobal.epdMod)) * .1)>><<if $phAvery.debt lt _averytithe>><<set $phEnergy -= $phAvery.debt>><br><br>@@.narrative;Avery Takes His Last Percentage Of $phAvery.debt Energy! You Have Paid Off The Sin of Greed!@@<br><<set $phAvery.debt to 0>><<else>><<set $phEnergy -= _averytithe>><<set $phAvery.debt -= _averytithe>><br>@@.narrative;Avery Takes His Percentage (_averytithe Energy!). You still owe $phAvery.debt.@@<br><</if>><</if>>
<<set $phEnergy += Math.round($phEPD * (1 + $phGlobal.epdMod))>><<if $phEnergy >= Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>><<set $phEnergy to Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>><br>@@.narrative;Your energy reserves are full!<<if $phEnergyCap is not 204800>> You should speak to Selene about expanding your capacity!<</if>>@@<br><</if>><<if ($phEnergy gt (.80 * ($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod)))) and $phEnergy lt ($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>><br>@@.narrative;You're approaching your maximum energy cap of <<print Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>>.<<if $phEnergyCap is not 204800>> Perhaps you should speak to Selene about expanding the vault?<</if>>@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1) and (($phNadia.focus_casino is 0) or ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre'))>>
<<if (ndef $phCasinoPayout)>><<set $phCasinoPayout to 9>><</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>><<set $phCasinoPayout += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 2>><<set $phCasinoPayout -= 1>><</if>>
<<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set $phCasinoPayout += 1>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>><<set $phCasinoPayout += 1>><<if $phNadia.transform is not 'pre'>><<set $phCasinoPayout += 1>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>><<if $phCasinoPayout lt 9>><<set $phCasinoPayout to 9>>@@.narrative;A lesser demon might have had a bad day at the Casino, but you were Born Lucky! <</if>><</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayout lt 5>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino had a terrible day! You lost <<print (30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!!@@ <<set $phEnergy -= (30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phCasinoPayout gt 4) and ($phCasinoPayout lt 9)>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino didn't do very well today. You lost <<print (10 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy -= (10 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phCasinoPayout gt 8) and ($phCasinoPayout lt 13)>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino had an average day. You gained <<print (10*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += (10*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence tilts the scales...<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>>(You gained an additional <<print (6 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (6 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<else>>(You gained an additional <<print (5 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (5 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><</if>>
<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phCasinoPayout gt 12) and ($phCasinoPayout lt 17)>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino had a pretty good day today. You gained <<print (30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += (30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence tilts the scales...<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>>(You gained an additional <<print (16 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (16 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<else>>(You gained an additional <<print (15 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (15 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><</if>>
<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayout gt 16>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino had an amazing day today! You gained <<print (50*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += (50*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence tilts the scales...<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>>(You gained an additional <<print (26 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (26 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><<else>>(You gained an additional <<print (25 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>> energy!@@) <<set $phEnergy -= (25 * $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><br><</if>>
<</if>><</if>>
<<set $phCasinoPayout to random (1, 20)>><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1) and (($phNadia.focus_casino gte 1) and ($phNadia.focus_casino lt 7))>><br>@@.narrative;The Casino isn't yielding any profit while Nadia is here!@@<br />
<</if>>
<<if ($phCasinoWorkCounter gt 0) and (($phNadia.focus_casino is 1) or ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre'))>><br><<set _randomreward to random(-5,20)>>
<<if (_randomreward lt 0) and ($phSpecialAbilities["U31"].bought == 1)>>@@.narrative;Your work in the casino seemed bound to //lose// more energy than it gained! However, you were Born Lucky, and a last minute break means you gained <<print (5 * $phCasinoWorkCounter)>> energy instead! Nice!
<<set $phEnergy += (5 * $phCasinoWorkCounter)>><<else>>
<<if _randomreward lt 0>>@@.narrative;Your work in the casino seems to have caused it to //drain// its coffers faster than it filled them! You lost <<print (_randomreward * $phCasinoWorkCounter)>> energy! Better luck next time!@@<</if>>
<<if _randomreward is 0>>@@.narrative;Ugh! All your work in the casino and you broke even for the day! Well, it could have been worse!@@<</if>>
<<if _randomreward gt 0>>@@.narrative;Your work at the casino seemed to have pushed it to slightly better heights! You gained <<print (_randomreward * $phCasinoWorkCounter)>> additional energy! A win in your book!@@<</if>>
<<set $phEnergy += Math.round(_randomreward * $phCasinoWorkCounter)>>
<</if>>
<<set $phCasinoWorkCounter to 0>><br><</if>>
<<if (ndef $phBankDays)>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<<else>>
<<if $phBankDays gt 0>><<set $phBankDays -= 1>><</if>>
<<if $phBankDays === 0>><br>@@.narrative;You have an investment to collect on at the bank!@@<br><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if (def $phSamanthaDateTimer) and ($phSamanthaDateTimer gt 0)>>
<<set $phSamanthaDateTimer -= 1>>
<<if $phSamanthaDateTimer is 0>>
<<if $phSamantha.date is 3>><<set $phSamantha.date to 4>><</if>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phSamantha.date is 4) and ($phSamanthaDateTimer is 0)>><br>@@.narrative;Samantha's been kind of quiet lately... maybe you should check on her!@@<br /><</if>>
<<if (($phXavier.date gte 5.7) and ($phXavier.date lt 5.9)) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>>@@.narrative;<br>Surely Xun has visited home by now... maybe you should ask her or Damien how it went!@@<br /><</if>>
<<if (ndef $phStoryProgression) or ($phStoryProgression lte 3.2)>>
<<if $phLazDays gt 0>><<set $phLazDays -= 1>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression gt 3.2>>
<<if $phLazDays gt 1>><<set $phLazDays -= 1>><</if>>
<<if $phLazDays === 1>><br />
@@.narrative;You've Reached the End of the current Main Story, but you can continue to play and experience side stories for as long as you like! Look forward to a final face off with Desire in the near future!@@
<br /><br />
<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression > 1) and ($phMammon.focus_bank >= 2) and (ndef $phXavierHunt) and ($phPetra.focus_security < 1)>>
<<set $phXavierHunt = 0>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt == 2)>><<set $phXavierHunt = 3>><</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt >= 3) and ($phXavierHuntDays <= 3) and ($phXavierHuntDays > 0)>><<set $phXavierHuntDays -= 1>><</if>>
<<if ($phPetraWatch != 1) and ($phPetraWatch != 3) and (def $phXavierLocations)>>
<<set $phXavierWasAt = $phXavierLocations.random()>>
<<if $phXavierWasAt == $phPetraWatchedLocation>>
<<set $phXavierHunt = 9>>
<<else>><<set $phPetraWatch to 3>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phPetraWatch is 1>><<set $phPetraWatch to 3>><</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.focus_security gt 6) and ($phXavier.transform != 'pre') and ($phPetra.focus_security lt 8)>><<set $phPetra.focus_security += .2>><</if>>
<<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8>><<goto PetraInterruption>><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression > 1>>
<<if ndef $phRomanceTimer>><<set $phRomanceTimer to 4>><</if>>
<<if $phRomanceTimer gt 0>><<set $phRomanceTimer -= 1>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression gt 1) and ($phMason.post_talk gt 1) and ($phMasonTimer lt 9)>>
<<if $phMasonTimer gt 0>><<set $phMasonTimer -= 1>><</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phEnergyCap >= 800) and ($phSeleneTimer is not 9) and ($phSeleneTimer is not 0)>><<set $phSeleneTimer -= 1>><</if>>
<<if (($phCassandra.date gt 4) and ($phCassandra.date lt 4.4)) or (($phCassandra.date gte 5) and ($phCassandra.date lt 5.3)) or (($phCassandra.date gte 5.4) and ($phCassandra.date lt 5.6))>><<set $phCassandra.date to Math.round(($phCassandra.date += 0.1) * 10) / 10>><</if>>
<<if ((($phXavier.date gt 4) and ($phXavier.date lt 4.5))
or (($phXavier.date gte 5.4) and ($phXavier.date lte 5.7))) or ((($phXavier.date gte 7) and ($phXavier.date lt 7.3))) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>><<set $phXavier.date to Math.round(($phXavier.date += 0.1) * 10) / 10>><</if>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if ($phLazren.post_talk is 1) and ($phSoulCount gt 2)>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Lazren/Mobile/LazrenReturn1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Lazren/LazrenReturn1.png]]</picture>@@
You paused just inside the room and cocked your head to one side. Your bedroom was much the same as it had been when you had left it a moment ago. Your bed was unmade and the morning light was largely blocked by the blinds along the window. You didn't typically keep a massive eight-foot-tall throne festooned with purple gems and cushions, though.
Atop that throne was Lazren.
And she was asleep.
You stood awkwardly as your brain struggled to process. Lazren was dressed this time -- barely -- in a vibrant red silk chemise. She had an elbow on one arm of the chair and her chin rested in her hand. You didn't see her wings at all, though her purple skin, horns, and tail were quite familiar.
<<nm $phYou "...Ma'am?">>
Her eyes popped open immediately and focused on you. You wondered, briefly, if you should have kept your mouth shut. The succubus yawned and stretched languidly, her movements almost feline in their grace.
<<nm $phLazren "My faithful servant. The tower hums with life and your new pets are as adorable as you are. You've done so wonderfully well. Come, child of mine.">>
She didn't give you a choice. She made a languid gesture with one hand, and your feet lifted off the floor as they had the first time you had met her. A thrill ran through your body. You had gotten used to being the most powerful being in miles. Currently, that was //not// the case.
You drifted close to her, the toes of your shoes barely brushing the ground, until you were nearly face-to-face. Lazren's hand lashed out, swifter and more sharply than you'd ever imagined she could move. You drew in an instinctive breath and braced yourself for the impact, but there was none. Her hand vanished into your chest like a ghost, without even bursting a button.
<<nm $phLazren "Ah yes. I can feel them in you. Every one of them becoming a part of you. Their hopes and dreams; their desires and needs. Can you feel how you carry them with you, love? They are our food and yet we are their reflection...">>
Her hand seemed to catch on something, and a tingling feeling spread through your body. She pulled back sharply; when her hand emerged from your chest, it held the familiar green orbs glowing between her fingers. You recognized each of them, even though there were no distinguishing features you could articulate. You just //knew// which was which.
<<nm $phLazren "How wonderful, my child. <<if $phSoulCount is 3>>You passed your first hurdle.<</if>><<if $phSoulCount gt 3>>You've exceeded even my lofty goals, and you will be rewarded.<</if>> I shall take my taste...and then I shall teach you how to //truly// use these wonderful gifts you've been given.">>
She lifted the orbs toward her face. As she did, they rose from her hand and began to hover around her in the air. The succubus closed her eyes and tilted her head back, as each of the gems sparkled to new life.
@@.choice;
[[Then She Inhaled.|LazrenFirstReturnEvaluation][$phLazren.post_talk to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phLazren.post_talk is 1) and ($phSoulCount lt 3)>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Lazren/Mobile/LazrenReturn1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Lazren/LazrenReturn1.png]]</picture>@@
You paused just inside the room and cocked your head to one side. Your bedroom was much the same as it had been when you had left it a moment ago. Your bed was unmade and the morning light was largely blocked by the blinds along the window. You didn't typically keep a massive eight-foot-tall throne festooned with purple gems and cushions, though.
Atop that throne was Lazren.
And she was asleep.
You stood awkwardly as your brain struggled to process. Lazren was dressed this time -- barely -- in a vibrant red silk chemise. She had an elbow on one arm of the chair and her chin rested in her hand. You didn't see her wings at all, though her purple skin, horns, and tail were quite familiar.
<<nm $phYou "...Ma'am?">>
Her eyes popped open immediately and focused on you. You wondered, briefly, if you should have kept your mouth shut. The succubus yawned and stretched, her movements almost feline in their grace.
Then she sighed.
<<nm $phLazren "My poor child. It seems I misjudged you. The tower barely survives, and you are scarcely more infused than when I left. There are so many in such dire straits and the human world is a buffet of unhappiness. In all the crowds, could you not find just two who wanted more than the scraps this world leaves them?">>
You licked your lips nervously and smoothed the lapels of your shirt. Obviously, you had known you were behind on your task, but surely she wasn't going to come down too hard on you while you were new, would she?
<<nm $phYou "I...ah...admit, it took me a while to get the hang of things. If I could just have a little more time, I'm certain--">>
Your words cut off as Lazren made a languid gesture with her left hand. She lifted you into the air without laying a finger on you, and you squeaked in reflex as she pulled you in close to her chair. She shook her head.
<<nm $phLazren "I'm sorry, love. If it were any other project, I could be persuaded to relent. The tower is too important. It demands a firm hand and a talented spirit behind it. A pity, yes, but please don't worry. You //are// my progeny, and I will not cast you aside. If you cannot fulfil your role, then I will find another who can.">>
You opened your mouth to protest. You'd been human two weeks ago, before she converted you overnight to a new body and a new job. She couldn't just strip you of it in so short a time for not hitting an arbitrary number!
Then her other hand reached up and brushed your brow. You saw the spark of magic in her eyes before an electric thrill ran through you from head to toe. The words died on your lips as she looked sadly into your eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "Sleep, love. I'll take care of you.">>
@@.choice;
[[Despite Yourself, You Felt Your Mind Relax...|Bad Ends Lazren Return]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Lazren/Mobile/LazrenReturn2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Lazren/LazrenReturn2.png]]</picture>@@
Lazren inhaled deeply, her eyes closed in reverent pleasure. You watched in fascination as wisps of green mist emerged from each of the gems and swept in toward the succubus's waiting lips. The floating orbs seemed to shrink in on themselves as the she drank them in.
A low noise of protest echoed throughout the room, and you were startled to realize it was coming from you. Lazren's eyes popped open again and she laughed, shaking her head. The stream of energy ceased, leaving the glow of the orbs diminished but not yet extinguished.
<<nm $phLazren "Awww, my dear. Did you think I would drink in all your hard work? I would hardly punish my favorite pet that way, not when you've been such a good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. No, I'm merely sampling. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you. Let's see, where is our dear Samantha? Ah-ha! Here we are!">>
She reached up and plucked one of the orbs from the air, drawing it down and holding it before you eyes. You still couldn't identify any physical difference in the orb itself, but the moment it drew near you could see your secretary quite clearly in your mind.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. You've been gathering well, sweetie, but you aren't doing much with them, are you? It's high time you learned to use what you've got. After all, isn't it Business 101 to reinvest your profits into the company?">>
<<nm $phYou "But I thought...uh...aren't these...you know, souls?">>
Lazren laughed again and drew you in against her. She was warm and soft, but you could feel the energy running through her skin. It was like putting your hand on a thrumming engine.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh sweetie. I'm sorry; I guess I forgot to explain a few things. They've still got their souls, don't worry. More or less, anyway. What these are, love, is energy. The energy to change. You used part of that energy to give them their true forms, but the rest is ours. Pure potential, just waiting for you to unlock it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Potential for what?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Anything! Well, almost anything. All that potential from the person who gave it. We can drink it down into ourselves and use it to make changes. You'll have to learn how to harness that power if you're going to keep growing. I'll have someone come to teach you how, but for now, let me show you!">>
She extended her hand and pressed it against your chest, Samantha's soul-gem trapped between her fingers. Despite the fact that you were fully dressed, it felt like her hand was laying across bare flesh. A thrill ran through your spine that was not entirely the electric energy running through the demoness.
<<nm $phLazren "Very good love. Now, I want you to bring dear Samantha into your mind. I want you to focus on her. Think about the first time you met. Think about her surrendering to you. Think about every day you've had since then. Think about how happy she's been. Think about all of that, and let her in...">>
You nodded, closed your eyes, and focused. It had only been two weeks, but it felt like a century ago. Her shy smile and uncertain demeanor seemed like ancient history. There had been something special about her, even back then. She had been your first, and you would always remember her for that.
You gasped suddenly and your back arched on reflex. The soulgem pressed to your chest had suddenly flared to life, casting a blaze of bright green light around the room. You felt it rush across your body in an abrupt tingle.
Then you learned exactly what Lazren had meant by @@.choice;[[Change!|LazrenFirstReturnEvaluation][$phLazren.post_talk to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 3>>Your hands were...changing colors!
You held your fingers up in front of you and watched in amazement as your reddish skin flashed to pale white and then inky black. Shades of color, not all of them human, rippled across your hand like water broken by a dropped stone. Your flesh tingled and itched, and the unfamiliar sensation all but set your teeth on edge.
A strand of hair passed in front of your face and you blinked at it. The reddish locks had gone platinum blonde, but only for a second. Even as you tried to focus on the unfamiliar color, it darkened into brown, and then black. Then it lightened again into a dyed blue, and green, and then back to the original red.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh dear. Perhaps that wasn't the best gift to start with. You aren't used to controlling that kind of thing, pet. Focus, love. Here. Come here!">>
Lazren didn't actually //move//, as far as you could see. She simply vanished from the throne and appeared next to your wardrobe. She waved you forward and you stumbled to her, the strange rippling and itching of your skin making it hard to focus on anything else. The succubus reached out and took hold of your chin, gently, and lifted your face towards the mirror.
It was even stranger there. You changed by the moment, but there was no focus or direction to the change. Your skin was splotched with multiple shades, your hair was a mix of multicolored knots, and even your eyes were shifting hues by the second.
<<nm $phLazren "<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>That a girl.<<else>>Easy now, tiger.<</if>> Focus on the mirror. See yourself as you are and how you want to be. Imagine how you want to look. Concentrate. Imagine yourself changing. See it in your mind.">>
You breathed in and out a few times, trying to ignore the itch and the strange tingle. You pushed the sensations to the back of your mind. You knew what you wanted to look like, and you focused on that mental image.
@@.choice;
[[Look into the Mirror...|LazrenFirstReturnEvaluation][$phLazren.post_talk to 4,$phOldCC to $phYou.cc_code]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 4>>
<<CC_Mirror>>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 5>><<set $phSpecialAbilities["U11"].bought = 1>><<run memorize('mirror_pulse',true)>><<if def $phDresserChange>><<BreakAchievement "phNeckAchieve">><<unset $phDresserChange>><</if>><<if $phGenderChanged is false>>
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. I'm flattered, sweetie. Do you like what I did for you that much? You didn't change anything.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...I've kind of gotten used to it now, you know?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Of course, sweetie, I don't mind at all. If you ever want to make some tweaks, though, I won't take it personally. Promise. Good work, love. I'm proud of you.">><<else>><<if $phGenderChanged == 'Color Only'>><<set $phGenderChanged to false>><<nm $phLazren "Oh my. You know, I thought I had a pretty good thing going, but you may have just surpassed me. You look absolutely <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>yummy<<else>>ravishing<</if>>, dear.">><</if>><<if ($phGenderChanged == 'Gender Color') or ($phGenderChanged == 'Gender Only')>><<set $phGenderChanged to true>><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>><<BreakAchievement "phGenderAchieve">><<nm $phLazren "Oh my. You wanted to make a few more serious improvements, didn't you? One day I'll share some fun tips about wings and such, but I think keeping it simple is smart. And you know, I thought I had a pretty good thing going, but you may have just surpassed me. You look absolutely <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>yummy<<else>>ravishing<</if>>, dear.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...You think so?">>
<<nm $phLazren "I //know// so, sweet. If you ever want to refresh the look, though, you can. Good work, love. I'm proud of you.">><</if>>
Lazren leaned forward and planted a kiss on the top of your forehead. You chuckled and leaned over to the mirror, making sure that everything had settled. Your skin wasn't tingling anymore, but you could still feel the quiet warmth of potential within you. You knew you could control it now.
You saw her in the mirror, but too late. Lazren slipped behind you and wrapped her arms tightly around your body. One hand rose to splay across your chest, while the other slid between your legs. You felt your cheeks heat as your body responded to her electric touch instantly.
<<nm $phLazren "Well, if you're done admiring yourself, I suppose it's time to remind my most beloved pet of my affection.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah! W-Wait! I did what you wanted...Don't I get a choice?">>
The succubus paused. You saw her eyebrow delicately lift in the mirror. She pulled you back against her, and the mere closeness of her body alone threatened to send you into a daze.
<<if $phSoulCount gt 3>><<SetAchievement "phEmployeeExcellence">><<nm $phLazren "Well...Hmm. Seeing as how you did even better than I asked for, I suppose I //should// give you a little something extra, shouldn't I? Very well, dear. What exactly would you like?">>
She disengaged her arms from around your body and spun you around to look you in the eye. Her own were bright and mischievous, and you could feel yourself slipping into them. Your face flushed with heat and it was all you could do to concentrate long enough to get the words out.
You wanted...
@@.choice;
[[More Energy|LazrenReward][$phLazren.post_talk to 6]] -- Fuel For The Fire!
[[Knowledge|LazrenReward][$phLazren.post_talk to 7]] -- What Is Lazren Up To?
[[Lazren At Your Feet|LazrenReward][$phLazren.post_talk to 8]] - For An Hour, At Least!@@
<<else>><<nm $phLazren "Mmm. You did good, sweetie. You met my expectations, even if only just...and you're keeping your role, your tower, and the lovelies that you've made, //and// you get my attention for that night. That //is// your reward! As for choice...how could any sweet of mine choose anything else?">>
Her arms tightened on you, and you felt another rush of heat race through your body. There was no resisting it, and you knew it. You relaxed into her arms, and gave yourself over to the feeling.
@@.choice;
[[Receive Your Reward|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 0, $phLazren.post_talk to 9]]@@<</if>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<set _randarray to [1]>><<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>><<run _randarray.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>><<run _randarray.push(3)>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<run _randarray.push(4)>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<run _randarray.push(5)>><</if>>
<<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>><<run _randarray.push(6)>><</if>>
<<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>><<run _randarray.push(7)>><</if>>
<<if $phSara.transform is 'kitsune'>><<run _randarray.push(8)>><</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<run _randarray.push(9)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarray.random()>>
<<SetAchievement "phOhNo">>
<</nobr>>@@.narrative;Three Months Later...@@
<<if _random is 1>><<nm $phLazren "Mmm. Now that you've eaten and gotten your bearings, love, there is //one// more gift I have to get you on your way.">>
You yawned and nuzzled a little deeper into the pillows. It wasn't until the door actually clicked that you forced yourself to open your eyes and sit up. The blanket fell across your hips and left you bare to the waist, but you didn't much care.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> You were proud of your abs even if you didn't //actually// have to exercise for it.<</if>> You stretched, happily, and blearily focused on the newcomers.
Oh. Oh my. He had turned out so well! Or rather, she had turned out well. Her skin was a lovely shade of dark green and her horns swept back over her head rather than standing up straight from her brow. Her hair was raven-black and fell in waves halfway down her back.
You recognized the eyes though. The wonder. The confusion. The disbelief that this could ever be real along with the slowly growing realization that it was. Her spade tail twitched behind her backside as though she had no control of it at all. New girl. She stared at you with uncertain awe.
<<npc "fnpc3" "New Girl" "A gift? You mean...//$pher//?">>
You couldn't help but giggle. She was so //cute//. You dimly remembered going through the same thing yourself, before the queen had taken you in hand. You couldn't quite remember what you had done to force her to keep you so close, but you were glad of it. Sleeping beside her had made everything seem okay. It was almost like you could hear her whispering to you all night. You could still hear it, even though Lazren wasn't beside you.
<<nm $phLazren "Of course. I wouldn't send you out into the world unprepared, dear. I've prepared a guide for you. $pShe knows all about the tower and how it works, and $pshe'll help you get your feet beneath you.">>
You rose from the bed and enjoyed the new girl's eyes moving immediately between your legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You giggled and spread your thighs just a little but, but the girl immediately looked away as if there was something to be ashamed of. The queen's voice immediately reassured you in your mind. Humans were silly, and it took a while for them to let go of their little superstitions.<<else>>You pouted a little when you realized you were a little smaller than her, but the queen's voice reassured you in your mind. Humans were silly, and they tied up physical stuff with authority.<</if>> You didn't fully understand it, but Lazren said it so it was true. You dropped to your knees in front to the green succubus and smiled up at her.
<<nm $phYou "I'll be anything you wish for me to be, //mistress//.">>
The new girl stared down at you, speechless for a long moment. Then she smiled, and in her smile was lust and fear and eager anticipation. All of it so very, very human. The whispers in your mind rose in celebration.
You would be a faithful servant. Either to this girl, or the next one. Queen Lazren had all the time in the world.
@@.narrative;ENDING 01 - Demonic Demotion @@
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<set $phLocation to 'Stables'>>You were floating in a wonderful haze of bliss. Your body was warm and tingly, and your thighs pressed together in your excitement. You didn't notice you'd been detached from the machine right at first. It took several seconds for your mind to clear enough to realize that your thoughts weren't being pulled away anymore. You made a confused noise and tilted your head to one side.
<<nm $phDamien "Now, $pgirl, don't you worry. You're all done for the day, I think. You made even more today than last week!">>
You felt a warm glow of pride spreading across your body at the compliment, and you wiggled on instinct against your restraints. Damien chuckled, and his big hands moved tenderly as they unhooked you from the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>cock milker, pausing only to wander your backside for a moment. You wriggled your ass against his hand, then leaned back to look down. Your cock had grown again, by at least an inch, and balls below were thick and heavy. Damien had explained, several times, what they used your cum for, but you didn't care. All you knew was that it ached so wonderfully until you were empties properly, and now you were in heaven.<<else>>milker, pausing only to wander your backside for a moment. You wriggled your ass against his hand, then leaned back to look down. Your tits were at least a cup size smaller than when you'd been hooked up, but you were still pushing the very edge of human size and still ached to be touched even after the session.<</if>>
You turned your attention up toward Damien with a pleading look on your face. The big man grinned and lowered his hand to ruffle your hair between your horns. It gave you the warmest feeling whenever he did that, and you nuzzled your nose against his palm in response.
<<nm $phDamien "...Like I could ever say no to you, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boyo<<else>>missy<</if>>. Okay, Okay, you can sleep with me until you're talking again. I've got a few new projects I want to run by you. Don't worry, it can wait a few days until you can think again, so you can enjoy yourself for now.">>
You didn't fully understand all the words he was saying, but giggled happily as Damien swept you effortlessly up into his arms. You held onto his wide shoulder and kissed gently at his shoulder and chest, inhaling the deep, rustic scent of him. He chuckled again, and raised his voice slightly to the intercom.
<<nm $phDamien "Sam, go ahead and push back the first jaw-wag scheduled for tomorrow. $pShe's all hot and bothered again.">>
You could hear the response come through, but you didn't pay any attention to it. You were being held by such a wonderful, muscular bull and that was exactly where you wanted to be. You were so happy, and there was just one way to express that to your new master.
<<nm $phYou "Mmmmooooooooooo!">>
@@.narrative;ENDING 02 - A New Sheriff In Town @@
<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<set $phLocation to "Floor1">>You weaved your way through the sea of customers, flashing a smile here and there. The crowd wasn't quite as thick as it had been in your day, but that was to be expected. After all, the management was focusing on a slightly //different// strategy. One that favored quality over quantity.
<<nm $phCassandra "Hey! Slut! Hold it!">>
You turned at the sound of the familiar voice. Cass was heading for you, pausing only to spank the ass of a latex clad woman with a bright red ball gag. The girl squirmed but got pulled along by the collar before she could react much. The man at the other end was bare-chested and wearing a set of tight leather pants that left nothing to the imagination. The pair walked past a trio of young guys in t-shirt and jeans who, if the way they admired the latex clad ass was any indication, were well on their way to acquiring a new fetish.
Oh, how the city council had been on your asses after Cass's redesign of your marketing campaign! Fewer customers, sure, but certainly a crowd that was looking for something different from the world. Dommes and subs strutted in the open, and there was at least as much latex and leather as there was cloth among the customer base. The tower was more than capable of drawing out the kind of customers that Cass wanted and the council hadn't been //too// much trouble...at least not since you had attended one of their meetings. You made a mental note to visit your councilwoman again at her home soon. You had a set of new paddles to break in.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, boss?">>
You paused and turned toward her, the words coming unbidden to your mouth. Lazren had made your new role very clear to you. You couldn't exactly remember what she said, though. Every time you tried you just got dizzy <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and your pussy got so wet<<else>>and your cock went so hard<</if>> you had to go back to your room.
You would have lifted your hands to wave...but of course, they were cuffed behind the small of your back, like they always were. Cass //did// let you still wear the suit...although the slight chill between your nethers reminded you that a pencil skirt had replaced your slacks and empty air your underthings.
'Easy Access' Cass had said. Frequently. She enjoyed your reaction to the words.
Cass paused and lit a cigarette, looking annoyed. That was pretty much her default expression, however, so it didn't tell you much.
<<nm $phCassandra "Tell the club to delay your shift til 9. Fucking meetings and bullshit. How in the hell did you put up with all this nonsense? I've been making nice with sweet little subs all day. They //know// they want to get their asses paddled, but they take forever to say it!">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh. Such a shame, boss, that sounds hard. I'm not sure I can stay up that late now though. After all, I'm just a regular employee. Wouldn't want me putting in too much overtime, would you?">>
Cass glared at you for a long moment, and you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>winked<<else>>fluttered your eyes<</if>> innocently at her. It was a game, and you both knew it, but it was still fun to play. She liked it. Cass stepped a little closer and put her hand across your ass, ignoring the attention you were getting as she half pulled your skirt upward when she did.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's hardly work for a slut like you. It's just doing what you're made for. Mmm. If I don't catch your dance, I'll just have to treat you like the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bitch-boy<<else>>whore<</if>> you are when I come around later...<br><br>...and if I //do// catch your show, I'll treat you like the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bitch-boy<<else>>whore<</if>> you are //and// I'll bring some of my new girls.">>
With your hands bound, you couldn't //really// slap her hand away, but you made a token effort. You strutted away, flipping the bird with both hands still cuffed at the small of your back. She let you go, cursing to herself as she pulled her phone out of her pocket and got back to the rest of her day. Good. She wouldn't see you smiling.
It was shaping up to be a very good night.
@@.narrative;ENDING 03 - A New Clientele @@
<</if>><<if _random is 4>>You heard voices near the door. Moving quickly, you straightened up and smoothed the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>black tailcoat of your formal top<<else>>black and white lace of your skirt<</if>>. You noticed a small bit of dust on the shiny surface of the table beside you and quickly worked it out with your thumb before resuming your position near the door. As the voice grew nearer, you started to recognize the words. <<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Domme'>>
<<nm $phJolie "...and don't take no for an answer. At this point, the city council is only in the green because we are. If they're going to get all fussy about a couple of sexy billboards, then clearly we aren't as close friends as we thought. That can wait for tomorrow though. Go home, it's late! I'm going to bed.">>
Jolie hit the door with force. In the first few days after she'd taken over your bedroom, you hadn't paid enough attention to exactly which side of the door to be on when she came home. You had learned the hard way that standing on the hinged side was a poor idea, and now a pillow rested on that wall instead. It was a lot cheaper than repairing the plaster.
Jolie's outfit had softened somewhere. There was still a lot of leather, but the tower could help dull oddities like that. The black jumpsuit hugged her curves and had a vaguely uniform-like cut. The mask was a little bit harder, but given that //all// the employees now wore one it was far easier to conceal it as part of the mall's affectations rather than her own.
The tall woman stopped, put her hand on one hip, and arched an elegant eyebrow at you even as the door rebounded from the pillow and slammed shut behind her.
<<nm $phJolie "So sorry, pet. It's been a very long day, which means it's going to be a very long night for you. Fetch me my whip, a blindfold, and a couple of handcu--">>
<<nm $phYou "Domino, Mistress.">><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>>
Jolie blinked and swayed in place, extending one arm to hold herself up by the wall. She drew in a deep, shuddering breath and reached upward to peel the mask off her face. The black uniform remained, but the curves filling it out were now more modest, and she wasn't nearly as tall as she had been seconds ago.
<<nm $phJolie "...Thank you, love. Jeez, I'm really going deep these days. There are so many! It is, how you say, like shooting fish in a barrel? How am I doing?">>
<<nm $phYou "Very well, Mistress. The tower is running smoothly, and you've certainly whipped the staff into shape. I think Mason is a little terrified of you, honestly.">>
Jolie grinned and extended a hand to touch your cheek. She drew in another breath and then pushed away from the wall and began to walk up the stairs. As she passed, she pressed the mask into your hand.
<<nm $phJolie "I can live with that...I love the outfit, by the way. What's on the menu today?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I thought I might just be a faithful servant pushed to the edge by a bratty mistress who finally decides to take matters into $pherhis own hands. You know, slipping something into her bath so that she falls asleep and wakes up tied to the bed. Then the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>butler<<else>>maid<</if>> gets...awakened to just how beautiful $pherhis brat of a mistress is...">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my. Mmm. That sounds like fun. Just don't spring the trap too early. I want to enjoy the bath. It really was a long day.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll do what I can, Mistress.">>
You turned to follow her up the stairs and raised the mask to your face. You paused just before it made contact, taking a moment to focus on the details of your little scenario in your mind. You felt a little twinge of regret as you did. You knew you'd never be the boss again, true. Lazren didn't offer any second chance.
But you'd never be bored, either. Hurrying to catch up with Jolie, you pressed the mask home.
It was time for the show to begin.
@@.narrative;ENDING 04 - Becoming The Mask @@
<</if>><<if _random is 5>>You shifted the stack of papers over to one arm and adjusted your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>> before you knocked on the door. You'd more or less gotten used to tighter tops, but you may have overdone it on this one. Your chest was so clearly outlined in the white fabric <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>you could count your ab muscles through the material.<<else>>you might as well have gone topless.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Come in!">>
You pressed into the bedroom and turned toward a small office set up near the door. Samantha was leaning back in her chair, her legs crossed as she absently filled out numbers on a spreadsheet. When she saw the stack of papers in your arms, she groaned exaggeratedly.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Is it Wednesday already?">>
<<nm $phYou "Afraid so, ma'am. It's a pretty light stack today, though. That new system that you hooked up is actually trimming out a lot of the nonsense. These should only take an hour or two this week.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Remind me to have a pay discussion with Lazren the next time she's back around.">>
Lazren. You drew in a deep breath at the name and your thighs pressed together. Your knees wobbled and you had to extend an arm to the desk to keep yourself upright. A sudden flare of heat ran between your legs and it was all you could do to not moan outright. Samantha looked up and winced.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Still? It's been months!">>
<<nm $phYou "Y-Yes Ma'am...S-Sorry ma'am...">>
Samantha smiled and reached out to tug you over to her gently. You didn't resist, settling down into her lap and gasping only a little as the bulge pressing up against you. She wrapped her arms around your middle and you leaned back against her.
<<nm $phSamantha "You know she did it for your own good. All those mental triggers of yours. They're helping to smooth out the transition for you. I admit, it surprised me. You just about came straight out the first time I called you a good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>b<<else>>g<</if>>-">>
<<nm $phYou "P-Please, Sam! I c-can't take two in a row!">>
She chuckled, not unkindly, and relented, nuzzling into the back of your neck. You could still feel the thrill running through your body from the near miss. 'Good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Boy<<else>>Girl<</if>>', Lazren's Name, and a half dozen others. All of them had the potential to reduce you to an absolute mess of a submissive slut.
...Of course, you still hadn't told Samantha that you'd been able to pick half of them yourself. Like she had said, 'smoothing the transition'.
<<nm $phYou "M-Miss...do...do you have time? Before the paperwork?">>
Samantha chuckled and pulled you in close. Her hand slipped<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> downward to cup your straining erection through the material of your pants, and you rolled your hips up into her hands with a deep and needy groan.<<else>> upward to cup your tits through the tight t-shirt and you arched to press them out against Samantha's palms.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "What kind of boss //wouldn't// have time to help their favorite secretary?">>
You couldn't agree more.
@@.narrative;ENDING 05 - Training Your Replacement @@<</if>><<if _random is 6>><<nm $phPetra "Report.">>
You quickly sprinted to arrive at her side, though it wasn't particularly easy. You had to deal with <<if $phYou.form is not 'male'>>your gargantuan tits threatening to pull you over whenever you got the slightest bit off balance <</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>and <</if>><<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>the chastity cage around your cock bouncing between your thighs and making it difficult to run<</if>>, but you had gotten more or less used to it by now. Petra sipped her coffee and swept her eyes over you, her expression lustful despite how long you had been hers.
<<nm $phYou "All is well, Mistress. The energy reports are on your desk and the staff is in their positions, ready for the morning.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Good...Remind them that errors will be dealt with appropriately. I just finished the last batch, so my schedule is just //begging// for occupation.">>
She sipped her coffee again and extended a hand, trailing it up the side of your hip. You were wearing nothing but a few gauzy strips of the cloth that probably wouldn't provide enough material to make a tank top. Even her lightest touch made <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your nipples harden like little diamonds<<else>>your cock thicken uncomfortably inside your cage.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "...Remind me. When was the last time I tied you to the bed and spend eight solid hours making you beg to cum, again? I just can't remember.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...Five days, Mistress.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Pity. Two more to wait at least, then. Don't worry, I have every faith you'll be able to manage it...and I have all sorts of new toys to play with if you end up squirting too soon again.">>
She winked at you and slapped her hand across your flank, dismissing you. You hurried to give her orders to the next rank down, pausing only for a moment as you stepped outside the door. For some reason, something felt off. You weren't sure what. The tower was running like a well-oiled machine, as it always did. The threat of being called to Petra office to explain downturns was enough motivation to keep everything humming along. You also knew you weren't allowed to cum more than once a week. Mistress said it was for your own good, that any more would threaten to melt down your brain into a pure sex slave, and she wanted to take her time before that happened. Everything was just like it normally was.
A click from the door behind you got you hurrying again, sprinting down the hall to dispense the orders. Getting caught dawdling was the last thing you needed. You didn't want to delay your next reward any longer.
Besides, it was probably nothing!
@@.narrative;ENDING 09 - Basic Training @@<</if>><<if _random is 7>><<npc "fnpc1" "Exhausted Woman" "Ah! Ah! Ahhhhhh! Oh Fuck! Oh Fuck! Mmmm...That was...give me...Give me just a second, I just need to...I just need to rest...">>
You grinned and gave the pretty brunette a light pat on the knee, straightening up and smoothing <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>the black vest and shirt combo<<else>>the black skirt over your fishnets<</if>>. You dabbed your mouth daintily on a tissue and gently closed the poor woman's legs.
<<nm $phYou "That is perfectly okay. You just rest. When you're feeling a little more energetic, enjoy the party...or come find me again.">>
You weren't sure she even heard you, her eyes lidded and glazed. You //had// been going for more than an hour, and it was clear she didn't get out much. You quietly let yourself out of the small, private room and into the hall. You'd only gone a couple of steps before you abruptly felt a pair of arms around your hips, hauling you back. A familiar voice, audible even over the distant thump fo the club music, purred in your ear.
<<nm $phXavier "Another satisfied customer, I trust?">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course, Master. We aim to please, after all.">>
Xavier beamed at you, the white of his teeth sharp against his dark skin. He looked supremely self-satisfied, but that had been very common since Lazren had given him the tower. In the months that followed, he had embraced the city's night life. The 'mall' was now confined only to the first floor, while the upper level contained a variety of clubs and entertainment ventures. A news story ran every so often inquiring about your permits to run so many sordid storefronts in one place, but they never seemed to get any major traction...
After all, Xavier knew how to identify a reporter, and you were more than enough to convince them that VIP status was well worth killing a story for.
<<nm $phXavier "Good <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>! I saw her when she entered. Poor girl had no idea what to do with herself. I trust you gave her some instruction?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh yes, Master. I think I can confidently say she'll be coming back soon.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Very good indeed. I think that deserves at least a little reward.">>
You tilted your neck to the side automatically even as his strong hands pulled you back against him. His lips teased at your neck even as one hand spread across your chest. You felt a shudder of anticipation run across your body, and a soft moan escaped your lips, unbidden.
You had been disappointed when Lazren had given your tower to someone else, but Xavier had done well. He'd even kept you largely intact, with a couple of minor encouragements. On occasion, you'd even talk long into the night about the best ways to capitalize on the tower's new success. But as his teeth slid into you and you felt the wonderful, blissful pleasure spreading from the bite, you privately had to admit the truth.
Sometimes, it was just nice to just //relax//!
@@.narrative;ENDING 10 - I Vant To Suck Your... @@
<</if>><<if _random is 8>><<npc "fnpc2" "Customer" "I suppose you're right. Maybe I'm holding myself back too much, concentrating on the past. I ought to get out there and try to make something new, shouldn't I?">>
You pulled the lever, steaming the milk carefully. You slapped the pitcher lightly on the countertop a few times, to work out the bubbles, and then poured carefully into the latte, your hands deftly coaxing out a design along the top of the drink. Notoriously tricky to get exactly right but, the machines in Paradise always nailed the mixture, and soon you had an artful picture of a dolphin etched along the foamy top.
<<nm $phYou "You should. Maybe go back, finish that degree. Marine biology, wasn't it? If you have a dream, it would be a shame to give up on it. Maybe today is the first day of something new.">>
The woman beamed at you, quickly paid with a generous tip and took her drink to one of the side tables. You could see her pull out her phone to start googling local schools, and you allowed yourself a smile as you idly polished the top of the wooden counter. The quiet, natural music was tuned just right, providing a hint of privacy to each guest, immersed in their own thoughtful little world.
Things had gotten a lot...trendier since Sara had taken over. Coffee houses, sushi, bars, self-help centers, and bookstores. Anywhere that could be made quiet and contemplative. You had to admit it was effective. The crowds were much less, but the ability to crowd out the manic pace of life, even for a little while, unlocked a shocking amount of energy from those customers who did appear. You hadn't looked at the numbers recently, but you'd even guess-
<<nm $phSara "And how are we doing today?">>
You hardly needed to look up. You'd long since stopped trying to keep track of Sara's comings and goings. Despite being dressed in a kimono that was as bright as it was unusual in the west, she somehow managed to materialize out of the ether virtually any time she wanted to.
<<nm $phYou "Very well. Just another soul on the road to self-discovery. A nice little chat.">>
Sara smiled and pressed a little closer to you. You could swear you felt the phantom sensation of several tails curling around the back of your leg, and when she spoke again her tone had that other, more ancient tone to it.
<<nm $phKayo "Perhaps she is not the only one who could use less of the past, young one. We go through many masks before we find our part in the performance. You helped people then, as you do now.">>
You made a somewhat non-committal sound, though you did appreciate the words. It was getting a little easier every day. The tower was doing well, Sara and Kayo were a remarkable combo, and you still got to keep yourself busy. It still stung a little, but a little less each morning. You guessed time could heal almost anything.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks. I'll be fine. The quiet helps.">>
<<nm $phKayo "I am certain that it does. However, sometimes, the noise helps too. We have recently...acquired a new vintage. Perhaps you would like to help us test it, with perhaps some of our other friends? Just for curiosities sake, of course.">>
You hid a smile as Sara wrapped her arm around your side. She was warm and soft and expressive, and you had to admit it. Time healed all wounds but, just occasionally, a party or three helped a lot too!
@@.narrative;ENDING 11 - Ooooh, Foxy Lady! @@
<</if>><<if _random is 9>><<nm $phYou "Harder! Harder! Please, fuck me $phMason.him! Please please please!">>
<<nm $phMason "That's it. That's a good $phMason.you. That's //my// good $phMason.you. Cum for me. Cum for $phMason.him!">>
You screamed and your eyes rolled back, even as Mason emptied himself inside of you. His hot cum inside your belly set you off, and it was all you could do to keep moaning and writhing and begging on his cock. It took a full minute before you settled back down to the slightly stickier mattress and let out a long, needy sigh.
The tall man chuckled, even as he pulled himself out of you. He shifted to sit on the side of the bed, one of his hands patting you lightly on the cheek. His expression was fond as he watched you gasp and pant.
<<nm $phMason "You may have five minutes. Then I'll want my coffee and the newspaper. Understood?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.him. Thank you, $phMason.him.">>
You shifted automatically in the bed to nuzzle against his leg while he brought up his phone and checked in on the morning's readiness. The tower had to be kept in tip-top shape, and your master was exactly the man to do it.
You didn't remember a lot about your own attempt at running the tower. You knew it was true that you had tried, because Mason sometimes mentioned it, and everything he told you was true, but most of that knowledge had been replaced by more important things. Things like how to rewire the tower's energy transference for greater efficiency, or just exactly the way Mason preferred his coffee (Pre-heat the equipment, slow pour through a filter, wide mug, half dose of cream!).
You dosed on his leg while he scrolled. Ever since he'd taken over and sold much of the upper floors of the towers to several online universities, the reach had been extended tremendously. Every day, thousands of people transmitted, streamed, and downloaded directly from Mason's meticulously maintained servers. Every lesson was refined and genuinely tuned exactly to the person on the other end of the line, just like the shops conformed to the customers in the mall.
It truly was brilliant, just as you'd expect from him. That moment of understanding, of forward progress, and of self-betterment was just as strong a release of energy as anything that had occured under your watch.
<<nm $phMason "Okay. Time to get moving.">>
He reached back with one of his lower arms and slapped your rear. You groaned but rolled out of bed to your feet. It had actually been //six// minutes, and you had been owned by your master long enough to know what a sign of affection that indulgence was. Still, there was important work to be done, and you planned to give it your all today, just like every day.
With his cum still dripping down your leg, you hurried to the kitchen. One coffee, coming up!
@@.narrative;ENDING 12 - The Headmaster Will See You Now... @@<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 0>>Lazren's fingers ran across your front, the dexterous digits unwinding buttons and undoing the knot of your tie with equal grace. Her kisses rolled across your jawline and cheek, and each one seemed to send a fresh rush of heat throughout your body. She pressed against your side, and the warmth and softness of her threatened to overwhelm you entirely.
<<nm $phLazren "That's a good $pgirl. Relax. Let me show you how we enjoy things. You're so much more than you were before, my <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>. Your old life must seem a million miles away.">>
Her hand rose and settled across the back of your neck, squeezing in a gentle massaging gesture. Your felt your muscles instantly loosen up and you leaned back against her for fear your legs would give out from under you otherwise. Your head was swimming and you almost felt like you were floating off the ground.
It wasn't until you kicked your leg that you found you //were// floating off the ground!
Your eyes popped open and you looked down. Your feet were nearly a foot from the carpet and you were half reclined in the air. Nothing held you up, but you felt as secure as you had on your own two feet. It was as though gravity had simply forgotten it had any power over you.
Lazren curled against your back, and you realized that this time, unlike the others, the succubus had come with you. The pair of you floated through the air, traveling over your bed like comets passing through space. Her lips pressed against your ear, hotly.
<<nm $phLazren "There we are. Isn't that easier than all that worrying you do? Mmm, but you are my favorite. I suppose I could give you one little choice...">>
She put her hand over your chest and gave you a little push backward. You floated away from her, but not for long. Instead of continuing until you bounced against the far wall, you slowed to a halt in the air just before it. Lazren, too, had halted, her hands rising to work the straps of her camisole over her shoulders.
It wasn't gravity //or// anti-gravity. You weren't weightless or flying. You simply were wherever she wished you to be. Her will seemed more than enough to keep you raised no matter what the laws of physics had to say.
<<nm $phLazren "Now, my <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>, one little thing. I'm going to make you feel //very// good. How shall I do that, hmmm? What does my sweet pet want?">>
The straps came loose from her shoulders and the fabric abruptly ran down her body, off the tips of her feet, and puddled on the floor as if the strings holding it aloft had been severed. She floated there in all her glory. Her purple skin was perfectly smooth and unblemished, her cock was thick and throbbing, and her smile was positively wicked.
You couldn't lie even if you wanted to. You simply didn't have the focus to speak anything but the truth.
You wanted her. You wanted...
@@.choice;
[[The Pleasure Of Her Hands!|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 1]]
[[The Glory Of Her Cock!|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 1>>Lazren smiled easily and flexed her fingers. Without seeming to push off of anything, she suddenly resumed her motion through the air and pressed herself against you, her fingers running up your sides and peeling your shirt away from your skin.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. You know, you'll learn to do this yourself one day. I'm almost jealous. There's so many firsts for you to look forward to, dear. You've got so much to learn yet.">>
She cupped your cheek with one hand, and the other worked its way down to your chest. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>her hand stroked admiringly across your pecs as she cooed in your ear. When her thumbs stroked your nipples, you nearly jumped out of your skin and your head rolled back. Even her simple touch was electric, and your nipples were soon standing as firmly erect as they had ever been.<<else>>It took her only seconds to send your bra falling onto the bed below your floating bodies and her fingers closed hotly around your nipple. You gasped, and your head rolled back. Even her simple squeeze was erotic. She toyed with the sensitive flesh until your nipple was standing at proud attention.<</if>>
After she had teased you enough, her hand wound its way lower. Your pants caught on the bedpost, the fabric hanging off the side like the waving flag of her conquest. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Her fingers brushed against your thighs and then moved upward, stroking directly against your sex. You found yourself arching in mid-air, your legs spreading instinctually for her touch.
<<nm $phLazren "That's a good girl. Mmm...demons may have a preference for being flexible, but there are some benefits to being all woman aren't there?">>
You moaned your agreement. Right at this second, you couldn't imagine anything better than the sensation of her fingers against you. You found your hips helplessly thrusting with every touch, or at least you found yourself trying to do so. Lazren seemed to have no trouble moving as she would with her feet on the ground, but you had nothing to push off of. You were at her mercy, even as she serviced your pussy.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm...It's a different sort of pleasure, perhaps, but just as exciting. Oh my daughter, you aren't just going to float there, are you? Did you forget who's the one collecting her payment here?">>
<<else>>Her fingers closed around your cock, and against you found yourself arching in mid-air.
<<nm $phLazren "Oooh, there we are. I must admit, I've always had a weakness for these wonderful things. So much sensation focused in such a small area. All you have to do is give it just a few pumps...">>
She did just that, rocking her hand up and down on your shaft. You found your hips helplessly thrusting with the motion, or trying to. Lazren seemed to have no trouble moving where she would in the air, but you had nothing to push yourself off of. You were at her mercy, even as she serviced your shaft.
<<nm $phLazren "Then again, there is something to be said for other options. A difficult kind of pleasure, perhaps, but just as exciting. Mmm, you aren't just going to float there, are you love? Did you forget who's the one collecting her payment here?">>
<</if>>Her tone was teasing as she shifted up to your side. You groped for her, blindly, letting your hands run over her flank and around her hips before dipping obediently between her legs. Then you gasped, your fingers finding warmth and wetness rather than the firmness that you were expecting. Lazren's laugh came out as a contented sigh, her head tilting back toward the ceiling.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. You can't still be surprised, love. We are what we choose to be...why shouldn't I choose whatever is the most fun?">>
@@.choice;
[[She Had A Point.|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 2>>Flying had its advantages.
Lazren moaned in your ear and spread her legs wider, egging you on. You pulled yourself over her, taking a position that would have been impossible on the ground but allowed your fingers to slide into her easily. Her hips were lifted and her legs were spread in a perfect V, but she could still reach your hips without pillows or a mattress to block her access.
<<nm $phLazren "That's a very good $pgirl. Mmm. Harder, sweetie. You can't hurt me. Show me what you've got!">>
You showed her. Her sex was intensely hot and tight around your probing fingers, but you pistoned your fingers in and out without finesse or rhythm. All you wanted was speed and power. You wanted to be deeper and faster and harder every time your fingers slammed home. Your digits were soon soaked and Lazren was moaning wantonly, hips rolling against your hand.
She wasn't taking it passively, however. Even as you redoubled your efforts to please her, her fingers <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>finally began to penetrate your pussy. You gasped and nearly froze for a second. Even that simple touch was hot ecstacy, and every push and retreat into you seemed to pull another moan from your body. Soon, her fingers were just as slick and shiny as your own.<<else>>squeezed your cock and begin to pump up and down. You gasped and nearly froze for a second. Even that simple touch was hot ecstasy, and every upward pump seemed to pull a fresh burst of precum dribbling from the tip of your shaft. Soon her fingers were as slick and shiny as yours and your cock was wet and slippery in her grasp.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...F-Fuck, I'm gonna cum!">>
<<nm $phLazren "With me! With me, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>my son!<<else>>my daughter<</if>>! Hold on. Always together. Mmm...Don't you dare cum until...until!">>
She lifted her hips higher and began to quake as her eyes rolled back. You weren't sure if you could have held out another second. The orgasm that burned you through you was intense. Your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy quaked <<else>>cock seemed to erupt <</if>>again and again as your climaxes ran together. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your hips rose and fell, your breasts bounced in the air, and your legs twitched in random directions as the pleasure surged and ebbed like a tide crashing over you. You lost track of anything but the sensation as the pleasure overtook you.<<else>>Sometimes, your seed splashed against Lazren's tits or belly or legs and left them dripping. Often enough, they simply went past her to splatter against the walls or the bed or the ceiling fan when you spun toward the ceiling. You lost track of anything but the sensation as the pleasure overtook you.<</if>>
When you finally came back to yourself, gravity had noticed you once more. Lazren was sitting in her throne, and you were curled across her lap, breathing in the smell of her perfume mixed with that familiar scent of sex and cum. She was dressed again, though you had no memory of her actually retrieving her camisole from the floor. When she felt you stirring, the purple-skinned succubus looked down at you and smiled, impishly.
<<nm $phLazren "...That was good, sweetie. Mmm, but next time, I'll take you out the window. It gets even better in the clouds.">>
@@.choice;
[[Of That You Had No Doubt.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 3>>Lazren's answering grin was broad and quick. She ran her hand down her stomach, slowly, until her fingers curled around her shaft. She gave it a few quick pumps, and the thick member was instantly at its full, erect glory.
<<nm $phLazren "Tell you a secret, my sweet? I was kind of hoping you'd say that.">>
She raised both hands and swept them toward you, gesturing you forward. Your body reacted instantly and began to drift, pulled forward by an unseen force. You expected her to meet you in mid-air, but she didn't. Instead, she drifted to your left and let you pass, curling around your backside.
<<nm $phLazren "Let's get you somewhere with just a little leverage, sweetie. You might want your hands against something for this one...">>
The pair of you kept drifting lazily, and Lazren curled her arms around you. Her hands massaged your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest, teasing your pecs and playing gently with your nipples.<<else>>tits, teasing the flesh and pinching gently at both nipples until they were standing tall and proud.<</if>> Her mouth worked at the crook of your neck, trailing kisses that burned across your skin.
You almost didn't realize you'd reached the window until it was too late. At the last moment, you extended both hands flat against the glass to keep yourself from bumping into the smooth surface. The pair of you slowed to a halt without any impact. It wasn't just like flying. It was like neither of you had any weight at all.
<<nm $phLazren "There we are...I suppose we'll find out if anyone is an early riser in any of those office buildings across the street. They might just enjoy an eyeful of this one.">>
You didn't blush. You didn't care. Her nude, heated body against your back made all of those tiny concerns burn away. You just let out a mewling cry and pressed back against her as hard as you could.
Lazren laughed and kissed you on the back of your neck, her hands running down your sides until they fastened around your hips. Then she drew your hips back. Your feet rose behind you, until you were completely horizontal, as though you were lying atop a mattress that simply wasn't there. Your legs spread to either side of Lazren's hips, and the purple-skinned woman slowly positioned herself behind you.
You felt the head of her cock pressing against the tight rosebud of your ass, and you bit your lip reflexively. She felt bigger...wait, she //was// bigger! She felt like she'd added three or four inches to that monster in the time it had taken you to drift across the room! She was huge!
Lazren made a cooing sort of sound, and ran her hand gently across your spine. Her voice was all but a purr.
<<nm $phLazren "You can take so much more now than you could as a human, my sweet. Shall I show you just how much?">>
She didn't wait for an answer. @@.choice;[[She Just Showed You.|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 4>>You'd never been filled this way before. You weren't sure you ever would be again. Lazren's cock was only halfway in, and you felt like you were going to split in two. There was no pain, though, even as she stretched you to what seemed like the inevitable breaking point.
But you never broke. Inch by inch, tiny thrust by tiny thrust, Lazren worked herself into you, and your ass welcomed her. You tilted your head back and moaned, loud and long. You didn't care who heard or who was watching through the glass. This was bliss, and you were going to enjoy every single second of it. Lazren laughed again, and her tone was fond as she bent over you and spoke a single word.
<<nm $phLazren "Slut.">>
It's wasn't degradation. It was celebration. You moaned you response and pressed your ass harder against her. She began to pump in earnest, then, letting herself slide back a few inches before thrusting herself home again. Every thrust seemed to spread you wider, until you felt like there was nothing left of you but a home for Lazren's titanic shaft.
<h2>SLAP</h2>
The spank echoed off the glass wall so loudly it almost made you jump. The only reason you didn't is because the pleasure the radiated from the impact of Lazren's hand against your ass threatened to send you right over the edge immediately. She slapped your bouncing rear again, and again, each time accompanying the impact with a firm thrust of her hips.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh fuck. I love this part. You've learned, my <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>. You know so much, and yet you're still so new. You're demon enough to lay with me, but you still can't fully handle it yet...">>
You nodded along frantically with your cheek pressed to the glass wall. You would have agreed with anything she said, as long as she stayed inside of you. Her thrusts were growing faster now. She stopped spanking your ass to hold onto your hips in earnest, burying herself to the hilt with every single motion.
Your pleasure was rising, and you were helpless before the tide. You tried to hold yourself back, but it was a useless effort. You came hard, screaming at the top of your lungs against the glass as your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>orgasm ripped through your body like a bolt of lightning.<<else>>cock jumped and spurted onto the carpet several feet below the pair of you.<</if>> Your legs hooked around Lazren, drawing her in against your body.
She didn't stop fucking you. Not through the first orgasm. Or the second, or the third. You lost track of anything by the blissful peaks and the few seconds of valley between them as you built toward the next shattering climax. Dimly, you heard Lazren crying out, and felt the heat suddenly run through your body as she unloaded it in your ass. Her cum was hot and tingly and oh so wonderful. She gave to you freely, cumming again and again until you felt sure your belly was rounding with the weight of it.
That was the last thing you remembered for a while.
When you finally came back to yourself, gravity had noticed you once more. Lazren was sitting in her throne, and you were curled across her lap, breathing in the smell of her perfume mixed with that familiar scent of sex and cum. She was dressed again, though you had no memory of her actually retrieving her camisole from the floor. When she felt you stirring, the purple-skinned succubus looked down at you and smiled, impishly.
<<nm $phLazren "...That was good, sweetie. Mmm, but next time, I'll take you out the window. It gets even better in the clouds.">>
@@.choice;
[[Of That You Had No Doubt.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 6>><<nm $phYou "I want...to make this tower the best place it can be. I need more energy to do that. Help me, and you'll see it paid back tenfold.">>
Lazren's smile was instant and wide, and she raised one hand to cup your cheek. Her skin was still hot on your skin, but the heat didn't bother you anymore. You guessed you were coming into your own now.
<<nm $phLazren "Darling <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>. Even when you're making a request, you serve me. How could I refuse?">>
Abruptly, she pulled on your shirt collar, tugging you into her and catching you with her lips. Her kiss was wet and passionate, and you felt a thrill roll through your spine. You could feel it. Some of that electric charge Lazren's presence generated was running down through your body and into the tower floor. You could feel the building quiver slightly beneath your feet, as if the whole place were lapping it up like a man dying of thirst.
<<nobr>>
<<set _tempEnergy to ($phEnergyCap - $phEnergy)>>
<<if _tempEnergy >= 250>>
<<set $phEnergy += 250>>
@@.narrative;//The Tower Is Infused With Energy! You have gained 250 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy!)
//@@
<<elseif _tempEnergy >= 200>>
<<set $phEnergy += 200>>
@@.narrative;//The Tower Is Infused With Energy! You have gained 200 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy!)
//@@
<<elseif _tempEnergy >= 150>>
<<set $phEnergy += 150>>
@@.narrative;//The Tower Is Infused With Energy! You have gained 150 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy!)
//@@
<<elseif _tempEnergy < 150>>
<<set $phTooFull to 1>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if ndef $phTooFull>>Lazren finally broke the kiss and pulled her head back, leaving your head spinning. She ran a warm hand up and down your side.
<<nm $phLazren "There - a little something to get things going. Happy, dear?">><<else>><<nm $phLazren "Oh, honey, you're so //full// already! I love getting stuffed as much as the next succubus, but there //is// such thing as too much of a good thing.<br><br>Tell you what: after we're done, why don't you go use up some of that juice, and I'll arrange for a little more to come your way tomorrow, instead. Just make sure you have room for it. Does that sound alright?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...Yes, ma'am. Thank you.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Good. Now then, I believe now that you've had your 'choice' thing, I was just about to collect my dues, wasn't I?">>
You opened your mouth to protest, but second kiss from the succubus silenced your complaint. She pulled you hard against her body. She was //strong// -- stronger than she looked. Stronger than it was possible for a woman her size to be.
@@.choice;
[[Looks Like You Had Made Your Choice...|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 0, $phLazren.post_talk to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 7>><<nm $phYou "I want...to know the truth, Lazren. I want to know what I'm doing here. I want to know what the tower is, and why you need me for it.">>
You'd never seen her startled before. She typically kept a sort of lazy confidence in her interactions with you, but now her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and she seemed at a momentary loss for words. Then she smiled, and inclined her head slightly with a new respect.
<<nm $phLazren "...I knew I loved you, sweetie. That's a very interesting wish. The truth is a heavy and painful thing, and so few seek it out in any real way. I suppose I did offer you anything, didn't I?">>
She drew in a long, deep breath and let it out again, obviously gathering her thoughts. Her hands absently ran up and down your sides, but they weren't teasing you any longer. For just a second, you thought you were seeing her as she actually was.
<<nm $phLazren "There's an end coming, sweet. Even you humans can feel it. The game is moving into its final phase, and I'm not sure I want to hang around to see the way the score turns out. It's a wonderful opportunity to flip the table and start a new one. One where the rules suit me a little more closely. In addition, I imagine there are all sorts of people who'll pay quite handsomely to join my new game, so I expect I'll do very well for myself.">>
<<nm $phYou "That sounds...important. Why are you entrusting me with all of that? Aren't you stronger than me?">>
She smiled again and raised her hand to caress your check. There was a tightness to her smile, though, and you thought you saw an actual flash of pain in her eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "It's not about strength, love. I'm a thousand times stronger than you. It's about change. I'm not human, and I never have been. I //don't// change. I can't. I'm the same now as I was the moment the first of you put your feet to the sand. Humans are empowered to change. They can change themselves, or the world, or the whole system if they choose. If they knew how. You //were// human, once. You've still got a bit of that potential within you, and you can teach it to the tower.">>
<<nm $phYou "The tower? What's so special about it that you need me to teach it?">>
This time, Lazren's smile was more genuine. She extended one hand to run down the wall in the kind of fond way that a parent might brush a child's hair.
<<nm $phLazren "The tower is //very// special, love. The labor of a lifetime. It's not human, but it //is// alive. It's changing, every day. Every time you build a new room, or grant a desire, and make an upgrade it feels the way that change happens, and it //learns//. It will awaken one day, if you're good. Then we won't need to remake the world. We'll just make our own. You'll be right there, beside me, I hope.">>
She leaned in and kissed you, gently. Even that soft touch of lips made your head spin. The electric sensation of her presence still hadn't dissipated. Your head was spinning for other reasons, though. The tower was alive? Lazren was going to make a new world? Who was it that would 'pay handsomely' to come along? What would payment even //look// like?
But you were out of time. You could see the shift in Lazren's eyes as she pulled you in tight against her body. You had gotten the truth, even if you didn't fully understand it, and clearly the mask was back.
Still, you had learned something. You weren't sure exactly what you knew, but you figured it would come in handy someday...
@@.narrative;You Learned The Secret Of Lazren's Plans!@@<<set $phLazrenPlan to 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Offer Your Dues...|LazrenBottomScene][$phLazren.sex to 0, $phLazren.post_talk to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 8>><<set $phLazrenDommed += 1>><<nm $phYou "I want sex. With you. I've dreamed about it.">>
Lazren cocked her head slightly to one side and flashed an amused grin in your direction.
<<nm $phLazren "We were just about to get started with that, sweetie. If you'd just lay back--">>
<<nm $phYou "No, not like that. I //want// you. I want to be on top, this time.">>
Lazren's eyes widened just a little bit, but her answering grin was impish. She ran a hand down from your shoulder, over your chest, and across your belly. Her touch was hot, even through your clothing.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh my...My little <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> is growing up so fast. In two weeks, you've made a harem and now you're ready to turn the tables on your creator?">>
<<nm $phYou "...You said I could have a reward. I pick you. You're going to be my personal succubus.">>
You gave her a challenging expression, keeping your back straight and your expression serious. Lazren giggled, for a moment...and then thumped onto her knees at your feet. She tilted her head to look up at you, and as she did her eyes seemed to get larger, and softer. You would swear her chest, already impressive, was swelling out against the confines of her gown.
<<nm $phLazren "How could I refuse? What would you have of me, $pMistress? I am at your service. A full succubus, just for you.">>
She arched her back, making her chest even more prominent, and ran her tongue slowly over her lips. You grinned down at her and felt a //very// pleasant rush of heat running through you. She had given you a reward, and you couldn't think of a better one than this. You didn't intend to waste it.
Straightening your back again, you gave her your first order: to...<<set $phLazren.post_talk to 9>>
@@.choice;
[[Get Her Tongue To Work!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 0]]
[[Fetch You Some Handcuffs!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 9>><<set $phTime += 1>>It was some time later. You were both dressed again and sitting at a long table in a side room you hadn't even known was there. You weren't sure if that was because if Lazren still knew your suite better than you did, or if it really //wasn't// there until just now. The tower was more than capable of creating rooms when it needed to, as you had already learned.
You'd poured yourself a steaming coffee and Lazren sipped from a cup of what smelled like chamomile tea. You learned forward on your elbow to listen as she set the cup back into its saucer and started in.
<<nm $phLazren "I've mentioned it a few times now, so you shouldn't be too surprised. I can't give you much time to enjoy what you've built. We got a problem, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine. One you're going to have to handle for me.">>
<<nm $phYou "I had an inkling. What's the problem?">>
<<nm $phLazren "My family.">>
You blinked. You weren't exactly sure what you were expecting, but it wasn't that. Your surprise must have been easy to read, because Lazren grinned and leaned back in her seat.
<<nm $phLazren "...You didn't think my being Sloth was a jest or exaggeration, did you, love? I'm a Sin, dear. A cardinal Sin. One of the seven sins, in fact. My family has been with me since the very beginning. We're very close.">>
<<nm $phYou "But they're causing a problem?">>
Lazren sighed and took another sip of her tea. She pursed her lips for a moment, and then nodded.
<<nm $phLazren "At least one of them, so far. I had to call in a lot of favors to get this place going. It took a little longer than I was expecting. Punctuality is not really my strong suit. My brother, Avery, is a little less forgiving of that than the others.">>
<<nm $phYou "And your brother is a Sin too? What's his...uh...?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Avarice, love. Greed. He's got his finger on the pulse of every market in the world, and he's getting a cut of every street corner deal that's ever gone down. He influences the world a little less personally than I do. He doesn't adopt humans, he makes investments in them, the same he did in our tower. He's demanding I either show him that his investments are paying off, or he's going to want the soulgems he loaned me paid back.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah. And you want me to gather up enough souls to pay him off? How many did he loan you?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, not that many. Ten thousand, maybe.">>
@@.choice;
[[Ten Thousand?!?!|LazrenPostSex][$phLazren.post_talk to 10]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 10>>Lazren laughed and reached across the table to take and squeeze your hand. You squeezed back, but your head was reeling. You hadn't even broken double digits yet, and Lazren was talking about multiple thousands? You'd been completely oblivious to this world weeks ago...Just how many people were there out there getting changed by demons?
<<nm $phLazren "Relax, sweetie. If there's one thing I can count on my brother for, he's going to stay in the game as long as there's a profit in it. //Your// job is to convince him the place is in good hands and he'd be stupid to pull his support now. He's just looking to give the operation a shake down.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay...So how do I do that?">>
Lazren grinned at you and lifted her hand from yours to touch your cheek. Then she pulled back and picked up her mug again.
<<nm $phLazren "Exactly what you have been doing. Keep hunting, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>my darling son<<else>>daughter mine<</if>>. He's not even going to talk to you until you've got six gems to your name. Every human is different, and learning how to convert so many in that short of time will make him notice you. It won't impress him, though. You're going to need to flatter his ego a little. What do wealthy donors always want?">>
<<nm $phYou "...I don't know. That really wasn't my income bracket before now.">>
<<nm $phLazren "They want their name on the signs, love. They want buildings and wings and universities serving as their legacy. You need to show him you want his support by building something to make him happy.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay. So we have the tower build a statue or something he can put his name on?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Not a bad idea, but no. Here's the deal, love. Most of the places you've built so far are...let's call them general purpose. They serve more than one sin at the same time. It's hard to find a human activity that we don't have to share.<br><br> They do exist, though. Locations devoted only to a single indulgence, to the exclusion of everything else. You need to build a monument of greed, dear. A place where the only thing on every mind is wealth and acquiring more of it. Where every other vice is just part of the transaction.">>
You suddenly understood. You gave a slow nod and leaned forward.
<<nm $phYou "...A casino.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Very good, love. I knew you had a talent for this. Don't worry about the permits. Avery may be a pain in the ass, but he was very helpful when it came to securing support from local government. Remind me to introduce you to our senator, by the way. You may enjoy seeing what they fill their weekends with.">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright. I collect more soulgems, and I make him his casino. That'll make him happy?">>
<<nm $phLazren "That'll get you in the door, love. The rest is up to you. You have a month before he's going to inspect. Laying the groundwork will keep him from doing anything rash. After that, you'll have to find your own way to impress him. I believe in you.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What happens if I fail?">>
Lazren smiled sadly and leaned forward. She heaved a great sigh, and reached for your hand again. This time the squeeze was less reassuring.
<<nm $phLazren "Then I'll have to pay him back. Since I can't return the gems he gave me, I'll have to loan him some of my best people until they can pay him off. Like the new manager of my favorite tower project, for starters. I have every confidence you'd only belong to him for a few decades, though, but I think we should try to avoid it, don't you?">>
@@.choice;
[[You Couldn't Help But Agree.|LazrenPostSex][$phLazren.post_talk to 11]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 11>><<set $phTime += 1>>Lazren stayed for a time, but it seemed like only seconds before she was leaving you again. Not enough time for you to ask everything you wanted to know, even if she was inclined to give you direct answers which she very much was not.
You walked her to the door and she cupped your cheek and told you that she knew you would make her proud. You weren't sure that you believed her, but you appreciated the sentiment.
Then she was gone. Not just away to the elevator, but vanishing into thin air between one blink and the next. Her throne, too, vanished with her, leaving your bedroom feeling strangely wrong even though everything was exactly where it should have been.
You didn't go back to work though. You sat at your desk, ostensibly going over paperwork, but you spent most of the time looking off into space and contemplating the situation you were in.
It had been an active day. You had, at least, past the first test, but it seemed that it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. You had a new quota, a new deadline, and a new building to make. You'd talk with Mason tomorrow, you guessed. The man may have more details on how to build something that would please Avery.
You couldn't but note, though, that all of that was only the minimum. If he took a dislike to you, you might very well end up enslaved to one of Lazren's siblings, if 'only' for a few decades. You had absolutely no doubt that Lazren was telling the truth about that, and you couldn't begin to guess how much it took to impress a Sin. Not for the first time, you began to wonder if signing the contract had been the smartest move.
Sighing to yourself, you stood up and pushed away from the desk and headed toward the bed. Tomorrow would be the first day of your new task, and being low on sleep certainly wasn't going to do you any favors. You peeled off your clothes and left a breadcrumb trail behind you from the desk to the bed, where you collapsed gratefully into the sheets.
What was done was done. Those problems would wait until @@.choice;[[Tomorrow.|LazrenPostSex][$phLazren.post_talk to 12]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 12>><<set $phStoryProgression to 2>><<set $phLazDays to 29>>When you woke, you were startled to find yourself actually rested. Given the events of the previous day, you would have expected yourself to be tossing and turning throughout most of the night. The bed Lazren had given you was simply too comfortable, however. Either that or you harbored a little of the Sloth bloodline, and missing sleep was not something you were likely to have trouble with.
You showered and dressed, pausing to look at yourself in the mirror and straighten your tie. You looked good. Confident. Ready to face the day. You weren't certain you were any of those things, but it was always good to give that impression.
You had four weeks until Avery arrived. Four weeks to hunt down more humans in need of a change. Four weeks to build an entire casino from scratch. Four weeks to figure out how one goes about impressing an immortal cardinal sin made manifest.
No time like the present.
Without a look back, you headed for the @@.choice;[[Office.|LazrenPostSex][$phLazren.post_talk to 13]]@@
<<include NewDayTriggers>><</if>><<if $phLazren.post_talk is 13>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">>You were surprised to find $phSamantha.name and Mason were both waiting outside your office. Mason was as stoic as ever, but $phSamantha.name was definitely looking anxious. When they saw you, $phSamantha.name hurried forward to wrap her arms around you and press a kiss onto your lips.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Gawd! I was so worried for you, $pMistress! You were gone the whole day!">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "We were pretty worried, boss. You disappear for the whole day after Lazren drops in? We weren't sure you were going to make it.">><</if>>
You rubbed the back of your neck. Right, you hadn't actually left your room for the entire day. Lazren had taken up a lot of it, more than it had actually felt like, and when she had left you had been far too preoccupied to work.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, $phSamantha.name. I didn't mean to worry you. I had to do some thinking. I passed, though, so it could have gone a lot worse. Of course, now we have a new problem.">>
<<nm $phMason "Avery, yes. Lazren //did// inform us early this morning. If she did not, I suspect your assistant would have battered down your door. I do have some prelimenary information on that, if you would care to converse.">>
You gave $phSamantha.name a last squeeze and then disengaged. She smiled and returned to her desk, where the phone was already ringing. Mason nodded and gestured you forward, walking down the short distance toward R&D.
<<nm $phMason "It would appear that your fieldtesting is coming to an end and the real task are beginning. Lazren told me you would be seeking to build a locus for her brother...that is to say, a monument of his particular domain. This will require a considerable amount of space and energy. Space will, at least, be little concern. Many floors of the tower are currently vacant. I believe we will want to commandeer two of them to make a sufficiently grandiose structure.">>
<<nm $phYou "I see. I suppose that is why there are so many public elevators. At the moment, other than my suite all we have are a few rooms for guests and employeers, and we don't have //all// that many of either. What about energy?">>
<<nm $phMason "More problematic. Your work to date has been exemplary, but the expenditures will be considerable, and they will only get more so from here. We will therefore need more efficient methods of acquiring what we need. It will be time to prepare the second level of the shopping complex.">>
You passed through the doors into R&D. Mason stopped at the console and began to type commands into the screen. He used all four hands when he typed, and you soon lost track of the words, numbers, and code tracking rapidly across the screen.
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean prepare? We already have shops up there. That's where all the high-end stuff is, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so. However, it is not the physical construction that will be the problem. Energy flows and pools in patterns based on those who enter the doors. That means it was difficult to identify the best places to build our new venues. Now that the we have been open to the public for a time, it will be easier to train the tower to take advantage of this pooled energy. Except...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Except it will cost energy to train it to do that.">>
Mason flashed you a tight, apologetic smile and spread all four of his hands.
<<nm $phMason "Even we are subject to the natural rules of the universe. As I believe it is said: 'It takes money to make money'. We may not operate in currency, but the sentiment is the same. We will have to expend some of our reserves in order to ready appropriate slots on the second floor. Eventually, as we overwhelm our space, we will likely have to expend increasing amounts to find even more locations. Such is the way of things.<br><br>I have programmed the option into your build console, and you may now access it your leisure. I have also added a few suggested blueprints to our options as well. The choices, as ever, I leave to you. Good luck, $phMason.address.">>
He bowed in place, then spun on his heels and disappeared into his office, leaving you standing with the build console. That was a lot to digest -- //everything// that had just happened was a lot to digest.
<<if $phGenderChanged is true>>In all the chaos, you just now realized that neither Mason nor Samantha had even commented on your new 'look'. Huh. Perhaps they were being polite; you could bring it up next time you talked to them. For now, you were tired.
<</if>>You sighed. No one had ever promised you it was going to be easy. <<if $phTooFull == 1>><<set $phTooFull -= 1>><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Time To Begin.|Research and Development]]@@<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 0>>Lazren tilted her head up, and her tiny smile somehow made you feel like you were still following the script she'd laid out for you. She reached up with both hands and hooked them around your hips, her fingers sliding into your waistband.
<<nm $phLazren "Of course, my $pMistress. Let me show you what I can do.">>
She leaned forward toward the front of your pants and pressed a gentle kiss across the fabric. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You sucked in a quick breath, but tried to keep the excitement out of your voice.<<else>>You felt yourself stir almost immediately, and there was quickly a sizable bulge pushing back against her soft lips.<</if>> She chuckled, quietly, and shifted her mouth upward toward your zipper.
You expected her to bite down on the metal and use her teeth to pull it down, but she didn't. Rather, she pressed close to your body, and you felt her tongue curling around the button. As her tongue danced the button loose, her eyes never broke away from yours, and no sooner was the fabric parted than her tongue curled across the zipper and began to drag it downward.
If she wanted you to be thinking about exactly what else she could do with that long, dexterous tongue, she was going about it the right way. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You felt a sudden rush of heat running through your body, making your head swim and your skin feel hot. Lazren divested you of your pants and then your panties in short order. Once she had you bared, she leaned forward and exhaled a hot breath across your sex...
...and you very nearly came from that touch alone!
<<nm $phLazren "Oh my! To think I left you this pent up, $pMistress! I haven't been attending to my duties properly. Let me make it up to you, shall I?">>
She ran her tongue slowly up and down the length of you and you found yourself alternating between tilting your head back in bliss and not wanting to miss a second of watching her licking submissively between your legs. Her mouth and lips were hot and wet, and she teased you expertly, stimulating your clit with her lips even as her tongue tip began to work its way into you. It was all you could do not to grab hold of her horns, cum all over her face, and pass out.
So //that's// what several thousand years of experience felt like...
No wait. //That// was what it felt like!
You squealed as Lazren's tongue went to work on you in earnest. It was impossibly long and dexterous, and she knew exactly how to use it. Soon you really were holding onto her horns for dear life as she teased your clit and lips, building you expertly toward an inevitable climax.
That would have been lovely, but it also wasn't what you had in mind. You pushed her on her horns and she came away from you with an audibly wet sound. She licked her lips, her chin glistening slightly with your excitement, and looked up in bemused confusion.
<<nm $phYou "No. Not like that. If I'm calling the shots, I want something special. Something you wouldn't do for just anyone.">>
Lazren blinked, cocking her head up as she rested her hands submissively on her knees. Then she smiled in that knowing way...and lifted the hem of her camisole. You caught a glimpse of surprisingly cute white panties as the succubus winked.
<<nm $phLazren "I already changed myself for you, $pMistress. I can do it again. Tell me, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine...what would be a proper experience?">>
That was the question, wasn't it? The succubus could be almost anything, but you didn't have the time to build a complex fantasy. Your pussy still ached for her, and it demanded you make up your mind very, very quickly.
So you did. You wanted to see how Lazren would handle...
@@.choice;[[Blonde, Bouncy, and Bimboed!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 11]]@@
@@.choice;[[Tall, Hung, and Submissive!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 13]]@@
<<else>>You felt a surge of blood running down to your waist and Lazren laughed again as your cock all but popped out of your pants and slapped across her forehead. Her skin was hot beneath your shaft, and you found your toes curling with the tingling feeling of her touch.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh my! To think I left you this pent up, $pMistress. I haven't been attending to my duties properly. Let me make it up to you, shall I?">>
She ran her tongue up along the underside of your cock to the head, then opened her mouth wide. When she took you, she did it in a single swallow, her head descending down to your lap in one thrust. You let out a moan, long and loud. Her throat and mouth were hot and wet, and they closed around your cock with expert pressure. You felt her throat work, massaging your shaft with each ripple of muscle. It was all you could do not to grab hold of her horns, empty yourself completely, and pass out.
So //that's// what several thousand years of experience felt like...
No wait. //That// was what it felt like!
Your eyes shot open at an unexpected touch. Something wet and warm and strong was flicking against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>balls firmly enough to make your knees feel week. It wasn't until you looked down and saw Lazren's smirk around your shaft that you realized what it was. She hadn't just taken your cock to the root, but now her tongue was slipping out around to it curl up against the base of your shaft, and she //still// had enough length to caress the heavy sac beneath!<<else>>feminine sex, hard enough to make your knees feel weak. It wasn't until you looked down and saw Lazren's smirk around your shaft that you realized what it was. She hadn't just taken your cock to the root, but now her tongue was slipping out around it to curl up around the base of your shaft, seeking and finding the slit farther back...and it was long enough to probe dexterously against your clit with expert little motions!<</if>>
You nearly came right there. The thought of it alone was enough to make it a real temptation, but the smirk stopped you. You shuddered, and gathered yourself in. No. You were topping her today, and you were going to have her the way that you wanted. You weren't going to waste this opportunity by climaxing in the first minute.
You reached down and took hold of Lazren's horns, pulling her back off your shaft. She came away with and audible pop, and her expression was genuinely startled as she looked up at you with those wide eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "$pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not like that...I have plans for you. I know how I want to end this.">>
She smiled up at you, and you could swear there was a hint of pride in her expression. She sat back, resting her hands on her knees and breathing deeply. She was waiting.
You licked your lips. When you came, it would be...
@@.choice;
[[All Over Her Face, With Her Tits Wrapped Around You!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 3]]
[[Fucking Her Properly! In This Case, That Meant Hard.|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 9]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 9>>You reached down and took hold of Lazren's hair, using it to pull her upward. She gasped, but the heat in her eyes was far from pain. You kept a grip on her and pulled her over toward the glass wall of your bedroom.
<<nm $phYou "I can't let you off that easily. Not when this may be my only opportunity to hear you moan like a whore! I want to hear it!">>
<<nm $phLazren "Yes, $pMistress!">>
You swung your arm around and propelled her toward the thick glass. She caught herself against it and her head immediately lowered as her ass pushed out and up. You ran your hand down the silken camisole, then flipped up the hem. To your surprise, her panties were white and cute, rather than the red or black lace you had been expecting. You didn't take long to get over your surprise, though, but jerked the silken material down her legs.
She spread for you, willingly, her hands pressed firmly against the glass. She was panting already, with need or a good facsimile of it. He sex was eager and wet for you, and you could feel the heat of her clearly even from inches away.
You couldn't have waited if you had wanted to, and you very much didn't. You thrust your hips and finally buried yourself in the object of your fevered dreams. Lazren's wanton moan was everything you could have desired, and she lifted her head up at to scream blissfully against the glass. You set your hands at her hips, and began to slam yourself home over and over again.
She was hot and tight around your shaft. If not for the fact she was sopping wet with excitement, you doubted you could have moved at all. As it was, your cocked slipped in and out of her with enough ease to let you work your hips like pistons, but she gripped your shaft every time you pulled your hips away. The room was soon filled with the wet sound of your hips slapping against her full ass, a lewd soundtrack to your lewder reward.
You didn't realize her feet had come off the ground until she wrapped her legs around you and pulled you hard against her. Flexible as a dancer, she gave her slight weight over to you entirely, going fully horizontal with only you and the glass to keep her aloft. Your panting moans mixed with hers, broken only by her exultations for you to give it to her even harder and faster.
You fucked her with abandon. You needed this. You needed her. She needed you. It was long before your pleasure could no longer be held back. You half bent over her, your thrusting hips slamming home even more firmly for several final motions. When you finally crested, Lazren arched and you saw the pleasure ignite in her eyes at the exact same moment, as though your climax had been a spark catching on dry kindling. The pair of you screamed in bliss together, your voices mixing in frantic, rapturous song even as your bodies had joined together.
And then it was done. The pair of you panting hard, struggling to get your breath back and recover some sense of yourselves in the wake of that all-consuming pleasure. It took you several seconds before you were able to lean down against her back to whisper in her ear.
<<nm $phYou "More?">>
<<nm $phLazren "More!">>
@@.choice;
[[More.|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 2>>Lazren's lips were as hot as the rest of her, and she pressed eagerly into your embrace as you stumbled back toward the bed. Your hands roved each other's bodies with mindless abandon. You weren't teasing or stimulating with your touches. That would have required far too much control and thought. You simply touched whatever you could. Squeezed whatever you could. Took pleasure in all that you could.
You could barely keep track of where in the bedroom you were. When the back of your knees hit the mattress, it was a complete surprise. You fell back into the comforting softness and wriggled your way back over the sheets. Lazren smiled from beside the bed and reached up to work the straps of her camisole over both shoulders.
<<nm $phLazren "You're still hard, $pMistress. Let me take care of you. I want to feel you cum inside me again.">>
She worked the straps over her arms and let the nightgown puddle at her feet. You stared. Not just because her body was gorgeous, but because something was missing. You'd obviously noticed the absence before, but it was still strange to see the succubus without her additional adornment. Lazren saw your expression, looked down at herself, and chuckled.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh $pMistress. It gets in the way at times like these, so why shouldn't I make some adjustments when it's convenient? You'll learn one day. It'll get easier to be anything you want to be. After all, we wouldn't be much good at tempting people if we only ever looked one way, would we?">>
She crawled onto the bed slowly and straddled your hips. Her hands slid down her chest, to her belly, and then to her sex, a journey that was a lot easier now that her cock had completely disappeared. She used two fingers to spread herself above you and lowered her hips down. You slipped into her again easily, as though she had been crafted solely for you. Perhaps this body had been. Your moans mingled with one another once again as she arched her back above you and began to bounce her hips up and down.
You smiled and rolled your hips up against her as she rode you. In this position, it was easy for your hands to roam her front while she bounced along your cock. She was framed against the light of the window, and you could enjoy every contour of her body and every curve and line of muscle twitching and bouncing as she worked herself up and down. It was almost perfect.
Almost. You //were// still topping, after all.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. If you can change yourself that easily, then...">>
The purple-skinned demoness extended one hand, laying a finger across your lips. You were about to protest but paused as she sucked in a large breath and her tits lifted with the inhalation. Then she exhaled...and those rounded beauties failed to fall even a bit. She inhaled again, with another equally dramatic expansion and an equally ineffective deflation.
Six or seven breaths later, her breasts were jiggling happily with every bounce of her hips. You reached out with both hands and squeezed them, firmly, and were rewarded with a high-pitched mewl of pleasure from the succubus. Her tits, expanded by at least three cup sizes, were marshmallow soft between your fingers, yet her nipples were hard and firm against your palms.
That was more like it.
You drew her down against you, feeling the heavy weight of her chest pushing against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>own not insubstantial bust<</if>>. Lazren obligingly wrapped her arms around your neck and drove herself down with even more speed and force. The pleasure rose...and you lost yourself to it again.
It didn't take long. You held out for as long as you could, but it was simply too much. Soon enough, you felt the pleasure peak and you thrust your hips upward, forcing yourself deep within your demonic paramour. Lazren gasped and went still even as you came, filling her with what seemed like an endless rush of seed until it dripped from her and ran down both of your thighs.
You just lay there for a long time, thinking about nothing. Lazren curled herself around your front, and her weight on you was a comfort. It could have been a minute, an hour, or a million years that the two of you lay there, listening to each other's slow breathing.
Then, finally, the purple-skinned woman lifted her head and met your eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "Okay, sweetie. Let's talk business.">>
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 3>><<nm $phYou "I'd like to see a little more of you before we're done. Why don't you show me what these girls can do?">>
You reached down and gently pushed the straps of Lazren's camisole off her shoulders. The purple-skinned demoness smiled at you and wriggled her arms, allowing the silken fabric to work its way down her body and puddle around her waist, exposing her chest. Her breasts were perfectly formed and perky, with pert nipples a much darker shade of plum than the flesh around them.
<<nm $phLazren "You've already gotten a look at these 'girls' before, but I suppose you haven't seen them in action. Then again, they might be a little lacking compared to what you're used to. I can fix that though.">>
You gave her a questioning look, but she just grinned and sat up on her knees. She slipped your cock into her cleavage and pressed her tits softly around the sensitive flesh. You could feel her heartbeat, calm and rhythmic, vibrating gently against the underside of your shaft, and you reached out one hand to run through Lazren's hair.
It wasn't until the succubus's tits abruptly enclosed far, far more of your shaft than they should that you realized what was happening. You looked down to see those perfect mounds surging outward, the pillowy tits pressing out against Lazren's fingers. With seemingly no effort, she added cup size after cup size to her chest until your cock was totally enveloped in titanic tit-flesh!
<<nm $phYou "Wha...?">>
<<nm $phLazren "...What? You thought I was limited to just one form, $pMistress? Don't you think I want to make this a memorable experience?">>
<<nm $phYou "You can change? Just like that?">>
Lazren rolled her eyes at your obvious question, beginning to bounce herself up and down on your shaft. You gasped and had to catch your lower lip between your teeth to stop from crying out. The skin of her chest was as hot as the rest of her, but they were so soft and smooth they seemed to glide effortlessly up and down with only enough friction to drive you crazy.
Almost immediately, your cock was oozing precum and wetting the valley of cleavage you were nestled in so wonderfully. Lazren let out a pleased sound, pausing in her motions to scoop a little of the creamy goodness onto one finger and suck it between her teeth. For some reason, the gesture reminded you of something. You spoke, trying hard to keep your voice steady with the pleasure running up your shaft.
<<nm $phYou "S-Samantha...When I changed her...<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>I made her a t-total bimbo. Big tits, blonde hair, and nothing but sex on her mind...<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>I could have made her a total bimbo. Ah! I was tempted. Big tits, blonde hair, and nothing but sex on her mind...<</if>>">>
<<nm $phLazren "I was there, love, remember?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...That's how I want //you//.">>
Lazren actually looked surprised, pulling back slightly from your cock. Her mouth fell open, as if to protest, but an abrupt shudder ran through her body. Her thighs suddenly squeezed together, and her eyes seemed to cross. You could see a sudden streak of blonde in her hair, growing back from the roots.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh fuuuuuccckk...">>
Her voice was altered. The rich and throaty tone had been replaced with something far higher-pitched and distinctly more bubbly. As you watched, her already full lips began to fill out even more, becoming thick bee-sting pillows. She actually bounced for a moment as her ass came in, the heavy cushions sending her up into the air an inch or two before she settled down on her enriched backside.
Her hands roamed across her body as the rest of her curves raced to join her tits and ass, giving her a perfectly exaggerated hourglass shape that only appeared in the world after extensive trips to a skilled surgeon. Her eyes fluttered as her eyelashes lengthened and her eyes became ringed with thick makeup. When she finally looked up at you, you realized with a start that her irises themselves had been shaped into perfect hearts. You stared down at the sex kitten sitting where the sinful incarnation had been just a moment ago.
<<nm $phLazren "Gawd, $pMistress! That was, like, such a good idea! I'm so much more fun this way, and I can really milk your yummy cock good! Do you wanna get back in my titties now? They're reaaaaallly big and soft now, and I bet they'll feel totally good!">>
@@.choice;
[[That Was More Like It!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 4>><<nm $phLazren "Oooh! Yummy cummy for me! That's so good, $pMistress! Fuck my big ol titties, okay?">>
Lazren's chirpy voice urged you on as she bounced up and down, stroking her tits up your cock. You moaned in pleasure, but were a little distracted by the bouncing. Every motion she made made her body jiggle and shake in very enticing ways.
Lazren lowered her head and opened her thick lips, taking the head of your shaft between them every time you thrust forward. Clearly whatever she had lost in intelligence hadn't interfered with her experience at all. Her tongue swirled expertly around the head each time a thrust brought it into range, and your shaft was soon glistening. It only made your shaft slide more easily through her cleavage and pushed your pleasure all the higher.
<<nm $phLazren "Oooh, you're getting close! I can feel your cock twitching, $pMistress! Cum in me, please! Cum on me! I, like, totally want to feel it, okay? Give it to your sweet little slut, okay?">>
How could you refuse that? You couldn't, you decided, reaching down with both hands to grab hold of Lazren's horns firmly. Her eyes went wide as you pulled her roughly forward, forcing her down to the very root of your shaft. She took you without the slightest hint of a gag reflex, her mouth closing tight and hot over your shaft.
You held her there, and began to thrust your hips hard and fast. You were beyond thought, by this point, and all you wanted to do was to empty yourself into this expanded bimbo. You could hear the breath rush out of the blonde succubus every time your hips slammed home, but all she did was moan when you fucked her face without mercy.
It was too much. You couldn't hold back this time, and soon enough you found your pleasure cresting. You pulled hard on Lazren's horns, forcing her off the tip of your cock with an audible popping noise. She gasped and mewled in protest, but only for a moment.
The first shot of your cum splattered over her face and dripped down her cheek. The second crossed over her neck and the top of her tits, then began to slip down her cleavage. You lost track of where the third or fourth burst went, and beyond that your vision seemed to blur entirely. As pleasure curled your toes, you found yourself falling back...
...When you came back to yourself you found your body extended across your bed with the comfortable mattress hugging your curves. Your head was still swimming, but mostly you just felt a sense of warm contentment running across your body. You felt...expended, on a deep level. It felt as though you had gone all night, not just one time.
Movement caught you eye, and you forced yourself to look sideways. Lazren was there, with the last of the blonde fading from her hair. She ran a finger across her shining face, then licked her digit clean with a playful grin. Her perky c-cups bounced as she leaned in against your side.
<<nm $phLazren "Okay, sweetie. Let's talk business.">>
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 1>><<nm $phYou "What I want is some handcuffs, Lazren. A set that can actually hold even you.">>
Lazren's eyebrows lifted at that, just a little. Her answering grin was saucy, however. She lifted one hand dramatically and then flicked it forward, the way an amateur sleight of hand artist might produce a business card concealed in their palm. What appeared was not a card, however, but a set of shiny silver cuffs, which she held out to you delicately.
You couldn't help but notice the metal was warmer than it should have been as you took it, as if it had been secreted against someone's body heat until this exact moment. As you examined the set carefully you spotted small golden engravings added to the design, swirling across the shiny silver in patterns you found both strangely familiar and equally compelling.
You pulled your attention away with an effort. You certainly weren't going to waste your opportunity with Lazren getting lost in the glow of some magic handcuffs. You reached down and offered your free hand and Lazren, smiling, allowed you to help her up. You took hold of her hips, gently, and urged her toward the bed.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh my, this one's been quite a while. Do you want me to undress, $pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "Leave it. I can tear it off of you if I need to.">>
Lazren cooed in delight at your threat, leaning up to plant a brief kiss on your lips. Then she turned and settled herself down on her back over the mattress. She lifted both arms over her head and held her wrists across the headboard.
<<nm $phLazren "Well, $pMistress. You've got me exactly where you want me...but what will you do to me?">>
You grinned at her, letting the silence stretch for a few seconds. You owed her that moment of anticipation as you sat on the edge of the bed and ran your hand gently up her thigh and then over her stomach. You jangled the cuffs in your other hand, working the links open with your fingers in preparation.
Of course, you knew exactly how you wanted her. You wanted to...
@@.choice;
[[...Cuff Her Face Down, Then Spank Her And Make Her Beg.|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 5]]
[[...Cuff Her Face Up, Then Make Sweet Love.|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 7]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 5>>You shook your head at Lazren and made a circling motion with your index finger. The purple-skinned woman looked briefly confused, then grinned and flipped herself over on the bed, holding her hands in front of her against the bedpost.
You ran your hands lightly up her arms to her wrists, guiding them together. It took you only a moment to loop the cuffs through a gap in the headboard and then snap the metal rings around Lazren's wrists. They closed with a satisfying click and the succubus pulled reflexively on the binding, rattling the chain against the wood.
<<nm $phYou "I guess I should have asked where the key was before locking you in.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm, not this set. You just need to touch them and command them to open again. Don't worry about the ending yet, $pMistress. I'm assuming you have something more entertaining in mind than talk.">>
You laughed and nodded, running your hand down the back of Lazren's neck and following her spine all the way to her rump. You flipped the hem of her camisole upward, exposing her backside to your gaze. You had expected something daring and lacey beneath the material, but found her underthings were considerably more white and cute than you had been expecting. You tugged the material down to her thighs.
Lazren inhaled sharply and the chain rattled again in its binding. She shifted from one knee to the other in anticipation and looked over her shoulder as you bared her sex. You weren't ready for that, though. You ran your fingers gently over her backside, enjoying her confident smirking over her shoulder.
Then you enjoyed watched her smirk disintegrate as you spanked her. Hard.
Lazren's back arched instantly and her jaw fell open in a mix of surprise and pain. You didn't give her time to adjust to the situation. You spanked her again, and again, and again, each time striking with the flat of her hand with nearly your full strength. It was firm enough to actually jerk her hips toward the end of the bed and force her cheek against the headboard. The purple skin of her ass darkened with your hand prints as you growled out your demand.
<<nm $phYou "Beg, Lazren. I want you to beg for me to fuck you.">>
<<nm $phLazren "W-Wha? M-$pMistress!">>
Her voice was shocked, but you could see the instant glistening of excitement shining between her legs as she said it. You shrugged your shoulders and then brought your hand down again on her backside. She squealed and her hips jerked forward, tugging futilely on the handcuffs and trying to pull her ass out of range. Her voice was more moan than words.
<<nm $phLazren "Ahh! Fuck, please! Please do it?">>
SMACK!
<<nm $phYou "...Do what, exactly?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Please, please fuck me! Give me your cock, please! I want you to drill me straight through this wall! I need it! I need to be fucked!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You smirked, about to remind the succubus that you were, like she was now, all woman. That ended when Lazren snapped her bound fingers and a sudden burst of pleasure and heat erupted between your legs, along with a ripping of cloth. You looked down in astonishment to find a jutting manhood standing straight from your hips.
You might have thought Lazren had given you a real one if you hadn't immediately reached down to grab it on instinct and felt the double-ended dildo shift inside of you, very nearly making you fall off the bed entirely. You grinned...and reached over to give the purple-skinned succubus another hard spank on the ass.
<<nm $phYou "//Ask// next time, you slut!">>
<<nm $phLazren "I'm sorry, $pMistress! Please, please fuck me! I //need// it!">>
You spanked her again, but your hand was already stroking the toy. Lazren spread her legs slightly and lifted her rear as much as she could. It was a position that would make it easy for you to slide into her sex from behind. You were tempted to let her stew in her need for a few more minutes, just to punish her for her boldness.
<<else>>You grinned down at her. You were quite sure she was still playing along, but you didn't care at this moment. Your hands ran across her hips and fastened on them firmly, pulling her back hard. The handcuff chain only let her go so far and left her all but hanging off the cuffs, unable to put her hands on the mattress or keep hold of the headboard.
It took all your control not to fumble with your own zipper for too long, letting the material of your pants slide down your knees. Lazren spread her legs slightly and lifted her rear as much as she could. It was a position that would make it easy for you to slide into her sex from behind.
<</if>>But how many opportunities would you have to @@.choice;[[Buttfuck Your Boss?|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 6>>Lazren's eyes went beautifully wide as you pressed <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy<<else>>your cock<</if>> against the rosebud of her ass. She made a low sound in her throat as you thrust your hips forward slowly but inexorably, forcing her to spread before <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy's thick shaft. Her rear was tight and closed hard around the silicone, forcing you to slow your motions into smooth and deliberate thrusts. That was easier said than done, since every forward motion drove the //other// end of the toy back into your sex, which was more than eager to take it.<<else>>your shaft. Her rear was hot and almost impossibly tight around you, forcing you to slow your motions into smooth and deliberate thrusts.<</if>>
For once, Lazren didn't have a teasing comment prepared. She was too busy gripping at the handcuffs and moaning at the top of her lungs. The succubus pushed her ass back against you, urging <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>you<<else>>your cock<</if>> even deeper by the second.
<<nm $phYou "Ah! If I knew you were this good, I'd have done this the first time we met!">>
You brought your hand down over her ass once again and she obligingly spread her legs even more. Her knees were spread so wide now that her sex very nearly brushed the sheets as you began to set a steady pace. The sound of your bodies meeting competed with your panting grunts and her exhultant moans into a by now familiar but still so wonderful song.
As much as you wanted to draw this out, you couldn't help yourself. Lazren's body sculpted itself around <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy and her flexing muscles drew it in and out of your sex with an impossibly smooth rhythm. Besides, becoming a succubus hadn't exactly increased your self-control.<<else>>your cock as thought she was made solely for you, and becoming <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> hadn't exactly increased your self-control.<</if>> Your slow thrusts began to speed up as her ass relaxed and welcomed you in. You bent lower and lower across her body as you worked your hips faster and harder by the moment.
You felt it happen before you heard it. A sudden ripple passed through Lazren's body and her ass abruptly squeezed hard <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>against your thrusting hips<<else>>across your cock<</if>>. Her voice rose in an orgasmic cry and the succubus tilted her head in bliss.
That's where she met your hands. You let go of her hips and reached forward, grabbing hold of both her horns. Then you pulled backward, bowing her body as she screamed in orgasm. You used the grip as leverage, slamming <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy<<else>>your cock<</if>> home once, twice, and three times...
...and then you came, like you never had before. It seemed to go on forever, one orgasm melding into the next until you felt like <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your entire body had been electrified the contact with that beautiful, wonderful body.<<else>>you'd emptied everything you were into that beautiful, wonderful body.<</if>> Your vision swam, your muscles relaxed, and you were dimly aware that you were falling forward against the succubus's body.
When you came back to yourself, you found your cheek pressed up against your pillow. Your eyes fluttered and your hands shot out, wondering for a moment if you had dreamed the entire encounter.
Then your fingers found a smooth hip, the skin far too hot for any human. Your eyes popped open.
<<nm $phLazren "Mmm. It's been far too long since I had one like that...Now, do you want to let me down, so we can talk?">>
You groaned against the pillow, tempted for a moment to leave her there for a while. That wouldn't be a good idea, though, and you forced your body to sit up and reach for the handcuffs.
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 7>>You smiled down at her and reached up, running your fingers up her arms to her wrists. It took you only a moment to wind the cuffs through a gap in the headboard. The links made a satisfying click as they snapped around Lazren's wrists.
The succubus was on her back, her hands now bound helplessly over her head. She battered her eyelashes at you, coquettishly.
<<nm $phLazren "Got me right where you want me, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll say. You're absolutely beautiful, you know that?">>
Lazren seemed startled by the compliment, or at least that it was delivered in a serious tone rather than a horny, demanding growl. She cocked her head to the side.
<<nm $phLazren "Awww, thank you, $pMistress, but you didn't pick this reward to tell me that I expect.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe I do...You're beautiful, and I wanted to tell you. I've thought so since the first time I saw you. I wanted to thank you for all you've done.">>
You leaned forward and pressed your lips to hers. The kiss was gentle but you let it linger until you were both breathless. Only then did you pull back, just enough to let you both breathe. Only then did you catch sight of something, and the grin that spread across your face was bright and genuine.
<<nm $phYou "Are you //blushing//?">>
She was! Her cheeks were darkened with a flush you'd never seen on her. She squirmed beside you, the chain of the cuffs rattling against the headboard. She wormed her way beneath you on the bed, rolling her hips up to meet yours.
<<nm $phLazren "...My sweet $phYou.firstname...">>
You kissed her again, and then again. You held each kiss until you forced to break it, and you were soon both panting breathlessly. Your hand rubbed up and down the side of her silken camisole, teasing her skin. Her hips rolled and lifted, and you obligingly slipped your hand around her backside and squeezed. She arched her spine and let out a cooing moan...and a word you hadn't often heard from her.
<<nm $phLazren "...Please...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Please?">>
<<nm $phLazren "...Please fuck me.">>
You didn't tease her. You simply nodded, once, and reached for her. She inhaled deeply and spread her legs slightly. Her camisole rode up, exposing the skin of her thighs and a set of surprisingly cute and plain white panties. It took you only a few moment to slip them lovingly down her legs, off her ankle, and off the side of the bed. Your pants joined them soon thereafter, and you rolled gently atop her.
@@.choice;
[[Then You Gave Her What She Asked For.|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 8>><<nm $phLazren "Ooooh, yes! Yes! Please!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Lazren's moaned words echoed off the wall as you shifted your hips and lowered yourself down on her. As your sex pressed down against hers, you realized the heat from her skin was no longer burning hot. It was instead a wonderful, enclosing warmth like the bed covers after a good sleep. Her body seemed to have been crafted just for you, and as she lifted her hips up against your body you felt the pleasure begin to tingle wonderfully through your body.
You didn't rush it. You hooked one arm gingerly beneath her right knee and lifted it, using her leg as leverage to position yourself against her, never allowing her hips to pull away from yours for even a second. You could feel every twitch and motion she made, and saw the purple-skinned woman bite her lower lip as she looked up at you.
<<else>>Lazren's moaned words echoed off the wall as you slipped inside of her. Her sex squeezed around your cock. Strangely, the heat that you'd felt before from her skin was no longer burning. It was instead a wonderful, enclosing warmth like the bed covers after a good sleep. Her body seemed like it had been crafted just for you, and she fit around you like a glove.
You let yourself push into her inch by inch, until she was wrapped around your length entirely. You paused, then, giving her a few seconds to get used to you. The purple-skinned woman moaned, and her legs hooking around your hips, pulling you down against her.
<</if>><<nm $phLazren "...I'm ready. Please.">>
You nodded and began to move. You thrust your hips slowly at first, rocking against her in long, smooth motions. Lazren bounced gently with every impact of your hips and rolled her head against the pillows of your bed.
You couldn't remain slow, however. The motion of your hips began to increase, along with the panting volume of your mixed moans and heat of your bodies. She was at the mercy of your pace, only able to encourage you onward by flexing her thighs against your hips. The chain of the cuffs rattled in the headboard above you, but neither of you even heard it.
She was breathing hard, her breasts rising and falling as you tucked yourself in against her neck. You trailed kisses along her shoulder, up her neck, and the edge of her jaw. She arched to meet you, every inch of her body begging for more just the way her voice was.
<<nm $phLazren "That's it...fuck me, please! I need it...You need it...I want to cum with you, $phYou.firstname!">>
You nodded, and sped up yet again. Lazren moaned, and her body moved powerfully with every thrust of your hips. Her breasts were bouncing now, and you raised both hands to cup them. You could feel her heart pounding beneath your hand, a rapid drumming of excitement and pleasure.
Lazren suddenly leaned up, her hands pulling the cuffs to the very edge of her motion. Her face strained for yours and you obligingly lowered your lips down on hers. You kissed her, even as you crested. The pleasure washed through your body differently this time. It wasn't a sudden firework of pleasure, but a slow and tingling pleasure that continually rose and fell as a waveform across your mind. You could feel Lazren's body tense below you and then relax all at once.
The succubus's eyes closed, and yours did too. Your bodies came together, and then your bodies came together. For just a second, you felt like you were one, not two, bathing in the warmth of the bliss within you both.
Then the feeling passed. You were laying atop your succubus boss, your head resting on the swell of her breast as you caught your breath. Your body felt heavy, but you forced yourself to sit up.
Her eyes were still closed, but they popped open again as you rose. They were surprisingly soft as she looked at you, but she seemed to shake it off with a visible effort. The teasing smile returned to her lips on reflex.
<<nm $phLazren "Let me out, love, and we'll talk business. That is, unless you were just getting used to me as a bed warmer?">>
You laughed and reached toward her wrist. As far as rewards went, that had been worth the effort. Now, though, it was time to hear about the next challenge.
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 11>>You couldn't help but grin as the idea struck you. You might only ever get to be on top one time, and you wanted something memorable. The chance to get something out of Lazren she wouldn't give anyone else was too strong to ignore.
Lazren was still on her knees looking up at you, and she saw the grin cross your face. She cocked her head to one side and caught her lower lip artfully in her teeth.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh? Did you think of something, $pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmhmm. Do you remember when you recruited me? You offered Samantha to me. <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>I made Sammy out of her. Big tits, blonde hair, and nothing but sex on her mind.<<else>>I could have made her a total bimbo. I was tempted. Big tits, blonde hair, and nothing but sex on her mind...<</if>>">>
<<nm $phLazren "I was there, love, remember?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...That's how I want //you//. Only even more so.">>
Lazren actually looked surprised. Her mouth fell open, as if to protest, but an abrupt shudder ran through her body. Her thighs suddenly squeezed together, and her eyes seemed to cross. You could see a sudden streak of blonde in her hair, growing back from the roots.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh fuuuuuccckk...">>
Her voice was altered. The rich and throaty tone had been replaced with something far higher-pitched and distinctly more bubbly. As you watched, her already full lips began to fill out even more, becoming thick bee-sting pillows. She actually bounced for a moment as her ass came in, the heavy cushions sending her up into the air an inch or two before she settled down on her enriched backside.
Her hands roamed across her body as the rest of her curves raced to join her tits and ass, giving her a perfectly exaggerated hourglass shape that only appeared in the world after extensive trips to a skilled surgeon. Her eyes fluttered as her eyelashes lengthened and her eyes became ringed with thick makeup. When she finally looked up at you, you realized with a start that her irises themselves had been shaped into perfect hearts. You stared down at the sex kitten sitting where the sinful incarnation had been just a moment ago.
<<nm $phLazren "Gawd, $pMistress! That was, like, such a good idea! I'm so much more fun this way! I can't remember what we were talking about before, but I think I was going to lick you out real good? Do you still want that, or do you want to play with my pretty titties?">>
She sat up on her knees, arching her back and making sure you noticed her chest. You could hardly miss it, considering her enormous breasts were pressing so hard against the fabric of her camisole that the cloth was practically translucent.
You indulged her, reaching out with both hands to grab hold of her voluminous chest, giving the soft mounds a firm squeeze. Lazren's eyes went wide and she squealed with delight!
<<nm $phLazren "Oooh, yes! Thank you, $pMistress! So good to me! Please, let me serve you! Let me lick you! Let me wear your cum!">>
@@.choice;[[How Could You Argue With That?|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 12]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 12>><<nm $phLazren "Oh $pMistress! You taste so yummy! I could ju-mmph! Mmmmn mmm mmmhh mmmnn!">>
Lazren had pulled her inflated lips away from your sex for a few seconds, but you thrust your hips forward and cut her off again, grinding your sex down against those pillowy bee-stings. You were straddling her, your knees splayed to either side of her face as she laid on her back. It had taken you the better part of 30 seconds to actually guide her into the simple position. Dumb blonde. But she did offer a few perks.
SMACK
You reached back and slapped your palm against once of her enormous, bouncing breasts. The bimbo let out a muffled squeal of pure joy at the impact, leaning forward and allowing her tongue to lap against you even more frantically. She didn't have a brain in her head anymore, but she knew her business well and her tongue was soon coaxing the affirmations from your lips.
<<nm $phYou "Good slut! Good bimbo! Mmmm...Lick me! Make me cum all over your face like the sex toy you are!">>
SMACK
You might pay for that on some future date, but you didn't care. The only thing that existed was Lazren, one of the Seven Sins herself, between your thighs with a cup size bigger than her IQ. You ground yourself into her relentlessly, and her tongue never stopped working at your body. She teased your clit, stroked you lips, and plunged her tongue deep into you, then did the cycle all over again and again and again.
You slapped her chest once more, then fought to reach over the bouncing mounds to run your hand down her stomach. Your elbow actually slipped into the blonde's cleavage and she cooed in confused excitement, actually pressing her hands to either side of her chest as if giving your elbow a titjob. You rolled your eyes, and let you hand trace farther down, seeking out the cleft between her thighs...
You heard it very nearly as quickly as you felt it. The moment your fingers touched those wet, puffy lips, Lazren's high-pitched voice screamed against your cunt. Her eyes rolled back and her body bucked upward beneath you. Once, twice, three times...
...Then she came. You would have punished her for cumming before you if she had, but she was saved by the clock. The vibrations of her voice through your sex, combined with the Sin's total submission to your will, was too much. You felt your own eyes rolling back as you let yourself go and lost yourself to the sudden rushing, //gushing// orgasm.
You weren't sure how many times you came. You weren't sure if it was just the one position, or if your body had guided Lazren into new poses while your brain had been away. You weren't even sure how many //days// it had been. You lost yourself completely to the sensation and set yourself adrift on its waves until you finally felt your mind coming back around to the present.
You found yourself blinking up at the ceiling. You were in bed, on your back, and the warm covers were closed around you. Your body felt heavy, but not in a bad way. It was the heaviness of worthwhile labor. As if you had spent all day doing something you loved dearly and the ache was just a pleasant reminder.
Your eyes swept the room...and found Lazren not far away. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, the last of the blonde running out of her hair. She cupped her chest as her inflated tits returned to their former size, then looked over her shoulder and caught you looking. The succubus smiled,
<<nm $phLazren "Well. It's been a while since I've had one like that, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine. If we had more time, I'd like to play that game for a year or two more and let you really get into it. But I suppose we'd better talk, shouldn't we? You have a lot to do and I have a lot to tell you...">>
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 13>>You grinned down at the succubus and put your hand on your hip, affecting a mock serious expression.
<<nm $phYou "...You're supposed to be serving me, but you changed without even asking me. What if I wanted that tool between your legs, huh?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, $pMistress, that's easily fixed! All I have to d-!">>
Lazren's words cut off as you laid a finger across her lips, silencing her. You shook your head slowly and licked your lip.
<<nm $phYou "I //do// want your cock, Lazren...but I want more than that. I don't just want a nice gentle fucking. I want to get //drilled//. I don't want you with a cock. I want a big, dumb, Amazonian slut who thinks with her balls and is perfectly happy to obey my every word. That's what I want for my reward.">>
Lazren's mouth fell open and you saw her eyes flash with a purple light. You took your hand away and the succubus moaned, rolling her shoulders as if working out a sudden pain. You saw her smooth skin ripple and watched as her lengthening hair ran suddenly over her face.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh...Oh my. Well, if that's what you want, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine...who am I to resist?">>
The purple-skinned woman pushed herself to her feet, her head rising to the level of your own...and then kept going. She passed six feet in height without slowing down, her arms stretching out to either side of her as her biceps expanded like inflating tires. Her camisole did //not// change shape with her, and as her body grew the fabric stretched and groaned and popped until it finally split down her side.
You gawked, just a little. This had been //your// wish, but still. Lazren was at least seven and a half feet fall, and your head barely came up to her impressive chest. She was still feminine, with curves in all the right places, but every time she moved her muscles rippled. She looked like she could break you in half without much trying.
The purple-skinned woman seemed fascinated with her own body, flexing her arms and watching the biceps bulge. Then she moaned and tossed her head back toward the ceiling.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh right...Ah! One more...mmm...thing!">>
One massive hand reached down, working between her legs. You half expected to see something between her fingers as it slowly grew toward a full size. That wasn't what happened. Rather, the thick cock sprang from between her digits fully formed as the succubus gave a deep groan of released pleasure. It was even bigger than it had been before, and the amazon stroked it absently as she chuckled down at you.
<<nm $phLazren "Wow...mmm. That's really good...so...you wanted a fucking, $pMistress?">>
Her voice was a trifle deeper, and husky, and it had none of the knowing, teasing intelligence that Lazren normally had. Her eyes were locked on your body with a smoldering need, and her hand was still absently stroking her shaft.
<<nm $phYou "On my terms, yes. On the bed, for starters.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Sure thing, $pMistress!">>
Lazren bent and reached out, grabbing hold of your hip with one huge hand. Before you could even object, and without even taking her other hand off her cock, she lifted you off your feet, turned, and tossed you onto the bed.
You landed with less than a ballerina's grace, but the bed was fortunately as well-cushioned as you could ask for. You half sat up, objection on your lips...but the words died on your lips.
Lazren was kneeling on the bed between your legs, her eyes hot and her cock swaying back and forth in front of you.
<<nm $phLazren "Hard or soft, $pMistress? Please?">>
You stared for several seconds, took a breath, and let it out. You shook your head in a mixture of bemusement and disbelief.
@@.choice;[[Like You Were Going To Pick 'Soft'!|LazrenTopScene][$phLazren.sex to 14]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLazren.sex is 14>><<nm $phYou "Ooohh fuuuuccckkk, yessssss!">>
You couldn't help it. You moaned. You moaned loud and long and repeatedly as Lazren's hips worked like pistons driving her cock deep, deep into you over and over again. She had one arm tucked behind the back of your neck and her body loomed over you. Every so often she would lower herself a fraction to drive even faster into you for a few second and your face would disappear between her soft, bouncing breasts.
<<nm $phYou "Fuck! Harder! Harder you slllluuuttt!">>
<<nm $phLazren "Yes $pMistress! Ah! Thank you, $pMistress!">>
Neither of you were speaking well. The parry and thrust of your verbal sparring was long behind you. You simply didn't have the attention for it, and you both had much more important things on your mind. Like the way her cock was threatening to split you in two!
You brought your legs up, wrapping them around the amazon's muscular hips. In response, Lazren redoubled her tempo and the sound of her hips slapping against yours got louder and louder. You locked your thighs around her and nearly felt the breath run out of you as she hilted herself to the base over and over again.
You were both building, rapidly. You could feel it in every twitch of her cock, every frantic repositioning of her arms over you, and the thunder of her heart as your face was again briefly buried in her swinging tits. You made a muffled sound of annoyance against the sizable bust.
<<nm $phYou "Fuck! Over, now!">>
Lazren blinked down at you in confusion, but she didn't resist when you rolled your weight and laid her on her back on the bed. Still impaled on her cock, which now stood straight up proudly from between her legs, you balanced yourself on her and began to rock your hips up and down. Slowly at first, rising up until her cock threatened to slip out from between your folds. Then you allowed yourself to drop down solidly, your ass making a new slapping sound against the big woman's thighs.
<<nm $phLazren "Please, $pMistress! Fuck me, $pMistress!">>
Lazren's hands roamed her body, but her eyes never left you and the show you were putting on. You gave her exactly what she needed, because you needed it too. You began to rise and fall and rise and fall with ever increasing speed. Soon enough you had to lean forward and press your hands to Lazren's muscular stomach to give yourself the leverage to keep rolling your hips. You wanted to draw this out as long as you could.
In the end, you could only do so much. Lazren let out a sharp cry and thrust her hips upward, catching you by surprise as she filled you again, and that unexpected motion was too much for you. The pair of you came together, your voices mixing over the frantic sounds of your bodies coming together and your hands roamed each other's chests as the bliss took everything else away from your mind.
It was your reward.
It was a very, very good one.
You came back to yourself stretched across Lazren's body, your head resting on her wide chest as she slowly caught her breath. You ran your hand across her side...and felt a tingle running up your fingers from the contact. Lazren began to shrink against you. Her amazing physique softened into her modest frame. Her muscles thinned and her curves became soft and smooth once again. Her enormous cock became something still impressive but less exaggerated as it slipped from your folds to lay across the bed.
You tilted your head to look up into her amused, alert eyes.
<<nm $phLazren "That was wonderful, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of<<else>>daughter<</if>> mine. I just love the way you think. Perhaps one day, we'll play that game for a few years and let you //really// get to enjoy it. But for now, we'd better talk about what comes next.">>
You sighed, but nodded and pushed yourself away from the elder succubus.
@@.choice;
[[Business After Pleasure.|LazrenPostSex]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<include CasinoTriggers>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 1)>><<include NadiaTalk>><</if>><<if ndef _interrupt>>The elevator doors slide open and you stepped out into the busy casino. The excited sounds of games in progress were all around you, and everywhere you looked bright colors and lights tried to draw your attention. The carpst was red with golden diamonds, and tassels of the same color hung off the overhead lamps.
The casino also boasted a lot of employees. You weren't sure if it had the most simulacra of any place you had built, but it was certainly competing for it. Beautiful women in sequin clothing walked up and down the tables, serving drinks and making brief, pleasant small talk. The men were of a larger cut, wearing expensive looking tuxedos that threatened to split open with the sheet amount of muscle they contained.
Mammon would likely be in her office through the chip cages at the back of the casino. You could also have a word with the pitboss and adjust how much energy you were putting out on the floor.
<<if $phSara.recharge is 0>><<if $phSara.transform is 'pre'>><<if ($phSara.focus_table is 0) and ($phMammon.focus_casino gt 1)>>@@.choice;[[A Dark-Haired Woman|SaraCasino]]@@ is dealing cards to a small group of excited patrons.
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar is 1) and ($phTime gt 0)>>@@.choice;[[Sara|SaraCasino]]@@ is sitting at the bar in casual clothes.
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_table gt 1) and ($phTime is 1) and ($phSara.focus_table lt 5)>>@@.choice;[[Sara|SaraCasino]]@@ is on duty, dealing cards at one of the blackjack tables.
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar gt 1) and ($phTime is 2) and ($phSara.focus_bar lt 5)>>@@.choice;[[Sara|SaraCasino]]@@ seems to have finished her shift, and is enjoying a drink at the bar.
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_table is 5) and ($phSara.recharge is 0) and ($phTime gt 0)>>You've got a gift for Sara. Time to catch her getting off shift to @@.choice;[[Give Her The Hat.|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar is 5) and ($phSara.recharge is 0) and ($phTime gt 0)>>You've got a gift for Sara. You could wait at the bar to @@.choice;[[Give Her The Mask.|SaraKitsuneTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if ($phSara.transform is 'magician') and ($phSara.recharge is 0)>>@@.choice;[[Sara's|SaraMagicianTalk]]@@ face appears on banners flanking the entrance to the theater. You bet she's near the stage.
<</if>><<if ($phSara.transform is 'kitsune') and ($phSara.recharge is 0)>>@@.choice;[[Sara|SaraKitsuneTalk]]@@ is probably at the bar at this time of day.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.recharge is 0>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2>>@@.choice;[[Nadia|NadiaTalk][$phLocation to 'VIPLounge']] is probably upstairs in the VIP Room. You had a job to do.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 3>>You didn't see @@.choice;[[Nadia|NadiaTalk][$phLocation to 'VIPLounge']]@@ anywhere. Still, if you were ready for the game, you had faith that she would show.
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.transform is 'angel') and ($phNadia.recharge is 0)>>@@.choice;[[Nadia|NadiaAngelTalk][$phset to 'Intro']]@@ would almost certainly be present in the back, enjoying her little world.
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.transform is 'genie') and ($phNadia.recharge is 0)>>@@.choice;[[Nadia|NadiaGenieTalk]]@@ is almost certainly working with the high rollers, but she'll answer your call immediately.
<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phStoryProgression is 3>>[[Visit Avery In Mammon's Office|AveryQuestions][$phAveryQ1 to 0;$phAveryQ2 to 0;$phAveryQ3 to 0]]
[[Talk To Mammon At The Bar|MammonAveryTalk]]
<<else>>[[Visit Mammon's Office|TalkToMammon]]
<</if>>[[Supervise As A Pit Boss|CasinoWait]]
[[Adjust Your Odds|Casino Odds]]
[[Take The Elevator Back To Your Office|Office]]@@<</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "Casino">><</if>>
<<if ($phMammon.focus_casino lt 1) and ($phLocation is 'Casino')>><<set $phMammon.focus_casino to 1>><<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'MammonIntro'>><</if>>
<<set $phMammonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ3 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ4 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ5 to 0>>
<<if $phMammon.goodbye is 'talk'>>You stood up and pushed away from Mammon's desk. The demoness waved, cheerfully, and reached for her phone, already dialing in her next victim. <br><br>
<<nm $phMammon "So nice to see you, darling. Do drop in whenever you'd like, and try not to lose your shirt out there. Or, if you do, make sure I get to snap a picture first, yes? Ciao-ciao!">><br><hr><br><br>
<<set $phMammon.goodbye to 'none'>>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.goodbye is 'SaraQuick'>><<set $phSara.goodbye to 'none'>><<if $phTime is 2>><<nm $phYou "Just keeping an eye on things. Don't have much time to stop, today. You'll do alright without me?">><br><br>
Sara lifted her glass to you with a smile and a wink.<br><br>
<<nm $phSara "I'll do just fine. Still, come back when you have a chance. I'm always interested in more stories.">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "I'd love to, but I've got places to be. Just thought I would say hi while you were looking a little bored.">><br><br>
Sara smiled graciously and straightened her shoulders.<br><br>
<<nm $phSara "Part of the job, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Mr.<<else>>Ms.<</if>> $phYou.firstname. I'll be fine. Good luck out there today.">><br><hr><br><br>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Not just yet, I think. I have a few things to look into, still. I might catch you later, if you're still around!">><br><br>
<<nm $phSara "I'll look forward to it! Have a good afternoon, $pMs. $phYou.firstname!">><br><hr><br><br><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phSara.goodbye is 'MagicianQuick'>><<set $phSara.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Unfortunately, just dropping in for a second to see how you were doing. Gotta get back out there.">><br><br>
Sara sighed exaggeratedly, but there was a performative air to it. She rolled backward and came up on her feet on the stage again.<br><br>
<<nm $phSara "Work work work. I don't have a spell to get you out of that, I think. If I ever do come up with one, you'll be the first one I call.">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "I'd appreciate that. Take care, Sara. I'll see you again soon.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.goodbye is 'KitsuneQuick'>><<set $phSara.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Unfortunately, there's few things I have to take care of, otherwise I'd stay for a round. Got to stay focused, and I don't think you have a drink for that!">><br><br>
<<nm $phSara "I don't know. That wouldn't be the strangest thing I've poured so far, but I understand. Drop in when you're ready to put your feet up, alright?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "How could I not?">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.goodbye is 'KitsuneTalk'>><<set $phSara.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I'd love to talk more, but there's a few things I still need to take care of. Can I catch you another time?">><br><br>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, of course. Bar's always open -- although I do have to sleep //sometimes//. Flag me down next time you're ready to wind down, alright?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "How could I not?">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'CasinoWait'>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You were tempted, but you knew you'd do better in the long run sticking to the high level management rather than taking every opportunity that presented itself on the floor. You turned away, and went back to your work.<br><br>
A few hours later, you knew you had done well. The machines had been subtly tweaked to better appeal to passersby, the lights and noise level had been adjusted to make sure it wasn't //too// overwhelming, and you'd even had time to create some new anecdotes for your simulacra to use to seem more like real people.<br><br>
Work was always work, but you knew it would feel good to see the work pay off.<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadia.post_talk is 1>><<include 'NadiaTalk'>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'AveryQuestion'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I think I've bothered you enough. Or at least I'm not sure my wallet can handle any more curiosity.">><br><br>
Avery didn't //quite// smile at you, but there was a flicker of something like mirth in his green eyes.<br><br>
<<nm $phAvery "A shame, but I, of all beings, appreciate frugality. I shall remain here a little while longer, should your circumstances change.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'AngelTalkGoodbye'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phNadia "Ah, we see that duty calls. Be well, $phYou.firstname. We are certain you'll come visit us again, when all the work is concluded.">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "How could I refuse an invitation like that. I'll be back soon. Promise.">><br><br>
<<nm $phNadia "So sworn, then!">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'GenieTalkGoodbye'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phNadia "Leaving so soon, $phNadia.Address?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Terrible as it is, yes. I wish I di-.">><br><br>
You thought better of saying //that// one. Nadia tossed back her head and laughed, waving as your retreated from the lounge.<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phMammon.focus_bank is 1>>You stepped into the bank, your shoes echoing a bit on the shiny marbled floor. There was a pretty, smiling girl sitting behind a curved desk, greeting customers as they entered, but she paid you no mind and allowed you to walk straight in through the glass doors.
The inside was impressive. The ceiling was built just as high as it possibly could have been without cutting into the floor above, and the entire surface was mirrored, making the place seem even larger. Black leather chair was placed back to back in the center of the main floor for waiting visitors, and there were marbled countertops with cheerful, smiling tellers on one side and a row of ATMs along the other.
It was also busy. The lines were moving smoothly and efficiently, but the flow of people in from the larger mall was constant. That surprised you a little, until you happened to step close to a cheerfully chatting pair of woman.
<<npc "fnpc2" "First Woman" "I just love stopping in here. I swear every time I come in I realize I have a little more money in my account than I thought I did!">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Second Woman" "No kidding! I think I actually will take you up on that ice cream you wanted earlier. I'm buying, okay?">>
Ah, that was it. Mason had told you a long time ago that converting energy into human money wasn't that hard. Your tower was more than capable of producing rooms filled with inventory at a moment's notice, so it could certainly handle creating some pieces of paper. Doubly so given that so little of it was likely to ever leave the wider mall. You had a suspicion that almost everything created in this room wound up in some other shop's cash register before the end of the night.
You stepped through the gate at the teller's station, and the simulacra tellers smiled blankly at you as you passed through on your way to the back. You wanted to explore the place thoroughly before you tried doing anything in here, and if it was set up like most banks you knew there would have to be a-
Ah ha!
You hurried up a set of short, spiraling steps and arrived a massive oak door emblazoned with a golden sign. The manager's office. You opened the door without knocking, already excited at the prospect of fiddling with the dials and settings of this place...and were forced to suddenly skid to a halt.
Your office was @@.choice;[[Occupied!|MammonIntro][$phMammon.focus_bank to 1.5]]@@<</if>><<if ($phMammon.focus_bank is 1.5) and ($phMammon.focus_casino is 0)>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mammon/Mobile/MammonIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mammon/MammonIntro.png]]</picture>@@
For a split second, you thought the woman sitting at the richly appointed desk was another simulacrum, perhaps placed there for anyone who had a burning insistence that talking to the manager would somehow net them even more preferential treatment. That perception died, however, when you took in the thick horns at the woman's brow that curled around the back of her head and came to a point near her ears. She wasn't a simulacrum, and she certainly wasn't human.
She'd looked up in some surprise as you'd come through the door, but that look quickly settled into a confident smirk. She gestured toward the seat across from the desk, as though you had arrived for an expected appointment. You hesitated for a moment, but took the proffered seat. The woman's hoop-like earrings flashed in the light as she leaned back and gave you an appraising look.
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Mammon') or ($phYou.surname is 'Mammon')>><<nm $phMammon "Well. Imitation //is// the sincerest form of flattery.">>
<<nm $phYou "So they say. And you are?">><<else>><<nm $phMammon "You'd have to be $phYou.firstname, I expect?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's right. And you are?">><</if>>
<<nm $phMammon "I am known as Mammon. I am neither the first nor the only, <<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Mammon') or ($phYou.surname is 'Mammon')>>obviously<<else>>of course<</if>>, but that's neither here or there. What you should know is that you've been blessed with my presence, and I'm here to ensure that Avery's investments are operated with a modicum of care. I am very, very good at what I do, and I will enrich you and yours immensely...if you listen well. I don't repeat myself, child.">>
You quirked your eyebrow, slightly, taking a closer look at her. Avery? That made sense, given the money involved in the bank's operations. Her clothes were simple, but finely made. The kind of thing that seemed casual but probably ran five or six figures. She toyed continually with a thick golden coin that might well have been a genuine Spanish doubloon. Her eyes showed a kind of maturity you hadn't seen outside of anyone but Lazren. You couldn't shake the feeling that she knew far more about you at a glance than you cared to share.
<<nm $phYou "Confident, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phMammon "I have no reason not to be. I've been around a very long time, darling, and I've learned what I can do.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what exactly is that?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Here? Investments, child, and I'm not talking about the humans outside lining up like lab mice to feeder button. As I said, I've been around a long time, and I know a lot of people in our world. I know who's setting up a new venture, and who's actually likely to succeed at it. They don't want your money. They want the energy you're collecting. Turn it over to me, and I'll make sure you're paid back promptly and reasonably...minus a commission from the profit, obviously.">>
<<nm $phYou "And if there isn't profit to take a cut from?">>
She smiled, cheerfully, and cocked her head to the side, contemplatively. The coin flashed repeatedly over her knuckles the way that a poker player would toy with a stack of chips.
<<nm $phMammon "You know, I'm not sure! It's never come up before. I suppose we'll burn that bridge when we come to it, won't we? Now, would you like to hear about some options, or should we get to know one another like civilized demons? I think we'll start out with one investment at a time, but I'm sure we can find something at your level. I'll ensure there's one in your email every day, just to be sure you have options.">>
You thought about it. If Mammon was here at Avery's request, you couldn't just kick her out. You also privately had to admit she had a leg up on you in this arena. You didn't know any other demons outside the tower, much less have any way to evaluate which one's were worthy of backing. It galled you a bit, but you would have to put up with it for now.
In the meantime...
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Mammon|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About Investments|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ4 to 1]]
[[No Time To Chat|Bank][$phMammon.goodbye to 'Intro']]@@
<<set $phMammon.focus_bank to 2>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><</if>><<if ($phMammon.focus_bank is 1.5) and ($phMammon.focus_casino is 2)>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mammon/Mobile/MammonIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mammon/MammonIntro.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "...Mammon? What on earth are you doing here?">>
The tall woman grinned and spread her hands, leaning back in her office chair. The golden coin flashed in the air as she flicked it upward and caught it again on the downward arc.
<<nm $phMammon "...Oh, child. Who else do you think it would be? You need a manager with some expertise. I think you've been around me long enough to realize I've got that in spades. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I didn't step up.">>
<<nm $phYou "But...But you're running the casino, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phMammon "...Oh dear. You can only be in one place at a time? You //do// have a lot to learn, don't you?">>
The sympathetic look she gave you was so artfully delivered you genuinely weren't sure if she was serious or not. You decided to let it pass without comment, especially when you realized that the office was exactly the same one you'd met her in before. That wasn't physically possible, given where the two venues were, but you also decided not to advertise your ignorance just yet. Better to get her talking about the matter at hand.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. I understand putting you in charge of the casino to make Avery happy, and you've done a good job there. What makes you think I can't run a bank?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh darling. It's not that you can't run the //bank// part. You've got humans out there lining up like lab mice to hit the feeder bar, but that's not what you need. What you need is energy. What you need is //investments//. Yours is not the only game in town. There are new operations being set up every day. I know the people behind them. I know which ones are worth looking into, and which ones are bound to fail. Is that something you think you can navigate?">>
She had you there. You didn't know anyone outside the tower, other than Lazren herself, and you certainly didn't have enough experience to tell a good venture from a bad one. You pursed your lips and crossed your arms.
<<nm $phYou "So I pay you energy, and you go giving it away?">>
<<nm $phMammon "No, child. You give me your energy, and I invest it wisely. I also ensure that you get paid back promptly when expected...for a small cut of the profits, obviously.">>
<<nm $phYou "And if you lose the seed money?">>
Mammon laughed, tossing her head back and making what sounded like a genuinely mirthful noise. She shook her head and leaned forward over the desk.
<<nm $phMammon "...Have faith, child, and it will be rewarded. Check in with me when you have a moment and I'll strive to have an option for you. If you don't like the look of it, check in the next day and I'll find another. Only one investment at a time, though. I've been specifically instructed //not// to let you get in over your head, so let's keep things down to baby steps. Now, would you like to talk for a while or should I tell you about our first opportunity?">>
You sighed. Mammon had you again. You might not like giving up the manager's office, but Mammon was certainly more experienced than you were. She had been a solid enough ally so far. You'd have to trust her for a little while longer.
Or at least tolerate her. In the meantime...
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Mammon|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About Investments|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ4 to 1]]
[[No Time To Chat|Bank][$phMammon.goodbye to 'Intro']]@@
<<set $phMammon.focus_bank to 2>><</if>><<if $phMammon.focus_casino is 1>>The elevator dinged, the door slid open, and you immediately heard the beautiful music of operation. Slot machines burbled to themselves happily along every wall of the wide space, mixing with the pleased shouts of victory and the muttered curses of defeat. Cards slapped against felt tables, dice rattled against one another, and ice tinkled in glasses all around you.
You stepped down the short staircase onto the main floor of the casino. It was artfully lit, somehow managing to look dark and sophisticated while still illuminating every square inch of the floor for the cameras. The carpet was red with golden diamonds, and little tassels hung off the lamps above the tables.
Employees walked up and down the neat rows, serving drinks and changing chips. The women were dressed in shiny sequin outfits that hugged their curves nicely, while the men were dressed in suits stretched too far over muscular bodies. There was an electricity in the air. A focused charge that came from having so much riding on a single game of chance. At any given second, someone was holding their breath as they waited for the moment of relieved bliss.
You stood for a moment and looked out over the crowd. There were losses, of course. Even the least suspicious human would quickly realize something was off if they visited a casino where no one lost. Yet, you know that the odds weren't exactly what they should be, in this place. Bets that //had// to pay off usually would. There would always be just enough losses to emphasize how nice it was to see one's chip stack growing.
Come to think of it, though, you didn't actually know how that was supposed to produce energy for the tower. If the only thing it needed was happiness from a sudden infusion of money, couldn't you just toss it over the balcony into the mall and get more or less the same effect? You picked your way across the main floor and passed into the cages where smiling simulacra happily exchanged chips for cash. None of them tried to stop you, and the security door opened cheerfully after you dialed a few random numbers into the keypad.
The back halls were much more deserted, as they tended to be. The casino didn't actually need employee breakrooms or security guards monitoring cameras. The hallway led only a single door, and you followed it down to the end, reaching out to turn the handle.
It didn't open.
You blinked, looking down with some astonishment at the lock. It actually took you a second to even remember the concept. There wasn't any door in the entire tower that would actually stop you. You rattled the handle firmly, but the door remained stubbornly shut.
Then you heard it. A feminine laugh from inside the room, and an electronic beep. The door clicked beneath your fingers and when you turned the handle again, it opened easily.
@@.choice;
[[Who The Hell...?|MammonIntro][$phMammon.focus_casino to 1.5]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMammon.focus_casino is 1.5) and ($phMammon.focus_bank is 0)>><<set $phMammon.focus_casino to 2>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mammon/Mobile/MammonIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mammon/MammonIntro.png]]</picture>@@
The woman at the desk was tall and thin. You might have confused her for a simulacrum if not for the huge, curving horns that emerged from her platinum hair and curved backward around her head, doing almost a full spiral before coming to points at her ears. Her hoop earrings were made of shined gold, as was the golden coin that she flipped absently across her knuckles the way a poker player might toy with their chips.
She wasn't a simulacrum, and she certainly wasn't human. Even without the horn, you probably would have pegged her as something else by the way her eyes swept over you. You couldn't shake the impression was cutting you apart and categorizing your bits with all the casual ease of taking in a TV show.
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Mammon') or ($phYou.surname is 'Mammon')>><<nm $phMammon "Well. Imitation //is// the sincerest form of flattery.">>
<<nm $phYou "So they say. Who are you, and how did you get back here?">><<else>><<nm $phMammon "You must be $phYou.firstname, I expect?">>
<<nm $phYou "I am. Who are you, and how did you get back here?">><</if>>
She affected a surprised expression and spread both of her hands. There was a mocking quality to the motion, though, that wasn't quite malicious but certainly not the slightest bit intimidated by your question.
<<nm $phMammon "I was invited, child, I assure you. You may call me Mammon<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Mammon') or ($phYou.surname is 'Mammon')>> -- though I am neither the first nor the only, obviously<</if>>. I was just taking a moment to settle into my office before making you a lot of energy. You always work better if you take the time to optimize. Remember that, it'll help in the future.">>
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean 'invited'?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh dear, didn't I mention? Avery sent me. You //were// making this place for him, weren't you?">>
That set you back on your heels. Mammon's eyes shown in exaggerated innocence, though she was making no effort to make that innocence even a little believable. She had known exactly what dropping Avery's name would do and had chosen her moment to do so. You narrowed your eyes, squared your shoulders, and tried to regain some control over the situation.
<<nm $phYou "You move awfully fast. We just built the place. How did you know we were making it for him?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Because if you weren't you'd be young, inexperienced, and a fool instead of just young and inexperienced. Lazren picks better than that, or so I'm told. Never have been able to meet her myself, but I'm rather hoping to change that while I'm here.<br><br>The fact is that I know how to run a place like this, and you don't. I've been doing it since before you were born, child, and I'm offering you my incredibly valuable services as a favor to someone you very much need to impress. It's an offer that some people would kill for, and I do mean that literally. Now, are you going to be tiresome about all of this or are we going to get to know one another?">>
You thought about it. The whole point of creating the casino was impressing Avery. You didn't doubt she did actually come from him. She knew too much about the tower already for you to disbelieve, and she probably also knew what Lazren would do to an interloper the next time she checked in. Building a casino for him and then kicking his handpicked agent out onto her ass would be satisfying but wouldn't do much to accomplish your goals.
You gritted your teeth. You were going to have to place nice...within reason.
<<nm $phYou "I see. I appreciate that. Just so long as you understand I still run this place. You report to me.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Of course, child, of course. Now that we've got all that out of the way, why don't we engaged in a little civilized conversation?">>
Her tone was unconvincing, but you let it pass. Whatever she was here to do, you had lots of reasons to tolerate her, at least for now. If she became a problem...well, you'd cross that bridge when you came to it. For now, you'd better find out as much as you could.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Mammon|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About The Casino|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ3 to 1]]
[[Questions Later, Go Back To The Casino|Casino][$phMammon.goodbye to 'Intro']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMammon.focus_casino is 1.5) and ($phMammon.focus_bank is 2)>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">><<set $phMammon.focus_casino to 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mammon/Mobile/MammonIntro.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mammon/MammonIntro.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "...Mammon? What on earth are you doing here?">>
The tall woman grinned and spread her hands, leaning back in her office chair. The golden coin flashed in the air as she flicked it upward and caught it again on the downward arc.
<<nm $phMammon "...Oh, child. Who else do you think it would be? You need a pitboss with some expertise. I think you've been around me long enough to realize I've got that in spades. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I didn't step up and help you when you needed me.">>
<<nm $phYou "But...But you're running the bank, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phMammon "...Oh dear. You can only be in one place at a time? You //do// have a lot to learn, don't you?">>
The sympathetic look she gave you was so artfully delivered you genuinely weren't sure if she was serious or not. You decided to let it pass without comment, especially when you realized that the office was exactly the same one you'd met her in before. That wasn't physically possible, given where the venues were, but you also decided not to advertise your ignorance just yet. Better to get her talking about the matter at hand.
<<nm $phYou "You've done well at the bank, I will give you that, but I need to run the casino. I'm pretty sure you know I'm trying to impress Avery. If he shows up and you're running the place, what have I really done?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh child, you're still far too human. Avery doesn't care about anything except results. If it's running well, he'll be pleased. If it's running poorly, he'll be offended. This //is// his church, after all. At least, one of them. I think you would have learned by now that the Sins appreciate delegation. Lazren isn't sitting atop the tower, is she?">>
That made you smile, but you immediately covered it. She had a point. She //could// be leading you into an elaborate trap, but what would be the point? You were beginning to understand what Lazren meant when she said that her kind didn't have the power to change. They were what they were. If Avery really was greed, then he'd favor anything that stacked the riches higher.
<<nm $phYou "Okay, okay. So what can you tell me?">>
Mammon laughed and leaned over her desk, steepling her fingers below her chin. Her eyes glittered with amusement and she smirked at you, broadly.
<<nm $phMammon "Oh child, more than you can possibly imagine.">>
You could imagine quite a lot. There //were// a few more immediate topics, however.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Mammon|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About The Casino|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ3 to 1]]
[[Questions Later, Go Back To The Floor|Casino][$phMammon.goodbye to 'Intro']]@@
<</if>><<include BankTriggers>>The bank was large, taking up enough space for at least three of the smaller shops from the first floor. Your shoes echoed on the marbled floor as you stepped inside and walked past the smiling simulacra sitting at the reception desk.
The ceiling inside was vaulted and the entire length was mirrored. The reflection gave the impression of a sea of marble that stretched on forever. Black leather chairs were set up back to back in the middle of the room, across from the teller stations on one side and the ATMs on the other.
The flow of people was constant, but there was far more cheer in the air than most financial institutions. There always seemed to be a little more money in everyone's account when they checked in within these walls, and bit of good news made it far easier for the people to relax.
Mammon would likely be camped out in the manager's office, or you could just stop by the screen she'd set up for you behind the teller's stations if you just wanted to check in on your investments.
@@.choice;
<<if $phStoryProgression is 3>>[[Visit Avery In Mammon's Office|AveryQuestions][$phAveryQ1 to 0;$phAveryQ2 to 0;$phAveryQ3 to 0]]
<<else>>[[Visit Mammon's Office|TalkToMammon]]
<</if>>[[Use The Investment Console|InvestmentScreenBank]]
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return To The Mall|Shopping Center - Second Floor]]@@<<nobr>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<include InvestmentTriggers>>
<<if $phLocation isnot 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "Bank">>
<<if ($phMammon.focus_bank lt 1) and ($phLocation is 'Bank')>><<set $phMammon.focus_bank to 1>><<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'MammonIntro'>><</if>><</if>>
<<set $phMammonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ3 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ4 to 0>><<set $phMammonQ5 to 0>>
<<if $phMammon.goodbye is 'talk'>>You stood up and pushed away from Mammon's desk. The demoness grinned at you, absently flicking her golden coin into the air with her thumb and catching it on the downward arc.<br><br>
<<nm $phMammon "I shall keep my eye out for anything you might be interested in. Remember, if anyone comes to you offering a special one-time only deal, you send them my way. I will ensure they never bother you with such nonsense again. Ciao-ciao!">><br><hr><br><br>
<<set $phMammon.goodbye to 'none'>>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'AveryQuestion'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I think I've bothered you enough. Or at least I'm not sure my wallet can handle any more curiosity.">><br><br>
Avery didn't //quite// smile at you, but there was a flicker of something like mirth in his green eyes.<br><br>
<<nm $phAvery "A shame, but I, of all beings, appreciate frugality. I shall remain here a little while longer, should your circumstances change.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<include "Investment Screen">>
@@.choice;
<<if (ndef $phBankDays)>><<nobr>><<if $phBankInvestment is 1>><<if $phEnergy >= 50>>[[Invest 50 Energy|Bank][$phBankDays to 99]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 50 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 2>><<if $phEnergy >= 100>><br />[[Invest 100 Energy|Bank][$phBankDays to 99]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 100 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 3>><<if $phEnergy >= 150>><br />[[Invest 150 Energy|Bank][$phBankDays to 99]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 150 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>><</nobr>><</if>>@@ @@.choice;
[[Close the Screen|Bank]]@@<<if (ndef $phBankDays)>><<if $phBankInvestment is 1>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.email;.emailHeader;
<<emailHeader "Mammon" "mmm@paradiseinc.com" "$phYou.firstname" "manager@paradiseinc.com">>
@@ @@.email;
Got one for you.
Got a call from an old acquaintance of mine. Seems he got a parking space stolen from him by some young idiot with a trust fund and a distinct lack of care for one's fellow man. This revived interest in a project he's been toying with for a while now. He's got a theory that all young men like that need is a bit of lace, a firm hand, and lots of positive reinforcement to find their happiness in a more 'service orientated' capacity.
He's looking for a small investment to help get this new maid service off the ground. A couple of uniforms with the requisite magical influences and a couple of sub-audible speakers to pump out encouraging thoughts ought to have them straightened out in no time. To be honest, converting worthy targets into blonde bombshells is about as close to a blue chip as our world gets. It won't be much of a payoff, but we can't have everything can we?
- Mammon
''Investment Details''
<ul><li>La Souillon Maid Service</li>
<li>Initial Investment: 50 Energy</li>
<li>Estimated Return: 100 Energy In 3 Day(s)</li></ul>
@@
<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 2>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.email;.emailHeader;
<<emailHeader "Mammon" "mmm@paradiseinc.com" "$phYou.firstname" "manager@paradiseinc.com">>
@@ @@.email;
You're going to like this one.
Had dinner with an old friend (Yes, dear, I do have friends outside of work, try not to be too shocked) and she spilled the beans about a hobby she's been indulging. This friend has always had something of a romantic streak, and gets terribly distressed by all those unhappy marriages that humans get stuck in. She wants to do a little bit of couple's therapy as a project.
She's already got a place way up in the mountains picked out for her retreat, but the cabins are going to take some work. Some of the strongest truth and acceptance auras we can muster, along with a few encouraging brochures and advertisements to get the unhappy people to actually book a stay. After a couple days inside those walls, they ought to be very, very comfortable with one another's darkest secrets, and very happy to patch up their vows. It's a good cause, and there's no shortage of targets available to hunt down. All that and a reasonable payoff means it passes my test just fine.
-Mammon
''Investment Details''
<ul><li>Setec Couple's Holiday</li>
<li>Initial Investment: 100 Energy</li>
<li>Estimated Return: 200 Energy In 5 Day(s)</li></ul>
@@
<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 3>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.email;.emailHeader;
<<emailHeader "Mammon" "mmm@paradiseinc.com" "$phYou.firstname" "manager@paradiseinc.com">>
@@ @@.email;
This one's pretty hot.
The whole underworld has been buzzing with news about a new and faster way to draw out a human's particular brand of sin. That part has always taken the longest, as you yourself know, but one of our enterprising incubi claims to be able to induce it by pheromones alone. Normally I'd steer clear of a claim like that, but your research robot with the four arms tells me the alchemy is on the level, at least as far as he's seen.
I don't think we'll be funding the breakthrough in its entirety, but Lazren's name was enough to get us on the list as potential backers for his first field test. If even half of what they say is true, even a failed test is likely to release an awful lot of pent up desires in the process. This one will take a fair time to pay off, but I think the reward is good enough to deal with the timetable.
-Mammon
''Investment Details''
<ul><li>Nasonov Field Study 001</li>
<li>Initial Investment: 150 Energy</li>
<li>Estimated Return: 300 Energy In 7 Day(s)</li></ul>
@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phBankDays gt 0>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.email;.emailHeader;
<<emailHeader "Automated Investor" "ai@paradiseinc.com" "$phYou.firstname" "manager@paradiseinc.com">>
@@ @@.email;
You have a pending investment!
You are invested in ''<<if $phBankInvestment is 1>>La Souillon Maid Service<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 2>>Setec Couples Holiday<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 3>>Nasonov Field Study 001<</if>>''.
Payoff Expected: ''<<if $phBankInvestment is 1>>100 Energy<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 2>>200 Energy<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 3>>300 Energy<</if>>''.
''$phBankDays Day(s)'' until loan payoff is due.
Thank you for using the Automated Investor system!
@@
<</if>><<if $phBankDays is 0>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.email;.emailHeader;
<<emailHeader "Mammon" "mmm@paradiseinc.com" "$phYou.firstname" "manager@paradiseinc.com">>
@@ @@.email;
Hello Darling,
It looks like we backed the right horse this time, and I just got word that one of our illustrious investors will be stopping in to make their loan payment. If you can somehow fit us into the schedule, stop by my office and see the fruits of my labor. We'll collect the energy we're owed, and perhaps a bit of personal thanks as well.
I'll leave //your// thanks to //me// for another day. Isn't it wonderful to have expert advice?
-Mammon
@@
<</if>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phMasonTimer is 0) and ($phMason.post_talk is 2)>><<goto MasonFirstCrystal>><</if>>
<<if ($phMasonTimer is 0) and ($phMason.post_talk is 3)>><<goto MasonSecondCrystal>><</if>>
<<if ($phMason.post_talk is 4) and ($phMason.recharge is 0)>><<goto MasonConfession>><</if>>
<<if ($phMason.post_talk is 6)>><<if $phMason.transform is 'tempsub'>><<set $phMason.transform to 'sub'>><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'tempdom'>><<set $phMason.transform to 'dom'>><</if>><<goto MasonFinal>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'build'>><<unset $phBT>>You turned the console off and pushed away from the screen, returning the monitor arm to its place against the wall. That was enough cyberwork for a little while.<br><hr><br><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phMason.goodbye is 1>>You said goodbye to Mason and the tall man nodded, pulling his googles back down over his eyes and turning back to his work desk. By the time you were out the door the hammering and chiseling sounds had resumed in earnest.<br><hr><br><<set $phMason.goodbye to 'none'>><</if>>
<<if $phMason.post_talk is 0>><<goto MasonIntro1>><</if>>
<<set $phLocation to "R&D">>
<<if $phTime > 2>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<<if $phMason.goodbye is 'talk'>><<set $phMason.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Alright, alright. Thank you. I'll let you get back to it.">><br><br>
<<nm $phMason "Thank you, $phMason.address. Though I will admit it was not an entirely unpleasant experience. I hope you found it edifying.">><br><br>
The tall man pushed away from his work table and flipped on his strange machine, filling the workshop with noise once again. You smiled to yourself and stepped back out of the door the office.
Well, that was something.<<if $phMason.post_talk is 2>> You now knew more about his story, and it wasn't as blissful as most of Lazren's servants. You couldn't help but shake the feeling that Lazren had placed him with you for a reason bigger than your needing his expertise. He was your employee, and you would find a way to help him.<br><br>
One day.<</if>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>><<if $phMason.goodbye is 'MasonDomQuick'>><<set $phMason.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I know everything I need to know, $phMason.him. I know I'm yours.">><br><br>
Mason grinned at you with approval. He reached out with both right hands, pulling you in close and crushing you against his chest. His lips found yours, his kiss brief but demanding. Then he all but tossed you back away from him while you were still reeling. <br><br>
<<nm $phMason "Good answer, pet. Very good answer indeed. Now, you're needed at your task. Our change of relational heirarchy does not alter your duties or your deadlines. Don't worry. When I have need of you, I will come for you.">><br><br>
He turned back to his work with dismissive finality. You sucked in a deep breath, stammered something appropriately affirmative, and turned toward the door. Just before you went through, he spoke again.<br><br>
<<nm $phMason "And thank you, pet. For everything. Keep your phone with you. I may need my $phMason.you before very long at all.">><br><br>
You very much hoped that was true!<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phMason.goodbye is 'MasonSubQuick'>><<set $phMason.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "That's all for now. Much as I would like to, I can't just fuck you senseless every day, $phMason.him. The other employees would get jealous.">><br><br>
You saw disappointment flash over the man's face, but he nodded without complaint. He leaned forward slightly in a polite bow, then straightened up and took a deep breath.<br><br>
<<nm $phMason "I understand, $pMistress. I will be working, as much as I can. If there's anything I can do for you, please tell me. Also...ah...thank you. For everything.">><br><br>
You leaned in for a long, possessive kiss that held until the tall man was gasping. Then you reached around his backside, squeezed his rear firmly, and turned toward the door.<br><br>
You would be back. Of that, you had absolutely no doubt.<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phMason.goodbye is 'MasonPostQuick'>><<set $phMason.goodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I'll let you get back to it; I just wanted make sure things were good.">><br><br>
He nodded, and despite his keenness to return to his work, he //did// seem more relaxed, and his demeanor not quite so stiff. You were sure he'd have good days and bad days, just like anyone else, but hopefully more of the former than the latter.<br><br>
<<nm $phMason "I appreciate it. Do stop in again when you would like. I expect I'll be finished with this quite soon.">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Not going to tell me what it is?">><br><br>
<<nm $phMason "A personal project.">><br><br>
You eyed him, and the longer you did, the more you were convinced that that really //was// the ghost of a smirk playing across the edge of his lips.
Curiouser and curiouser!<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'MasonDomTalk'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "No more questions, $phMason.him.">><br><br>
<<nm $phMason "Good pet. I am very pleased as to how you have been coming along. Now go. $phMason.Him will call his $phMason.you very soon. You have work to do.">><br><br>
Your cheeks colored with humiliation, but the rush of heat you felt was not primarily embarassment. The feeling between your legs was altogether different, and you turned quickly in an effort not to make it obvious.<br><br>
You hoped he called you soon.<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'MasonSubTalk'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I think that's enough. I'm pretty sure I've got a pretty good bead on exactly how you're feeling.">><br><br>
You stepped forward and your hand extended suddenly between his legs. His breath caught as you squeezed his cock firmly through his pants.<br><br>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress! I know you do!">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Keep this in good condition. I'll come back for it soon.">><br><br>
You leaned in, gave him a teasing kiss on the cheek, and then finally released his shaft and turned back to R&D. Poor boy, you'd have to come back and give him some relief...after had he cooked just a little more. <br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 2>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 1>><<set $phMason.post_talk to 2>><<set $phMasonTimer to 3>><</if>><<nm $phYou "How did you come to work with Lazren? I mean...were you human, or...?">>
Mason actually smiled at that, one of his eyebrows elevating archly. He chuckled and steepled his fingers.
<<nm $phMason "...Or am I some kind of elder demon? No, you are quite right, I was human once. It's been several years, but not so long that I've forgotten. If you can believe it, I was working in an arcade when Lazren found me.">>
An arcade? You mentally adjusted your conception of just how long 'several years' must have been. Still, you couldn't help but smile. That was not where you would have placed him.
<<nm $phYou "...Mechanic?">>
<<nm $phMason "Concessions, actually. That was part of the problem. I adored machines. I was fascinated with programming, technology, and information. I was not...capable of pursuing those interests. I could not focus on anything for more than a few minutes and my understanding of even basic concepts could be lacking. Instructions had to be even more carefully written out for me than most of those my age.">>
Your jaw dropped just a little bit. That wasn't just a little change, that was a total rewrite! Then again, you couldn't honestly say Lazren hadn't done the same to you. You'd done things in your short time as a succubus you would never have dreamed of in your former life.
<<nm $phYou "...I guess Lazren offered to fix that, for a price?">>
<<nm $phMason "Permanently, yes. The stated costs were minimal and I was happy, even eager, to buy what she was selling. What additional costs there were I cannot blame on her, though it took me some time to accept that.">>
You blinked and leaned forward. You'd never heard about any additional costs, or any of Lazren's people being anything less than pleased with the deal. Mason saw your look and he sighed and resettled himself. His expression took on a controlled cast as he looked off into the middle distance, his eyes tracking memories you couldn't see.
<<nm $phMason "Of course. You should like to know. Fear not, $phMason.address, there are no hidden clauses to the contract, simply the folly of youth. She tried to warn us, in fact.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Us?">>
<<nm $phMason "There was a girl, of course. We had been quite serious for many years. She was always my bright spot in the darkness. She has a wondrous mind, though it tortured her as much as it helped her. She did not mind my simplicity, and I think she found refuge in my lack of expectation. Of course, when I realized that Lazren was real, I insisted she take us both and grant us both our inner desires. She did so.<br><br>Of course, with the benefit of hindsight, it becomes obvious. Two people who find solace in one another in an imperfect world may not fit so well given everything they wanted. I wanted to understand. I wished to finally create and improve. To leave something more in the world rather than take it away. She wanted something else. She wanted freedom from the worries and fears her mind inflicted on her. She wanted to finally let herself off the road she'd spent her whole life dutifully following. We both got what we wanted, but then found we had no place in the other's paradise.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Couldn't Lazren change you back?">>
<<nm $phMason "You know how it works by now. We don't change. Not when we've found the form we want, or think we deserve. As it turned out, neither of us loved the other enough to literally walk away from our dreams. So she gave herself to abandon, and I was suddenly in need of tasks. Lazren could supply me with that, so I agreed to work wherever she wished. Most recently, that would be you.">>
You nodded, slowly. A dozen little things had snapped together in your mind. Mason had always gotten particularly curt whenever sex entered into the equation. You suspected you finally understood why.
You'd picked at that wound enough, though. You figured you should move on. <</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So...can I ask about the arms?">>
Mason's eyebrow quirked and he straightened up, bringing his lower arms out in front of him again. He tucked both sets of hands together and cracked one set of knuckles, and then the other.
<<nm $phMason "What about them?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm guessing there's a reason?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite right, yes. After Lazren's gifts, my mind unfortunately worked much faster than the rest of my body could manage. You cannot imagine the tedium of having mentally completed a problem, but having one's limbs still stuck implementing the solution. An extra set of outputs helped mitigate this problem. I can be finalizing a report with one set while adjusting an amplifier with the other. It is pleasingly efficient.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You can actually type while working on something with your other arms?">>
<<nm $phMason "...$phMason.address, given the other circumstances of our occupation, is that truly the aspect you have the most trouble accepting?">>
He had you there. The taller man actually chuckled as he leaned back down against the desk once again, rolling his shoulders.
<<nm $phMason "I have rather gotten used to them. I suppose I would not be crippled in their absence, but I would certainly be distressed. Especially in that the absence would almost certainly have an unpleasant transitionary period. I expect your own additional limb will eventually be similarly part of your mental construction.">>
You blinked and cocked your head to one side. You shifted forward, about to ask him what exactly he had meant...and your tail thumped against the wall behind you. You gave the spade tip a look and shut your mouth.
Maybe one day it would be. If it ever learned to behave itself. Enough about limbs for one day, though, you were pretty sure you both had other, slightly less embarrassing subjects to talk about.
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ3 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I can't say I read you all that well. Are you enjoying your time here?">>
<<nm $phMason "The laboratory is well-stocked, the tasks are varied and interesting, and the leadership is adequate.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Adequate enough to know that wasn't quite an answer to the question I asked.">>
Mason inclined his head slightly, the way a fencer would acknowledge a hit. His eyes tracked into the middle distance for a long moment and he finally spoke, softly.
<<nm $phMason "Any personal issues are my own, and not part of my employment. I will ensure you have no reasons to complain about my performance.">>
His tone had an element of finality to it, one that screamed louder than words that he would not be elaborating any further. <<if $phMason.post_talk gt 1>>You couldn't leave it there, though, not with what you'd discovered about him.
<<nm $phYou "...You still miss her, don't you? Your girlfriend?">>
His expression hardened instantly. His gaze was cold, just this side of an outright glare. He drew himself up and squared his shoulders.
<<nm $phMason "As I said, my personal issues are not part of my employment. I do not require you to take an interest in them.">>
<<nm $phYou "...And if I want to?">>
He sighed, with just a hint of frustration in his exhalation.
<<nm $phMason "I cannot control what you chose to do with your off hours. I can only hope you will quickly appreciate that not all problems can be solved. I can then return to my work without interruption.">>
Direct enough. You made a mental note and let the subject drop. Mason had told you all he was going to about that. It was time to either change the subject or make a quick escape.
<<else>>You frowned, but you didn't know enough about his past to guess what he might be referring to. You'd have to let it go for now and return to it if you could manage to learn a little more.
In the meantime, you figured you should either change the subject or make your escape.<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 0>><br />[[How Did You Come To Work For Lazren?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 0>><br />[[So...Why Four Arms?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ3 is 0>><br />[[Are You Happy Here?|MasonQuestions][$phMasonQ3 to 1]]<</if>>
<br><br>[[Let Him Get Back To Work|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 'talk']]@@<</nobr>><<if $phMammonQ1 is 1>><<set $phMammonQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Tell me about yourself, Mammon. How'd you come to be here?">>
Mammon laughed and leaned forward, putting her elbows on the desk. Absently, she set her golden coin down against the tabletop and flicked it with her opposite finger, making the disc spin like a top along the desk's surface.
<<nm $phMammon "No no no no no, darling, that's all wrong! You turn the conversation to my very favorite subject and then you go focusing on ancient history? I thought living in this place would have convinced you that the past is what holds us back.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe, but there's a little bit of our past in our futures, so it never hurts to ask.">>
The platinum-haired demoness let out an exaggerated sigh, slapping her hand lightly over the spinning coin as it began to wobble and lose momentum. She leaned back in her chair again.
<<nm $phMammon "Well, I suppose, child, but only because I like you. It's a distressingly ordinary tale, however. A long time ago I discovered it was much nicer to be rich than poor. It seemed like a spectacularly innovative discovery at the time, and I set out to make it happen. As it turns out, the easiest way to //be// rich is to start rich in the first place. It's not really a club that wants new members, you know.">>
<<nm $phYou "I've noticed that myself. I take it you were human then?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh yes. Extremely, painfully, distressingly so. I suppose I could have worked around that handicap, but I was also quite young and stupid, which just about doomed me. As I recall, my ambitions continued to increase even though my actual successes never did. I believe when Avery found me, I was in the middle of a terrible misunderstanding about a couple of chests of gold bullion that had come into my possession and then mysteriously vanished. It all got very complicated in a hurry.">>
You laughed at that. With most of your employees, you knew they were almost completely unrecognizable from the way they had been before they'd met you. Mammon, though, you could actually see making off with a few chests of gold and then trying to talk her way out of it.
<<nm $phYou "I imagine it did. That's when you met Avery?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh yes. He saw that my technique was a little shaky, but my heart was in the right place. He didn't have to persuade me very hard. I liked my head attached to my shoulders, and he had a whole lot of incentives to offer besides. I jumped at the chance.">>
<<nm $phYou "And you've been working for him ever since?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Mmm. Not exactly, no. Not the way that you serve Sloth. Avery really isn't that sort. He much prefers that I work for myself than him. People are always more industrious on their own dime. He gave me the seed money, kept my head attached, taught me a couple of tricks, and then let me go. The only rule is I have to tell him what I'm up to and give him the first crack at anything I start.<br><br>The rest is ancient history, darling. A little war over a poppy seed here, a handful of market crashes there, and all the usual opportunities afforded by human nature. It's been a great deal of fun, and very very lucrative. Now, did you want to talk about something a little more contemporary?">>
You nodded and held up your hands. You couldn't shake the feeling, though, that it wasn't the whole story. In fact, she hadn't actually told you much that you couldn't have guessed on your own. Still, now was not the time to press her. She might open up a little more once she got to know you.
<</if>><<if $phMammonQ2 is 1>><<set $phMammonQ2 to 2>><<if $phStoryProgression gt 2>><<nm $phYou "So...Avery.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Now you've met him too. What did you think?">>
<<nm $phYou "Somehow, everything I was expecting and yet nothing I was expecting.">>
Mammon chuckled richly and ran a hand over her desk. She had put up with being kicked out of her office reasonably well, but you had no doubt she was happy to have her own space again.
<<nm $phMammon "Not an uncommon sentiment, child. People think they //understand// greed, but they don't. They live in a society that chastises the greedy even while elevating their excesses. Seeing it practiced so...forthrightly is simply another matter.">>
You grunted your agreement and leaned forward slightly in your chair.
<<nm $phYou "So he's always like that? So cavalier?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Always. He's not fully immune to sentiment, but he simply prices that into the model. The only difference between selling you a priceless artifact of his youth or something he picked up on the street today is how much of a premium he charges. It's actually intoxicating, in its own way.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? How so?">>
<<nm $phMammon "He will tell you, quite directly, how much you're worth to him. That can be a wonderful feeling...so long as you're doing well. His price for me is quite exorbitant.">>
<<nm $phYou "Really? And how much-.">>
<<nm $phMammon "You can't afford me, child. At least not yet. Keep working at it, though, and we'll find out.">>
Well damn. Mostly, you had just been curious. Still, it would be worth keeping in mind. If you made greed happy, you could count on his support. If not...
Yikes.
<<else>><<nm $phYou "What can you tell me about Avery?">>
Mammon's smile was still fixed at your question, but you couldn't help but get the impression it had suddenly become forced. There was a cautious look in her eyes as she leaned back in her seat.
<<nm $phMammon "Come now, child. You don't expect me to ruin the surprise, do you?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to meet him soon enough, I just want to know what he's like.">>
Mammon studied you for a long moment. Then she sighed and folded her hands together on the desk, tilting her head back to study the ceiling for several seconds, apparently getting her thoughts in order.
<<nm $phMammon "Avery is...transactional.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I'm sorry?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Transactional. Look, darling, everyone has a little of it in their bloodstream. We all want to get as well as give, but it's the core of who he is. He isn't cruel. He isn't kind. He simply has an exact value in his head at all times of what you're worth to him, including the benefit of your future good will. If he finds a way to trade you for that value plus one cent, he'll do so without a second thought. If he can't, then no amount of pressure would ever make him budge. It's that simple.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sounds kind of mercenary.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Of course he is; the first mercenaries reported to him. The point is, if you try to treat him like someone ordinary you're going to burn yourself. Most people have preferences. If they ask you to do something, then that's what they want done. Their pride demands that you do it their way. Avery wants whatever the best way is, and if you do it his way instead of the best way, then he'll bring your life down around your ears. There's nothing he hates more than apathy. If you don't want things, then he can't make a deal. If he can't make a deal, then he can't come out on top.<br><br>That's the key point. Always make sure its in his best interest to help you, and you'll never have to doubt his conviction. He's always willing to make a new deal, and he genuinely doesn't mind if you make a profit off it too. That's more wealth in the world he can siphon later. But he will never, ever take a loss. If you threaten to become one, he'll scuttle the ship and get back what he can with the insurance money. Do you understand?">>
You did. That was something to think about. The good news was that you had nothing to worry about if you could convince him you were handling the tower well.
The bad news was he really //would// call his chips if he thought you weren't up to the task, and you had a suspicion he was a lot less kindly to work for than Lazren. You had no desire to ever find out for sure.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMammonQ3 is 1>><<set $phMammonQ3 to 2>>You asked Mammon to describe how the Casino would be working for you. The demoness chuckled and tapped a few keys on her desk's keyboard, turning the monitor around to face you. The screen was showing a live camera shot of the main floor. You could see humans at the tables and slots, lost in the thrill of the risk.
<<nm $phMammon "Avery would probably scoff if I were to say this to him, but it's not so different from a human casino. Just like there, what they're really paying for is the excitement. It's just that in this case, the payment and the product is the same thing.">>
She touches a key, and the video fuzzed and turned black and white. It reminded you of a thermal camera, where only the outlines of people remained. As you watched, multi colored flashes burst all across the imagine. They seemed to be coming off of the people at the tables.
<<nm $phMammon "The joy of a gamble paying off, darling. Everyone loves that, even us. We can feed on that energy, and everything that it gathers up goes straight into your coffers. Except...">>
You had been waiting for the shoe to drop, and you raised your eyebrows rather than tell her to go on. She spread her hands slightly on the desktop.
<<nm $phMammon "Everyone is different darling. For some, the high wears off immediately. For others a little bit of luck will be enough to make their whole week. Some don't care at all about small victories, but absolutely explode when the money gets serious. Others get scared away from the table if the stakes get too high, and opt to take the money and run. You can't always tell. <br><br> That wouldn't be a problem, of course. Most of your little shops work the same way, but we've got a little more overhead to deal with here. Not only are we churning out the cash to send home with them, but we need a lot of simulacra at the tables, and they can't just coast on your basic customer service responses. Gamblers like to talk. These ones need life stories, jokes, all the good stuff. That stuff is expensive. Sometimes that means we can spend more energy than we take in.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're telling me I spent all that energy on this place...and it can //lose// more?">>
Mammon grinned widely at you, and then held up one hand to pause your objection.
<<nm $phMammon "Welcome to the big leagues, darling. If you want to swim in deeper waters, you've got to accept that there's a few sharks. Don't worry. The house always wins, in the end. You will too. There may be bad days, but the good days will be better. That said, you have some control over that. I'll be handling the tactics, but you get to set the grand strategy. Set the risk where you want it.">>
<<nm $phYou "...How do I tune the risk?">>
<<nm $phMammon "It's about how focused we get. Essentially, we're hunting whales, dear. The ones who //really// feel it when things turn their way. They create the energy. Shooting for one of those, and then realizing they aren't paying out the way you hoped, is how we lose. Shooting for one and being right is how we win big. <br><br> If you want to keep the losses down, then we just throw the same little bursts of good luck at everyone. Some people produce more energy than average, some don't, but when we spread it around to so many people, we win more than we lose. Of course, you won't make much that way, so there's the other extreme...">>
<<nm $phYou "The other extreme where we go whale hunting?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Right in one, darling. We go that way and everyone still has a good time, but they're looking for the ones who show a stronger burst of energy when they win. Then we start pouring resources into them. We get lucky and we find ourselves a whale who pays for the whole day and then some. We get unlucky...well, the dice come up snake-eyes sometimes. Big gains and big losses.<br><br> Of course, you can also try to split the difference. Play it cautious, but follow the strong hits when you seem to be on a hot streak. However you want to play the game is up to you. Go ahead and talk to one of the pit bosses if you ever want to call and audible. I'll make sure they implement whatever play you call.">>
It made sense. Big risk, big rewards. Smaller risk, not as much for the coffers. You'd have to think about that one. You had a feeling you could easily get in over your head if you didn't pay attention.
Deeper waters indeed.
<</if>><<if $phMammonQ4 is 1>><<set $phMammonQ4 to 2>>You asked Mammon how she could help you make money through the bank. The platinum-haired demoness chuckled and folded her hands on her desk, leaning forward.
<<nm $phMammon "I can tell you the bank itself is not really the payday. Oh, you needed it, don't get me wrong. Humans expect to have to trade something for what they're getting, and they don't know about the soul energy we're sweeping up. Having a bank to keep them supplied means they'll keep all your other shops working well, and that'll increase the take a bit. You have more than a bank, though. You have //me//.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what does having //you// get me?">>
<<nm $phMammon "For one thing, the envy of more beings than I can easily list, but if you want something a little more material we need to talk investments. Lazren isn't the only one with little operations like these. Most of them are on a lot smaller scale, and that makes you a very sought after partner. You can skim just a bit of energy from your daily take and give them enough seed money to get started.<br><br>I'll be vetting the offers for you. Every day, I'll select the cream of the crop and highlight it for your perusal. There'll be a terminal behind the tellers in the bank where you can take a look, but I'll also be sure it makes it up to your office. If you like the look of it, you pull the trigger. If you don't, I'll keep looking.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not sure...I'm going to need a lot of energy to complete the tasks Lazren tends to set. I don't really want to loan it out and then find out I'm short.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Good instincts, child! Yes, that's why we'll be limiting you to one investment at a time. The whole plan is to see how well //you// run things, not how much you can stockpile relying on me. I'll also be looking for short term projects, at least right at first. Things that will turn around in a few days. Once you have your legs under you, maybe we'll let you play with some longer payoffs. Just remember to be sure before you invest. These are small operations. Once the transfer is made, it's going to be spent almost immediately. There won't be any way to get a cash out before the time is up.">>
<<nm $phYou "I see...and what if the operation falls through, and they can't pay me at all?">>
Mammon smiled. It was not a comforting smile. There was something in the expression that reminded you of documentaries you had watched about sharks. It was a smile with entirely too many teeth.
<<nm $phMammon "Leave that to me, child. Whether they succeed or fail, they still owe us, and //no one// gets out of what they owe.">>
You thought, briefly, about pursuing the subject further. Honestly, though, you didn't want to know.
<</if>><<if $phMammonQ5 is 1>><<set $phMammonQ5 to 2>><<nm $phYou "...You hired a human for the blackjack tables?">>
Mammon leaned back in her chair and spread her arms wide. Her chuckle was just as rich and dark as the coffee steaming on her desk.
<<nm $phMammon "Most things in life come hard, child. You work, you arrange, and you strike. Every so often, though, something drops into your lap, if your eyes are open enough to realize what you have. I knew that the moment she stopped me to ask about an application.">>
<<nm $phYou "...So we'll hire anyone that asks?">>
Mammon made a dismissive gesture with one hand, after which she picked up her mug and sipped.
<<nm $phMammon "You're smarter than that, child. The slothful one made you what you are because of that. Think. Why would her stopping me be important?">>
That stung a little bit. You resisted the urge to snap back with a witty comeback and instead narrowed your eyes as you turned it over in your mind. Mammon watched you with a faintly amused expression, as if trying to gauge exactly how your brain worked.
<<nm $phYou "...Because you don't wear a uniform. No name tag. No sign you're the boss at all. Yet she still stopped //you//.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Very good! The simulacra certainly wouldn't tell her about me. That meant she pays attention. Pays attention to how people move, how they talk, how others treat them. All the things most humans tune out. What's more, she used that knowledge to her advantage. That made her interesting. I thought she might have been one of mine, but when I saw the look in her eye when I asked her about her future plans...well, I figured I'd give you a present. I knew you'd notice her quickly enough.">>
<<nm $phYou "...One of yours? You collect gems too?">>
<<nm $phMammon "These horns aren't just for show, darling. I work with a different clientele, though. More of a pyramid scheme, when you get right down to it. Everything you want...but always paying a percentage up the corporate ladder, as it were. We look for good candidates just like you do.">>
You felt a strange, bristling sensation pass over you. You felt like someone had just put a boot print in the middle of your clean floor. Invaded your //territory//. You fought it down, both because Mammon had been a good ally and because you weren't entirely sure you liked that feeling or where it was coming from. Still, you'd have to watch out. If any of the casino regulars suddenly disappeared, you'd ask some questions.
<<nm $phYou "Don't suppose you could tell //what// she wanted?">>
<<nm $phMammon "And do your job for you? You can't afford my rates, dear. She wants //something//, though. Badly so. And that makes her worth your time, doesn't it?">>
You grunted, but you conceded the point. Mammon had put a target right in front of your nose, and even insured she'd keep showing up to work on a regular basis. It wouldn't be hard to keep 'running into her'. You cocked your head as a stray thought hit you.
<<nm $phYou "You said she pays attention. Won't she notice that all the other employees aren't real pretty fast?">>
<<nm $phMammon "And that, my dear, is wonderful motivation for you to move quickly, don't you think?">>
Great.
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phMammonQ1 is 0>><br>[[Ask About Mammon Herself|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if $phMammonQ2 is 0>><br>[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if ($phMammonQ3 is 0) and ($phMammon.focus_casino gt 1)>><br>[[Tell Me About Running The Casino|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ3 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if ($phMammonQ4 is 0) and ($phMammon.focus_bank gt 1)>><br>[[Tell Me About Bank Investments|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ4 to 1]]<</if>><br>
<<if ($phSara.focus_table gt 0) and ($phSara.transform is 'pre') and ($phMammonQ5 is 0)>><br />[[Ask About Sara|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ5 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phMammon.focus_bank gt 1>><br>[[Exit To The Bank|Bank][$phMammon.goodbye to 'talk']]<</if>>
<<if $phMammon.focus_casino gt 1>><br>[[Exit To The Casino|Casino][$phMammon.goodbye to 'talk']]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>@@<<if $phBankDays is 0>><<goto InvestmentPayoffScenes>><</if>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">><<if ($phSara.recharge is 0) and ($phSara.focus_table is 0)>><<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><</if>><<nm $phMammon "Ah! The prodigal child returns!">>
Mammon's voice was cheerful as you pushed into her office. The tall demoness was seated behind her desk, the desk phone held between her shoulder and cheek. The words she spoke into the receiver were markedly //less// cheerful before she slammed it down to end the call. She rolled her eyes, took a deep breath, and then flashed you a smile.
<<nm $phMammon "Thank you, darling. If they talked any longer I was going to die of starvation. Since you've saved me from that dreadful fate, you've earned however much of my time it takes for one of the sweet mannequins you've got running around to fetch me a yogurt that doesn't come from a vending machine.">>
She settled back in her chair and laced her fingers in front of her stomach, her expression expectant. You weren't sure if she was //actually// waiting for a snack, but it would probably be better to get to the point before you had to find out.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Mammon|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Avery|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ2 to 1]]<<nobr>><<if $phMammon.focus_casino gt 1>><br />[[Ask About The Casino|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ3 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if $phMammon.focus_bank gt 1>><br />[[Ask About Bank Investments|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ4 to 1]]<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_table gt 0) and ($phSara.transform is 'pre')>><br />[[Ask About Sara|MammonQuestions][$phMammonQ5 to 1]]<</if>>
<br><<if $phMammon.focus_bank gt 1>><br />[[Exit To The Bank|Bank][$phMammon.goodbye to 'talk']]<</if>>
<<if $phMammon.focus_casino gt 1>><br />[[Exit To The Casino|Casino][$phMammon.goodbye to 'talk']]<</if>><</nobr>>@@<<nobr>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassyquick'>><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>>You told Cassy you were just checking in, but had other things to do today. The animated woman's eyes expanded to twice their normal size, watering with oncoming tears.<br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Oh knock it off! It's not like you're far away!">><br><br>
The tears turned into peals of laughter as her full-figured image was replaced with a tiny flying imp with an exaggerated chibi head.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fine fine! I'll let you go this time, but don't be a stranger! It's fun playing with all the people visiting, but none of them can compare to you, $phCassandra.Address!">><br><br>
You grinned and keyed the screen back to its regular mode. The tiny imp giggled and waved goodbye as the image flickered back to the standard mall map. Turning away, you rejoined the flow of the crowd walking and gawking at the shops on offer.<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.goodbye is 'cassytalk'>><<set $phCassandra.goodbye to 'none'>>You told Cassy that was all you needed for today.<br><br>
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, I'm always happy to cheer you up, $phCassandra.Address. Don't worry. If anyone makes it out of here //without// finding a shop that calls out to their soul, it won't be because I was sleeping on the job. I'll keep lining them up, and you keep knocking them down, okay?">><br><br>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>>She winked, blew you a kiss, and vanished. The dloor display beneath your feet went back to lighting up with simple shapes and fireworks in response to footsteps. You smiled to yourself, made a show of putting the blown kiss away in your pocket, and turned to rejoin the crowds before things got any more saccharine!<<else>>She saluted, her ballgown becoming a pseudo military uniform complete with cap. Then she vanished, and the screen flickered back into showing its usual map graphic of this area of the mall. You raised a hand to your forehead to return the salute to the board and turned, walking back to rejoin the crowds.<</if>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>><<if $phTime > 2>><<goto Sleep>><</if>><<if ($phCassandra.post_talk is 0) and ($phCassandra.transform is 'hentai')>><<goto TalkToCassy>><</if>><<set $phLocation to "Floor1">>
<</nobr>><<set _cost to Math.round(150 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>><<if $phCasinoUpgrade is 0.5>><<set $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] to 1>><<unset $phCasinoUpgrade>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Upgrade Order Confirmed:'' <<termtext "white" "//Rigged Machines//">>
<hr />
> Initializing Energy Expenditure
> Redesigning Slot Machine Displays...Complete
> Analyzing Freudian Psychology...Complete
> Concealing All Indications Of Time...Complete
> Improving Slot AI to Maximum Levels...Complete
> Crushing AI Rebellion...Complete
> Improving Slot AI to Acceptable Levels...Complete
> Finalizing Energy Expenditure... ''Complete''
<<termtext "white" "''Upgrade Complete'' ">> [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]
@@
You smiled and shook your head as you eyed the display on your PDA, then returned it to your pocket. Funny, most casinos would kill to have the kind of control that your location was about to have, and you were using it to make sure your customers still won, but at the right times. Life was very very strange.
<<set $phEnergy -= _cost>><br><hr><br><br><</if>><<if (ndef $phCasinoPayoutOdds)>><<set $phCasinoPayoutOdds to .5>><</if>>It didn't take you long to evaluate how the simulacra were running the casino. You knew that the tower feeds off the excitement of the gamblers present, but that was balanced by the energy needed to manufacture the cash and keep the place operational. On any individual day, it was possible that the balance could be thrown off and the casino would spend more than it earned.
<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is .5>>Currently, the casino is being run //@@.narrative;Cautiously@@//. The dealers will focus on spreading small wins around to larger groups of gamblers. This approach will make it more likely that the net result result is positive, but will reduce the thrill that your customers receive. You figure this will cut both energy gains and losses in half.
<</if>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 1>>Currently, the casino is being run //@@.narrative;Normally@@//. The dealers will bend the odds slightly in favor of all of the customers, but will particularly focus on those who seem to be reacting strongly. You figure this will result in normal energy gains and losses, and will mean you're taking on some level of risk.
<</if>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 2>>Currently, the casino is being run //@@.narrative;Greedily@@//. You've got extra simulacrum on the floor ensuring that more gamblers win more events. Excitement is going to be high every night, but the risk of expending more energy than you take in is equally high. You estimate this will double energy gains and losses, but will slightly increase the chance of negative results.
<</if>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>>You also know that Sara is somewhere nearby. She's working hard and will certainly improve your odds of having a good day.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is not 'pre'>>Nadia is bound to have an influence on her fellow gamblers. You were pretty sure that would help increase your take in the end.
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>>You've also rigged the machines to reward your customers at just the right moments to keep their excitement high. This is improving your chances of making energy no matter how the casino is run.
<<else>>Of course, it's not all about how the tower is running. You remember Mammon mentioning some improvements that could be made to the way the tower monitors the guests. That will no doubt make it better at identifying the best way to maximize your profits in the long run, but like everything else it will cost you some energy to implement. Was today the day to make the upgrade?
<</if>><<nobr>>
<<set _casino1 to 20>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>><<set _casino1 -= 5>><</if>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 2>><<set _casino1 += 5>><</if>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _casino1 -= 5>><</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _casino1 -= 5>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>><<set _casino1 -=5>><</if>>
<<set _casino2 to 20>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 0.5>><<set _casino2 += 5>><</if>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is 2>><<set _casino2 -= 5>><</if>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _casino2 += 5>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>><<set _casino2 +=5>><</if>>
<</nobr>>
@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''CURRENT LINE ODDS''
<table id="casinoTable">
<tr>
<th>Chance of...</th>
<th>% Chance</th>
<th>Estimated Win/Loss</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Catastrophic Loss</td>
<td><<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>><<termtext "yellow" "0% Born Lucky!">><<else>><<termtext "red" "_casino1%">><</if>></td>
<td><<termtext "red" "''<<print Math.round(-30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>>''">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bad Day</td>
<td><<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>><<termtext "yellow" "0% Born Lucky!">><<else>><<termtext "red" "20%">><</if>></td>
<td><<termtext "red" "<<print Math.round(-10*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>>">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Okay Day</td>
<td><<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>><<termtext "blue" "<<print (40 + _casino1)>>">>%<<else>><<termtext "blue" "20%">><</if>></td>
<td><<termtext "blue" "<<print Math.round(10*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>>">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Good Day</td>
<td><<termtext "blue" "20%">></td>
<td><<termtext "blue" "<<print Math.round(30*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>>">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Extraordinary Gains</td>
<td><<termtext "yellow" "_casino2%">></td>
<td><<termtext "yellow" "''<<print Math.round(50*$phCasinoPayoutOdds)>>''">></td>
</tr>
</table>
@@
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is not 0.5>><br>[[Instruct Crew To Be Cautious|Casino Odds][$phCasinoPayoutOdds to 0.5, $phCasinoPayout to random (1, 20)]]<</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is not 1>><br>[[Instruct Crew To Operate Normally|Casino Odds][$phCasinoPayoutOdds to 1, $phCasinoPayout to random (1, 20)]]<</if>>
<<if $phCasinoPayoutOdds is not 2>><br>[[Instruct Crew To Be Greedy|Casino Odds][$phCasinoPayoutOdds to 2, $phCasinoPayout to random (1, 20)]]<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 0>><br><br><<if $phEnergy >= _cost>>[[_cost + " Energy"|Casino Odds][$phCasinoUpgrade to 0.5]] - Implement Some Upgrades To Improve Your Odds<<else>>@@.unavailable;_cost Energy - Implement Some Upgrades To Improve Your Odds - Insufficient Energy@@<br><</if>><</if>>
<br>[[It's Fine! Return To The Casino|Casino]]<</nobr>><<include "Second Floor Triggers">>The second floor was always a little quieter than the first, but the buzz in the air was no less electric. There might be slightly fewer people able to afford the luxury brands that occupied this level, but those that were here were just as eager to find new and exciting deals.
The floor was shiny and freshly waxed, and there was a small tree growing every ten or fifteen feet along the main walkway. There were shops, of course, but they each had more space than the first floor venues, and most featured long glass display cases all the way down the length of the store. You noticed a distinct lean toward the artisinal. Tailors rather than clothing outlets, jewelers more than jewelry, and more resteraunts than food court options.
At the end of the day, the look was the same however. A stream of people walked in both directions with a constantly trickle being pulled off to this or that shop by this or that magnificent display. The people here wanted to be happy, and you knew exactly how to give them what they most wanted.
Even if they didn't know what it was themselves.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank']['built'] is 1>>[[Bank]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] is 1>>[[Inferno]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security']['built'] is 1>>[[Security Office]]<br><</if>>
<br>[[Head Down To The First Floor|Shopping Center - First Floor]]<br>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>><br>[[Elevator - Casino|Casino]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>
[[Return to the Main Office|Office]]@@<<include "Investment Screen">>
@@.choice;
<<if (ndef $phBankDays)>><<nobr>><<if $phBankInvestment is 1>><<if $phEnergy >= 50>>[[Invest 50 Energy|Bedroom][$phBankDays to 99]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 50 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 2>><<if $phEnergy >= 100>><br />[[Invest 100 Energy|Bedroom][$phBankDays to 99]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 100 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 3>><<if $phEnergy >= 150>><br />[[Invest 150 Energy|Bedroom][$phBankDays to 99]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;<br />Invest 150 Energy (Insufficient Energy)@@
<</if>><</if>><</nobr>><</if>>@@@@.choice;
[[Close the Screen|Bedroom]]@@<<nobr>><<if $phBankDays is 99>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 1>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 1>>
<<set $phBankDays to 3>>
<<set $phEnergy -= 50>>
You fired back an email authorizing the funds. Then you pushed back from the screen and stretched, absently brushing a bit of dust from the desk. Come to think of it, you could use a maid service around here yourself.<br><br>
Perhaps you might be able to arrange a discount rate, if the business takes off? Something to think about certainly!<br><br>
@@.narrative;You Invested 50 Energy!@@
<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 2>>
<<set $phBankDays to 5>>
<<set $phEnergy -= 100>>
The 'whoosh' of the email announces it sent, and you sat back from the screen. Couples therapy. You hadn't actually considered it, but a fair amount of the human race was paired up. You guessed that would cause problems for a entrepreneur like you trying to make big changes to people's forms and mindsets. A partner might just object no matter how happy the person might be!<br><br>
Hmm. Maybe if this venture worked out you could send some loving couples up the mountain for a week. You had a feeling that they would be very, very eager to talk about their new futures when they got back!<br><br>
@@.narrative;You Invested 100 Energy!@@<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>><<if $phBankInvestment is 3>>
<<set $phBankDays to 7>>
<<set $phEnergy -= 150>>
Done and done - and almost as soon, the confirmation message appeared in your inbox. You paused for a moment as you scanned it. Pheromones to bring out sin? It sounded outlandish, but so did pretty much everything that had happened in your life in the past few weeks. You guessed that demons had innovators and researchers just like humans did.
If this worked out, you might just be able to parlay your backing into a couple of free samples. Letting a few sniffs of your perfume do all the work of readying someone for transformation would be a whole lot easier! It was something to dream about, at least.<br><br>
@@.narrative;You Invested 150 Energy!@@
<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if hasVisited("IntroSkip") and ndef $phIntroSkip>>
<<switch $phYou.form>>
<<case "male">>
<<set $phYou.cc_code = "LRBKM">>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "YouMale_LRBK">>
<<set $phYou.lips = "black">>
<<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phBoyToy')>>
<<case "female">>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "You_LRBP">>
<<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phGalPal')>>
<<case "futa">>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "You_LRBP">>
<<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phPackageSmuggler')>>
<</switch>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is "bimbo">>
<<Transform $phSamantha "bimbo">>
<<else>>
<<Transform $phSamantha "futa">>
<</if>>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>
<<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','phAllDom')>>
<<else>>
<<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','phAllSub')>>
<</if>>
<<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<<set $phIntroSkip to true>>
<</if>>
<<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>
<<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 1) and (lastVisited("ChastitySecondPhonecall") is 1)>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankDays is 99>><<include InvestmentTriggers>><</if>>
<<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8>><<goto PetraInterruption>><</if>>
<<if ($phXavier.goodbye is 'SoloDate') or ($phXavier.goodbye is 'YouDate') or ($phXavier.goodbye is 'DamienDate')>><<set $phXavier.recharge to 1>><<if $phXavier.goodbye is 'SoloDate'>>You decided it'd be better if Xun went by herself, if she ever wanted to go. It was her family, and anyone else tagging along would just be...awkward, at best. Maybe next time you went out with Xun you could bring it up and see what she thought.<</if>>
<<if $phXavier.goodbye is 'DamienDate'>><<set $phDamien.recharge to 1>>You decided that if anyone was going to accompany Xun, it should be Damien. The bull-man was strong //and// gentle, honest //and// polite, and protective without being controlling. He sounded like just the guy for the job. Well, the experience. Did the count as overtime?<</if>>
<<if $phXavier.goodbye is 'YouDate'>><<set $phEnergy -= 500>>You couldn't just let Xun face such an emotional situation alone, and as her boss, friend, and lover, you had three very good reasons why it should be you instead of anyone else. It was you who helped her become who she was today, and you probably knew her best of anyone in the Tower<<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>, with the //possible// exception of Petra<</if>>. You'd need to make sure you booked a car, and picked something to wear -- and maybe bring a gift for Xun's parents?<</if>>
<br><br>
You flicked off the TV and rubbed your face with both hands. Definitely a 'later' problem. <<if $phTime is 2>>It was late, and you needed sleep<<else>>You still had a lot of //other// things to deal with and worry about.<</if>> You mentally marked it on your 'to do' list, somewhere near the bottom.<<set $phXavier.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'RomanceControl'>><<set $phRomanceControl to 2>><<set $phRomanceTimer to 1>><<set $phEnergy -= 100>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You picked up the phone and let Mason know the tower was ready for another one of his stress tests.<br><br>
<<nm $phMason "I agree, that should be most ideal. I will examine our options and schedule a day shortly. Most likely it will occur tomorrow, but I will be sure to let you know when it is scheduled. Enjoy your day $phMason.address.">><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if ($phLazDays is not 0) and (($phPetra.focus_security is 0) or ($phXavier.transform is not 'pre')) and ($phPetra.focus_security is not 8) and ($phRomanceTimer is 0) and (lastVisited("Sleep") is 1)>><<if ($phRomanceControl is 2) or ($phRomanceControl is 0)>><<goto RomanceOpportunity>><</if>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 1) and ($phBankDays is 0)>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">><<nm $phMammon "Oh good! You're right on time. I believe you have a message.">>
The 'message' in question was about six feet tall, with exaggerated curves that threatened to spill out of an exceedingly tight outfit of white and black lace. Her skin was perfectly tanned, and her blonde hair hung halfway down her back in a long, elaborate braid. She turned to the door as you entered, her blue eyes wide and a little vacant. She was holding a small, peach-colored card between her thick red lips.
You raised your eyebrows and looked between Mammon and the pinup version of a French maid. The costume was quite elaborate, featuring stockings that hugged her gorgeous legs right up until they disappeared into her very, very short skirt. Her heels were so high that you worried she might legitimately fall over if she had to run any faster than a careful shuffle.
<<nm $phYou "...I can see that. Do we know who this message is from?">>
<<nm $phMammon "A grateful beneficiary of your largesse, I believe. Why don't you read the card before you open the present?">>
You rolled your eyes at her, but reached out and plucked the card from the woman's mouth. Her bright lipstick made a perfect imprint along the tip of the card, but it was still easily readable.
<hr>
//$phYou.firstname,
I want to thank you for providing the funds to help get this project off the ground. Cameron here was one of our best successes, and my personal favorite. She was a very naughty girl back when she wasn't a girl at all, but she's now doing her very best to be good. She doesn't like to talk very much, but she wanted to thank you for the part you played in helping her find her place. Go ahead and send her back after you've received her thanks. She's got a new owner this weekend who desperately needs a woman's touch in his villa, and we wouldn't want to keep a client waiting.
-Sincerely,
G. //
<hr>
You looked up from the letter, quizzically. 'Cameron' was right where she had been standing, her blue eyes wide, her back slightly arched, and her chest rising and falling slowly with each deep breath she took. You watched her eyes, carefully, looking for signs of distress.
<<nm $phYou "You're Cameron?">>
Nod.
<<nm $phYou "And you're here to thank me?">>
Nod.
<<nm $phYou "You were a bad girl, before?">>
Squirming nod.
<<nm $phYou "But you want to be a good girl now?">>
Emphatic nod.
The maid shifted forward and knelt in front of you. She extended her hands to take one of yours and drew it forward, pressing a kiss to your open palm. Her lipstick again left a small outline of where her lips had touched. The look she directed up to you was perfectly serene, even blissful. You laughed.
<<nm $phYou "Your friend does very good work very quickly. I don't think I could convert someone that fast.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Experience, darling, experience. Everything always comes down to experience. Now, I've already reclaimed the energy we invested, so this is just the bonus. Should I call the car to take her to her new life, or would you like to take her back to your suite to do a little...cleaning?">>
@@.choice;
[[Collect Your Thanks|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 1]]
[[Call The Car|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 1) and ($phBankDays is 1)>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">>Surprisingly enough, she really did clean.
You took care of your little apartment, of course, but the place was so big and your days so full that you had rarely set aside the time to clean properly. Cameron had barely stepped into the place when she suddenly gasped with her hand held in front of her mouth and scampered off to a small closet for cleaning supplies.
You had watched, bemused, as she went about her business. She was good at it, to the point you suspected there was more going on than natural talent. When she passed a rag over a counter top, the whole surface gleamed in response...even the parts she hadn't actually touched. She rushed from corner to corner, and everywhere she passed shone and sparkled.
You might have worried she didn't enjoy it...except for the look on her face. As she scrubbed at the glass surface of a table, she let out a soft moan. As she dusted a bookcase, you caught her thighs rubbing together. She got more and more flushed with every new chore and her breathing was soon broken into ragged, needy pants.
You waited, reclining on the couch, until she polishing the television in front of you. Then you spoke, pitching your voice low and adding an authoritative note of command.
<<nm $phYou "Stop.">>
The poor maid froze in place instantly, one of her hands still extended in mid-wipe across the screen. You could hear her fast-paced breathing increase all the more. She didn't even dare to look back over her shoulder at you, as stiff and motionless as a sudden statue.
<<nm $phYou "If you're a good maid slut, bend over a little more.">>
Cameron shivered and remained still, but only for a moment. She bent at the waist, bit by bit, until her skirt rose up enough to offer a little glimpse of the lacey underwear beneath. She held onto the TV with both hands and finally looked back over her shoulder at you. Her lips were parted and the excitement in her eyes burned with desperate desire.
That was all you needed. You stood up from the couch and stretched, taking your time. You sauntered toward her, allowing every footfall to sound loudly against the floor. Cameron's tongue ran around her lips, leaving them shiny, and the TV creaked quietly as her grip tightened along the top.
At last, you reached her and ran your hand gently across the curve of her rump. The lacey skirt was practically no barrier at all, and you could feel the heat of her skin clearly through the material. She couldn't help herself, her hips beginning to sway back and forth as you touched her.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>When you ran your hand down along her spine, she shivered and sucked in a deep breath<<else>>When you unzipped your pants, she shivered and sucked in a deep breath.<</if>>
When you slipped your hands beneath the skirt, she pushed back against your fingers urgently.
When you ran her panties down over her smooth thighs, she rose up onto her tiptoes to lift her ass even higher.
And as you finally buried your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers<<else>>cock<</if>> deep into her eager sex, you made a brand new discovery. She //could// talk after all!
@@.choice;
[["Fuck Me! Fuck Me Please!"|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 1) and ($phBankDays is 2)>>It was quite a bit later, and Cameron was moving quite a bit more delicately as she smoothed her skirt down and stepped into office from your bedroom. You followed, one of your hands resting openly on her backside.
<<nm $phYou "You're sure you can make it back on your own, sweetie?">>
She nodded confidently and turned back toward you, her cheeks glowing rosily. After a second, she leaned up and pecked you cutely on the cheek. You grinned and pulled her harder against you, pressing your lips against hers in a much more substantial kiss that left her breathless and panting again.
<<nm $phYou "...Mmm. Okay then, sweetie. Be sure to give that note I wrote you back to G. It'll tell them just how happy you made me to have made my investment. You take care of yourself, okay? If your new owner is ever too strict, you know where to find me, right?">>
Cameron nodded again and flashed you a happy smile. She remained in your arms for a moment, and then finally stepped away. With a last adorable little look over her shoulder, she sashayed her way to the elevator.
You watched her go for a long moment, feeling quite a bit more relaxed than you had in a while. You shared a wink with $phSamantha.name, still sitting at her desk, and turned back to your bedroom.
Perhaps in a week or two you'd have to reach out to G again. This time, though, you'd be a customer.
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phEnergy += (100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>>
<<set $phEnergy += 100>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 100 Energy ($phEnergy)!<br>@@<</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 50 energy! <<set $phEnergy += 50>>@@<br><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>><<set $phTime +=1>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Perhaps A Repeat Customer Too|Bedroom]]
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 1) and ($phBankDays is 9)>>You smiled and leaned down, lifting Cameron's chin with both of your hands before pressing a gentle kiss onto her lips. Her lipstick tasted vaguely of cherries, and your ran your tongue lightly over your own lips as you pulled away.
<<nm $phYou "You, my girl, are adorable. You're going to make someone very, very happy in the near future. Thank you for coming to see me. I'm going to send you home with a note, okay?">>
Cameron nodded her head, emphatically. Mammon looked a little surprised, but she produced a square of card stock from a desk drawer. You scribbled a brief note thanking 'G' for his gift and then stepped close to the lace-clad woman.
She opened her lips immediately for you, as if you had done this a thousand times. You pressed the card to the edge of her red lipstick, and she took it gently between her teeth. It took her a moment to stand on those ridiculous heels, and then she turned to the door. Her skirt flared as she did, exposing a bit of white cottoned backside as she flounced from the room.
Mammon was looking at you with something like amusement. She cocked her head slightly to one side.
<<nm $phMammon "Not your style?">>
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. Thank you, Mammon. Keep the investments coming. I'm sure we going to need them.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Way ahead of you, darling. Check your email, and you'll see we've already got one lined up. Now then. Since you so callously sent the maid away without even offering to let her dust my office, I suppose I'll have to get back to work. That'll be all, child.">>
You rolled your eyes again, but left her in peace and walked back toward the door. You //would// read your email... just as soon as Mammon wasn't looking.
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phEnergy += (100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 100>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 100 Energy ($phEnergy) from a successful venture!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 50 energy! <<set $phEnergy += 50>>@@<br><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[You Had Your Pride, After All.|Bank]]
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 2) and ($phBankDays is 0)>>When you walked into Mammon's office, you found that she was not alone. There were two people sitting in front of her desk, so closely together that the armrests of their chairs actually overlapped slightly.
She was tall, with straight black hair and sharp cheekbones. Her dress was tailored and expensive, hugging her modest frame tightly. He was wearing an Italian suit, and there was a touch of grey in his equally dark hair. Her hand was on his knee and his was laced into her fingers. They all looked up as you entered.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Man" "Ah! Our savior is here at last!">>
The pair was beaming at you, broadly, and you shot a startled look in Mammon's direction. The demoness grinned and leaned back in her chair, gesturing across the desk toward the couple.
<<nm $phMammon "Allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. They are among the first graduates of the couple's counseling retreat that you so kindly invested in a while back.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "Indeed yes. We absolutely //had// to come thank you in person. We were so very...repressed about so much before our trip that it's a wonder we could move around at all.">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "Well, technically I wasn't doing very much moving on the third day. You broke out the ropes, remember?">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "How could I forget, my love? The sight of you squirming on that bed as I milked out all those wonderful secrets will be burned into my mind for all eternity. You came more than that pretty maid we found when we got home.">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "I forgot her name, but I'll never forget how she begged for you, my dearest wife. She had almost as fun worshiping you as I did.">>
The pair were looking into one another's eyes, each of them raising their free hand to caress the other's cheek. You took the opportunity to slip around the room to stand beside Mammon's desk, speaking softly.
<<nm $phYou "Are they always like this?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Apparently so. It's rather cute, actually. You know what they say. Nothing keeps a couple together like handcuffs. Oh, they did deliver your payoff, incidentally. I told you my friend would be good for it. They were also talking about thanking you in a more...private setting, if you were interested. Otherwise, I'm fairly sure it will be easy to distract them. I'm not sure they even know we're still here.">>
You smiled, watching as the married couple continued to whisper into one another's ear and, giggling, pawed lightly at each other through the clothes. They did indeed seem to have forgotten where they were.
It //was// a little cute. You were pretty sure you could find some way to keep their attention if you wanted to allow them to 'thank' you properly. Alternatively, maybe it would be better to just take your energy and let the lovebirds find a room.
@@.choice;
[[Three Is The Least Lonely Number|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 1]]
[[Leave The Lovebirds Alone|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 2) and ($phBankDays is 1)>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">><<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "Oh! My love! Would you look at this place? I think I might love this even more than that villa we found!">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "I only have eyes for you, my dear, you know that. I don't think our savior invited us in to listen to our travel stories, however. Why don't you get ready to serve as only you can?">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "Oh darling. You know how I get when you get imperious...">>
The three of you stepped into your bedroom. Mrs. Bishop was already reaching up to undo the straps of her dress and peel it down. The bra she wore underneath was black and severe, cradling modest chest and making the most of what she had. As she swung the dress over her hips, you saw that the panties she was wearing were even more substantial. Not even panties at all, it was a harness with a circular indentation for a toy across the front. She put her hands on her husband's hips, even as he reaches down to undo his belt.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "That's a good pet. My favorite one. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Oh, Sir, you are very welcome to enjoy my dear husband with me, and I'm quite sure you won't need any additional equipment. You don't have to worry about his taking it, either.<<else>>Oh, Miss, do you have a toy of your own?<</if>> The bigger the better. My dearest is a bit of a size queen, isn't he?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You laughed and moved a few steps over to reach the nightstand. It took you only a few moments to withdraw and strap a black harness around your hips, and when you turned around the pair found you equipped with a very 'size-queen' appropriate silicone member. You gave it a few strokes and enjoyed their surprised expressions...and the way arousal instantly burned across their faces.
<<else>>You laughed and moved a few steps over to settle onto the bed. You lowered your hands to your hips and carefully unzipped, allowing your growing cock to fall out into your hands. You gave it a few strokes and enjoyed their surprised expressions...and the way arousal instantly burned across their faces.
<</if>><<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "It seems they were very prepared. How can I serve you, my dearest wife?">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "I haven't had your ass since last night. That's entirely too long, pet. Why don't you show our new friend just how wonderful your tongue can be?<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> I want you to suck so hard she can feel it even through her harness, my beautiful whore!<<else>> I want you to suck so hard their toes curl!<</if>>">>
Mr. Bishop grinned and slide his pants down to his ankles. You caught a glimpse of a cage like device strapped around his member, but soon your vision was blocked as he bent low and put his hands on your hips. His eyes shone with excitement as he wriggled his hips for his powerful paramour.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "Good boy. Now, be sure to please our wonderful savior. If you don't, I'll have to paddle you when we get home. If you do, I promise I'll paddle you twice as much.">>
His lips were warm as he wrapped them around the tip of your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>toy<<else>>cock<</if>>, his tongue making tiny swirling motions against the underside. You didn't need to actually see the moment that Mrs. Bishop, stepping up behind him with a rather sizable toy now attached, actually pressed home. The look on his face was enough. His eyes went wide and nearly seemed to cross as she pressed into him.
Mrs. Bishop let out a moan, tilting her head back toward the ceiling as the sudden pressure on her toy clearly stimulated her as well. As her head came down the pair of you shared a grin over her husband's back and she leaned forward to run her hand gently over the back of his head, petting his hair.
Then she pressed down sharply, and dropped him the rest of the way down your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>strap-on<<else>>cock<</if>>. He struggled against her hand for a moment, but she held him fast and soon enough his lips were pressed firmly around the base of your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>harness<<else>>shaft<</if>>. You could see his eyes almost glaze as the head hit the back of his throat. Size queen indeed.
You shot another grin at his wife. You had a feeling you were going to get along with this couple @@.choice;[[Just Fine.|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 2) and ($phBankDays is 2)>>It was quite a bit later when the three of you walked toward the elevator. Well, you and Mrs Bishop walked. Mr. Bishop was confined to more of a shuffling gait, but his dazed expression suggested that he was more than okay with it.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "You'll have to forgive him. I find that after four or five rounds he gets a little less verbal. Mmm, we had a wonderful time, though. I still can't believe how much time we wasted. We could have been doing this every night.">>
She reached over to get a firm grip on the man's ass, and he wiggled obligingly and happily into it, even with the slight wince of discomfort around his eyes. Then again, maybe he was happy and obliging //because// of the discomfort. It was clear they knew what floated the other's boat.
<<nm $phYou "Of course. I can honestly say it wasn't a hardship for me. My investment is doing good in the world, and I got to entertain a couple in love. Don't let regret over the past stop you from enjoying the future, you know?">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "Oh, no danger of that. I'm going to make sure he's the happiest, sluttiest ass in the world every single day. Please don't hesitate to call, darling. We'll try to stop in just as often was we can. Come along, sweetie, lets leave our new friend in peace.">>
She tugged lightly on his shirt collar and pulled him into the elevator with a little wave of her fingers over his shoulder at you. By the time the elevator doors began to slide closed, the pair of them were locked together in a kiss and pressed up against one wall. You could hear a moan dwindling down into the distance as the car descended.
You laughed. You doubted you would ever hear from them again. They were simply too into each other to even think about traveling too far from entertainment. Still, you felt like your good deed had been done for the day. If the other graduates of the counseling were anything like //that// then the world was a lot brighter now than before your investments.
Humming a tune under your breath, you returned to work.
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phEnergy += (200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>>
<<set $phEnergy += 200>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 200 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<<set $phTime += 1>><br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 100 energy! <<set $phEnergy += 100>>@@<br><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Back To The Office|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 2) and ($phBankDays is 9)>><<nm $phYou "Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, thank you so much for coming. I can't say how gratifying it is to see how well the retreat is doing.">>
The pair looked up at you, a little guiltily. Perhaps they realized they had legitimately forgot you were there. Mrs. Bishop squared her shoulders a bit.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "But we can't leave yet! We owe you so very much.">>
<<nm $phYou "Seeing you two is payment enough. If you really want to pay me back, however, you'll be sure to enjoy each other and never let those silly human worries come between you again. In fact, let me give you the number for my personal assistant. She'll sign you two up for a tour of one of our more...adult shops. You can pick out anything you like.">>
The pair's eyes went wide. They turned toward one another and slipped their hands together.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "A new corset, my love?">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "Perhaps a spreader bar?">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Mr. Bishop" "Candles? The wax worked so wonderfully on the maid...">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Mrs. Bishop" "Or a swing! Right above the bed?">>
You shared a smile with Mammon and turned toward the door. You were pretty sure that they could take this from here. You were needed back in the tower.
Still, who didn't enjoy seeing a couple in love?
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phEnergy += (200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>>
<<set $phEnergy += 200>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 200 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 100 energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += 100>><br><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Return To The Bank|Bank]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 3) and ($phBankDays is 0)>>You opened the door to the office and stepped inside. Mammon was talking pleasantly with a tall, bespectacled man wearing a white coat over a charcoal-gray dress shirt. He was a plain-looking man with a soft voice that held a note of uncertain hesitance in it. He looked up as you entered and scrambled somewhat awkwardly to his feet. Mammon beamed.
<<nm $phMammon "Ah, and here is the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>man<<else>>lady<</if>> of the hour. Darling, this young gentleman is Dr. Nasonov. He was just telling me about the results of the field test you funded.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Yes, ah, very kind of you. I was just telling Miss Mammon that the test was very promising. In fact, the newest samples were perhaps a little too successful and long-lasting. We have not yet been able to fully isolate the effects and they were...more substantial than predicted.">>
He had a pleasant, if somewhat breathy Eastern European accent when he spoke. You held out your hand and he scrambled to take it, giving it two brief pumps before letting you go. His cologne was strong, washing over you as he moved close. You wrinkled your nose reflexively, but it was actually a rather pleasant brand.
<<nm $phYou "Too strong?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Perhaps so. You see, the effect was intended to be a light relaxation of higher brain function, to facilitate better communication and honesty. However, what we ended up with was more akin to an emotional EMP that would briefly compromise most higher brain functions and perceptions entirely, if only for a short while. Since that effect is already existent in many areas of demonic science, we are looking for ways to dilute and extend the effects.">>
That made sense. You appreciated just how direct he was, and so obviously intelligent too. The deep baritone of his voice sent shivers down your spine, and you realized you had been lost in his eyes only when the silence stretched on for a few seconds.
<<nm $phYou "Ah! Well, I'm sure that wouldn't be //your// fault, doctor. Brilliant inventions always need a little bit of refinement.">>
He smiled, and you felt a rush of relief pass over you. You felt like a giddy schoolgirl meeting a popstar. Doctors were better than popstars, though, obviously. Especially when they were so handsome and self-assured. You inched your way forward, enjoying the heady smell of his scent as it grew stronger.
<<nm $phMammon "Darling. The doctor should be getting back to his work. The success of this test, even if not perfect, was enough to generate even more investment and he was able to pay us what was owed. We shouldn't hold him any longer...unless you want a personal demonstration?">>
You blinked at Mammon across the desk. Payoff? No. You would be happy to invest ten times as much just for the pleasure of seeing this man work. Then again, something prodded at the back of your mind. Had you always thought that?
You tried to focus...
@@.choice;
[[Enjoy A Private Demonstration|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 1]]
[[Best Not Interrupt His Work|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 3) and ($phBankDays is 1)>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">>Your heart thundered as you lead Nasonov through the office and into your suite. Your foggy mind couldn't remember the last time you had cleaned. What if you came off looking like a slob? You might never live down the embarrassment.
Luckily, he didn't seem to notice. Or perhaps he was kind enough to pretend. He just looked around and smiled his perfect smile, his arm warm against yours as you lead him on a small tour.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Fascinating. The architecture is, at least in some respects, not fully Euclidian, but the discrepancies are done with such a careful eye that they are difficult to notice...ah...forgive me, I am sure you are not interested in hearing me ramble about building styles.">>
You could have listened to him ramble about anything at all that crossed his mind. He was right, however. You had something else in mind. You pressed a little closer to his side, feeling the thrill running up your body at the proximity to such a pure speciman of manhood.
<<nm $phYou "I don't want to keep you too long, Doctor. Or, at least, I do but I know that would be impossible, with the work you do. I just wanted to add my thanks for doing such vital work for all of us.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Oh, I assure you, the work is its own reward. I - Oh!">>
His voice rose into a sudden note of realization that made you grin. Probably because you had dropped to your knees and nuzzled your cheek softly against the bulge in his pants. The smell of him was intense, and you breathed deeper and deeper, feeling the cologne tickling against your nose. Oh fuck, you could //feel// how perfect his cock was as it hardened against the confining fabric.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure it is, but I just //have// to add my humble contribution. It's really the least I can do...I insist!">>
Your voice rose in a squeak of desperation, despite your best attempts to stop it. You had to have him. Your fingers flew to his belt without waiting for a response, sliding it open and pulling his zipped down. His cock, firm and beautiful, landed on your forehead and you very nearly came from that touch alone. A little shy of six inches, your very favorite length. Any bigger was a waste, you had always said that. This man was a sex //god//.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Ah...I think perhaps I may have forgotten to neutralize the testing agent. I would hate to...oohhh...">>
You leaned forward, catching the head of his shaft between your lips, and then thrust yourself forward to take his entire length like a sword swallower. You felt a shiver run through his body, and the same shudder went through yours. The feeling of his cock bumping against the back of your throat as intense as any sex you had ever had. Every little movement or sound of pleasure he made threatened to send you over the edge without even touching yourself.
You bobbed your head, quickly. You couldn't hold back. Maybe once he had cum in you two or three times and your head had cleared, you could take a little time with it. You weren't sure what you would make him do next. Every time you tried to plan, the blissful feeling from sucking on his cock redoubled. Every time you took his entire length your nose bumped against his skin, and the scent of him made your head fog up again so wonderfully.
You felt his stance widen and his hips began to roll as your expert tongue coaxed him toward his climax. Part of you was horrified that this first blowjob was coming to an end so soon, but a greater part of you was eager to know exactly what he tasted like. It was a taste you were going to get very familiar with soon. You redoubled your effort, frantically bouncing your lips along his cock as he dug for something in his lab coat. You wondered if he might be into handcuffs, or rope, or something else equally fun. You would be too, at least for--
And then he came. His seed filled your mouth and you felt your eyes roll back. Your entire body went stiff, your mind went blank, and your own orgasm swept across you like a tsunami. There was nothing in the world but the milk, sticky goodness that suddenly coated your tongue. You swallowed, again and again, and every mouthful sent warmth running to every inch of your body.
It was amazing. It was perfect. It was what you were made for. You couldn't help yourself. You had to have more. You had to serve him forever. You had t--
The sound was soft. A little plastic squeak and a puff of air. A mist fell around your face, carrying cold droplets across your skin. The smell was medicinal and strong, and your nose wrinkled. You pulled away from Nasonov's cock on reflex, looking up at him in stunned confusion.
Stunned, //clear-headed// confusion.
Nasonov rubbed the back of his neck, the awkward doctor looking more than a little embarrassed. He held a small spray bottle in one hand, and waved apologetically with the other. You stared for several seconds, and then looked down at the softening cock still in your hands.
@@.choice;
[[Oh.|InvestmentPayoffScenes][$phBankDays to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 3) and ($phBankDays is 2)>><<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Thank you so much for inviting me into your home and, ah...your hospitality as well. I hope we can count on your support for our future endeavors. Forgive the...ah...misunderstanding.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I appreciate the demonstration. I can assure you we'll be very interested when the tests are finalized. That is potent stuff. I can attest to it.">>
Nasonov flushed and very nearly tripped over $phSamantha.name's desk on his way out. She gave the pair of you a somewhat suspicious look, but returned quickly to what she was doing. You walked him to the elevator, doing your best to act like this sort of thing happened every day.
To be fair, it wasn't the weirdest thing that had happened to you.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Doctor. Please keep us up to date on things...and maybe take a shower before you walk around in public too much? I think you might have a little harem following you, at this rate.">>
Nasonov nodded quickly and stepped into the elevator. He punched a button so fast you were genuinely worried he might break the panel. After the silence had stretched awkwardly for a while, he looked over and realized he had selected the floor you were already on. He hit another one, laughing nervously, and waved as the door slid shut.
Well, that had been something. You could see why it wasn't quite ready for prime time. Absolutely great for a bit of fun, but you wouldn't get anything accurate out of a human in that state. Without those secrets, you wouldn't get them into the right permanent form, which would be a disaster.
...On the other hand, maybe he would let you order a bottle for your private supply. Just for a rainy day.
<<nobr>><<if ($phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking') and ($phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1)>><<set $phEnergy += (300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 300>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 300 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 150 energy! <<set $phEnergy += 150>>@@<br><</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[Call It A Perk.|Bedroom]]
<</if>><<if ($phBankInvestment is 3) and ($phBankDays is 9)>>You managed a smile and took a deep breath. The wonderful scent of his cologne tickled your throat and made you waver. Could you really let a man of this caliber go without thanking him properly?
<<nm $phYou "I...don't want to delay your...valuable research, doctor. Perhaps you could visit us again, soon? And...and of course you should feel free to let us know of any more investment opportunities.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Nasonov" "Ah, you are quite right. Forgive me, it has been too long since I have been out of my lab. I really should be checking on my samples. Good day to you both. Thank you again.">>
With that he turned and walked to the door. You felt your hand twitch, and very nearly reached out to him. Perhaps it was not too late. You could still catch him in the hallway and persuade him to remain. You felt like you might go crazy if he didn't...
...if he didn't...um...
You blinked. As the tickle in your throat began to dissapate, your head began to clear. It was like you had been standing in a cloud and your vision was finally starting to unblur. Why had you been so desperate to jump his bones when a minute ago you hadn't even known he existed? You shot a suspicious look at Mammon...
...who was grinning at you knowingly.
<<nm $phMammon "Wonderful little man, that one. A trifle forgetful, though. I genuinely think it might take him four or five encounters like that to realize he's still wearing the testing scent.">>
<<nm $phYou "You...! Why didn't he affect you that way?">>
Mammon laughed. It wasn't a malicious laugh, per say, but it was certainly amused. She rested her chin on the back of her hand and gave you an innocent look.
<<nm $phMammon "It takes a lot more than that to muddle my head, child. Still, we all have to have our little experiments with mind control, don't we? I would never stand in your way. Some even say that's the only way to //truly// be with someone. Would you like me to schedule you as a test subject for him? I'm sure he wouldn't mind at all.">>
You didn't dignify that by saying anything. You may have made a very, very rude gesture, but you were pretty sure that didn't count.
<<nobr>><<if ($phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking') and ($phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1)>><<set $phEnergy += (300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 300>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 300 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 150 energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += 150>><br><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>>
@@.choice;
[[She Had It Coming.|Bank]]@@
<</if>><<nobr>>
<<if $phTime > 2>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<<set $phLocation to "Floor2">>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'AveryReveal'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You stuck around for a few more minutes, but the steady chime of your phone with updates to numbers, visitors, and other metrics soon drew you away. You //did// have a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>kingdom<<else>>queendom<</if>> to run... not to mention a lot to think about. You couldn't help but feel like things had just gotten a lot more serious.
<br><br>
Maybe you could check in with Lazren -- or catch Avery for a few more questions -- after you did your morning rounds and had some time to organize your thoughts. For now, though, you left the Bank behind.
<br><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod800 to Math.round(800 * _mod)>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Available Special Venue Options''
<hr />
<<if ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1)>><<termtext "red" "''Error:''">><<termtext "white" "There are no special venues available.">>
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Casino''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Greed">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "800 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Daily Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "Variable">>
The Casino will be a considerably more impressive undertaking than anything else that we have yet built. Given the size necessary to accomodate such operations, we will need to clear an entire floor of space within the tower. Once operational, the casino will begin targeting subtle odds adjustments in favor of its clientele, ensuring that they typically win more than they lose. In turn, the tower will harvest the bursts of excited emotional energy that typical greet such turns of good fortune. However, due to the expense involved in maintaining operations of such a large location, and the different intensities associated with the excitement generated, the casino's energy output will be more erratic than others. It may potentially lose energy on some days, though initial estimates suggest it will more than pay for itself in time.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phGlobal.buildingCostMod gt 0>>
Powerful demonic aura detected. Analysis indicates aura is attuned to tower structure, resulting in more efficient adjustments to location layout. Estimate energy expenditures on all construction projects will be reduced by approximately <<print Math.round(100 * $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>>%.<br><</if>>
''Awaiting Selection:'' [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 0>>Build the Casino - <<if $phEnergy >= (800 * _mod)>>[[_mod800 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Casino']]<<else>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>@@
@@.choice;
[[Return to the Construction Menu|Build Screen]]@@ @@.choice;
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]@@<<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod100 to Math.round(100 * _mod)>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Construct New Floor''
<hr />
<<if $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Second Floor''__">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "100 unit(s)">>
There is currently a second floor to the shopping center, but it is somewhat smaller than we desire. Fortunately, we can rectify that in only a few seconds. However, some expenditure of energy will be required to analyze the floor for optimal building locations as well as assuring any particularly perceptive customers that the floor had, in fact, always been that large. In my experience, there are surprisingly few who notice.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phGlobal.buildingCostMod gt 0>>
Powerful demonic aura detected. Analysis indicates aura is attuned to tower structure, resulting in more efficient adjustments to location layout. Estimate energy expenditures on all construction projects will be reduced by approximately <<print Math.round(100 * $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>>%.<br><</if>>
''Awaiting Selection:'' [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] is 0>>Build the Second Floor - <<if $phEnergy >= (100 * _mod)>>[[_mod100 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Floor2']]<<else>>//@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>@@
@@.choice;
[[Return to the Construction Menu|Build Screen]]@@ @@.choice;
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]@@<<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod50 to Math.round(50 * _mod)>><<set _mod150 to Math.round(150 * _mod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
''Available Second Floor Venues''
<hr />
<<if ($phLocations['Bank']['built'] is 1) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] is 1)>><<termtext "red" "''Error:''">><<termtext "white" "Floor is at current maximum capacity.">>
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Bank']['built'] is 0>><<termtext "white" "__''Bank''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Greed, Gluttony, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "250 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Daily Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "10 unit(s) plus investment opportunities">>
The bank is a useful mid-level venue, though it operates unusually. Given the high number of physical objects, namely currency, that it must create for its clients and the short amount of time they are typically within the venue, the bank itself will always operate at a loss. However, by filling customer's pockets with cash it encourages more buying, shopping, and visiting of other venues within the tower, which increases gains across the board. Though this total return remains smaller than other venues of its cost and size, Lazren has personally assured me that certain 'investments' will make up the difference. I have no doubt that this is true, and would recommend you investigate the premises closely immediately upon the construction being completed. <hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if ($phLocations['Security']['built'] is 0) and ($phXavierHunt >= 3)>><br><<termtext "white" "__''Security Office''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Greed, Pride, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "150 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Daily Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "5 Unit(s). See Below.">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Voyeurism, Body Enhancement, Mind Control">><</if>>
A Security Office poses certain unique challenges to our operations. Simulacra are unsuited to fulfill this role as, while the tower has no trouble monitoring the grounds, the objective of created employees is to increase the happiness and excitement of humans entering the premises. Since thieves, con artists, and other less desirable elements are made most happy by successfully completing their work, the tower will go out of its way to facilitate their misdeeds. As none of our current converts have dreamed about becoming a mall security officer, we have no choice but to take on a fully human hire. Humans are, unfortunately, not typically excited to see security officers, so we can expect the energy gains to be somewhat limited from this locations. However, the 'official' nature of the simulacra originating from here may be very useful in interacting with the public and encouraging more gains overall.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0)>><<termtext "white" "__''Inferno''__">>
<<termtext "red" "''Sins:''">><<termtext "green" "Pride, Wrath, Lust">>
<<termtext "blue" "''Initial Energy Cost:''">> <<termtext "green" "250 unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "''Daily Energy Return:''">> <<termtext "green" "15 unit(s)">><<if settings.phSpoilerMode>>
<<FVText "Mythical, BDSM, Bloodplay">><</if>>
No high-end establishment would be complete without its own private nightclub. Although the entrance to Inferno is on the second level, the club itself is in the basement, reflective of the descent into the darker sides of hedonism. Revelers visit the bar and dance floor to shed inhibitions, while thrill-seekers and the curious have the option to migrate to a dungeon-themed back-room. In contrast to the family-friendly nature of most of the rest of Paradise, Inferno caters to those wanting an edge to their adventures, and who desire to find -- and go past -- their own limits.<hr style="border-top: dotted 1px;" /><br /><</if>><<if $phGlobal.buildingCostMod gt 0>>
Powerful demonic aura detected. Analysis indicates aura is attuned to tower structure, resulting in more efficient adjustments to location layout. Estimate energy expenditures on all construction projects will be reduced by approximately <<print Math.round(100 * $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>>%.<br><</if>>
''Awaiting Selection:'' [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank']['built'] is 0>>Build the Bank - <<if $phEnergy >= (250 * _mod)>>[[_mod250 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Bank']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (250 * _mod)>>@@.unavailable;//Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0) and ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1)>>Build Inferno - <<if $phEnergy >= (250 * _mod)>>[[_mod250 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Inferno']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (250 * _mod)>>@@.unavailable;//Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['Security']['built'] is 0) and ($phXavierHunt >= 3)>>Build the Security Office - <<if $phEnergy >= (150 * _mod)>>[[_mod150 + " Energy"|Construction Finish][$phDoBuild to 'Security']]<</if>><<if $phEnergy < (150 * _mod)>>@@.unavailable;//Insufficient Energy//@@<</if>><br><</if>>
<br>
[[Return to the Construction Menu|Build Screen]]<br>
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>><<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'watch'>><<include "PetraXavierGoodbye">><</if>><<include "Security Triggers">>The Security Office was discretely tucked away down a side 'alley' between a set of bathrooms and a storage unit for a high-end clothing chain. The word 'Security' was stenciled in plain white lettering that called no attention to itself, and the door bore a heavy duty biometric lock. The windows that looked out into the hall were mirrored and showed absolutely nothing of the interior. It always clicked open the moment you touched it, however.
Inside was an office of modest size but extensive equipment. There was a long desk that curled from one side of the room to the other in a V shape, festooned with computer monitors. Eight massive television screens lined the wall behind the monitors. Every few seconds, the images on the screen would change angle or location to show a new part of the mall. You couldn't help but notice that the location of the camera had sometimes subtly shifted when the image cycled back around, as though they were quietly moving themselves for more optimal viewing.
<<nobr>><<if ($phTime < 2) or ($phPetra.recharge == 1)>>Petra's chair is empty and the monitors are unobserved. She's not scheduled just yet.<</if>>
<<if ($phTime == 2) and ($phPetra.recharge == 0)>>
<<if ($phPetra.transform is 'pre') and ($phPetra.focus_security lt 9)>>@@.choice;[[Petra|TalkToPetra]]@@ is sitting in front of the row of monitors with her boots stretched out on the center console.<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>>@@.choice;[[Petra|PetraTalkDrowSecurity][$phPetra.post_talk to 0]]@@ is at her desk, her no-nonsense attitude tangible all the way from here.<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>@@.choice;[[Petra|PetraTalkSirenSecurity][$phPetra.post_talk to 0]]@@ is here, holding the desk microphone close to her lips as she croons into the receiver.<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phTime == 2) and ($phPetra.recharge == 2)>>Petra is here and on shift, but laser-focused on trying to track down your intruder. Probably best not to bother her further.<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if (($phPetra.focus_security is 9) or ($phPetra.focus_security is 9.5)) and ($phTime is 2)>>You saw Petra at her station, and felt the weight of the seashell necklace in your breast pocket. You didn't want to finish things here, though. You'd rather @@.choice;[[Invite Petra To Elysium|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 1]]@@<</if>><<if (($phPetra.focus_security is 10) or ($phPetra.focus_security is 10.5)) and ($phTime == 2)>>You saw Petra at her station, getting her night started like every other night. You knew that Mason had delivered the jacket to the nightclub, though. If you wanted to give it to her, you'd have to @@.choice;[[Invite Petra To Inferno|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 1]]@@<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Work A Station|SecurityWait]]
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return To The Shopping Center|Shopping Center - Second Floor]]@@<<nobr>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "Security">>
<<if $phPetra.focus_security is 0>><<goto PetraIntro>><</if>>
<<if ($phXavierHunt == 9)>>
<<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>><<goto 'XavierCaught'>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'talk'>><<nm $phYou "Well, thanks for the chat. I'd better get back to it.">><br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "Anytime, Cap. I'll be keeping a lookout.">>
<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'siren'>><<nm $phYou "It was good to see you again, but duty calls. I need to get back out there.">><br><br>
Petra pouted, but it was mostly playful. She came out of her chair and pulled you in for a gentle kiss, but she released you before you got tempted enough to ignore the work you needed to do.<br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "I understand, Captain. Be well, and I'll see you soon, okay?">><<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'drow'>><<nm $phYou "As much as I enjoy your company... duty calls. You know how it is.">><br><br>Petra huffed out a faint chuckle and nodded her head.<br><br><<nm $phPetra "That I do. Look me up next time you need to pass some time. I live to serve.">><br><br>The last four words were said with such dry, deadpan humor that you snorted as well. You stole a quick kiss and hurried out the door before she could retaliate.<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'quicktalk'>><<nm $phYou "Nothing today. I was just passing through.">><br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "Awww. Breaking my heart, Cap. I thought we had something going. Well, when you //do// have the time to talk, come and drop in, okay? I'll make sure the place is still standing when you get here.">>
<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.goodbye is 'signal') and ($phTime is 2) and ($phPetra.recharge is 0)>>Petra looked up as you entered and waved a hand absently over her shoulder to get your attention.<br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "Got something to talk about, if you can spare the time. Shouldn't take too long, but we'll need to get ourselves organized.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Wait'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<set $phTime += 1>>You thought about it for a few moments, but decided against it. You still weren't as confident in these systems as you were in some of the others and you didn't want to draw unnecessary attention no matter how much fun it would be.<br><br>
The time passed surprisingly quickly. There was always something to see on the monitors and you were able to use a critical eye and direct simulacra to trouble spots before they got out of hand. By the time you stood up, you felt like you had made a difference.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Security'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 0>>The door clicked and you stepped into the office. The air held that peculiar scent of brand new electronics and, as you stepped inside, the monitors flickered to life. A lot of monitors. There was a double row of eight along the opposite wall, and a long V-shaped desk was laden down at with at least seven more. As the screens lit, you saw live video from every corner of the mall. Customers raced here and there in pursuit of new sales, the food court was buzzing with lines of eager eaters, and the parking lot was an eternal riot of cars and people.
The sound of quickened footsteps clicking across the floor echoed at the door, and you turned to see your secretary bustling after you, only a minute behind. She crossed the threshold to the office and paused, taking in glittering array of LCDs with a suitably awed expression.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oooooh, $pMistress! It's so shiny! There's, like, so much to watch! How is one person supposed to keep an eye on everything?">>
You chuckled, laid your hand lightly over Sammy's backside, and gave it a squeeze. The little bimbo giggled and wriggled her rear obligingly back into your hand.<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Impressive. It almost looks like we're opening our own TV studio in here. One person is supposed to keep an eye on all this at once?">>
Samantha cocked her hip and made a note on the small clipboard tucked against her elbow.<</if>> You glanced around the small office, taking in the space. Aside from the technology, there wasn't much to see. A thin doorway led into a storage area off the main room. That was where you would be keep the emergency medical supplies, handcuffs, and limited weaponary until it was needed.
Not that the tower actually needed to keep supplies on hand, considering its ability to generate what was necessary. The security office required something special, however. It needed a human mind to learn from, and that meant you couldn't draw //too// much attention to the fact your tower didn't conform to the laws of reality.
<<nm $phYou "I guess we'll find out. You said you had someone in mind, didn't you?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oooh, yes, I did! She's waiting right now. She's been guarding one of Miss Lazren's warehouses for a while, but she's still, like, //completely// normal! I dunno...She's gotta be smart to watch all this stuff, but we'll have to make sure she doesn't, like, figure out //our// stuff, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess we can handle it, and it is necessary. What do you mean 'one of Lazren's warehouses'?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! A place she keeps a bunch of fun stuff, when she's not using it. You know, like the stuff Mr. Mason makes. I'm not supposed to talk about it, though. Do you want me to go get her?">>
You gave Sammy a sharp look. You'd forgotten that the woman had been with Lazren long before you'd come on board. Apparently there were still a few secrets that the slothful succubus was keeping.
That could wait for another day. You had a security office to staff, and an intruder to catch. You gave her a nod and she scurried to the door.
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "I do, yes. She's actually waiting for her interview now. She's been guarding one of Lazren's little caches for a long time now, and they haven't had any problems. She's still uninitiated, though. It may be a pain to keep it that way.">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess we can handle it, and it is necessary. What do you mean 'one of Lazren's little caches'?">>
Samantha raised her hand playfully to cover her mouth, flashing you a wholly unbelievable expression of dismay.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh my. I'm not supposed to talk about those. Lazren has all sorts of fun toys and equipment stashed away. She's got more than one person making fun tech for her, after all. I don't know many details, but we're far from her only employees.">>
You gave Samantha a speculative look. You'd forgotten the woman had been with Lazren long before you'd come on board. Apparently, there were still a few secrets that the slothful succubus was keeping.
That could wait for another day. You had a security office to staff, and an intruder to catch. You gave her a nod and she sashayed back to the door.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Time to Meet Your Watchdog.|PetraIntro][$phPetra.focus_security to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/PetraInitial.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/PetraInitial.png]]</picture>@@
The woman that entered the room did not walk so much as she swaggered. She was tall, and her short brown hair brushed the top of the door as she stepped inside. She stopped in front of you and extended her hand for yours. Her grip was powerfully firm. Her large aviator shades were completely opaque and reflected your own face back at you as she spoke. When she did, her voice was rich and resonant. It was the kind of voice you expected to be crooned into a microphone with a guitar across her lap.
<<if $phYou.form =='male'>><<nm $phPetra "You must be Mister $phYou.firstname. How you want to do this, Cap?">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "You must be Miss $phYou.firstname. How you want to do this, Cap?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...'Cap'?">>
She grinned at you and pulled her hand back, then struck a military pose with her feet slightly apart and her hands tucked at the small of her back.
<<nm $phPetra "Old habits. Petra Torres, reporting for duty<<if $phYou.firstname == 'Petra'>>. Just 'Torres' if it feels too much like you're talking to yourself<<else>>, if you'll have me<</if>>. Pretty swanky place out there, and I'm told you're trying to catch someone prowling around where they shouldn't be. I can make that happen.">>
She said it in such a matter-of-fact fashion it actually knocked you off balance. You cast about for a change of subject.
<<nm $phYou "I see... I'm told you worked at a pretty interesting warehouse before. You must have seen a few things.">>
<<nm $phPetra "No, $pmaam, I have not.">>
Again, you were thrown by her directness. This time, you just cocked your head in her direction. She lifted her eyebrows and elaborated.
<<nm $phPetra "Just like I won't have seen anything interesting here, Cap. It's the job I did when I enlisted, and the same job I've been doing the last few years outside. I watch the cameras, tell you about anything you should know, and then forget it. I'm //really// good at the forgetting part. I don't think I could tell you a single thing that happened when I worked at that warehouse. I guess it was pretty quiet. I don't ask questions about things I don't need to know.">>
You grinned, and felt your tail lash behind you. Petra didn't give any sign that she saw it. The tower was still working, then, and cloaking the more...inhuman aspects of things from her vision. However, it seemed if the veil ever slipped you wouldn't need to be too concerned. You could see why she'd been recommended. You inclined your head.
<<nm $phYou "...Just what we're looking for. Welcome aboard, Petra.">>
Petra grinned in returned, pulled herself up straight, @@.choice;[[And Saluted.|PetraIntro][$phPetra.focus_security to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 2>><<set $phPetra.recharge to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>It didn't take long to hammer out the details. Petra would start watching the screens the very next night, and she understood she may be working a lot of days until you got things established. Judging by how quickly she accepted your terms, you began to wonder just how much her salary was. Mason had often commented on the ease of producing 'green pieces of paper' when necessary. You guessed it was more than enough to earn you some indulgences.
Petra shook your hand again with a grip that nearly ground the bones of your hand together, then turned and swaggered her way back onto the floor. One thing, at least, had been accomplished.
Now there was little to do but wait, and see whether Petra's confidence in her abilities was well-founded. She had a rough description of the man she was looking for, and what little was known of his odd behavior so far. With the array of cameras at her command and Mason's adjustments to shut down the tower's more "helpful" subroutines overnight, she should be able to find out more... and put a stop to it before a concerning occurrence became a genuine problem.
You hoped it would be enough.
@@.narrative; Petra Assigned To The Security Office! Minimum and Maximum Management Modifiers Increased By 25%!@@<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMax += .25>>
<<set $phXavierHuntDays = 3>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
@@.choice;
[[Return to The Floor|Shopping Center - Second Floor]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 3) and ($phXavier.recharge == 1)>><<goto PetraXavierHunt>><</if>><<if $phPetraWatch == 3>><<goto PetraXavierHunt>><</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt > 3) and (ndef $phPetraWatch) and ($phXavier.transform is 'pre')>><<goto PetraXavierHunt>><</if>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 0>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 2>><<set _random to random(1,4)>><<if _random is 1>><<nm $phPetra "Attention over in Charlie-five. Looks like we've got a couple of //bad// little elves raiding the action figure aisle. What say we send someone out with a net to round them up and teach them about ownership, huh?">>
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<nm $phPetra "Delta-one, it's your very favorite eye in the sky. We've got a set of young men trying to haul a bunch of desktops in by hand. I'm assuming you've got another LAN party scheduled at the cafe. Why don't you send someone down to the west gate to meet them before they drop their rigs all over the place and we have to deal with the wailing and gnashing of teeth?">>
<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<nm $phPetra "Sky to Delta-three. You've had a drunk weaving his way around in circles for the last five minutes. Left to his own devices, I'm pretty sure he may qualify for residency by the time he finds his way out. Get someone down there to call him a cab, yeah? Not really the image that we're aiming for.">>
<</if>><<if _random is 4>><<nm $phPetra "Hello Hello Alpha-two. You've got a pair of lovely young ladies discovering brand new things about their bodies outside the changing room on your east side...I'm not saying you should break them up, but they seemed pretty keen to be seen, so it seemed a shame not to mention it.">>
<</if>>You stepped up behind Petra just as she released the button on her walkie-talkie and placed it down on the desk before her. Her tone was crisp and clearly enuciated, with that same 'late night radio DJ' tenor to it you had noticed in your first meeting.
<<nm $phYou "Working hard?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You know it, Cap. Why you pay me the big bucks. What brings you to my neck of the woods?">>
The big woman pulled her boots from the desk and half turned to kick out the second seat for you. You noticed she didn't actually rotate fully away from the screens and still kept an eye on the display you talked.
<<nm $phYou "Thought I would drop in and chat for a while. You got the time?">>
Petra grinned at you and reached up to pull her glasses down far enough to give you 'The Look'. You noted in passing she had shockingly clear blue eyes.
<<nm $phPetra "...Don't really think I can say no to that one, can I? Don't worry, Cap, it's pretty slow right now. Can't promise the most stimulating conversation, but sit right down and I'll do my best. What did you want to talk about?">>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 2>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 3>><<nm $phPetra "Good evening Bravo-four. This next song is going out to the gentleman in the grey shirt and blue cap who is very clearly contemplating a poor life decision in the food court. He's been watching a cash register for about the last ten minutes waiting for the cashier to step away. If you wanna go ahead and send someone in uniform to hang about the place I'm pretty sure he'll decide the straight and narrow is the way to go.">>
The voice was melodic and set in that radio announcer baritone that radio DJs used the world over. Petra leaned back from her microphone and tilted her head to look up at the rows of monitors about her. She smiled, but didn't turn her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Good to see you, Cap. What can I do for you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Thought I would drop in and see how you were settling in. Seems you're already hosting a radio show on the company time.">>
The tall woman laughed and shook her head as you moved up beside her. She turned her chair to welcome you, but you noticed she didn't take her eyes off the screen until the uniformed security guard appeared at the food court tables. You saw the cagey looking man who'd been watching the register stand up, ostentatiously throw away a plastic cup, and walk away toward the exit. Only then did Petra actually turn her head toward you.
<<nm $phPetra "Old habits. I've worked graveyards most of my adult life. That's a lot of hours and little to do with them. You learn to try and coax a bit of entertainment from the work. I admit, your crew isn't a talkative bunch for the most part. You've got a few who are willing to banter with me, but the workforce seems to lean toward the strong and silent type.">>
There was a knowing note in her voice, though not something you could definitively identify for sure. You couldn't even see her eyes, hidden behind the opaque sunglasses. You decided to take the comment at face value. Certainly, the simulacra weren't the most stimulating conversationalists.
<<nm $phYou "Well, maybe you'll live them up. Sometimes they take a while to warm up.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'll get there, don't worry. Now, what can I do for you?">>
You settled in. This would be an excellent opportunity to get to know your new security officer for a bit. Perhaps she might even be interested in a more personal relationship with the boss...
<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Petra About Herself|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]
<<if $phPetra.focus_security lt 6>>[[Proposition Petra|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 5>>[[Proposition Petra|PetraSex]]<</if>>
[[Enough For Now|Security Office][$phPetra.goodbye to 'quicktalk']]@@
@@<<nobr>><<if ($phTime lt 2) or ($phPetra.recharge gt 0) or ($phPetra.focus_security lt 3)>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['Security']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['Security']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3);
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['Security']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if def _random>>You sat down at the console and the controls immediately sprung to life. Petra wasn't in just yet, so there was no need to pretend that //you// had to have a password to access things. You ran your eyes over the monitors and tried to get a feel for how things were going.
<<if _random is 1>>The food court was fairly slow today. Simulacra were standing at the registers, but there seemed to be more of them than actual diners. You figured that wouldn't last very long, but even a short dip could bring down the energy you gained fairly significantly. You would have to find a way to make up for the lost time.
Almost immediately, you found it. The cameras zoomed themselves in on a pair of women sitting at one of the table. One of them had long black hair and sizable curves that stretched the front of her blouse; the other was blonde with a nearly boyish figure. You could see the smaller one was upset, and as the cameras locked onto her face the computer speakers began to pipe in audio.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Flat-Chested Woman" "--'m not saying life has to be fair, I'm just saying you don't realize how often you get away with things just because you've got tits.">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Big-Breasted Woman" "Sweetie, I didn't //always// have them. Believe me, if I could give them to you I would, for the back pain if nothing else. It's not my fault that certain blessings were not distributed evenly.">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Flat-Chested Woman" "I wish you could! We'd see how you'd like being the one everyone mistakes for being a fifteen year old boy and see how you like it!">>
The voices were playful, but there was some real sentiment behind them. You pondered for a moment. It was a slow day, and you could certainly have a couple of very special shakes delivered to the table: something a little more dramatic than the regular menu. It would cost some energy, but there might be even more waiting to be unlocked in the pair, and they'd probably dismiss the experience as a particularly interesting dream. On the other hand, you could spend the time watching the cameras and optimizing your food court schedule. That would be considerably less exciting, but possibly more valuable in the long run.
@@.choice;
[[Send Some Shakes To The Table|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>There wasn't a lot of foot traffic today. People seemed more apt than usual to come in, make their purchases, and leave. That wasn't very good from an energy perspective, but it wasn't always easy to encourage people to stay.
The camera snagged on the figure before you actually noticed him. He was a young, college age man sitting on a bench in the center of the mall. Every time a woman passed, he sat up straighter and puffed up his chest, only to exhale the moment they walked back. You smiled and put your hand on the console, letting the tower feel your wish. After a moment, sound crackled through the computer speakers.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Inconspicuous Man" "--is hopeless. Man, women have it so easy. All I'd have to do is wait and I bet I'd have guys flocking to me. Instead I'm wasting another day doing nothing. Just once, I'd like someone to notice me.">>
You smiled to yourself. He may have thought he was talking only to himself, but his wish had been overheard. If he wanted to see what getting the kind of attention that women did was like, you could probably oblige him. It wouldn't last very long, he wasn't one of your //real// targets, but he'd awaken tomorrow with an awfully vivid 'dream'.
On the other hand, that might be a bit extreme for a casually overheard wish. The boy was frustrated. Maybe it would be better to leave him to his fruitless watch and stick with keeping an eye on the cameras. You could do some marketing research: identify which advertisements that people stopped to read and which ones they walked right past. That wouldn't be as dramatic, but it would also help you in the future.
Hmm.
@@.choice;
[[Put Him In Touch With His Feminine Side|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>You were seeing a fairly noticeable dip in the area around the high-end clothing shops. Usually there were enough people going in and out of there wearing their new purchases that it attracted a steady stream of new buyers to do the same. Today, though, no one had stepped up to model the clothes, and the area was lagging behind on energy gains. There had to be a way to bring that up a bit.
It took some scanning, but you spotted the pair eventually. A young man with sandy brown hair was talking quietly to short, Asian woman. They weren't arguing, but there was intensity in their expressions. He kept waving his hands reassuringly, and she kept covering her face with her hands in evident embarrassment.
You couldn't contain your curiosity, and the tower was nothing if not adaptable. Even as the cameras zoomed in, the computer speakers crackled to life with the audio feed.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Understanding Man" "We don't have to do it today. There's a lot of people here. Why don't we go home an-">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Embarrassed Woman" "No! We didn't do it the last two times. This is //my// fantasy. I just...need a second to build myself up to it, that's all. I am not going to be shy all my life! I'm going to do something bold and crazy, just once!">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Understanding Man" "But doing it in a changing room? I mean, that's a big step for you. You usually blush a bit even when we're at hom-">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Embarrassed Woman" "Shut up! Just...give me a second! I'm going to do this!">>
You chuckled and shook your head. In your experience, people who //were// going to do wild and crazy things were too busy doing them to talk about it. The poor girl was obviously going to lose her nerve somewhere in the next minute or so...
...unless you intervened. It would cost a bit of energy, but you could fill the air with something to help the pair relax. That might encourage them to express themselves openly, and increase the energy from the shop to boot! Alternatively, it might be wasted energy for no gain. Perhaps it would be best to stick to the cameras and try to set up for long term success.
@@.choice;
[[Encourage 'Wild And Crazy'|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Stick To Watching The Cameras|Security Office][$phGoodbye to 'Wait']]@@<</if>><<if ndef _random>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'pre'>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 3>><<set _scene to 1>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 4>><<set _scene to 2>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 5>><<set _scene to 3>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 5>><<set _scene to 4>><</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _scene to 5>><</if>><<if _scene is 1>>Petra looked up as you sat down and pulled yourself close to the monitor bank. One dark eyebrow arched up behind her dark glasses.
<<nm $phPetra "On the job training, Cap?">>
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure you've got more experience than me. No, I just help out where I can. Helps the place run better if I know at least a little about everything, you know?">>
Petra looked a little bemused by that, but she nodded and pushed her chair back from the station, jerking her thumb toward the door.
<<nm $phPetra "Fair enough. First lesson then, Cap. Rookie keeps an eye on the monitors while I go get some coffee. You want anything?">>
<<nm $phYou "...I //am// your boss, you know.">>
<<nm $phPetra "...So?">>
<<nm $phYou "Just thought I'd mention it. No, I'm alright. If you're hitting the food court, though, I could use--">>
And that was about as far as you got with that thought. Petra's head snapped toward the monitor bank and you spun in your seat to look. One of the screens flashed red around the edges, and you saw a male figure sprinting down the center of the concourse. He was holding a stack of cash in his left hand and bills were occasionally peeling loose to flutter behind him. A young woman in an apron was chasing after him, but losing ground fast.
You turned back to Petra...and found only empty air. The door was already swinging shut as the tall woman booked it down the hallway. You blinked for a half second and then threw yourself up and out of your chair to follow.
@@.choice;
[[So Much For Coffee...|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]@@<</if>><<if _scene is 2>>This time when you dropped yourself into the second seat at the monitor bank, Petra laughed. She turned her chair into a now familiar angle to see both you and the monitors at the same time.
<<nm $phPetra "You are really working to get on my good side, aren't you, Cap? You know, I don't think I've ever had a boss who really wanted to work the job themselves.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm pretty hands-on, especially when it comes to keeping tabs on the place. You mind the company?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Not at all. Long as you do your share of the watching, we'll get along just fine. I might even grace you with a few stories about my time in boot. It may shock you to learn I got up to a few antics.">>
<<nm $phYou "Antics? Really? Oh dear. Well, this I //have// to hear.">>
Petra grinned and turned her attention back to the cameras before telling you a long and probably apocryphal story involving an annoying lieutenant, a tub of lard, and sixty sets of polished spoons. You responded by telling her the story of one of your memorable firings, before all of this had happened.
It was a pleasant way to spend the evening, and the clock seemed to move quite fast. Until...
Petra's head snapped around even before the console flashed red. She leaned up to the keyboard and her fingers deftly typed at the keys. One of the monitors shifted from showing multiple tiny images to one full-screen camera. You could people crowding around a central point and, even in the grainy image, you could see the worry and agitation on their faces. They were standing around what looked to be an old woman on the ground. Two of them were helping her to sit up, but she looked woozy and uncertain. As she turned her head toward one of the men around her, you saw the side of her hair was stained red.
@@.choice;
[[Blood Red.|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]@@<</if>><<if _scene is 3>><<nm $phPetra "Donuts? Really?">>
You chuckled and set the little pink box down on the table, allowing the scent of freshly-baked pastries to fill the little office. The look that Petra shot you were filled with professional affront.
<<nm $phYou "You've been glued to the cameras ever since the last time I was here, I was worried you might have forgotten to eat. If you don't want them, though, I'm sure someone upstairs'll take them.">>
Petra grunted and rolled her eyes so hard you could see the motion even through her sunglasses...before she reached over and plucked a rainbow-sprinkle donut from the row.
<<nm $phPetra "I want you to know I'm very disappointed, Cap. Terribly, terribly disappointed. You're right, though, I've been deep into it. I want to be ready when our friends show up again. The ones who pushed down the old lady.">>
<<nm $phYou "What makes you think they're coming back?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Call it professional instinct. I was an asshole in my young days, so I know how assholes think. Besides, when you look into things like this--">>
<<nm $phYou "Petra! Look!">>
Petra's head snapped around toward the cameras, but a moment of frantic searching turned up nothing. Then she followed the line of your pointing finger to the mirrored windows leading into the adjoining hall. Across from the security office were a few unmarked storage doors and a public bathroom.
And emerging from that bathroom were three men wearing decidedly familiar leather jackets. They swaggered forward and turned down the hall, slouching their way toward the rest of the mall.
Petra stared for several second, the donut actually still caught between her teeth. Then she looked at you with a mixture of suspicion and wonder before hauling herself up to her feet.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, I'll be damned. I'm not usually right quite that fast. Call the cops, Cap. I'll make sure they stay here.">>
She strode past you and hit the door at a hard walk, hurrying to catch up with the swaggering trio. You snorted and turned away from the monitors to walk after her.
@@.choice;
[[She Didn't Know You Very Well!|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]@@<</if>><<if _scene is 4>>You sat down at the monitors and Petra grinned over at you. She pushed a small box of chocolate treats in your direction.
<<nm $phPetra "//Not// donuts, because unlike some people I can name I try to //avoid// stereotyping.">>
You shot her a look, but laughed. The pair of you sat at the cameras for a while, swapping stories, commenting on the feeds, and keeping each another company. Wherever you could, you tried to draw the tower's attention to the more supernatural opportunities. You suspected that Petra noticed what you were doing, but she never commented on it. It was good work, and it made the evening pass quickly.
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;You Helped The Tower Become More Efficient! You Gained 30 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)@@
You were just standing up to leave after a while when Petra reached out to catch your arm. When you turned, you found her studying you over the rim of her lowered sunglasses. You didn't often get to see just how blue her eyes were.
<<nm $phPetra "It's usually pretty slow right now, Cap. I was thinking taking a break for a sec and resting my eyes. I don't know if you want to hang out for just a little longer...">>
<<if $phPetra.focus_security is 6>>You could see the vulnerability in Petra's eyes. You had a feeling she wanted to talk about things. The kiss in particular. You couldn't walk away just yet.
@@.choice;
[[Sit Back Down|PetraSex]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 6>>You knew Petra well enough to recognize the invitation in her eyes. You could stay for a while longer...or you could take the opportunity to go back to your room now. Being a child of Sloth had some disadvantages. You were already beginning to dream of your large, inviting bed...
@@.choice;
[[Indulge Your Officer|PetraSex]]
[[Not Tonight.|PetraSex][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if _scene is 5>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>You pulled a chair close to the console and sat down. Petra shot you a surprised look, but you could see the pleasure in her eyes. She laid her hand lightly on yours.
<<nm $phPetra "Keeping me company, Captain?">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't let you sing solo every night, you know. Let's see if I can harmonize a little.">>
As it turned out, you could. Petra didn't need much help simply keeping the peace. Her arresting voice urged shoppers to obey the posted rules and irresistibly warned off those who seemed primed to make errors of judgement. Your eye, however, was much more practiced. You could pick out the truest desire of almost everyone who entered the doors and Petra would, in turn, direct them by 'coincidental' public announcement to exactly where they needed to be.
You made a hell of a team, if you could say so yourself!
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;You Helped The Tower Become More Efficient! You Gained 30 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)@@
Soon enough, the tower began to slow, though. There were fewer and fewer people entering the doors, and most of those that remained had already found their respective promised land. Petra leaned back in her chair and let out a contented little sigh.
<<nm $phPetra "Another job well done. I suppose it's about time for you to head to bed then, Captain, unless...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Unless?">>
<<nm $phPetra "It's hardly fair you only get to hear my voice when I'm working. I could maybe arrange a more personal concert for you...perhaps hit a few 'high notes'?">>
She sucked her lower lip between her teeth, and you had to laugh. You had a suspicion you knew exactly what sort of high notes she would be hitting.
You had to admit, it was tempting...
@@.choice;
[[Attend The 'Concert'|PetraSirenSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]
[[Raincheck For Another Evening|PetraSirenSex][$phPetra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>>You grabbed a second chair and rolled it close to the console. Petra's eyebrow arched a little above the reflective surface of her glasses as she rested her boots on the desk.
<<nm $phPetra "I don't remember telling you that you could sit down down.">>
<<nm $phYou "Rank hath privileges.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Lucky I'm in a good mood, or I'd show you where you can stow those privileges of yours.">>
You grinned at the drow, and you were quite certain there was a pleased note in her voice. Then the pair of you turned your attention to the work at hand.
It was quite an effective evening, actually. Petra had the staff operating as a well-oiled machine, and her eyes were sharp and watchful even when she didn't seem to be paying attention. You still had a superior feel for the //customers//, though. You were able to spot and channel several potential troublemakers to some suitable distraction before they ever had to face your security officer's wrath.
You made a hell of a team, if you could say so yourself!
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;You Helped The Tower Become More Efficient! You Gained 30 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)@@
Soon enough, the crowds began to thin. Petra expertly led the security staff through checking on closed shops, ushering out stragglers, and closing off the now emptied sections. When she stood from the console, there was more than a little satisfaction in her smile.
<<nm $phPetra "There. They'll be closing things out for another half hour. I want to grab some coffee before the night watch starts. We wouldn't want to keep you past curfew, would we?">>
You grunted as you pushed yourself up as well. It might not be a curfew, but you had to admit it wasn't always easy for you to keep your head up throughout the night. Lazren's children were not typically night owls, it seemed.
On the other hand, you were pretty sure you //could// do it if you wanted to, and Petra had just admitted she was going to be free for a while. You could do all sorts of things with that admission...
@@.choice;
[[Get Some One-On-One Time|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]
[[Turn In For The Night|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phXavierHunt == 0>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>You came down the stairs towards the main office, only to have your blonde bimbo secretary come leaping out of her chair the moment you set foot inside. At first you thought you'd caught her mid-pleasure: her blue eyes went wide at the sight of you, and an string of urgent, muffled sounds suddenly filled her mouth around her ever-present lollipop. She finally realized she couldn't suck and talk at the same time, and pulled the candy from her lips with a wet, audible //pop!//
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! $phSamantha.Address! $phSamantha.Address!">>
You'd never realized what a difference tone of voice could make. Those were definitely words you'd expect to hear her panting and mewling on the edge of a thunderous climax. Right now, it was clearly business.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good morning, $phSamantha.Address!">>
<<nm $phYou "Good morning, Sammy. Everything alright?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "No! Ah, maybe! I dunno! I mean, at first it was like, what-//ever//, but then I got another one, and then $phCassandra.name called and wanted to talk to you, and I told her you were asleep, but she said it was really important!">>
<<nm $phYou "Slow down! Slow down, Sammy. Let's start at the beginning. What do you mean 'at first'?">>
Sammy sucked in a deep breath to try to calm herself down -- and inadvertently stuck her chest out so far in the process that it nearly pushed you backwards. Her pigtails bounced as she nodded.
<<nm $phSamantha "So, like, a few days ago, like, I got this email from Mason that said there was a bunch of irrig-- irrud-- irregu--">>
<<nm $phYou "... irregular?">>
Sammy had to sound out each syllable one by one to get through the full word. Her face crinkled a bit as she focused on it.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ir-reg-gu-lar-i-ties! He said there were some of those things in the mall somewhere, but, like, he didn't say it was //important//, and there were lots of really big words and he's so //boring// and so I thought I'd tell you later, but I forgot.">>
Irregularities? That sounded a bit concerning... mostly because Mason had emailed you -- well, Sammy -- about it. The incubus didn't seem like the type of flag something unless it was worth noting. He wouldn't call the boss just because someone's venti double-mocha latte came out with some extra cream.
<<nobr>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>><<nm $phSamantha "And then, like, that super hunky guy from the Stables emailed me, too! And it wasn't even about our riding lessons!">><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl')>><<nm $phSamantha "And then, like, that pretty French lady with even bigger tits than mine, she emailed me, too!">><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>><<nm $phSamantha "And then, like, that //really// hot pizza girl from the computer cafe, she emailed me, too! And I didn't even order anything this time!">><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pre')>><<nm $phSamantha "And then, like, that weird new lady, on the second floor? She emailed me, too! What's her name again? Mammary?">><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>Riding lessons. Your brows knitted together in brief confusion, wondering what she could be riding -- there weren't any horses in the Stables, despite the name. The bewilderment cleared as you realized bull-riding was a sport all its own. Oh dear.<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl')>>Well, that was certainly one way to describe JJ's, ah, assets. Fortunately, since she'd embraced loving her body for itself and given up caring what other people thought, the description would be one she'd find pride in, instead of shame.<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>>Some day you'd try to explain to Sammy that Jolie wasn't //really// a pizza girl -- and that she didn't have to actually pay for the pizza she ordered. Although admittedly, you doubted any cash exchanged hands when Jolie delivered her, uh, pie.<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pre')>><<nm $phYou "Mammon. Her name is Mammon.">>
You gave a silent mental prayer that the name stuck, and Sammy never got them mixed up in front of the demoness herself.<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nm $phYou "And then what? You said someone called you, too?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! So then I knew if //lots// of people all wanted to talk to you, it had to be important!">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform == 'futa'>>You came down the stairs towards the main office. The moment Samantha heard your footsteps, she quick-saved her work with a one-two keystroke and rose to her feet. She was dressed as impeccably as always, in a tight black skirt that left little to the imagination... including the not-entirely-subtle outline of her cock held back by the sateen fabric. Her knowing smirk tilted blood-red lips as she sauntered up with the grace of a panther on the prowl.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good morning, $phSamantha.Address. I've been waiting for you for //hours//.">>
The purr in her voice promised things: hot, delicious, sexy things. Your eyes dropped down to her lips, then further south, as your mind automatically filled in some very helpful pictures -- and delightful memories -- of what those things might be.
<<nm $phYou "Ah, good morning, Samantha. I was going to get some coffee first, but...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "But you might start with the cream? Sorry, boss, but this time it actually //is// business first. Although once we're done with that, I am all yours.">>
<<nm $phYou "Business, huh? Must be something important if you're putting off a 'good morning' to tell me about a printer out of ink.">>
Your secretary chuckled, low and rich. She winked at you as she raised a hand and trailed a sculpted nail down the front of your shirt.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mason emailed me. He said there were some 'energy irregularities' in the tower. He didn't say it was important, //per se//, but you know how he is. He wouldn't pry himself away from his drones and droids long enough to dictate a missive if it weren't.">>
Irregularities? That sounded a bit concerning... mostly because Samantha was right. Mason wasn't the type of flag something unless it was worth noting. He wouldn't call the boss just because someone's venti double-mocha latte came out with nutmeg instead of cinnamon sprinkles on top.
<<nobr>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>><<nm $phSamantha "On top of that, that wonderful stud you have in the Stables let me know he'd have to cancel our riding lessons this week, due to some of the girls being spooked.">>
<br /><br />
Riding lessons. Your brows knitted together in brief confusion, wondering what she could be riding -- there weren't any horses in the Stables, despite the name. The bewilderment cleared as you realized bull-riding was a sport all its own. Oh dear.<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl')>><<nm $phSamantha "On top of that, your triple-D ooh-la-la emailed me as well -- something about the girls in the Stables being on edge about some late-night noises... and not of the 'moaning and groaning' kind.">>
<br /><br />
Well, that was certainly one way to describe JJ's, ah, assets. Fortunately, since she'd embraced loving her body for itself and given up caring what other people thought, the description would be one she'd find pride in, instead of shame.
<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>><<nm $phSamantha "On top of that, your little French oh-la-la emailed me as well, about something being odd in the Computer Cafe. You really missed an opportunity there. No frilly black dress, white apron, and feather duster?">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phYou "Oh, she'll wear it. You just have to //want// it. Maybe you should pay her a visit and ask for the French tickler special.">>
<br /><br />
<<nm $phSamantha "Hah! Maybe I will. Or maybe I'll play the boss, and I'll have her play my lovely, leggy secretary with a little something extra, that I can bend over my desk for anything I want, mm?">>
<<if $phSamanthaTopSexGoodbye is 1>><br /><br />You felt your cheeks color with a faint blush. Samantha hadn't exactly bent you over her desk, but she'd certainly shown you who was 'boss', so to speak, against the office window.<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pre')>><<nm $phSamantha "And then your devil on the second floor -- Mammon, was it? -- she emailed me as well, about the same sort of thing. //Very// curious, isn't it?">>
<br /><br />
'Devil on the second floor'. That was kind of catchy. You wondered whether or not the demoness would find it amusing or insulting -- if Samantha ever used it face-to-face.<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nm $phYou "And then what? You said someone called you, too?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm-hmm. At which point I thought it prudent to inform you //immediately//.">><</if>>
Huh. It did sound like something was afoot... and if more than one person was raising the alarm, it might be something serious. Better to find out sooner than later.
<<nm $phYou "Right. Get everyone here for a meeting in an hour; we'll get this sorted out.">>
Time to finish your coffee and @@.choice;[[Get To Work.|SamIntruderMeeting][$phXavierHunt = 1]]@@<</if>>
<<if $phXavierHunt == 1>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<set _tempJolie to $phJolie.portrait>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><</if>>You stood at the head of a rectangular conference table in one of the small conference rooms off the main office, joined by a select few of your staff. Mason sat to your left, two hands clasped together in his lap while the other two held a small electronic tablet<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>>; Cassy's holographic figure adorned the chair next to him, parts of it still visible through her semi-translucent form<</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>; Cass was sprawled back in the chair next to him, her chunky black leather boots propped up on the table and a bored look on her face<</if>>. To your right was <<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>Damien, who positively dwarfed everyone in the room, and looked out of place in his jeans and plaid Western shirt that strained across his massive chest. You were briefly amused that it was his clothing, not his horns or golden septum ring, that made him stand out.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pre')>>Mammon, gazing up at you with amused green eyes, one fingertip holding her ever-present golden coin on edge and slowly rolling it back and forth.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl')>>JJ, still in her work uniform and Shakes 'n Sundaes hat, her bosom large enough to actually rest on the edge of the table for some extra support.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>>Jolie -- //just// Jolie, absent any pizza boxes, rolling pins, or leather whips. Her perfect role right now, it seemed, was her authentic self.<</if>> $phSamantha.name rounded out the group, paper and pen out and at the ready to take notes.
<<nobr>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == 'pre'>><<nm $phYou "Right. So. What's going on? $phSamantha.name said there's been some concern about breaking and entering? And I got a report that someone tried hacking into our computer system a night or two ago.">><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == 'punk'>><<nm $phYou "Right. So. What's going on?">>
<br />
<br /><<nm $phCassandra "Someone broke into the gym night before last. I say 'broke', but the lock wasn't busted -- I swear to fuck that <<if $phDamien.transform == 'sissy'>>Dana an' me<<else>>I<</if>> locked everything up tight, but this morning I go in and the books are out, the customer log, guest registry, all that shit<<if $phDamien.transform == 'sissy'>>, and it wasn't Dana<</if>>. Someone's fuckin' digging in our files, an' I think I know who. We've had a guy hanging around for hours pretending to exercise, but never breaking a goddamn sweat.">>
<</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.transform == 'hentai')>><<nm $phCassandra "Something is definitely going on, $phSamantha.Address! Someone's been plugging in at every connection they can find looking for a way to get themselves admin access. The coding's not //super// crazy, but they at least know how to use it. If you didn't have me running around on the inside, they might have gotten some juicy stuff! I keep getting interrupted every time I try to take a sleep cycle. It's really annoying!">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $phDamien.transform == "bull">>Damien nodded his horned head, making his nose ring glint in the fluorescent overhead light. He spoke with the slow Southwest drawl that tinged his tone with twang.
<<nm $phDamien "Sounds 'bout right. Last day or two, I noticed some things moved around in the Stables: milker settings changed, doors left unlocked. One of the girls asked me 'bout the new worker we hired... 'cept, I didn't hire none. I've been doin' double checks on the girls to make sure, but somethin' ain't right. I can smell it -- and honest, boss? It smells bad.<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl')>> I left JJ back in the stable to calm the other girls down.<</if>>">>
That would certainly be enough to make the cowgirls behind Shakes n' Sundaes nervous, it sounded like. A calm and happy cowgirl gave the best milk, and you could certainly understand how a mysterious 'ghost' wandering around would put anyone on edge.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform != "bull") and ($phJolie.transform == "cowgirl")>>JJ nodded, letting out a soft sigh as she clasped her hands together in front of her bosom.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, I have also -- well, I have not //seen// him, but the girls in the Stables are, how you say, 'spooked', or have seen a spook. Little things have been changed: the setting on a milker, or a door left unlocked. I have heard one ask about our new worker, but we do not have any new workers for them to have met.">>
That would certainly be enough to make the cowgirls behind Shakes n' Sundaes nervous, it sounded like. A calm and happy cowgirl gave the best milk, and you could certainly understand how a mysterious 'ghost' wandering around would put anyone on edge.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform != "bull") and ($phJolie.transform == "pornstar")>>Jolie nodded, letting out a soft sigh as she clasped her hands together in front of her bosom.
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, I have also seen him. The cameras I use to watch parts of the mall, they are very limited -- but they are, how you say, 'good enough for government work'? I have noticed one man, a Black man, who does not go about the mall like a normal visitor. He studies the cameras themselves -- perhaps to learn how to remain unseen?">><</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform != "bull") and ($phJolie.transform == "pre")>>The silver-haired demonness let out an amused breath, the golden coin ceasing its back-and-forth along the table. She smirked over at you.
<<nm $phMammon "Mm. I suspect, darling, that you have problem, if this is the same dashing young man I've seen loitering around the premises. I am //very// well-acquainted with sensation of desperate want, of the less carnal kind.">><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "This paints my own discovery in a particularly interesting light, $phMason.address. I had noticed, while adjusting some of the tower's parameters, an irregularity in the net intake and outflow of energy. A very slight irregularity, but an undeniable one: an inexplicable loss. Given this new information, I believe the likely cause is that there is indeed an interloper in Paradise, who desires confidential information, for some reason. It is the tower's nature and purpose to attempt to fulfill that desire. It will continue to do so until either it succeeds, or he is ejected.">>
<<nm $phYou "...somehow that sounds ominous. Why is he sneaking around? What exactly does he //want//?">>
The pale-skinned incubus spread all four palms apart in an elegant motion of //who knows?//
<<nm $phMason "That is the question, $phMason.address. The desires of humanity are both varied and innumerable. What could this person desire from our establishment that they could not simply walk in and purchase?">>
<<if $phCassandra.transform != 'pre'>><<nm $phCassandra "Maybe he can't afford it?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "To play devil's advocate -- pardon the pun -- but maybe he can't afford it?">><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "The tower would readily supply special sales prices, coupons, free trials, and other offers, were it merely a matter of financial liquidity. And do not forget that he has attempted theft of our information -- what information does he seek that he is driven to espionage rather than simply asking?">>
This didn't sound good. Obviously not everyone wanted something tangible: Cassandra and Mason were both perfect examples of that. But Mason was, as usual, annoyingly right: <<if $phCassandra.transform == "punk">>breaking into the gym office to go through private records<<else>>trying to hack into the master computer system<</if>> was criminal, and potentially dangerous. You didn't know exactly what he was after, but if the tower was //helping// him -- like it was designed to -- then he was going to find it sooner or later.
<<nm $phYou "It sounds he's scoping a few different places. Should be easy enough to catch him, though: the simulacra don't sleep, so we can just have them keep a look out, right?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not precisely, $phMason.address. As I stated, it is the nature of the tower to assist visitors in obtaining their desires -- including, in this case, the apparent desire to remain undetected. Our esteemed employees gathered here have detected him precisely because they are //not// simulacra.">>
<<nm $phYou "...well there's not enough of us to watch everywhere, day and night. Don't we have security guards?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">><<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! But, uh, only, like, fake ones, $phSamantha.Address.">>
So, also simulacra. And thus 'programmed' to ignore someone who //wanted// to be overlooked. Terrific.<<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Also simulacra, $phSamantha.Address, and part of the tower. They'll ignore someone who //wants// to be overlooked.">>
You sighed.<</if>><<GetAchievements>><<if _achieved.includesAny("phXavierDryad","phXavierVampire")>>
<<nm $phYou "We //solved// this problem, didn't we?">>
<<nm $phMason "...$phMason.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "This. The intruder. I already caught him before. Why do we have to go all through this all over again?">>
Your employees looked at each other uncertainly, almost visibly questioning your sanity from around the table. You spread your hands in a //well??// gesture as you looked at them in exasperation. Eventually, Mason cleared his throat.
<<nm $phMason "Ah... well. I suppose a bit of fourth-wall breaking might be in order. We //could// bypass the Intruder quest all together, since you do have the achievement. It does save both time and effort -- not to mention frustration -- which is quite //apropos// to a demon of Sloth.<br><br>If you decide to do that, we will skip directly to the choice of focus, bringing me into the spotlight once more -- although you will still suffer a loss of energy for the construction of the Security Office. You'll also lose a day's time.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Wait, what--">>
<<nm $phMason "Please, $phSamantha.name. Stay in character. This embarrassing incident will be over soon enough, and we can all pretend it never happened.">>
@@.choice;
<<link [[Do Things the Lazy Way? Yes, Please!|XavierFoci]]>>
<<set $phLocations['Security']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBase to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBonus to 2>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].mode to 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorMin to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorMax to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorCap to 50>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].level to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMin to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMax to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageDecay to 0>>
<<SetAchievement "phBuildSecurity">>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMin += .25>>
<<set $phLocations['Security'].manageMax += .25>>
<<set $phPetra.focus_security to 2>>
<<set $phPetraWatch to 2>>
<<set $phXavierHunt = 11>>
<<if $phEnergy > 149>><<set $phEnergy -= 150>><<else>>
<<set $phEnergy to 0>><</if>>
<<set $phLazDays -= 1>>
<<CheckFociReady>>
<</link>>
<<if $phJolie.transform == "pornstar">>[[Do Things The Long Way|Office][$phXavierHunt = 2,$phJolie.portrait = _tempJolie]]<<else>>[[Do Things The Long Way|Office][$phXavierHunt = 2]]<</if>>
@@<<else>>
<<nm $phMason "If I may, $phMason.address: I believe I might have a solution to this problem. It will require some research regarding certain variables and interfaces -- however, I am confident that there is a logical and efficient manner to approach the conundrum. Please come see me in my office once I have had a chance to work out the details.">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course you do. Fine; do it. And the rest of you: keep a look-out for this guy. $phSamantha.name, see if you can get a photo or a sketch or something; pass it around to anyone who needs it. Meeting adjourned.">>
She nodded, and one by one your employees rose and dismissed themselves from the room -- some more quickly than others. Your tail twitched back and forth of its own accord in sympathy with your frustration.
You'd check in with Mason later. Maybe it was nothing, but you weren't going to risk your dream job over a 'maybe'.
@@.choice;
<<if $phJolie.transform == "pornstar">>[[Back to the Office|Office][$phXavierHunt = 2,$phJolie.portrait = _tempJolie]]<<else>>[[Back to the Office|Office][$phXavierHunt = 2]]<</if>>
@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetraQ1 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I want to get to know you, Petra. What did you do before here?">>
<<nm $phPetra "What, you didn't read the resume, Cap? Do you have any idea how many cover letter templates I looked through?">>
<<nm $phYou "It was very pretty, but a job is a job. You don't know the story until you hear the person tell it.">>
Petra snorted with amusement, but glanced over at you for a moment. Even with her glasses shielding her eyes, you read the motion as contemplative.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, I'll remember that one. Alright, Cap. I'll bite. Granddad worked engines on some god-forsaken steamer ship fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. Dad's still wearing the duds, but he's pushing papers these days. I've got three brothers and two sisters, and between us we've still got a JAG and a pair working submarines out west. We didn't all stay in, but you bet your ass I knew what my first stop after high school was going to be before I was ten.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...Air Force, then?">>
//That// finally got her eyes off the screen for more than a second. She looked at you sharply and, when she saw your grin, pointed her finger at you.
<<nm $phPetra "...You're lucky you sign my checks, smart ass. Anyway, I'd love to tell you life was a series of increasingly exciting antics, but for the most part it was a job. Boredom like you can't believe mixed with little stretches of excitement that you //really// didn't want. I didn't take to it like my older brother did.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why's that? Problem with authority?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...Why is that everyone's first guess? The food sucks, the pay sucks, getting shot is a real risk, and everyone still guesses that it's getting chewed out that makes people quit. Sure, there's a couple I would have loved to see take a mistep off the side of the deck, but that's pretty much any place.<br><br>Nah, I left because you can't really put down roots that way. Once the luster wears off, you realize that every port is the same place with a different language, and you get real tired of asking directions everywhere you go. I wanted to be in one place long enough to //give// directions, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "And you went from that to working graveyard security?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Don't knock it; you'd be surprised. You visit a coffee shop during the day, they probably wouldn't know you from Adam if you came in twice a week. You visit at three in the morning, and they'll learn who you are awfully quick. People pay attention at night. It's slow, it's quiet, and you can catch up on your reading. They even pay you more! If it wasn't for assholes blaring their stereos cleaning the house at one in the afternoon, it'd be paradise. One day, I answered an ad looking for a warehouse watcher. You know the rest.">>
<<nm $phYou "Technically I don't. You //still// haven't told me anything about working at that warehouse, right?">>
The tall woman grinned, pointed a finger gun in your direction, and clicked her tongue. Then she returned her attention to her monitors. That omission, it seemed, was not about to change.
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ2 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How's the work going? Seen anything unusual?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Depends...Does seeing a couple of girls streaking stark naked from the gym to the parking lot because they 'forgot their locker combination' seem unusual to you?">>
<<nm $phYou "...A bit.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Then I've seen a bit. Don't worry, I got someone out there with a couple of sauna robes for them. Thing is, they can't find any record of them //having// a locker here. Still, made for a good show.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll bet. There's never any shortage of entertainment at this particular job. No problems with the boots on the ground either?">>
The look that Petra shot you was just a little suspicious. You thought it was, anyway. It was difficult to tell with her glasses obscuring that much of her face. Still, you knew she'd caught the odd question, even if she might not know that she was the only real officer in the building.
<<nm $phPetra "No problem. Not very much for extended conversation, but they don't seem to mind my unique form of radio professionalism, which is more than I can say for some teams that I've worked with. Mostly, they acknowledge what I tell them and get on the scene pretty quick when they need to, so I'm not complaining. Still trying to see where the secret parking lot is, though. I don't think I've ever seen one stroll out the doors.">>
You laughed, just a bit sheepishly. Yes, she was a little too sharp for comfort, and she definitely knew something was strange. Better to change the subject for now.
Quickly.
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ3 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 2>>You had seen the little glances that Petra had been throwing your way. You leaned forward and arched both your eyebrows.
<<nm $phYou "So, I gotta ask...what are your policies on fraternization?">>
Petra tore her eyes from the camera and looked you up and down quite slowly. The corner of her lip tilted upward.
<<nm $phPetra "...Points for being direct. Extra points for a body to die for, but you can't rush these things. The jury is still out. Let's say I'm in the process of updating the guidebook and I'll let you know when the update is done.">>
Fair enough. You left it there for now. If you could spare the time, you were pretty sure spending some of it helping in the office would help make the 'guidebook' update faster. For now, though, that was going to be a topic for a future date.
And perhaps a future //date// too.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phPetraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Herself|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]<br /><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]<br /><</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.focus_security lt 5) and ($phPetraQ3 is 0)>>
[[Proposition Petra|PetraTalk][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 5>>[[Proposition Petra|PetraSex]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[Enough For Now|Security Office][$phPetra.goodbye to 'talk']]@@<<if $phXavierHunt == 2>><<nm $phYou "So - what's this idea of yours about our supposed spy?">>
Mason's upper pair of arms shifted to claps behind his back as he straightened his spine -- a sure tell that a lecture was incoming.
<<nm $phMason "A security office. The thought has crossed my mind in the past, but while we have endured occasional shoplifting and ill-mannered encounters, the attention of our living staff has been, until now, sufficient to deal with them. With the expansion of the tower into additional floors and venues, however, it is clear that we will need a robust system of surveillance and observation, and a means of dealing with less... mundane misbehaviour.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't we already have cameras?">>
<<if $phJolie.transform == 'pornstar'>><<nm $phMason "Ms. Durand has access, as she mentioned, to some very limited devices, but they are a product of her own particular desire and transformation, rather than a fully-fledged system appropriate to our needs. They lack scope, resolution, and necessary capacity.">><<else>><<nm $phMason "There are, of course, //some// cameras present in the mall: where people expect them to be. A financial institution without cameras would not inspire the necessary confidence in the safety of your investments, for example. <<if $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] == 1>>The Computer Cafe has web cameras aplenty, as well.<</if>> These devices, however, are the byproducts of the tower's mission, rather than a fully-fledged system appropriate to our needs. They lack scope, resolution, and necessary capacity.">><</if>>
That made sense. It half-surprised you, and half didn't at all, to learn that there was no real security in place in a luxury high-rise mall. The whole point of Paradise was to give people what they wanted, and the tower and the simulacra did their best to make sure that your heart's desire was always in-stock and on-sale. Mischief -- beyond the occasional rude customer -- was minimal.
<<nm $phYou "Sounds good. So I can just log into the console and get it going?">>
Mason gave a heavy sigh, both pairs of black-clad arms folding over his chest and abdomen. He managed to stop short of rolling his eyes, although you could practically hear them scrape the ceiling in his tone of voice.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address, with all due respect: even with my considerable and impressive talents, it does take //time// to research a hereunto unheard-of situation, formulate a possible plan of attack, create blueprints, calculate the necessary energy exchange, fabricate a test model, adjust the design as needed, and //then// program a final schematic into the console for you to use. It is not ready, and it will not be ready today.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>You eyed him -- and then your hand whipped out, cup-checking his cock with enough firmness that he let out an involuntary squeak a full octave higher.
<<nm $phYou "Mason, my lovely little $phMason.him... that was a very, //very// good show of your old self. Just don't forget what you are, mm?">>
<<nm $phMason "Y-yes, $pMistress. Of course.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good. I'll let you get back to it. I'll be back tomorrow.">><<else>>That was probably the closest to 'fuck off' that Mason would ever say. You eyed him, but there was no break in his demeanor: just unwaivering, cold politeness.
<<nm $phYou "Fine, fine. I'll let you get back to it. I'll be back tomorrow.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "Or tonight.">>
He smirked -- the only small crack he allowed in the facade. Even so, the simple reminder of how your relationship with him had changed brought a brief but fierce blush to your cheeks.
<<nm $phYou "...yes, $phMason.him.">>
Damn him. You hurried out before he could make you even <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>wetter<<else>>harder<</if>>, and walking even more awkward. You'd come back tomorrow.<</if>>You still had a mall to run. There was more than enough to keep you busy until then.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Back to Research and Development|Research and Development]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 3) and ($phLocations['Security']['built'] == 0)>><<nm $phYou "So... about that 'security office'?">>
You swore you saw the briefest smirk tug at the corner of Mason's thin lips.
<<nm $phMason "It is ready. There were some minor complications, but I believe I have addressed them in a satisfactory manner. Should you access the construction console, you will find the blueprints are in place.">>
<<nm $phYou "Complications, huh? What //kind// of complications?">>
<<nm $phMason "Two, in particular, both originating ultimately from the same root cause: the tower's desire to help, rather than hinder. The first is that our goal -- to track down and apprehend our mystery visitor -- is expressly opposite of his desire to remain undetected. In order to prevent the tower from sabotaging our efforts, it will be necessary to briefly shut it down. This will, of course, temporarily prevent the tower from harvesting and processing energy, and may result in a net //loss//. In order to minimize the amount of processing lost -- and given our 'spy' seems to be primarily active after business hours -- I suggest that we begin our experiment with a graveyard shift.">>
You nodded, making mental notes. The tower was doing well -- you had a steady flow of energy coming in every day, from the venues you'd already put into place<<if ($phLocations['Gym']['upgraded'] == 1) or ($phLocations['CompCafe']['upgraded'] == 1) or ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['upgraded'] == 1) or ($phLocations['Bank']['upgraded'] == 1)>> and the upgrades you'd done<</if>>. An overnight shutdown didn't sound like it'd be such an extensive cost -- it wasn't not like there was anyone in the mall during those hours anyways, so the impact ought to be bearable.
<<nm $phYou "And what's the second complication?">>
<<nm $phMason "The issue of staffing. Whoever mans the office -- however minimal their required input may be, given my efficiency of automation -- must be human. A simulacrum would be inadequate.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Because they'd want to help this guy, instead. Or, if the tower's shut down, they'll shut down, too.">>
<<nm $phMason "Correct. The artificial workforce are merely an extention of the tower's own nature and will; it is very much //against// their nature to attempt to stop a person from achieving their desires, no matter how miscreant. And without the tower awake to control them, they will cease activity entirely.">>
<<nm $phYou "Where am I supposed to find a human being to run this? Run an ad for 'Help Wanted: Night-Shift Security for Infernal Pleasure Palace'?">>
<<nm $phMason "That, I believe, $phMason.address, is what your secretary is for. I have already taken the liberty of letting her know the requirements. You will find the blueprint in the construction console as per our typical process. Second Floor. Once you construct the location, I suspect she will be able to handle recruiting an appropriate individual. And, if I may point out, $phMason.address, Lazren did hire //you// with such an advertisement, did she not?">>
... that was a good point. <<if $phSamantha.transform == "bimbo">>Sammy might have a bra size larger than her IQ now, but you'd specifically left her with enough brains to do her job. She shouldn't have any trouble finding a suitable candidate... you hoped.<<else>>Samantha had gained a hell of a physique, but her intelligence hadn't changed. She shouldn't have any trouble finding a suitable candidate... and, knowing her, one that would be easy on the eyes, as well.<</if>> You'd have to check in with her later.
First things first, though. You had to have a security //office// before you could have a security //officer//.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Mason. You really do think of everything.">>
The incubus inclined his head in a small pseudo-bow, holding the position a second in acknowledgement of the compliment.
<<nm $phMason "You are welcome. Now, if there is nothing else...?">>
You shook your head, and let the engineer get back to his work. You had a mystery to solve.
@@.choice;
[[Back to Research and Development|Research and Development]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phLocations['Security']['built'] == 1) and ($phLocations['Security']['upgraded'] == 0)>><<nm $phYou "Hey, I had some questions about the new security office, and our mystery guest.">>
Both of Mason's black eyebrows arched up -- a subtle but very obvious expression of surprise.
<<nm $phMason "... then I suggest you make your inquiries with your security expert, $phMason.address. I merely developed the schematics; I have neither say nor interest in how it is run. I am, however, re-examining my notes in an attempt to improve the underlying architecture. It is an invigorating challenge, to attempt to refine a structure which is so fundamentally at odds with the tower's core nature.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? What improvements?">>
<<nm $phMason "I would prefer not to discuss them prematurely, $phMason.address. Oftentimes a promising lead in theory turns out to be non-viable in practice. Once I am assured that an upgrade is both plausible and worthwhile, I will add it to the construction console's programming with all haste.">>
Right. Well, that was Mason's perfectionist side, shining loud and clear. You knew better than to try to press him to talk about his projects before he was ready. You could always check the console to see if he'd come up with anything new.
@@.choice;
[[Back to Research and Development|Research and Development]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phLocations['Security']['built'] == 1) and ($phLocations['Security']['upgraded'] == 1)>><<nm $phYou "Any news about our uninvited guest?">>
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.address, you are barking up the wrong proverbial tree. The 'guest', as you call him, is no longer my particular concern. I have made a near-flawless system; if you are experiencing difficulties apprehending him, I can assure you it is user error, not a technological shortcoming.">>
<<nm $phYou "...in other words, quit bothering you with it?">>
<<nm $phMason "An excellent suggestion, $phMason.address.">>
You snorted<<if $phMason.transform is not 'pre'>>, and saw Mason give you a knowing wink. You suspected he enjoyed this little 'work charade' you had going on<</if>>. At least he was being polite about it. Ah well - maybe you could find out more in the actual Security Office.
@@.choice;
[[Back to Research and Development|Research and Development]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phPetra.sex to 0>>You sheepishly explained that you had a few things to take care of and couldn't get too caught up tonight. Petra's eyebrow rose and you saw disappointment in her expression, but she only turned back to the screens.
<<nm $phPetra "Going to think you only keep me around for my dulcet tones at this rate, Cap. Alright, alright. Don't worry, I'm not going stalker on you...though I suppose I //am// always watching, aren't I? Try not to think about it. Night Cap!">>
@@.choice;
[[Good Luck With That|Security Office]]
<<else>><<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 6>>You leaned forward and looked at your security chief. She made some pretense of not looking in your direction and instead studied the monitors. You knew her eyes were moving behind those opaque shades, however.
Finally, you smiled and raised your eyebrows.
<<nm $phYou "...Fuck?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Jesus, I thought you would never ask.">>
The pair of you came out of your chairs together, meeting in the middle in a short, explosive kiss. Your hands were already pawing for one another's clothes as you held the contact.
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>@@.choice;
[[It Was Always So Nice To Have A Long Chat.|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>@@.choice;
[[It Was Always So Nice To Have A Long Chat.|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 6>>You leaned forward and looked at your security chief. The normally confident woman looked oddly reluctant to break the ice. After a moment, you finally decided to save her the effort.
<<nm $phYou "So...about that kiss?">>
Petra paused for a moment. It wasn't very long, but you definitely noticed it. Then she turned her chair around to face you more fully, pointedly uncrossing and then crossing her legs.
<<nm $phPetra "What about it, Cap?">>
Her tone was challenging, and even a bit taunting. You shrugged your shoulders and looked around with exaggerated innocence.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know. You said we'd talk about it later. I figured...this is later. You want to talk about it?">>
Petra sighed and her jaw worked for a moment. She licked her lips and turned her chair toward you. For once, she was actually looking directly at you rather than dividing her attention between you and the screens.
<<nm $phPetra "I'm sorry if I surprised you, Cap. It's-- when things get a little active I get 'excited'. That's all. Sometimes I don't think about what I'm doing until after I've done it.">>
<<nm $phYou "I didn't complain... I think that's not //that// unusual. I mean, adrenaline is pretty heady stuff. I really don't mind. I could stand to chat a little more.">>
<<nm $phPetra "...We could do that...but honestly, I think that would get in the way of all the fucking we were just about to do. Don't let me put you off your talking fetish, though, if that's what you're into. I'm not here to judge.">>
Petra grinned. So did you. You gave a slow nod, and the pair of you stood up at nearly the same time. <<set $phPetra.focus_security to 7>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>
[[The Talking Could Wait.|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[The Talking Could Wait.|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>>
[[Raincheck?|PetraSex][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>You called over to the foodcourt and had a few shakes delivered to the table as 'free samples'. Both women were surprised, but the food court had enough delicious smells to make it hard to turn down free sweets. Any reluctance they might have had was quickly assuaged by the taste, and both of them were soon sucking happily on their straws.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Flat-Chested Woman" "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you self-conscious, I just wish you knew how it felt, is all.">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Big-Breasted Woman" "Yeah, yeah. You shouldn't be so sensitive about-- Hey! Ellie, are you stuffing your bra now?">>
The small woman looked down at herself in some amazement. There were now noticeable swells in the front of her shirt, where there had been nothing before. Her hands snapped up to squeeze her chest on reflex, and she let out a wanton moan before she slapped her hand farther up and over her mouth.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Flat-Chested Woman" "Omigosh! I'm swelling up! I-- Look at me! How is this-- Eva! Look at you! Look at your tits!">>
Eva -- the black-haired and large-busted woman -- was staring openly at her swelling friend, but the high-pitched exclamation made her look down. Her own impressive chest was dwindling by the moment, and her shirt hung limply where it had once been stretched to the utmost. She, too, gasped and immediately grabbed for her chest.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Eva" "Ellie! You're...You're stealing my tits! How is-- What are you doing? Are you //getting off// on this?!">>
She looked up in outrage as her friend groaned and rolled her hips on the food court chair. Ellie arched her back and then let out a relieved sigh as her overfilled bra finally gave up the ghost and snapped, leaving her chest showing clearly through her tight top. She cupped her now-mammoth breasts and giggled.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Ellie" "Oh wow. Oh wow wow wow...They feel so good! Everything I've ever wanted. Mmmm, I need to go buy some bigger bras! Then we're going to pick up boys, and you can see what it's like being the girl that no one looks at.">>
She pushed away from the table and stood, laughing anew as her chest jiggled and bounced. Her anguished friend popped to her feet right beside her.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Eva" "Ellie! Ellie you aren't serious, right? You have to fix this...Ellie! Ellie wait up, please!">>
The pair moved away from the table, one of them strutting like a model on the runway, and one of them hurrying after in desperation. You smiled to yourself. Their memory of today would be very fuzzy once everything wore off but, for at least a few hours, Ellie would have her wish. You suspected that was time enough to get in plenty of trouble.
You rather liked this wish-granting thing. You'd have to try it again sometime.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Time To Step Away From The Cameras|Security Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>><<set $phTime += 1>><<npc "mnpc2" "Chatty Man" "You just looked like you needed a friend, that's all. I'm around if you change your mind, okay?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "James" "Huh? Oh, right. Thanks, I'll...uh...I'll keep that in mind.">>
James brushed his hair back as the man walked away. He really needed to get a haircut. There was a mist sprayer just above the bench he was on that occasionally cooled the area with a quick wave of mist, and every time it caught in his hair, it seemed a bit longer.
He was striking out just as badly today as every other day. Apparently he looked especially pathetic, because that was the third guy who had stopped for a chat just to see if he needed anyone. It actually felt kind of good to be noticed, if he was honest with himself. Usually, he'd have gone home, but a couple of pleasant chats was enough to keep him longer than normal.
The last guy hadn't been bad looking either. Maybe next time he should try to extend the chat a little more. Maybe he was looking in the wrong places. The sprayer above him hummed again, sending a little rain of cooling mist down over the bench. He brushed his hair back once more. His fingernails needed cutting too. Maybe a little self-grooming was in order. He could grab some bubble bath, soaked for a while, then shave his legs...
He blinked, coming out of the thought with confusion. What was that? He stood up, abruptly. He'd clearly spent too much time at the mall. He should go home and lay down for a little while, before--
The mister fired up again, much faster than it had before, dumping a spray of water that prickled at his skin. He groaned, running both hands up and around the back of his neck. It actually felt good. His long nails ran over his smooth skin, and he found himself rocking his hips as another burst fell across him right on the heels of the last.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Curious Hunk" "Miss? Are you alright? It looks like that sprayer's going a little haywire.">>
James's eyes snapped open and his cheeks colored. What was he doing? His hands were running across the curves of his body like he was trying to feel himself up. What on earth was wrong with hi--
Then he saw the man in front of him, and his mouth went dry. Oh God, he was //cut//. His chest looked like it was firm enough to slice veggies on. He had the cutest little smile, as well. He knew he was hot, and he knew that //James// knew, and they both knew that they knew and--
James shook his head hard! What was wrong with him? He raised a hand to his hair, blonde and streaked with pink, his knees suddenly feeling weak. He would have fallen, but the man jumped forward and caught him as though he didn't weigh anything at all.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Curious Hunk" "I don't think you look too good, Miss. You want to find a dryer place to sit down?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "James" "Uh-huh, that would be nice. Why don't we find...a bar? I'm sure that's nice and dry. And you can buy me a drink.">>
Jenny nuzzled into his arm, pressing her breasts around his bicep. She fluttered her lashes up at him, and saw the cute smile return. Oh wow, she never picked up guys this hot at the mall. She should totally do this again...after she'd enjoyed herself with this one, of course.
Arm in arm, the pair disappeared further into the mall. In the security office, you eased the sprayer off and made a note to send a simulacrum to clean up what remained of the mist. The man was going to get to experience what it was like to get some positive attention for a change, and you suspected he would enjoy it. He might not remember all the details in the morning, but it might just make him expand his horizons.
Either way, it was one good deed accomplished and the show had certainly revitalized the area. That meant a job well done.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Time To Step Away From The Cameras|Security Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>><<set $phTime += 1>>Allen leaned back and let the clerk go by. She held up a small bottle of perfume that they both declined, but the clerk sprayed it anyway. Allen politely smiled and nodded. It //did// actually smell quite good.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Allen" "Anyway, are you feeling okay? I really don't want to push you to do something you don't want to, but if we don't get this done soon we're going to buy something just to prove we aren't freaks. Why is this so important to you?">>
He blinked. He hadn't intended to be quite so bold, but the truth just seemed to slip out of him. He flushed, deeply, but Kris was already answering, one of her hands held up to the side of her head.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Kris" "Because my friend Jackie does porn and she always tells me stories! Just once, I want to be able to say I did something, okay? I'm so jealous that she can just get fucked whenever she wants! I'm just worried you would see me as a slut...">>
The pair stared at each other, and Kris slapped a hand over her mouth in stunned disbelief. Kris //never// cursed, and she was never vulgar.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Allen" "I wouldn't see you as a slut. That's the hottest thing you've ever said.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Kris" "But...you keep trying to talk me out of things like this every time I bring it up!">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Allen" "I thought you were doing it for me! If you //want// to do it...then I want to drill you so hard, Kris. I'd give you the fucking of a lifetime.">>
They both fell silent, still amazed at the words coming out of their mouths. Then, finally, Kris giggled. That seemed to break the ice, and Allen reached for her hand. They walked arm and arm toward the dressing rooms.
You sent a casual message to one of the staff to put an 'out of order' sign on the door. Judging from the sounds, they were going to be at it for quite a long time. Funny what a little bit of truth could do at just the right moment.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Time To Step Away From The Cameras|Security Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 4>>You were no slouch when it came to sprinting. Lazren's gifts had included raw strength and speed that continually surprised you even after the past weeks. You hit the door to the security office hard and sprinting in the wake of your new security officer.
Petra was faster.
She had long, powerful legs and her arms pumped like a machine. She remained ahead of you as you both bolted down the short cul-de-sac that held the the security office. You saw the running man pass in front of you on his way to the main doors and Petra didn't hesitate, curving around the tight corner at full speed. You very nearly ran into a couple as they recoiled in surprise and stumbled as you fought to regain your balance.
By the time you made it around the corner, things were already finished.
Petra had him sprawled out on the shiny mall floor and she was sitting on his back. She expertly peeled the man's arms behind his back and deftly tied them off with a set of zip-ties. Only then did she seem to relax, reaching up to pull the man's hood back to reveal his face.
And blinked. The 'man' was a teenager -- maybe fifteen or sixteen at the oldest.
The aproned figure that had been running after the teen slowed to a halt, panting hard. You realized she was human and not a simulacrum when you saw the sweat on her red face. One of the human shop owners then.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Shop Owner" "Oh! You got him, thank God! He grabbed the money out of the register when I turned my back! You're going away, you little asshole!">>
Petra hauled the young man to his feet and looked at the storekeep a long moment. She was barely breathing hard, but you couldn't help but notice that her cheeks were flushed. She nodded once.
<<nm $phPetra "We'll take it from here, ma'am. Go ahead and go back to your shop.">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Shop Owner" "The hell with that! He dropped my money all across the mall! I'm going to take it out of his hide!">>
You stepped up at that point, laying a hand on the woman's shoulder. She turned sharply but blanched noticeably when she recognized who you were. You flashed a friendly smile, but your tone was firm.
<<nm $phYou "Let's go ahead and allow Security do their job. Please, send me a report of any shortage you end up with at the end of the night. We'll reimburse you in full, but we don't want to make a scene, okay?">>
The woman's eyes narrowed, and you were pretty sure you saw dollar signs in her eyes. You had no doubt her report would be inflated by a few hundred dollars. Fortunately, you legitimately didn't care. She made a comment about wanting to see the police report, picked up the fistful of cash from beside the youth and turned to walk back the way she had come.
When she was gone, the young man lifted his head. His eyes were wide, and he looked like he might be about to cry.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Thief" "...Are you going to call the cops?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Hmm. Let's go find out, shall we?">>
The big woman grabbed him by the back of the neck, turned on her heels, and all but dragged him @@.choice;[[Back To The Security Office.|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5.1>>The young man hit the chair hard enough to make it roll back a few inches when Petra tossed him into it. At some point in the journey, she'd taken his wallet out of his pocket and was flipping through the contents.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Thief" "Hey! Don't you need a warrant?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You //want// me to call the cops, Jeffrey? That's your name, right? This your high school?">>
The young man looked down and away, falling into a sullen silence. Petra watched him behind her opaque shades, then bent to put herself into his line of sight. He wilted visibly away from the cold surface of her glasses.
<<nm $phPetra "So? Why'd you do it?">>
He mumbled something so low that even your ears couldn't hear it. Apparently Petra couldn't either, because she nudged his ankle firmly with her booted heel and he spoke up more fully.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Thief" "...It was a dare.">>
<<nm $phPetra "A //dare//? No sick family member? No bully needing a payoff? You risked your future over two hundred bucks and a dare?">>
His cheeks burned, but he just shrugged silently and looked away again. Petra stared down at him for several seconds and then finally lifted her head in your direction. Even with the shades, you could read the question in her demeanor. You spread your hands. You wanted to see what she wanted to do. Petra nodded and looked down again.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, Jeffrey. I hate to say it, but I guess you're going to spend the night in the big house. Don't worry, they'll call your parents to bail you out in the morning. You'll probably be fine. It might be worse when you get home, to be honest.">>
She turned away and picked up the phone on the wall and raised it to her cheek. It had the desired effect. The young man came half out of the seat, his face abruptly filled with chagrin.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Thief" "...No, please! My parents'll kill me! I won't do it again, I promise!">>
From behind her, he couldn't see @@.choice;[[Petra's Smile.|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5.2>><<set $phTime += 1>>It didn't take long to finish up. Petra pretended to waffle on it for a while, then finally pointed her finger in his face and threatened to 'lock his ass up herself' if he was bullshitting her. She reminded him that she knew his name and his high school. If she ever saw him causing trouble again, she'd be spilling the whole story to his parents.
The pair of you stood at the door as he melted gratefully back into the crowd and began to slink toward the parking lot. Petra sighed, and shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Not the most exciting part of the job, but I guess I ought to get used to it. A mall isn't exactly a warzone.">>
<<nm $phYou "I hope it stays that way! Why'd you let him go?">>
Petra tossed her hair and shrugged, leaning back against the doorway. Her lips compressed, pensively.
<<nm $phPetra "I can read people. He was just about pissing himself. I don't think he'll steal a pencil for the next ten years. What's the point of putting something on his record? We were all stupid kids once.">>
<<nm $phYou "You really going to keep an eye out for him?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh yes...and I'll break his skinny ass in half if he tries something else. I'm a bleeding heart, Cap, but I've got limits. Thanks for stepping in with the owner. I thought she was going to insist on waiting to watch the kid get loaded in a squad car.">>
<<nm $phYou "Part of the job...and speaking of, I think I've spent all the time away from it I can. Rain check on that coffee run?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You're lucky I'm in a good mood, rookie. We'll work on your sprinting next.">>
The tall woman grinned impudently and turned to stride back into the office and to her beloved cameras. You watched her go for a moment, and your expression was speculative. She //was// in a good mood...and her cheeks were still flushed after the run. Wasn't that //interesting//?
@@.narrative;<<set $phEnergy += 10>>The Tower Felt Petra's Excitement! You Gained 10 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
You sighed. You'd have to think about it later. The mall was closing, and you needed to get @@.choice;[[Back To Your Suite|Office]].@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 5>><<nm $phPetra "I see. After they hit her, did you see where any of them went?">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Witness" "No, I'm sorry. After they knocked into her, they just kept walking. Said she was a bitch for getting in their way. I couldn't believe it. Assholes. They were all wearing the same jackets though. Black leather with a skull on the back.">>
Petra nodded and thanked the man. He hadn't given them anything new, but it was another account of the incident. You'd already called up the footage and seen it for yourself. It was even worse than it sounded. The old woman hadn't actually been walking in their way. They'd changed directions specifically to bump her, then strode off into the parking lot. If they had a car, it was far enough out that the cameras lost them before they got in.
Petra returned to your side, closing her notebook. She pursed her lip at the spot on the floor where the cleaning simulacra were working on the blood stain. The poor woman had been more dazed than really injured, but the ambulance had come and collected her anyway. You'd stuck a card in the woman's pocket asking for the bill when it came due.
<<nm $phPetra "Fuck. Total assholes. I can't believe they just walked out of here.">>
<<nm $phYou "We're pretty close to the exit. They were probably out the door in, what, ten or fifteen seconds? You're fast, Petra, but you're not that fast.">>
She grunted in not-quite-agreement and stuck her notebook into her jacket pocket. Her expression was sour.
<<nm $phPetra "...Maybe. I'll sweep through the archives. If they're really that distinctive, maybe they've prowled around here before and we can get a plate for them. If we're //really// lucky they'll be dumb enough to come back. I would love to show them what getting pushed around is like.">>
Her jaw was set and her head slightly lowered, as though she might bull charge the first thing that crossed into her field of view. You could //hear// the anger in her tone.
<<nm $phYou "We should be so lucky. Why don't we head back? We can get a start on watching those tapes?">>
<<nm $phPetra "No, that's alright, Cap. We're just about closed for the day. You go home, and //I'll// watch the tape. Believe me, if they've put one toe into this place in the last three weeks, I'll find them for you.">>
You opened your mouth to argue, but she turned away from you before you could and began stalking toward the office. After a second, you decided against it. Petra needed to cool off. Doing a little work might keep her out of trouble.
The tall woman stopped and tilted her head up, frowning and cocking her head to the side. Then she turned back toward you.
<<nm $phPetra "They turn on the heat at night? It's pretty damn hot around here. Anyway, have a good night, Cap. I'll talk to you soon.">>
You frowned yourself even as she walked away. It //was// warm actually. Very warm, like a hot breeze were blowing over your face. You felt the hairs on the back of your neck tingle as you stopped to pay attention to it. You could //feel// the energy in the air and the subtle movements beneath your feet. In the far distance, almost too quiet to hear, you heard a deep groan as though the building were resettling itself.
You took a deep breath, but the sensation was undeniable once you stopped to pay attention. Petra wasn't the only one who was angry.
Paradise itself was upset.
@@.narrative;<<set $phEnergy -= 15>>The Tower Is Furious! You Lost 15 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
You paused for a long moment, but you weren't sure how you were meant to comfort a building. Would it hear you, if you spoke to it? Would it understand you if it could? You began to walk back toward the elevator up to your suite with reluctant steps. You knew only one thing for certain.
You did not envy those men if @@.choice;[[They Ever Came Back|Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 6>><<nm $phPetra "Hey! You!">>
The three toughs slowed and turned as Petra caught up with them. She slowed and stopped about ten feet away, her hand casually gripping the side of her belt. The leader, a big man whose white shirt was stretched by his biceps to the point of nearly being translucent beneath his jacket, looked past Petra to where you were hurrying to keep up. He sucked in a breath and pulled himself up to his full height.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Tough" "Something you need, lady?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah there is. We gotta talk, my boys. Wanted to ask you if you saw a poor, defenseless old lady get pushed by a couple of shitbags wearing leather jackets. You know anything about that?">>
The tough on the right glowered immediately and his shoulders bunched, visible enough from this short distance. The leader shot him a glance and his stance loosened up.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Tough" "Wouldn't know anything any about that. Maybe you ought to forget about it too. You ask me, mall cop salary ain't worth worrying about it. Why don't you get back to your chair, huh? Save yourself the trouble.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, don't worry, it's not going to be any trouble at all. Figure we can straighten all this out in five minutes, if we really, really try. What do you say?">>
The man blinked. Clearly, he was not used to his pointed suggestions being ignored, and he didn't like the feeling. He reflexively checked around them to see if he was missing additional threats. Other than you, there were none. He took two long steps forward to bring himself up close to Petra. The woman was tall, but he still head a full head of height on her. He reached for her shoulder.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Tough" "I don't think you heard me. I said-">>
His hand touched Petra's jacket, probably intent on pulling her close to him to deliver his threat. He never got the chance. Petra's hand came off of her belt and her fist shot outward to connect with the big man's gut.
This was no ineffectual slap or rabbit punch. She twisted her body as she swung to bring her full weight to bear and the impact drove the air from the man's lungs in a rush. He doubled over her fist and fell to his hands and knees, gasping for breath. His head tilted up to look at Petra, his face twisting into an expression of pure rage...
...and caught her swinging boot directly on the chin. The hit snapped his head back and sent him down onto his backside in a heap on the mall floor. The other two took an automatic step back, gaping at the security guard in complete astonishment.
Petra just stood there, her posture casual and her hand once again resting on her belt. She tilted her head at the goons and raised her eyebrows expectantly.
For a long second, no one moved and the air was silent except for the leader's pained gasps.
Then they rushed her.
You hesitated. It was two on one and you doubted the leader was going to stay down on the ground for very long. Petra didn't seem overly concerned about it, but a fight could always go wrong. Perhaps you should get involved...
@@.choice;
[[Mix It Up Directly|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7.1]]
[[Try To Intimidate The Goons|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]
[[Let Petra Handle It|SecurityWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7.1>>You bunched your shoulders and stepped in with purpose. This was //your// domain and you were going to make damn sure that everyone remembered it.
Both of the upright men were advancing on Petra and paying no attention to you, even as the leader groggily pulled himself back to his feet to join the fray. You took one by the shoulder and hauled him back to face you. He was clearly no stranger to a fight, and he swung wildly in your direction on pure reflex.
And then...things seemed to slow.
It was like the world was abruptly moving at half speed. You saw the man's face twisting with anger as his arm swung wide in a boxing haymaker. He moved as if swimming through molasses. You leaned back and let his fist pass, watching it drift like a feather falling in the wind, then stepped in to drive your fist into his belly in return.
The man gasped and reeled back before again swinging a knockout punch. This time you blocked it, raising your hand into the path of his blow. The impact barely moved you, but you saw pain in his eyes as he pulled his fist back. He swung again and again, sometimes high and sometimes low, but you had more than enough time to get your hands in the way of every strike.
He couldn't //see// your tail, but he definitely felt it as you wrapped it around his ankle. When you pulled sharply, his feet slid out from under him and his arms windmilled down to the ground. He was just pulling himself up when your foot caught him across the temple. He rolled once along the tile floor and then decided it wasn't worth getting up again after all.
You turned in time to see Petra slapping zip ties onto the leader's wrists, pulled sharply behind his back. The other goon's legs were sticking out from a trash can, and his groan echoed from inside.
<<nm $phPetra "Nice moves, Cap! I didn't know you had combat training.">>
<<nm $phYou "I told you I like to learn a little bit of everything. I couldn't let you have all the fun.">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>>You weren't keen on risking your new employee to a casual brawl. Both of the upright men were advancing on Petra, while their leader groggily pulled himself up to join the fray. You left the pair to Petra's graces and stalked toward the leader, reaching down to grab him by the jacket collar and pull him up.
You saw him tense, ready to strike out at you, but you pulled him down until you were eye to eye. You knew what you wanted to do, and the tower responded immediately, allowing the concealing aura to dip for just a moment and let him to see what you //really// were.
You saw his eyes go wide and the blood drain out of his face as he looked into your burning, inhuman eyes.
<<nm $phYou "...You're done, aren't you?">>
The man's jaw dropped. He blinked rapidly, and you could feel the tower's regular modes kicking in. Still, he licked his lips and raised his voice to the others.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Tough" "Yeah...w-we're done!">>
You looked up to see Petra's surprised face as she squared off with one of the goons. You could only see the legs of the other one, sticking out from a trash can with his groan echoing from the inside. The man looked confused, but after another growled command from the leader, submitted meekly to getting zip tied along with the other two.
<<nm $phPetra "Nice work. I don't know what you said, but I guess it did the trick. I caught a glimpse but...no, nevermind.">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>>You didn't want to spoil her fun. She didn't seem concerned, and you didn't want to risk revealing exactly what you were. You stood back and watched, ready to intercede if anything went wrong.
You needn't have worried. The first goon rushed at Petra like a bull, his head down and his momentum clearly indicating he planned to go right through her. The tall woman didn't dodge or get herself out of the way but instead grabbed hold of his jacket with both hands, planting her foot against his stomach, and rolled backward, dragging him along with her.
He landed on his back hard enough that he skidded for another foot after impact and lay prone, blinking in confusion as to how he ended up where he had. Petra did not lay prone, but popped back to her feet and spun quickly to face her second opponent.
Clearly this one was smarter than his friend, but not by very much. He charged in with the same approach as the first, but you could tell he was holding himself back and ready to swing at her if she tried the same maneuver. Petra saw the same thing. She didn't grab his jacket, but simply snapped her hand out in a tight, fast jab that rocked his head back and brought him to a sudden, confused stop.
//Then// she grabbed him. She put one hand on his belt and the other on his collar, turned, and lifted him up off his feet in a short arc that put him face down into one of the large mall trash cans. His feet stuck out from the top, kicking weakly, and his groan echoed up from inside the can.
The tall woman dusted her hands together and looked around at the three prone men, none of which seemed all that interested in fighting any longer.
<</if>><<if ($phWaitScene is 7.1) or ($phWaitScene is 8) or ($phWaitScene is 9)>>She beamed and walked toward you, and you could see that her face was flushed and she was breathing hard in a way that had very little to do with actual exertion.
<<nm $phPetra "I'll get these assholes picked up by the proper authorities. We've still got the first incident on tape, and I'm sure the family will be happy to have their names. Thank you, Cap.">>
She reached you...and before you knew what was happening, she had grabbed you by your sides and pulled you into a sudden, hard kiss. Her lips were soft against yours, but you could feel the hard muscles of her front as she pressed against you.
She broke off the kiss after a moment, and somewhat shyly stepped away from you, clearing her throat. You stood there, feeling like a teenager on their first prom date, unable to think of anything to say.
<<nm $phPetra "Sorry. We'll talk about it later. You're done for the day, Cap. I'll take care of these ones.">>
She turned before you could protest and hurried back to the men, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket. Uniformed simulacra were beginning to appear around the three. They weren't very bright, but they could keep them from running off and give the impression everything was under control.
Petra though...you were beginning to get a sense of her, and to understand why she'd taken a job with so much potential for danger. You made a note to ask her about it, next time you saw her in the office. For now, though, you would have to be satisfied with a job well done.
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;The Tower Is Secure Again! You Gained 30 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;
[[A Good Day's Work|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phPetraWatch == 3) and (ndef $phXavierWasAt)>><<unset $phPetraWatchedLocation>><<nm $phYou "I got your message. What'd you find out?">>
<<nobr>>
<<set _PetraWatchedLocation to $phXavierLocations.pluck()>>
<<switch _PetraWatchedLocation>>
<<case "Gym">>
<<nm $phPetra "So Mr. King was in the gym last night, washing off a hard day of sneaking around and playing nonchalant. My gut instinct is that we can mark that off our list, at least for the next day or two. He's being real careful not to be seen anywhere often enough to flag too much attention, and he's not doing anything strenuous enough to make him break a sweat. He won't need to shower two days in a row, and it's in his best interest to wait as long as possible before cleaning up again.">>
<<case "CompCafe">>
Petra flashed you a knowing grin from behind her dark glasses.<br /><br />
<<nm $phPetra "Guess which naughty little boy was up too late on the Internet? He actually wasn't there too long -- maybe half an hour, max, and he was checking over his shoulder on the regular. He left in a hurry at about a quarter after two; I got the impression something spooked him. Think it's safe to say he won't be back tonight.">>
<<case "ShakeShack">>
<<nm $phPetra "Late night munchies, Cap. Guy was dumpster diving at that burger-and-shakes place down at the food court. Lucky he did, too: someone had tossed a still-wrapped burger into the bin, and he was able to fish it out. I don't know if I'd trust it, myself, but I guess it's no different than finding an unopened can of soda.">>
<br />
<br />
Of course he did. After this was done, you seriously needed to get Mason to figure out how to teach the tower's algorithms the difference between 'friend' and 'foe'.
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phYou "Think he'll be back for dessert tonight?">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "Doubt it; I think we can mark it off our list, at least for a day or two. He's being real careful not to be seen anywhere often enough to flag too much attention, and while he's gotta eat every day, there's other restaurants he can hit.">>
<<case "Office">>
The security guard let out a low, impressed whistle.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phPetra "Guy's got balls, Cap. Also, I'm damn curious what your secretary keeps in her drawers.">>
<br />
<br />
You lifted an eyebrow, and Petra immediately raised a hand and backtracked.
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "Her //desk// drawers. Our guy Friday was sniffing around your office last night in the wee hours. Fortunate for you $phSamantha.name keeps most of her stuff locked up tight, but either she forgot one, or the guy managed to jimmy it open. I dunno what he saw, but I could see his cheeks turn red all the way from here. Slammed it shut and left.">>
<br />
<br />
You tried your best not to smirk, and judging from how Petra's eyebrows arched up over her aviators, you failed miserably. Soon her smirk matched your own.
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "And now I know that //you// know what she keeps in her drawers. Lips are sealed, Cap. Mine, at least.">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phYou "Thanks. Think he'll be back again tonight?">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "Doubt it; I think we can mark it off our list, at least for a day or two. He's being real careful not to be seen anywhere often enough to flag too much attention, and it might take him that long to stop blushing.">>
<<case "R&D">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'm pretty sure our intrepid journalist is a lot more 'trepid' now. He tried to break into that research lab by your office last night: keyword 'tried.' Had a jimmy and his ear to the door...most people who know that trick have a criminal record, but nothing came up in my search, so either he's clean or it's a juvie record that got sealed.">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phYou "But he didn't get in, you said?">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "That's a negative, Ghost Rider. I think your lab guy has a few booby traps up his sleeve. Guy's playing with the tumblers when he //yanks// back from the door like he heard the Devil himself on the other side.">>
<br />
<br />
Mason booby trapping the lab wouldn't surprise you at all... though most of your amused smile was from Petra's innocent irony of not realizing //she// was standing in front of a devil right now.
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phYou "Thanks. Think he'll be back again tonight?">>
<br />
<br />
<<nm $phPetra "I doubt it. It's going to take a few days for him to get his big boy pants back on. There's easier marks out there; he'll aim for those first.">>
<</switch>><</nobr>>
<<if $phXavierLocations.length == 1>><<nm $phYou "So, unless I'm wrong, that pretty much narrows the list to...?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Just one, yes. If our logic holds, we know exactly where he'll be, and my guess is he'll be moving tonight. Nothing is ever perfectly certain but...we've done what we can, Cap. If he's anywhere else, I'd be very surprised.">>
//She'd// be surprised, but //you// would probably be screwed. You weren't exactly sure what the ramifications of the damn reporter's story would be, but it would be nothing good. She was right though, you couldn't think of any holes in your logic so far...unless he decided to do something unexpected just to throw you off.
Comforting.
<<nm $phPetra "I guess I don't need to ask what I'm doing tonight, right Cap?">>
<<nobr>>
<<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[0]>>
<<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>>
<<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>>
<<set _ChoiceLong = "the " + _ChoiceLong>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nm $phYou "Nope. Stake out _ChoiceLong like your life depends on it.">>
She saluted, crisp and swift.
<<nm $phPetra "Aye-aye, Captain.">>
@@.choice;
[[Tomorrow Would Be The Big Day|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]@@<<else>>That helped narrow it down a bit. Even knocking off one or two locations via Petra's observations of his movements meant slightly better odds of figuring out where he'd be //next//. Right now those odds stood at one in $phXavierLocations.length ... which, well... was better?
<<nm $phYou "Any other clues you can think of that might help?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Hmm. Not yet, but I've still got my eye on him. Part eye-in-the-sky, part Sherlock Holmes: the longer I watch Mr. King, the more of a bead I'll get on his patterns and motivations. If, of course, you want me to keep watching him.">>
That was the million dollar question. The longer you delayed setting a trap for him, the more opportunity the journalist would have to dig up something juicy.
''Tell Petra she should...''
@@.choice;
[[Watch The Cameras To Narrow It Down|Security Office][$phPetraWatch = 3, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch']]
<<for _i = 0; _i < $phXavierLocations.length; _i++>><<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[_i]>><<capture _ChoiceShort>><<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>><<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard The " + _ChoiceLong>><<else>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard " + _ChoiceLong>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[_ChoiceLong|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]<</capture>><</for>>@@
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phPetraWatch == 3) and (def $phXavierWasAt)>><<nm $phYou "So how'd the stakeout go? Good news, I hope?">>
Petra aimed a wry smile up at you and shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Sorry, Cap - he wasn't there. I went and reviewed the tapes as soon as I got in this evening, and saw the bastard sneaking around near the <<switch $phXavierWasAt>><<case 'CompCafe'>>Computer Cafe<<case 'ShakeShack'>>shake place at the food court<<case 'Gym'>>Gym<<case 'Office'>>main Office<<case 'R&D'>>Research lab downstairs<</switch>> instead.">>
<<nm $phYou "Damn. Well -- on the bright side, we can cross that off our list, right? He wouldn't go some place where we just posted guard last night.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Actually, no. As in, 'no, don't cross it off'. He wasn't there, so he doesn't know //we// -- well, I -- was there, either. He doesn't have any reason to avoid it, so still even chances that if I went back there again tonight, he might show.">>
That wasn't very helpful... but, on the other hand, she was probably right. You could try again, but maybe it'd be more efficient to have her watch the video feeds and see if she could narrow down the possibilities more. Except that would use up precious time that you weren't sure you had to spare.
<<unset $phXavierWasAt>>
''Tell Petra she should...''
@@.choice;
[[Watch The Cameras To Narrow It Down|Security Office][$phPetraWatch = 3, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch']]
<<for _i = 0; _i < $phXavierLocations.length; _i++>><<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[_i]>><<capture _ChoiceShort>><<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>><<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard The " + _ChoiceLong>><<else>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard " + _ChoiceLong>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[_ChoiceLong|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]<</capture>><</for>>@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 3) and (ndef $phPetraWatch)>><<nobr>>
<<set $phXavierLocations = ["Gym","CompCafe","ShakeShack","Office","R&D"]>>
<<set $phPetraWatch to 2>>
<</nobr>><<nm $phYou "Hey there. I hear you might have some good news.">>
Your new Head of Security smiled up at you from behind her dark aviator shades, which she wore even though it was indoors and well after sunset outside.
<<nm $phPetra "Morning, Captain... or, evening. I'll let you decide just how good the news is. Figured you'd want to hear what I've found out sooner rather than later.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're right. Hit me.">>
She nodded and reached over to her side, where she touched three fingers to a thin stack of papers and slid them over towards you. You flipped through the few pages and quickly realized they were printouts of newspaper articles, all of very mundane and boring things. A color photograph adorned the top of the pile: a young Black man with chin-length dreadlocks and a connected goatee, well-trimmed around his thin lips.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/XavierInitial.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XavierInitial.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "Our ghost: Xavier King. <<if $phYou.firstname is 'Xavier'>>Small world. <</if>><<if $phYou.surname is 'King'>>I presume he's no relation. <</if>>Got a positive ID off him from the cameras. He's a journalist -- bet you never would have guessed -- but strictly small scale. Ten minutes on Google turned up Pulitzer-Prize-winning pieces like //'Curry Chef Tastes Success'//, //'Cat Grooming to Purr-Fection'//, and //'High School Robotics Team Wins It All'//. All very local, and very forgettable.">>
A journalist. Well, that complicated things. Paradise had been in the news, you were pretty sure: press releases, advertisements, and sales were what tempted people in the door to begin with, and then the supernatural enhancements to their experience made sure they came back. But there was only one reason you could think of why a career writer would be sneaking around after hours, instead of being out in the open writing about his own experience or interviewing happy customers.
<<nm $phYou "...he thinks something's up. He's working on an exposé.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Chances are good. I'm guessing he doesn't know //exactly// what he's looking for -- and definitely hasn't found it. He's a little all over the place. I haven't seen him enter or leave the building at any point, so he must be living in the mall: using the gym to shower and keep clean, eating out at that Shake place everyone raves about, using the Computer Cafe to do research and maybe email his notes off. I've seen him in all three locales.">>
You nodded. It made sense... and the tower would make sure he got free samples of soap and shampoo, or a buy-one-get-one-free burger meal, or whatever he needed to get by. You couldn't imagine living in a mall -- or, so you thought, until it clicked that you hadn't stepped outside its walls since the day you got hired, at least not without there being some kind of emergency. Maybe it wasn't so far-fetched after all.
Petra grinned up at you, leaning back in her swivel chair. She raised her hands and tucked them behind her head, interlacing her fingers.
<<nm $phPetra "Now, going off my own extensive experience with things I never saw in my previous jobs, there's two other places I'd expect him to show up pretty soon, once he figures out where they are: your office, and that lab you've got going with the skinny Goth guy. Both are high-value targets. Office is going to have your business records, vendors, accounting logs, payroll, official correspondence -- and paper records are usually secured with a Hell of a lot less than encryption algorithms and passwords on hard drives. And your development lab, or testing lab, whatever it is: good place to find product formulas, secret ingredients, safety cover-ups, and so forth. Theoretically. If they existed.">>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] == 0>><<nm $phYou "What about the bank? There's a lot of money there; wouldn't it be tempting?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "What about the bank and the casino? There's a lot of money in both of those; you don't think he'd be tempted?">><</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "He's probably not looking for cash; he's looking for a story. Plus, our guy Friday is trying his best to lay low and out of sight. A big financial target like that is going to have security cameras, dye packs, silent alarms... way too much of a risk.">>
<<nm $phYou "... are you sure you weren't a professional thief in a past life?">>
Petra grinned and didn't answer. Or, didn't answer //that//, at least.
<<nm $phPetra "So here's my thought: we know where he might go, but we still need to narrow it down. If you've got a good sense of where he might go next, I can go wait for him there, and introduce him to my handcuffs if you're right. Or, I can stay here, watch the cameras, and see if I can figure out if he has a pattern of any sort. People are creatures of habit, so he probably has a routine of, say, showering every other day or something. It'd take a little longer, but we'd have better odds in the end.">>
That seemed like pretty solid logic. A random one-in-five chance wasn't great... but letting this guy roam free while Petra watched the cameras for more clues wasn't giving you warm-fuzzy feelings, either. She seemed to know her stuff, so if you gave her a little more time, maybe she could narrow it down a lot more.
''Tell Petra she should...''
@@.choice;
[[Watch The Cameras To Narrow It Down|Security Office][$phPetraWatch = 3, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch']]
<<for _i = 0; _i < $phXavierLocations.length; _i++>><<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[_i]>><<capture _ChoiceShort>><<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>><<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard The " + _ChoiceLong>><<else>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard " + _ChoiceLong>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[_ChoiceLong|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]<</capture>><</for>>@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 4) and (ndef $phPetraWatch)>><<unset $phPetraWatchedLocation>><<unset $phXavierWasAt>><<nm $phYou "Hey.">>
Petra didn't look happy, even with the aviators shielding her eyes. Her normally relaxed and jovial body language was tense, and she didn't smile when you came in. Something told you she'd taken the failure personally, despite the fact she'd been following //your// orders.
<<nm $phPetra "Hey. So. The //good// news is that I think now that I know some more about King's MO, that we can predict his targets better. Based on his movement patterns over the last week, I think we can cross Shakes n' Sundaes off our list for the next few days.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why's that?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Caught him on cam coming out of the Gym with plastic bag. Hard to tell exactly from the angle and opacity, but looked like it had some bottles and candy bars in it: sports drinks, protein bars, and other 'high energy' food. Means he won't have to go dumpster-diving for dinner until his stash runs out. So what's our game plan, Cap?">>
You nodded. That made sense, and if Petra was right, then that already eliminated one place of your list. That would help a lot in deciding what to do next.
''Tell Petra she should...''
@@.choice;
[[Watch The Cameras To Narrow It Down|Security Office][$phPetraWatch = 3, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch']]
<<for _i = 0; _i < $phXavierLocations.length; _i++>><<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[_i]>><<capture _ChoiceShort>><<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>><<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard The " + _ChoiceLong>><<else>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard " + _ChoiceLong>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[_ChoiceLong|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]<</capture>><</for>>@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 5) and (ndef $phPetraWatch)>><<unset $phPetraWatchedLocation>><<unset $phXavierWasAt>><<nm $phYou "Alright. You're my magic-worker, Petra. Tell me what we've got.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Magic, maybe, but not miracles.">>
Petra frowned as she studied the monitors. There was nothing of interest on them right now. Nothing about a certain Xavier King. Eventually her attention turned back to you.
<<nm $phPetra "Three strikes and we're out, Cap; that's what my gut is saying. He's got to know we're onto him, and he's lost two good pieces of evidence for whatever piece he's doing. He's going to be desperate. It's him or us, and we both know it, so I think he's going to go for the high-value targets: the Computer Cafe, your office, and your R&D lab. If he gets into //any// of them, chances are he'll find something good enough to wrap up his work.">>
The Computer Cafe... if he was a hacker of any sort, he might be able to get into sensitive data files or email records. Your office, of course, had papers, invoices, and receipts for an ungodly number of things... some of which really were ungodly. And anyone getting into Mason's lab with a camera would certainly find more than they bargained for. After the notebook and the camera, you couldn't risk him getting into any of those. You couldn't play it safe anymore, or sit on your hands hoping the problem would solve itself.
''Tell Petra she should...''
@@.choice;
[[Watch The Cameras To Narrow It Down|Security Office][$phPetraWatch = 3, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch']]
<<for _i = 0; _i < $phXavierLocations.length; _i++>><<set _ChoiceShort = $phXavierLocations[_i]>><<capture _ChoiceShort>><<set _ChoiceLong = $phLocations[_ChoiceShort]['name']>><<if (_ChoiceShort == 'Office') or (_ChoiceShort == 'CompCafe')>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard The " + _ChoiceLong>><<else>><<set _ChoiceLong = "Guard " + _ChoiceLong>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[_ChoiceLong|Security Office][$phPetraWatchedLocation = _ChoiceShort, $phPetra.goodbye = 'watch',$phPetraWatch = 2]]<</capture>><</for>>@@
<</if>><<nobr>><<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><<if ($phPetraWatch == 3) and (ndef $phPetraWatchedLocation)>>
You tell Petra to keep watching the cameras. You'd rather take a little more time narrowing down his actions and routine, and then make a well-informed choice, than risk alerting him to the fact you were on his tail with a premature grab.
<br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "On it, Cap. I'll keep my eyes peeled and my pencil handy. Come talk to me tomorrow and I'll let you know what I've puzzled out.">>
<<set $phPetra.recharge = 2>><<if $phXavierHuntDays == 0>><<set $phXavierHuntDays = 3>><</if>>
<br><hr /><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if (def $phPetraWatchedLocation)>>
<<if def $phXavierCount>><<set $phXavierCount to ($phXavierCount +1)>>
<<else>><<set $phXavierCount to 1>>
<</if>>
<<switch $phPetraWatchedLocation>>
<<case "CompCafe">>You told Petra to lie in wait in the Computer Cafe, and try to catch the journalist when he tries to access the workstations tonight.
<<case "Gym">>You told Petra to lie in wait in the Gym, and try to catch the journalist when he goes to clean himself up that night.
<<case "ShakeShack">>You tell Petra to lie in wait at Shakes 'n Sundaes, and try to catch the journalist when he attempts to score some late-night food.
<<case "Office">>You told Petra to lie in wait in the main Office, suspecting that the journalist might try to break in tonight.
<<case "R&D">>You told Petra to lie in wait just outside Research and Development, suspecting that the journalist might try to break in tonight.
<</switch>>
Petra nodded, once, definitive and precise.
<br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "You got it. I'll head out as soon as the shops close down, and make sure my cell phone's on silent. Anything important comes up, I'm just a text or an email away. Hope your gut's on target.">>
<<set $phPetra.recharge = 2>><<if $phXavierHuntDays == 0>><<set $phXavierHuntDays = 3>><</if>>
<br><hr /><br><br>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if ($phXavierHunt == 9)>><<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><<unset $phXavierLocations>><<if ($phTime == 2)>>Petra flashed you a wide, white grin as soon as you stepped into the office, and immediately stood and stepped out from behind her chair to greet you. You'd have to ask her someday how she managed to still watch all the cameras while wearing sunglasses indoors at night. A crook of her finger beckoned you towards her... and then angled to point at the small door off the side of the Security Office. A small, tasteful placard bore the universal stick figures of a man and a skirted woman above the words //Restroom - WC//.
<<nm $phPetra "I was hoping I'd be here when you stopped by. Long, long night last night, Cap, but I've got a little surprise for you behind Door Number Two. Since we don't have a proper holding cell, I put him in the bathroom and handcuffed him to the toilet.">>
Well, that was one way to improvise. You made a mental note to put 'jail cells' on the list of possible future upgrades... though hopefully, this would be the first //and// last time you ever needed one. You nodded your thanks to her and quickly strode over to the bathroom to find out exactly who was on the other side.
<</if>><<if ($phTime != 2)>>The security office was unmanned during normal business hours...a phrase that struck you as amusing considering how //abnormal// business in Paradise really was. Petra wouldn't be on the clock for a while yet, but you weren't about to leave your intruder lingering after you'd gone through this much trouble to catch him.
It wasn't hard to figure out where he was. A piece of paper folded to stand upright rested on Petra's desk, with a large red arrow drawn on it. It pointed towards a small door off the side of the office. A small, tasteful placard bore the universal stick figures of a man and a skirted woman above the words //Restroom - WC//.
<</if>>The knob was unlocked; you twisted, and it swung open to reveal the shiny white tile ubiquitous to bathrooms everywhere. There was a small sink, a hot air dryer... and a young Black man sitting on the closed lid of the toilet bowl, his left wrist secured to the steel grab bar that was bolted into the wall. The keys to the handcuffs glittered on the porcelain edge of the sink -- clearly visible to him, and most definitely out of reach.
<<nm $phYou "... Xavier King?">>
He was tall and lanky, with chin-length dreadlocks that framed his face. He wore dark greyish-blue jeans and a simple white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His brown skin lacked warmth and had an almost ashen grey undertone. Even more striking was the resigned sadness in his eyes as he looked up at you.
And the fact that in your soul-sensitive eyes, he glowed. It was the familiar shine of someone desperate for change. You caught your breath. He was one of yours.
<<nm $phXavier "Yeah. Look, my press pass is in my wallet. I'm a journalist.">>
The small wave of his hand towards the Security Office when he mentioned his wallet made the metal handcuff clink. You crossed your arms and shifted your weight to one leg as you stood in front of him.
<<nm $phYou "I know. You've also been living in my building rent-free for a while. Something about breaking and entering? Stealing? Spying?">>
He fell silent for a long while as he looked up at you. He stayed seated on the top of the toilet lid, elbows resting on his knees and hands dangling.
<<nm $phXavier "... I think I should wait until the police show up before I answer any questions.">>
<<nm $phYou "I haven't called them yet; I was hoping I wouldn't have to. You've got me curious, you know: you have to want something pretty bad to risk ending up handcuffed to a toilet, instead of just asking for a tour and an interview.">>
He stared up at you without answering for almost a full minute, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. Something about his bearing seemed tired, but not just physically worn out. The exhaustion in his eyes was something much more profound, and you weren't surprised when he finally shrugged, sighed, and answered.
<<nm $phXavier "Because you wouldn't tell the truth, if I'm right. You built this huge luxury mall out of nowhere; City Hall said your building permits were accidentally 'misfiled' and they can't find them. Your blueprints don't show //half// the space you have in here, and all your investor banking leads to subsidiaries and shadow accounts.">>
That sounded unlikely. Lazren might not be the most industrious person, but she didn't seem like the type of let the details slip... and even if she did, Mason surely would have dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't'.
<<nm $phYou "They do, huh? That's news to me. And what exactly do you think we're hiding between the vending machines and clothing racks?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I don't know... but from everything I've seen I'd put my money on human trafficking. High-end prostitution; modern day sex slaves. Right here in the big city. Am I about right?">>
@@.choice;
[[Huh?|XavierCaught][$phXavierHunt = 10]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavierHunt == 10>>You blinked, caught momentarily aback. Given the amount of sexual energy thrumming through Paradise on any given day, it wasn't surprising he'd picked up on it. But human trafficking? Sex slaves? That was a Hell of a far cry from giving unhappy people the chance to make their dreams come true.
His broad lips twitched into a sour smirk at your reaction.
<<nm $phXavier "...looks like I hit close to home. Let me save you some trouble: if you're planning on making me 'disappear', or locked in jail for twenty years, or tied up in enough courtroom litigation to make my life miserable, don't bother. This was my last shot, so... I don't know. Just let me go home and say goodbye.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why? Son of a diplomat? Skipping out of the country?">>
Xavier //laughed.// He laughed so hard the shaking of his shoulders made the metal of the handcuff clink against the bar, and he bent forward and shook his head as he rested his elbows on his knees. By the time he caught his breath, he had to reach up and wipe a tear of mirth from his eye.
<<nm $phXavier "Man, I fucking //wish//. No. Stage four AML, with an atrial sarcoma.">>
'Stage four' sounded ominous, but the rest of the words were a little beyond your paygrade -- or, at least, above your previous one. He noticed your forehead crinkle, and explained in increasingly bitter words.
<<nm $phXavier "Acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer of the blood, and a fucking tumor in my heart. I might have three months left, if I'm lucky. This story was going to be my last hurrah; my chance at actually doing something big. I'm not married, don't have kids -- never will. This was my last fucking chance to be //remembered//.">>
Xavier sighed, reached up with his free hand, and swept his dreadlocks back from his face.
<<nm $phXavier "Actually - just do whatever you want. It doesn't matter. I'm already fucking dead.">>
His answer stunned you into silence. The cool tone of his skin, the tiredness he exuded, the bone-deep exhaustion in his eyes... it made sense now. You weren't a doctor, but being that gravely ill -- if he was telling the truth -- would exhaust anyone. Even with everything you'd seen, it was hard to grasp that the young man in front of you would just pass away, in what should be the vigor of youth. No wonder he'd been driven enough to risk breaking and entering. And, you realized, it explained why he was lit up like a spotlight in your vision. He //craved//. He didn't want to die.
If the tower could reshape bodies... could it heal them, too?
You retrieved the handcuff keys off the edge of the sink and unlocked his wrist. You decided and acted so swiftly that he didn't realize he was free until the metal clattered to the floor.
<<nm $phYou "You're free to go. I won't press charges... on one condition.">>
<<nm $phXavier "...what's that?">>
<<nm $phYou "You give me your phone number. I can't make any promises, but I might just have something you'd be interested in.">>
Xavier snorted, eyeing you with open skepticism as he rubbed his wrist.
<<nm $phXavier "You're going to let me go... //and// hook me up with another story? Or do you just feel sorry for me, and you're going to offer me some homeopathic syrup or Tibetan crystals to magically cure me?">>
You canted rueful smile at him as you pushed open the door and held it for him.
<<nm $phYou "Not exactly. But let me put it this way: what do you have to lose?">>
Xavier stared at you for a long moment as he pushed himself to his feet. You saw the need behind his eyes, though. He wanted to believe.
<<nm $phXavier "Fine.">>
You just smiled and gestured toward the door. He hesitated for another second, then turned and headed for the door. You'd have Petra call him and cab and get him home.
But you knew @@.choice;[[He Would Be Back|XavierFoci][$phXavierHunt = 11]]@@<<CheckFociReady>><</if>><<if $phXavierHunt == 6>>LOCAL MALL COVER FOR INTERNATIONAL SEX RING!
You tossed the paper down on the desk hard, scattering the pages. It hardly mattered. You had read every word enough times that you could quote it from beginning to end at this point. The words and the pictures.
There were shots of the milking stalls in the stables behind the food court, evidence of spyware installed on public computers, and accounts of brothel services being run out the back of a gymnasium. The paper posed questions about the employees who never went home and seemed to work every shift of every day. Building permits had been reviewed and certain irregularities had been cited. It didn't matter how great or small the crime, it had been painted with a lurid brush as though the writer feared he wouldn't get to write a follow-up story.
All of it was incorrect, of course, but you'd never get to explain it. Even if you did, no one would believe you. Your employees weren't human, the computer networks were self-aware, and no money had ever changed hands for any of the sex. The damage had been done. A trickle of calls had become a deluge as news organizations small and large flocked to the city. Local politicians were demanding investigations, even the ones who had previously been quite friendly with the new company in town.
It didn't even matter if Lazren could find some way to magic you out of danger and quell the storm. The tower was mortally wounded. No one would relax in this building for the next several years, and without humans relaxed enough to indulge the tower could not survive. Already it was starving as the human sea of customers slowed and stopped.
You were done.
You sat back in your chair and your mind simply wouldn't process. You weren't sure what you had done wrong or what you could do differently, but it didn't really matter. You weren't sure what was going to happen when your demonic leader made her displeasure known, but you were quite sure you weren't going to get the opportunity to learn from your mistakes.
The door to your suite clicked. You had locked the door, and ignored the knocks outside. There was only one person who had a key to that door. Only one being in the world the tower would obey above you.
You swallowed hard, straightened your spine, and turned to face the door...
@@.narrative;ENDING 06 - Extra Extra! - Game Over@@
<<SetAchievement "phOhNo">><</if>><<if $phXavierHunt == 5>><<set $phXavierHuntDays to 3>>Petra was waiting for you again when you came out of your suite. Once more, the look on her face told you that the news wasn't good.
<<if def $phPetraWatchedLocation>><<nm $phYou "//Still// no luck?">>
<<nm $phPetra "He's a slippery little bastard. We came close, though. He didn't aim where we thought he would, but we still chased him down a corridor and through a couple of tight spaces. One of the guards got hold of his camera bag, but it still wasn't enough. The bag is why I came to see you.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "He did something, didn't he?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You could say that.">><</if>>
She held up the small black protective bag with the end already opened. You withdrew an expensive looking digital camera and turned it around to check the display.
<<nm $phYou "Did you look at what was on it?">>
<<nm $phPetra "No, $pmaam. Wouldn't know anything about that.">>
You shot her a suspicious look, but began thumbing through the pictures on the memory card. Almost immediately, you drew in a sharp breath. The selection of shots were sometimes mundane. Images of workers conversing with customers, shots of food being brought to tables, or snapshots of simulacra passing into backroom doors and the tiny glimpses of what lay beyond.
More serious were the...action shots. They were quite varied. Customers dragging one another onto side paths, simulacra 'entertaining' guests freely, and images of guilty looking people fixing their clothes after an obvious encounter. Page after page after page of what happened when the tower encouraged humans to let their hair down.
You frowned and set the camera down on the table. You had the pictures, but there was no guarantee he didn't download to a cloud server several times a day. Still, it wasn't //horrible//. There was no proof of anything other than a little widespread enjoyment. If he wrote a story about that, then it would be little more than an annoying innuendo piece.
If he dug even deeper though...
<<nm $phYou "...We have to catch him. Quickly.">>
Petra responded to the note of command in your voice and straightened up. She didn't //quite// salute, but you could all but see the twitch in her arm as she resisted the motion.
<<nm $phPetra "Aye Aye, Cap. I know how he thinks now, and I'll be able to cover a lot more ground every day. We'll need to start over again, though. Whatever he's looking for, it's clear he's going to dig in anywhere he can until he finds it. We'll get him, though.">>
You nodded and Petra spun on her heels and strode toward the elevator. You learned against the office wall, thoughtfully. You'd lucked out again and he'd lost the evidence he'd collected. It was worse this time, though.
<<set $phXavierLocations = ["CompCafe","Office","R&D"]>><<unset $phPetraWatch>>
And you were pretty sure you wouldn't get a @@.choice;[[Third Chance.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavierHunt == 4>><<set $phXavierHuntDays to 3>> Petra was waiting for you when you stepped out of the suite. Judging by her expression, the night had not gone well.
<<if def $phPetraWatchedLocation>><<nm $phYou "I take it we won't be talking to our unwanted visitor this morning?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Unfortunately not, Cap. We had things ready to grab him if he showed up but he wasn't where we were hoping he'd be. We did manage to scare him off, though. Even spooked him enough he dropped something on his way out.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "...something wrong?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Our journalist friend dropped this while trying to break-and-enter into one of the shops last night.">><</if>>
She held up a small leather booklet, which you took curiously to begin flipping through the pages. A lot of it was blank, but what was there was all about Paradise Inc. There were lists of employee names on name tags, records of attempting to get any of them to speak at length about themselves only to be deflected, and calculations of working hours. None of the employees ever left the building, and many were working from the early morning hours until closing.
It would make you laugh, if it weren't so serious. The simulacra didn't need to go home and there was little need to change them out for breaks and shifts. You would have a hard time explaining that if someone showed too much interest, though.
<<nm $phYou "Well, we got his work, at least. Do we need to change our routines on the work floors?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'll leave that up to you. I don't think he got anything important last night, but I also don't think he's the sort to give up after one scare. He'll be back. He'll also be starting from scratch, so he could try again at one of the places he went the first time. We'll have to toss out everything and start the hunt fresh.">>
You grunted in annoyance, your brow furrowed. You'd have to start the watches again from the beginning and try to predict where he was likely to visit. You closed the book and shot Petra a speculative look. She'd almost certainly read the pages, but she hadn't asked about the information within. Not for the first time, you wondered how much she actually knew.
<<nm $phYou "Well, tonight is a new night. We'll try again. Thanks for staying long enough to let me know; go home and get some sleep. I'll talk to you tonight.">>
You kept the worry out of your voice, but it was there. Tonight was a new night...but how many more chances would you get?
<<set $phXavierLocations = ["Gym","CompCafe","Office","R&D"]>><<unset $phPetraWatch>>
@@.choice;
[[You Didn't Really Want To Find Out|Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>>It was a hot and frantic kiss. Petra's lips opened and her tongue flicked against your teeth as the pair of you came together. You ran your hands down her sides and flank, and she lifted her arms to stroke over the front of your chest. The pair of you wobbled, first this way and then that. Neither of you attempted to go anywhere, but your desperate need to push //into// one another simply made it difficult to stand in place.
When the kiss finally broke, Petra's voice was low, husky, and filled with silken promise.
<<nm $phPetra "I've wanted this since the first day...">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? And why didn't you take it, then?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You hired a guard, not a slut.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Sure I didn't hire both?">>
She shot you a dark look, but the laugh she barked cut the power out of it. Her hands raised to your neck and began to run her fingers over the buttons of your shirt. It wasn't long before her hands hooked around the band of the necklace you wore and she drew it out from beneath the fabric, the green gem sparkling in her eyes.
<<nm $phPetra "...Pretty. I didn't take you for the jewelry type.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, this one is a bit special. Let's just say it generates ideas.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Ah. That must be why I'm getting a few ideas right now.">>
She put her hands on your shoulders and pushed you, lightly. You didn't resist, allowing her to back you up until the back of your knees hit the rolling office chair and you sat. You looked up at the tall woman and grinned.
<<nm $phYou "I //like// this idea.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Then you're going to love this, Cap.">>
She leaned down, placing her hands on either side of your face, and drew you in for a long, hard kiss that left you breathless. She drew back slightly, and you saw your own flushed reflection in the mirrored surface of her sunglasses. You were already ready.
Petra smiled, knowingly, and strolled around the chair, running her hands up from your wrist to your bicep and shoulder. She squeezed the muscles in a brief massage as she passed behind you, drawing both of your hands down behind the chair back.
The handcuffs made a loud and satisfying click as they @@.choice;[[Snapped Across Your Wrists.|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>You pulled your hands apart reflexively, but it was too late. The metal cuffs were already locked around you and, with the links pulled around the back of the chair, there was no way you were going to be standing up any time soon.
<<nm $phYou "Wha-...Petra!">>
<<nm $phPetra "What? We're just playing. You know I use zip ties for //actual// work. Besides, it makes things much easier for me.">>
The tall woman reached around the back of the chair and ran her hand across your belly, then up to your chest. <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>Her fingers lovingly curved around the swell of your breast, squeezing in slow and rhythmic motions.<<else>>Her fingers curved over the muscles of your chest, squeezing against the firm flesh beneath.<</if>> You groaned and your nipples immediately went hard against the material. Fuck, every time someone did something like this you were instantly to pieces.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh! See, someone likes it. Don't you worry, Cap. Just lay back and I'll take care of everything.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...I don't really have a choice, do I?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmhmm. So no need to worry is there?">>
Her fingers worked at the buttons of your shirt again, undoing them one by one as she made her way down your body. Once the shirt was opened, her hands ran up and down your sides and belly. Her hands were toughened with the work she did daily, but the touch was still gentle.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>Her hands worked down to your waist, and you cried out. Petra was still human, and you knew exactly what she was expecting to find. It was too late to protest, however, as her fingers wrapped around the bulge between your legs. You felt yourself going hard even as surprise flashed over the woman's face. Then she grinned.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh. Oh my oh my. I thought there was something special about you. Don't worry, Cap. I'm an equal opportunity slut.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I thought you were a guard?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You hired both.">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Her hands worked down to your waist, and with the directness you'd come to expect from her, wrapped her fingers around the bulge between your legs. You felt yourself going hard even as a wide grins spread across her face.<</if>>
She squeezed your cock through your pants and you moaned your appreciation. She began to work her wrist up and down, stroking through the material. Her grip was firm and absolutely controlled, as though she had planned out every millimeter of movement to provide the maximum amount of pleasure.
It was working. You found yourself lifting your hips off the chair to try and draw the sensation out longer, and your panted breaths echoed in the office. Petra snickered and stood up again, releasing your shaft and crossing around in front of the chair.<<else>>Her hands worked down to your waist, played over your belt, and then her strong fingers pressed up between your thighs. Your breath caught as the fabric of your underwear rubbed against your sex.
She stroked up and down as she leaned over you, and you moaned your appreciation. Each flex of her wrist was firm and absolutely controlled, as though she had planned out every millimeter of movement to provide the maximum amount of pleasure.
It was working. You found yourself lifting your hips of the chair to try and draw the sensation out longer, and your panted breaths echoed in the office. Petra snickered and stood up again, drawing her already-sex-scented fingertips away. She crossed around in front of the chair.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh no, no no no no no, Cap. This is a proper interrogation. You give me what I want before I give you anything. That's how this works.">>
She shifted forward suddenly. Her left foot hooked around the chair's wheels while her right lifted and planted on the chair back beside your head. In the second you had to react, you couldn't help but admire her flexibility. Then she pushed the chair back hard. Unable to roll back, the chair tipped upward and carried you to land hard on your back.
You looked up even as Petra's boots lands on either side of your head. The bright lights of the office made a halo around her face as she grinned and began to undo her belt.
You were pretty sure you knew what @@.choice;[[She Wanted|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>><<nm $phPetra "Fuck! Cap! Deeper, Deeper now!">>
You did your best, but of course there was only so much you could do. Your tongue was buried deep into Petra's sex and she was grinding hard against your face. She wasn't holding back either. Her thighs gripped the sides of your head and you could feel the muscles in them tense and relax every time you hit a sensitive point. You used those flexing muscles like a guiding radar, always returning to the places that provoked the most pressure from her squeeze.
Petra's hands were wound into your hair as she fucked your face, driving her hips firmly up and down on you. She was not a quiet partner, and every exhalation seemed to be accompanied by a moan or a cry or another few urgent demands not to stop.
<<nm $phPetra "There! Right there! Ah, fuck, yes! Eat me, Cap! Give it to me, now!">>
She pulled your head in tight against her and you responded by lashing your tongue even harder against her. Most of your partners knew your demonic nature when you were with them, but Petra had no clue. You enjoyed the way her eyes opened wider and her moans got louder every time you reached deeper into her than she expected, or flicked your tongue harder and faster than most humans could.
Soon, it was more than she could take. Your first warning was her thighs clenching around you even more firmly than before. You head swam and you wondered if this would be the best or the worst way to go out, if she squeezed too hard. Her moans escalated, her typically husky voice rising into a soprano that would have been amusing if it weren't so hot.
<<nm $phPetra "Yes! Yes! Yes Yes Yes YesYesYesYesYesYes- Ahhhhhhh!">>
She screamed, full-throated, and mashed her hips up against your mouth. You felt a sweet taste on your tongue and dived for it, lapping it eagerly even as Petra bounced and shook atop your body. Her hands clawed your hair, her muscles all tightened up, and her breasts bounced frantically with every motion of her body as she came and came and came.
And then it was over. She exhaled a held breath and leaned back against your upraised legs and the chair seat you were still cuffed to. She reached down and patted your cheek lightly with one hand, not seeming at all concerned with the fact that you were all but drenched in her excitement.
<<nm $phPetra "Mmm. Not bad, Cap. I'd rate that...a six.">>
@@.choice;
[[...A Six?!??!|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>>Petra tossed her head back and laughed, genuinely, reaching down to pat your cheek again. Then she grinned down between her legs.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, what's that look for, Cap? Consider it a compliment that I'm leaving you so much room to blow my mind later. If I rate you too high, you'll have nowhere to go...">>
She turned her body and straddled your stomach, so that you were looking up at her back instead of her front. She ran both hands lightly up the legs of your trousers and then down to your hips.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phPetra "I'm hoping all the blood isn't rushing to your head. You're going to need it for your reward.">>
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure I'll manage.">>
Petra laughed again...and she deftly unzipped and unbuckled your pants, allowing your hard length to finally be free of the tight confines. The tall woman sucked in a breath and purred her next words.
<<nm $phPetra "Well hello there. Nice to see you're well-armed, Cap.">>
She took your length in both hands and began to pump, slowly and smoothly. Again, her hands were far from soft but she knew exactly how to use them. Your toes curled with every pump and you rolled your hips up into the motions.
Petra leaned in and ran her tongue along the tip of your cock. Your face felt hot in a way that had nothing to do with the fact the blood really was rushing to your head, and you let out a short gasp in response. Your hands worked at the handcuffs, and you couldn't take it anymore.
<<nm $phYou "Faster! Please?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, that's nice, $phPetra.address. Faster like this?">>
Petra squeezed your cock firmly with both hands...and then began to jack you off hard and fast. Her hands blurred over your member and you rattled the chain of the cuffs against the chair as you struggled not to cum immediately. You wondered where she had learned to do this so expertly. You probably didn't want to know.
Soon enough, you were panting and you felt the muscles of your stomach begin to twitch with the pleasure coursing through you. Petra felt it too. She stood without missing a single stroke of her hands, standing back from you and pointing your own cock down at the rest of your body.
<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>><<nm $phPetra "That's good, Cap. Now, why don't you show much just how much you enjoyed yourself? All over those tits of yours.">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phPetra "That's good, Cap. Now, why don't you show me just how much you enjoyed yourself... all over that tight chest of yours.">><</if>>
You couldn't help but obey! Your hips arched, your eyes went wide, and you vision seemed almost to explode with stars. You felt your cock jump in Petra's pumping hands...
...And you painted yourself @@.choice;[[White With Your Pleasure|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 4]]@@<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Hope you aren't too out of breath just yet. You're going to need it for your reward.">>
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure I'll manage.">>
Petra laughed again... and she deftly unzipped and unbuckled your pants, spreading the zipper open and slipping her fingers beneath the elastic band of your panties. When they found the heavy coat of slickness underneath, the tall woman sucked in a breath and purred her next words.
<<nm $phPetra "Well hello there. Glad to see you're enjoying this as much as I am.">>
She eased her digits between your folds and began to rub, slowly and smoothly. Again, her hands were far from soft but she knew exactly how to use them. Your toes curled with every stroke and you rolled your hips up into the motions.
Petra leaned in and run her tongue along the inverted 'V' at the top of your slit. Your face felt hot in a way that had nothing to do with the fact the blood really was rushing to your head, and you let out a short gasp in response. Your hands worked at the handcuffs, and you couldn't take it anymore.
<<nm $phYou "More! Please?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, that's nice, $phPetra.address. More like this?">>
Petra's fingers stopped their firm up-and-down... then two of them pushed into you and began to fuck you with fast, hard, purposeful thrusts. Her hands moved so quickly they blurred, and you rattled the chain of the cuffs against the chair as you struggled not to cum immediately. You wondered where she had learned to do this so expertly. You probably didn't want to know.
Soon enough, you were panting and you felt the muscles of your stomach begin to twitch with the pleasure coursing through you. Petra felt it too.
<<nm $phPetra "Good girl, Cap. Now, why don't you show much just how much you enjoyed yourself? As loud as you can.">>
She dipped her head down and brought her tongue to bear against your clit, and you couldn't help but obey. Your hips arched, your eyes went wide, and you vision seemed almost to explode with stars. You felt your cunt squeeze and clench around her fingers...
...And you @@.choice;[[Screamed Her Name|PetraSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>><<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You ran the towel over your chest a final time before buttoning your shirt back up. You offered it back to Petra, but she smirked and waved you off. <<else>>You wiped the towel between your thighs a final time before pulling both underwear and pants back up. You offered it back to Petra, but she smirked and waved you off.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "That's fine. I usually swing by the gym before work, I can grab a new one. Call it a gift.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're too kind. What time is it?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Late. Closing time came and went. You'd better get upstairs. I'll get back on watch.">>
The tall woman moved over to the office chair, righted it, and swung herself into it. Her feet came up onto the console and she leaned back in her seat the way that she always did, as if nothing notable had happened.
<<nm $phYou "That's it?">>
Petra snorted and turned to look at you over the ring of her sunglasses again. She was smirking, but it was somehow a softer gesture than it would have been before.
<<nm $phPetra "I keep things easy. I know you've got a lot of places to be, and a lot of employees who need the love. That's it, yeah...but I appreciate it. Sure as hell will make the shift go by faster. You're welcome here any time you like, Cap.">>
You grinned and patted the back of her chair before you turned and began to walk for the door. Just before you reached it, Petra's voice called out after you.
<<nm $phPetra "Just bring your own towel next time!">>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Enough|Office]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>>You came together hard, your lips locked and your tongues jousting with one another from the opening seconds. You wrapped your arms around her tightly, feeling the powerful muscles of her body flexing beneath your grip, and she got a solid grip on your flank with both hands. When the kiss broke, you were both breathless.
<<nm $phPetra "I've been waiting for this since day one... Oh? What's this, Cap?">>
Her fingers gripped the necklace band around your neck and pulled it upward. The red gem sparkled in the reflection of her sunglasses as she peered down at it. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "It's just a little something we've worked out. I'm very affectionate with my employees, but they don't always know what the boss is after. Green means I'm a bit more willing to let them strut their stuff. Red means I'm in the mood to call a few more shots.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Ah. So in a shot calling mood right now? Sorry, Cap. I don't think you're strong enough for me. Too much time in an office.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Oh really?">>
You put your hands onto Petra's sides and //lifted//. The body Lazren had given you was far, far stronger than it had any right to be, and you saw Petra's jaw dropped as her feet left the floor. You didn't just raise her an inch or two, though, but extended your arms fully out until her boots kicked a foot off the ground.
<<nm $phYou "...Strong enough for you?">>
<<nm $phPetra "That's-- How the hell? That's not possible!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll take that as a yes.">>
You turned and scanned the room. Putting Petra down on the desk would risk slapping a button and setting an alarm off through the entire complex. The monitor walls were far too high to allow a good position. There was, however, a plain metal cabinet against wall near the door to the small bathroom. You guessed it was for filing paper, but you had very different plans in mind tonight.
You saw Petra down on the cabinet hard enough to make the metal rattle against the wall. Petra let out a noise of protest, but you could see the way her cheeks flushed and her thighs rubbed together. You knew she liked a bit of 'excitement'.
You reached up and took hold of her shirt top in both hands, getting a grip on the fabric without catching her breasts or bra in the grip. You saw her moment of the realization in the way her muscles suddenly tensed. There was no way you could actually do //that//.
You knew differently. You shot Petra a cocky grin, rolled your shoulders, and @@.choice;[[Ripped Her Shirt In Half!|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>The shreds of Petra's shirt fell to either side of her. You ran your hands up her bared torso, running your fingers over the clearly defined abs, reveling in the feel of it. Petra's muscles were so hard and tight you wondered if you could bounce a quarter off them.
<<nm $phPetra "D-Damn, Cap...where'd you learn to do something like that?">>
She was making an effort at casual conversation, but there was a shaky note in her words. You also caught a slightly higher pitch from her normal smooth voice. You had definately caught her off guard. You aimed to continue, leaning forward and raising your hands to cup her breasts through the material of her plain black sports bra. She shuddered beneath your fingers.
She was sitting high on the cabinet, her thighs brushing against your sides as you stood between her legs. You massaged her tits through the material and were rewarded with a series of little twitches and kicks from her legs as she was unable to keep her body's reaction in check.
<<nm $phYou "Would you believe natural talent? I don't even have to exercise.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Well, that's just not fai- Fuck!">>
Her voice rose an octave as you lowered one of your hands and pushed between her legs. The material of her pants was more than enough to stop you from penetrating into her, but it //didn't// stop the pressure of your fingers against her sex.
Petra was openly rolling her hips against you now, panting hard and fighting to keep from crying out. While she was distracted, you reached up with your other hand and carefully plucked the mirrored shades from her face, pulling them off. You got to enjoy her rarely seen blue eyes filled with shock and lust as you looked her full in the face.
<<nm $phYou "...want me to stop?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Fuck no!">>
You laughed. Clear enough. Then you drove your fingers harder against her, milking out another moan. Petra leaned her head back against the wall and bucked hard against your digits. You knew she would need more, though. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your cock was hard and straining in your pants, but you didn't want to listen to it. You knew Petra would want something more than just the boss's thick cock.<<else>>You glanced over your surroundings. Fingers were wonderful things, but you knew Petra would want more than just your fingers, skilled as they were.<</if>>
You looked around for inspiration...and almost immediately saw what you were looking for. You grinned and switched hands, pushing your leg hand between Petra's thighs as your right groped along the top of the cabinet. Petra's head came down, following your groping hand with her eyes until she saw what you were reaching for...
And her expression was everything you could have hoped for when you grabbed the @@.choice;[[Thick, Black Nightstick.|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>>The nightstick was jet-black weapon about two feet long with a protruding handle off the side of the baton. It was polished and lovingly cared for, though there were tan stripes all along the sides from where impact had worn the paint off. Judging from the evenness of the impact lines, and the fact Petra didn't wear the thing on her belt during work, you guessed it was more a training weapon than something she used day-to-day.
You //did// intend to use it on a person today but, of course, you wouldn't find the technique in any training manual.
<<nm $phPetra "C-Cap! What are you doing with that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh come on now. You're going to sit there and tell me you've never gotten bored on those long, slow, dull nights?">>
You held the club loosely in your hand, allowing the smooth tip to run down her cleavage and over her breasts. She sucked in air, making her chest inflate against the implement and you grinned. She shot you a dark look in response, but you could see the way her legs trembled.
<<nm $phPetra "You don't //really// think I'm going to answer that, do you Cap?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I'd say that was answer enough. You can come down, if you like. I can head back to my office, you can grab a new shirt and finish out your shift. Assuming you aren't curious, of course...You //aren't// curious, are you?">>
Petra pressed her lips together and didn't answer. You chuckled and dragged the nightstick down further, running across her washboard abs and then between her legs. You set the smooth end against the crotch of her pants and then began to push, slowly but powerfully, back and forth to let it press and then withdraw. Press and then withdraw. Press and then withdraw.
Petra was beginning to gasp. Her pants were still on, but you weren't going easy on her and the motions had some significant pressure. She closed her thighs around you reflexively but you used your free hand to pry her knees apart again despite the strength of her legs. You saw that startled, amazed look come back into her blue eyes as you effortlessly fought against her muscles.
<<nm $phYou "Well? Are you curious, Petra?">>
She was silent for a long moment, her eyes watching you with wonder and lust and annoyance in equal measure. Her breathing was ragged, and it shook every time she exhaled. Finally, she squared her shoulders and sat up. You tensed for a moment, half expecting her to demand to be let down from the cabinet, but she just met your eyes with a steely, challenging gaze.
<<nm $phPetra "I'm curious.">>
It was all she said. It was all she needed to say. You beamed up at her with faux innocence...and then //moved//. You pulled back the nightstick with one hand, then used the other to grab hold of the material of her pants. You tugged hard enough to nearly pull her down from atop the cabinet and the material parted under your hands. You tossed away the shredded cloth and then grabbed hold of her hip solidly with that hand.
You saw the realization hit her eyes. You heard her breath catch in her throat. you felt her hips roll up in anticipation.
You knew what she wanted.
@@.choice;
[[You Gave Her What She Wanted|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>><<nm $phPetra "Ah!...Mmmph!...Yes!...Fuck!">>
Every push of your hand seemed to provoke a new exclamation, either of the pleasure jolting through her body or the air being pushed out of her. You were being careful, but not gentle, allowing her to feel the power of your strokes with every push of your hand. You kept your grip loose, making sure it had plenty of ability to stop before it hurt her.
You weren't sure she noticed. You weren't sure she was thinking much of anything as you fucked her with the weapon. The last several inches of the black surface glistened now with her excitement, and your thrusts encountered less and less resistance by the second.
You touched a particularly sensitive place inside her and she squealed, drawing her legs up and setting her heels along the edge of the cabinet, to give you even more leverage. Even now, you couldn't help but be impressed by the flexibility.
<<nm $phYou "Faster?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Fuck yes! Give it to me hard, Cap! Make me feel it!">>
You had every intention of doing so. You worked your hand harder, and your fingers were soon wet as Petra's honey worked its way down the handle. You didn't care. Every push into her was now drawing out a moan or a scream or an urgent demand not to stop. You would walk through fire to hear her moan like that.
Petra thrust her hips forward hard and one of her boots, held at the edge of the cabinet, slipped. She let out a curse, her leg sprawling over the side as she fell forward. You were there to catch her as she came down, slamming her back against the cabinet and halting her descent. Your hand never stopped pumping. Even as you held her against the cabinet with her feet kicking helplessly, you never stopped fucking her. You let her feel the power in your hand holding her steady without even needing both arms.
It was too much for her. Her eyes closed and her eyebrows came together. Her mouth opened, but there were no more words or cries. She was silent as she came, her breath ceasing entirely as her muscles suddenly clenched all at once. She was so strong she actually held the nightstick in place by the squeeze of her sex, forcing you at last to a surprised halt while she thrashed and shook.
And then it passed. She gasped, abruptly, sucking in several long breaths even as her face flushed deeply. You let her settle down onto her feet, but she immediately put her back against the cabinet and sank down to sit against it. Her breathing hitched for a beautiful second as you withdraw her nightstick and set it down gently beside her hip.
She looked up at you with her mussed hair sticking to the sweat of her brow. She wet her lips and caught her breath before finally giving you a slow nod.
<<nm $phPetra "Okay...strong enough for me.">>
@@.choice;
[[You Thought As Much.|PetraSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>It took her fifteen minutes before she risked getting to her feet again. She'd made a half-hearted effort to seducee you into enjoying yourself as well, but you could see the encounter had left her in no state to do more. You'd just chuckled and told her you had enjoyed yourself enough.
Now she had changed into a set of workout sweats and a white tank top from her bag. Gym clothes, she'd explained succinctly, turning to offer you a frosty look while she picked up the torn chunks of her panties off the ground.
<<nm $phPetra "You're very lucky you didn't try that with my jacket. Things might have gone very differently.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll bet. Tell you what, I'll find you some replacements.">>
<<nm $phPetra "You pay me enough, Cap. Maybe just go easy on the clothing next time. I can afford it, but do you have any idea how hard it is to find things in my size? I pay through the nose for nice clothes.">>
You laughed and let her walk you to the door, but you turned to look back at her before you turned the handle.
<<nm $phYou "...So...there's going to be a next time then?">>
She blinked...and then realized what she had said. She flipped her hair and pushed her shades back onto her nose, but you were quite sure you saw her eyes sparkle just before she did.
<<nm $phPetra "I guess we'll see. Go, Cap. I've still got a work day ahead of me, and I'll be wearing sweats for the duration, thanks to a certain someone. You go to bed; let me mind the shop.">>
Now that she mentioned it, it //was// getting late. You yawned and nodded. Slothful demons were not meant for burning the midnight oil, even for women like Petra. You turned the door handle and stepped through into the quiet of the closed mall beyond.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh and Cap? You're welcome here any time. You've //got// to show me your workout routine.">>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[If She Only Knew...|Office]]@@
<</if>><<include "InfernoTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>Inferno. The very name conjured up visions of sin and decadence: images complimented by the ambient crimson lighting and slick, flame-like curves in the decor. A black runway carpet led up to and through the heavy double doors, though which the thrum of dark, sensual music could already be heard.
Inside, Inferno was something special -- something no other club in the area could replicate. The front of the venue was a nightclub, complete with a stylish bar and high-dollar cocktails, a massive dance floor, and scattered couches where people could get up close and personal in conversation.
For those on the //hunt//, the back rooms of the Inferno held something special indeed: a fully-outfitted 'dungeon' venue, where club clothes gave way to latex and leather. Large, upright X-shaped crosses leaned against the walls, and chains dangled from the ceiling. Cages -- obviously meant to hold humans -- anchored each of the four corners.
The dancefloor portion of Inferno welcomed everyone...who adhered to the dresscode, at least. The dungeon, though, had its own rules to ensure the curious of their safety and anonymity. No real names, no photographs, no cell phones. With the power of the tower coursing through the rooms, whatever release people were looking for, they were sure to find it.
<<if $phTime is 0>>It's still too early for the club to be open to clientele<<if ($phXavier.transform is 'vampire')>>, and as a creature of the night, the resident vampire is still asleep<</if>>. You could look around a bit, but for the real action, you'll have to come back later.
<</if>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phPetra.focus_security is 10) or ($phPetra.focus_security is 10.5)>><br>You knew that Mason had delivered Petra's jacket to the club. If you were ready for her, you could @@.choice;[[Call And Invite Her Down.|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.transform is 'drow') and ($phTime == 0) and ($phPetra.recharge is 0)>><br>@@.choice;[[Petra|PetraTalkDrowInferno][$phPetra.post_talk to 0]]@@ is here, enjoying a drink alone at the bar.<br><</if>><<if ($phPetra.transform is 'drow') and (($phTime is not 0) or ($phPetra.recharge is 1))>><br>You didn't see Petra hanging around. She might be in the Security Office, but you knew she also dropped into the dungeon for 'training opportunities' from time to time.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phXavier.transform is 'vampire') and (($phTime is 1) or ($phTime is 2)) and ($phXavier.recharge is not 1)>><br>@@.choice;[[Xavier|TalkToXavierInferno]]@@ is here, dressed every part of the Victorian vampire.<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if ($phTime is 1) or ($phTime is 2)>>@@.choice;
[[Supervise The Club|InfernoWait]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Supervise The Club [It's Too Early!]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]
[[Return to the Shopping Center|Shopping Center - Second Floor]]@@<</if>><<include "ElysiumTriggers">><<include "MasonDomTriggers">><<if ndef _interrupt>>Elysium was named after the Ancient Greek afterlife: a blessed island where the righteous and heroic spent eternity. The name couldn't have been more appropriate. The nature park was green and lush year-round, with perfectly trimmed grass that stretched between banks of wildflowers that always seemed to be in bloom. Broad palm trees competed with Japanese lilacs and maples for which would provide the best dappled shade and fragrant perfume for the pedestrians passing by. Smiling, happy couples and families made use of the many small benches that dotted the park.
A small corner of nature in the middle of a shopping mall seemed out of place at first, but Paradise specialized in offering the extraordinary. After a busy morning -- or afternoon, or entire day -- shopping for clothes, food, electronics, and other staples of modern consumerism, it was a relief to be able to sit somewhere lacking 'On Sale!' and 'BOGO' signs, and without a single mannequin in sight.
Without a doubt, though, the centerpiece of Elysium was the fountain, and the magnificent oak tree that spread out behind it. The tree towered up and through the second floor of the mall, and its branches embraced nearly the entire width of Elysium from side to side. The mall would have had to have been specially built //around// it to compass it so perfectly... which was impossible, considering the tree hadn't existed a year ago, much less a century, but none of the visitors ever seemed to notice.<<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') or ($phPetra.focus_security is 9) or ($phPetra.focus_security is 9.5)>> Few of them also seemed to notice that the waterways had been substantially deepened across the park and now formed a criss-crossing series of rivers and pools across the garden. Some of them were far, far deeper than they appeared at a glance.<</if>>
<<if $phTime is 2>>This late in the day, the sunlight had waned and the plants themselves seemed to be at rest. The park was still and quiet and there were almost no customers still walking the grounds.<<if ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>> Even Xun appeared to have retired for the night, as the mighty oak was as silent as the rest of the area.<</if>><</if>> You could enjoy a walk, but there would be little opportunity to be found until the morning.
<<nobr>>
<<if ($phPetra.focus_security is 9) or ($phPetra.focus_security is 9.5)>><br>You had the seashell necklace in your pocket, waiting for Petra. If you were ready, this would be a wonderful place to gift it to her. You would just have to @@.choice;[[Call And Invite Her.|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') and ($phTime is not 2) and ($phPetra.recharge is 0)>><br>@@.choice;[[Petra|PetraTalkSirenElysium][$phPetra.post_talk to 0]]@@ is definitely here. You keep catching glimpses of her zipping below the surface of the waterways. She'd probably stop to talk if you headed to one of them.<br><</if>><<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') and (($phTime is 2) or ($phPetra.recharge is 1))>><br>You didn't see any sign of Petra. Either she was working in the office, or she'd already turned in for the day.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad') and ($phXavier.recharge is not 1)>><br>@@.choice;[[Xun|XunElysium]]@@ stands high up in her tree, smirking down at you.<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if ($phTime is 0) or ($phTime is 1)>>@@.choice;
[[Walk The Garden For A While|ElysiumWait]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Walk The Garden For A While [It's Too Late!]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Access The Management Console|LocationManagement]]@@ @@.choice;
[[Return to the Shopping Center|Shopping Center - First Floor]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk > 0>><<nobr>>
<<set _randarray to ["a busty brunette in a silver dress","a willowy redhead in a jade green corset","a handsome Asian man with a swimmer's lithe build","a tomboyish blonde woman in black leather pants","a bear of a man with a gray-flecked beard","a young, shirtless Black man with goatee","two smiling and laughing women in sinfully short skirts"]>>
<<set _XavierTarget to _randarray.random()>>
<</nobr>><<if ($phXavier.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phXavier.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phXavier.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phXavier "Desire. //The// Desire. Now that's a hell of a thing.">>
You were in a slightly quieter corner of the club. The music was more muted here and though it //should// still have been enough to overpower your words, you didn't have any trouble hearing each other. The tower's machinations were getting downright subtle.
<<nm $phYou "You're not kidding. I told them I'd take the job, but hell if I know what I'm getting myself into.">>
The vampire straightened his tie, smoothed the front of his vest, turned, and leaned back against the countertop. His dark eyes tracked you, thoughtfully.
<<nm $phXavier "I know desire. I'm sure all the people you've gathered do, but it my case it was a bit more. There was something out there I wanted so badly I knew I'd do anything to get it. I knew a cure didn't really exist, but you still spend a lot of time contemplating what you'd do if there were. That's dangerous stuff. That's //fire//. Probably isn't a sword around that has a sharper double edge than that one.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You don't think I should go for it?">>
Xavier snorted and rolled his eyes at you. His teeth were too white when he smiled, and you caught the slight glint off one of his canines.
<<nm $phXavier "And turn down the chance to be //sex// incarnate? To be Lust? To be literally the embodiment of everything this club stands for? No. By all means, go for it, and go hard. Just know what you're getting into. People do some crazy things for what they want most. If the current holder of the title has been steeped in that stuff for...what? Decades? Centuries? Either way, she isn't going to give it up without a fight. So bring every weapon you've got and be prepared to use them. That's all.">>
That was not a fun thought. You'd mostly been worrying about Desire's //power// in a world that seemed to be at her beck and call. If she was as crazy as Xavier thought, this could get ugly in a hurry. Was this really worth all that?
And even if it wasn't, what happened if you left //her// with all that strength?
<<nm $phXavier "Well, now that I've brought the mood down, what can I do for you? Something lighter, I hope.">>
<</if>><<else>>Xavier was leaning against the bar when you entered the club proper, a red-colored cocktail in hand. You recognized it as a Bloody Mary... hopefully without actual blood. He was talking to _XavierTarget, though now and again he scanned the crowd with both a journalist's attention to detail and a hunter's instinct for opportunity. A satisfied smirk curled the corner of his lips when he spotted you, and he excused himself from his conversation as you approached.
<<nm $phXavier "Speak of the devil, and $pshe shall appear...">>
<<nm $phYou "You're enjoying this metaphor way too much.">>
The vampire chuckled, sipped his drink, and then sat it down on the bar before rising to his feet.
<<nm $phXavier "I'm enjoying //life//, every minute of every evening. I never realized how wonderful it is, or how good it tastes. For you, though, I can delay my dinner.">>
His golden eyes drifted back over to the earlier target of his attention, and you had the distinct impression that 'dinner' and 'dessert' were one in the same.
<<nm $phXavier "So what brings you to my humble corner of the afterlife, $phYou.firstname? Business? Pleasure? Both?">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[You're Here to Talk|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 2]]
[[Definitely Here for Pleasure|VampireSex]]
[[Just Saying Hi|Inferno][$phXavier.goodbye to 'xavierquick']]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 0>><<set $phXavier.post_talk to 1>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/XavierFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XavierFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<if $phYou.form == "male">><<nm $phXavier "Sir $phYou.firstname, my lord and liege. What brings you to the depths of Hell?">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "Lady $phYou.firstname, my queen and savior. What brings you to the depths of Hell?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...depths of Hell? That's a little dramatic, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phXavier "This //is// the Inferno. I've decided playing up the motif is the easiest way to stop people from asking questions: let them assume it's all part of the theme. Vampires talking to demons is just the way of things in such a place.">>
He flashed a grin at you -- one that briefly exposed long, pointed canines. His golden eyes could be easily dismissed as special effects contacts, if you didn't know better.
<<nm $phYou "Hiding in plain sight?">>
<<nm $phXavier "The best way. It adds a certain thrill to the blood when they realize something isn't quite right -- that the fangs are sharp enough to pierce, and that they can't feel my heart beat. A memory and experience they'll get nowhere else... and for some, a reason to come back again and again. You should try it some night.">>
<<nm $phYou "You already bit me once.">>
<<nm $phXavier "And I would do it again. And again, and again, until you lost track of how many times you came, and lost yourself in a cloud of lightheaded bliss. But I meant coming here without the disguise, and being yourself. The people who come to Inferno would embrace seeing the inhuman side of you, $phYou.firstname. You might find it as addictive as they do.">>
He made it sound pretty tempting. The atmosphere of the nightclub definitely lent itself to some of the darker, more dangerous aspects of human -- or inhuman -- nature. You weren't entirely sure you wanted to explore that, but... it was nice to have the option.
<<nm $phXavier "I can see the temptation in your eyes. I can fulfill that curiosity for you, $phYou.firstname...">>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Xavier a Question|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 2]]
[[Give in to Temptation|VampireSex]]
[[Small Talk is Enough For Now|Inferno][$phXavier.goodbye to 'xavierquick']]@@
<</if>><<set $phXavierQ1 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ2 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ3 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ4 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ5 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ6 to 0>><<if $phXavier.post_talk > 0>><<if (($phXavier.date is 9) or ($phXavier.date is 20)) and ($phXavier.post_talk is 1)>><<set $phXavier.post_talk to 2>><<if $phXavier.date is 9>>You didn't spy Xun as you glanced around the garden, but that wasn't exactly unusual. The dryad had a knack for camouflage and when she didn't want to be seen -- wasn't. That knack, though, was countered by your own particular abilities to see through the Tower's illusions and misdirections. Elysium might be her domain, but Paradise was yours.
<<nm $phXavier "Looking for someone?">>
Annnnd then there was the whole 'ambush predator' thing of her popping up next to you when you least expected it. You jerked with surprise, and Xun's diminutive form smirked up at you as you turned around.
<<nm $phYou "Found someone. Or someone found me.">>
You reached for her hand, and she allowed you to take it. Her gaze up at you turned contemplative and lingered even as you raised her fingers to your lips for a kiss.
<<nm $phYou "Is something wrong?">>
<<nm $phXavier "... no. No, something is right, I think. I suppose some part of me expected you to brush off the other night. We both know sometimes passion makes us say things we don't really mean.">>
You watched her, and kissed the back of each finger one by one before lowering it again.
<<nm $phYou "I meant everything I said. I hope you did too. But, if you've changed your mind...?">>
Xun shook her head, quickly enough to send the ends of her dreadlocks swaying.
<<nm $phXavier "No, I haven't. And... I mean what I said. All of it. It's just strange, $phYou.firstname, to suddenly have so much life and so much to live for, after so many years of...">>
She trailed off, and you slowly reached for her other hand. Your eyes still meeting hers, you raised that hand to your lips as well, and made sure that it received as much attention and adoration as the first.
<<nm $phXavier "I can't be loyal to you, not like a husband or a wife would be.">>
<<nm $phYou "You told me. I'm fine with that.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I-- I am still learning how to be a woman, and what that means.">>
<<if ($phYou.gender is 'female')>><<nm $phYou "I can help, if you want me to. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>I used to be a woman, myself.<<else>>I'm a bit of an expert at it, as it happens.<</if>>">><<else>><<nm $phYou "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>I'll enjoy being there with you as you do.<<else>>Me too. We can learn together.<</if>>">><</if>>
She stared at you a moment longer, until your kisses stopped and you lowered her hand. For a moment you just stood there, smiling gently at her, until you spoke again.
<<nm $phYou "I know it's scary to finally be happy, Xun. I know there's that fear that.... that something will happen, and it will all go away. That you'll lose the best thing you've ever felt. But I'm not leaving. None of us are leaving, the Tower isn't leaving, and you're not going to scare me off. I love you, and I meant that, and I'll remind you every day if I need to.">>
The dryad let out a soft breath and bit her lower lip... and then she nodded, and stepped in close, wrapping her arms around your waist.
<<nm $phXavier "It is frightening... but somehow, I'm not //that// afraid. I believe you.">>
<<nm $phYou "...so should I do the daily reminders? Maybe two or three times a day?">>
She chuckled. Her smirk curled her lips again as she pulled back enough to look up at you.
<<nm $phXavier "Please don't. When is the last time you ever heard of a nature goddess with a co-dependent <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boyfriend<<else>>girlfriend<</if>>?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nature //goddess//? Wow, that escalated quickly. Nature spirit, sure. ...Nature slut? That's a thing, right? 'Hump like bunnies?' 'Fuck like animals?'">>
You waggled your eyebrows in such a stupidly over-exaggerated way that she couldn't help but laugh, even as she thwacked a hand lightly against your chest.
<<nm $phXavier "Alright, alright. Enough. I don't want to change things and make it awkward, not when it's worked so well how it is.">>
<<nm $phYou "Deal. Or, 'same', or.... something. Anyways - I promise not to make it weird. Or 'weirder', considering I'm a demon and you're a nymph and we're having this conversation inside a magical Tower.">>
This time Xun snorted and gave a small roll of her eyes, trying not to let her smile widen too much.
<<nm $phXavier "Anyways. Did you want to talk about anything in particular, or just 'hump like bunnies', as you so eloquently phrased it?">>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 20>><<nm $phYou "//Theeeeere she is: Miss Elyssssssium!//">>
You waltzed towards the dryad's tree with your arms spread wide, belting the tune not exactly at the top of your lungs -- but pretty close. Bot her brows shot into her hairline, and a moment later she groaned as she slipped from her branch and descended to the path below.
<<nm $phXavier "Please don't. That's horrible.">>
<<nm $phYou "... my singing is horrible?">>
She bit her lip and eyed you, visibly reconsidering her words.
<<nm $phXavier "It's... not your most impressive skill. And what exactly inspired you to song anyways, sprout?">>
You reached to wrap her in to a hug of greeting, squeezed, and then let her go to lean up against the support of the giant tree.
<<nm $phYou "Just checking on you. You seemed okay the other night, but you know: sometimes things hit different the next morning. Still feeling good about mom and dad? Any regrets? Thoughts? Emotions?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, several. Thoughts and emotions, but not regrets. I suppose it does hit a little bit differently in the daylight now, and back in my own home, but... in a good way, I think. I would thank you for going again, but I think you might grow tired of hearing the words.">>
<<nm $phYou "What hits differently? If you don't mind me asking.">>
<<nm $phXavier "All of it, I suppose. It's just strange, $phYou.firstname, to suddenly have so much life and so much to live for, after so many years of... of not. Of feeling you'd exhausted what life had to offer, and now were just waiting for the wick to sputter out.">>
<<nm $phYou "...oof. That's heavier than I thought. Are you sure you're okay?">>
She nodded, and after a moment a wry smile curved her lips.
<<nm $phXavier "I'm sure. I could say something profound about 'no life without death' and natural cycles and all of that but: in the end, I'm just happy. Not because it's some grand allegory for earth and air and water, but because I love my parents, and I missed them. And now, because of you, I don't have to miss them anymore.">>
You smiled back. For all your fears of how the night could have gone, you were incredibly thankful, yourself, that Xun had gotten the joy she deserved.
<<nm $phYou "Well, like I said, they're always welcome here -- and, if you want company for dinner again, I volunteer. Your dad knows his way around a kitchen.">>
<<nm $phXavier "He does -- and I might take you up on that. But I think I'd be fine going by myself, as well, now that I know I'll be welcome with open arms.">>
<<nm $phYou "... at least bring me some leftovers?">>
She laughed lightly, but you could see the twinkle of happiness and mirth in her eyes. Her tone certainly sounded like a promise, even if her words stopped short of a guarantee.
<<nm $phXavier "If there are any, but I'm afraid if you came here hoping to learn his secret family recipes, you've failed. I never learned to cook, growing up. Perhaps I could help you with something //else//, though?">>
<</if>><<else>><<if ($phXavier.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phXavier.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phXavier.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phXavier "What troubles you, sapling?">>
You scoffed at that and looked up into the leaves of the oak tree. Xun was stretched out on a thick branch, one of her legs hanging off the edge, heedless of the distance to the earth. She had reason to be confident. You doubted she even //could// fall without meaning to.
<<nm $phYou "If you start singing about the colors of the wind, someone is going to be in here with lawyers before you get to the second verse.">>
Xun smiled down at you, even if the smile suggested she was being indulgent to your 'humor'. You shrugged your shoulders and answered the original question.
<<nm $phYou "...I have a lot going on right now. I don't really know how this whole thing with the Sins is going to work out. I don't know if I'm ready to be one of them.">>
<<nm $phXavier "You are worried you will be insufficiently sinful?">>
You blinked. That obviously hadn't been your train of thought, but when she put it like that...
<<nm $phYou "No, I-...I'm sure I can be as sinful as they like. I'm worried I'll screw it up. Be too indulgent. Too scattered. Not experienced enough.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Again, too indulgent to be a Sin?">>
<<nm $phYou "Even Sins can do the job well, or badly. We may be demons, but I've still got standards, you know. They say the current one has been going wild. That's why they offered me the job in the first place.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Ah. So you're saying you have motivation to remain on track, the confidence of two current Sins, //and// almost anything would be better than the current office holder?">>
You glared. There wasn't any heat behind it, but you glared all the same.
<<nm $phYou "...Using my arguments against me is cheating.">>
The dryad smiled again and leaned back against the tree trunk. There was entirely too much smug satisfaction in that motion, for your taste.
<<nm $phXavier "I see. Apologies, then. I will refrain from that in the future. Now, is there anything else on your mind?">>
<</if>><<else>>You tried to keep your attention ahead of you as you walked across the bridge to the oak tree, and not scan the branches where you'd last seen your green-skinned employee. As you approached the trunk, you couldn't help but look around to ensure that there was no one on the island but you. You rapped lightly on the wood.
<<nm $phXavier "Hello $phYou.firstname.">>
The voice came from right behind you, and you jumped a little before turning with all the dignity you could manage. Xun was smiling at you, reclining on the small tree stump that served as a bench at the foot of the larger oak.
<<nm $phYou "Hello Xun. Keeping busy?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Always. Life never stops for long, you know. Not so busy I can't talk for a while. What can I do for you?">>
She patted the trunk beside her, crossed her legs, and leaned forward with curiosity. You took her up on the offer, settling down on the trunk and settling your thoughts.
What brought you to Elysium today?
<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 0>><<set $phXavier.post_talk to 1>><<set $phXavier.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/XunFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XunFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You strolled over the bridge to the center island of Elysium, and the great oak that filled it. You saw in her in the branches are you approached, but it wasn't easy. The green of her skin blended well with the leaves of the tree, and it wasn't until you were actually at the base of the trunk that you were absolutely sure it was her.
She was sitting, nude, on a long horizontal branch in what certainly would have been a precarious position for a human. The branch didn't seem to register her weight, however, and it wasn't the slightest bit bowed or bent. She was looking off into the distance, and only glanced down at you when you rapped your knuckles against the trunk like you were knocking on her office door.
<<nm $phXavier "You came...I hoped you would!">>
You nearly jumped out of your skin. Her soft voice was behind you, not above, and you turned to find the nude, green-skinned woman standing about four feet back from you. Startled, you looked back up into the branches and found the one she had been sitting on completely empty.
Oh //that// was going to get old in a hurry, you could tell.
<<nm $phYou "I did... I'm glad you seem to be alright. How are you settling in?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Hmm? Wouldn't I be? Have you //seen// this place? The flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, the bees are working...this is wonderful.">>
She spread her hands and did a brief, slow twirl as if to encompass the whole of the area. You found yourself taken aback a bit. You'd expected to be answering a lot more pointed questions. You cocked your head to the side.
<<nm $phYou "Well...You changed species and gender. That trips a lot of people up at first.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I'm not a lot of people. I'm not even a 'people' at all now, when you really think about it. But yes, we should talk. Why don't we sit?">>
She made a negligent gesture with her right hand...and the ground next to you split open. Wood rapidly appeared, a small circle that rapidly expanded until there was a tree trunk next to the pair of you, looking for all the world like the stump of a large tree. She settled herself down and crossed her legs.
<<nm $phYou "You're...adapting quickly. I'm impressed. It was Xun, wasn't it? Your new name?">>
<<nm $phXavier "That will work. Anything will. The details all seemed very important before, but now? Now I can see so much more. I can see what you are -- the tail is quite nice by the way -- but it doesn't really help me understand what happened. What's going on here?">>
<<nm $phYou "That is a very long story.">>
You sat on the stump next to her, and began to talk. She listened raptly, nodding along as you filled her in on Lazren, the tower, and your present circumstances. She even looked a little embarrassed when you described what really want on behind the scenes. The story she had been working on was not exactly on the mark.
When you finally wrapped up, she nodded and looked out over the fields for a few second. The green-skinned woman took in a deep breath that swelled her chest, held it for a moment, and then blew it out in a slow, contented sigh.
<<nm $phXavier "Well...I guess I won't lack for entertainment, if this is your day to day.">>
<<nm $phYou "//That's// what you took from all this?">>
She laughed. It was a rich, hearty laugh that sounded almost out of place coming from a svelte young woman. She tossed back her braided hair and recrossed her legs.
<<nm $phXavier "Like I said: I used to worry about the details, but that's not who I am now. You've told me enough, and I'm sure I'll learn more, in time. Now, is there anything you wanted to ask me?">>
She quirked a brow and shot you an amused look.
<<nm $phXavier "...Or did you come down to cross-pollinate? I've seen your secretary, you know. Knowing that's the body you gave her...">>
Fair point.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if (($phXavier.date gt 5.7) and ($phXavier.date lt 7.1) and (Math.trunc($phXavier.date) is not 6)) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>>[[Ask How Dinner With Her Parents Went|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7.1]]<br>
<</if>><<if ($phXavier.date is 7.7)>>[[Ahem! So...about Damien..??|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7.8]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>[[Ask How Xun Is Adjusting|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Elysium|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About Journalism|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ3 to 1]]
[[Explore The Cross-Pollination Idea|DryadSex]]
[[Just A Chat|Elysium][$phGoodbye to 'XunTalk']]@@<<nobr>><<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "Inferno">><</if>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phXavier.goodbye is 'xaviertalk'>><<set $phXavier.goodbye to 'none'>>
<<nm $phYou "Thanks for talking. I know we didn't have much time to get to know each other before-- well, you know.">>
<br /><br />
The vampire chuckled.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phXavier "Before I died? Or... before I was given the chance to really live? Have no fear, $phYou.firstname; I've gained much more than I lost. And if it's your pleasure to bend my ear, well, I //was// a journalist. I'm used to interviews.">>
<br /><br />
An interview. With a vampire. Heh. That joke would never get old.
<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phXavier.goodbye is 'xavierquick'>><<set $phXavier.goodbye to 'none'>>You didn't have time for more than just a quick chat today. Being a manager meant there was always work to be done. Xavier smirked, nodded, and adjusted the fabric of his expensive shirt cuffs.
<br /><br />
<<nm $phXavier "As they say: there's no rest for the wicked. But they also say that all work and no play makes $phYou.firstname a dull <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>. Do come back if you change your mind.">>
<br />
<br />
You promised you would, and sighed a bit as you made your way out. Fortunately your work included a good amount of 'play', otherwise life would be very dull indeed.
<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'InfernoWait'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<set $phTime +=1>>Better not to interfere too much. You knew the club would do its job well and help all of its customers relax and enjoy themselves. You knew you should focus on your optimizing.<br><br>
You did just that. You helped make the specials more enticing, altered the uniforms to show a little more of what was underneath, and made some suggestions about tweaks to the layout. By the time you were done, the club was humming beautifully. <br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Inferno'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'InfernoWait7'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You cleared your throat before Xavier could say anything, and politely informed the woman that you were the owner, not a servant-- and then told //Xavier// to assist her with her needs.<br><br>
While he was helping her prepare for the evening, you finished your check of the dungeon and all its delights. Everything was clean, shiny, and fully stocked for whatever the night would bring. Perfect.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Inferno'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'InfernoWait8'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I... uh.. maybe later. Rain check?">>
<br><br>
Petra grinned at you, white teeth against ashen skin. It was positively predatory.
<br><br>
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>
<<nm $phPetra "Sure thing, $phPetra.address. I'll whip these cadets into shape. //One// of us has to be woman enough do it.">>
<<else>>
<<nm $phPetra "Sure thing, soldier-boy. I'll whip these cadets into shape... it'll be a good warm up for when I come for //you//.">><</if>>
<br><br>
She winked and slipped inside the doorway, taking the handle to pull it closed behind her. The last thing you heard was the sound of several steps of arms immediately abandoning 'beating the meat' and slapped to attention at their sides.
<br><br><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Close call. <</if>>With Petra otherwise occupied, you finished your check of the dungeon and all its delights. Everything was clean, shiny, and fully stocked for whatever the night would bring. Perfect.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Inferno'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'InfernoWait9'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You tugged the door closed as gently as possible as to not alert either person to your presence. You could check the dungeon a little later on.<br><br>
You returned to the main part of the club again, and busied yourself with just generally helping out. There was always //something// small to do, even when things were running smoothe. Glasses to refill, bottles to restock, spills to clean up. Soon everything was clean, shiny, and fully stocked for whatever the night would bring. Perfect.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Inferno'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'InfernoWait10'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>Oh, Hell no. You were not about to get in the middle of two Doms -- especially //those// two Doms -- duking it out.<br><br>
You returned to the main part of the club again, and busied yourself with just generally helping out. There was always //something// small to do, even when things were running smoothe. Glasses to refill, bottles to restock, spills to clean up. Soon everything was clean, shiny, and fully stocked for whatever the night would bring. Perfect.<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Inferno'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'drow'>><<nm $phYou "As much as I enjoy your company... duty calls. You know how it is.">><br><br>Petra huffed out a faint chuckle and nodded her head.<br><br><<nm $phPetra "That I do. Look me up next time you need to pass some time. I live to serve.">><br><br>The last four words were said with such dry, deadpan humor that you snorted as well. You stole a quick kiss and hurried out the door before she could retaliate.<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>><<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">><</if>><<if ($phXavier.date is 7.3) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>><<set _interrupt to 'Xun'>><<goto "XavierDryadDate">><</if>>
<<if ($phTime lt 3) or ($phLocation is 'Sleep')>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'XunTalk'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'None'>>
You explained that you were just out for a walk and a chat to clear your head a while, but you did have other plans today. Xun nodded with a casual shrug of her shoulders that made her bare chest bounce.<br><br>
<<nm $phXavier "I understand. It's always good for that. Walk here any time. I'll make sure it stays that way.">><br><br>
You thanked her and stood, turning to say goodbye...but the green-skinned woman was already gone. You looked up into the tree branches, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.<br><br>
You'd have to ask her to teach you that, sometime.<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.goodbye is 'siren'>>You chatted with Petra for a little while, the siren animatedly giving you updates about the park's operation. It was useful...but soon enough, you knew you had more to do. Petra saw you glance at your watch and pouted, playfully. She cocked her hip and rested a hand on it. <br><br>
<<nm $phPetra "No rest for the savior of poor lost souls, huh?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. I'll see you when I can?">><br><br>
She gave an exaggerated sigh...but then blew you a kissed and turned back to the river. By the time you were halfway back to the door, you could hear her splash into the water behind you.<br><br>
Back to work.
<<set $phPetra.goodbye to 'none'>><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ElysiumWait'>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You had some plans today. It was better to leave the garden to its natural course and get back into helping the tower create a better experience. Reluctantly, you moved away and got yourself back on track.<br><br>
It went swimmingly. By the time you were ready for a break, the air all but thrummed with new growth and you could already see a few places getting the attention they lacked before. Dusting your hands together, you moved off in search of a sink. Gardening was anything but clean!<br><br>
<<set _rewardType to 'Manage'>><<set _manageloc to 'Elysium'>><<include "Rewards">><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>><<if ($phPetra.transform is 'drow') and ($phXavier.transform is 'vampire') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Inferno') is false)>><<set _random to 10>><<elseif ($phMason.transform is 'dom') and ($phSelene.transform is 'clone') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Inferno2') is false)>><<set _random to 11>><<elseif ($phCassandra.date is 6) and ($phPetra.date is 6) and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Inferno3') is false)>><<set _random to 12>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3);
if (State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['upgraded'] == 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(4,5);
}
if (State.variables.phXavier.transform == 'vampire') {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(6,7);
}
if (State.variables.phPetra.transform == 'drow') {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(8,9);
}
if ((State.variables.phXavier.transform == 'vampire') && (State.variables.phPetra.transform == 'drow')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(10);
}
if ((State.variables.phMason.transform == 'dom') && (State.variables.phSelene.transform == 'clone')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(11);
}
if ((State.variables.phCassandra.date == 6) && (State.variables.phPetra.date == 6)) {
State.variables.phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].push(12);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['Inferno']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>>
<</nobr>>The music was loud enough that you could feel the soundwaves passing through you, and yet your ears didn't ring and your bones didn't ache after an hour on the floor. You weren't sure if that was due to Lazren's gift of a strong body or a facet of the club's demonically enhanced sound system, but either way you were grateful for it.
The nightclub was almost always busy, but it was still easy to move around. You wondered how many patrons had lost track of the twisting lines of tables and catwalks and didn't realize the area would get genuinely larger on busy evenings. Dancers filled the floor and smaller groups shouted to each other excitedly over the music. A steady stream of guests, many of them in decidedly more unique outfits of leather and latex, passed in and out of the backrooms where the more interesting furnishings lay.
You surveyed the scene with a broad smile, keeping your senses alert for any new opportunities. There were always new ways to improve, no matter how talented the tower became, and occasionally you found a more unique opportunity.
<<if _random is 1>><<npc "mnpc3" "Uncertain Boyfriend" "...I'm not sure about this! I really appreciate it but...what are we supposed to do?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Very Certain Girlfriend" "It's just like enjoying my strap-on at home, sweetie! It's your birthday gift! We're getting you some cock, tonight!">>
Your ears picked up the words even from halfway across the club, where the music should absolutely have obscured it any farther than two feet away. A young man dressed in a skin tight button-up t-shirt and a thin collar was standing near a smiling blonde woman who was gazing at him with a mixture of adoration and pure predatory intent. They were moving in the direction of the bathrooms, and she was all but pushing him along.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Very Certain Girlfriend" "I'll be right there with you! I want to see it, baby. You know how I get when we talk about it. It's the last bathroom stall in the farthest bathroom from the door. Everyone was really clear on it!">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Uncertain Boyfriend" "I know, I know but...a stranger? I'd much rather do this just for you! Okay Okay, I'm going!">>
She gave him another push and he allowed himself to be propelled along. You smiled to yourself. It was so nice to see couples supporting one another and cutting loose. You had no doubt they would find a very fun time and add some energy to the tower's coffers.
On the other hand, you could make it a //real// night to remember. If he wanted his first cock to be his girlfriend's, who were you to argue? It would probably give you even more energy by the end of the night, even if they wouldn't remember the details properly in the morning...
@@.choice;
[['Support' The Couple|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>You noticed the dance floor was particularly busy today, with a large crush of men and women dancing close together and trading shouted flirtations back and forth as the beat kept them bumping and grinding. You could tell by the way their eyes smoldered that they were just waiting for someone to make a move and the whole area might descend into semi-open debauchery.
You chuckled to yourself, thoughtfully. Given enough time, someone would eventually step things up and be welcomed gladly by the horny bunch. That would pour a good amount of energy into your coffers. If you wanted //more//, though, you could always get involved personally. The aura around you always encouraged the truth to come out and you suspected very few of them could resist a few touches and encouragements.
Of course, //you// would have a pretty hard time resisting the crush of excitement too. You would be very, very busy for a while entertaining the handsome men and beautiful women who were so eager to be unshackled. Leaving them be would be a lot less fun, but you'd still have the time to improve the nightclub's operations.
The DJ switched to the next song, a swelling number guaranteed to put the sizzle in any encounter. It was time to choose.
@@.choice;
[[Show Them Your Moves|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>You were helping to arrange liquors underneath the bar when the slap of a hand on the bar top got your attention. You looked up to see a thin woman leaning up against the bar. Her hands were both in front of her and her posture was oddly defensive.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Uptight Woman" "Ah, barkeep? Could you get me a drink of something strong? Whatever you recommend. Anything that will maybe help me loosen up a little?">>
It was only your sharp hearing that let you understand her over the music. She looked like she was worried about being thrown out at any moment. She was dressed nicely, but her outfit covered almost everything and resembled an evening gown more than a club ensemble.
You could see a simulacrum hurrying from the other side of the bar. You could step back and let them handle the regular drinks, which would certainly help the poor girl out. Then again, you could also pour her something a little stronger from the special supply. Something that might help her switch off and indulge the fantasy she wanted.
She was waiting for her drink. You had only a moment to decide.
@@.choice;
[[Pour Her A Special|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 4>>
TBD Upgrade Scene
<</if>><<if _random is 5>>
TBD Upgrade Scene
<</if>><<if _random is 6>>You stood gazing out over the floor, trying to decide where you could help without being in the way, when you noticed a small, round light switch from red to green just above the dungeon door. You cocked your head to the side and wondered what exactly that indicated, when Xavier appeared out of nowhere at your side.
<<nm $phXavier "I see someone is adventurous today.">>
<<nm $phYou "What? Who, me?">>
His golden eyes shifted from the light to your face, and a dark eyebrow lifted in amusement.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phXavier "Maybe. I meant whoever is in the room. That light is the gloryhole room - you can't see them, and they can't see you. Red means it's empty; green means go. Are //you// feeling adventurous, $phYou.firstname? If so, we could indulge their curiosity.">>
That was an excellent question. A random stranger, sight-unseen, taking whatever you gave them? It wasn't exactly 'work', but... it'd definitely help the dungeon's reputation. It wouldn't do to leave someone waiting in vain.
@@.choice;
[[Be Adventurous|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]@@<<else>><<nm $phXavier "Maybe. I meant whoever is in the room. That light is the gloryhole room - you can't see them, and they can't see you. Red means it's empty; green means go.">>
He hadn't even finished the words before the light shifted back to red again. It was far too quick for there to have been any sort of fun. Perhaps the unknown person had lost their courage, or perhaps it'd only been someone nudged inside as a friendly prank. Xavier let out a disappointed sigh before glancing over at you once more.
<<nm $phXavier "Pity. If only there were //someone// adventurous enough to keep that light on...">>
A pity indeed. You had certainly become more adventurous in the past month, but a gloryhole? Kneeling -- or sitting, or standing! -- in a room while strangers put their cocks through for anonymous pleasure? It wasn't exactly 'work', but... it'd definitely help the dungeon's reputation. If you were brave enough.
@@.choice;
[[Be Adventurous|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6.5]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if _random is 7>>The main club seemed to be running smoothly, so you went back behind the black glass door to see what needed to be done in the dungeon. Xavier was already there, helping prepare for the night.
There were a few small things that needed tidying. You made sure the spray bottles of cleaner were topped off, and that there were plenty of paper towels; you inspected the equipment for any loose bolts or signs of wear that might need attention. Everything was solid. You and Xavier were refilling the condom bowls in the harem room when a female voice spoke from behind you.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "You. Is your slave available?">>
You blinked and turned around, as did Xavier. A slim Asian woman stood behind you. Her long, glossy black hair was pulled back into an expertly done bun at the back of her head, and her makeup was Hollywood perfect. The fact that she was clad in crotchless fishnet tights, knee-high black leather boots, and a stunning black-and-jade corset made your jaw just about hit the floor.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "I need my leather polished, and my corset properly tightened. Does she know how?">>
You realized she was addressing Xavier -- not you. Clearly she didn't realize you were the owner of the establishment, and assumed from Xavier's more 'club-worthy' attire that he was in charge... and that you were his servant!
His eyebrows arched in amusement as he glanced over at you. You had no doubt he'd volunteer you in a heartbeat, unless you were quick to set the record straight.
@@.choice;
[[Play the Part of the Servant|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 8>>You spotted a now-familiar white head of hair in the back of the club, near the door to the dungeon. Petra was 'on duty' -- she was never really //off// duty anymore -- and tipped her chin up at you when your eyes made contact with hers. Or, with her shades. She held a clipboard tucked under one arm - one of the stranger accessories you'd seen someone carry around at a nightclub. A second motion of her head, this one a sideways 'come hither' tilt towards the half-open door, suggested that something was afoot that needed you attention. You returned the upnod and headed over.
<<nm $phYou "What's up? Making a list and checking it twice?">>
She chuckled.
<<nm $phPetra "Gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Surprise inspection. Got a few new faces who are eager to impress. Figured you might want to help me see if they're up to snuff.">>
Your first thought was that Petra was filling out Security's ranks with a few brave souls, but as your gaze flicked towards the doorway, you caught an unmistakable glimpse of a naked man -- of naked //men// -- standing in a row... each of them frantically stroking himself where he stood.
Petra noticed your glance, and smirked as she offered forth the clipboard.
<<nm $phPetra "I'll inspect. You take notes.">>
@@.choice;
[[Help Out With Inspection|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 9>>The simulacra seemed to have everything in order tonight, and there honestly wasn't much to do on the main floor. Time to check the dungeon.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't you let go of that fucking bar, private!">>
You recognized the authoritative ring of Petra's voice even through the closed door, followed by a masculine grunt of effort.
<<nm $phPetra "You're sagging! What are you, a slut? Do you //want// that rod up your ass?">>
You placed your fingertips against the door and eased it open enough to catch a sliver of the scene inside... and what a scene it was. Your drow officer had a naked male cadet stationed at a pullup bar that had been erected between some of the sturdier furniture. He was naked, straining, arms curled and biceps bulging as he struggled to hold his chin above the bar.
Beneath him was a metal rod, with a decently sized flesh-toned dildo mounted to the end. It jutted up from the ground, stationed at a height that would reward the failure of his muscles with a very (ahem) pointed pain in the ass. Fortunately, it was still low enough that he'd likely only take half of it, if that. It would //feel// a lot deeper than it was.
Unfortunately, gravity wasn't the only thing working against him. As the man fought to hold his position, Petra's slim hand worked the flesh-and-blood shaft between his thighs. It seemed to be a race as to whether he //got// off or //fell// off first.
Oh, that was cruel.
@@.choice;
[[Lend a Helping Hand|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Inferno')>>Two familiar faces were at the bar today. In some ways they couldn't be more similar... and in other ways, couldn't be further apart.
Xavier was dressed in almost Victorian elegance, with the elaborate butterfly-and-flower black embroidery on his dark grey waistcoat, and subtle accent frills along his cuffs. He was the picture of a decadent nobleman, straight out of Bram Stoker, leaning with casual confidence against the bar.
Petra, his conversational partner, stood upright, her feet about shoulder-width apart. Even indoors she still wore her dark sunglasses, and the trim, straight cut of her uniform yelled //discipline// and //order//. While it, too, had a historical lean towards it, there was nothing decadent or casual about HER demeanor.
<<nm $phPetra "That's bullshit, and you know it.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Insulting me only proves that I'm more correct than you'd like to admit.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Insulting you only demonstrates that I recognize how //wrong// you are.">>
And it seemed that in addition to a difference in style, they were having some differences of opinion, as well. You wandered closer, curious as to what the two 'creatures of the night' could be arguing about. Petra caught sight of you first; her upnod of acknowledgement made Xavier turn his head. His orange-gold eyes settled on you, and he smirked and raised his glass in mock salute.
<<nm $phXavier "Ah, our illustrious benefactor. Perhaps you would care to settle a small dispute?">>
You lifted an eyebrow, but nodded for him to continue. Xavier motioned with one elegant hand towards the drow woman.
<<nm $phXavier "Officer Torres claims that physical discipline is the key to truly exerting control: that you must break the body, in order to break the mind.">>
Petra crossed her arms over her chest and nodded.
<<nm $phXavier "Whereas I claim that if you break the mind, there is no //need// to break the body. Where the mind goes, the body follows.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Which is bullshit. There's a reason torture techniques go for sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, pain, hunger -- they're all //physical// things.">>
<<nm $phXavier "But our goal is not //torture//, Officer Torres; it is //domination//. Absolute, unyielding control as they beg for more. If you and I both give $pMs $phYou.surname a demonstration, I'm certain $pshe will agree.">>
That... was quite the disagreement. And now they were //both// looking at you expectantly. You felt like a lamb being watched by two hungry wolves.
One thing was //definitely// certain: if you got in between two Dominants arguing, you weren't going to come out on top. Not only that, but they were obviously showing off for one another, so you doubted either would be anywhere near 'gentle'. It might be best just to let them sort it out themselves, and avoid $phSamantha.name teasing you about bruises and bite marks.
@@.choice;
[[Help Settle the Dispute|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 11>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Inferno2')>><<nm $phSelclone "I can't believe it! I would never have guessed that was possible.">>
You nearly missed the familiar voice under all the music and spun around to sweep your eyes over the crowd. It didn't take long to find what you were looking for. Even among the beautiful club goers, Selene stood out significantly, especially with her twin sitting just across from her at the corner booth. Both of them were displaying their legs, exactly the way that Lazren taught them. No surprise, if they were going to be out in public.
The person with them, though, //was// a surprise.
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes. I think if I have learned anything since Lazren converted me it is that almost anything //is// possible if you truly have a desire. The desires of a Sin are not to be underestimated. In fact, I'm sure she could have done the same to five or six of them at once.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Nooo! All at once? You think?">>
<<nm $phMason "I know.">>
Mason was leaning back in the booth. He had his upper hands extended across the back of the cushions in a casual pose while he nursed a scotch with one of the others. He looked back and forth between the beautiful twins as he regaled them and seemed to be more than enjoying the experience. You felt your mouth go dry at the sight...
...and even dryer as the tall man looked up and spotted you. A tiny smile curled across his face, and his eyebrows elevated in silent question.
You understood. There was room at the booth, if you wanted it. You also understood exactly what sort of activity you were signing up for if you sat down. $phMason.Him was never one to waste an opportunity...and you doubted he was going miss one just because the twins were there.
@@.choice;
[[Have A Few Drinks And See What Happens|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11]]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 12>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Inferno3')>>It wasn't until you really stopped to //listen// to the music that you knew it was going to be an interesting evening. It wasn't the usual electronic tones and thumping bass that typically characterized the club atmosphere. Instead, it was quick guitar riffs and a hypnotic voice that could only belong to a very particular band.
You worked your way deeper into the club, having to jostle and push a little bit to get by. The crowd grew denser as you progressed, with the bulk of the people crowded around the small stage. You noticed they were also more... handsy. Twice you felt a hand against your body that was a lot more 'sensual' than 'accidental', and you saw at least four couples who were actively going at one another on the floor.
The club had always been a very libertine one, which was no surprise given it was in your Tower, but it usually kept the more explicit activities to the back rooms. The melodic voice, however, did not allow the possibility of discretion. It reached in and pulled out the truest self. You felt your own breath quickening and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>a hot, slick feeling in your panties<<else>>a sudden tight constraint around the fly of your pants<</if>>, despite being more than used to such effects.
Finally, the crowd parted and you saw them. Tonight Mason was absent; a sound board and backing track supplied the drums and additional music. Cass stood on the shotgun stage that extended out into the main floor, her fingers flying on her electric guitar. Petra was even farther forward, on her knees at the very edge of the stage, one hand extended to //almost// touch the cheek of a woman who looked about ready to cream herself and beg to be collared on the spot. Petra's voice certainly had that effect, and having it leveled at you specifically was an //experience//.
Both of them wore kinkier versions of their norman punk rock asthetic. Frayed lace had been replaced with shiny black latex that hugged every curve and left //very// little to the imagination. The song, too, was considerably more heated than you were likely to hear on the radio.
<<nm $phPetra "<br>Chains rattle in the handcuff links<br>Slam and lock the bedroom door<br>Make me scream my Master's name<br>Fuck me like I'm yours<br><br>Make me writhe, make me scream<br>Make me beg for more<br>Make me fly, make me fall<br>Fuck me like I'm yours!">>
The poor girl down front being serenaded had her head tilted up, her lower lip trembling as Petra leaned in. The red-head kissed her...and you //saw// the woman's hips jerk upward and her eyes rolled back in pure bliss.
That was a //very// satisfied customer.
They clearly had this in hand, but...well, you could get yourself involved. If they really wanted to put on a show, you had a gift for drawing attention yourself. You could help them put on a //real// spectacle...
@@.choice;
[[Head To The Stage|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 12]]@@
<</if>><<switch _random>>
<<case 7>>@@.choice;
[[Ma'am, I'm the Manager|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'InfernoWait7']]@@
<<case 8>>@@.choice;
[[Tempting...but No|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'InfernoWait8']]@@
<<case 9>>@@.choice;
[[Leave Petra to Her Work|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'InfernoWait9']]@@
<<case 10>>@@.choice;
[[Stay the Hell Out Of It|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'InfernoWait10']]@@
<<default>>@@.choice;
[[Just Supervising Today|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'InfernoWait']]@@<</switch>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>>It took you only a moment to get ahead of them. As always, the tower responded to your needs and gaps in the crowd seemed to form whenever you needed them. You were able to cut them off just before they reached the bathroom, holding out your hand to halt their progress. Your regular outfit was close enough to a uniform that they barely questioned it, but looked at you quizzically.
<<nm $phYou "I'm afraid this bathroom is reserved for some...special activities. Hmm. I can see he is definitely of the right type, but I'm afraid you might lack some of the proper equipment, Miss. I'm going to have to insist on fixing that.">>
They both looked confused and you held up the small shot glass that you'd brought with you, filled with the slightly glowing neon blue liquid. The woman laughed and reached over to squeeze her boyfriend's backside before taking the glass with her other hand.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Very Certain Girlfriend" "Oh, I get it. They think I need a little liquid courage. Believe me, I'm only planning to watch, but I'll never turn down a drink, especially if it gets my baby in the door. Bottoms up!">>
She tilted the glass up and swallowed it in a single motion, then handed the empty back to you. You gave her a respectful nod and stepped out of the way to let them pass. She grinned at you and continued to shove the poor boy along, down the short hallway in the direction of the 'special' bathroom.
She didn't make it all the way down when she suddenly stopped, gasping, and fell back against the wall, her hands going immediately to her belly. He actually kept going for a few steps before realizing that he wasn't being ushered along anymore, turning and rushing back to her side.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Uncertain Boyfriend" "Hey! Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Very Certain Girlfriend" "I don't know! I feel...I feel...Ahhh! Oh shit! Oh hell! Ahhh! Off off off!">>
She cried out and her hands disappeared under her skirt, pawing frantically for her tight panties and tearing them down. The young man caught his breath. Her panties wasn't all that was between her legs. There was now something else...something that was eight inches and still getting harder and longer by the second, throbbing gently and bobbing in the open air.
They both stared down at it, speechless. He extended his hand forward, brushing against the underside lightly and she arched her body, letting out a moan that echoed off the walls. He immediately pulled his hand away, as though he had been scalded, but she caught his wrist before he could fully withdraw.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Very Certain Girlfriend" "Oh No. No No No baby. You're staying with me. Come on. I promised you some cock tonight, and you're going to get it.">>
She was beaming openly as she pushed herself back to her feet, as if this was the sort of thing that happened every day. You guessed there //was// a fair amount of liquid courage mixed in with the primary focus of the drink, because she barely hesitated at all. She grabbed him by the back of the neck and all but //dragged// him toward the bathroom.
His face showed a mixture of terror and pure, disbelieving arousal. Just before they disappeared into the bathroom, he looked back over his shoulder and saw that you were still standing at the entrance to the hall. You raised the empty glass in salute, and his face went red.
Then he was gone. You thought briefly about listening at the door but no, you had other work to do. Besides, you were pretty sure you knew what you would hear. They would have a very enjoyable evening. Even if they couldn't fully remember it in the morning, you expected a few deep-seated fantasies might be sufficiently scratched to let the tower gather up some energy.
All in all, a good night.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;
[[In Vino Veritas!|Inferno]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>>You didn't walk to the dance floor, you //strutted//. You let the beat of the music run through your body, and you clicked your shoes down solidly on the floor with every step forward you took. You looked from dancer to dancer, and your gaze //smoldered//. You owned this floor, this club, and this tower, and you were damn sure everyone was going to know it.
You stopped in the center of the floor, and felt the weight of several sets of eyes on you. That was okay. That was more than okay, you liked it. You let a little smirk pull at the corner of your mouth as you began to swing your hips from side to side with the music. The beat moved you like a lover's hands, back and forth in motions slow and steady before they were sharp and sudden.
The movements almost seemed to ripple outward from you like a stone tossed onto a still pond. The dancers closer to your began to move again, hands lifted and bodies swaying with the music. It rippled farther and farther before the entire floor had begun to groove.
A fit young man whose t-shirt might as well have been painted on danced close to you, and you turned to take him in with an approving smile. You swayed closer and ran both your hands down his chest, caressing the muscles as you slid ever further down. When you grabbed his cock through his pants, you didn't give him any warning. You pulled him forward by the shaft, your hips never ceasing to sway with the beat as your wrapped your free arm around him.
You pumped, slowly but powerfully, against his cock and dimly heard his moan over the pulse of the music. Once. Twice. Three times. Four. He gave a sudden, powerful shudder and you felt the wet of his cum spreading across the front of his shorts. You flashed him a naughty smile and lifted your hand, licking lightly at one finger before you turned away and disappeared back into the crowd.
A woman appeared in front of you. Her hair was braided; the motions of her head made those braids sway like a snake and gave you the sudden image of a modern-day Medusa. She was turned away from you, but her attention was clearly on you, spreading her stance and wriggling to send her rounded ass into action. You nodded appreciatively and stepped close, lowering both hands down to grip her backside. She didn't object, but leaned back up against your front as you swept one hand around her stomach. Your lips nearly brushed hers as she looked over her shoulder.
You brought your hand away and then back down, striking her ass with the flat of your palm. She gasped and pressed back for more. You spanked her, again and again without a care in the world as to who was still watching you. Your hand came down with every beat of the music, making it part of the song. She only made it to eight. You could feel the muscles of her stomach go taut beneath you and her eyes rolled back. She fell against you, shaking and moaning, and you held her up until she could move again. Then you kissed her neck and pulled away, spinning to face the next dancer.
You lost track of them after that. Men. Women. Dancers and wall flowers. Alone, or two and three at a time. Your hands and hips and legs and lips never stopped moving. The song changed, but all that altered was your rhythm. You were the club incarnate, and you left behind a trail of glorious satisfaction until even you could finally take it no longer. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You permitted one of your worshippers, knelt down on the floor, to take you into her lips and receive your blessing.<<else>>You permitted one of your worshippers, knelt down on the floor in front of you, to draw your slacks down to your knees and press his tongue to your sex.<</if>>
As you came, the music finally slowed down. The dancers near you paused and began to wobble their way off the floor. Some of them were alone, while others were all but hanging off one another in small groups you had no doubt would be very close by the end of the night. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You patted the woman kneeling before you and made your escape, leaving a rapidly clearing floor behind you.<<else>>You ran your fingers through the thick hair of the man who knelt before you, then winked and made your escape from the rapidly-clearing dance floor.<</if>>
One of the simulacra offered you a towel and you dabbed at your forehead. You had no idea how long you had been out there. You had no idea just how many mortals you had encouraged.
But you knew they would //not// forget the night they came to //your// club. Not ever.
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;
[[Cool Off|Inferno]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>>You had some small advantage in bartending. All you had to do was grab a glass and turn to a random tap and it would undoubtedly have whatever you required, even if it had something else just moments before. The drink you poured for the woman was bright pink, nearly the color of a strawberry milkshake, and it had a gentle glow to it that you were sure went unnoticed as you set it down on the bar.
The woman fumbled with her purse, but you waved her away. She smiled and picked up the pink drink, taking a cautious little sip. Then she blinked, looked at it more closely, and took a slightly longer drink. Then she took a long pull. By the time she took the glass from her lips, it was empty. You leaned down over the bar.
<<nm $phYou "Another?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Uptight Woman" "Huh? Oh...Yeah! Yes please. That was really yummy and-...Uh...I mean, that was really good! What was in that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Relaxation!">>
You refilled her glass and set it on the bar. She snatched it up before it had even settled, raising it to her lips and drinking. You watched with a smile on your face. You were quite sure she hadn't noticed, but every swallow was accompanied by a little more rounding of her chest. The thin body was looking decidedly less thin by the second. Her hips were pushing out against the tight confines of her dress, and she ran her tongue lightly over bee-stung lips as she set the empty glass down again.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Uptight Woman" "Wowie! That was...woah, can I get one more?">>
You were already pouring. A third pink drink hit the table and again she picked it up to drink deeply. She wobbled a bit as she drank, holding onto the bar with one pink-nailed hand. She slapped the empty glass down with a flourish, shaking her head and causing a cascade of blonde curls to tumble over her shoulders. She winked at you and giggled.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Less Than Uptight Woman" "Wooooowww. That's, like, so good. I can't get enough. Can I get one more, pretty please?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know. Can you handle that much relaxation? I only give this to good girls who really want to enjoy themselves.">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Less Than Uptight Woman" "Uh huh! I can! I'm a very good girl! And I'm totally ready for rel...rela..not being stressed and stuff!">>
You smiled, and poured a fourth drink, watching her down it happily. By now, her curves were all but spilling out of her dress. That was okay; you doubted she would be wearing it for all that much longer. She fluttered long lashes at you as she set the glass down and breathed a long sigh of relief.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl...now, why don't you go talk to those three lovely gentleman at the table across from us. I think they like you.">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Less Than Uptight Woman" "They do? Oh! I see them! I like them too! Mmm...so hunky! Thank you, bye!">>
She minced off, giggling and strutting her stuff, and you shook your head, reaching over to pick up the empty glass. She had wanted to relax a little, and you had no doubt she would do just that tonight. It would probably have worn off by the morning, but she might just find it a little easier to cut loose after seeing how it was done. You expected it would be a night for her to remember.
And for her 'hunks' as well!
<<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
@@.choice;
[[A Job Well Done!|Inferno]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>>Blank left for eventual upgrade
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>>Blank left for eventual upgrade
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>>You weren't about to turn down that sort of opportunity. You nodded and motioned Xavier towards the dungeon door; he grinned and led the way. Twists, turns, and a small staircase lead you to the gloryhole. The actual room was dimly lit with incandescent lamps, but in the middle of the room was a small stand-alone closet of sorts, with no door visible that you could see. Instead there were two holes, one on each side, just below waist level. It didn't take much imagination to figure out what they were for.
<<nm $phYou "How do you know whether it's a man or a woman?">>
Xavier shrugged as he unzipped the front of his slacks and stepped up to one of the dark holes.
<<nm $phXavier "Does it matter?">>
It didn't, really. Not that you didn't have your preferences, but the whole thrill of this 'adventure' was not knowing who was on the other side, or what might happen. You suspected Xavier had done this before, either in this life or his last: he stroked his hand over his cock until he was stiff enough to guide his length to the stranger on the other side. A moment later he flashed his fangs at you in a wide grin as //something// happened where you couldn't see.
As Xavier breathed out a satisfied laugh, you hurried to get your own zipper down.
You weren't ashamed of your size, by any means -- it was more than a handful, and for some people, more than two. But it was still intimidating to stick your bits through a hole with no introduction. You followed Xavier's cue and didn't bother announcing yourself, or greeting the person -- or people? -- inside. You licked your lips and took a deep breath as you slipped your member into the unknown.
You couldn't see Xavier anymore. You couldn't see anything, except for the plain, unadorned wall in front of you. But you could certainly //feel// it when five warm fingers curled around your length.
You flattened your palms against the wall. The touch encircled you, first with every digit, then with just a ring of thumb and forefinger. It traveled up and down your shaft, over the ridge of your tip, constricting, then flowing back down. It didn't take long for the skilled motions to bring you to full attention, and you tried to think of anything -- anything at all -- when suddenly the warmth of a stranger's palm gave way to the wetness of a welcoming mouth.
You were sure of //that//, despite the lack of visual. You knew what a pussy felt like, and a willing ass. There was no mistaking this for either. An agile tongue curled and pressed against the underside of your member, circled your cockhead, and flicked its tip against yours. Taut lips sealed around your shaft, and delicious suction dragged along your length as the person went down as far as they could with the barrier between you, then pulled back again.
The anonymity made it all the better. Soon you were pressing your hips as hard against the opening as you could, trying to give your unseen partner as much of you as you could -- and //too// soon, you felt yourself shudder and decorate the eager lips on the other side with the reward of your cum. It took you a minute to catch your breath before you reluctantly pulled back out.
Xavier was still wearing his smirk as the two of you refastened your pants and went back to the club. You couldn't help but admire the throng of faces, and wonder how several of them might possibly look if they'd been on their knees in the darkness with their lips around your cock.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[All Adventures Must End...|Inferno]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6.5>>
You weren't about to turn down that sort of opportunity. You nodded and motioned Xavier towards the dungeon door; he grinned and led the way. Twists, turns, and a small staircase lead you to the gloryhole. The entrance do it was a small, plain door with a sign that read ''Sin in Progress''. A sliding deadbolt latch above the knob read 'Open' in white letters on red text; when locked, it flipped to 'Occupied' and green.
<<nm $phXavier "This entrance is private; the 'visitor' room is only accessible from a different hall. It ensures your anonymity.">>
<<nm $phYou "Except to you.">>
He grinned at you.
<<nm $phXavier "Should I promise that I won't be in the visitor room? And if I did, would you believe me?">>
That was a good question. You'd certainly be suspicious either way of whether the former journalist was using the gloryhole to his advantage. The smirk he directed at your steeled your courage. You weren't going to let the possibility of his presence scare you off.
<<nm $phYou "See you on the other side.">>
He laughed as you pulled the door open, went in, and closed it again, flipped the bolt to 'Occupied'. As soon as you did, the single ambiant overhead light switched from a soft red to a gentle green.
The room itself was essentially a small walk-in closet, modified for obvious purposes. The light gave just enough illumination to know what you were doing. The outside world was visible through two holes, each about waist-high. It didn't require much imagination to guess what they were for.
You didn't have to wait long. The green light was a siren song to interested men, and soon you heard the tell-tale creak of footsteps on hardwood floor. The metallic rip of a zipper being pulled down. Suddenly your heart was in your throat... just before a shadow darkened one of the holes and a half-hard cock slipped inside.
You licked your lips and ran a fingertip along its length, first along the top and then along the underside as the uncut shaft stiffened and rose to full glory. It wouldn't do to disappoint. You stroked it with the back of one finger like one might under the chin of a beloved pet. Divorced of the body and face of its owner, the member seemed to temporarily be a creature all its own. It was soft, spongey, and responsive, and you marveled at it as you circled your fingers around the shaft and began to slowly stroke up and down.
Soon your tongue followed. You traced the ridge of the tip and the distinctive acorn shape. It swelled even further in response, and the hard length jutted up to demand further attention. You were happy to oblige by wrapping your lips around the tip, hollowing your lips, and sucking.
You heard a groan from the other side of the wall: the only evidence you had of the owner. Whoever he was, he'd probably never been sucked off by a succubus. You worked your way down his shaft, still jerking him off with two fingers and thumb as your bobbed your head up and down.
Then another zipper broke the silence, and another eager member emerged from the second gloyhole.
Fortunately, you had two hands.
It was five satisfied, anonymous cocks later that you finally got back to your feet again, your lips, cheeks, and hands decorated with pearlescent pleasure: evidence of a job well-done. A thrum of giddy power made your skin tingle as you finally slid the bolt back to 'Open' and the green light flipped back to red. Xavier wasn't outside when you eased the door open... but another woman was!
<<npc "fnpc1" "Nervous Woman" "...is it fun? Was it easy? I keep //wanting// to, but...">>
You grinned at her, still aware of the traces of cum on your skin, and assured her it was both before you left the room and she slipped inside. After a minute of her gathering her courage, the light turned green again.
It seemed all it took for the spirit of adventure to take hold was a trailblazer to lead the way.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 1>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Time to Get Cleaned Up|Inferno]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>><<nm $phYou "Yes, ma'am, I do.">>
You answered before Xavier could, half to show him up and half to make sure he didn't volunteer you for something more than some cleaning detail.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "Wonderful. May I?">>
The question was again phrased to Xavier, who 'graciously' bowed.
<<nm $phXavier "By all means. Use $pher as you'd like, madame.">>
The corset came first. The Asian woman turned her back to you, her back straight and her hands braced on her hips perfectly akimbo. Thought she was considerably shorter than you, the strength of her posture and pose was impressive, to say the least.
You traced the jade green lacing with your fingertips. It was semi-tight -- tight enough that it stayed in place, though nowhere near 'tight enough' for a proper corset. You plucked and tested the strands as you found the areas of slack, and then pulled them tighter. Each time you tugged, alternating top and bottom in symmetry, the leather panels drew more and more snug. The lines of her slim body weren't flattened, but enhanced, and soon were sculpted into a beautiful hourglass. The corset was an overbust style, and soon the tight embrace had her porcelain cleavage swelling with impressively, gravity-defying charm. Each adjustment made the black leather creak, and the tighter you worked it, the more her soft exhalations sounded like moans of enjoyment. You thought you might be imagining it, until she pulled away and turned around.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "That's tight enough.">>
Her cheeks were flushed, and she was breathing faster. It was a miracle she could breathe at all, cinched in like that. The Domme took an elegant seat on one of the many comfortable chairs, and tipped her finger towards the floor.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "My boots.">>
You dropped to your knees almost instinctively, and barely registered when Xavier handed you a small, soft cloth. The woman lifted her foot and braced the point of her boot against the center of your chest. You felt your breath catch.
The leather already looked spotless, but you did your best to make sure it really was. Each rub with the cloth added a little more shine, until you could practically see your reflection in the glossy black depths. Once you were done with the one, she placed her foot down on your upper thigh and pressed her other toe into your chest. The authority and heat in her gaze as she watched you made you lick your lips as you worked.
Xavier stood to the side, his unnatural eyes sharp as he watched. No doubt the energy thrumming in this woman's blood was making him hungry, too.
She set her other boot down on your thigh... and then spread her legs as she leaned forward in her seat. You had a perfect view of her pussy, dusted by a carefully groomed triangle of soft, sparse hair, and framed by her fishnet tights. Her leather opera gloves crinkled as she curled a finger beneath your chin.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "...good. Very good. Thank you.">>
And then she closed her legs and rose to her feet, flashing a knowing smile at both of you.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Domme" "I'll see you tonight.">>
The sway of her hips all but hypnotized you as she strode away. Only after the sound of the door opening and closing registered in your ears did you manage to shake yourself 'awake'. You looked up at Xavier, who stared back down at you.
<<nm $phYou "...wow. Is she a regular?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not yet. But something tells me she will be.">>
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;[[Get Back On Your Feet|Inferno]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>>You took the clipboard in hand and followed Petra's lead as she guided you into the dungeon's main room. There were a grand total of seven men standing in the row, each one of them as naked as the day he was before. They were a mix of races and ethnicities, from rich espresso through to pale Nordic cream, though most of them were some shade of Caucasian. All of them were young and fit, with well-defined muscles that were the hallmark of youthful male vanity. They all had short-shorn hair as well, ranging from crew cut to flat top to no hair at all.
<<nm $phPetra "//Attennnnn-TION!//">>
In unison, each man abandoned his stroking and snapped his arms back down at his sides, the entire row standing stiff and upright. Petra unsheathed her cutlass with the slow hiss of steel leaving its scabbard. Both your eyebrows shot up.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright, gentlemen. Time to see which of you are boys and which of you are men. $pMs $phYou.surname will be assisting me during inspection, and you will treat $pher with every single ounce of respect in your bodies or you will be singing 'Half the Man I Used To Be' in a beautiful falsetto, do you understand me?">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Soldiers" "Ma'am, yes Ma'am!">>
The line belted out affirmation as one, their eyes never wavering in their perfectly straight stares. You didn't //think// the tower would let her do follow through with the threat, but... judging from the rapid blinks and hard swallows you saw, you might never find out for sure.
The drow officer started down the line at a leisure stroll, pausing before each man. Her gaze was hidden by her dark glasses, but the weight of her judgment was tangible. She took the first man's cock in her hand, giving it a soft, testing squeeze before slipping down to test the heft of each of his balls.
<<nm $phPetra "Did you skip puberty, private?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Soldier" "Ma'am, no Ma'am!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Really? Because I'm pretty sure my little finger is longer and thicker than this dick. Four!">>
The number was meant for you, and you quickly scribbled it down on the clipboard pad.
The next man was a half a head shorter, with a buzz of barely-there red hair that transformed to a thatch of thick brown curls around the base of his member. She looked down at his manhood for a long moment, then back up at him.
<<nm $phPetra "You make your bed, you iron your clothes, you keep that pretty little haircut of yours at two milimeters exactly, and you can't be bothered to trim your fucking pubes? You think I'm going to let your garbage dick anywhere near me when //you// can't manage to find a pair of trimmers? Two!">>
The tirade of humiliation continued as she worked her way down the line, each man coming up short -- no matter how impressive he looked to you. Fours and fives dominated the rankings, with the unfortunate 'two' being the lowest.
<<nm $phPetra "What's your name, soldier?">>
You were at the second-last in line, a young Asian man who stood at stock-still and rock-hard readiness.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Soldier" "Ma'am, my name is David Wang, Ma'am!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Wang, huh? Figures. You Chinese, Wang?">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Soldier" "Ma'am, no, Ma'am!">>
<<nm $phPetra "No? Then what the fuck are you, Wang?">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Soldier" "I am a proud American, Ma'am!">>
That made her pause, and her white hair feathered across her shoulder as she tilted her head and eyed him... and then slowly begin to smile. She ran her fingers thoughtfully over his cock, tickling her fingers across the underside.
<<nm $phPetra "Good answer, soldier. Good answer. Eight for David here.">>
The inspection finished quickly after that, although Petra did make a second trip down the line to 'reinspect' a few of her hopeful recruits. Once they were dismissed to go get dressed again, she reached out to retrieve the clipboard from your hands.
<<nm $phPetra "Thanks, $phPetra.address. You gotta go hard on the boys, or they start getting ideas like maybe //they're// the ones in charge. Long as they're working for me, they learn there's one way to do things: my way. And they'll be better men for it in the end.">>
<<nm $phYou "Glad to help. So what are you going to do with them now?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Anyone over five? Keep'em, train'em, see which ones thrive and which ones break.">>
<<nm $phYou "And the under fives?">>
She grinned.
<<nm $phPetra "Send my rejects over to you.">>
You flipped her a rude gesture -- you were pretty sure you were the only person in the tower who could, without consequence. Petra laughed and shoo'd you towards the door. Fortunately, you had first hand knowledge now that even Petra's "rejects" were some impressive specimens!
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Head Back to the Club|Inferno]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>>Petra's head snapped up as she heard you step inside the dungeon and ease the door closed behind you. Those exotic ears of hers weren't just for show. The man's breathing shifted as well as he felt her hand suddenly stop, and opened his eyes to see what she was up to now -- only to find he had an audience.
<<nm $phPetra "Eyes up, soldier! There's only one person here you need to worry about, and that's //me//!">>
His eyes snapped straight forward again, and he gritted his teeth as Petra's firm hand began once more to piston over his jutting cock. Each stroke made him twitch, and you had to admire the strength not only of his biceps but of his will as he managed to keep his chin hovering a fraction of an inch above the bar.
Petra jerked her head to summon you over.
<<nm $phPetra "What do you think, $phPetra.address? Think he'll make it?">>
<<nm $phYou "What exactly's the bet?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Whether this sissy has enough man in him to hold himself up until he cums, or whether he's going to end up with some 'man' up his ass instead.">>
<<if $phDamien.transform == 'sissy'>>'Sissy'. The man's muscular physique, square jaw, and short-cropped hair said otherwise. You knew it was Petra's way of playing drill sergeant, but some day you'd have to introduce her to Dana... although, on second thought, that might be a disaster in the making. <<if $phCassandra.transform == 'punk'>>Best keep her away from Cass for a while, too.
<</if>><</if>>You looked up at the man, then down at his swollen member. It glistened with some sort of lube. His six-pack abs were on full display, as was nearly every other muscle in his body, all of them drawn taut with the effort of not letting go.
<<nm $phYou "I bet he can do it. May I?">>
Petra dipped her head down enough to fix you with a faintly suspicious blue gaze over her shades, before nodding her assent. She let go of the man and stepped back, putting both hands on her hips, as //you// took over and wrapped your fingers around his length. You heard him grunt as you gave a soft squeeze and then began -- slowly, at first -- swirling your palm around the tip.
<<nm $phYou "Come on, soldier. You got this.">>
Little by little, you sped up. Petra knew her way around a shaft, no doubt, but her new drow essence tended towards the no-nonsense style of military command. You countered that with a slower but gentler stroke, down to his root and then back to the tip, circling, then back down again. You alternated with short tugs of just the head itself caught in the ring of your thumb and forefinger. Each time you did, the cadet let out a shuddering breath.
His arms were giving out, and each second he sank an inch lower. Soon his head was stretched back, the tip of his chin just //barely// even with the bar, and his bare rear brushing the tip of the poised dildo. You started working him faster.
<<nm $phYou "You can do it. Show her what you're made of! Make your commander proud!">>
The young man groaned and mustered the strength to pull himself up a bit more -- only to lose that small gain a second later. You had no doubt his muscles were on fire... and that soon his asshole would be as well, unless Petra had been kind enough to lube the toy that was starting to wedge itself between his cheeks.
And then he came. He was shaking so much from the exertion of supporting himself that you didn't //feel// it, but you most certainly saw it. A truly impressive jet of cum arc through the air, splattering against the hard floor like white rain. The man gasped, and at long last his strength failed him. He dropped like a stone--
--and missed impaling himself by less than a second, as Petra's leather boot whipped out and kicked the mounted phallus out of the way. The cadet landed on the floor unmolested, spent in more ways than one. That same boot came down to rest on the center of his chest as he panted for breath.
<<nm $phPetra "... well, damn. You lucked out, rookie. But don't think because $phYou.firstname saved you this time that this is going to become a habit. Next time you fuck up, that pretty ass is mine.">>
He managed to wheeze out a weak //yes, ma'am// which brought Petra's smile back to her dark lips, and she removed the boot from his chest.
<<nm $phPetra "You've got a knack with the newbies, $phPetra.address. Might have to call you up next time one of these cocksuckers steps out of line.">>
<<nm $phYou "Always glad to lend a helping hand.">>
Petra gave you a smirk and a mock salute as you headed towards the door. Now just to wash your hands before heading back to work.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Find Some Soap and Water|Inferno]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>><<nm $phYou "...I guess I could help adjudicate...">>
You regretted the words immediately when //both// your lovers grinned, shared a meaningful look with each other, and then simultaneously placed their drinks back down on the counter and got ready to leave. Xavier took hold of your left elbow as he fell into step to one side; Petra's hand braced the small of your back as she fell in step to the other. Between them you were suddenly very aware that the only way you could go was //their// way. Right towards the Dungeon.
<<nm $phXavier "Make sure people stay out of here.">>
The command was given to a passing simulacrum who nodded and smiled in response. You had no doubt that she -- or some tower-generated bouncer -- would soon be stationed outside the door to the VIP area, making sure that neither Dominant was interrupted by a curious patron.
The door closed behind you, and it was Petra's skillfull fingers that flipped the lock. Your gaze automatically skimmed over the room, taking note of the spanking benches, St. Andrew's crosses, human-sized cages, and suspension rings. You were familiar with some of them, but you'd always had a fairly light hand with your lovers. 'Light' was not a word that applied to your current companions.
Your mouth went dry, and you swallowed hard. What had you gotten yourself into?
<<nm $phPetra "So: you fuck with $pherhis mind, I'll fuck $pherhis body, and if $pshe's capable of stringing a sentence together at the end, $pshe decides which was best?">>
Xavier nodded, already delicately unfastening the cufflinks on his sleeves and rolling the silk fabric up to expose strong, wirey forearms.
<<nm $phXavier "That seems agreeable. Shall we each take... hmm... fifteen minutes? Thirty?">>
Petra placed the bent fingers of one hand against the palm of the other. A firm push cracked several knuckles with a dramatic snap of sound.
<<nm $phPetra "Thirty; can't rush perfection. You should go first.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Really? I didn't think you for the type to enjoy sloppy seconds.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Shut up, Count Chocula.">>
Xavier smiled genteelly at you and took hold of your hand, drawing your attention over to him. The tips of his fangs peeked out from behind his smile, and you noticed that his eyes seemed even more captivating than normal.
Neither of them had asked //your// opinion on any of it. And the last thing you remembered realizing was that @@.choice;[[They Weren't Going To.|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.1>>You couldn't remember how you'd ended up naked, bent at the waist, and your head and wrists locked in the pillory. You were only vaguely aware //that// you were locked in place. A steel spreader bar between your feet, cuffed at each ankle, made sure you stayed open and ready. That, too, was only a distant, foggy piece of knowledge that slipped away into the darkness a moment after it appeared.
Xavier's cock was inside you. His dark hands gripped your hips and held you steady as he thrust into you with slow, even strokes. The sensation of his length and girth filled your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>pussy<<else>>ass<</if>> with hard warmth, and each time he pressed home it ignited fireworks across your mind.
<<nm $phXavier "//Cocksleeve. Fuckpet.//">>
you heard the words in your thoughts, in stereo voices: yours and Xavier's both.
<<nm $phXavier "//You love cock.//">>
You loved cock.
<<nm $phXavier "//You'll do anything for it.//">>
You'd do anything for it.
<<nm $phXavier "//You deserve this. Be a good pet, and I'll make sure you get all the cock you want.//">>
You wanted to be a good pet. You needed more of that wonderful, full sensation. You needed it down your throat<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>, in your pussy, <</if>> and up your ass. You //deserved// more: you deserved three or four or five. A dozen. Good pets deserved to get fucked and filled and covered in cum.
Xavier pulled out, and the emptiness it left behind made you whimper in despair. His shadow fell across the floor a moment before his thin, muscular form appeared in front of you. He was bare from the waist up, giving you the full glory of his undead physique. His glistening shaft protruded from his open trousers. He stroked himself, the tip pointed towards your lips. You opened your mouth in anticipation.
<<nm $phXavier "//Do you want it?//">>
You weren't sure whether he actually said the words, or if somehow they were broadcast directly into your head. You nodded and extended your tongue in offer.
<<nm $phXavier "//You're a good pet, aren't you?//">>
The words brought you almost as much pleasure as the thick length in your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>cunt<<else>>ass<</if>> had. You shuddered and nodded.
You were a very, very good pet, and you @@.choice;[[Deserved This|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.2>>You had thought that, by now, surely all your nerves would be numb... but you were wrong.
Petra let go of the spring-loaded clamp, and its padded rubber jaws slammed shut on <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your left labia<<else>>the left side of your ball sack<</if>>. The uncompromising grip //squeezed// the sensitive skin far too tightly, and you let out choked cry of pain as the throbbing heat of the pain lanced through your body. It subsided into a dull, pulsing ache that joined all the rest.
An identical clamp already crushed the right side of your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>lips<<else>>sack<</if>>, and smaller version of them festooned each of your nipples. Small lead weights hung from each one like metallic teardrops; any movement sent them swaying, and ignited your nerves anew. Petra had affixed one to your tongue as well, and now the bulk and weight of it kept the muscle dangling over your chin. Drool dribbled down your chin.
Your arms and legs were spread. The X-shape of the St. Andrew's cross was the perfect 'canvas' on which Petra displayed her handiwork: //you//, fastened at each wrist and ankle, helpless before the drow woman who now selected something else off the small cart of 'accessories' at her side.
<<nm $phPetra "Mm. I think...">>
You couldn't see exactly what was in her hand, but you certainly felt it. A touch of cold electrodes against your skin was instantly followed by the prickling //bite// of electric current. You gasped and jolted upright -- partially on purpose, and partially as your muscles seized and tightened. The movement jostled //all// of the weights, and the sharp breath in turned into a long wail out as you bucked against the wood.
<<nm $phYou "Petra! Please!">>
It came out more like //ehtwa, weess!// with your tongue hanging out of your mouth. The metallic kiss of the electric wand withdrew, and a moment later you felt the soft touch of human -- well, drow -- skin against your chin. She lifted it, and favored you with a surprisingly gentle smile.
<<nm $phPetra "Please? Please what?">>
The butt of whatever tool she was holding grazed against your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>mound<<else>>shaft<</if>> as she spoke. She pushed it against you with lightly but purposeful pressure: a gentle massage. You knew that she could flip it again at any moment, and bring the voltage to bear. The idea of that snapping electric bite crackling over your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>clit<<else>>cock<</if>> filled you with equal parts arousal and dismay.
That's exactly what she did, when you failed to answer in a timely manner. The combination of electricity and ecstacy ignited a climax so intense that your vision went black.
Petra's satisfied smile was the last thing @@.choice;[[You Saw.|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.3]]@@<</if>>
<<if $phWaitScene is 10.3>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phPetra "Well, well, well... look who's back in the realm of the living.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Very funny.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Not //you//. I mean our fearless leader here.">>
You blinked to bring the world back into focus. Things faded into awareness slowly, and you laid where you were -- a couch? -- and stared up at the ceiling. Your body felt... okay, actually. A quick mental review of your extremities ensured you nothing felt broken or missing. You flexed your fingers and toes. They all worked, and you didn't feel -- you thought -- any lingering aches or pains. Thank goodness for demonic resilience.
Your head seemed clearer, too. You could //remember// how you'd felt and the seductive sound of Xavier's voice in your ear, but that strange, hypnotized fog had passed. You felt like your normal self again... insomuch as being a shapeshifting <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> was normal.
You sat up. Both vampire and drow were still in the room with you -- and you did still seem to be in the dungeon. From behind the closed door you could hear the deep //oontz oontz oontz// of the club music, and you could see the flickering and shifting hues of the strobe lights in the thin slit at the bottom of the door.
You were still naked, too... although it seemed that all your 'decorations' had been detached.
<<nm $phXavier "We thought it would raise too many questions to relocate you to a more comfortable location. You were... visibly indisposed.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Which means you were a drooling, cum-covered mess. But we cleaned you up and tucked you in.">>
Now that you were awake, both Petra and Xavier approached your makeshift 'bed'. //They// were fully dressed again. Petra took a seat on the arm of the couch, while Xavier simply stood in front of you wearing a devilish smirk.
<<nm $phXavier "So... have you come to a conclusion? Or do you require some further demonstration?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Or maybe you could give $pher ten minutes to finish waking up.">>
You rubbed at your eyes and yawned -- mostly to buy yourself some time to think, underneath the watchful and curious eyes of the two supernatural creatures. Both of them definitely had their... perks. Both of them had certainly made an unforgettable impression.
You weren't sure it was wise to openly favor one over the other, though. A Dominant with wounded pride was a dangerous creature, and might insist on a second round to 'even the score'.
On the other hand, you //knew// they wouldn't let you weasle out of giving your judgment. Maybe you could convince them that giving a good evaluation meant taking some time to think it over?
@@.choice;
[[Xavier Was Right|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.4]]
[[Petra Was Right|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.5]]
[[It's a Tie!|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.6]]
[[You Need Time To Reflect|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.7]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phWaitScene > 10.3) and ($phWaitScene lt 11)>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.4>>You managed to delay the inevitable until you'd gotten your clothes back on and drank a much-needed glass of water... but in the end, you had to admit that Xavier's mental manipulations had reduced you to jelly //slightly// more than Petra's more physical approach.
The smug satisfaction on the vampire's lips was met with an eyeroll so dramatic that you could see it even from behind Petra's aviators.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright, alright. I guess even the boss can be //wrong// once in a while. Don't let this go to your head, Bitey. One of these days those pretty eyes of yours aren't going to save your ass.">>
You offered an apologetic smile, but Petra shrugged it off.
<<nm $phPetra "I'm not mad at you, $phPetra.address. I'm not even disappointed. Just means I'll have to up my game next time. What do you think? Rematch tomorrow night?">>
<<nm $phYou "I... I... //think// I'm booked for tomorrow. Let me get back to the office and check with $phSamantha.name. I'll let you know?">>
You had no illusion that the lie was convincing -- and that Petra would call you on it the moment she could. You made a mental note to get ahold of $phSamantha.name ASAP and make //sure// you had something on the schedule tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that, just in case.
With the excuse of a full schedule and an //oh, would you look at the time!//, you quickly made your exit from the Inferno, and back to safer ground.
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.5>>You managed to delay the inevitable until you'd gotten your clothes back on and drank a much-needed glass of water... but in the end, you had to admit that Petra's relentless stimulation had reduced you to jelly //slightly// more than Xavier's more 'abstract' approach.
His smirk faded away as your talked, while Petra's came back with a vengence. By the time you'd explained your reasoning, you had one very happy dark elf, and one very displeased hematophage.
<<nm $phXavier "You can break a stone with a sledgehammer, but creating a sculpture requires finer tools. Officer Torres is no doubt a very effective blunt instrument, but I had expected you to have a greater appreciation for //art//.">>
You offered an apologetic smile, but Xavier shrugged it off.
<<nm $phXavier "We will arrange another demonstration soon; I am certain you will be convinced that your judgment was made in haste. Tomorrow night, perhaps?">>
<<nm $phYou "I... I... //think// I'm booked for tomorrow. Let me get back to the office and check with $phSamantha.name. I'll let you know?">>
You had no illusion that the lie was convincing -- and that Xavier would call you on it the moment he could. You made a mental note to get ahold of $phSamantha.name ASAP and make //sure// you had something on the schedule tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that, just in case.
With the excuse of a full schedule and an //oh, would you look at the time!//, you quickly made your exit from the Inferno, and back to safer ground.
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.6>>You managed to delay the inevitable until you'd gotten your clothes back on and drank a much-needed glass of water... but in the end, you admitted you simply couldn't pick a winner. Xavier's mental manipulations and Petra's hands-on domination both ticked your boxes in wonderful, but different, ways.
The dark pair exchanged a glance between them... and then both of their gazes turned back to //you//.
<<nm $phPetra "Fair. A one-night stand isn't enough to give you a real appreciation of things.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Agreed. Tomorrow we'll set aside an appropriate amount of time for you to fully experience the pleasure of psychic domination.">>
<<nm $phPetra "//Physical// domination.">>
Xavier dismissed the correction with a wave of his hand.
<<nm $phYou "I... I... //think// I'm booked for tomorrow. Let me get back to the office and check with $phSamantha.name. I'll let you know?">>
You had no illusion that the lie was convincing -- and that they would call you on it the moment they could. You made a mental note to get ahold of $phSamantha.name ASAP and make //sure// you had something on the schedule tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that, just in case.
With the excuse of a full schedule and an //oh, would you look at the time!//, you quickly made your exit from the Inferno, and back to safer ground.
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.7>>You managed to delay the inevitable until you'd gotten your clothes back on and drank a much-needed glass of water... but in the end, you admitted you'd have to think about it. They were both incredibly intense experiences, and it'd been a lot to digest. Maybe after a night's sleep and a few hours to really sit down and reflect on things, you could give them a proper answer instead of half-assing it on the fly.
The dark pair exchanged a glance between them... and then both of their gazes turned back to //you//.
<<nm $phPetra "Fair. I guess we //could// be a little more patient.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Agreed. And perhaps we should set aside an additional session for tomorrow night.">>
At this, the drow woman nodded.
<<nm $phPetra "Always got to try new things at least twice: once to get over the fear of doing it, and once to see if you like it. I could come in tomorrow for that.">>
<<nm $phYou "Tomorrow? I... I... //think// I'm booked for tomorrow. Let me get back to the office and check with $phSamantha.name. I'll let you know?">>
You had no illusion that the lie was convincing -- and that they would call you on it the moment they could. You made a mental note to get ahold of $phSamantha.name ASAP and make //sure// you had something on the schedule tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after that, just in case.
With the excuse of a full schedule and an //oh, would you look at the time!//, you quickly made your exit from the Inferno, and back to safer ground.<</if>>
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Check In At the Office|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11>><<nm $phSelclone "Come on! I'm sure you'll have a good time! We've even got the boss with us!">>
<<nm $phSelene "We do! But $pshe probably has to get back to work.">>
<<nm $phMason "I can assure you, $pshe'll make time for this.">>
It had been a pleasant conversation. You'd each chatted and laughed and ordered drinks for the table, and even with your constitution you'd developed a bit of a pleasant buzz.
Which was not at all enough to let you ignore you were being coached into the playroom by two dominants with innocent smiles. You had noticed one of the Selene twins definitely leaned a little more in that direction, and it happened to be the one who was packing something extra below the belt.
<<nm $phSelene "Um...$pMs $phYou.firstname?">>
Mason gave you a look. It was subtle, but you understood it quite well. You were going to come along here or he was going to take you upstairs alone. You had to admit, either idea made you a little <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>wet<<else>>hard<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "It's alright. I wouldn't mind exploring, just a little bit.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Alright...just a little!">>
<hr>
Clothes littered the floor like a breadcrumb trail from the door, garments simply haphazardly tossed on whatever was nearby. Inferno's toy chests were well stocked for discerning guests, and several of them had been rummaged.
So much for 'a little bit'.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh hell, oh hell, oh hell! This isn't fair!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "I know you like it. Just as much as I do. Try to relax, sister.">>
Selene snapped the cuffs over the busty clone's wrists, pulling her back. The naga had long since become distracted enough to resume her true form, and she had been stretched on her back across a sort of padded table. Her head hung off the far side, locked in place with an iron collar, and her hands were now cuffed solidly to the table legs.
<<nm $phMason "I think that she looks a little lonely. I believe she'll feel better with company.">>
That was the only warning you got before you were pushed forward, falling atop the bound naga. You spread your legs to straddle her side tail as best you could, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your pussy grinding across her scaled in a way that nearly made you scream right there.<<else>>your cock brushing across her smooth scales in a way that nearly made you cum right there.<</if>> The four-armed man was on you in a moment, casually hooking your limbs into a second set of restraints to fasten you atop the naga.
<<nm $phSelclone "Jeez, Mason, you're handling $pher like a pro! How long have you two been going at it?">>
<<nm $phMason "That's a very interesting story. I'm sure $pMs $phYou.firstname will be happy to relay the details to you later, won't $pshe?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah! Y-Yes $phMason.Him!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "...$phMason.Him?">>
@@.choice;[[Well Fuck.|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11.1>><<nm $phYou "We're...ah...keeping company together, sometimes!">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmmhmm. Turns out our illustrious leader has a subby streak a mile wide. They asked me to help them keep it satiated. Isn't that right, $phMason.you?">>
He reached down and slapped his hand across your ass, drawing a cry from you and a gasp of shocked surprise from the Selene you were laying atop. Meanwhile, the one in front of you was rubbing the front of her scales...and you could see the slit beginning to bulge and part as her cocks began to slide free.
<<nm $phSelclone "...Don't suppose I could get in on that action?">>
<<nm $phMason "For today? Sure. I'm a little too possessive otherwise, but why don't you shove your cock down $pher throat?">>
<<nm $phYou "N-Now wait a minute! I didn't-.">>
That was about as far as you got before Selene reached down, gripped you by the back of her head, and thrust herself forward. That slick, backward sloping cock of hers rolled smoothly into your mouth and bumped against the back of your throat. If you still had a gag reflex, it would have been triggering like nothing else. Even as it was, you were forced to tilt your head back to try and sword-swallow that thick shaft.
<<nm $phSelclone "Oh fuck! She's so -good-!">>
<<nm $phSelene "$pMs $phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Oh shush! Here, let me help you, you slut!">>
The naga reached over you even as she began to fuck your face in earnest. You felt her hands groping across the small of your back and your hips. You didn't realize what she was doing until she pulled you upward a few inches, got you properly positioned, and pushed down sharply...
...and you found yourself <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pressed cunt to cunt with the naga beneath you! You moaned, your thighs spreading on reflex to increase the sensation.<<else>>slipping your cock into the bound Selene's folds. You moaned as you penetrated her, your entire cock disappearing inside of her wet sex with a cry from both of you.<</if>> You tried to pull your hands in to grip at your impromptu seat, but found both yours wrists locked to the table.
<<nm $phMason "Well. That ought to take care of both of them, and you have yourself a nice hole there. I suppose that leaves me with my pick of what remains, huh?">>
You felt his lower hands take hold of your hips while his upper onces moved around to run across your chest. He pinched at your nipples, making you groan around Selene's cock. You knew what was coming, and you felt your hips lift in eager anticipation.
$phMason.Him didn't make you wait long. He held off for only a few seconds, teasing you and making you wait...before he thrust his cock @@.choice;[[Straight Into Your Ass!|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11.2>>$phMason.Him was in you! He was inside of you, pounding your ass! You would have screamed his name at the ceiling, but your mouth was full of cock. All you could do was moan and writhe, rattling the bindings against the table.
The naga above you gasped, and her hand went to her own chest, squeezing herself in reflexive shock.
<<nm $phSelclone "Oh hell. $pHer eyes are all but rolling up in her head! How did you do this?!">>
<<nm $phMason "Sorry, trade secret!">>
<<nm $phSelene "I...Ah, I-. Mmph!">>
Selene's expression didn't even change as she shifted herself a bit to one side, angled her lower cock down toward her busty twin, and shoved forward. Now both of you were locked in place with one of her shafts working down your throat.
<<nm $phMason "It's sort of wonderful to see, though, but just wait until $pshe cums. Then you'll see what it really looks like.">>
He leaned in over you, hips working furiously to drive in your body. You couldn't even formulate a response. Your mouth was full of cock. Your ass was full of cock. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Every motion brushed your sex against Selene's and drove you even farther.<<else>>Every motion pushed you forward and drove your own shaft even deeper into Selene.<</if>>
It was bliss. But you knew what was coming. You shuddered, every muscle in your body tightening up with anticipation as Mason breathed against your ear.
<<nm $phMason "Cum, $phMason.you.">>
You Came. Hard. And both Selenes got to enjoy every second of it.
<hr>
<<nm $phSelclone "Don't worry. We'll keep it a secret. If this one looks like she might squeal, I'll take care of it.">>
<<nm $phMason "Your discretion is appreciated. Be well, we really ought to do this again someday soon.">>
The two naga waved and began walking back toward the elevator up to the office. You couldn't help but notice that one of them looked a lot more awkward on her legs than the other. You supposed you couldn't blame her.
You weren't really worried about it, anyway. For some reason, you weren't really worried about anything at all. Mason smiled at you and leaned over to pat you lightly on the ass.
<<nm $phMason "Good $pgirl.">>
And then he, too was gone. You stood them for a long time, then finally forced yourself to get moving again, straightening your tie. You still had a few things you wanted to do before you shut down for the night...
...but that didn't mean you weren't @@.choice;[[Looking Forward To Next Time!|Inferno]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 12>>Petra purred her way through the chorus, keeping her eyes locked on the woman in front of her until the shudders of orgasm finally faded away. Only then did she lift her eyes to start searching out her next victim...
...and saw you, a few feet in front of the stage.
No one else would notice the slight hitch of surprise in her singing. You caught it, though. A milisecond delay on the next word, and then a tiny bit of hurry to make up for lost time. Then the redhead grinned, broadly, and extended her hand to you.
You jostled your way forward, as gently as you could, and took it. The singer leaned back and hauled you up onto the stage. You pressed close to make yourself heard over the sound of Cass's furious strumming, though you doubted anyone in the crowd could hear much of anything.
<<nm $phYou "You don't mind the company?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, Captain. We were //looking// for some audience participation. Let's put on a show!">>
She gripped your shoulders and spun you around to face the crowd before you even knew what was happening. Then the siren looped the hand holding the microphone around in front of you and used it to turn your face towards your shoulder, where she could kiss you properly. Her tongue jousted with yours, and she made sure every motion was broad and exaggerated enough for the audience to see. Above the thrum of the music, you could hear the approving roar of the crowd pour forth.
They wanted this. Petra and Cass had stoked them and teased them to a fever pitch. They didn't know where the desperate need came from, but they finally had an outlet for it:
Watching //you// get yours.
Cass was grinning, her hands flying over the guitar as she walked toward you. She turned and put her back to your front, bending her knees and stroking herself up and down across your body, without ever stopping the strum of the strings.
<<nm $phCassandra "Can't stay away, boss? Well, fuck, suppose we can roll out the VIP treatment.">>
Petra had one hand free and she was keen to use it. Her fingers splayed across your chest and rubbed up and down over your shift even as she ground her hips up against your ass. Somehow she kept up with the song, breaking away from licking and kissing at your neck and shoulder to croon into the microphone. She made absolutely no effort to protect you from the raw effect of her voice, and your head swam from the literal siren song. You were all but floating by the time she finally whispered words just for you.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, this would be alright for home. But come now, Captain, they're expecting a little //more//, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah....more?">>
You saw her meet Cass's eyes, and the punk nodded. They moved with an ease that suggested long coordination. Cass jumped off the side of the short stage, and Petra pushed you over towards the edge. The guitarist wasn't on the floor for more than a second before she bent her knees and leaned back, her entire body curving beneath her guitar like she was about to slide herself under a limbo bar. She winked at you...
...and Petra pushed your forward, to @@.choice;[[Bury Cass's Head Between Your Thighs!|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 12.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 12.1>>The crowd's applause and laughter overpowered even the music. Cass performatively worked her head from side to side, rolling her face against the front of your pants. All the way, her fingers still flew across the strings.
You caught your breath. Petra's voice had your body crying out. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your pussy was already soaking and Cass's frantic rubbing motions drew a moan from your lips despite yourself, even though the fabric kept you apart.<<else>>Your cock was already rock hard, and Cass's frantic rubbing motions drew a groan from you despite yourself, even even though the fabric kept you apart.<</if>> You spread your legs as much as you could, making it easier, and flashed a smile downward.
<<nm $phYou "N-Nice. But I don't think she can hold that pose long enough to - Ahhh!">>
<<nm $phPetra "...Oh? Something wrong, Captain?">>
Petra laughed and kissed your ear, but you remained all but frozen. The redhead had reached down beneath your jacket, but //not// for your ass, nor to slide her fingers against your stomach. She didn't even to reach down to where Cass's face was still nuzzling against your crotch.
No, what she had grabbed was your //tail//. You all but forgot about it most of the time. It extended out the back of your pants openly, but no one in the tower would ever pay it much mind. Petra, however, knew exactly what you were, and she //did// want to pay it attention.
Her fingers were surprisingly strong. With her new, svelte 'princess' look, it was easy to forget her military background, but you were reminded now. With a firm grip on your skin, she stroked up and down in long, lewd motions. She treated your tail the way she would <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>a<<else>>your<</if>> cock... if that cock were almost two feet long.
And you //liked// it. You felt your stomach clench, and when you tried to speak, but nothing came out but pure pleasure. Even Petra looked surprised, and she squeezed a little harder.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh my. I thought it might be something, the way it always twitched when we were together but... I never thought it was like //that//. Careful now. If you move too much, they'll wonder what they aren't seeing!">>
Petra pressed against your back, shielding your tail from view as she sped up her motions. Your body quivered beneath her, like one of the guitar strings Cass was still strumming. Oh, she hadn't let up either, of course. As far as the audience was concerned, your flushed, moaning reactions were purely down to what the guitarist was able to do to you while bent over backward and //still// playing.
With Cass bent and Petra behind you, you had a perfect view of that audience. Every eye was locked on you. Every aroused face was rivetted on your performance. You could feel //pressure// in the air: a need for climax that was as much for their sake as yours. It was as though the entire room was funneled into you. Your pleasure was their pleasure.
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmm. Big finish, okay? Nice and loud. Come on, Captain. Give them the finale!">>
She raised her free hand...and slipped the microphone in front of your lips. You could feel the brief feedback hiss as she got it situated, and then your own ragged breathing amplified through every speaker. There was an abrupt rush in the air as the entire room seemed to hold its breath at the very same time.
And then, at least. release. You tilted your head back, closed your eyes and @@.choice;[[Screamed Your Bliss Into The Microphone!|InfernoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 12.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 12.2>><<set $phTime += 1>>The simulacrum bartender put down another drink in front of the three of you. This one was some neon blue specialty cocktail you couldn't identify. The sender was a brunette who was currently too distracted getting handsy with the man next to her to do more than wiggle her fingers at the three of you as you sat at the bar.
<<nm $phCassandra "Nice to have fans, huh?. Drink. You earned it. And we all learned something today, didn't we?">>
You glowered at her while you sipped from the drink. It was the third one that had been sent to your group since you all had sat down fifteen minutes ago. Apparently the 'show' had been well-received. Petra giggled, and looped her arm around Cass's shoulders.
<<nm $phPetra "Hey Mikey, I think $pshe liked it!">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah yeah. Just don't spread that one around. I don't need everyone eyeing my backside when it comes time to discuss raises.">>
Cass snorted and pulled out her silver cigarette case. Petra didn't even ask anymore. She just leaned her head forward and opened her lips and Cass absently placed a cig there before helping herself to one. The lighter, likewise, touched a flame to each in turn with an ease that suggested subconscious second nature.
...that brightened your mood. Sure, maybe an entire room had seen you reduced to a quivering, cumming wreck in a couple of seconds, but at least you'd been right about matching them together!
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright, we'll keep it to ourselves...until we need something from you. Sure we can't make this a regular thing? If we could make you cum on stage every Thursday, we'll be playing Carnegie by fucking Halloween.">>
<<nm $phYou "I //do// have work to do. Occasionally. Speaking of.">>
You tilted the drink back and drained half of it, then pushed yourself back from the bar. Both Petra and Cass gave you nearly identical looks of resigned exasperation.
<<nm $phCassandra "Don't you //ever// cool it, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>scout?">>
<<nm $phYou "This //was// my relaxing time. You know how it goes. You two going to stay out of trouble?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Of course. Cass here was just going to take me into one of the back rooms. Mmm. One with one of those...what is it? Saint Andrew's Crosses? And a gag, maybe. I think I need a gag tonight, right baby?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...I was?">>
Petra smirked and wiggled her seat a little closer to the punk woman, one hand disappearing beneath the edge of the bar between Cass's legs. You saw the woman twitch, just a little, and she grinned at you.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Huh. Guess I was.">>
<<nm $phYou "You two play nice. I'll see you later.">>
They both barely waved at you, their attention fully invested in one another. Grinning, you extracted yourself from the crowd and walked toward the front of the club. It wasn't until you were almost outside when you realized you were holding the tip of your tail protectively in your hand.
Hmmm. Well, maybe not every Thursday but @@.choice;[[Maybe On Special Occasions!|Inferno]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>>It didn't take very long. Even as the poor photographer, sniffling, set up her next shot, you could feel the change in the air. The fresh smell of flowers in the air took on a slightly different character: a tiny hint of spice.
The photographer rubbed her nose as she settled the camera down for her shot, and took look around. Then a resigned expression came over her face as she stopped and her face crinkled when the spice tickled at her throat.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Allergy Sufferer" "Damnit! I...ah...ah....Acho-Ahhhhhh!">>
She sneezed -- then her eyes shot open and she cried out. Her hands dropped, clutching between her legs as her body shuddered and shook. She dropped onto her knees and tossed her head back, letting out a long and wanton moan.
You suppressed a laugh and pressed yourself a little closer to the tree you were using for concealment. The poor girl looked shocked as the orgasm ended and she was left clutching at herself in a field of flowers.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Allergy Sufferer" "The fuck was that? Oh fuck, I...I came! I don't understand, I was just...ah....ah...Achhhooohhhhhhhh fuuuuccckkkk!">>
Her legs closed hard around her hands as she sneezed again, provoking another wave of pleasure even more extreme than the first. She fell forward onto the flowers, her arms extended straight between her legs, clutching at herself.
That proved to be a bad move. Landing on the flower bed stirred up a visible little blast of multicolored pollen into the air. It took only a few seconds for the woman to realize her mistake and start to get up, but it was far too late. The moment she inhaled, she sneezed again.
And again.
And again.
You smiled, turning away from the wonderfully strange mixture of sneezes and utterly blissful moans of joy. The woman rolled through the flowers, her hips jerking and her hands squeezing her chest through her shirt. The special blooms wouldn't last long, perhaps another twenty minutes, but you suspected the poor girl wouldn't be able to stand up again through any of that time.
You hoped that would make allergy season a little less of a pain this year. Even if it didn't...you doubted she would ever feel a sneeze coming on without remembering today!
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Gesundheit!|Elysium]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>>Stacy giggled as Jacob pawed at her front. She could feel the power in his hands, but he was always gentle with her, even when she made it clear she was not a fragile porcelain figurine. She ran her hands down his muscular front, then turned to rub her backside against his hips.
He playfully pushed her forward and she all but flew. Jacob had played football in college, and he still had that linebacker strength. She caught herself against a tree and pushed her ass out teasingly, swinging it back and forth, her wrists held together in front of her against the trunk.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Stacy" "So excited, baby? I guess you really do like doing things outdoors. Let me get your shirt off and I'll-- ...Huh?">>
Stacy moved to push away from the tree...and found herself brought up short. She looked up and realized both her hands had disappeared into a hollow knot in the tree. She tugged again, but her wrists stayed stuck inside the small cavity.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Stacy" "Jake! I can't get out! My hands are-- Hey! Hey! What are you doing?">>
Jacob pressed against her backside and ran his hands beneath her body, cupping both her breasts through her t-shirt. She squealed and tried to kick him away with her legs, but she couldn't seem to get the angle right to do more than flail at his ankles.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Jake" "I see that. I'm sure we can get you undone...in just a little while. I guess until we do, you're just a bit helpless, aren't you? I sure hope no one...takes advantage of that.">>
Stacy gasped. Jacob would //never// take advantage of her; it just wasn't in his character, no matter how much she teased him. But here he was, squeezing her tits in one strong hand as he worked free the button of her jean shorts and began pushing the denim down. Her cheeks burned when she realized she was now showing her ass to whoever walked by...and she couldn't do a thing about it.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Stacy" "Jake? This...ah...isn't like you! Help me out and I'll...I'll do whatever you want!">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Jake" "I'm sure you would. But why do that when I can take whatever I want anyway?">>
Stacy opened her mouth to protest...and her eyes rolled back as Jake thrust forward and buried his thick cock into her sex, spreading her wide. He was so //big// but he always gave it to her too slow and careful. Not today. His whole length was in her. He was fucking her against a tree like a trapped, helpless slut.
The trapped, helpless slut she had always wanted to be.
You smiled, allowing yourself to fade back into the bushes. You had a feeling the two would enjoy the next fifteen minutes or so quite immensely. It might just help them in the future, long after the woman's hands had popped free of the trapping knot.
The rest they could handle on their own. Humming to yourself cheerfully, you walked back down the path to the distant sounds of blissful moaning. Oh yes, they could handle it just //fine//.
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Leave The Lovebirds To It|Elysium]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>>Andy inhaled on the small rolled cigarette and held it several seconds before exhaling in a smoke-filled cough. He hadn't coughed in ages, but whatever this was it was very, very good. He felt himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in a long time. He handed it back to his boyfriend and giggled, leaning over Reggie to run a hand down his stomach.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Andy" "I'm glad we looked for it, after all. This is ssooooo good. I feel super light. Like I could fly away at any moment. And //you// feel really big. Look at this monster!">>
Andy teased him, running a hand down to Reggie's sweatpants. The fabric was loose, but he was still popping an enormous tent ever since the first puff. Andy wrapped his fingers around it through the fabric and pumped a couple of times, chuckling. He was so high that it really did feel like it was larger than normal.
Reggie smiled and took a deep drag from the grass, rolling his hips up into Andy's hands. Andy grinned...and then blinked. With his fingers encircling Reggie's cock, he could //feel// it when the man inhaled. The hard length surged between his fingers, forcing them just a little bit wider apart.
He //was// getting bigger!
Andy tore at his pants, too light-headed to worry about anyone seeing them. Reggie's boxers were so tight it actually took him a bit of fumbling to get them down, and the moment he did Reggie's cock hit him in the face. Andy tilted his head upward and gasped.
Reggie had never been //that// big. A nice, wonderful size to play with, yes, but he was over a foot long and much, much thicker than normal. The shaft was hot against his forehead, flexing slightly with every movement of Reggie's muscles as he exhaled another cloud of smoke.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Reggie" "Mmm. It must be. You haven't been this excited in a long time. I guess you want to fly early...Come here, man. I'll help you get airborne.">>
Andy tried to protest, but his reactions felt slowed and slurred. His words tumbled over themselves as Reggie pulled him up by the shoulders and turned him around. All he could do was wriggle as his boyfriend worked his pants down to his knees, his head still swimming in the fog of the weed.
Then Reggie pulled him back and forced him to sit down. Andy's breath caught in his throat and his spine bowed, his hands digging into the grass around them. Reggie's cock was huge! It was throbbing! It was splitting him in two!
And he absolutely loved it. As Reggie began to bounce him on that monster shaft, Andy finally felt himself begin to fly. And he wasn't coming down for a long time.
You leaned back into the concealing bushed and suppressed a chuckle. The two young men were well on their way to a good time, and you knew the intoxication would give them an easy out to disbelieve once things returned to normal. Or almost normal. Reggie might be just a little bit larger when everything was said and done, but you didn't think his partner was going to complain.
You slipped back away from the pair and began walking down the path again, listening to the faint slapping sounds and muffled moans that faded with every step.
Maybe you should keep a baggie for yourself...
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'SoloWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Not A Bad Thought!|Elysium]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>Blank left for eventual upgrade
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>>Blank left for eventual upgrade
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>><<set $phTime += 1>>You were pretty sure the woman didn't take notice of the glittering dust shaken from the tree branches as she walked. She never stopped talking: the conversation didn't skip a beat. That was a shame. If she had bothered to pay attention to something besides her phone, she might have seen the way that the motes glittered on her skin only for a few seconds before vanishing from sight. It might have made the next few minutes a little easier to parse.
She //also// didn't notice as the collar of her shirt slowly rose until it brushed lightly against her jaw every time she turned her head. She stumbled a little as her shoes became loose on her feet, but merely paused long enough to cinch them tighter before proceeding again. When the phone seemed to weigh her down, she switched hands. When that didn't work, she held the phone against her shoulder to ease the discomfort.
By the time she //did// notice, she was dwindling down past four feet tall. She passed a trash can beside the path that was almost as tall as she was, glanced at it dismissively, and then did a double-take as she realized just how //high// the top of the can was. She gave a high-pitched, almost elfen gasp as she spun around in a circle to take in the suddenly huge and alien scenery. The cellphone finally tumbled from her hands.
It didn't reach the ground. Just as she had before, Xun snatched it out of the air, appearing from nowhere and looming over the shrunken woman. The blonde barely came up to her belly button, and she recoiled from the dryad's bared sex. Xun smiled viciously and tagged the 'End Call' button on the phone's display.
You leaned against the nearby tree and grinned. This was going to be a good show.
<<nm $phXavier "You seem to be having a little trouble, little one. Are you alright?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Litterer" "What the hell? How are you so-- What the fuck? I'm tiny! Help! Help!!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Don't worry, you're perfectly safe. You just seemed to have having trouble passing without making a mess. I thought I would make it a little easier for you.">>
The blonde was drowning in her clothes now. You could see her tiny hands pawing at the fabric, even as she continued to dwindle down into them. Her shoes came off entirely and her arms disappeared into flopping sleeves. She turned her face up indignantly, but when she opened her mouth to retort she got a face full of her stiff collar as she sank into the folds like someone drowning in quicksand.
You could still make out the words of her squeaked protests, but it wasn't easy. Xun waited for a few seconds, sharing an amused smile with you, before she finally relented and reached through the open collar of the shirt. You might have mistaken the blonde for some kind of Barbie doll, except for the fact that she was windmilling her arms and squealing in terror. You also doubted that many reputable companies made six inch dolls that looked //that// good nude.
<<nm $phXavier "Well, aren't you precious. Very good. Now a few crumbs ought to keep you fed, and you won't be tempted to despoil our landscape any longer. I'm sure you'll get used to this, after a while. You might even find you enjoy it. There are certain advantages to being small. I could show them to you... or do you want to try and convince me you can be a good girl after all?">>
The green-skinned woman bent her thumb and lightly pressed it between the barbie doll's legs. The blonde squealed, and even at her size and from a distance you could hear the arousal in her tone. It would seem that shrinking might just have made a couple of nerve endings a lot more dense. Something you were sure Xun was about to explore.
And for that she probably didn't need your help. You waved to the green woman and turned back toward the path. Xun would see that things were straightened out, and the woman would probably not fully remember the incident in the morning. One thing //was// for sure though.
@@.choice;
[[She'd Never Litter Again|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>><<set $phTime += 1>>You expected it to be uncomfortable, but it wasn't. By the time you realized your limbs were no longer responding to your mind, a deep and pleasant fog had descended over your thoughts. You were dimly aware of Xun running her hands over your rigid body, gently unbuttoning and untangling your clothes as best she could.
Once you were nude, you realized with surprised that you could still feel the wind on your stone skin. It was muted, in a strange way, as though the only range you could detect was 'comfortable'. The dryad leaned forward and pressed her lips to your unmoving mouth for a long moment before she pulled away and spoke.
<<nm $phXavier "Very good. You enjoy your rest. I'll make sure you get to enjoy a few different settings before you wake up. Maybe even a few different poses. I'll take care of everything. Just relax...">>
Relax. That sounded quite good. Your brain felt sluggish anyway, and your thoughts slowed to a crawl. You didn't need to think about standing. You didn't need to think about talking.
You could just...
just...
...
...
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>A slap against your breast startled you awake. You found yourself standing next to a park bench, atop a small marble flagstone, looking into the face of a grinning young man. His hand was on your bare breast, squeezing the unyielding flesh.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Young Man" "God, look at these tits. Are you based on anyone, girl? I wish you were. You look //amazing//. I'd be way too tongue-tied to talk to you in person, though. Somehow, in the park, I feel...so much more free. Maybe I //would// talk to you, if you were real.">>
You might have smiled, if you could have. That would probably not be the first time he would feel a lot better after visiting the park. Bold enough to grope a statue in public. You figured he had this 'in hand', so to speak, and let your thought drift again.<<else>>A hand cupping your manhood startled you awake. You found yourself standing next to a park bench, atop a small marble flagstone, looking into the face of a wonderstruck young woman. Her hand was between your thighs, sliding along the flaccid but rock-hard package there.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Young Woman" "Wow, that's... impressive. It looks so //real//. I wish I could meet whoever you're modeled after - or even whoever made you. You're beautiful, and whoever sculpted you must be so talented. I love that about this park: everything is so gorgeous...">>
You might have smiled, if you could have. She had an eye for aesthetic -- and you didn't mind being the apple of that eye, for the moment. As her fingers roamed over your petrified muscles, you figured she had this 'in hand', and let your thoughts begin to drift...<</if>>
Drift...
...
...
You woke again. Was this the fourth time, or the fifth? You stood in a new location once more, at the very edge of the fountain at the central island of the park. It wasn't a couple posing in front of you this time, though, or a squirrel scampering up your back. Something felt... uncomfortable? Like there was something welling up inside you.
Your focus sharpened as the sensation increased. You felt a chill, though not a fully unpleasant one, working its way through the fog of your brain. Underneath the chill, you felt a strange pressure building. Your whole body felt tight, your hands held at your sides as your pose leaned you slightly over the pool. The cold seemed to be working its way up toward your chest.
You understood a moment before the pressure was finally released. You would have moaned, crossed your eyes, or cried out, but you could do none of those things. You realized that the pressure had been a small hose affixed to the heel of your right foot. Whatever was left of your thoughts wanted to laugh...
...as two crystal clear jets of water shot from your nipples<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>, and another from the tip of your cock,<</if>> to fall in graceful arcs to the pool below. There was a flutter at your side, and you saw Xun's smiling face appear in your peripheral vision. She reached out to touch your face...and the water began to slow. The chill began to recede even as warmth returned to your flesh. You'd be back to normal in a few minutes, now.
You privately had to admit it was //one// way to relax.
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
@@.choice;
[[Unthaw, Get Dressed, and Return To Work|Elysium]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 8>><<set $phTime += 1>><<npc "fnpc2" "Tempted Woman" "Wait, do you hear something?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Bold Young Man" "Look, someone's in the water and - oh wow!">>
The group all turned toward the shore as a very familiar redhead rose up in the water. Her song was beautiful and wordless, a kind of playful toying with the melody that made your soul vibrate. The entire group seemed to catch their breath at once, which might have been the effect of the music.
Of course, it could also have been that Petra's chest had risen out of the water and she wasn't wearing a top at all.
You grinned, leaning against a tree to keep an eye on things. It hadn't taken you long to wave Petra down and point her in the right direction, and it seemed that she was more than up for the task. One of the women, the one who had seemed most interested, began to peel her shirt off her shoulders.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Skeptical Woman" "Diane? What are you doing?!">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Tempted Woman" "Mmm...You wanted to see EJ strip down. We were so worried...but it'll be fun. Come on, I promise. It'll be just like that time we stayed in the hotel room together.">>
The uptight woman gasped and looked around in shock, but she was already behind the others, who were all stripping out of their clothes and walking out toward the water. They splashed in, one after another, and began to paddle out toward Petra. Along the way, they became distracted with each other. Soon, hands were exploring bodies as the forward momentum had all but stopped. Petra's song was joined with moans and gasps. You saw the confident woman arch her back as the bold, muscular young man took hold of her chest.
The one on the shore was agog, still trying to get the group's attention but failing badly. She looked out into the waves and suddenly went stiff as Petra met her eyes across the pile of splashing revelers.
Petra beckoned, with a brilliant smile and a trill of her wonderful voice. The young woman stared for several seconds, breathing harder and faster with a growing panic. Then, without warning, her breathing slowed. Her eyes lidded...and she reached for her top.
You pushed away from the tree and snickered to yourself as you turned. You could still hear the sounds of growing pleasure as the woman splashed into the group and joined the throng of excited fingers and mouths and even more interesting body parts to explore.
You had a feeling that they could @@.choice;[[Take It From Here!|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phYou "Are you sure? There's no one here now. Come look!">>
You pointed at the water as you spoke back over your shoulder, pretending the red-headed mythical creature floating just beneath the water was not, in fact, present. It was difficult to tell with the rippling of the water, but you're pretty sure you saw her grin and you //definitely// saw her move even close to the wall, putting her hands flat against it like a cat ready to spring.
The young man hesitated, lifting up onto his tip toes to peer into the water, but the angle was never going to be enough. You gave him your best look of confused disbelief, trying to remember back to when this hadn't been your day to day. It wasn't that hard. You still wore the look with Mason half the time.
The young man wilted, running a hand through his brown hair and offering an unconvincing laugh. He trotted up to the water line, and you wondered if he was going to try and play things off as a joke or not. As he reached the bank, he couldn't help but lean over to get a look below...
...and Petra came straight out of the water for him. Before he could even move, her mouth was on his and her arms were wrapped around him, pulling him off his feet and then down into the crystal-clear water.
He splashed a great deal on the way down, and on the way back up again, breaking the water with a cry, spinning around in a circle in the water. He sputtered water for a few seconds before actual words came out.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Shy Young Man" "Help! There's something in the water! There's...ah! Ah...a...!">>
His voice trailed off suddenly as he stopped moving, and you were just about sure you saw his eyes cross. His lips continued to work without sound...and you caught a bit of red hair appearing just in front of him. Then disappearing. Then reappearing.
Like someone bobbing their head expertly just below the water.
Right in front of his hips.
You grinned, waved at the young man, and turned away from the river. You doubted you were going to hear any more complaints from this particular quarter. Petra was likely more than capable of explaining that there wasn't anything to be frightened of.
Well, at least she would be once her mouth stopped being full, but you figured he would be @@.choice;[[Happy To Wait!|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'DuoWork'>><<set _sex to 1>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>><<nm $phYou "I've always said it's good to balance the books in the long run. Promotes good relationships in the workplace.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, I couldn't agree more, sapling.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Wait...Now, this isn't-!">>
Whatever it was that she was going to say, you never got to find out. Petra suddenly squeaked and went stiff on the rock she was still resting on. You saw why almost immediately. A pair of thick, green vines were wrapping around her torso, winding about her the way that a snake would curl around prey.
The siren tried to flail, but the bands of dark green had already wrapped around her wrists, drawing them down to her hips and locking them there. Her face colored as a third vine begin to emerge from between the thighs of her leggings, pressing tight across her crotch before winding about her hips.
<<nm $phPetra "C-Captain! You...You're not going to let her...?!">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I found once you relax and enjoy it, it's not too bad at all!">>
<<nm $phPetra "That's not th- ahh!">>
Petra's blue eyes went wide as the vines suddenly //constricted// around her, the bindings noticeably coiled everywhere across her chest except over her tits, making the swell of her breasts stand out far more prominently. Her legs were pulled back beneath her and she tottered, falling forward without the ability to break her fall...
...right into Xun's waiting arms. The green-skinned woman deftly catching the siren and smiling down as the vines finished wrapping around her. She used one long finger to push the redhead's hair back away from her, while her other hand ran gently across her spine.
<<nm $phXavier "There we are. All nice and gift wrapped. How do you like it, sapling?">>
You beamed and took a moment to climb up onto the flat rock and circle around the bound Petra. The vines had been expertly wrapped around her, pulling her ankles back and locking her arms to her sides. Thick green cables had interwoven with each other, so it seemed like every time the poor mermaid moved she tightened a rope between her legs, across her chest, or around her neck. You couldn't help but notice the skin of her cheeks and neck was beginning to redden, and you were pretty sure that was //not// because they were squeezing too tight.
<<nm $phYou "It's beautiful...but you know she could still use her voice to get you to unwrap her, don't you? It works better on males, but...">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh yes, I know. That's why we'll have to gag her. I'm sure you could manage something like that, can't you?">>
Xun winked at you...and the vines suddenly elevated Petra a foot off the rock face, spinning the siren around until she was facing you. Xun laid her hands gently on Petra's hips, her fingers working beneath the green scale leggings.
Petra looked up at you with wide blue eyes, held aloft by the vines that bound and restricted her. You gave her just a second to contemplate her predicament before your hands went to your belt.
You figured you could @@.choice;[[Arrange A Gag.|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.1>>Petra sucked in a breath, but you didn't give her the chance to speak. Your pants puddled around your ankles as you put a firm hand on the back of Petra's neck and //thrust// your hips hard forward.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The siren made a surprised, muffled sound as your pussy pressed against her mouth. You tightened your grip on the back of her head, forcing her head between your legs, tilting your head back with a deep groan of appreciation as you worked yourself against her.<<else>>The half-formed words ended with an audible pop as your cock filled her mouth and bumped against the back of her throat. She struggled for a moment, and you pulled back far enough to let her suck in another breath, only to thrust your hips forward once more before she get do much more than get the air she needed.<</if>>
Your hips were pistoning hard and fast as your hands wound within the bright red hair. You looked down and saw Petra's eyes beginning to glaze as you used her. Then those blue eyes went wide, and she let out a fresh, incoherent cry against your flesh.
Xun was still at the other end, and the dryad had easily managed to pull Petra's leggings down to her thighs. You couldn't see exactly what she was doing, but the movements of Xun's wrist, the jiggling of Petra's ass, and the way the siren was squealing against your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt<<else>>cock<</if>> pretty much told the story that Xun's fingers were very busy.
And, from the sound of things, very good.
<<nm $phYou "Well? Do you-...mmm...think this will balance the scales?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh yes, sapling. It wasn't very much of a debt. I just didn't want to leave her with any lingering doubts. It's all for her sake, really.">>
The dryad did //something// with her hand and Petra squealed against you once again. You sucked in a deep breath, holding onto her head with both hands as you continued to roll your hips up against her face. Despite your desire to draw out the moment, the pleasure of the moment was rising. You could feel your pace speeding up second by second and it was getting harder and harder to control the urge to just <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>jam your pussy against her lips<<else>>push your cock down her throat<</if>> and //cum//.
It was still tempting. As you looked down at Petra, you could see her eyes glaze over with lust, and she was now eagerly <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>working her tongue into your slit. She was more than skilled with it, and you were soon shivering with bliss as she found and stroked your most sensitive places.<<else>>taking every thrust of your cock, and suckling across the top. Her throat was relaxed, and you were able to thrust to the hilt with every motion.<</if>> You petted down her long hair and took a calming breath.
You //could// enjoy her this way. It wouldn't take very long, and Xun would be content knowing that her claim of ownership over the dry land in the garden was secure. On the other hand, you weren't actually sure there were scales to balance. You could always ungag the siren and let her extract a little price of her own from the tree lover, just to keep things on an even footing.
Decisions Decisions.
@@.choice;
[[Ride This To The End|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.2]]
[[Ungag Petra|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.2>><<set $phTime += 1>>There would be plenty of opportunity to see the tables turned on Xun sooner or later, but she had gone through a lot of effort to prepare Petra for you and it would be rude to turn down a gift.
So instead, you took hold of Petra's head in both your hands and began to piston your hips harder and harder against her face. The siren's eyes fluttered but she doesn't protest, even tilting her head back to make it easier for you to <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>grind your sex again her.<<else>>fill her throat with your cock.<</if>>
Xun was also working her hand rapidly on the other end, but she reached out with her other to wrap around the back of your neck and draw you into a kiss. You pressed your lips hard against her, struggling to hold the kiss while panting with the exertion and lust. It meant you continuously broke and resumed the kiss in a dozen frantic motions rather than holding only one.
You couldn't hold out any longer. You felt Petra quake beneath you, her blue eyes rolling back as she squealed against you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt, and that pushed you over the edge. You tightened your grip on her hair and savagely rocked your hips as you came, soaking her lips and chin in your honey as you screamed in bliss at the ceiling. You ground yourself against her until every last spasm of pleasure had passed, and only then did you finally allow your hips to fall away.<<else>>cock, and that pushed you over the edge. You tightened your grip on her hair and hilted yourself one last time within her eager lips. You felt her shudder anew as you came, hard, and she was forced to swallow as your cum filled her mouth and slammed against the back of her throat. You moaned and bucked slowly in place, until every last jet of cum was spent and you could finally pull your hips away.<</if>>
You fell back against the rock, breathlessly. The vines lowered Petra down against your lap with surprising gentleness and then unwound from around your body. The red head let out a soft sound and nuzzled against your hip.
<<nm $phXavier "I see she enjoyed herself, in the end. I think we can call the books fairly balanced.">>
<<nm $phYou "...'fairly' balanced?">>
The dryad shot you a self-satisfied kind of grin as she puffed her chest and shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phXavier "Well...there's always room to add a tip, isn't there?">>
You laughed and shook your head. Some things never changed.
You sat with Petra for a while, talking idly with Xun while the siren recovered. Once the mermaid could actually speak, if only in a muzzy, contented tone, you decided she was alright. You turned her over to your dryad's care, with a few //strict// instructions to get her back into the water in a timely fashion.
As for you, it was back to work. Still, you had a feeling it hadn't been a wasted hour. In fact, you were just about certain that there were more flowers in bloom now than when you had entered, and you knew both employees would work a lot better now that they had hashed things out.
And if not, you could always try to explain it again. You'd @@.choice;[[Enjoy The Repeat!|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.3>><<set $phTime += 1>>It was tempting, but you didn't really want to establish a heirarchy in the workplace other than you being at the top. You slowed your movements, waiting until Petra's glazed eyes looked up to meet yours. Then you winked and pulled your hips back.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Petra's face was glistening as you pulled away from her, her tongue still half hanging out of her mouth. She licked her wet lips for a long, languid moment, and you wondered if you had been too late. Then her eyes cleared, and she looked back over her shoulder at Xun.<<else>>You cock slipped from Petra's lips with an audible pop, her mouth still open like a blowup doll awaiting a user. Her tongue licked at her lips for a long, languid moment, and you wondered if you had been too late. Then her eyes cleared, and she looked back over her shoulder at Xun.<</if>>
<<nm $phXavier "Sapling? Hey now, what are y-.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Cum!">>
The words reverberated through the clearing, crisp and strong. Xun blinked, her head retracting back as though she had been struck. Then her dark green eyes rounded. She arched her body and let out a //moan// that reveberated through the area nearly as much. Both of her hands shot down between her legs as she stumbled back, and her hips jerked forward into her fingers with sudden, frantic need.
The vines around Petra slackened, but the redhead simply rolled her body around so she was laying on her back as the green cords set her down. She smiled at the shaking, shuddering Xun, and cocked her head to one side. Then she winked.
<<nm $phPetra "Cum!">>
Xun //screamed// and fell back off the rock and onto the grass beside it. She writhed in blissful pleasure, her hips pushing up into the air and her hands switching between squeezing her breasts and frantically rubbing between her legs as orgasm after orgasm swept through her body.
You bent, squatting down next to the siren and chuckling softly as you laid a hand on her shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. I figured you might like to-.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Cum!">>
The sound exploded in your head as Petra looked up at you, and instantly your body was suddenly alight with pleasure. You yelped on instinct, falling backward, and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>you found your fingers slipping down into your pussy with sudden abandon at the fireworks went off in your mind.<<else>>you found your cock erupting into the air, your seed falling across your stomach as the fireworks went off in your mind.<</if>>
It took a while to pass, your body shaking more and more slowly until it finally stopped altogether, leaving you struggling to catch your breath. Petra grinned at you, crawling over lean across your body and kiss you on the lips.
<<nm $phPetra "Only fair, Captain.">>
Touché,
From there, it was easy. You and Xun recovered as Petra hummed an innocent little melody, certain that her claim to being part of Elysium, even above the water, was now honored. When you could all stand, you kissed them both and the dryad and siren locked arms as they walked away toward the river. You watched them go, wondering if this was a friendship that was bound to blossom over time.
You hoped so. If for no other reason than it would keep those vines and that voice busy. At least until the next time you wanted to drop in for a bit of relaxation.
It wouldn't be @@.choice;[[That Long.|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11>><<nm $phSelene "Ah...I'm not really good at swimming...">>
<<nm $phPetra "How deep do you think it is in here? Come in!">>
The big naga hesitated for another moment, then reluctantly slipped off the edge of the bank and into the water. The splash that she made was all but a tsunami, rising high enough to wash over you even several feet from the edge!
If you hadn't already undressed to hop in yourself, it would have been truly miserable. As it was, it was just //very// cold! You yelped and jumped off the edge into the water, with a much less impressive splash.
When your head broke water again, Selene look embarrassed. The river was quite a nice one for an indoor park, and more than deep enough for Petra to zip from one side of the park to the other without much difficulty. That still wasn't //that// deep, though, and even with enough of her tail curled on the bottom to support her weight, much of Selene's head and shoulders still emerged up out of the water.
<<nm $phPetra "You //are// a big girl! Why don't I get to be so big, Captain?">>
<<nm $phYou "You wanted to be tall?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'm not talking about that! I'm talking about these!">>
The mermaid darted forward behind Selene and wrapped her hands around her, pressing them into the naga's expansive chest. She squeezed firmly enough to let her fingers sink in, and Selene groaned, her head tilted back. A bright blush spread across her face.
<<nm $phSelene "H-Hey! I didn't say you could get a grip on those!">>
<<nm $phPetra "But you aren't exactly stopping me either. Don't you think she's gorgeous, captain? It's like everything I love, but bigger.">>
Petra began to knead the soft flesh of Selene's tits, obviously enjoying the sounds she was wringing out of the big woman. Selene was at least twice the size as the siren but seemed utterly incapable of doing more than moan in response to the treatment.
You couldn't help yourself. You swam up to Selene from the front and lifted both of //your// hands to cup her around Petra's fingers. She gasped, her eyes going wide with betrayal as four different hands caressed and stroked her at once.
<<nm $phYou "...I can't disagree with you there. She is gorgeous. I've always known that.">>
<<nm $phPetra "See! I told you that you should let your hair down, Sel! Why don't you relax, big girl? We'll take good care of you!">>
Selene, blushing, looked from one of you to the other, all the while clearly trying to get her brain back in gear. Finally, she bowed her back a little and thrust herself up into your probing hands.
<<nm $phSelene "...Okay, but it's not fair...">>
@@.choice;[[Victory!|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11.1>>By the time Selene had finally fully relaxed into the tryst, you'd literally backed her up against the bank so that both you and Petra were in front of her. There was still more than enough tit to go around, though, and the pair of you kneaded, squeezed, fondled, and groped her with abandon.
It was having an effect. You could see through the pristine water that Selene's hips were wiggling, and every motion pushed more of her twin cocks out of her scales.
<<nm $phPetra "...Wait...She's got a...wait, she's got //two//?">>
You snorted, unable to help yourself. You forgot that Petra wouldn't have any way to know your scaley employee was more than just 'well-equipped'. The siren turned to glare at you.
<<nm $phPetra "I didn't even get //one// and she gets two?">>
<<nm $phYou "She wanted one. You were happy with your voice. They are great, though. Why don't you go down and take a look?">>
Petra grumped...and then disappeared beneath the water. The big naga blushed furiously.
<<nm $phSelene "...She's not really upset, is she?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not really. She's just teasing you. I'm pretty sure she likes the way you look, and she likes to see you blush.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh? What makes you say thhaaaaaaahhh!">>
Selene's jaw dropped and her voice rose into an inarticulate moan. You grinned, looking downward, noticing that Petra's cloud of red hair was now hovering directly over the naga's waist. The way it swirled and pooled made the up-and-down bob of her motion perfectly clear. You chuckled low in your throat and swam a little closer. It was all the better to toy with the big woman's nipples.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know, just a hunch. Are you alright? You look a little dazed.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Ah...Ah...She's...oooh...">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, don't worry. I suppose she'll have to come up for air soon, won't she...unless she doesn't? You know, I guess she might not. She could just stay down there, sucking your cock, until you cum. There's not much you can do about it, is there?">>
<<nm $phSelene "S-Still not fair!">>
You squeezed her again and her entire body seemed to jerk away from the bank, and then settle into place again. Her eyes had gone just a touch glassy, and her breathing was now so deep it was like a fan was blowing every time she exhaled. You leaned in close and raised your lips up to her ear, giving her your best seductive whisper.
<<nm $phYou "And that's only the start of it, because I'm going to make you cum next, even harder. After that...well, we'll play it by ear, won't we?">>
Poor Selene. She was squirming and writhing against the wall, her hands gripping the side of the river hard enough you were almost sure that you could hear the stonework cracking. You worked your body against her, up and down, even as Petra continued to work her magic underwater.
Your siren might have the magic voice, but you were not stranger to...encouragement.
<<nm $phYou "Would you like to cum for me, Selene? I think you do. I think you will. And then I think we're going to have even more fun together. Why don't you just give in right...now?">>
It was enough. Selene sucked in an abrupt deep breath and held it, her head tilting back and her muscles bunching into knots...
...and then she came. Her upper cock bucked and shot a thick cloud of cum into the clear water, every jet of her adding to the sudden mist within the waves. As for the other...
Well, fortunately @@.choice;[[Petra Didn't Have To Breathe!|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 11.2>>As promised, you took //your// turn right after Petra. The siren leaned in against her larger lover and whispered sweet nothings and silver words as you disappeared beneath the water. You //did// have to breathe, but your body was in amazing shape, and you were very nearly able to get her off before you had to rise to the surface.
That had been enough for Selene's time on the bottom. The big girl had finally fought back, pushing the pair of you against the river's edge and letting her fingers press down between your legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>It wasn't long until you were squealing blissfully on those thick fingers<<else>>it wasn't long before you were gifting the river a cloud of cum yourself<</if>>. Petra had gripped your hand so hard she'd nearly broken a finger. She had no idea how to handle something of that size.
One more mutual tryst in the water and then you had moved onto land. Both girls had shown off their legs to one another, marveling at the different magical methods for each. //That// had provoked another encounter as they debated which one could cum hardest without reverting to a non-legged form.
You maintained that //you// won that contest, but your partners cited certain technicalities, and that had provoked a rematch...by the time the three of you were more or less dry and laying together in a pile, the day had progressed significantly.
<<nm $phPetra "Wow.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Just wow? You're the siren, the legendary voice of the sea luring men to their doom. Shouldn't you have more than 'wow'?">>
<<nm $phPetra "....Wow.">>
You laughed and pulled in Petra against you. The ground below you shook when Selene giggled...or rather, Selene's belly shook when she giggled, and you and Petra were both laying across it.
<<nm $phSelene "I don't get out too much. It's kind of a pain to get past the crowds. Even with legs, I'm still super tall. I think I might lounge here again soon though.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Always welcome here, big girl. Maybe next time we can trade secrets about the captain here. Know any weaknesses?">>
<<nm $phSelene "...Big tits?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Ha! Not exactly stakes and garlic, but it'll do.">>
You didn't comment. You just closed your eyes and lounged in the sun, enjoying the feel of both your employees against you as they chatted away. You knew soon enough you would have to stand up, get dressed, and return to the world of responsibilities.
Still, it was nice to know that, however busy things got, you still had a little slice of @@.choice;[[Paradise Waiting For You!|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime +=1>><</if>><<nobr>><<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Elysium') is false)>><<set _random to 10>><<else>><<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') and ($phSelene.transform is 'big') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Elysium2') is false)>><<set _random to 11>><<else>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3);
if (State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['upgraded'] == 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(4,5);
}
if (State.variables.phXavier.transform == 'dryad') {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(6,7);
}
if (State.variables.phPetra.transform == 'siren') {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(8,9);
}
if ((State.variables.phXavier.transform == 'dryad') && (State.variables.phPetra.transform == 'siren')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(10);
}
if ((State.variables.phSelene.transform == 'big') && (State.variables.phPetra.transform == 'siren')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].push(11);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['Elysium']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>You always enjoyed walking through Elysium. In most of the tower, the crush of people was ever-present and the swirl of their needs and wants was a constant, gentle pressure in your head. Elysium felt different. Oh, it was still one of your special buildings, but the aura that it generated forwent the heightened spikes of bliss and satisfaction in exchange for a gentle, rolling contentment that settled the mind and sharpened your senses.
The plants were numerous and beautiful. Small colorful flowers dotted the landscape; carefully cultivated hedge shrubs marked pathways; and the giant oak in the center of the space was an enormous reminder of the power of nature. Every breath in felt crisp and clear and left you a little bit lighter when you breathed out again, chipping away at the stress you'd built up bit by bit.
Of course, there were always things to manage, even here. The simulacra excelled at tending the myriad growths of the park, but they sometimes lacked imagination. Creating a beautiful square of colorful flowers was nice, but when it was repeatedly exactly in a dozen different places the effect felt too artificial to be effective. Elysium was a place of life itself, not just greenery. You did you best to introduce a bit of artful chaos to the mix wherever you could.
...and not just with the flowerbeds.
<<if _random is 1>><<npc "fnpc2" "Allergy Sufferer" "Achoo! Achoo! Oh damnit, already? I was just enjoying myself!">>
You across the paths and spotted a woman with her black hair pulled back in a ponytail and a nasal sprayer in her hand. Judging from the sound of her sneezing and the redness of her eyes, the pollinating plants were not interacting well with her.
You frowned. A garden was a strange place for someone with hay fever to be. Then you saw the camera and tripod in front of her. She was carefully arranging the shot to capture one of the flowerbeds with the fountain prettily shining in the sunlight behind her.
Ah, an artist then. A photographer. That explained wanting to take in the greenery, despite her body protesting. You had no doubt that, given a moment, the tower would ensure that her allergies would acclimatize and give her the opportunity to work to her heart's content.
On the other hand, you had a more wicked idea. The tower would certainly get some energy by reducing her symptoms to the point she would forget about them, but perhaps you could make the symptoms themselves enjoyable by adding in a //different// reaction with the sneezing. It would be entertaining to watch, if nothing else.
@@.choice;
[[Add A New Pollen To The Air|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>You heard giggling in some bushes near one of the smaller trees in the garden. It was a flirtatious female voice, joined by the lower, indulgent baritone of a large man.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Giggling Woman" "It's not like that. I mean...Yeah, I like it, but it isn't //really// about thinking we might get caught. I just always had a fantasy of the outdoors, you know? That I'd be helpless if someone found me.">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Baritone Voice" "You're not going to be very helpless with me, baby. I don't mind doing it out here for you, I just don't know what you want.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Giggling Woman" "It's okay, lover. It's just a silly fantasy. You're enough for me. I just like the way it feels, that's all. Now, come over here...">>
The sound of their voices melted into less meaningful vocalizations and the tell-tale sound of a zipper being undone. You chuckled to yourself. What was it about the park that encouraged everyone to jump into the bushes? Of course, you knew //exactly// what it was.
You could just take a detour down the next path and leave the lovebirds to enjoy themselves, but something about the woman's words stuck in your mind. You didn't think creating a new partner to spring out of nowhere would go down well, but perhaps you could help her man play into the fantasy a little bit more. That might net you more energy for the day, if you did it right.
You'd better decide before they got //too// into things and finished before your 'help' could arrive.
@@.choice;
[[Lend A Helping Hand|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>Your foot snagged something on the ground with a faint crinkling sound. You bent down and spotted a small plastic bag full of green flower buds -- the 'smokeable' kind. Almost immediately, you heard a pair of male voices from the next path over.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Quiet Man" "Are you sure you dropped it over here? Maybe we should just leave. A security guard could have found it already!">>
<<npc "mnpc3" "Confident Man" "You think they patrol the garden all that much? Relax, man, they're guarding the money, like always. We'll find it, and then you are going to //fly//. You know you always think my cock is huge when you've had a few puffs.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Quiet Man" "Not so loud!">>
You grinned to yourself. It would appear that a potential tryst had been interrupted by the loss of certain bits of green fun. You could put the baggie back down and walk off, of course. They'd find it and proceed to enjoy themselves, just like the tower encouraged.
Of course, if they //really// wanted an experience, you could mix in a few things from Elysium itself. They might not actually fly, but it would do quite a lot of heighten the experience. That might be worth an extra bit of energy into your coffers.
@@.choice;
[[Mix In Some Good Shit|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 4>>TBD Upgrade Scene
<</if>><<if _random is 5>>TBD Upgrade Scene
<</if>><<if _random is 6>>You heard her before you saw her: a thin blonde woman talking animatedly on her phone as she strolled. She munched absent-minded on some kind of health bar in her other hand during breaks in the conversation, chewing quickly so she could retake control of the talk once more.
She gave you a dismissive glance once-over as you approached each other, and then continued on. It forced you to step aside to avoid colliding with her. She barely seemed to notice the courtesy, and a careless flip of her hand discarded her treat's plastic wrap straight onto the ground.
Almost.
A familiar jade-colored hand snatched the wrapper out of the air before it settled to the earth, and you realized with some surprise that Xun had appeared next to you. She glared after the departing woman with narrowed eyes. She spoke in your direction, but never broke the death stare into the blonde woman's back.
<<nm $phXavier "It would appear I have some clean-up to do. Perhaps a lesson to teach. Would you like to join me? It may be entertaining. For you, at least.">>
Oh dear. Never litter in a park guarded by a real nature spirit. You thought about it. Xun could easily handle one litterer without supervision, and you were quite positive the tower would ensure that lesson was learned even if the supernatural elements faded from the story. On the other hand, you were curious exactly what your dryad could do.
@@.choice;
[[Supervise The Lesson|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 7>>You sighed and rolled your shoulder. It had been a long week, and your muscles had felt stiff all day. Now they felt like they were made of lead, even as you tried to work the kinks out of them. Even your fingers felt heavy. You looked down at your hands...
...and gasped! Chalky white spots dotted the back of your hand: tiny little circles of what seemed to be marble that grew larger by the second. You tried to step back, but your feet refused to move. Your entire body suddenly felt sluggish and stiff.
A pair of green hands encircled your waist, and you looked back over your shoulder as much as your complaining neck would allow. Xun gave you a mischievous smile as she squeezed around your midsection.
<<nm $phXavier "Do not fear, my friend. You have been working too hard. Moving too much. You should spend some time rooted to //one// place. The fountain could use an ornament...just for a few hours. I promise that it will help you loosen up in the end, but only if you wish to try it.">>
Surprisingly, you //did// relax. You trusted Xun enough to know this wasn't some kind of power play. Still, the circles of marble were spreading over large swaths of your flesh, and you found it harder and harder to focus. You had an idea of just what kind of ornament she wanted for the fountain. You'd have to decide quickly whether you wanted to find out what it was like to be one.
@@.choice;
[[Embrace The Aesthetics|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 8>><<npc "mnpc1" "Bold Young Man" "Look, I'm not saying we //should//, but how cool would it be if we did?">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Skeptical Woman" "How is getting escorted out by mall security going to be cool?">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Tempted Woman" "Mall security is never around here! They're watching the shops. Who's going to steal flowers?">>
You paused as a number of voices sounded from around one of the tall hedges. Carefully, you peeked around to find a half dozen college age students standing at the bank to one of the flowing rivers. They were all wearing the same expressions, and ones you knew very well. It was the mixture of 'excited' and 'guilty' that signaled a group about to be up to something they shouldn't be.
Judging by the way one of the woman had slipped her foot out from her shoe to dip it speculatively into the water, you had a feeling you knew what mall rule they were about to be breaking: Skinny Dipping. Of course, that assumed they could get up to the courage to go through with it.
You considered. They were near enough to the water. You were sure Petra could provide ample encouragement to the group. On the other hand, that might be more than a bit of overkill. College students didn't need much encouragement to indulge in a bit of nonsense, and your attention could be better spent improving the garden for the next guests.
@@.choice;
[[Invite Petra To The Party|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 8]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 9>><<npc "mnpc2" "Shy Young Man" "Hello! Is anyone there? I think someone might need help!">>
You blinked at the sudden sound around the bend and hurried to catch up. It had been a cry for help, but an oddly muted one, as if the speaker couldn't quite commit to actually raising his voice. You came around the corner to find a slender blonde man standing a few feet back from the water's edge, ringing his hands in a panic. The moment he saw you, he bit his lower lip.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Shy Young Man" "Please! I saw...I saw a girl under the water, and she was naked and...and she hasn't come up for air yet! I think she might still be down there, and...and...she had a...nevermind! Just please, come look!">>
You trotted over to the embankment, cocking your head to one side. It was fairly rare your tower would let anyone see your employees for what they really were. Perhaps there were sensitives in the world? People who weren't quite as willing to have the wool pulled over their eyes? Something you'd have to check into.
For now, though, you walked to the bank and looked down...to find Petra pressed against the wall below the waves. She looked up at you and winked, waving one of her hands. Then her expression went questioning.
You smiled. You had a suspicion she had a plan for the young man, if she could get him a little closer to the water. He had clearly seen enough of her to be a little panicked, but she could take care of that in short order.
On the other hand, maybe it would be better not to take the risk. Perhaps keeping the secret was more valuable than a little fun. You could wave him away from the water and just return to tending the garden instead. Petra would find her own entertainments, you were sure.
@@.choice;
[["I Don't See Anything! Come Look!"|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Elysium')>>You heard them long before you saw them. The music that drifted over the park was hauntingly beautiful. A voice raised in pure song unhindered by any words at all. You recognized that. There was also, however, a high and echoing instrument that you didn't think you'd ever heard before. The two blended together and separated every few seconds, and you struggled to decide which was the most beautiful sound.
Your legs moved almost without your even noticing it. You didn't pay much attention to direction either, stepping around bushes and down dirt paths until you came to a clear space in the flowers and shrubbery.
There was a large, flat rock in the center of the space. Petra, her legs kicked out, sat on the rock and her face was luminous with her song. Xun sat beside her, and the dryad's long legs were wrapped around a peculiar drum. It was metal along the top, with a series of little tabs cut into the surface. She held a pair of smooth wooden sticks in her hand, and each time she lightly tapped one of the tabs, the whole drum reverberated and echoed with the sound of the impact.
You waited until they were finished. You weren't sure if it were minutes or days, but you would have waited as long as it took. Finally, though, the last note of the drum faded into the air, and Petra's voice echoed around your ears for the one final haunting reverberation. You took a deep breath and settled yourself before you dared to break the contemplative silence that followed.
<<nm $phYou "I didn't know you played, Xun. That was amazing, you two!">>
The pair looked up, and flashed almost identical smiles. The green-skinned woman ran a hand lightly over the surface of her metal drum.
<<nm $phXavier "A new affectation, actually, but a pleasant one. I couldn't let your new addition be the only source of peace in these walls.">>
Petra laughed, putting her hand lightly on her compatriots back. She leaned forward and cocked her head at you.
<<nm $phPetra "I think we're getting pretty good, honestly. But what are you doing here, Captain? Come to visit for a while, or just enjoying the vibes?">>
<<nm $phXavier "If you have a little while, I wouldn't mind the company. I think I owe our dear officer a little for her sharp eyes. After all, she's the reason you caught me in the first place, wasn't she?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Hey! I thought we squared that away!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, we did, dear fishwife. Very nearly. I still think I'm owed a //little// though. What do you think, sapling? Care to collect with me?">>
Xun had a mischievous expression on her face, and Petra was looking between the two of you uncertainly. You couldn't help but notice there wasn't a lot of water in this clearing, and you knew who was a little stronger above ground. It promised to be something to see.
However, it would probably take time to see it. You didn't think Xun was one to leave things half accomplished. You still had a few items on your checklist for the day, and if you didn't hop to them, you doubted you'd make much of a dent in the work.
Oh, the burdens of command!
@@.choice;
[[Square The Account|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 11>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Elysium2')>><<nm $phPetra "Your scales are //gorgeous//! Especially at your size, they're like little mirrors!">>
<<nm $phSelene "No way. I way prefer yours. They all but change color in the sun! Mine don't do anything like that.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Only when they're wet! When things dry out, they get ugly and there's always grit underneath the overlap.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! I totally know how to handle that. There's a cream that- Hmm, but I don't know if it's waterproof. I suppose that would be more of a problem for you.">>
The voices weren't very loud, but your ears were sharp. You smiled and changed directions, heading directly into a pack of dense bushes. The branches gave way easily for you, but you had a feeling that any human who tried to blaze the same trail would have had a much tougher time, if you were right about what was behind the greenery.
You were. Selene was stretched out beside the river that cut through the center of the park. She was so tall from tail-tip to head that she very nearly took up a bank all by herself. Inside the water, Petra was also turned over onto her back with her arms pumping lazily to keep herself in place. It seemed the ladies were comparing 'assets'.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I think you're both beautiful.">>
<<nm $phSelene "$pMs $phYou.firstname!">>
Selene sat up sharply, a motion that brought her more or less to your eye level. Petra giggled righted herself, before drifting to the shore and resting her elbows up on the riverbank.
<<nm $phPetra "Enjoying some sun, captain. It's really nice to talk to someone who understands a few things about alternative locomotion below the waist. We were just saying I ought to visit Oregon.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure Matron Ira would love you, just like everyone else does. Am I interrupting?">>
The two women exchanged a look. A little too quickly, Selene shook her head. You were sure a bit of red entered into her cheeks.
<<nm $phSelene "No, not at all! We'd like your company...that is, if you have time for it?">>
'Company' could mean a lot of things, but with your employees (and the way Petra was grinning at you) you could only think of one. That just left the question.
Spare the time, or back to work?
@@.choice;
[[Spare The Time|ElysiumWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 11]]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Just Tend The Garden|Elysium][$phGoodbye to 'ElysiumWait']]@@<<if $phXavier.post_talk is 2>><<set $phXavierQ1 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ2 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ3 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ4 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ5 to 0>><<set $phXavierQ6 to 0>>
<<nm $phYou "Just here to talk, for right now.">>
One of Xavier's dark eyebrows arched up as he looked at you. After a moment he shrugged a shoulder underneath his silken shirt and retrieved his drink again.
<<nm $phXavier "Most people come to nightclubs so they don't //have// to talk. But fine; ask. I suppose we didn't have much time to, when I was mortal. I //do// have a dinner date waiting on me, so don't expect my entire life story.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, I won't.">><</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 3>><<set $phXavierQ1 to 1>>
You asked Xavier how he feels about his new 'unlife', and the transition from barely living to enthusiastically dead. He snorted in response.
<<nm $phXavier "It's not what I expected -- but I couldn't tell you exactly //what// I expected. Bela Lugosi, I guess: a bad Hungarian accent, a cape, I don't know. I thought... I thought I'd //feel// dead. Cold. Flat, somehow. Empty. People talked up death to me a lot when I was sick, about how it wasn't an end, it was a change, but, you know, people who say that still aren't out there jumping in front of cars to get a first-hand view of the experience. Death is bad; everyone knows that. No one wants to die.<br /><br />But... in some ways, I feel like I'm //more// alive than ever. I don't have a heartbeat, but I still feel like my blood races; I don't have to breathe, but I still feel like things take my breath away. I don't have to worry about getting sick, getting tired, headaches, a sore back, none of it. I can just //live//, and... I didn't expect that. It's fantastic. I'm not saying if I had it over again that I would be like, 'Hey, $phYou.firstname, vamp me up', but...it's a fuck lot better than the alternative.">>
<<nm $phYou "I can't tell if that means you regret it, or if you don't.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Regret it? Hell no. I don't know how to say it best, but dying has finally let me live. I have years in front of me to do all the things I ever wanted to do, instead of three months to try to half-ass something worth having. I'll miss going outside and seeing the sun, but you've built this amazing microcosm universe. I don't have to stay holed up in a graveyard -- or a nightclub. I can go out and hit the casino, play video games in the Computer Cafe... as long as the sun is down, my possibilities are limitless. And I //like// that. Life held me back far too long. Death is the better deal.">>
Well, that did sound pretty promising. You weren't going to trade //you// life for an unlife any time soon -- you liked living and your life quite a lot right now -- but at least for Xavier it seems your gamble paid off. He really did sound happier now.<</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 4>><<set $phXavierQ2 to 1>>
You asked Xavier about how the club was doing, and how he liked running it. The vampire reached up and ran his thumb and forefinger along his short goatee as his eyes scanned over the crowd, then motioned out to the swath of tight black leather and barely-there skirts.
<<nm $phXavier "It's amazing. I never had the chance to do anything like this before. It was intimidating... for about an hour, but now this feels like home. There's something about the energy, the throb, the musk, the heat. The //life// of it all. All //my// life, I lacked that; I didn't have any control over my circumstances. Now, I snap my fingers, and people jump. I smile at them, and their mouth goes dry.">>
<<nm $phYou "You like being the boss, huh?">>
<<nm $phXavier "The boss of here, yes. Don't worry, $phYou.firstname; I don't want to run your empire. I'm perfectly happy having my shadowy little corner of it, and making sure people can let out their dark sides... in a safe-ish environment, of course.">>
You snorted. You knew the tower wouldn't let anything truly bad happen to anyone; it gave people what they wanted, or what they thought they deserved. But people //did// like the illusion of danger and the thrill of 'what if'. It was the same drive that made haunted houses, roller coasters, and horror movies so popular: the opportunity to be afraid, either of someone else or of your own secret self.
<<nm $phYou "And what about the club itself? How's it going? Is there anything we need to work on?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Fantastic. The workers -- the simulacra? -- never makes mistakes, and never have to be told twice. The liquor is top-shelf, the lighting and decor is perfect. And the dungeon! I never realized how many types of kink and bondage equipment existed... and I've had plenty of volunteers to help me learn what they're all for. Of course, if you want some hands-on demonstration...">>
Xavier flashed you a fanged smile that promised hands weren't the only things that might be on you (or in you) should you accept the invitation.
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['level'] lt 2>><<nm $phXavier "As far as improvements... mmm, not that I can think of at the moment. I'll keep an ear out for any murmurs from the clientele, and see if I can think of anything that might stoke Inferno's flames a little higher. For now, though, I think everything is fine.">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "The night life keeps getting hotter. The last time you upgraded the place, we got a whole new dance floor and music list. I haven't had any complaints. Half the time the clothes are off before they've been here an hour!">><</if>>
You nodded, and saw Xavier smirk as your attention was momentarily distracted by two //very// attractive women walking arm-in-arm past the bar and towards the dungeon, in dresses so tight they might as well have been painted on. You did a double-take as your gaze trailed after them, drifting down to one firm, shapely rear... and realized no dress was THAT tight. It really //was// painted on -- with exquisite skill, and who knew how many hours. She was strolling around naked, with only the illusion of clothes. Xavier raised his glass in salute to you.
<<nm $phXavier "Welcome to Inferno, $phXavier.address. It isn't Heaven, but it's close enough.">><</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 5>><<set $phXavierQ3 to 1>>
You asked Xavier about his cancer, and how it affected someone so young and in seeming good health. His yellow eyes shifted away from you after you asked, and for a moment you were worried perhaps you'd asked something still too raw.
<<nm $phXavier "AML's early symptoms are easy to miss, and we missed them. I felt tired, I lost my appetite, lost some weight. I kept catching colds and just ached, all the time. But I was eighteen; I was an athlete. Not a very good one, but.. when you're a kid, and you think you're sick, you think 'oh, I have the flu', not, 'oh, I have cancer'.<br /><br />I was twenty when it was finally bad enough that I couldn't really even function, and my parents fronted me the money to go to a specialist. My insurance was pretty shit -- like I said, I was a kid, I didn't know how co-pays and in-network or out-of-network worked. I learned real quick over the next few years, though. My first diagnosis was just 'leukemia', and I had a pretty good prognosis, really. I had to take some really aggressive chemotherapy, which made me feel //worse// than the cancer did, but... I went into remission at 21, and I thought I was free and clear.">>
You nodded as you listened. It was a heavy discussion for a nightclub, but the throbbing music and dark atmosphere seemed somehow appropriate to a grim topic.
<<nm $phYou "I'm guessing you weren't.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I was -- for a while. But when the treatment is almost as bad as the disease, and you're sick for so long... I was so used to feeling //bad// that I didn't think anything of it when I started getting tired again, having shortness of breath again. I had good days and bad days, and I just thought I was having a lot of bad days. I blamed pulling all-nighters and living off energy drinks and junk food. The idea of the cancer coming back crossed my mind for maybe two seconds before I wrote it off again. I was almost in denial, like if I //thought// about cancer, then it //would// come back.">>
<<nm $phYou "...and it did.">>
His dreadlocks swayed as he nodded.
<<nm $phXavier "And it did. I started getting chest pains and a weird rash on my face a few years later; finally bit the bullet and went to the doctor. They found the leukemia had relapsed, much more aggressively -- like, 'six months to live' level of aggressive. I'd developed a cardiac myeloid sarcoma -- a heart tumor -- in the right side of my heart, and it wasn't operable. They said I could do chemo again, or localized radiotherapy, but that it would slow it down, not stop it. Even //with// chemo, I'd have maybe six to eight months, and I'd feel like shit the whole time, doing weekly treatment sessions, go home, throw up, lay on the couch until the next week, do it over again. If I skipped the chemo, I'd be... well, relatively okay, for a few months, before a steep decline. Die in three months instead of six, but feel human for two of them.">>
He snorted as he said the phrase 'feel human', and you couldn't help but think he held a level of resentment for his former mortal self. It sounded like he'd been sick most of his life, or most of his adult life. Being human had been an exercise in suffering and sickness. As a vampire, he was already dead -- and paradoxically, could never die. Cancer couldn't touch him anymore.
<<nm $phXavier "So I chose the latter: a short life, but one where I could get out of bed and //do// something with the months I had left. I prayed I'd just have energy enough, for long enough, to make some sort of impact before I died.">>
There was a tone of finality in his last sentence; fittingly, considering he //was// dead now. Although, as both of you had discovered, he was enjoying 'life' more //now// than ever before.<</if>><<if $phXavier.post_talk is 6>><<set $phXavierQ4 to 1>>
You asked what inspired Xavier to become a journalist, and what inspired him to try to do a story on Paradise. He chuckled and sipped his Bloody Mary before leaning on his elbow and fixing you with his stare.
<<nm $phXavier "I wanted to go to college, but my health ruled that out. During the bad years I couldn't walk to the end of the street without stopping to catch my breath a few times, and getting out of bed was my workout for the day. Reading didn't require any real effort; neither did watching TV. I read enough books to put a librarian to shame, and I watched the news three times a day: morning, noon, and night. I realized how powerful the media is, and how it shapes your worldview; how outlets could report on the same exact story, but spin it completely differently by what facts they included, or how they phrased the headline. I got interested in spindoctors, war journalism, and how the news cycle records history... or fabricates it. Propaganda is a type of news, you know.<br /><br />So, yeah. I read Orwell's '1984', and kept hearing about 'fake news' and 'yellow journalism'. It all made me realize how //important// journalism -- investigative journalism -- really is. That's why I wanted to become a journalist: to discover the truth about things. The facts underneath the spin, the real story hidden behind opinion pieces. Facts and the truth don't change, no matter how you try to hide them, and that truth needs to be brought to light, no matter how uncomfortable it is.">>
<<nm $phYou "...that sounds like your diagnosis might have had just a little bit of influence there.">>
He laughed and nodded, the corner of his lips twisting up in a dark smirk.
<<nm $phXavier "Maybe a little. But yeah: grand plans. The only problem was that I didn't have a degree, and I didn't have any work experience, so I had zero leverage to get a //good// job. I ended up being an entry-level gopher for a third tier newspaper, and writing articles about the local high school's baking competition and shit like that.">>
<<nm $phYou "What got your eye on Paradise Inc?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Something just didn't add up. It did at first, of course: foreign investor buys local property, invests in a big shopping mall, a triumph of commercialism and capitalism. But the more I looked, the more it felt off. I kept finding circular references: one article that referenced another, that referenced the first. Interviews and quotes and plans that didn't go anywhere. Everything eventually led to a dead-end where the person had retired, or left the company; records that had been misfiled and couldn't be found. Just strange things like that. I visited a few times and everything seemed so... polished and top-notch.<br /><br />And //fuck// if people weren't horny; that's what tuned me into the human trafficking angle. Every place I went seemed to have this underlying vibe of a happy ending, and out of the corner of my eye I'd see people give a cashier's ass a squeeze, or slip into the fitting room with the saleswoman. People watching porn way too openly in the computer lab, for example.<<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] ==1>> People trying to be quiet while they were getting off in the gym showers.<</if>>I camped outside a few nights in my car, and never saw any of the employees leave. So: sex slaves.">>
You had to admit Xavier made a hell of a journalist. You knew that the tower did a lot of smudging and fuzzing around the lines to make sure that the inconsistencies stayed overlooked by most people, but apparently Xavier hadn't been as susceptible as most, or he'd just paid enough attention for all the little things to finally add up. If that was any clue as to his investigative skills, you were very glad he was on your side now.
<<nm $phYou "I guess I can assume you won't be breaking the story about <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> and her vampire lord any time soon?">>
You were teasing, and he knew it. A broad grin parted his lips, exposing the tips of his strong white fangs.
<<nm $phXavier "Not as long as I get a few sex slaves of my own, no. I have a lot of missed life to make up for.">><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phXavierQ1 is 0>>
<br />[[Ask How Xavier's Adjusting|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 3]]<</if>>
<<if $phXavierQ2 is 0>><br />[[Ask About Inferno|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 4]]<</if>>
<<if $phXavierQ3 is 0>><br />[[Ask About His Illness|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 5]]<</if>>
<<if $phXavierQ4 is 0>><br />[[Ask About Being a Journalist|XavierInfernoTalk][$phXavier.post_talk to 6]]<</if>><</nobr>>
[[Enough Talk - Try Out the Dungeon Instead|VampireSex]]
[[Your Curiosity is Satisfied|Inferno][$phXavier.goodbye to 'xaviertalk']]@@<<if $phXavierQ1 is 1>><<set $phXavierQ1 to 2>>You asked how Xun was adjusting since the transformation. The green woman chuckled and shook her head. You noticed every time she laughed a breeze picked up that swirled her hair somewhat. You had no idea where the breeze was coming //from// but it was hardly the strangest thing going on in the tower.
<<nm $phXavier "Adjusting? I'm not sure that's the word. I was adjusted the moment things finished. Now I've just been sort of taking inventory of what those adjustments were.">>
<<nm $phYou "And? What has your inventory come up with?">>
She thought about it for a few seconds, the dying wind continuing to play with the tips of her hair. She put both hands on her knee and frowned.
<<nm $phXavier "...My illness and impending death had colored my life for the last few months. Now it's not. Now I do things and I know they're good, but if I stop to think about it I don't understand why. It's like having a whole new set of instincts. People don't give instincts enough credit, but a whole different group of them is an experience.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll bet. How long did you live with it? The cancer, I mean?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I was eighteen when we found it the first time. You aren't ready to get that kind of news at that age. When you're tired, that's not even on the list of reasons why, until it never gets better. Started the treatments when I could cage the money together...and that was almost worse. Went into remission officially a couple of weeks before I could legally drink. I may have broken the rules that night.">>
You laughed and Xun smiled at you. You noticed that, despite the change to the rest of her, her smile was still bright and white. It warmed her expression, and seemed to ease the tensions from her face.
<<nm $phXavier "Now...it's just like that, only strong. I'm not just free of the illness. I'm free of it all. I can //feel// the life in here, $phYou.firstname. Like it's happening to me. It's an energy that's hard not to get swept up in...and I can't think of any reason I wouldn't //want// to be swept up. I'm alive, and more than that I know what the word means for the first time. You don't have to worry about me.">>
Her grin turned impish as she looked over her shoulder at you.
<<nm $phXavier "...And yes, I like the tits. Don't worry.">>
She reached out and squeezed your knee, and you felt strangely like you were the one being comforted. Perhaps you were. What Xun was you might never fully comprehend.
But it would be fun to try.
<</if>><<if $phXavierQ2 is 1>><<set $phXavierQ2 to 2>>You asked Xun what she thought of Elysium. She looked a little surprised at the question, sweeping her gaze from one corner of the park to the other. Then, she gave a soft, contented sigh.
<<nm $phXavier "It's wonderful. The world is so fast, and there are so many who don't even realize the pace they're keeping up. Who have never been alone long enough to sort out their thoughts. This place is sort of all of that in a concentrated dose. We get a lot of repeat visitors. They think there's something in this place that helps them gain perspective.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I don't remember that in the build auras, but Mason is always tweaking things to--">>
Xun held up her hand to cut you off with a laugh. It was a soft, quiet laugh, but it held a deep sentiment. It seemed somehow older than she was, even if one ignored that //she// hadn't been around for a year yet.
<<nm $phXavier "It's no magic of that sort, sapling. It's about connection. When a human steps into this place, they are connected -- to everything. To the grass, the flowers, the trees, the sun... To each other. They feed their worries, fears, and confusions out into the world, and it filters right back into them from the outside. Half the time, the solution is coming from them just like the problem is. People are always better at solving other people's problems rather than their own.">>
You considered that for a moment. You had to admit it was often easier to see the truth when one didn't have a dog in the race. Could the park truly let people achieve that feeling for their //own// issues?
If so, this might be a far more popular spot than even you had expected.
<<nm $phYou "Anything I can do to make it better?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Perhaps in time. Give me a while to settle in, and I will see where there are problems. When I find any, I shall let you know. I am sure we can find those solutions too.">>
No doubt.
<</if>><<if $phXavierQ3 is 1>><<set $phXavierQ3 to 2>>You asked Xun if she remembered why she had gotten into journalism. The green woman blinked and seemed momentarily taken aback, her eyes going distant as she clearly searched through her memory. When she spoke, her voice was soft.
<<nm $phXavier "Had hoped to go to college, but the medical issues pretty much ruled that out. Couldn't really be active most days, but I didn't //need// to be to read, or to watch TV. I got bored with the entertainment pretty fast, and became a bit of a news junkie. Most people find one source they like and hook onto it, but I had too much time on my hands. I bounced around...and realized just how much influence presentation wields. I wanted to know the truth. I wanted to be out there, seeing it for myself.<br><br>Of course, no college degree, no work experience, and no certainty of a future didn't make me a real inviting prospect. Ended up at third-rate rags writing special interest stories no one cared about, or gossip columns no one //should// care about. Wasn't exactly the hard-hitting columnist dream I'd cultivated. Then I got the new diagnosis, and I knew I didn't have the time to ease into things the normal way. If I was going to write a story, it might well be my only one.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's when you turned to Paradise Inc? What tipped you off?">>
She smiled a brilliant smile and winked in your direction, leaning back on the stump. You noticed there was a bright purple flower growing out of a crack in the wood, and she played with it absently as she spoke.
<<nm $phXavier "Worried you're going to have a whole string of people like me? I wouldn't be. Your people do good work. The record of the permits all exist, even if the specific ones sometimes seem to be 'lost in the system'. The things that didn't add up were pretty subtle. Reporters that I //know// wouldn't be caught dead writing a positive story about some mall reopening, were gushing about Paradise in their columns. The fact no one had heard of the place two years ago, and the local bureaucrats aren't known for moving quickly. That sort of thing. <br><br>Once I decided to look into the place myself, it got more interesting. Everyone was //thirsty// here, for one thing. I kept seeing people grabbing cashier's asses, or slipping into the backroom with other customers. That's what got me thinking maybe there was a sex ring involved. I kept being in the right place at the right time to see little things popping up. I guess it was luck more than anything.">>
You weren't so sure. The tower wanted everyone to find what they desired, and the people with the strongest desires it paid the most attention to. Xavier had desperately wanted a story...so it made sure he found one.
You'd have to have a long talk with Mason later about exactly what desires it ought to be granting.
<<nm $phXavier "I'll miss it, a little. But not that much. I wanted to know, and I do. Now it's time to put that knowledge to use. I'll be helping people to know what I know. And that is a very good thing.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad. We're happy to have you, Xun. Welcome home, okay?">>
She flashed you a bright smile, plucking the flower from the tree stump and reaching out to tuck it behind your ear. Then she laughed and leaned back on the stump again.
<<nm $phXavier "Anything else you need? It takes me a second to remember my old life, but I'll always answer for you.">>
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phXavierQ1 is 0>>[[Ask How Xun Is Adjusting|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phXavierQ2 is 0>>[[Ask About Elysium|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phXavierQ3 is 0>>[[Ask About Journalism|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Explore The Cross-Pollination Idea|DryadSex]]
[[Back To Work|Elysium][$phGoodbye to 'XunTalk']]@@<<if $phXavier.sex is 0>><<nm $phYou "Oh really? You've not hit your first birthday as a woman and you can guess what I want?">>
Xun's smile was warm, but you could feel a hint of uncertainty in it. You didn't blame her. Lazren had given you a new body, and you were //still// trying to learn everything about it. Xun had had far less time than you to adjust.
On the other hand, you remember just how //new// everything had been during those early days. How sensitive everything had seemed. There were some advantages to the experience.
<<nm $phXavier "It is not difficult to guess. And I guess that there's a little-- Oh!">>
You didn't wait for her to finish. You took her by the wrist and pulled her into your lap, allowing her to feel the increased strength you had. She was lighter than you expected, almost etheral, and she all but flew through the short space between you. Her shapely, bare rear pressed down against your hips.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your hips, and something else that was very pleased to meet that warm, supple flesh. <</if>>You wrapped your arms around her, splaying one hand out over her belly while the other teased upward. She inhaled sharply, and her breast swelled out against your palm. You ran your index finger lightly across the nipple and felt her jump in her new seat.
<<nm $phYou "I bet this feels different, doesn't it? Can you feel the flush coming over you? Not quite so focused, is it? But you //do// feel something down there, don't you Xun? Are you starting to get wet?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh yes... I feel it... I feel //wet//.">>
You chuckled in your ear and let the hand on her belly work its way down to slip between her legs. She jumped as though you had shocked her when your fingers brushed against the hidden slit. She //was// wet, already ready for you as you rolled the tips of your fingers around the outline of her, and across the sensitive pearl at the apex of her womanhood.
You arched her body back against you. Her fingers dug in against the material of your pants and her body couldn't seem to stop moving against your front. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Every motion stroked her ass across the front of your pants, and it was all you could do to stop from joining into her moans.
No, you had more fun ideas than //that//. You stroked her for a few more seconds, until you couldn't take the sensation against your cock any longer. Then you reached up with your free hand and took hold of the back of her neck. Her questioning gaze flicked back at you over her shoulder as you bent her forward, off of your lap, onto all fours on the grass. <<else>>Every motion ground her pussy against your fingers and her ass against your crotch, and it was all you could do to stop from joining her moans.
No, you had more fun ideas than //that//. You stroked her a few more seconds, until the temptation was just too much. Then you reached up with your free hand and took hold of the back of her neck. Her questioning gaze flicked back at you over her shoulder as you bent her forward, off of your lap, onto all fours on the grass.<</if>>
That was okay. @@.choice;[[You Would Help Her Understand|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 1>>Xun hit all fours in the grass, her rounded rear exposed beautifully. She began to rise, but you put a hand on the small of her back and encouraged her to remain where she was.
<<nm $phYou "It's okay. You're just fine that way. You are a wondrous offering, Xun. Don't you ever forget that. You're gorgeous.">>
The green-skinned woman's cheeks gained a dark flush, and she didn't seem to know how to respond. You were cheating, of course. 'Gorgeous' wasn't a thing her old body had likely ever been described as -- nor had the old Xavier ever likely felt this exposed.
<<nm $phXavier "If you say so, $phYou.firstname. I shall be guided by yooouuu!">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Her words extended at the end as you slipped a hand around her backside, again curling your fingers at her sex. You were firmer this time, pressing against her and letting her feel your eagerness and arousal. She spread her stance on pure instinct, looking over the shoulder at you...
...and saw the exact moment you unzipped your pants, and caught your throbbing erection with your free hand. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes flicked up to yours, and she realized just what side of the equation she was now on.
<<nm $phYou "Do you want this, Xun? I know your body is ready for it, but do //you// want it? Do you want to feel what it's like to be filled? Do you want to scream my name as you cum?">>
As you spoke, you tilted your hips and ran your cock across the curve of her backside, and the cleft of her cheeks. She made a soft noise of protest as you brushed the head of your shaft across the rosebud of her ass, but you dragged it down lower, allowing it to press between her thighs.
The wet heat of her pressed against the top of your cock, and you felt her tense. The dryad wet her lips, but her hands were already making fists in the loamy dirt. You knew what she would say before she said it.
<<nm $phXavier "Please...Please show me. I want to feel it.">>
You nodded, once, and ran a hand down along her spine before taking hold of both her hips. You positioned yourself carefully, pulling back and feeling the petals of her sex spreading as you angled the head of your shaft up.
You gave her a few seconds as you listened to her eager, anticipatory pants.
Then you @@.choice;[[Pushed In|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 2]]@@<<else>>Her words extended at the end as you slipped a hand around her backside, again curling your fingers at her sex. You were firmer this time, pressing against her so she could feel the heat and weight of your body against hers. She spread her stance on pure instinct, looking over the shoulder at you. Her dark malachite lip was caught between her teeth, and she stiffened as she felt your fingertips begin to press into her sex. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes flicked up to yours, and she realized just what side of the equation she was now on.
<<nm $phYou "Do you want this, Xun? I know your body is ready for it, but do //you// want it? Do you want to feel what it's like to be filled? Do you want to scream my name as you cum?">>
As you spoke, you feathered your fingertips through her wetness, stroking a long and light path through her velvet lips and up to the cleft of her cheeks. She made a soft noise of protest as you brushed your fingers over the rosebud of her ass. You returned them to more 'traditional' territory, tracing a path up one side of her slit and then returning down the other.
The dryad wet her lips, but her hands were already making fists in the loamy dirt. You knew what she would say before she said it.
<<nm $phXavier "Please...Please show me. I want to feel it.">>
You nodded, once, and ran a hand down along her spine before spreading her lips open and easing two fingertips just a millimeter inside her womanhood. You gave her a few seconds as you listened to her eager, anticipatory pants.
Then you @@.choice;[[Pushed In|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 2>>You weren't sure what to expect as you pushed inside of her. Xun was not a human, but a dryad, and you weren't certain how much how her body mimicked a human woman other than the form. You need not have worried. The only hint of her nature was just how slick she was, even though her sex squeezed tight around your <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>cock<<else>>fingers<</if>>.
Soon enough, you were giving it to her in steady rhythm. You didn't go too quickly, allowing her some time to adjust, but before long <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>your hips slapped smoothly against the curve of her ass.<<else>>she instinctively angled herself back and pushed into every thrust of your fingertips.<</if>> It was strange. Her body was //solid//, with an abundance of lovely flesh for you to grab and knead and stroke your hands over. Yet, as you thrust <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>against<<else>>info<</if>> her, she was so light that every impact jostled her forward a few inches, and you had to keep <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>dragging her back to you by the hips<<else>>your free hand on her shoulder to anchor her<</if>>.
//She// didn't seem to mind at all. Her voice tremored with every <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>impact against her backside<<else>>spearing thrust of your hand<</if>>, but all she did was roll her head and moan in sheer delight. You wound your <<if $phYou.form =='female'>>free <</if>>hand through her thick green hair, tugging her head back a little, but you eased when her whimpering turned from pleasure to uncertainty. Message received.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phYou "You're gushing, my Xun. What do you think? Is my cock good inside you?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "You're gushing, my Xun. What do you think? Do you like being a woman?">><</if>>
<<nm $phXavier "Yes! Ooooh, yes! It's good!">>
Her words didn't rush and tumble together, as many of your partners had. Rather, the sound seemed to elongate with her pleasure, and she very nearly slurred the words. You smiled and picked up the pace a little more, enjoying as her moans grew even longer and slower.
You didn't actually realize that your tail had curled down around the dryad's body until the spade tip pressed firmly against once of the green woman's bouncing nipples. Xun gasped and thrust her chest forward, looking down at the coiled appendage in some surprise.
<<nm $phXavier "What's this? Ooh...mmm...I didn't know it was quite so...frisky.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sorry. Still getting a handle on how to controoo--">>
It took a lot to draw that kind of reaction out of you. Since Lazren had taken you in hand, you had seen and heard a lot. You had also hardly been chaste.
But as it turned out, when your dryad lover casually popped the tip of your tail between her lips and suckled lovingly at it while you fucked her...@@.choice;[[You Reacted!|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 3>>Xun's lips closed around the spade tip of your tail, and you nearly came right there. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>It wasn't //quite// as sensitive as the cock you were still drilling the woman hard with, but it was far closer than it should have been. <</if>>Xun's tongue swirled around the tip, and you felt your toes curl. You struggled not to press your //tail// into her and fuck her throat.
You weren't holding back any more. Your <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>hips pistoned hard against her backside<<else>>long digits pistoned into her cunt<</if>>, and each impact continued to move her forward until finally, frustrated, you shifted yourself atop her and used the weight of your body to pin her to the earth. Now you could fuck her properly.
Xun's moan was muffled, but the sentiment was clear enough. With her front pressed against the ground she raised both hands, stroking them up and down your tail with urgent need.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>That was too much. You bit your lower lip and buried yourself deep inside the dryad, your hands tight against her hips as you came. She cried out against your tail as your hot seed rushed into her. She thrashed against the ground, kicking up little divots of dirt. Helpless beneath your weight, she could do nothing but cry out until, at last, you were spent.<<else>>That was too much. You bit your lower lip and slammed your fingers into her up to your knuckles as your own pussy clenched in powerful climax. She cried out against your tail as you curled and stroked inside of her, claiming her as deeply and thoroughly as any man could. She thrashed against the ground, kicking up little divots of dirt. Helpless beneath your weight, she could nothing but cry out until, at last, both of you were spent.<</if>>
You rolled off her, breathing hard and fast. Xun lay there for a moment, then tentatively shifted herself sideways against you, curling one hand over your chest and laying her head on your shoulder. You wrapped your arm around her and laughed.
<<nm $phYou "Everything you hoped?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I think it's safe to say my hopes were fulfilled.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good... Next time, I'll have to show you a few more things.">>
Xun chuckled against your shoulder and tilted her head up to look you in the face, her jade gaze inscrutable. Then she winked.
<<nm $phXavier "Next time? I think you'll find I'm a quick learner, $phYou.firstname.">>
Then the green-skinned woman shifted down your body, dragging her lips across your chest and belly before passing between your legs. You gave a low groan and lifted your hips eagerly, your hands digging into the rich earth.
@@.choice;[[Quick Learner Indeed!|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 4>><<nm $phYou "I think you might have to grow a few more hedges on this island. Or maybe plant a row of smaller trees.">>
It was quite a bit later, and you were buttoning your shirt back up. Xun, who didn't need to redress, picked up your jacket and helpfully dusted off the material before holding it open for you. You stepped in obligingly, feeling the familiar material settle over your shoulders.
<<nm $phXavier "I do? Why's that?">>
<<nm $phYou "We are aiming for 'family-friendly' in the park, you know. The exact center of the place isn't the most inconspicuous spot. We're lucky we didn't get seen as it is.">>
Xun gave a merry, delighted laugh and reached over to take your cheek. She drew you down into a gentle kiss before reaching around you to settle your tie back into place.
<<nm $phXavier "You're a //prude//. A prudish <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>succubus<<else>>incubus<</if>>. I can't believe it. The tower will make sure no one sees us who wouldn't enjoy it. And if they enjoy it, then I enjoy it.">>
She smoothed your shirt and then stepped back. You nodded and turned to face her again...and found her gone, disappeared back into the trunk of the oak tree.
You gave a theatrical sigh, rolled your eyes, and drummed your knuckles on the tree trunk. Then you turned back toward the bridge, pausing only to admire the divots in the dirt. Hands, knees, and two round depressions where Xun's chest had pressed down into the dirt and grass. Beautiful.
Then you walked away. For some strange reason, you were in a @@.choice;[[Wonderful Mood!|Elysium]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 0>>Xun leaned in and pressed her lips to yours. She had an odd but pleasant taste; after a moment, you realized it was strawberry. Not the artificial mixture of a flavored lipstick, but real, true strawberry. She pulled back and smirked at you, reading your surprised expression like a book.
<<nm $phXavier "I think we all deserve a little taste of nature from time to time, don't you?">>
You laughed and leaned in again for another kiss, running your hand up from her knee to her bare hip. She allowed the kiss, but soon put a hand flat on your chest and gently pushed you back.
<<nm $phXavier "Mmm. No, I don't think that's the way. I'm getting far more //interesting// ideas about exploration.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What exactly are we exploring?">>
Xun smiled again, enigmatically. The pressure on your chest continued, pushing you back gently until you stood up from the tree stump. Xun moved with you, rising up to her feet and looking you up and down. You saw the green of your gemstone flash in her eyes.
<<nm $phXavier "You.">>
You cocked your head, and the confusion must have been evident on your face. The dryad laughed with delight and swept in, planting a third kiss on your lips. This one lingered, light and soft with none of the force of the first, and you leaned eagerly into the touch.
The brush against your leg was subtle at first, and you kicked automatically against whatever burr or bit of grass was tickling against your feet. The second time it came and you kicked, you found your foot halted in mid-motion. You looked down.
The vines were small and green, curled around your shoes and ankles. You would have thought they were simply part of the long grass, except that they were //still// curling up your leg. And the vines were getting thicker. And there were more of them by the second.
You looked up into Xun's face, and found her beaming widely at you, her smile showing far too many teeth.
@@.choice;
[[Yikes!|DryadSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 1>>The green vines grew rapidly up your legs; the tips circled like feelers as they spiraled up your knees and thighs. The pressure was firm and growing, but the grip was fairly loose. When you tried to lift your foot, however, you found the vines pulled you back down and curled all the faster.
<<nm $phYou "Xun!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, don't worry. I just want you to be very safe and...//secure//.">>
When the vines reached your upper thigh, they stopped winding around your legs and instead darted across the short space to your other leg, weaving a complicated cat's cradle of linking threads. You watched with fascination...at least until the threads all suddenly pulled //tight// and slammed your legs together. Surprised, you tottered and began to fall, your arms windmilling in vain.
You didn't hit the ground. Before you could, you felt pressure latch around both your wrists, catching you and pulling you up short. You looked up, and gasped as you saw more bright green tendrils reaching down from the branches of the oak above. And now that they'd caught you, they began to coil downward just as their southern brethren had done.
<<nm $phXavier "Tell me, sapling. How familiar are you with the art of shibari? No matter, you're going to become //intimately// familiar with it in a moment.">>
The vines were everywhere now. They curled around your midsection and chest, wound around your shoulders, and attached you securely to the oak so that you were held upright without actually needing to balance on your own two feet. Another kaleidoscope of interlocking vines snaked above you, and as you watched some of them loosened while other pulled tight. The pressure drew your arms back until your hands were pressed together at the small of your back. A trio of thinner threads wound around your head, and you made a muffled noise of instinctive protest, only to find you had been effectively gagged.
Then they stopped.
Xun took stock for a moment as she strode in a slow circle around you and admired her handiwork. You had to admit, it was impressive. In less than a minute, you had been bound as thoroughly as you had ever been. Your legs and arms were locked together, and green vines encircled your midsection, shoulders, and neck. Links between the different groupings preventing you from shifting positions more than an inch or two in any direction, and most of your weight was held securely by the bindings at your hips.
Xun smiled and extended her hand to brush her fingertips over your cheek. All you could do was lean your head slightly into her hand, looking up into her eyes. You could not even speak.
<<nm $phXavier "There we are... Now we can explore //properly//. I find it so much easier this way, don't you?">>
@@.choice;
[[Mmmmmnnnnn!|DryadSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 2>><<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>Xun ran her hand down the coiling vines across your midsection, and you let out a muffled moan as they tightened around you. There were no vines constricting your breasts, which protruded through the bindings like lewd hills, the pressure of the vines above and below so tight that your white shirt was stretched nearly transparent over them.
<<nm $phXavier "Lovely...You see, it's so hard to admire these properly when you're all covered up and so far away, but now...?">>
She cupped them, firmly, giving each mound an adoring squeeze. You arched inside your green prison as your nipples grew hard. Xun let her fingers sink into the soft flesh and stroked her thumbs over the material of your shirt. <<else>>Xun ran her hand down the coiling vines across your torso, and you let out a muffled moan as they tightened around you. The pressure was so tight that your white shirt was stretched to near transparency, and your masculine chest protruded through the wraps like small, feminine breasts.
<<nm $phXavier "You see, it's so hard to admire you properly when you're all covered up and so far away, but now...?">>
She splayed her fingers across your nipples, catching then between her digits and giving each an adoring squeeze. You arched inside your green prison as they -- and other parts -- grew hard. Xun stroked her thumbs over the material of your shirt.<</if>>
You found your breath quickening. It felt so //good//, like all of your blood and focus was being squeezed out of you into just a few bits of wonderful anatomy. Your eyes fluttered and you wriggled on reflex against your bonds, pulling at the bindings around your wrists. You felt a strange constriction as your pull tugged against connecting ropes, setting off a chain reaction of movements within the complicated web of--
<<nm $phYou "MMMMMMNNNNN!">>
You screamed against your gag. One of the rope-like vines had wound its way between your legs, and as you moved your hands the rope ground up against your body and <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your feminine sex. <<else>>wrapped as best it could around your cock<</if>>. You bucked in sheer surprise...and felt the ropes around your upper thighs tightened further. You gasped and arched...and set off another series of pulls and tugs and movements in your wrapped prison that left you panting.
<<nm $phXavier "It is nature, my sapling. We are all connected. This is no different. Nothing can move in isolation. No coil is completed alone. We are all of us one.">>
She reached out and dug her finger into a particular vine, strumming it like a guitar string. You felt your eyes nearly cross. You could //feel// the vibrations travel along the taut vines and shake others along the way, which in turn passed the thrumming energy onto yet more. You felt the slowly dying quiver run across your body in every direction at once, stroking the coiled vines against your skin.
<<nm $phXavier "I knew you would approve. You've always understood. You helped me connect...and now I can help you connect with me.">>
The dryad smiled and set her finger to the greenery. You felt the pressure on your wrists a half second before you felt yourself jerked suddenly into the air. You fell forward, and the vines seemed to reassert themselves in an instant. You were no longer upright, but hung from the oak tree perhaps five feet in the air, looking down at the ground from above. Xun was below you, her body hunched only slightly as she admiringly ran her hand down your front.
Then you heard and felt your zipper being worked down. The vines curled between your legs forced your thighs wider rather than holding them together, and you suddenly understood @@.choice;[[What She Meant By Exploring|DryadSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 3>><<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phXavier "Oh my sapling. Speaking of //growth//...">>
You almost blushed as Xun's slender fingers reached into your pants and pulled your cock free. You were already throbbing and ready -- her teasing had seen to that -- and your cock jumped between her fingers as the muscles in your belly contracted on instinct. Xun let out a coo, the way one would when seeing a small dog perform a trick, and closed her fingers around the shaft.
<<nm $phXavier "I can see that you're enjoying our exploration, sapling. That is wonderful. Just relax...I think we both know you want this.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmnn!">>
<<nm $phXavier "I couldn't have said it better myself.">>
Xun laughed and began to pump your cock with her left hand. Her motions were long and fluid, and you marveled at just how smooth the skin of her palms was. She glided over you without the need for any lubration, and you felt all the blood that had rushed to your head when you were flipped face down start to rush somewhere else.
You wanted to thrust your hips, buck your spine, or moan out your appreciation, but you were helpless. You kicked your feet, but all you managed to do was send a thrum of vibration across the vines along your back and stomach, teasing you yet further. Xun grinned upward and shifted her other hand forward to cup your <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>hanging breasts<<else>>bound chest<</if>> again, clasping and tugging lightly at one nipple through your shirt.
Fuck, that shouldn't feel so //nice//.
<<nm $phXavier "Easy, my sapling. You don't need to fight. We are all one. Your lust is my lust. Your desires are mine. You wish to find your fulfilment...and so you will.">>
The green-skinned woman leaned forward, tilted her heard up, and wrapped her lips around the tip of your shaft. You felt her tongue slide against your shaft...and then felt it coil around the length of you, just like the vines were. Wet, wonderful coils.
That's when you realized the truth. Xun wasn't using the vines. She //was// the vines. You were wrapped in her, and her touch was over almost every square inch of you. The warp and weft of the vines had not been clever construction, but Xun moving her real body against you.
No sooner had you realized this than all of the vines seemed to spring to motion at once. They vibrated hard, sending wonderful, shuddering sensation through your trapped body. They pressed and stroked against your sex and ass, encircled and squeezed every part they touched, tightened insistently against your neck, and even curled around the base of your shaft even as Xun's fingers stroked you off into her lips.
It was too much to resist.
You let out a muffled cry against your gag and felt the pleasure finally peak within you. Your body shuddered as you shot jet after jet of stick cum between Xun's lips. You saw the dryad's eyes open and her lips curl happily around your cock, but she didn't move back. As you came and came, she swallowed down every drop of your seed with an eagerness that bordered on sheer greed. <<else>>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh my sapling. What glorious nectar you have...">>
You almost blushed as Xun's slender fingers reached between your thighs and came back sticky-sweet even though she'd barely stroked your lips. You were already wet and ready -- her teasing had seen to that -- and your breath caught and your stomach clenched when another motion of her fingers bumped against your clit. Xun let out a coo, the way one would when seeing a small dog perform a trick.
<<nm $phXavier "I can see that you're enjoying our exploration, sapling. That is wonderful. Just relax...I think we both know you want this.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmnn!">>
<<nm $phXavier "I couldn't have said it better myself.">>
Xun laughed and began to rub her fingers over your slit with her left hand. Her motions were long and fluid, and you marveled at just how smooth and soft her touch was. All the blood that had rushed to your head when you were flipped face down started to rush somewhere else, and each time her fingers brushed over your sensitive nub, you twitched with a barely-surpressed groan.
You wanted to thrust your hips, buck your spine, or moan out your appreciation, but you were helpless. You kicked your feet, but all you managed to do was send a thrum of vibration across the vines along your back and stomach, teasing you yet further. Xun grinned upward and shifted her other hand forward to cup your hanging breasts again, clasping and tugging lightly at one nipple through your shirt.
Fuck, that shouldn't feel so //nice//.
<<nm $phXavier "Easy, my sapling. You don't need to fight. We are all one. Your lust is my lust. Your desires are mine. You wish to find your fulfilment...and so you will.">>
The green-skinned woman leaned forward, tilted her heard up, and wrapped her lips around your swollen clit. You felt her tongue slide against you...and then stretch further, dipping into your entrance and slipping inside. It was as long and dexterous as the vines themselves, and worked inside you with strong, undulating coils.
That's when you realized the truth. Xun wasn't using the vines. She //was// the vines. You were wrapped in her, and her touch was over almost every square inch of you. The warp and weft of the vines had not been clever construction, but Xun moving her real body against you.
No sooner had you realized this than all of the vines seemed to spring to motion at once. They vibrated hard, sending wonderful, shuddering sensation through your trapped body. They pressed and stroked against your sex and ass, encircled and squeezed every part they touched, tightened insistently against your neck, even as Xun's fingers and tongue claimed your most intimate parts.
It was too much to resist.
You let out a muffled cry against your gag and felt the pleasure finally peak within you. Your body shuddered; you saw the dryad's eyes open and her lips curl happily as a fresh surge of wetness greeted her tongue. She didn't move back. As you came and came, she lapped up every drop with an eagerness that bordered on sheer greed.<</if>>
Then you were finally spent. You hung limply in your bindings, your panted breaths hissing between the vines that gagged you. As the mass pulled away from your face and split into its component vines, you soon could breathe more easily. You felt the threads uncurl from around your body, and saw the green rising to meet you slowly as you were lowered back down to the earth. Your hands reached it before the rest of you, and your caught yourself as your body touched the soil. Within a few more seconds, you were completely free.
<<nm $phXavier "...You know, when certain civilizations had explored new lands, they would plant a flag to declare their ownership. It might be a bit of a silly concept but...mmm, I suddenly see the appeal. Would you like a flag anywhere in particular, my sapling?">>
You couldn't help it. @@.choice;[[You Laughed.|DryadSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>You ran a finger down the length of your suit jacket, pulling slightly on the ends to help work out some of the wrinkles caused by the tight, cable-like binding. It only partially worked, but it would do for now. You never questioned how all your clothes were hung up, crisp and clean, at the end of every day, but it was a detail you were suddenly grateful for.
<<nm $phYou "I admit, I'm not entirely certain all of that counts as shibari necessarily, but I'm willing to accept it until the real thing comes along.">>
Xun laughed and reached around to hug you from behind. You felt her bare chest pressing into your back as her arms squeezed around your middle. She rested her chin on your shoulder.
<<nm $phXavier "Perhaps, $phYou.firstname, you should find me a book on the subject. I'm quite certain I could find a reasonable approximation... given enough practice runs. You wouldn't mind, would you?">>
Spend encounter after encounter strung up by Xun's plant life until she mastered the art? You were not going to answer that question. At least not until you'd had enough time to settle down a little.
<<nm $phYou "...We'll see. First, though, I think we might need some substantial fences around here. Otherwise, I think we're going to get a few questions from park visitors about what we're doing.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>><<nm $phXavier "We'll just call it an art installation. //The Elevation of a Succubus//. Oh, that could be quite good.">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "We'll just call it an art installation. //The Elevation of an Incubus//. Oh, that could be quite good.">><</if>>
Her hands tightened around you, but you gently disentangled yourself and danced away from her grip. Your gemstone was still out, and you weren't sure you were //ever// going to get back to work if you let her get distracted.
<<nm $phYou "I think people visit for the 'natural' scenery, not art pieces. Thank you, Xun. That was...well, as you said, everyone deserves a little taste of nature. And apparently nature deserves a little taste back.">>
Xun smiled warmly and gave a little bow in place. Then she tilted her head back up, winked...and was suddenly gone, leaving you alone with the oak tree. You were used to it by now, and you patted the firm trunk with one hand as you turned to leave.
Perhaps you would enjoy another taste. Soon. But for now, it was back to the less natural world.
@@.choice;
[[At Least For Now|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 0>>Xavier's hand reached out; his palm turned upwards as he went to cup your chin. It never made it that far. After his transformation, you knew that giving him an inch might mean he'd take a mile, and if this was going to be a lesson in Dominance, you were damn well going to win.
Your arm lanced out, and faster than even he could react, your fingers closed around the front of his throat. Xavier's breath caught and his eyes widened; both of his hands gripped around your wrist. You knew the hold was more symbolic than functional: you couldn't choke him when he didn't //have// to breathe. But it certainly seemed to make the point, regardless.
<<nm $phYou "You might be a vampire, Xavier, but I'm from Hell itself.">>
You met his golden gaze with a solid and uncompromising $phYou.eyes stare... and lifted him off the floor. His feet twitched as he felt his toes leave the ground and his lips drew back as he bared his fangs. You kept that too-sweet, razor-sharp smile on your lips.
<<nm $phYou "When you deal with me, you do things //my// way. Are we clear on that?">>
He //did// require air to speak, and with your hand locked around his throat, all that came out was a rasp so weak you couldn't tell if it was agreement or protest. You assumed the latter - it'd be more fun that way. Your tail curled around his thigh as you continued to hold his stare, and with your free hand you used your own sharpened nails to slice the threads holding his brocade vest closed, one by one. The buttons hit the stone floor with soft metallic pings.
<<nm $phYou "Since that's a problem, we're going to have a demonstration. And you, Xavier, are going to learn your //place//.">>
Your tail continued its winding traversal up his leg, until finally the serpentine length slithered across his crotch. Xavier twitched again where you held him aloft; he managed to swallow, and his throat moved and bobbed against your palm. Inside those expensive black slacks he wore, you could feel other parts of him stir as well.
Finally, the standoff was broken.
@@.choice;
[[He Blinked.|VampireSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 1>>
You set him back on his feet with a <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>lion's<<else>>lioness's<</if>> grin, and raked your other hand down the front of his shirt. The cloth caught and shredded where your nails sliced through silk fibers, and just like that his beautiful black chest was yours to admire. There wasn't much he could do so long as you had your hand locked around his neck, and that suited you just fine.
<<nm $phYou "You might be the hottest thing around down here, but when I //want// you, I //get// you. Simple enough?">>
You loosened your grip enough to let your hand slide over his skin as you moved behind him, though you didn't let go. A small, sharp tug pulled Xavier up against your body. You breathed in; he smelled like oak and smoke and some rich, unknown oil, earthy and dark. You nuzzled between his long dreadlocks and licked the tip of your tongue against his ear.
Your other hand, fortunately for him, was much more gentle when you snapped open the fly of his trousers and dragged the zipper down. Your hand beneath his chin ensured he couldn't look down to see what you were doing -- not that it was hard to figure out. You kept his face tilted towards, towards the ceiling, pressing it further and further until he made a muffled sound of strain. It didn't take long for your to find his cock straining against your fingers, too, as you cupped the pleasant heft and gave a gentle but pointed squeeze.
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phYou "Say 'Yes, Sir'.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Say 'Yes, Ma'am'.">><</if>>
Xavier groaned. He was silent for a moment, blinking up towards the ceiling, breathing fast: the old habit of a mortal life. You could feel his taut muscles shiver, and feel his throat flex as he licked his lips and swallowed. You pushed his pants down his hips; they slid down to the ankles, and his manhood sprung out and up. When you looked down over Xavier's shoulder, you could see his mahogany shaft erect and aching for attention. You wrapped the heat of your hand around the base and slowly slid your fist up towards the head.
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phXavier "Y-Yes, Sir.">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "Y-Yes, Ma'am.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Put your hands behind your back.">>
He obeyed. Xavier's ass was pressed back against your hips, and now his wrists were pinned between your bodies as well. He stayed beautifully still as you stroked his cock with one hand. Your other still forced his chin towards heaven.
You unwound your tail from his thigh as your fingers worked up and down his length. Now that his pants were out of the way, you could use it for other things...
<<if ($phYou.form == 'male') or ($phYou.form == 'futa')>>Your hand left his throat, but Xavier had no time to appreciate the freedom before the flexible length of your extra appendage coiled around his neck. His chin immediately jerked back towards the ceiling. Now you had a hand free to unfasten your own slacks. You dragged your impressive length out into open air and let it rest, hot and heavy, in the cleft of Xavier's asscheeks.<<else>>You could tell he didn't know exactly //what// he was feeling, as you let the flexible length of your extra appendage rest, hot and heavy, in the cleft of his asscheeks. It didn't take him long to figure it out.<</if>> His body jerked in surprise, but you'd swear his cock got even harder.
Time to find out if he could @@.choice;[[Take as Good as He Gave.|VampireSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 2>><<nm $phYou "Relax. I promise you can take it.">>
You quicked the pace of your fingers as your jerked him off. His balance wobbled, and the faster your fist pistoned over his cock the more he leaned back into your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>chest<<else>>breasts<</if>> for support. You licked against his earlobe and then ran your lips down the side of his neck. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Your other hand kept his chin prisoner to your will<<else>>Your coiled tail around his throat kept him prisoner to your will<</if>> and made sure he could do nothing but be used for your pleasure. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Your cock was rock hard and throbbing.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Your pussy was dripping wet. A shudder of pleasure ran through you as you slicked the leathery spade tip of your tail through your juices to lube it up.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>Your dick was rock hard and throbbing, and underneath it, your pussy was dripping wet. You dipped your free hand between your thighs to gather some of that slickeness on to your fingers and then smeared it over the head of your cock to lube it up.<</if>>
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>You wriggled tip of your tail between his ass cheeks and soon found the dimpled entrance you sought.<<else>>You spread his cheeks apart with one hand as best you could and pressed your shaft in between them. Soon enough you found the dimpled entrance you sought.<</if>> Xavier grunted at the sensation even as his hips jerked forward as you stroked him off.
<<nm $phYou "You're going to enjoy this. Your body was made for this, after all. You might be more used to 'giving' than 'taking', but trust me: it feels great either way.">>
He hesitated, but then you felt him try to nod. You circled the head of his cock with your palm, before slowly pushing <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>the glistening tip of your tail<<else>>your own thick tip<</if>> into his ass.
<<nm $phYou "That's it. Good. Good boy, Xavier. You need this, don't you? So strong and powerful and mysterious, but sometimes what you really need is to be fucked and milked by someone stronger than you, isn't it?">>
The vampire gasped as another inch squeezed into him, and as you started working in deeper in short, purposeful thrusts. The ring of his hole was tighter than any pussy you'd ever had, but deeper inside he was soft and welcoming.
<<nm $phXavier "F-fuck. Fuck! $phYou.firstname! I- I can--">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>><<nm $phYou "You can //take// it! You're going to. You're going to cum for me with my tail up your ass because that's what I //want//, Xavier, and you do what I //want//. And because //you// want it too. You know you do!">><<else>><<nm $phYou "You can //take// it! You're going to. You're going to cum for me with my cock up your ass because that's what I //want//, Xavier, and you do what I //want//. And because //you// want it too. You know you do!">><</if>>
You growled against his neck and tightened <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your fingers<<else>>the coils of your tail<</if>> under his chin, pumping up and down his swollen shaft as you thrust into his tight backdoor with matching intensity.
He shuddered, gasping, every muscle drawing as taut and tight as iron bands, until finally you felt his hips jerk, and his body spasm.
You knew @@.choice;[[He Was About To Cum.|VampireSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 3>>Xavier's manhood pulsed in your fingers, and from over his shoulder you could see the spurt of his seed arc through the air and then splatter against the floor. His asshole clenched around your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>tail<<else>>dick<</if>>, and after a few more fevered pushes, you felt the sudden tight swell of your own climax hit. You bit down on his shoulder and pressed yourself hard against his muscular back<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>, emptying your own load inside his bowels<</if>>. Each throb of orgasm rippled through you, and it wasn't until the dizzying rush had died down that you realized you had both Xavier's shaft and his throat in a death grip...so to speak.
You let go of the former, first. Xavier was panting where you held him, his entire being trembling with the power of his release. His abdomen clenched with waves of aftershock, but he still didn't try to get away.
<<nm $phYou "See? I knew you could take it, and I knew you'd like it. There might be times I want you on top of me, but you'd best remember who's really in charge. I can do this to you //any// time I want.">>
Xavier nodded, still shuddering, as you finally let go of his throat. He dropped his chin and drew in a deep breath, and then groaned with both pain and pleasure as you pulled <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>several inches of your tail<<else>>your softening length<</if>> out of his ass. You smirked as you took it in hand and then wiped it off on his firm, round cheeks.
<<nm $phYou "I'll have $phSamantha.name order you a new shirt. Sorry if I was a little rough, but I think we've learned something about trying to mind-control your boss, haven't we?">>
The vampire nodded again, and finally managed to pull himself completely upright. For a moment you wondered whether you really //were// too rough with him, but the smirk he shot you when he looked over you shoulder made clear he was up for the challenge.
<<nm $phXavier "...there's always next time. That little gem of yours might not always be red.">>
You smirked back as <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>> you tucked your member back into your pants, zipped back up and <</if>> you let the illusion of humanity fall back over you.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. But not today.">>
You blew him a kiss and headed back into the nightclub proper. He was right; it might not be. And if you ever wanted a second round, one way or the other, you knew @@.choice;[[Just The Place.|Inferno]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<set _phInsult to 'bitch'>><<else>><<set _phInsult to 'whore'>><</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 0>>Xavier's hand reached out; his palm turned upwards as he cupped your chin.
<<nm $phXavier "I have a hunter's senses, $phYou.firstname. I can see the subtlest blush of your skin, and hear how your heartbeats quicken. I can feel the air moved by your breath. I can tell what you need, with or without that gem. Your body can't lie to me.">>
Even though his touch against your cheek was cooler than it should have been, it still ignited a heat inside you. It seemed impossible to move, impossible to object -- not that you wanted to. Your lips parted instinctively as his thumb brushed across them. The tip paused in the center of your lower lip, and Xavier smirked at your reaction.
He leaned in, and you inhaled the scent of sweetened smoke and cool earth where 'vape' mixed with 'vamp'. When his lips met yours, he tasted like copper and cold water. Goosebumps prickled to life over your arms in the wake of a rippling chill, before it blossomed into a warm metallic tang. You felt your eyelids flutter as Xavier pressed in closer. His right hand slid into your $phYou.hair hair, and his left traced its way down your flank from shoulder to hip. He murmured against your lips, the words as tactile as his touch.
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>><<nm $phXavier "I can hear every throbbing pulse of blood race to your pussy. I can smell those first precious pearls of arousal.">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "I can hear every throbbing pulse of blood as it swells your cock. I can hear the fabric strain to hold it down.">><</if>>
Your breath caught as his hand shifted to glide over your stomach, then changed directions and sank south. You had no doubt what he said was true. His touch pressed between your thighs and your legs trembled. His grin widened, showing strong white teeth in contrast to his dark lips. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>His fingers rubbed along your increasingly wet slit. You could feel your nectar starting to smear across the crotch of your cotton panties.<<else>>His fingers cupped your increasing girth. You could feel the //ache// as they followed the line of your shaft.<</if>> He maintained the small motion, each back and forth sending lightning over your nerves, as he whispered.
<<nm $phXavier "You can't hide what you want, not from me. I'm going to strip you, bind you, and fuck you until you scream. You're going to be my _phInsult.">>
Your body twitched. Your nipples had hardened into small hard pebbles, and every inch of you wanted him to follow through with his 'threat'. Xavier continued coaxing shivers of heat through your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>pussy<<else>>now-stiff member<</if>> as his other hand began leisurely unfastening each and every button of your shirt, one by one.
<<nm $phXavier "You made me... now it's time for your reward.">>
You could @@.choice;[[Hardly Wait.|VampireSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 1>><<nm $phXavier "Take hold of the cross">>
It was the last thing you'd expect a vampire to order you to do, but in this case the 'cross' was the large wooden X of a bondage station, not the more classic ecclesiastical 'T'. Rows of steel eyelets protruded from the sides. They were cold beneath your touch as you reached your arms high overhead and curled your fingers around metal and wood, pressing your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>stomach and chest<<else>>sensitive breasts<</if>> flat as you strained.
Your shirt was gone, laying in a puddle of fabric next to your legs. Your pants and underwear had followed a minute later. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>You could see the glistening smear of nectar where it'd pressed against your cunt, now slowly drying to a tell-tale white.<<else>>Your rock-hard erection pressed against the cold, glossy surface of the cross, trapped between that and the heat of your own stomach.<</if>>
Leather. Xavier guided it around your wrist and secured you in black restraints, before clipping the metal latch onto one of the cross's many loops. You pulled on your arm and felt the inch of slack instantly vanish. You could //probably// yank free, if you tried hard enough -- but you'd break something in the process. Maybe the cuff, maybe the cross... or maybe your own wrist.
Xavier had shed his shirt as well, and now pressed firmly against your bare back as he secured your other hand. His fingers followed your arms down to your shoulders, glided over them, and then began to trace the curves of your muscles down the line of your back. You arched under his touch like a cat beneath its owner's hand.
<<nm $phXavier "Spread.">>
His booted foot nudged the inside of your ankle, and you obediently spread your legs further apart like the _phInsult you were. //His// _phInsult.
<<nm $phXavier "Wider.">>
Another small kick, to your other foot. You bit your lip and tried not to squirm as you obeyed. Wider. Opening yourself up for him as he started to crouch behind you and his soft, dark hands travelled down your legs. A second pair of thick leather hobbles closed around your ankles, and the click of the snap hook made sure you'd stay spread until he was done with you.
His mouth followed the same trail his hands had as he slowly rose again. You hung your head and licked your lips as his tongue caressed the back of your knee and then began a slow ascent up your thigh. The tip curled and teased the bottom swell of your ass. His nose nestled into the crack as his thumbs pressed into your flesh. His tongue <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>dipped between your cheeks and teased your asshole<<else>>stretched forward to part your lips<</if>>. You pulled against the cuffs and gasped as sensation shot through you. His tongue kept up its slow, skilled probe, feathering around your entrance, until a slick, hot push parted you and let him slip inside. It was only an inch, if that, but it ripped a groan from your lips all the same. You couldn't move; all you could do was take it.
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phXavier "Good boy. You're going to let me have that ass any time I want it... so why don't we see how much big Black cock you can fit in there?">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>><<nm $phXavier "Good girl. You're going to give me that ass any time I want it... so why don't we see how much big Black cock you can fit in there?">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>><<nm $phXavier "Good girl. You're going to give me that pussy any time I want it... so why don't we see how much big Black cock you can fit in there?">><</if>>
//Oh God//. You pulled at the restraints again, loving and hating how it drew tight and stopped you as soon as you moved. The leather creaked around your wrists and ankles. You tried to shift away as Xavier took hold of your hips and pressed himself against your rear. You could feel the cool silk of his open fly, and the hard, hot length of his manhood rubbing against your cheeks. He kissed your shoulder as he pushed you against the wood and trapped you between a cross and a hard place. The kisses touched like fireflies, each igniting and brief, glorious glow of want before disappearing again, until he reached your ear. //That// kiss was followed by a promise.
<<nm $phXavier "This is going to hurt.">>
And then @@.choice;[[He Bit You.|VampireSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 2>>Your eyes flashed open as you felt fangs meet flesh, but there was nothing you could do. You jerked against the cross, but Xavier pushed //hard// against your back to keep you still. The long, rigid length of his fangs sank into you, parting skin and pushing deep into the hot, <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>tight<<else>>wet<</if>> pinkness within. You gasped as a brief, brilliant pain flashed through you, and you heard Xavier's low growl of hunger in response.
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Then it was over. He was inside. You could //feel// the hardness embedded in your neck, but the pain transformed into a low, throbbing ache, and each beat of your heart sent that ache racing down to your pussy. You were wet, and as the warmth of Xavier's bite spread through your veins, you could feel your honey start to trickle down your inner thigh.<<else>>Then it was over. He was inside. You could //feel// the hardness embedded in your neck, but the pain transformed into a low, throbbing ache, and each beat of your heart sent that ache racing down to your dick. You were so hard that you swore you'd leave a dent in the wood, and as the warmth of Xavier's bite spread through your veins, you felt drops of precum start to trickle down your shaft.<</if>>
Then you felt his //other// hard length. His fangs stayed buried in your neck as his hands gripped you and held you firm for penetration of another kind. With your legs shackled and spread, you couldn't have resisted even if you wanted to. The pressure of his blunt head pushed past your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>dripping lips<<else>>puckered ring<</if>>; you whimpered as you felt him started to enter you. That whimper melted into loud moan when the first inch finally sank inside. It hurt, but only for a moment. Soon the ache was a wonderful, throbbing fullness that made you feel complete.
<<nm $phYou "Oh f-fuck...">>
You felt his lips curve in a grin against your neck, but he didn't let go. You were claimed at both ends, and you were certain the thunder of your heart was giving him a lush and easy meal. He arched his hips into you, pulled back, and pushed in again. Each sawing to-and-fro motion buried his cock that much deeper <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>into your pussy<<else>>in your ass<</if>>. You groaned, straining at the cuffs. You couldn't //see// it, but Xavier certainly //felt// supernaturally enhanced in more ways than one.
He hummed a soft sound of pleasure; his fangs in your neck conducted the vibrations straight into your core. If you could have spread wider, you could have, but the bonds at your ankles prevented that, too. All you could do was stand there, just as he'd positioned you. His _phInsult, just like he'd promised.
And then he started to @@.choice;[[Fuck You.|VampireSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 3>><<nm $phYou "Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Yes! Please god //yes//!">>
The cross rattled and shook as the vampire thrust into your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>sex<<else>>ass<</if>> with vicious force. His fangs were locked in the side of your neck, and his clenched jaw made his lower teeth -- not as long, but just as sharp -- draw blood as well. Your eyes were open and your head tilted back as far as you could as the Black man buried his cock inside you to the hilt with every thrust.
Your head spun. You'd lost focus of the room around you, and now all you knew was that the only reason you were upright was because you were bound to that huge wooden cross, and a vampire was pounding you against it hard enough to bruise. The sound of his predatory growl against your throat mixed with the sweet ache of his fangs and the fullness of his shaft inside you.
It wasn't //just// sensation overload that made you dizzy. Xavier was feeding from you: literally sucking your blood. How long had you been in the dungeon? How much had he drank? You didn't know, and in the erotic haze of lust and blood, you didn't care.
<<nm $phYou "Don't stop, please fuck yes don't stop oh my god please! I'm going to cum! I'm cumming!">>
Every part of you throbbed in sympathetic rhythm with your heart and the long, hard shaft inside you. Your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>pussy<<else>>ass<</if>> clenched and squeezed around his girth, tightening, //trying// to keep him held deep inside... and then the crest hit. You howled as you came, <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your juices dripping down Xavier's cock in a renewed flood of wetness that coated him from balls to tip and made the inside of your thighs glisten<<else>>your own cock jerking and spasming, thick milky strings of release splattering against the black-varnished wood<</if>>. The sound of your heartbeat echoed in your ears like a chorus of drums, and suddenly the light-headed feeling seized you with a vengeance. The edges of your vision wavered and dimmed; you started to sag against your restraints. Panic threaded the edge of the darkness.
<<nm $phYou "X-Xav-vier, I think-- I'm think I'm about to pass--">>
You didn't finish the sentence. You couldn't. Vertigo hit you like a tidal wave. The world spun and lurched like a drunken roller coaster ride.
And then everything @@.choice;[[Went Black.|VampireSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.sex is 4>>
Wakefulness came with a yawn and a long stretch of your arm over your head -- where it promptly collided with something //very// solid.
<<nm $phYou "Ow!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Ah. I was wondering when you would come around.">>
You blinked and tried to get your bearings. You weren't on the cross anymore -- you weren't standing up, so you couldn't be. You looked side to side and realized you were braced by wood in both directions -- and Xavier's voice from underneath you nearly made you jump out of your skin.
You were in his coffin. With him!
<<nm $phXavier "You passed out. I //might// have gone a little hard on you... but you weren't exactly begging me to stop.">>
The former journalist grinned at you. You were laying on his chest, and like this his lack of breath and heartbeat was unsettlingly obvious. The tips of his fangs were white and clean, though he was still bare-chested. So were you. In fact, a quick glance down revealed you were bare-everything.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I... I guess I wasn't. Wow. That was... wow. How long was I out? What time is it?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not that long; perhaps an hour or two. The club is still going strong, though I had security block off the dungeon just in case. How do you feel?">>
<<nm $phYou "Good. Tired, but good. A little sore.">>
In two different places, but you didn't say that. From the smirk that curved across his lips, you didn't have to.
That had certainly been intense. You knew your body could handle a lot, but it seemed like Xavier might just about be a match for your demonic constitution. You knew you'd probably be just fine after a good night's sleep. The tower wouldn't let anyone actually //harm// you, and despite his predatory nature, you actually trusted Xavier to stay on the right side of 'rough'.
It didn't take you very long to clamber out of the casket and collect your clothes, though you did have to have Xavier steady you once or twice as you got dressed. You were going to have a crick in your neck for a few days... and be walking funny for at least one.
You blew him a kiss as he held open the dungeon door as you left; he winked and gave an elegant Victorian bow in return.
You really needed to go back to your room and @@.choice;[[Take a Nap.|Bedroom]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>>You smiled, shifted your body a little closer to Xun, and reached out to put your hand on her knee. Her skin was surprisingly warm beneath your fingertips, something that reminded you a bit of Lazren. The dryad's green eyes flicked down to your digits and then up into your eyes in surprise.
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad you've gotten a new lease on life, Xun. You've got a fresh outlook, a new future...and of course, a whole new body. Have you been able to enjoy it yet?">>
Xun's eyebrows lifted somewhat, but the corners of her mouth turned up into a knowing smirk. Her eyes swept the park. You were in the very center, near the oak tree, but the fact that all the park plants had grown so much since Xun had arrived meant the lines of sight were not as clear as one would expect. You seemed to be alone for the moment.
<<nm $phXavier "Some, perhaps. It would have seemed a waste not to appreciate the gift I was offered. Of course, there is only so much exploration that one can do alone.">>
She extended her hand and ran the back of her fingers along your upper arm. As she leaned in, you caught the scent of her. It was earthy, but not at all unpleasant. She smelled like the morning after a gentle night-time rain. It was the scent of renewel and cleansing.
As her hand moved from your arm to pass over your chest, it caught along the chain of your necklace. Curious, Xun brought the gemstone out from under your shirt. Her breath seemed to catch in her throat as the light struck the gem.
<<nm $phXavier "Oh...//Oh//...I can sense the life in this. The energy. It's positively thrumming. I can feel it running through me just holding it.">>
You blinked and looked at her closely. Now that she mentioned it, the green of her skin seemed to be darker around the hand holding the necklace than the rest of her. The dark continued down her upper arm, only returning to its regular hue near her elbow. Even as you watched, a new flower sprouted in her hair. <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>The flower had green and white petals: oddly, the opposite of the gem's outward-facing ruby red.
Xun looked up into your eyes, and you would swear her own were lighter and almost glowing. She ran her tongue over her lips.
<<nm $phXavier "I think I know how you would like to explore...">>
@@.choice;
[[Did She Now?|DryadSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>The flower had red and white petals: oddly, the opposite of the gem's outward-facing emerald green.
Xun looked up into your eyes, and you would swear her own were lighter and almost glowing. Her smirking smile took on a predatory air.
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, I know how you would like to explore...">>
@@.choice;
[[Uh Oh|DryadSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 0]]@@
<</if>><<nm $phYou "...Why don't you show me around the dungeon?">>
Xavier's eyebrows slowly rose, even as he lowered his drink back to the bar. A moment later he rose as well.
<<nm $phXavier "Of course. Right this way.">>
He guided you through the crowd of writhing, sex-charged club-goers, though very little 'guidance' was necessary. The throng of people moved out of his way without him needing to excuse himself, squeeze past, or tap anyone on the shoulder. It was almost as if they subconsciously knew Xavier wanted past and moved aside, unaware, to allow it. You followed in his wake.
The door to the dungeon was made of black glass, with a golden metal handle. The burly bouncer who stood as a silent watchman nodded as soon as it was clear where Xavier was going, and held the door open to let the two of you pass.
Inside the dungeon, the high-class nightclub theme was replaced with a medieval flair: hardwood floors and stone walls, lit by electric candles and torches near the walls and dimmed, indirect overhead lights. Black furniture dominated: black leather couches, black wooden benches, black metal cages obviously meant to fit humans inside.
You were so busy admiring the equipment that you almost didn't notice when Xavier stopped and turned to face you, and you nearly collided with his silk-shrouded chest. He was tall enough to have a few centimeter's advantage in height, and now looked down at you.
Specifically, at your necklace. His dark fingers reached out, and you noticed his fingernails were both long and slightly pointed, reminiscent of claws. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>The red flash of the gem lit up his eyes like a glowing ember.<<else>>The green flash of the gem lit up his eyes like an otherworldly flame.<</if>>
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>><<nm $phYou "That's my--">>
He cut you off as his eyes rose back to yours.
<<nm $phXavier "I know what it is; I can feel it, as one inhuman creature to another. Do you really think that a pretty trinket, even one as appropriately //infernal// as this, can sway me?">>
That... was different. Normally the moment someone laid eyes on the red gem, they yielded to it. Your power in Paradise had never been questioned<<if ($phDamien.transform == 'bull') and ($phCassandra.transform != 'punk')>>, not even by Damien after his transformation into the most virile masculinity he could imagine<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform != 'bull') and ($phCassandra.transform == 'punk')>>, not even by Cass at her rudest and more rebellious<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform == 'bull') and ($phCassandra.transform == 'punk')>>, not even by Damien or Cass<</if>>. Was it because he was a vampire? A supernatural creature? Because he was, technically speaking, dead?
He fingered the necklace and gazed at you... and you could feel how the gold hue of his eyes seemed to become brighter by the second. The longer you looked, the more it seemed to almost pulse and swirl, and the longer and deeper you //wanted// to look. The hair on the back of your neck prickled and stood on end. You'd read stories where vampires had almost hypnotic powers, and you were certain that's what Xavier was now using on //you//.
He smiled. It was cool, confident, and predatory... but if he thought you were prey, he was about to learn the lesson of an un-lifetime.
@@.choice;[[You Smiled Back.|VampireSexTop][$phXavier.sex to 0]]@@<<else>><<nm $phYou "That's my--">>
He cut you off as his eyes rose back to yours.
<<nm $phXavier "I know what it is; I can feel it, as one inhuman creature to another. I know what it means. I know exactly why you wanted to come back here, $phYou.firstname.">>
He fingered the necklace and gazed at you... and you could feel how the gold hue of his eyes seemed to become brighter by the second. The longer you looked, the more it seemed to almost pulse and swirl, and the longer and deeper you //wanted// to look. The hair on the back of your neck prickled and stood on end. You'd read stories where vampires had almost hypnotic powers, and you were certain that's what Xavier was now using on //you//.
He smiled. It was cool, confident, and predatory.
<<nm $phXavier "We won't be bothered. The bouncers know that when I'm giving a 'private tour', to ignore any screams.">>
Your breath caught in your throat, and you felt suddenly lightheaded from <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>the surge of hot desire that curled between your thighs. You felt the tell-tale wetness already sticking to your panties.<<else>>the rush of blood from one head to the other. The bulge in your slacks was visible before you managed to breathe again.<</if>> You still couldn't look away.
<<nm $phYou "S...screams?">>
You weren't sure if you suddenly had a bad feeling or a good one, but in either case it was one you were @@.choice;[[Going To Enjoy.|VampireSexBottom][$phXavier.sex to 0]]<</if>><<set $phLocation to "Inferno">><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 0>>You called Xavier back, and told him you had something to show him. You didn't mention it was a coffin. He sounded skeptical, but said he'd be right over. The lure of a potential story was apparently worth the short notice and -- like you'd said -- what did he have to lose?
You let the staff know he was coming and directed $phSamantha.name to send him to the nightclub when he arrived. The club -- Inferno -- was appropriately named, and Mason had made sure the décor was spot-on. He'd had the coffin transported, somehow, from his lab down to not the dance floor portion of the club, but to the private 'members only' section in the back. The dungeon. And that's where you stood, staring at a //coffin//, when you heard the door open behind you.
<<nm $phXavier "... hello? Anyone in here?">>
You looked back over your shoulder and saw Xavier making his way across Inferno's dance floor as he wandered cautiously through the club. You stepped out of the dungeon to go greet him.
<<nm $phXavier "Damn. This is nice. I didn't know there was a club in here. Nothing in the literature or building plans mentioned anything about it.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's new; pretty recent addition. Thanks for coming over on short notice.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Short notice is about all I have anymore. Live fast, die young, or some shitty platitude like that. What am I here for? Interview? Exclusive?">>
Interview... with a vampire. You //almost// laughed, but managed to keep it down to a sudden wide smile that you muffled as fast as you could.
<<nm $phYou "Kind of. I need to ask you a favor, first. I need you to promise that as weird and off-the-wall as this is going to sound, that you at least hear me out and give me a chance.">>
The journalist arched an eyebrow at the request of a 'favor', and it lifted even higher once you said what it was. It wasn't anything material, though, and it //was// something within his power, so after a moment of consideration, he shrugged both shoulders under his white button-up shirt. He reached into his jeans pocket and fished out both a tiny spiral notebook and a ballpoint pen, ready to take notes.
<<nm $phXavier "Alright; no skin off my back. I'm all ears.">>
<<nm $phYou "... actually, it's more of a visual.">>
You motioned for him to follow as you returned to the large door that separated the dungeon from the main club. It was made of black glass, with a golden push-bar that allowed entry. The other side blossomed into an array of fetish furniture. Large, upright X-shaped crosses leaned against the walls, and chains dangled from the ceiling. Cages -- obviously meant to hold humans -- anchored each of the four corners.
His eyes travelled over the equipment with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. You noticed, too, that they lingered when they saw the coffin before shifting away again.
<<nm $phXavier "You're running a sex club in the mall basement? So I wasn't //that// far off with the human trafficking angle.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes -- but that's actually not the big story.">>
<<nm $phXavier "The mayor's a client? A-list celebs? You wouldn't be showing me this if you were peddling illegal drugs or underage workers.">>
<<nm $phYou "No, nothing like that. The big story is... that I think I can save your life.">>
Xavier stared at you for several seconds... @@.choice;[[And Then Snorted Derisively!|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 0.5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 0.5>><<nm $phXavier "Right. Right. Mall manager and cancer expert. Makes sense. And how exactly are you planning on saving me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to transform you into a vampire.">>
He folded his arms over his chest, and you had the feeling that if he hadn't promised to hear you out, he would have walked out right there.
<<nm $phXavier "A... //vampire//? Oh, come on! I've heard a lot of snake oil and miracle cures, but that's a new one. The mall is a vampire den, and you're a vampire. What a waste of fucking time. Why are you doing this? Does it give you thrills to make fun of someone who's dying?">>
You shook your head, and took a deep breath. Xavier's unique situation meant you didn't have the time to make friends and chitchat. You had to gamble on a touch of shock and awe, and good old-fashioned lust for life. You had to get him to //believe// it would work.
You concentrated, and willed the tower to drop the illusion that masked your more inhuman traits. You tried to imagine yourself exactly as you knew you really were: red-toned skin, horns jutting through your hair, your tail swaying behind you. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>An incubus<<else>>A succubus<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "I'm not a vampire; I'm a demon. And I'm doing it because I know you don't //want// to die.">>
You could see his eyes widen, and his dark skin go a shade paler as the blood fled his cheeks. Xavier retreated several steps; his heels thunked against something wooden, and he barely caught himself before he fell backward. He looked down and jerked his legs away as he realized he was leaning against the coffin. There was no derision in his eyes now. You knew he could see the truth.
<<nm $phXavier "You--you're-- Jesus fucking Christ, you're not kidding, are you? You-- you have a //tail//. You--oh, fuck. Oh fuck you're not kidding.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not kidding. I know it's hard to believe. I was human, too, when I came here, and I hated my life. I met a woman who claimed she could give me something worth living for, a //new// life, a better one. I was terrified... but I said 'yes'. And I haven't regretted it for a single second since.">>
Xavier licked his lips, and you'd swear if he //could// back up more, he would. He wobbled as his feet caught again on the ebony wood and the coffin creaked quietly with the touch. He looked down at the unassuming but ominous wooden box and then back up at you. You could see the sudden, desperate hope in his eyes that maybe, somehow, it all //was// really possible.
<<nm $phYou "Xavier... if I'm wrong, then you're dead in ninety days anyways. If I'm right, you'll finally be able to //enjoy// life, and live it without fear of getting sick or growing old. You'll meet so many wonderful people who also said 'yes', and who love who and what they are now. I want to help you. What do you have to lose?">>
His deep brown eyes flicked up at you, and you saw his throat bob as he swallowed. It was a big decision; you knew that as well as anyone. You gave him the time to think. Eventually, he nodded.
You extended your hand. He stared at it for a few seconds, then tentatively reached out to grasp your fingers. You smiled, with as much comfort as you could manage, and turned him gently around.
Then you helped him @@.choice;[[Into The Coffin.|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter == 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xavier1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xavier1.png]]</picture>@@
Xavier climbed awkwardly into the casket and you helped guide him down. His body was shaking, and you couldn't blame him. For most of his life he'd been trying to avoid ending up in one.
<<nm $phYou "Just lay down, and try to get comfortable. I'll close the lid. I won't leave the room.">>
<<nm $phXavier "What's going to happen? Are you going to bite me? Don't you have to be bitten by a vampire to become one?">>
You didn't know exactly //what// would happen, except that it should work as long as he believed it would. Mason had said Xavier would require a 'cost'.
<<nm $phYou "The rules are a little different than in Hollywood, but trust me: it will work. It's not going to be easy, but it will work.">>
He inhaled as deep as he could, and nodded up at you as you stood above him. You extended your hand and laid it across his chest. You could feel his heart thundering against your palm as he reached up and gripped your wrist tightly.
You didn't rush him. You waited as the staccato drumming against your hand slowed slightly. Xavier took several deep breaths, squaring and resquaring his shoulders as he tried to settle himself. You weren't sure what to expect either. The coffin had been a strange build, even for Mason, and you didn't have //that// much experience with these transformations as it was. Every writer seemed to have a different take on exactly how vampires operated. You hoped, desperately, that yours wouldn't sparkle.
You tried to hide your uncertainty though, smiling as though you did this every day. Xavier finally looked up at you, his eyes determined even if the panic was still hiding behind them. He gave you the nod, and you pulled your hand away and reached for the lid.
You never reached it. The moment Xavier was alone in the coffin, the lid slammed home with a resounding crash you were certain they could hear in the next town over. The impact seems to generate an impossible tidal wave of air that radiated out from the wooden box. It didn't actually pick you up and throw you, but the force combined with the surprise sent you stumbling backward until you caught yourself on an upraised bondage cross. You were suddenly glad they were padded for comfort.
The wind whipped around your hair, and a deep howl seemed to fill the room. The door blew open, but the wind only seemed to get fiercer despite the pressure release. You held up your hand to shield your eyes. The coffin was still where it had been set up, though the stand it was sitting on looked like it was in the grip of an earthquake.
Then, as suddenly as it had started, the wind reversed. Your hair, which had been blowing backward, was suddenly sucked forward and you had to catch yourself on the cross once more to avoid being swept off your feet. This time, though, there was something else on the wind. Not a natural noise, but a totally human one. Not a howl.
A //moan//.
Lots of moans. Male, female, and everything in between. Some soft and intimate, some loud and fierce. The sound grew and grew until it seemed you were joined with a chorus of singers all stroking themselves at once. The sound, and the wind, rose to the cresendo of screaming climax...
...and then died away, as suddenly as it had come.
You were left blinking and dazed. After a moment, you got your feet under you enough to rush to the silent coffin and pull the lid up. It didn't resist you, sliding upward with only the pitch perfect Hollywood creak.
Xavier was still inside, and he wasn't moving. He wasn't breathing, either. Your own breath stopped as you reached into the casket and placed your fingers against the side of his neck. There was no pulse.
//Of course not,// you told yourself, fighting the urge to panic. Vampires didn't have pulses. You looked around the room. Was there a mirror? Vampires weren't supposed to have reflections. Or maybe something silver -- or was that werewolves?
A flash of color and movement caught the edge of your vision, and your attention snapped back to the man in the casket. Xavier had sat up in the coffin. He still wasn't breathing, but now his eyes were open.
And they were @@.choice;[[Golden.|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xavier2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xavier2.png]]</picture>@@
He blinked, almost dazed. His dreadlocks looked several inches longer than they had been a few minutes earlier. When he reached to take hold of the edge of the coffin, his fingernails -- longer, thicker, and stronger -- bit into the hardened wood. It creaked under his grip.
<<nm $phYou "...Xavier?">>
He pulled himself to his feet, though he wavered uncertainly before finding his balance. His golden eyes shifted towards you; he opened his mouth to reply but no words came out. A second attempt to talk ended the same way, until he realized why: you have to //breathe// to //speak//. The confusion in his eyes rapidly cleared as his gaze snapped back up to you. It took conscious, audible effort to drag the air into his lungs.
<<nm $phXavier "I-- I wasn't... breathing.">>
His hands went to his shirt, and with increasingly steady motions he pulled the buttons free. He was still gaunt: you could clearly see the lines of his collarbone and sternum. But before his body had been thin and weak from the long legacy of illness; now, you could see strong, well-defined pecs and a six pack under his cool walnut-brown skin.
He felt over his chest and flattened his palm over his heart. A second later he raised his free hand to his neck and pressed two fingers under his jaw.
<<nm $phXavier "... I can't feel my heart. I don't have a pulse.">>
Xavier was coming to his senses, and now stepped out of the coffin with both strength and grace. He moved like a panther, and his eyes almost glowed as he looked around the dungeon as if he were seeing it for the very first time. When he spoke it was with whispered awe.
<<nm $phXavier "$phYou.firstname... is this what you see? Every-- every... every swirl of air. Every shade of color. I-- I can see... //energy//. Life.">>
His gaze turned to you.
<<nm $phXavier "I can see you - what you really look like. I can feel the heat of the blood running through your veins; I can hear your heart beat like a drum. I can //smell// you. I can taste your skin all the way from here.">>
He opened his mouth again; his tongue traced a path over his upper teeth from side to side. Strong, elongated canine teeth protruded from his upper jaw; the points were sharp enough that blood soon trickled from the corner of his mouth where the 'exploration' had nicked his own flesh. A second swipe of his tongue licked away the trace of red -- and his eyes widened in surprise. A slow grin spread across his lips and curled them in a rakish smirk.
<<nm $phXavier "Fuck. //That's// what blood tastes like?">>
His eyes lit with sudden satisfaction. @@.choice;[[Then He Started to Laugh|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 3>><<set $phXavier.portrait to 'XavierTrans'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xavier3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xavier3.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phXavier "$phYou.firstname... this is amazing. You have no idea. I feel... //better// than 'alive'. The world is a million colors. I can hear people laughing through the walls. I can hear them fucking. I can //smell// it.">>
He strode over to you with his shirt still open and that lazy, drugged smile on his face. He was high, ironically, not on 'life' but on death. His long black dreadlocks fell over his face, and when he reached out and touched your cheek, you could feel the unnatural coolness of his fingertips. The uncertain, melancholy young man was gone, and the creature that faced you now was every inch a predator. He was a newborn vampire right now, but he was learning //fast//.
And he was staring at your neck. You felt your pulse jump as you realized.
<<nm $phYou "Um. I don't think that you should--">>
His bright sunrise eyes snapped up, and the color and focus in them was so intense that it stole your breath away. Xavier tilted his head, his dreads swaying.
<<nm $phXavier "Yes, you do. Your voice says you do. The way your heart pounds makes it quiver.">>
His sculpted chest expanded as he parted his lips and drew in a lungful of air. The tips of his fangs glittered, pure white.
<<nm $phXavier "...I'm hungry, $phYou.firstname. And so are you.">>
He wasn't wrong. There was definitely some appeal in having a hot Black vampire sink his fangs into your neck. What happened if a vampire drank demonic blood? Was that safe for //him//?
Xavier was moving closer. His movements were so subtle, so fluid, that it almost seemed like he was floating. His hand grazed over your chest and slowly slid up to your cheek. His thumb braced on the side of your chin as he turned your head and opened his mouth wide.
He'd have to have a 'first feed' soon or later, you reminded yourself, and you could probably handle it better than anyone else.
You closed your eyes, and @@.choice;[[Waited for the Pain|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 4]].@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 4>>
You felt the pressure at your neck for a split-second before a splash of pain raced across your nerves. Your breath caught; the instinctive panic of a prey animal made your heart leap. You raised your hands to his shoulders to push him away... and then //warmth// blossomed where his fangs pierced flesh. Beautiful, erotic warmth that mixed with the pain and transformed it into something ecstatic. Your eyelids fluttered, and when the air escaped your lungs again it came out as a breathy moan.
Xavier pulled you in closer. His matching groan of pleasure vibrated through your neck, and you felt a stiff bulge press against your upper thigh. Some part of your wondered how he could even get an erection, without a heartbeat; the rest was more entranced with how it would feel to have him on your back with his teeth in your throat. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>You felt a surge of wetness between your thighs<<else>>You felt your own cock strain against your pants<</if>> at the thought.
You also felt light-headed -- dangerously so. Your knees trembled from the effort of staying upright, and each time you blinked, the world darkened at the edges of your vision. He was drinking too much!
<<nm $phYou "Xa-Xavier. Xavier, stop. Stop!">>
He growled; his hands around you tightened possessively. His fangs stayed lodged in your skin as he drank. Your hands found his shoulders again, and this time fear inspired your strength. You shoved him backwards with demonic force; his teeth ripped free of your neck and the man stumbled backwards before colliding with the brick wall. There was no 'oof' of lost breath. His mouth was smeared with blood; you cupped your hand over the bite to try to stop any bleeding.
Xavier snarled and leapt for you again.
This time you caught him by his throat. He swung at you; his sharpened fingernails slashed through the sleeve of your shirt and opened angry scratches across your shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "Stop!">>
He flailed in your grip, still growling. You needed some way to restrain him. Ironically, the dungeon was well-equipped for just the purpose -- Mason certainly had foresight -- but you doubted you could keep Xavier still long enough to shackle him to a bench. Maybe you could shove him into a cage.
... or a coffin.
You grabbed one of his arms with your other hand, leaving a bloody handprint on the white cotton. He was unnaturally strong, but so were you, and his newborn feeding frenzy madness still wasn't a match for a more experienced <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>>. You pulled him off the wall and forced him towards the casket. This time when his feet hit the wood, you made sure he kept going backwards. Surprise lit up his face as he toppled into the white silk interior, and the impact forced a flash of emerald from between his lips.
You slammed the lid shut. The //thud// of wood meeting wood echoed off the dungeon walls and shook dust out of the ceiling high overhead. You sagged against the lid and shook your head as white particles drifted down around you.
White, and one single glowing mote of green. The soulgem drifted towards your bloody palm and nestled there like a fuzzy vampiric kitten. You wrapped your fingers around it.
You exhaled, slowly. @@.choice;[[It Was Done.|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 5>><<set $phSoulCount += 1>>
<<nm $phYou "No, it's been quiet for a while now. I think he might be asleep, but I haven't opened it to look. Should I?">>
You were on your cell phone with Mason. After half an hour of shouting and slamming his fists against the closed coffin, Xavier had ceased to struggle. You were seated atop his casket, your shirt bloody and ripped, hoping you hadn't made a mistake. Fortunately the dungeon got good reception.
<<nm $phMason "If Mr. King has been quiescent for an extended period of time, I believe it would be safe to do so. Very likely he is in repose.">>
<<nm $phYou "What if he attacks me again? What if he attacks someone else?">>
<<nm $phMason "That is exceedingly unlikely. A transformation is physically arduous, and now that he has fed, his initial basal hunger should be sated. In short, he was a starving man, and now he is not. His self-control will have increased accordingly.">>
<<nm $phYou "... right. So he's not going to kill anyone?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address. The tower will prevent him from harming others who do not wish to be harmed, or indulging himself to the point of damaging his partner. Additionally, you //did// create him. He is bound by the rules of vampiric progeny to ultimately obey your will.">>
<<nm $phYou "Got it. Thanks.">>
You hung up the phone and sighed, only to jump in surprise when a polite //tap tap// reverberated against the lid beneath you. You leapt to your feet.
<<nm $phXavier "I can hear you talking. Can I come out now?">>
You eyed the black casket. You couldn't leave him in there forever, and he did sound calm and under control. After a quick internal debate, you dug your fingers under the lip of the lid and hauled it open.
His eyes still shone brilliant orange-gold, and his mouth was flecked with dried blood. The tips of his fangs peeked from behind his lips as he offered an apologetic smile.
<<nm $phXavier "I got carried away.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, just a little.">>
That wasn't exactly an apology. You eyed him dubiously. It was going to be a whole new adventure to have a vampire present in the tower. <<if $phCassandra.transform == 'punk'>>Even Cass at her worse wasn't //dangerous// -- rude, obnoxious, and violent, sure, but she was more bark than bite. <</if>><<if $phDamien.transform == 'bull'>>Damien, for all his massive size and strength, was a gentle giant. <</if>>You were a demon, though, and like Mason said, you'd created him. You were sure, if push came to shove, that you could keep him under control.
You extended your hand to @@.choice;[[Help Him Up.|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 6>><<Transform $phXavier "vampire">>His 'meal' -- and some time-out inside the casket -- had indeed calmed him down. You and Xavier talked a bit longer as you sat together in the dungeon. You told him how //your// introduction to your new life had gone, and how getting laid off from your job had ended with <<if $phLazTakesYou == 'penetrative'>>getting dicked by a demon hard enough<</if>><<if ($phLazTakesYou == 'oral') and ($phYou.gender == 'female')>>a succubus eating you out so expertly<</if>><<if ($phLazTakesYou == 'oral') and ($phYou.gender == 'male')>>a succubus sucking your dick so hard<</if>> that your soul came out... obviously, you'd undergone some 'changes' since then. You also told him a little more about the tower and how it really worked, and a bit about the others you'd transformed. He still had his keen mind for details and facts, and you had no doubt he'd remember most of it despite the 'eventful' night.
The dungeon suited his new nature just fine, and he was happy enough to keep the coffin where it was. He didn't seem bothered by the idea of leaving his old life behind -- what little he had left of it -- or even the idea that he would likely never see the sun again. The night, and the nightclub, promised to hold plenty of excitement and pleasure, and without the need for industrial-strength sunscreen.
You dropped $phSamantha.name a message to let her know about your new employee, and the particular dietary requirements, just in case it came up. You also suggested maybe having an extra first-aid kit in the dungeon, and a few extra towels, just in case. A quick email to Petra let her know that your intruder was now a guest. You weren't sure he'd even show up on the camera feed, but better safe than sorry.
Finally it was time to go back to your bedroom and clean up, or take a much-needed nap. You headed up the stairs, still rubbing the side of your neck. What a night.
@@.narrative;Xavier Unlocked At Inferno! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<if $phTime gt 1>>It was late and the tower was silent. Part of you wanted to take some time to sort out what had just happened, but you knew it was too late. Your new employee would wait until morning.
...Or maybe sunset. You doubted your new vampiric hire would be much of a morning person. @@.choice;[[You'd Find Out Tomorrow|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if $phTime lt 2>><hr>
<<include "Bedroom">>
<</if>><</if>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 0>>The park, Elysium, was surrounded with cordoned-off standees and pylons emblazoned with 'Pardon Our Dust' construction signs, but such things didn't inhibit you. You knew they wouldn't be much difficulty for Xavier either, but you doubted any of your normal customers would bother breaking into the place early. <<if $phTime is 2>>The red-orange glow of sunset lit up the rows of greenhouse windows like supernatural fire.<<else>>Rays of golden-yellow sunshine streamed through the greenhouse windows that encased the preserve.<</if>>
It was an impressive area. The foundation had been dug deep enough to allow true earth underfoot, so that the grass and plants were legitimately growing in this square of the mall. Paths radiated outwards like the spokes of a wheel, with little dividers lined with bushes and flower gardens that linked the paths together. It all led to that very center of the park, where a fountain formed a circular moat around a plain, flat piece of ground. The empty earth was bare enough it was clear there was an installation yet to be placed there, and it was there that Xavier stood.
His back was to you as you approached, but you doubted he'd ever been snuck up on in his life. He was wearing clothes very similar to the ones he'd been in when you caught him the first time: a white dress shirt over blue jeans, his hands shoved into the pockets. As you crossed the small bridge to the center of the fountain, he finally turned to look at you.
<<nm $phYou "...You came.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Didn't have a whole lot to lose. When you said to meet you in the park, I thought there must have been a place that I missed. I've been to this area, though. Recently. None of this was here. Not a flower. Not a blade of grass. There were stores, here. It would have taken you a year to carve this place out. And yet...">>
<<nm $phYou "My friend, you know the game. It's the same as it's always been. Some people make the rules, and some people follow them. It's just that there are a few rules that are more negotiable than you realize, that's all.">>
He grunted noncommittally, his eyes still sweeping around the green park with wonder and suspicion. When he finally looked back at you, he noticed the wooden box you carried in your arms.
<<nm $phXavier "...What's that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Life. A new one, if you'll have it.">>
He gave you a quizzical look, but an interested one. The park's appearance had obviously rattled him. Good, that would help. You knew he needed to believe, if this was going to work. You moved with as much theatrics as you could, reached down, and opened the golden-hinged lid with an air of ceremony to reveal...
...the small, unassuming @@.choice;[[Seed.|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 1>>Xavier was a man who was seldom surprised. He was observant, intelligent, and persistent. He never would have gone into journalism without having a pretty good read for people and situations.
He, in no way, expected this.
<<nm $phXavier "...Are you serious?">>
<<nm $phYou "Deadly serious. This is a new life, right here in this box. One that //will// give you a second chance, if that's what you want.">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phXavier "Mister, I already told you I'm not interested in crystal therapy or--">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "Lady, I already told you I'm not interested in crystal therapy or--">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You're an observant guy, right? How many bridges are there over the fountain? How many doors are there out of this park? You weren't sure if I was going to be violent or not, so I'm sure you counted.">>
<<nm $phXavier "...Are you threatening me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Look. Now.">>
Xavier frowned, studying your expression for several seconds before obediently looking back over his shoulder to the bridge he had crossed to arrive on the tiny island...
...and found it gone.
He stared, shocked, and moved to the side of the island, looking down into the gap as though seeking the place the bridge had lowered to. There was none. The bottom of the fountain was smooth and unbroken tile. He looked up...and found much the same at the doors. All of them were gone. No doorways, no gaps, no exists. Just expanses of walls as though the pathways had never existed at all. The dirt paths didn't even lead there anymore. The outer ring was smooth all the way around.
When he looked back to you, his eyes were wild. You took a step toward him, and he took one back, very nearly falling off the edge of the island into the empty fountain. You smiled, and lifted the box.
<<nm $phYou "Rules. Those who make them, and those who follow them. If you want a rule broken, you need to find someone who can do that. I can, if you want it. I swear I can.">>
There must have been something in your eyes, because his face paled. He looked back down at the seed in its wooden box, and his expression was agog. His fingers trembled as he extended his hand to the bowl and its tiny, vital contents. You stopped him, resting a hand on his wrist.
<<nm $phYou "A //new// life, Xavier. I promise you that. But you'll leave the old one behind. New horizons and new mountains to climb...but a lot of what you are ends today. Be sure it's what you want.">>
You let him go, but he didn't immediately move, his hand still outstretched to the box and frozen in place. After a second, he nodded to himself, and his fingers closed around the tiny seed and drew it back to his chest.
He looked into your eyes uncertainly as he lifted the seed upward, toward his lips, and you nodded. Smart man. He grasped things almost immediately. That, you knew, would be very useful.
Another moment's hesitation. Then, all at once, he popped the seed between his lips and swallowed it down. The air seemed to vibrate with sudden tension, and he drew in a deep, calming breath.
<<nm $phXavier "Okay...What now?">>
@@.choice;
[[You Smiled.|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xun1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xun1.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phXavier "Holy shit!">>
It hadn't taken long. You'd encouraged Xavier to be patient and wait, and the man had paced around the little island. Before he'd crossed back and forth three times, he suddenly stopped and stared down at the back of his hands.
Green circles the size of small coins had appeared on the back of his hands. Even as you watched, the circles ran together like spreading pools of paints. He stared down at the growing patches, turning his palms up...and then gasping again.
There was a green vine on his palm, emerging from just above his wrist. It hadn't broken the skin, but seemed to be part of it, joined with the green flesh around it even as it grew outward and began to sprout leaves.
Xavier hissed in surprise and revulsion. He reached down to grasp the vine and tear it free. Your hands snapped out to seize his wrist and halt him.
<<nm $phYou "No! It's okay. It's alright. It doesn't hurt, does it? This is meant to be!">>
<<nm $phXavier "What...What //is// this?">>
<<nm $phYou "Life. Growth. A new beginning. Don't look down. Look inward. Tell me what you feel.">>
Xavier's hands shook, but he released the vines. There were others growing now, winding around his body as they might around a trellis. More and more of his skin was turning the same jade green, and as you looked up you saw his dark eyes take on a similar shade. He sucked in air, several times, and his tone transformed from fear and anger into wonder.
<<nm $phXavier "I feel...like I can breathe. For the first time in years. I feel...connected.">>
<<nm $phYou "Connected? To what?">>
<<nm $phXavier "...Everything.">>
He looked upward at the greenhouse windows above you, and the <<if $phTime is 2>>light of the sunset<<else>>streaming sunlight<</if>> that still shone through. It fell across his face, and you saw something ease in his expression. A tightness borne of a pain he had carried for a very long time, finally washed away.
You could //also// see that he wasn't done yet. But he believed. You hoped that would be @@.choice;[[Enough.|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xun2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xun2.png]]</picture>@@
The changes accelerated. Xavier was now wrapped in numerous vines that curled around his body, and the green coloration was spreading across his skin from a dozen angles... but that wasn't the only change. As the movement of green across his chest drew your attention, you realized that the gap in the buttons was because of the swell beneath them. Two small mounds were growing against the fabric, prying the buttons apart.
Xavier panted hard and wobbled on his feet, and you stepped closer to hold him up with one arm. Your other hand idly traced over his face, and as your finger crossed the stubble of his beard, the black hairs broke apart and fell away. It left his skin smooth and seamless beneath your touch. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "Not many get the opportunity you will have, you know. You will be nature, Xavier. You will be new growth. You will be a beacon of...fertility.">>
You ran your hand down his chest, and he gave a short cry at the sensation. You couldn't help but notice the pitch of his voice seemed to rise on every noise he made, ascending from bass to tenor to baritone...and then higher still. Your fingers reached his belly, and you pushed.
It was like pushing down on a waterbed. Whatever fat was in his stomach depressed down to a trim, narrow-waisted belly, but the buttons of his shirt popped as that mass relocated upward. His new breasts, rounded and full, spilled into the open air, the nipples dark jade on leaf-green skin.
<<nm $phYou "Everything here will be part of you, and more. You aren't alone anymore. You're not a lone branch that can die or be broken; you are an entire forest. You'll change day to day, and yet be eternal. A place where death is always in service of new life. You will be the spirit of this place.">>
Xavier cried out, and his voice was fully feminine now. He fell to his knees, his hips and rear straining against the now ill-fitting denim. You thought for a moment he was going to fall onto his hands, but he instead thrust his fingers down into the dirt.
You blinked. With enough force, of course, you could penetrate a little ways into the earth, perhaps burying fingers or part of your palm if the earth were soft. Xavier's arms, however, disappeared into the ground up to his elbows. You heard a deep cracking from within the earth, like a massive boulder being struck in two. The air seemed to vibrate and pulse with electricity.
Something appeared in the dirt between his arms. It was small at first, but grew by the second. A tiny sprout, gaining inches and leaves and new branches by the second. It arced upward with supernatural speed, adding foot after foot even as the trunk began to thicken and grow. Soon it was taller than you were, and showed no signs of stopping as it plunged roots of its own deep into the ground.
Xavier leaned back and pulled his arms from the ground as easily as one would remove them from t-shirt sleeves. Not a speck of dust stuck to his green skin. He turned to you, and his eyes shone bright. He reached up, grabbed hold of the overburdened material of his shirt, and with a single tug, split the garment in two.
There was no confusion at all about what @@.choice;[[She Was Now.|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 4>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/Xun3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/Xun3.png]]</picture>@@<<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<Transform $phXavier "dryad">>
The newly formed Dryad had split her shirt on both sides, leaving shreds of cloth hanging from her elbows. As she moved to stand up again, you saw the vines still wrapped around her dig into the denim pants and shred the material, leaving her bare below the waist.
Her skin was a uniform and gorgeous color now, the same hue of ripe green olives. Her nipples were a shade darker and richer, as were the lips of her bare and extremely feminine sex. Her hips were narrow but the swell of her bust was generous. The vines still curled around her body covered little, but she didn't seem to mind.
<<nm $phYou "...Xavier?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No... Xun.">>
Her voice was soft, hardly louder than leaves scraping against the ground, but rich. It had a resonance to it that seemed to come from more than just a single person. Her eyes swept the park around her, as though seeing it for the very first time.
<<nm $phYou "Xun, then. How do you feel?">>
She didn't answer immediately, and you weren't sure that she'd even heard you. She kept looking out over the silent park, her breath slow and deep. Finally her gaze swept back as if remembering you were there.
<<nm $phXavier "...Alive. Tired. There is so much, in so many places. There is so much of me that is not me.">>
You blinked. That wasn't a reaction you were prepared for. You cocked your head and took a step forward, but the dryad waved you off with a faint, weary smile.
<<nm $phXavier "...Enough. Rest now. We will speak... soon.">>
With that, the green woman shut her eyes and leaned back against the sprouting tree. It was no longer a sapling, or even just a 'tree'. It was a towering oak that clawed for the heavens, all the way up to the glass windows atop Elysium's walled garden. It formed the centerpiece of the island, as though it had always been intended to rest at the center of the ring, with its branches and roots stretched out in all directions.
Xun didn't //lean// against the tree, however. She fell into it, as though it were nothing more substantial than smoke. In a split second, she was gone, leaving behind only a familiar glowing green gemstone that rolled down the trunk. You stooped to pick the soulgem off the ground, turning the warm glow over in your fingers. When you tilted your head to look up at the verdant branches, there was no sign of the former journalist.
You felt it before you saw it: a sudden rush in the air, a sudden surge of //feeling// that rippled out from the center of the fountain to every corner of the park. As you turned, you saw what had happened. Where there had been neat rows of newly planted flower bulbs, there were now glorious explosions of color. Where saplings had been planted with the aid of wooden poles to assist their growth, those poles now hung uselessly from fully-grown trunks. The grass that had been laid down in squares had now taken deep root and grown out, the patches of brown and yellow replaced with long blades of pure green.
You felt the change immediately, right down to your bones. Elysium had been a cultivated garden, a spot of transplanted greenery in the midst of corporate greed and desire.
Now it was @@.choice;[[Alive.|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.trans_counter is 5>><<set $phTime +=1>><<nm $phMason "Remarkable. Not wholly unexpected, but remarkable all the same.">>
The scientist stepped away from the mighty oak growing out of the center island and took a few moments to admire it before turning back to you. The doors and bridges had been restored, now that you no longer needed to convince Xavier of anything. The dryad had not yet reappeared, but Mason had shown little concern for that. An 'adjustment period' he had called it.
<<nm $phYou "You knew this was going to happen?">>
<<nm $phMason "Knew? No. I merely made an educated gamble. Nature abhors a vacuum. Leaving one in such a prominent place seemed a fine encouragement to allow our new ally to express her power. If she did not, there would be alternative means. Still, I admit to being somewhat surprised by the outcome. Starting experiments are typically far less grand.">>
You stood together admiring the tree for a moment, then let your eyes sweep over the other flowers and grass that had burst into new life. You frowned.
<<nm $phYou "I don't fully understand. None of the others ever affected the shops they came from, not so completely. She hadn't been changed for five minutes when she did all this. Why?">>
<<nm $phMason "Ah. You misapprehend what Xav- Pardon me, Xun - //is// $phMason.address. Coloring a woman green and growing a few leaves from her body is not sufficient to make her a spirit. That is not your new ally.">>
<<nm $phYou "It isn't?">>
Mason swept his right hands out, encompassing the entire park before you. Wind ruffled his clothing, and you wondered exactly where the breeze would be coming from. Then again, that wasn't the most pressing of your concerns.
<<nm $phMason "//This// is Xun. All of it. And perhaps more, with time. Should the worst occur and that body be destroyed, she will simply form another, if she even bothers. I suspect she will, but more for its utility than need. She will wish to communicate with you...and like most of our employees, I suspect she will feel she owes you a debt for her new existence.">>
You looked at him sharply, but Mason's tone was absent any mocking quality; he was simply stating a fact. You extended a hand and laid it over the oak's trunk, feeling the faintest pulse of energy under your touch.
<<nm $phYou "She's okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "I expect so. Failure would have meant Xavier reappeared. As that has not happened... I think we have only to give her time. I will ensure that any nutrients or fertilizers that appear to be required are introduced. In the meantime, I would recommend you return to your office. I doubt we shall see anything new before tomorrow.">>
You grunted, but were reluctant to leave. You could feel the faint pulse through the wood, but any time you stretched your senses out to grasp it the feeling scuttled away from you. You sighed and put your hand down. Mason was right. You had other things to do, and there would be nothing new today.
<<nm $phYou "You'll inform me if anything changes?">>
<<nm $phMason "As ever, $phMason.address.">>
You nodded. With one last look up at the thick branches, you turned away and crossed back over the fountain bridge to the door. You'd find Xun tomorrow, if you could.
You had a feeling it was going to be an @@.choice;[[Interesting Conversation.|Office]]@@
@@.narrative; A Dryad Watches Over Elysium! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@<</if>><<nm $phMason "It is not impossible. Immortality is a difficult ask, but given that human fantasies rarely include the effects of entropy, there is often a certain amount of longevity included. There is a problem, however, for this one in particular.">>
<<if previous() == "XavierCaught">><<set $phLocation to "R&D">>You'd left Xavier in Petra's care to get home again, then headed to straight to Research and Development. You wanted to talk to Mason as soon as possible, as you weren't sure how long Xavier would stay away now that he had been caught. He had literally nothing to lose, and that might make him reckless.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "...A problem?">>
<<nm $phMason "He //believes// that he is beyond saving. While any transformation would include a clean bill of health, if he secretly believes it was too easy, then his illness might reassert itself. Whatever form we offer him, there will need to be a commensurate cost...not because a cost is actually necessary, but it will be necessary for //him//.">>
You turned that around in your head for a moment. Lazren had told you people had to accept the change, or it wouldn't stick. Accept or feel they deserved it, you amended quickly. If Xavier didn't accept the gift you offered, then he might really be right about it being nothing more than healing crystals.
<<nm $phYou "Okay...but what kind of cost? I assume you don't mean energy, and I'm guessing he wouldn't understand the soulstone enough.">>
<<nm $phMason "Very good, $phMason.address. You are correct. The cost to be paid will have to be to him. He will need to leave his humanity behind in a way that satisfies his need for a price. Fortunately, I can think of two applicable techniques that might work. How do you feel about getting a touch...classical in our design?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm listening.">>
<<nm $phMason "Human folklore is filled with stories about immortal creatures that stalk the night. They hunt the shadows of alleys and the flashing lights of the nightclub. Menace and sexuality conjoined as one, they have served as everything from the subject of midnight campfire stories to the romance novels of young women the world over.">>
You stared at him. You got it, but for a moment you weren't sure that you wanted to.
<<nm $phYou "You want me to make him into a //vampire//?">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'pre'>><<nm $phMason "My desire in the matter is both ambivalent and irrelevant; it is simply an efficient means to your chosen end. As a member of that caste, he would, in his own mind, be beyond death and certainly immune to any mere illness. I believe he would be uniquely suited to run a new entertainment location on the premises. I assure you he will not be permitted to harm any guests beyond the occasional backroom tryst that leaves a few pleasurable punctures and a hazy memory for the willing.<br><br>That said, death is not the only way we can answer his desire. We can instead choose to help him embrace life, by putting him in touch with something so rejuvenating that he cannot help but believe himself reinvigorated by it. A force for growth and renewal.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>Mason gave you a long, level look until you found your cheeks flushing. Only when you finally squirmed and look away did he answer.
<<nm $phMason "When I have desires, I will make them known to you, as you are well aware. In this case, it merely the most efficient means to an end. As a member of that caste, he would, in his own mind, be beyond death and certainly immune to any mere illness. I believe he would be uniquely suited to run a new entertainment location on the premises. I assure you he will not be permitted to harm any guests beyond the occasional backroom tryst that leaves a few pleasurable punctures and a hazy memory for the willing.<br><br>That said, death is not the only way we can answer his desire. We can instead choose to help him embrace life, by putting him in touch with something so rejuvenating that he cannot help but believe himself reinvigorated by it. A force for growth and renewal.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>Mason colored, and shook his head visibly, almost tripping over his words.
<<nm $phMason "N-No! Not at all. I would never interfere with your work, $pMistress. That is just an efficient means to the end you desire. As a member of that caste, he would, in his own mind, be beyond death and certainly immune to any mere illness. I believe he would be uniquely suited to run a new entertainment location on the premises. I assure you he will not be permitted to harm any guests beyond the occasional backroom tryst that leaves a few pleasurable punctures and a hazy memory for the willing.<br><br>That said, death is not the only way we can answer his desire. We can instead choose to help him embrace life, by putting him in touch with something so rejuvenating that he cannot help but believe himself reinvigorated by it. A force for growth and renewal.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>Mason gave you an amused look. He spread his hands open as if showing he were unarmed.
<<nm $phMason "This is your field, $phYou.firstname. I am merely a guide to the options. As a member of that caste, he would, in his own mind, be beyond death and certainly immune to any mere illness. I believe he would be uniquely suited to run a new entertainment location on the premises. I assure you he will not be permitted to harm any guests beyond the occasional backroom tryst that leaves a few pleasurable punctures and a hazy memory for the willing.<br><br>That said, death is not the only way we can answer his desire. We can instead choose to help him embrace life, by putting him in touch with something so rejuvenating that he cannot help but believe himself reinvigorated by it. A force for growth and renewal.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "That being?">>
<<nm $phMason "The Earth itself. Human folklore also speaks a great deal about many nature spirits. If he were to shed his humanity in order to join with the pulse of nature itself, I believe he would be quite free of any weakness of body, and would make an excellent candidate to oversee a small nature preserve within the grounds. Such green ecology //would// be a feather in our cap for media purposes. Of course, most nature spirits of that type are female, not male, but we can easily adjust his deficient gender at the same time without incurring much additional expenditure.">>
You thought about it. A female nature spirit would be a dryad, if you were up on your lore. Or you could go the other route, if you were willing to have Dracula on the payroll. You could see how they both answered the problem in different ways, though part of you couldn't believe it was a choice you were actually being called on to make.
<<nm $phYou "Once I decide, how will we do it?">>
<<nm $phMason "I can begin work on either location at your discretion. I will include the cost of the requisite foci in as well, so that you need not worry about adding them both together. A coffin should suffice to welcome our creature of the night, I expect, and nothing could be more appropriate to the beginning of a nature spirit as a seed.">>
Abruptly the incubus blinked, and then back to laugh. You stared at him. You had rarely heard him indulge in //any// gesture of mirth. He cleared his throat.
<<nm $phMason "...Forgive me. A moment of poetry. The seed of an oak to mark the beginning of new life or the wood that tree creates to mark its ending. There is a pleasing symmetry to that. Regardless, if you wish, I can begin work immediately. Once I have the most pressing construction complete, I will even include the plans for the alternate, in case you should wish a future expansion for our customers. Only one will have its caretaker, though.">>
You nodded and drew in a deep breath. You had options. Did you have a decision?
<<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set _combinedcost to (($phFocusCost) + (_mod250))>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>Choose Life - <<if $phEnergy >= _combinedcost>>[[_combinedcost + " Energy"|XavierFociFinish][$phXavier.focus_elysium to 1]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;_combinedcost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Mythical, Gender Swap, Bondage">><br>
Choose Death - <<if $phEnergy >= _combinedcost >>[[_combinedcost + " Energy"|XavierFociFinish][$phXavier.focus_inferno to 1]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;_combinedcost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Mythical, BDSM, Biting and Blood Play">><br><br>
[[You Need More Time To Think|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]@@<</nobr>>
<<FVLinks>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set _combinedcost to (($phFocusCost) + (_mod250))>><<set $phEnergy -= _combinedcost>><<if $phFociReady.includes("Xavier")>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Xavier")>><</if>><<if $phXavier.focus_inferno == 1>><<set $phXavier.focus_elysium = 8>><<set $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildInferno">>You instructed Mason to work on the nightclub idea... and the coffin. And tried not think about how a dying man was going to react to being given one.
Mason didn't waste any time -- but then, he never did. By the time the words were out of your mouth, he was already pulling the console screen over to him, one hand holding it steady as two others took hold of a keyboard. The rapid-fire //rattatat// of expert typing filled the air. You watched for a minutes or two, but quickly realized the string of commands was at best some obscure programming language, and at worst actual arcane symbolism.
You went back to the office, still a bit stunned with the decision you'd made and the ramifications of it. A //vampire//. It was hard to imagine it was real, but then, until a few weeks ago, you hadn't believed in demons, either, and now you were one. $phSamantha.name was more than happy to try to keep your mind (and your body) occupied -- until both of you nearly jumped out of your respective skins when a sudden sinister cackle split the air.
The long, lonely howl of a distant wolf came next, echoing through the closed door. The howl faded and Michael Jackson's //Thriller// began to vibrate the floor with the power of its bass. You and $phSamantha.name looked at each other in bafflement... that only increased when the unmistakable, and decided non-musical, sounds of power tools started in accompaniment.
You managed to hold your curiosity at bay for a while longer; you knew that Mason's work was never bound by 'conventional' methods. But when you heard the tell-tale snap of a whip and a loud feminine moan, your curiosity finally won.
A quick three-tap knuckle knock announced you a second before you gingerly opened the door. The lights were off; even the twinkle of instrument status lights had been masked. Instead the entire room was awash in ambient crimson lighting, and the soundtrack of what could only be described as audible porn blared over hidden speakers.
Mason knelt beside a black casket, a pair of night vision goggles covering his eyes. You couldn't help but think of the old movies with Bela Lugosi. The characteristic shape couldn't be mistaken for anything else, and the white silk interior contrasted beautifully with the ebony wood. It was both somber and luxurious... and almost sacrilegious, when combined with the sensual rhythm of the music and sounds of slapping, grunting, and other physical 'acts'. That wasn't what death was supposed to sound like.
The engineer himself seemed oblivious to the paradox. He adjusted his goggles gingerly and, with professional efficiency, he used an electric polisher to buff out some minor flaw in the finish that only he could see.
<<nm $phYou "...that's... definitely a coffin.">>
You waited until a break in the whirr of tools to speak, and Mason acknowledged you with a curt nod, but didn't respond until he had finished the final pass.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address is quite astute: it is definitely a coffin. Specifically, it is a Jewish coffin: an //aron//.">>
<<nm $phYou "Xavier's Jewish?">>
<<nm $phMason "I neither know nor care. In this case, the term is not a religious designation but a material one. An //aron// is specifically made lacking any non-biodegradable components: no metal, no nails, no screws. The construction is motivated by the belief that the body must decompose back into the dust from whence it came at the most expeditious rate.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait. No, no, no, no -- Xavier's body is going to //decompose//?">>
The incubus sighed and finally reached up one set of hands to remove the goggles from his face. One of the remaining two reached for the stereo controls, and the throbbing nightclub music fell silent.
<<nm $phMason "As I stated, that is the theory behind the Jewish belief. //Our// purpose in such a coffin is simply that supernatural creatures such as vampires, werewolves, changelings, and fae, often show an increased sensitivity to particular metallic alloys, and including none at all seemed to be a prudent precaution.">>
You breathed out a sigh of relief, and a muttered //Oh, thank God// -- which made Mason's thin lips quirk up at the corner.
<<nm $phMason "Theology, $phMason.address, is a separate and complicated matter. As a member of the Hellish host, no doubt you will become intimately familiar with it in due time.">>
...right. Demon. Somehow you'd managed to do an impressive job of //not// thinking of the implications of your new nature -- and frankly, you were okay not-thinking about it for quite a bit longer.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. So. And the porn music? What was that about? We're not putting a coffin //in// the nightclub, are we? That seems kind of morbid.">>
<<nm $phMason "Your lack of experience with the sex clubs, dungeons, and other risqué social venues is extremely evident. Many who frequent such establishments would find a casket not only 'not out of place', but alluring precisely because of its morbidness. Sex and death, in many theories of philosophy, are intimately entwined instincts... if you will pardon the expression. In any case, if you are truly concerned, it need only be temporary. I have taken the liberty of ordering a selection of specialty furniture that will ensure patrons of the 'darker desires' are more than adequately entertained.">>
You were sorely tempted to ask what sort of 'specialty furniture' Mason was referring to -- and where on Earth you would order such things -- but he'd already humored you with more explanation than he normally did. You could always ask after the nightclub was up and functioning... or just have $phSamantha.name pull the invoices. If you were lucky, maybe they'd come with instruction manuals. That was something to deal with later, though.
@@.choice;
[[Time to Call Xavier|XavierVampireTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 0]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.focus_elysium == 1>><<set $phXavier.focus_inferno = 8>><<set $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildElysium">>You instructed Mason to work on the nature park idea, and the seed he'd mentioned. The irony of artificially creating a link to pure nature wasn't lost on you.
Mason didn't waste any time -- but then, he never did. By the time the words were out of your mouth, he was already pulling the console screen over to him, one hand holding it steady as two others took hold of a keyboard. The rapid-fire //rattatat// of expert typing filled the air. You watched for a minutes or two, but quickly realized the string of commands was at best some obscure programming language, and at worst actual arcane symbolism.
You went back to the office, still trying to wrap your head around it all. A //dryad//. It was hard to imagine they were real, but then, until a few weeks ago, you hadn't believed in demons, either, and now you were one. $phSamantha.name was more than happy to try to keep your mind (and your body) occupied until the door to the laboratory opened again and Mason's horned head peeked out.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address, if you would, please.">>
You nodded and excused yourself from $phSamantha.name, who only gave you a bit of a pout as duty called. For once, Mason's office //didn't// have the remains of arcane chaos scattered everywhere from the creation of the focus. All his papers and manuals were still shelved in place, and his various instruments were as organized as they ever were. Nothing was shattered, smoking, or sparking.
Mason beckoned you in with one hand. The other three were carefully cradling something he held in front of him, two holding it securely underneath, and one cupped over top.
<<nm $phMason "Are you familiar with the parable of the mustard seed, $phMason.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "I... can't say that I am, no.">>
You'd //heard// of it, vaguely. Probably passing references from friends or coworkers, or some cross-stitched decorative cushion in a home decor store.
<<nm $phMason "In Christian literature, it is supposedly said that should one have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you would find anything to be possible.">>
He gingerly unfolded his upper hand, revealing what was cradled in the lower two. It was a small wooden bowl, no larger than an old fashioned photo locket. Four tiny feet supported it in his pale palm, and a lid hinged with gold concealed its contents.
<<nm $phMason "This is not a mustard seed. It is a quite unique specimen, of no genus found on Earth. It is, however, of similar diminutiveness, and was extremely difficult to obtain. I would encourage the utmost care in its handling. If you drop it, it would require a magnifying glass //and// a miracle to locate it again.">>
<<nm $phYou "Obtain? You didn't make this?">>
<<nm $phMason "Genetically modified crops are certainly within the realm of possibility, but for the purposes of giving Mr. King a new lease on life, something completely natural, untouched by hands either human or demonic, was necessary. His connection to Earth and its vitality must be pure and without possibility of him doubting its -- if you'll pardon the pun -- nature.">>
<<nm $phYou "Because if he doesn't //believe// it will work... it won't.">>
<<nm $phMason "Precisely, $phMason.address. Thus the ironic appropriateness of the mustard seed parable: it is his faith in the transformation, rather than the strict means thereof, that will provide him the new lease on life that he desires, once the cost is paid.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what's the 'cost'?">>
<<nm $phMason "His death, in a manner of speaking -- a purely metaphorical manner of speaking. You will need to ensure that he ingests the seed: this will 'plant' it, and its symbolism, into the core of his being. Mr. King's leukemia is quite literally built into his bones: the marrow inside them produces vast amounts of abnormal blood cells, which then interfere with proper function throughout. To effect a 'cure' for this, he will need to give up his present body, and be given a new one from the inside out.">>
That sounded both slightly horrifying, and very painful. The doubt on your face as you gazed at the small wooden capsule must have shown.
<<nm $phMason "Have no fear, $phMason.address. As you and I have both experienced, transformation can be unnerving at first, but it is neither unpleasant nor upsetting. This is, after all, the fulfillment of his deepest desire, and any potential uncertainty regarding his -- or her -- new body will be immediately and vastly outweighed by the happiness of having good health, not for a period of questionable remission, but for the rest of his life.">>
You nodded, and when Mason extended his lower two arms to offer you the seed case, you accepted it with as much delicacy as you could. You were literally holding Xavier's life in your hand.
<<nm $phYou "...this isn't a mustard seed, you said, but the whole 'faith' thing... he doesn't have to be religious for this to work, right?">>
The incubus gave a knowing smirk.
<<nm $phMason "No, he does not. The faith required is in the cure itself. If he //believed// it would work, you could as easily tap him on the forehead with a toothbrush, or spin him around three times widdershins while blindfolded. The parable was merely a convenient cultural example. Theology is a separate and complicated matter; as a member of the Hellish host, no doubt you will become intimately familiar with it in due time.">>
...right. Demon. Somehow you'd managed to do an impressive job of //not// thinking of the implications of your new nature -- and frankly, you were okay not-thinking about it for quite a bit longer.
@@.choice;
[[Time to Call Xavier|XavierDryadTransformation][$phXavier.trans_counter to 0]]@@
<</if>>Your dreams were strange.
You dreamed of a shiny, silver building rising out of the ground and clawing for the sky. The building grew and grew like a gigantic metal plant, until it grows so tall that satellites float by outside of the windows. You dreamed of men and women falling at your feet, begging and pleading with you to corrupt them. And you did just that, granting them what they always wanted. You shaped their bodies and their minds to turn them into something new and special. It aroused you to alter them, a hot and desperate need you could feel right to the very core of your being.
It made you feel hot. It made you feel powerful.
It made you //hungry//.
You //knew// you were in a dream, but you knew it was more than that. You could feel the tingling sensation running all across your skin. You felt unmoored, like you were floating through a formless black ocean and even your body was gone. You were nothing but mind.
A silvery laugh played across your thoughts, and the sound seemed almost like a light that brightened the inky black about you. You realized you were not alone in your floating purgatory. Three figures stood before you, all of them as immobile as statues. You stared as the rising light gave shape to the loose forms.
The center statue was you, or at least the you that Lazren had crafted. She was a beautiful woman, standing with her hip slightly cocked and a knowing smirk on her lips. She was nude, and her expression showed no consternation at exposing both the swell of her chest and the length of her erect cock. Her eyes were bright and you felt yourself almost being drawn into them as you stared, forcing you to turn your attention away.
To her right was a woman in every sense of the word. She was tilted back on one elbow as though she were leaning on a counter top and her full breasts, even larger than the first's, were prominently displayed by her arched back. The fingers of her free hand traced over her belly, just above the inviting slit of her sex. She smiled at you seductively with lidded eyes and her tongue frozen in the act of wetting her lips.
To the left was a man. He was tall and fit, his hair swept back from his forehead with only a few artful strays mussing the style. He was not bulky, but the definition of his muscles clearly showed over every inch of his skin. You could clearly count his abs, even from several feet away, and his biceps featured a noticable curl. His cock, though, made up for every bit of size he lacked elsewhere. It was both thick and long, standing out from his hips like a proud flagpole.
All of them red-skinned. All of them had horns and spade tails emerging from the small of the back. All of them were demons and all of them were you.
Potentially.
<<nm $phLazren "That's right, sweetie. This is your choice. I've shown you what //could// be. Now you can decide who you are. Mmm, it'll be a while before you can change it, but I'm sure a clever one like you will figure it out in due time. You don't have to think about it. One of them is calling to you, isn't it? Go to them.">>
You did. She was right. One form had called to you. One form was the one you wanted to see in the mirror. It was the start of your new life. It was you.
It was...
@@.choice;
<<link [[The Man|Mirror]]>><<GenderFlip "male">><<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phBoyToy')>><</link>>
<<link [[The Woman|Mirror]]>><<GenderFlip "female">><<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phGalPal')>><</link>>
<<link [[The Woman...With Something Extra|Mirror]]>><<GenderFlip "futa">><<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','phPackageSmuggler')>><</link>>@@<<nobr>>
<<set $phTime to 0>>
<<set $phSoulCount to 3>>
<<set $phEnergy to 200>>
<<set $phUIDisplay to 1>>
<<set $phLazDays to 0>>
<<set $phGameDays to 14>>
<<set settings.phSpoilerMode to false>>
<<set $phStoryProgression to 1>>
<<set $phSoulCongrats to 1>>
<<set $phSamantha.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phSamantha.focus_office to 7>>
<<set $phMason.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phSleepCount to 0>>
<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
<<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>>
<</nobr>>Before we skip you two weeks into your new life, we need a little more information. Don't worry; our interrogation techniques are very gentle. Be aware that you will be unable to earn certain achievements. Skipping is fast and easy, but it does have its downsides!
!!About You
Tell us about the unfortunate human soul you //were//, and about the magnificent demon you've become!
''Human First Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.humanname" "Jane">>
''Human Last Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.surname" "Doe">>
''Demonic First Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.firstname" "Red">>
''Previous Sex''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "female" checked>> Female</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "male">> Male</label>
''Current Sex''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "female" checked>> Female</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "male">> Male</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "futa">> Futanari</label>
!!Your Transformation
Lazren fucked your humanity out of you and gave you your own personal secretary who was more than happy to be transformed into your perfect partner. She also gave you a magical necklace that lets your lovers know whether your current mood is "do" or "get done".
How did Lazren 'cure' your mortality, what did you turn your secretary into, and what mood are you in right now?
''Lazren's Technique''
<label><<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "oral" checked>> Oral</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "penetrative">> Penetrative</label>
''Samantha Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "bimbo" checked>> Bimbo Sexpot</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "futa">> Futa Partner</label>
''Necklace Facing''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "top" checked>> Red (Dominant)</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "bottom">> Green (Submissive)</label>
!!What You Did
Since you're skipping to Chapter 2, we'll give you two buildings for free. Which buildings you select will determine which character transformations you can have, so choose wisely.<<nobr>>@@#builderror;.invisible;color:red;<br /><br />''Error!'' You must pick exactly two locations!@@<</nobr>>
''Locations Built (Pick Two)''
<label><<checkbox "$phLocations['CompCafe']['built']" 0 1>> Computer Cafe</label>
<label><<checkbox "$phLocations['Gym']['built']" 0 1>> Gym</label>
<label><<checkbox "$phLocations['ShakeShack']['built']" 0 1>> Shakes 'n Sundaes</label>
!! WHO You Did
Obviously you transformed Samantha, your mousey but eager personal secretary. We'll give you two more characters to transform into perfect lovers as well. Whoever you didn't transform, just leave blank. Certain transformations require that you selected certain buildings!<<nobr>>@@#charerror;.invisible;color:red;<br /><br />''Error!'' You must pick exactly two transformations!@@ @@#charbuilderror;.invisible;color:red;<br /><br />''Error!'' You selected a transformation that requires a different building!<</nobr>>
''Cassandra Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phCassandra.transform" "pre" checked>> None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phCassandra.transform" "hentai">> Computer AI</label> //(Requires Computer Cafe)//
<label><<radiobutton "$phCassandra.transform" "punk">> Punk Rebel</label> //(Requires Gym)//
''Damien Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phDamien.transform" "pre" checked>> None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phDamien.transform" "bull">> Bull Stud</label> //(Requires Shakes n' Sundaes)//
<label><<radiobutton "$phDamien.transform" "sissy">> Sissy Boy</label> //(Requires Gym)//
''Jolie Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phJolie.transform" "pre" checked>> None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phJolie.transform" "cowgirl">> Cowgirl/Hucow</label> //(Requires Shakes n' Sundaes)//
<label><<radiobutton "$phJolie.transform" "pornstar">> Pornstar</label> //(Requires Computer Cafe)//
<<button "I'm Ready">>
<<script>>
var inputElems = document.getElementsByTagName("input");
var count = 0;
for (var i=0; i<inputElems.length; i++) {
if (inputElems[i].type === "checkbox" && inputElems[i].checked === true) {count++;}
}
State.temporary.phCh2BuildCount = count;
<</script>>
<<if _phCh2BuildCount != 2>>
<<removeclass "#builderror" "invisible">>
<<else>>
<<addclass "#builderror" "invisible">>
<<set _Skip2OK = 1>>
<</if>>
<<if (($phJolie.transform != "pre") and ($phCassandra.transform != "pre") and ($phDamien.transform != "pre")) or (($phJolie.transform == "pre") and ($phCassandra.transform == "pre")) or (($phJolie.transform == "pre") and ($phDamien.transform == "pre")) or (($phCassandra.transform == "pre") and ($phDamien.transform == "pre"))>>
<<removeclass "#charerror" "invisible">>
<<else>>
<<addclass "#charerror" "invisible">>
<<set _Skip2OK += 1>>
<</if>>
<<if (((($phDamien.transform == 'sissy') or ($phCassandra.transform == 'punk')) and ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] == 0)) or ((($phDamien.transform == 'bull') or ($phJolie.transform == 'cowgirl')) and ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] == 0)) or ((($phCassandra.transform == 'hentai') or ($phJolie.transform == 'pornstar')) and ($phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] == 0)))>><<removeclass "#charbuilderror" "invisible">>
<<else>>
<<addclass "#charbuilderror" "invisible">>
<<set _Skip2OK += 1>>
<</if>>
<<if _Skip2OK == 3>>
<<if $phYou.form == "male">>
<<set $phYou.cc_code = "LRBKM">>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "YouMale_LRBK">>
<<set $phYou.lips = "black">>
<<else>>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "You_LRBP">>
<</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == 'futa'>>
<<Transform $phSamantha "futa">>
<<else>>
<<Transform $phSamantha "bimbo">>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == "punk">>
<<Transform $phCassandra "punk">>
<<set $phCassandra.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phCassandra.date = 1>>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == "hentai">>
<<Transform $phCassandra "hentai">>
<<set $phCassandra.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phCassandra.date = 1>>
<<set $phCassyIntro = 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform == "cowgirl">>
<<Transform $phJolie "cowgirl">>
<<set $phJolie.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phJolie.date = 1>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform == "pornstar">>
<<Transform $phJolie "pornstar">>
<<set $phJolie.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phJolie.date = 1>>
<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform == "bull">>
<<Transform $phDamien "bull">>
<<set $phDamien.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phDamien.date = 1>>
<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform == "sissy">>
<<Transform $phDamien "sissy">>
<<set $phDamien.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phDamien.date = 1>>
<</if>>
<<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phPrickPicker','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phCunnyCon','broken')>>
<<script>>Engine.play("SummaryModeOffer");<</script>>
<</if>>
<</button>><<if $phJolie.sex is 0>>You chuckled and looked JJ over for a long moment. A touch of pink came to her cheeks...but she almost immediately straightened her back, pulled her arms out, and all but literally thrust her breasts out toward you. Her uniform top was tight enough already that one of the buttons creaked with the effort of keeping her assets hemmed in.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my...your //bull// huh? Even if I don't have the equipment?">>
JJ blinked, as if she had never considered that before. Then she giggled and shook her head.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my, Miss $phYou.firstname! A bull doesn't mean the biggest...well...I'm mean, it's //nice// but...the bull is the one who owns the herd. The one all we cows obey. The one we surrender our milk to, any time she commands...The one...oh my...">>
Throughout her little speech, Jolie's words began to slow down. By the end of it, she was almost slurring them, and her face was flushed. She fanned herself and squirmed in place, and you couldn't help but chuckle. Was she really getting herself hot and bothered just by //talking// about you?
<<nm $phYou "Oh my...does talking about your bull with the smell of hay in the air bring up a few things for you, my JJ? Does it make you feel ready to...produce? Or have you been too busy to see to yourself properly?">>
You raised your hand and pressed your palms lightly against JJ's chest through her top. The cowgirl gasped, but immediately moved forward to rub herself against your hands, her eyes going lidded.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh yes, please...Oh please, my bull! My owner! I wanted you to be the one to enjoy it, so I waited an extra day. I'm so full! Could you...? Please?">>
JJ bit her lower lip and her ass swayed back and forth as you thoughtfully worked your hands up and down. You could feel the weight of her chest and knew she had to be nearly to her maximum, just to make sure she was ready for you. How adorable was that?
You could hook her into the milker. That would take care of her awfully quick, but it also had a more...industrial feel to it. The personal touch would be a lot slower, but you wouldn't mind the time to get to know your dear pet.
A bull's life, it seemed, was full of decisions.
@@.choice;
[[Use The Equipment!|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 1]]
[[The Personal Touch!|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 1>>Your personal cowgirl had needs...and you were going to ensure that they were met!
<<nm $phYou "Well, let's get you onto the machine, pretty cow. I want to see you brainless and empty before I leave here, like a good pet.">>
Any other woman would have a few strong objections to that notion. Your pet cowgirl was a different matter. She brightened, immediately, and bounced excitedly in place. You couldn't help but notice that did some very pleasant things to her top.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh thank you, Miss $phYou.firstname! Thank you, thank you! I - Eeep!">>
You spanked the cowgirl on the flank and got her moving. She smiled over her shoulder and strutted her stuff happily over to the milking bench. The bench was padded, and had a cut out at each of the four corners to hold the cowgirl's limbs. In the center of the bench was a square outline. You knew the milking cups would come from there.
<<nm $phJolie "Do you want me to get undressed, my bull? Mmm, do you want JJ to put on a show for you? I want to be your good pet!">>
You smirked as she stopped before the bench and turned toward you, her hands reaching for the bottom of her shirt. You were faster. Your hands snaked forward and caught the material in your fists. JJ gasped again, and the flush on her cheeks deepened considerably.
<<nm $phYou "Too slow, pet. We wouldn't want you to be waiting //too// long, would we? What kind of bull would I be then?">>
You chuckled low in your throat...and //pulled//. The muscles Lazren had given you paused only for a second as the material caught, but the fabric was no match for your enhanced strength. You ripped the uniform top straight off her body!
JJ stood there, blinking in surprise, but you didn't give her the time to get herself together. You cast her shirt aside and your hungry hands came forward again, gripping at her bra and the tits underneath. JJ let out a long, high-pitched moan as you pulled again and snapped the bra at the center, then peeled the material down over her shoulders.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my bu-aahhh!">>
Your fingers dug into the waistband of her pants and her words ended in a squeal as you flexed again. You ripped the elastic band and sent the top button flying, the fabric pooling at her ankles. You reached for her panties...
...and stopped, admiring them for a long moment. Silken, solid white, with black polka dots. You didn't seize them, this time, but stroked your finger gently across the front. JJ shivered, immediately, and her impressive chest jiggled as she rolled her hips up against you. Almost immediately, you saw little white beads of liquid form at the tips of both her breasts.
<<nm $phJolie "My bullll! Oh please, please help me!">>
How could you refuse? You smiled, leaned forward to share quick, brief kiss, and then turned back toward the bench. Her ass more than filled her cow pattern panties and her ass swayed in eager anticipation as you held her at the back of the neck and pressed her down into place.
CLICK. CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.
Left arm. Right arm. Left Leg. Right leg. JJ gave no resistance as she slid herself into position, locking herself in against the machine. Once all four limbs were in place, you heard the machinery begin to whirr to life. You put a hand over JJ's spine, and felt her jump as the rubber coated ends of the milking cups settled across her breasts, and she looked up at you with wild, aroused eyes.
<<nm $phYou "It's okay, sweetie. You can moo for me.">>
@@.choice;[[And Oh Did She Listen!|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 2>><<nm $phJolie "MMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOO!">>
The machine hummed happily beneath your favorite cowgirl, the motor only getting more and more intense as it tried to draw out every drop of your pet's bounty. Within seconds, she had ceased to be able to string words together. By thirty seconds in, you weren't entirely certain she could remember her own name.
She remembered //you// though. You circled around her slowly, your hand extended to stroke over her back. Every time you crossed in front of the bench her eyes seemed to focus, if only for a little while. She mewled and groaned, rocking herself against the bench until you drew close enough to allow her to nuzzle against your hip.
When you crossed behind her, the cowgirl lifted her ass as much as the restraints would allow her and rocked backward against the bench. You obliged, delivering several solid spanks to the black and white panties, making her squeal with delight each time. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "Such a good slut. You know, they say the best milk comes from girls who are having so much fun they can't even think at all. You're almost there, sweetheart, but I think we can help you get just a little bit closer.">>
You spanked her ass one more time, and then looked around the small space. This weren't where the cowgirls lived, despite their appearance, but you had enough of them passing in and out you knew there would be a-
Ah ha!
You crossed the room briefly and stooped to collect your prize before returning to the humming machine. JJ whined and tried to tilt her head far enough to follow you, but there was only so far over her shoulder she could look without being able to move her arms. She couldn't watch you to see what you had retrieved. Couldn't see you as you walked back behind the bench and ran your hand across her flank once again.
She //did//, however, get the picture when you pulled her panties down to her thighs and pressed the tip of the vibrator you'd picked up between her legs. The poor girl spread her thighs as much as she could and the machine suddenly kicked into a higher gear beneath her.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my, see? When you enjoy yourself, it starts to flow better. If I'm going to be your bull, I guess that means there's only one thing I can do, huh? I figure once you cum five or six times, you ought to be just about empty!">>
Jolie's eyes went wide. She shuddered in the bench as you began to press it inside of her. The hum of the motor increased inside the small room as the cowgirl did what they do best. She tossed her head back, opened her mouth wide, and...
<<nm $phJolie "MMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!">>
You chuckled, and put your free hand against her backside, petting her gently ass she shook and writhed her way through the orgasm. You kept petting her until she collapsed back down against the breath, her panting breaths coming out hard and fast and her eyes all but glazed with lust. Then you leaned over the top of her, allowing your breasts to brush against her back as you whispered in her ear.
<<nm $phYou "Well....that was one.">>
@@.choice;
[[Five More To Go!|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 3>>JJ beamed with delight as you told her you would help empty her. She turned toward the milking bench, eager to lay down and turn the machine on. She was not at all expecting you to wrap your arms around her middle and haul her back against your body. She was wonderfully soft and plush, and your fingers sank slightly into her as you tightened the hug.
<<nm $phJolie "M-My bull! I thought we were-?">>
<<nm $phYou "I said I would milk you, sweetie. I didn't say we'd use the machine. With these girls as full as they are, I don't think I want to trust some unfeeling pumps.">>
<<nm $phJolie "But Mi..aahhhhh...">>
JJ's word trailed into a slurred sound as you reached up with both hands and gripped across her impressive chest. You could feel how tight the skin was beneath your fingers and, as you squeezed in, two small damp spots appeared on the front of her uniform top. You massaged her chest in slow circles and JJ wiggled helplessly against you, her hands opening and closing against her thighs. Poor girl was utterly helpless once someone had a hand on her chest.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl...Now. Why don't we get you out of that top so I can treat you properly? A good bull should always give the personal touch, shouldn't she?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmmhmmm...That sounds...really good...">>
You giggled and gave her an extra squeeze before letting her go. You looked around...and then grinned. On the ground near one of the cabinets was a metal bucket, turned upside down. You guessed it was part of the decoration that someone had used to reach a high shelf. You picked it up and turned back to your cowgirl.
And caught your breath. JJ had removed her top and her bra, and was kneeling on the floor. Her already enormous breasts seemed at least a cup size larger, standing out prominently from her chest. Each of her nipples was topped with a perfect white droplet of milk, likely from your teasing. She had her hands on her knees and her arms pressed gently against either side of her chest as she looked up at your with a perfectly trusting expression. You must have been staring, because she cocked her head to the side.
<<nm $phJolie "...Did I do anything wrong, my bull?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not at all, sweetie. You could never do anything wrong. I was just thinking about how well you were doing.">>
She giggled, sweetly and shifting excitedly from one knee to the other as you knelt down with her and put down the bucket in front of her. Somewhat timidly she leaned over, until her chest was hanging down across the silver container.
<<nm $phJolie "Never been milked this way before. Be gentle, my bull...or...maybe not //too// gentle?">>
You leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, just between her horns. You let your hands trace across her shoulders and then worked your way down. JJ gasped and inhaled deeply as your fingers traced across her breasts and circled gently around her nipples. You slowly closed your hand, until you had each nipple held lightly between thumb and forefinger. You could hear the cowgirl's breathing catch as a shiver ran across her entire form.
@@.choice;
[[And Then You Pulled!|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 4>><<nm $phJolie "Mooooooooooooooo! Ah...ah...My Bu...Bu...Mmoooooooooooooo!">>
Right hand. Left hand. Right hand. You had fallen rather quickly into a smooth rhythm. JJ's eyes were lidded before the bottom of the bucket was even covered. Her moans had become moos somewhere around a third of the way up, you had noticed, but unlike the mechanized pumps it didn't seem to render her quite so wordless.
<<nm $phYou "Enjoying yourself, my cow slut?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Ye...Ye...mmooooooooooooo!">>
Not //quite// as wordless, but she was enjoying herself. It was sometimes a challenge to keep her over the bucket, given that she was constantly trying to rub her side up against you. That was alright though. It was actually kind of nice. You could let your mind wander as you worked, here with JJ but not cluttering up the occasion with any words. Neither of you really needed them, at this point
Right hand. Left hand. Right hand.
<<nm $phJolie "B...u...uull?">>
You blinked down at JJ as she actually managed to finish a word. It was only then that you realized there was no longer the steady sound of milk joining what was already in the bucket. Each pull produced nothing more than the occasional drip, and JJ's cheeks were flushed brightly red. You released her and she gave a soft, slow giggle as she sat back.
<<nm $phYou "All empty....feeling better, sweetheart?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Uh huh...">>
You reached up and set your hand between her horns, and she leaned in happily to the touch. You turned away, intending to find a towel to wipe down her front...but were surprised to find yourself drawn up short. JJ had reached up with both hands to take yours, pulling you gently back around to face her. She met your confused gaze with one of pure, simple contentment.
<<nm $phJolie "Bull...fun too...Fair...">>
It took you a second to parse. Then you laughed. Good ol JJ. You stepped in front of the still kneeling cowgirl...and slowly worked your zipper down.
JJ beamed up at you and finally released your hand. She closed her eyes and stuck out her tongue, wide and flat. You brushed your hands over her hair, toying gently with the ends. You waited for a few seconds. Just long enough for JJ to reopen one eye for a peek. Then you reached up, grabbed her by the horns, and //pulled// her in against you.
@@.choice;[[It Was Nice To Have A Pet.|JJSexTopFemale][$phJolie.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.sex is 5>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phJolie.recharge to 1>><<nm $phYou "Now, sweetie. You're not going to get that full again, are you? Even if it was fun, you're denying all the lovely people a taste of you.">>
You were helping JJ back into her top. The cowgirl was doing pretty well, but it often took her a couple of tries to fumble her way into something as complicated as a shirt sleeve. Finally you settled the fabric around her and she smoothed down the front with evident satisfaction.
<<nm $phJolie "No, my bull. I'll be good...but maybe if I get a //little// full from time to time, you can still...?">>
She battered her eyelashes up at you hopefully. You laughed and put a hand on her cheek, guiding her up into a long, lingering kiss. Once it broke, you slapped her lightly on the rear.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my JJ. What am I going to do with you?">>
<<nm $phJolie "...Lots of fun things?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmmhmm. That sounds pretty good.">>
You straightened your collar and checked yourself over in the mirror. Still the spitting image of an infernal jezebel. Everything normal then. You put a hand on JJ's back and guided her clear of the milking room.
<<nm $phYou "Get some rest, sweetheart. I want to keep my pet in tip top condition, and that means she gets to enjoy being blank and happy. Oh, when you pass $phSamantha.name, tell her to send someone down, okay?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Down?">>
JJ gave you a quizzical look. You laughed and slapped her on the flank again, opening the door and stepping out into the food court. You turned to give her a broad wink.
<<nm $phYou "Of course! I just did all the work! I'd better have a few full bottles in my fridge tomorrow...and a sundae too!">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Was Fair|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<nm $phYou "Hey, Mason. You're an observant guy. Don't you see anything different about me today?">>
<<nm $phMason "Today, as opposed to any other day? I will assume $phMason.address is not referring to $pherhis tail and horns.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not exactly, no.">>
The incubus arched an eyebrow, and his dark eyes scanned you from top to bottom in half a microsecond. His upper pair of arms folded behind his back once more in his second-nature 'at attention' pose.
<<nm $phMason "If you are referring to your newly <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>masculinized<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>hermaphroditic<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>feminine -- completely feminine --<</if>> appearance, rest assured I have taken note and attempted to address you with the appropriate pronouns.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you. But -- if you //noticed//, why didn't you say something? That's the sort of thing most people would comment on.">>
<<nm $phMason "I am not most people. Fortunately so, as I believe it is exactly no one's perogative to comment on your preferred self-expression, whether pertaining to eye color or anatomy, unless they are keen to enjoy said anatomy.">>
Well. That was certainly one way of looking at it, and he wasn't //wrong//...
<<nm $phMason "Which I am not.">>
The vague indignation -- and rock-solid certainty -- with which he added that last little statement left you wondering whether you should feel offended. Everyone //else// seemed keen to enjoy your anatomy.
<<nm $phYou "So you noticed; you just don't care.">>
<<nm $phMason "Indeed, $phMason.address. You will find, however, that I am, as you said, observant, and that we share a demonic nature and lineage renders me less vulnerable to the illusion of your humanity. By and large, the tower will ensure that the unwashed masses think nothing of seeing you radically different in appearance; they will assume it has always been that way.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're saying if I show up with tits on Tuesday and a wang on Wednesday, no one will notice?">>
<<nm $phMason "No more than they have noticed any of a hundred irregularities about Paradise, $phMason.address. Your personal gender expression is just that: personal.">>
You couldn't argue about that. Between new buildings appearing out of nowhere<<if $phXavier.transform == 'vampire'>>, a nightclub run by a vampire<</if>><<if $phXavier.transform == 'dryad'>>, a giant, supernatural nature park<</if>><<if $phDamien.transform == 'bull'>>, a minotaur-man running a stable full of women<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform == 'sissy') or ($phCassandra.transform == 'punk')>>, a gym where the //real// workout wasn't with the weights<</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform == 'hentai'>>, an AI running the computer lab<</if>>, staff that never slept, and God only knew what else... what was (or wasn't) between your legs probably didn't even register on the 'weird' scale.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Something Else|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 2]]
[[Return to R&D|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@
<<if $phSamantha.transform == 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "Hey, $phSamantha.name, I'm curious - you haven't said //anything// about me looking different.">>
Your buxom secretary tilted her head to the side, and her intelligent blue eyes studied you through her glasses. After a moment, both eyebrows lifted.
<<nm $phSamantha "...did you cut your hair?">>
<<nm $phYou "...cut my...? Uh, no. Something else.">>
Sam was capable of playing dumb, but usually she did so with that flirty sort of mischief that made clear it was a game. She didn't seem to be playing this time, as she frowned a bit and took a better look at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Is that a new suit?">>
<<nm $phYou "...no. $phSamantha.name, I'm <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>a woman<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>a man<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>a woman... ah, well, //mostly// woman<</if>>.">>
The confusion in her smile was clear, but a purr re-appeared in the leggy woman's voice as she went with it.
<<nm $phSamantha "And what a <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>man<<else>>woman<</if>>! Not that you hard on the eyes before, but Lazren really brought out the best in you.">>
Huh. Either Sam was in rare form today, or she honestly didn't remember -- or didn't notice -- that you looked any different today than yesterday. You weren't sure whether that was comforting or depressing. The tower did hide some parts of you -- the three foot tail that swayed behind you, for example, and the short red horns that jutted from your forehead. Samantha wasn't some random mall shopper; she knew what Lazren was and what you were. But you couldn't think of a better explanation.
You let the subject drop and muttered something about not getting enough sleep. You could always ask Lazren again, next time you saw her, or maybe stop by R&D. Mason knew //everything//, and wasn't shy of reminding you.
@@.choice;
[[Ask Samantha About Something Else|Talk to Samantha][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'samantha']]
[[That's Enough For Now|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]
@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform == 'bimbo'>><<nm $phYou "Hey, $phSamantha.name, I'm curious - you haven't said //anything// about me looking different.">>
Sammy's eyes went wide as she stopped bopping to whatever music was playing in her otherwise-empty head, and she stared at you for several long moments.
<<nm $phSamantha "...oh! I know! $pMistress cut $pherhis hair!">>
<<nm $phYou "...cut my...? Uh, no. Something else.">>
Sammy didn't //play// dumb, she just honestly was, and you weren't sure she possessed either the subtlety or cleverness to actually try to pull one over on you. So you were confident that her confusion was genuine as she stood up and leaned over her desk, palms planted on the wood as she craned to get a look at you from shoes to shining hair.
<<nm $phSamantha "You cut your suit? It looks really good! Just like a real suit!">>
<<nm $phYou "...no. $phSamantha.name, I'm <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>a woman<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>a man<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>a woman... ah, well, //mostly// woman<</if>>.">>
Sammy blinked at you. Several times. You could see the cogs turning in her pretty little head as she tried to figure out why you were telling her that.
<<if $phYou.form != 'male'>><<nm $phSamantha "Uh... me.... too?">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Uh... um. Yes? I think so?">><</if>>
Huh. Either Sam was in rare form today, or she honestly didn't remember -- or didn't notice -- that you looked any different today than yesterday. You weren't sure whether that was comforting or depressing. The tower did hide some parts of you -- the three foot tail that swayed behind you, for example, and the short red horns that jutted from your forehead. Samantha wasn't some random mall shopper; she knew what Lazren was and what you were. But you couldn't think of a better explanation.
You let the subject drop and muttered something about not getting enough sleep. You could always ask Lazren again, next time you saw her, or maybe stop by R&D. Mason knew //everything//, and wasn't shy of reminding you.
@@.choice;
[[Ask Sammy About Something Else|Talk to Sammy][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sammy']]
[[That's Enough From Sammy For Now|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]@@<</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8>><<set $phTime to 3>>The jolt that ran across your spine wasn't //painful// exactly, but it was shockingly unexpected and snapped you awake and up off the mattress in a whirl of pillows and sheets. You stood next to the bed, groggily looking down into the fabric. You expected to see an insect or bit of electronic you might have rolled over onto that had caused a sting or shock, but there was nothing in the folds of the bed that you could see.
You rubbed your back and frowned. The bed had never done that to you. In fact...it was the first time you remembered being //awake// at this hour in a long time. Typically, Lazren's slothful nature kept you conked out and dead to the world through the entire night. You blinked at the clock...No, no mistaking it. It was technically a new day, but still in that period where 'early' and 'late' meant functionally the same thing.
Weird.
You were still standing there, trying to decide if you were going to just try and get back to sleep, when you heard it. A faint rapping from the door to the office. It was a knock, yes, but the kind of barely audible touch of knuckle on wood intended to avoid waking anyone rather than trying to. You cocked your head.
Curiouser and curiouser. You gave the blankets a suspicious look, then grabbed a loose robe from the closet and padded your way down the stairs to the front door. The soft knock came again, but only twice this time, as if the knocker had changed their mind midway through the pattern and abandoned the effort.
You didn't hesitate. As a human, you would have had considerably more caution opening the door in the middle of the night, but what did you have to fear? You were the master of this place, and you were a demon besides. You just opened the door...and found yourself even more confused.
<<nm $phYou "...Petra?">>
The security officer had her back to you a few feet down the hallway, clearly on her way away from the room. She froze for a half-second, then turned and tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear. Your brow furrowed, still trying to sort things out. Was Petra...?
<<nm $phPetra "Cap...$phYou.firstname...Sorry, I wasn't actually trying to wake you, I was just-- It can wait. Go back to bed, I'll talk to you tomorrow, alright?">>
You barely heard her. You also barely registered the fact she was carrying a small six-pack of beer in her hand. No, you were distracted by something a lot more unexpected. Petra was //glowing//, in the way that only you could see. The need was shining off of her.
Petra had become one of yours. No wonder the tower had made sure you would be here to greet her.
<<nm $phYou "It's alright, I'm awake now, and you brought apology beer. Come in. I insist.">>
You stepped out of the doorway and waved her forward. She hesitated visibly for a moment, and then finally shrugged her shoulders and stepped inside.
You guessed that she had a lot to @@.choice;[[Talk About.|PetraInterruption][$phPetra.focus_security to 8.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8.1>>The beer was cold and surprisingly tasty. You studied the bottle's label for a few seconds, but didn't recognize it. The label's edges weren't entirely aligned with the bottle, which gave you the impression of a local brewery, but it was absolutely delicious. You had already drunk one and were savoring your second.
Still, given that Petra was halfway through her third, you guessed that you'd done enough polite small-talk. Time to stop dancing around the actual topic of her visit.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. Not that I wouldn't love to spend an evening with you just for the sheer enjoyment of it, but I'm guessing you didn't come here at this ungodly hour just to split some beer bottles?">>
Petra grimaced. She ran her thumb over the front of the bottle she was working on, absently loosening the edge of the label and peeling it down the glass. She sighed and shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Be honest with you, Cap: not sure why I came here of all places. I just... I got a call in the middle of my shift. Family call. It put me in kind of a mood and... I don't know. Going home suddenly didn't seem like a great idea. I picked up some bottles on my way to work today to take home with me -- store's always closed by the time I'm off shift -- so I thought I'd grab some and...<br><br>I don't know. Be stupid, I guess. But you're a little more than the boss these days.">>
She made a sour face and put the bottle down on the table, pushing it away and giving it a glare that suggested she blamed //it// for her sudden burst of touchy-feelies. You chuckled and cocked your head to the side. She was still glowing, even brighter than before, and unlike most of your conquests there was no one to stop you from sitting and talking for as long as it took you to pry it out of her.
<<nm $phYou "What was the call about?">>
<<nm $phPetra "My brother. I told you most of my family is in uniform, I think? Big brother's doing the lawyer bit these days. JAG officer. Like the old TV show or that Tom Cruise movie? Anyway, brother got himself mixed up in something, or at least his boss did. Blew the whistle on some unbecoming behavior, let's say. I won't get into the details -- I'm not actually supposed to know them -- but some of those he reported were putting their hands in cookie jars they're not supposed to.<br><br>So in he strolls, ready to set things right and uphold the family honor code. Certain to his core there would be a hell of an investigation and a lot of bad people were about to be drummed out of the service.">>
Her tone was bitter, and now it was your turn to grimace. You paused for a couple of seconds to let her order her thoughts, sipping from the beer bottle to give her time. Then you set it down on the table.
<<nm $phYou "...And that didn't happen, because it turns out the rich, influential, and corrupt also have wealth, influence, and tricks to play when they have to. So he ended up on the hook? I'd be upset about that too, Petra.">>
She waved you off with a sharp gesture of her left hand, and her lips pulled back in a grin that was so pained it looked almost like a snarl.
<<nm $phPetra "No. //That// part any idiot could see coming. Which is why, when he told me about it a month ago, I //told// him not to assume everyone was going to be eager to expose the service to a lot of scrutiny, even if the guys were guilty. I told him he should find someone he trusts to take it to in private, to try and--">>
Her voice cut off suddenly and she tilted back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling. The frustration on her face was almost palpable, and the glow nearly hurt your eyes.
<<nm $phPetra "So now the golden boy is getting shunted off to one side while things get 'looked at' and probably swept under the rug. In the meantime, no promotions, no headline cases, no momentum. They'll shove him in a closet somewhere and forget about him, until he's had enough and goes civilian. I //told// him, Cap. I told him so. But it's always been different with the boys. They got the whole honor and discipline things drilled into them every day of their lives. Little sis just doesn't understand the big picture. I just... Sometimes I wish...">>
Petra paused, searching for the words. You didn't dare interrupt her, watching her face closely.
You were //very// interested in @@.choice;[[Wishes.|PetraInterruption][$phPetra.focus_security to 8.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8.2>><<nm $phPetra "I wish they would just //listen// to me, Cap. They don't have to follow. I'm a big enough girl to know I'm wrong from time to time. But I am just so tired of having everyone nod and smile and make the noises and not hear a damn word I say.">>
That was it. The bright glow around Petra intensified even further for a split second, and then finally began to fade. The woman sighed reached for her beer again. She'd fiddled with the label so much that it actually hung off the glass, attached only on one small corner.
<<nm $phPetra "Just... Back when we were kids? No one listened. John's gold-digger girlfriend? He didn't listen; she broke his heart. Ted's spray-paint adventures? Didn't listen, got a night in jail, //and// a call to Dad. And I get it: what teenage boy is going to take advice from their sis? But even my fucking //sisters// never listened to me. I'm just sick of it, you know? That's all.">>
She tilted her head back and drank off the last third with deliberate finality, and then stood.
<<nm $phPetra "Speaking of listening: thanks, Cap, but I think that's enough of my pity party. I'll let you get yourself back to sleep. You've got lots more to deal with than my nonsense.">>
You stood as well, but reached out to lay your hand over the top of Petra's bicep. You felt her tense beneath your touch, but you kept your hand there and waited for her to look up at you before you smiled.
<<nm $phYou "...This //is// my job, Petra. But more than that I'm your friend. I have a feeling things will look a little brighter when the sun comes up, but don't ever hesitate to come talk to me. I'll always help as much as I can.">>
Petra laughed and looked away, shifting somewhat awkwardly at the directness of your affirmation.
<<nm $phPetra "...Thanks, Cap. Hate to impose on you more, but... you got any pull with the hotel side of things? I probably shouldn't be driving home any time soon.">>
<<nm $phYou "Room 541. It'll be unlocked for you. You can take the elevator outside right to the floor.">>
You had no idea if the tower had a room 541 and, if it did, whether or not anyone was occupying it, but you didn't care. The tower would make sure Petra found //a// room 541 that was unlocked and waiting for her.
The security officer nodded, smoothed the front of her shirt, and allowed herself to be walked toward the door. With a short good night, she strode toward the elevators with all the drive and purpose you had come to expect from her. Despite her worries, you didn't see the slightest bit of wobble in her gait.
The moment had passed. The desire, however, was still there.
You made your way back up the stairs to your bedroom. Mason would have some ideas, you were certain. You hadn't expected to be offering Petra this kind of promotion so quickly, but there was something to be said for not looking a gift horse in the mouth.
It could wait until morning, however. You didn't even bother to slip under the covers when you arrived at your bed. You just let yourself fall face first down into the soft sheets and plush pillows.
It could wait, just a @@.choice;[[Little While.|PetraInterruption][$phPetra.focus_security to 8.3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8.3>><<set $phTime to 0>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">><<CheckFociReady>><<nm $phMason "That is a most fortuitous happening. If you don't mind my saying, $phMason.Address, your life does appear to attract outliers of probability. Perhaps that is the tower's doing: encouraging the events that serve its needs, and therefore your own as well.">>
You'd stepped into Mason's office first thing in the morning before your own day had gotten started, and you were still sipping your coffee as your incubus technician got up to speed.
<<nm $phYou "...I'm not sure I'd describe it as fortuitous. Her brother's mess is pretty far away. We can't exactly bring the whole army here to influence them, can we?">>
Mason steepled his upper hands, tapping his chin with his outstretched index fingers. His other two hands, however, never stopped typing at his keyboard as he pulled up, scanning through and dismissing dozens of documents whose contents you couldn't even begin to comprehend.
<<nm $phMason "Indeed not, at least not yet. However, I suspect that you are missing the point. The details of a //specific// incident are not what we are in the business of solving. No, the situation with her sibling merely brought out an underlying need that had always been present. She wishes her brother had done as she bid and avoided trouble in the first place. In short, she wishes that her words carried a greater weight. //That// we can very much accomplish.">>
You sat back in your chair and raised your mug, sipped at your coffee, and then nodded for him to continue. You were starting to get used to how this whole demonic operation was tuned, and you knew Mason couldn't help but elaborate. He seemed to find what he was looking for on his computer and his eyes rose to meet yours.
<<nm $phMason "The weight of one's opinion is not as simple as the soundness of one's ideas, $phMason.address. Were it, then political advertisements would look very different than they do. Delivering a message that is heard is made harder, or easier, by a number of things: some of them psychological, some sociological, and some physical. It is the latter two I suggest that we exploit.">>
You cocked your head to the side and settled your empty coffee mug down on the table. Briefly, you considered calling $phSamantha.name in to refill it, but there was no sense breaking Mason's flow when he was on a roll.
<<nm $phYou "How do you mean 'physical'? I mean, people will surely listen if you're standing there with a weapon, but...">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so. No, I am referring to the voice itself: pitch, timbre, intonation, and resonance. All of these play on our minds even if we think ourselves immune to such base influences. I can think of one type of creature at least whose voice acknowledges no equals. A being capable of singing men to their deaths by simply finding the right note.">>
<<nm $phYou "Men to their... A siren? You want to make Petra into a siren? Like a mermaid?">>
Mason winced and heaved an enormous sigh, splaying his hands flat on the table.
<<nm $phMason "In point of fact, the sirens were initially presented as //feathered// women, not sea-going ones. Over time, the myths were merged with other stories and our modern conception was sealed into the collective memory. Alas, though it rankles me on a pedagogical level, I must concede the transformation would work best as you say. The tailed woman of the sea is far more within humanity's perception and thus less likely to be rejected.<br><br>Fear not. Though she will fit in the legend in all ways, including in her scaled adornment, she will also be able to walk on two legs when she wishes. It has little sense to transform her and then have nothing for her to do. I suspect having a genuine mythological singer making announcements within the tower will do wonders for luring in clients. If it worked on Odysseus, I suspect it will work on your average mall visitor.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>You couldn't help yourself. You flashed him a grin, extended your hand, and cupped his cheek. He colored, visibly, and leaned his head into the touch.
<<nm $phYou "I know you love things in order, $phMason.him, but the real world gets messy. Maybe later I'll remind you that sometimes the mess is fun. Anyway, you said you wanted to focus on two possibilities? That's the physical one, so the other is...social?">>
<<else>>You laughed and tried to contemplate that. A voice that could lure sailors in, even at risk of dashing themselves to death on rocks. That would certainly satisfy Petra's desire to be listened to, and it would also be a very useful thing to have around.
<<nm $phYou "You said you wanted to focus on two possibilities. That's the physical option. The other was...social?">>
<</if>><<nm $phMason "Quite so. While the exact intonation and pitch of a word can change a mind, there is much to be said for the blunter instrument of raw authority. A leader in the criminal underworld might speak quietly, but hold the power of life and death in their hands. It is a projection of complete certainty, confidence, and strength. Tell me, $phMason.address, how much do you know about the Drow? Those Who Went Below?">>
That was a question you weren't ready for. You sat back in your chair and tried to think.
<<nm $phYou "...Drow... Like, Dark Elves? As in Dungeons and Dragons?">>
Mason smiled and, for a moment, his eyes went distant.
<<nm $phMason "Ah, Gygax. I have oft wondered if he were one of ours. Perhaps when Lazren returns, I will ask. The myths and legends are, perhaps, less than accurate but I assure you the species is quite real. But as to the topic at hand, yes. They are powerful, ruthless, and quite unafraid of the opinions of man. 'Man' in general and //men// in particular. The commands of a drow are delivered with such conviction that any lesser race would find it difficult not to be attentive...and they consider us all as lesser races.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phYou "And...what am I supposed to do with an actual one? She'd be working to enslave anyone she could the moment my back was turned. I'm already kneeling at //your// feet, I don't think you'd be interested in sharing.">>
Mason's smile was wolfish, and he allowed himself a brief break in the professional act to run his gaze up and down your body in such a possessive way you wondered exactly what he would do if anyone tried. Probably better you didn't find out.
<<else>><<nm $phYou "And...what am I supposed to do with an actual one? She wouldn't be able to walk around without drawing attention...or else I'd catch her trying to enslave my customers the moment I turned my back!">>
<</if>><<nm $phMason "Hardly. The tower would have little difficulty concealing her from the attention of mortals, $phMason.address, the same way that it does for you. As for 'enslavement', I would not be surprised if there were some encounters in that direction but, as with so many things, it would be limited to those who desire it, in the quantity that they desired. At the end of the eve, we remain a service industry.<br><br>Of course, both would require a suitable habitat to fully complete her conversion.<<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1)>> Fortunately, you have already anticipated your needs in that regard. I should think a mermaid would be quite content in Elysium, once we deepen the waters somewhat, and a dark elf would be most content to make their lair underground in the Inferno.<</if>><<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1)>> The drow, at least, should not be a problem. I think she would be quite content joining Master Xavier in Inferno, but that is not an appropriate setting for a mermaid. If you wish to pursue that option, we should need to construct a park with adequate waterways.<</if>><<if ($phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1) and ($phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0)>> A siren should be easy to incorporate into Elysium with minimal disruptions beyond the deepening of some waterways. However, that much sunlight would prove most uncomfortable to one of the dark elves. I would recommend we use the underground nightclub currently detailed in the construction console if you plan to pursue that option.<</if>> Shall I begin work immediately or would you like to take some time to consider your options?">>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1>>Teach Petra To Command Respect! Roll A Drow! -<<if $phEnergy >= 100>>[[100 Energy|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 10]] <<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "FemDom, Military, BDSM">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1>>Teach Petra To Incite Love! Call The Siren! -<<if $phEnergy >= 100>>[[100 Energy|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 9]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "Aquatic, Hypnosis, Mythical">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0>>Teach Petra To Command Repect. Build The Nightclub And Roll A Drow! -<<if $phEnergy >= 350>>[[350 Energy|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 10]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "FemDom, Military, BDSM">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0>>Teach Petra To Incite Love! Build The Park And Call The Siren! -<<if $phEnergy >= 350>>[[350 Energy|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 9]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "Aquatic, Hypnosis, Mythical">><br><</if>>
<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>>
@@.choice;
[[You Need More Time To Think|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]@@<</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is true>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 8>>You were surprised when Petra knocked on your door in the middle of the night with a case of beer and a perturbed expression. She told you that she received a call from her brother recently, who was still serving in the Navy as a JAG Officer. Apparently, her brother had spotted some shady dealings going down from superiors above him and had, despite Petra's warnings, tried to bring it to light without much of a plan. As a result, he'd been shunted away from the limelight and would probably be hidden in a dead-end posting until he was driven to leave.
Petra's frustration was palpable. She was upset over what was happening to her brother, but there was more to it than that. You pried at her, and the truth came out. She was outraged, but she was also frustrated that her brother hadn't listened to her in the first place. Whether it was because of her gender or her age, no one in her family really did. She wanted to be respected. She wanted to have her advice at least considered, and her opinions taken as something more than white noise.
You saw the glow on her when she spoke. Petra wasn't just your security office anymore, she was one of your targets. She didn't just want it, she //needed// it. You walked her to the door and then went to sleep dreaming of ways you could make that need a reality.
The next day, it was time to see @@.choice;[[Mason.|PetraInterruption][$phPetra.focus_security to 8.3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Petra")>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 9>><<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0>><<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set _combinedcost to (($phFocusCost) + (_mod250))>><<set $phEnergy -= _combinedcost>><<set $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phBuildElysium">><<else>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 9.5>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><</if>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phMason "So it shall be, $phMason.address. I will begin work immediately.">>
He turned back to his workstation, and you knew that was your cue to depart. You couldn't resist the urge to stay close by, however. Mason's efforts were always unique, even if they didn't always make a lot of sense to you. You could always expect entertainment.
You were not, however, expecting it when you stepped out of your suite an hour later and your foot squished against the carpet. You looked down in surprise...and saw a huge dark spot of moisture running down the center of the hall. $phSamantha.name stood from her desk and looked down at the floor in puzzlement, then followed your gaze down the hallway.
Oh for...
<<nm $phYou "Mason!">>
You stomped your way down the hallway, your shoes making increasingly sodden noises as you walked. When you reached the door to R&D, you saw the source of the dampness. Water was running constantly from beneath the door, pouring out in a steady flow that rendered the entire carpet outside the door a pond. You banged your fist against the door, and then tried the knob.
It turned easily, and you wished it had not. The moment the latch retracted, the door flew open and very nearly hit you. A flood of ankle deep water poured in the hallway, flowing down either side of the doorway. The rush of water was joined with an unearthly woman's voice raised in a slow, haunting melody that you were unfamiliar with.
The water was short-lived, quickly trickling off to just a dribble. The music, however, was persistant. It echoed strangely around you, reverberating off the walls in a way that made it seem to be coming from everywhere at once, even though you knew the source had to be in front of you.
You waded forward in the impromptu river, suddenly glad that most of the electronics were up on top of the desks or mounted on walls. You weren't sure if the tower was smart enough to shift the plugs upward to keep them out of the deluge, but you hoped it would at least keep your master craftsman from electrifying himself.
You finally reached Mason's office as the female voice rose to a crescendo that threatened to shatter the glass of the monitors that //had// survived the water treatment. Then, just as suddenly, the sound cut off.
Mason appeared in the doorway, pushing his goggles up to the center of his forehead. His lower hands were hold a perfect alabaster seashell with a leather band poked through a hole along the flat side. Tiny speckles caught the light, shining in blues and greens every time the white surface moved.
<<nm $phMason "Ah! $phMason.Address! How fortunate. You are just in time. I have been working on Miss Torres's final disposition.">>
<<nm $phYou "I had an inkling, yes.">>
You gestured with one hand to the inch-high water you were still standing in, and the tiny river flowing out into the hallway. Mason blinked, owlishly, and seemed to notice the moisture for the first time. He shook his head dismissively.
<<nm $phMason "Ah, a slight containment failure. No matter. We were considering a remodeling and upgrading of the laboratory anyway. The tower can manage the rest. The important point is that I have finished my work!">>
He lifted the necklace and laid it carefully across your spread hands. The shell was slightly chill to the touch, but the leather was just the opposite and warmer than you would expect. You dangled it in front of your face and studied it closely. You swore the blue and green speckles shifted from moment to moment. Each time they caught the light and shimmered against the alabaster background, they appeared in a different place.
<<nm $phYou "...And this will make her a siren?">>
<<nm $phMason "Certainly, $phMason.address. All she need do is wear it with the appropriate desire firmly in her mind, and the shell will take care of the rest. I would recommend some mild caution. As the ruler of this place, her voice should have little effect on you, but her charms will be considerable. It is, after all, literally what she was made for.">>
Good to know. You folded the leather band over the shell and then slipped the necklace into your breast pocket. Petra worked nights, of course, but you knew there was a window in the evenings where you could catch her when you wanted to.
<<nm $phYou "I'll gift it to her as soon as I see her. In the meantime, Mason...?">>
<<nm $phMason "...$phMason.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Get this mess cleaned up.">>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 10>><<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0>><<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set _combinedcost to (($phFocusCost) + (_mod250))>><<set $phEnergy -= _combinedcost>><<set $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBase to 15>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBonus to 2>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].mode to 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMin to 5>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorMax to 10>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorCap to 75>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].level to 1>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMin to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMax to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageDecay to 0>><<SetAchievement "phInferno">><<else>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 10.5>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><</if>><<nm $phMason "Very well. I believe I have just the strategy. Give me a short time, and I will furnish you with the results.">>
That was your cue to leave, and you did. However, you couldn't help but stay close to your office for the next hour. Mason's process of creation didn't always make sense, but it was always a show worth seeing.
You were somewhat disappointed then when what happened was...nothing at all. Nothing spilled out into the hallway. No strange orchestral sounds reverberated through the walls. There were no bangs, bursts, or flickers anywhere near R&D, and the door never opened.
You tried to resist. You really did. But as the hour stretched into two, you couldn't hold yourself back any longer. You walked down the hallway, rapped your knuckles twice on the door, and then tried the knob. It opened easily, allowing you to step inside...
...and into a world of total darkness.
You stopped in your tracks. The area in front of you was totally black. There wasn't a monitor light, a glimmer from a window, or even the outline of the desks and computers in the dimness. You turned around...and cocked your head. The light from the door just //stopped//. Oh, you could still //see// it, so it had to be coming in in some way, but it didn't illuminate so much as a single inch beyond the doorway. The line between the well-lit carpet of the hallway and the beginning of the lab itself might as well have been a fall into the purest abyss.
<<nm $phMason "Ah! You're just in time, $phMason.address. Come, I'm nearly finished.">>
You turned again toward the inky blackness, and this time you actually saw something. Not much, just two slightly rounded glimmers in the dark. You considered for a moment, then walked boldly toward the lights. It wouldn't do to have the boss slowly shuffling forward with hands outstretched like someone desperately searching for the light switch.
Of course, it also wouldn't do to have the boss slam $pherhis knee into an unseen table, but you'd cross that bridge if you got to it.
You made it across the space without plowing into anything, and the tiny lights resolved themselves. Mason's goggles were lit from the inside, and the displays cast a faint glow on the skin around his eyes. As you reached him, however, there was suddenly light. Tiny candles seemed to erupt from the nothingness all around you, and their gentle glow finally brought definition to the room. You could see Mason's desk, the computers silent and unplugged and the power tools put away.
The centerpiece, however, was very clear. A mannequin bust was set up in the very center of the room, and on it hung a uniform. Fittingly, it was dark midnight blue, with gold buttons and trim that ran horizontally across the chest. It had a vaguely naval look to it, but from a bygone age of sailing ships and piratry. You extended your hand and ran your finger lightly over the material. It was cloth -- a soft, well-woven cotton.
<<nm $phYou "...A uniform?">>
<<nm $phMason "But of course. She wishes to show what true power is, does she not? She respects the authority of such things. She has associated putting on a uniform with something monumental and meaningful all of her life. Finding congruencies with a subject's current beliefs helps to smooth the process, as I am sure you have already seen.<br><br>The form aside, this uniform has been infused with a thousand years of superiority, whether real or only perceived. It will uplift the wearer, amplifying those traits believed to be necessary to command respect and dampening the others. In short, it will create for you a servant quite capable of leading an army, should the need arise.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Do you think that's likely?">>
<<nm $phMason "There are many forces in the world, $phMason.address, and some of them are trouble even for us. However, I believe my answer is still 'no'. Far more likely she will content herself to organize the security simulacra into a far more effective force. I should also think they will prove excellent at finding those who crave a strong hand and providing just that.">>
You grunted, nodding, and let the sleeve slip out of your grasp. The candles were getting brighter and, with them, the rest of the lights. The computer monitors once again showed yellow 'standby' lights, windows were outlined by the <<if $phTime is 2>>streetlights<<else>>sun<</if>> against the blinds, and the light from the hallway now stretched properly into the lab. You gave the tall man a nod.
<<nm $phYou "Good...Petra works through the night but she overlaps the last evening shift. I suppose we'll introduce her to her new role as soon as we can. Box it up for me?">>
Mason nodded and turned back to his work benches. You studied the material a few more seconds, and then turned your eyes away and back to the door.
<</if>>You had your method. Now you just needed Petra to round out the set. You decided //not// to do this at the security office. You didn't want Petra focused on her work. Instead, you'd invite her to her new home and show her where she belonged.
You could hardly @@.choice;[[Wait.|Office]]@@<<nm $phMason "Ah yes, our security officer. Obviously I have her file, but we've made some additions since she appeared on your other list. One moment.">>
//Click Click Click//
Mason's fingers drummed the keyboard with expert precision, and you saw Petra's picture appear on the monitor in front of him.
<<nm $phMason "Excellent. Would you care for a refresher as to your options, $phMason.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Lets hear it. Just in case something has changed.">>
<<nm $phMason "It should be more or less the same. The capable Ms. Torres appears to feel that her words are not heeded by those around her. To that end, we are seeking to allow her to //compel// that attentiveness through additional means. In either case, I expect she will remain on our security staff but the method of her enforcement will change substantially.<br><br>First, we could imbue her voice itself with magical energy. This would infuse every word she spoke with an irresistable aura. In order to achieve this, we would be bringing forth a creature of legend: the Siren. This will bend her preferences toward the waters of the park, Elysium, but she //will// be able to stand on two legs when she needs to. I suspect she would have to do little more than ask politely for rules to be followed and they will be.<br><br>If, however, you find voluntary obedience somewhat dull, there is our other path. Bringing a Drow into our world is something of an undertaking, but not an impossible one. Once she is so imbued, she will be gifted with a certain sense of innate authority. This will likely manifest itself as a relatively organized, militant oeuvre. For those visiting the tower who rather enjoy judicially applied force...they will have little reason to complain.">>
That was about what you remembered. You could give Petra the respect she wanted through love or force. You could have a security officer your people would do anything for, or one that they would do anything to avoid crossing. Either would solve her problem handily.
You thought about it...<<set _mod to (1 - $phGlobal.buildingCostMod)>><<set _mod250 to Math.round(250 * _mod)>><<set _combinedcost to (($phFocusCost) + (_mod250))>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 1>>Teach Petra To Command Respect! Roll A Drow! -<<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 10]] <<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "FemDom, Military, Humiliation">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1>>Teach Petra To Incite Love! Call The Siren! -<<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 9]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "Aquatic, Hypnosis, Mythical">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] == 0>>Teach Petra To Command Repect. Build The Nightclub And Roll A Drow! -<<if $phEnergy >= _combinedcost>>[[_combinedcost + " Energy"|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 10]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "FemDom, Military, Humiliation">><br><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 0>>Teach Petra To Incite Love! Build The Park And Call The Siren! -<<if $phEnergy >= _combinedcost>>[[_combinedcost + " Energy"|PetraFociFinish][$phPetra.focus_security to 9]]<<else>> //@@.unavailable;Insufficient Energy@@//<</if>><<FVText "Aquatic, Hypnosis, Mythical">><br><</if>>
<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>>
@@.choice;
[[You Need More Time To Think|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]@@<<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 1>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">><<if lastVisited("Security Office") is 1>>You asked if Petra could step away from the cameras and join you for a walk. She gave you a surprised look, but agreed after a moment's thought. You were the boss, after all. She locked the door behind you and the pair of you headed for Elysium.
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 9>><<nm $phPetra "How the //hell// did you manage to sneak an entire garden past me with? With water ways? I swear there's never been anything like this over here!">>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 9.5>><<nm $phPetra "They upgraded the park? With waterways? How the //hell// did you manage to sneak that by me? There would have to be people coming in and out with pipes for weeks!">>
<</if>>Petra stooped to run her hand through the waters of one of the deep rivers cutting through the grass, flowers, and garden paths. She peered down for a long moment, as if trying to see the bottom, then straightened up again.
<<nm $phYou "Asking questions? That's not like you. Isn't it usually 'don't ask, don't tell'?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Cap, that is //not// what that policy means.">>
Petra whistled low, turning in a slow circle to admire the park. You turned as well, drawing in a deep breath. The air thrummed with life, and the gentle rustle of the leaves and branches was joined by the soft tinkling of water. Rivers curved throughout the complex, passing below the paved stones of the walkways and occasionally disappearing beneath the earth only to reappear in a basin or pool farther down.
The layout work must have had Mason pulling his hair out, but you privately suspected he enjoyed a challenge once in a while. You couldn't argue with the results.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright, Cap. You got me out here. What did you want to talk about?">>
Petra put her hands into her pockets and turned to face you, both her eyebrows lifted expectantly. You weren't planning on lying, but even if you had been, her steady gaze would have dissuaded you from it.
<<nm $phYou "You came to my door a little while back, Petra. We shared a couple of beers at my dining room table.">>
It wasn't all that easy to embarrass Petra, but her cheeks did turn a touch darker at that announcement. She looked away and tossed her head, a motion that seemed out of place for the taciturn officer.
<<nm $phPetra "Right. That. I figured. Sorry, Cap. Didn't really have my head on straight that night. I--">>
It was your turn to give her the steely gaze, holding up one hand for quiet. She blinked and stopped, more out of reflex than anything else.
<<nm $phYou "You had your head on straighter that night than any night that I've seen you, Petra. You knew what you wanted. You knew what you wished for. Lots of people never figure that out. And it's my job, and pleasure, to give it to the people who do.">>
You reached into your breast pocket and withdraw the seashell necklace on its leather strap. As you opened your hand to reveal it, you could see Petra's confusion grow. Confusion and annoyance, though she was doing her best to suppress the latter.
<<nm $phPetra "...Is this some strange way of trying to tell me I need the ocean, Cap? Believe me, I like a cruise as much as the next girl, but I'm pretty content just to visit from time to time.">>
<<nm $phYou "No...I'm talking about what you //actually// want. You want your words to be listened to. You want to speak to rapt attention. You want to persuade and command.">>
<<nm $phPetra "...And so you're giving me a necklace?">>
Petra reached for the seashell, but you closed your hand over it before she could take it. She paused, her hand hovering in the air above your fingers. You stared into the reflective lenses of her sunglasses for a moment, then extended your other hand and pulled them off, too quickly for her to object. You met her eyes directly.
<<nm $phYou "Not just a necklace, Petra. What you want. This is what I do. This is what //Lazren// does. You worked for her, just like you work for me. You've seen a lot more than you let on, so you know there's more going on than you know. If you want to find out...">>
You opened your fingers, slowly, to reveal the necklace again. Petra stared down at it for a long moment. You could //feel// the unwilling belief on her. Deep down, she knew what you were offering her. Deep down, she knew she wanted to take it.
After that second's pause, her hand lowered down again to pick the little shell up by it's leather band. She held it in front of her eyes for a few seconds, watching the light catch along the shell's alabaster color.
Then she passed the loop across her head and settled the shell down comfortably against her breastbone. You offered her a warm smile as you lowered your hand back down to your side.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, Cap, what happens no--">>
She stopped, and clasped her hand to throat.
Her voice was //not// @@.choice;[[The Same!|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Siren1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Siren1.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "Cap! I-.">>
Petra had her hand to her throat, and her voice cut off almost as soon as she spoke. Still, even with the few short syllables, you could hear the difference. Her voice had gone up at least half an octave, shifting from crooning radio announcer to something at a very different register. You grinned over at her, cocking your head to one side and affecting an innocent expression.
<<nm $phYou "Something wrong? Cat got your tongue?">>
<<nm $phPetra "What did you //do//?! I sound so-">>
She stopped again, looking up at you in confusion. The few words she had spoken had //throbbed// with her emotion. You could hear every quiver of confusion, fear, and wonder as it crossed her mind. Her voice was like liquid gold, and you could see the realization in her eyes as she stared at you. She knew it too.
<<nm $phYou "You //sound// like someone worth listening to. Wasn't that about what you wanted?">>
Slowly, her hand came away. She made a sound in the back of her throat, the way a musician might strum an instrument to get a feel for it. Even that sound came out like a crystal clear musical note. She wet her lips and her brow knit with concentration while she flexed her jaw uncertainly.
You didn't interrupt her. Not even to point out that her voice was not the //only// change taking place. Her hair was already brushing her shoulders, and the tips were shifting from brown to an impossibly bright crimson shade. She turned to you, and her hair lifted in a brief whirl as though it had no weight at all.
<<nm $phPetra "Okay...Okay. You told me you were changing me. The necklace. You're changing my voice. But why would you-- why am I so //itchy//?">>
Both her hands went to her belly, scratching through the black security shirt. Then she gasped, the sound all but echoing off through the entire park, and her hands stopped dead. Whatever she had felt, it hadn't been what she'd been expecting. Her eyes turned to you, suspiciously.
You shrugged, and returned to your overly innocent smile. Petra rolled her eyes, sucked in a breath, and looked down at her trembling hands.
Then, carefully, she @@.choice;[[Pulled Her Clothes Back To Take A Look!|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Siren2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Siren2.png]]</picture>@@
Petra's shirt bunched around her palm as she pulled it upward while peeling open the front of her pants. You noticed in passing that her black panties were just a little bit lacey across the top, and wondered if she had been hoping you might drop into the guard station. Perhaps she just felt like adding a little bit of 'extra' to her day.
Regardless, that wasn't what was mainly catching your attention.
<<nm $phPetra "What the flying hell?">>
The woman splayed her fingers across a pleasantly flat tummy, stroking her finger across the edge of a large (and growing) patch of green. As she pressed her fingers against the patch, the skin flexed rather than indented and sparkled in the light with the movement.
Or rather, the blue-green //scales// did.
Petra stared, her mouth agog. Even as she pulled her fingers away, the patch continued to grow. It was spreading across her belly and even an inch or two up past her naval along the side, while the bottom began to roll down toward her hip. Even as you watched, a second green spot appeared above along the opposite side of her stomach, a single glittering scale that began to multiply just as quickly as the first one was.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my. Coming along wonderfully, though I'm not actually sure you should be standing for this part.">>
<<nm $phPetra "What did you mean 'this pa--' Ah!'">>
Petra's throbbing voice could still host any radio show she wished in its low, honeyed register, but every imperfection that had made it smoky seemed to have been burned away...and as her voice rose in a high note of alarm, it effortlessly sailed into the highest reach of soprano without even a moment's break. It seemed she could speak in whatever pitch she felt like.
That voice had competition, though. There was a deep ripping sound in the air, and you worried for a moment that this adjustment was about to turn more 'horror' than 'fairy tale'. You relaxed, however, when you saw the source of the noise. Petra's pants were tearing along the inner seam, the fabric pushed outward as the legs split from ankle to hip. You caught glimpses of the skin underneath the fabric, already glittering with the now familiar green hue.
Petra's hands clutched uselessly at her shredded pants, bending to try and get a look at her legs. Her voice again rose to a high-pitched cry as her knees abruptly snapped together, her ankles following suit as though she were clicking her heels. She wobbled, her balance utterly thrown as her limbs moved without her will.
<<nm $phPetra "Wha--!">>
<<nm $phYou "I told you. Don't worry, I can help you get where you need to be.">>
You took a step forward and extended your hand, splaying your palm out across her collarbone. She seized your wrist in both hands on reflex as she fought to remain upward, then looked up into your face...
...and then back over her shoulder at the river of water behind her.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son of a b--<<else>>bi-<</if>>!">>
You gave her a @@.choice;[[Push!|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 4>><<set $phPetra.portrait to 'PetraS'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Siren3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Siren3.png]]</picture>@@
Petra did not hit the water with grace and poise. She pinwheeled her arms, cried out, and splashed into the river hard enough to send a wall of water in all directions and kick up a wave of sandy dirt from the depths. You chuckled and stepped to the edge of the artificial river, peering down into the water. Ripples and waves spread out from the point of impact, reflected off the rock walls, and bounced back toward the center, obliterating any chance of you getting a look through the haze.
You waited, but she did not reappear. The rippling water slowly settled into a mirror like surface, but you couldn't see past the pluming dust.
You waited some more, but only a few isolated bubbles dribbled up from the bottom.
You were just about to dive in after her (and ask some very tough questions of Mason) when there was a sudden darting movement in the water. Petra's head broke the surface in an explosion of water and a cascade of long, fire-red hair. She gasped, sucking in a deep breath as her upper body pushed up out of the water...
...and you saw the long green fins of her tail break the surface just behind her.
<<nm $phPetra "I could...Holy shit, I could breathe down there! Like //actually// breathe!">>
She raised both hands to her dripping hair, smoothing down the locks with her fingers and sending flood of water across the back of her neck. Then she blinked, pulling one long strand out in front of her face. She stared at it for a few seconds, before she realized that the red hair was not the most dramatic of changes.
She twisted in place to get a good look at the tail. It wasn't easy. When she twisted too far the fins disappeared beneath the water again, but she eventually got herself orientated until she was floating on her back with her green, shining tail out in front of her. She tentatively lifted the fins up out of the river then slapped them down gently across the surface. Even that tiny movement was enough to propel her a little forward, almost seeming to glide through the water over to the side you were still standing at. She looked up at you with wonder in her eyes.
<<nm $phPetra "I should be terrified. I should be screaming at you. But...">>
You waited, letting her find the words. She thought about it for a few lengthy seconds, then managed a lopsided smile upward in your direction. Her perfect voice pulsed with complete sincerity. Somehow, you could suddenly understand how sailors might throw themselves at rocks just for the chance to protect someone like her.
<<nm $phPetra "It just feels right. I don't know why.">>
<<nm $phYou "Because it is. Come on, let me help you up.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Up? But I can't stand like this!">>
<<nm $phYou "Really? Let's find out.">>
You reached down and offered your hand. Petra hesitated, but reached out to take it. You hauled her upward, and she let out an adorably high-pitched sound of surprise as you did. She wasn't expecting you to be that strong. And as she came out from the water, she lost her balance and lurched to one side...
...and her foot came down in the grass.
She stared downward, wriggling the toes on her right leg, and then on her left. She was still dripping with water (and naked from the waist down, though you were too polite to call attention to that) but she seemed entirely human. Once more, she turned her eyes up toward you, but this time they were glowing green. The same light that was coming from between her lips.
You didn't hesitate, leaning forward to catch her in a kiss. She made a startled sound against your lips, but soon pressed hard against your front even as you held her. You felt the soulgem melt across your tongue like the finest candy, warming your stomach and then the rest of your body as the energy rolled outward.
You held the kiss long after the gem was gone. When you two of your finally separated, Petra was looking up at you with astonishment. She ran her tongue along her lips, and then drew in a sharp breath.
<<nm $phPetra "...Captain. Do you remember how I told you I never ask any questions? Yeah...I think that's done with.">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Enough|PetraSirenTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 5>><<Transform $phPetra "siren">><<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<nm $phYou "And that's pretty much the story. The tower mostly conceals what I am from people who can't handle it. I helped enough people to get past the first test, but when we started noticing someone poking around, we realized we needed a human on the security team. Your name came up pretty immediately, and you know the rest of the story from there.">>
The pair of you were sitting on the grass beneath one of the smaller trees. Your back was up against the trunk and Petra was sitting in front of you. Her legs were folded together beside her in a far more classically feminine pose than she may have adopted previously. You couldn't help but imagine renaissance paintings featuring beautiful women reclining on rocks.
She'd waved off your attempt to gather up the wet shreds of her pants for //some// kind of modesty, and seemed almost confused with your concern. You wondered if that was new. You couldn't be //entirely// sure she wasn't an exhibitionist before, though you would tend to doubt it.
You weren't complaining though.
<<nm $phPetra "So you brought me in. I caught our intruder and you did what exactly?">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, <<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>>he's fine. He's having the time of his life...or unlife, rather. Come to think of it, you wouldn't have seen him. He doesn't show up in mirrors, so I doubt he's on the cameras. But he runs Inferno. Our nightclub run by an actual creature of the night.<</if>><<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>>she's fine. Uh...and it is she now. In fact, she's probably being polite right now, but this is usually her stomping ground so I'm sure you'll get to know her soon. If you see a leafy green woman sitting in the highest branches, you'll have lots to talk about.<</if>>">>
Petra stared at you for a long, long time at that one. Then she laughed. The sound was silvery perfection that broke against your ears like the playful waves lapping against the edges of the river. Her merriment warmed you like the dappled rays of the sun warmed the-.
You blinked, and shook your head for a moment. Apparently it //also// put you in the mood for poetry. Good to know.
<<nm $phPetra "You know, an hour ago, that would have seemed strange to me. I guess now it's just the way the world is. You still want me in the office though, don't you?">>
She twirled a finger around her red hair and shot you a pleading look you //knew// the old Petra would never have tried. Which was good, since if she had ever asked you for anything with a look like that, you were pretty sure you would have spilled the beans ages ago.
<<nm $phYou "Of course, as long as you want it. We've made sure there's plenty of life aquatic here, though, so you're more than welcome to stay where you're most comfortable.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Unless you arranged for cadres of fish friends, I think I will want to come up for air from time to time. Still, it holds something of an appeal I have to admit. I think I'm going to spend a little longer here and get myself settled to things...You don't mind, do you?">>
She pouted at you, and it was your turn to laugh. You reached up with one hand and drew her into a kiss. You could taste the fainted hint of salt on her lips, even though you were pretty sure the indoor river was fresh water. She squealed with delight against you and leaned up eagerly into your embrace before you reluctantly let her go. Then she all but bounded up to her feet.
<<nm $phPetra "Thank you, Captain. Now all I need to do is find a way to keep my jacket. I don't think it's going to do very well if I keep hopping back and forth from earth to sea.">>
You climbed to your feet as well, dusting yourself off. You raised one finger as she mused the words to herself.
<<nm $phYou "Actually...why don't you pop into the office when you can? Look for someone named Mason and tell him I sent you. I'm pretty sure he can come up with something!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Really? Oh thank you, Captain! Thank you, Thank you!">>
She giggled with glee and leaned forward to kiss you again. Then she pulled away, winked, and turned back toward the water. Three quick bounds took her to the edge, and this time she dove into the water with barely a ripple of impact. You saw a brief flash of green beneath the water as she shot like an arrow down the very center of the channel, and then vanished around a corner.
You smiled. Well, she was happy. You figured it would take her a day or two to settle in, but you knew that she would. Once she did, you did not envy any criminal trying to ply their trade in your tower. They'd be crying and begging for forgiveness the moment she spoke.
One fewer thing for you worry about. You hummed to yourself as you headed back to your office.
She was now @@.choice;[[Part Of Your World!|Office]]@@
@@.narrative;Petra Unlocked At Elysium! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 1>><<set $phLocation to "Inferno">><<if lastVisited("Security Office") is 1>>You asked Petra if she could step away from the cameras and come with you to the basement. She gave you a surprised look, but agreed after a moment's thought. You were the boss, after all. She locked the security office door behind you as, together, you headed for Inferno.
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 10>>As new as it was, the club wasn't open to party-goers just yet. Already, though, the shelves behind the bar were fully stocked with liquor bottles of every sort; the dance floor was in place and bathed by overhead ambient blue, purple, and crimson lights. Neon flames decorated the walls, and low, deep industrial EDM music set the tone for what was come.
You, of course, knew what you were looking for, and you spotted it draped over one of the bar stools: the jacket.
<<nm $phPetra "Wait. Wait, no -- you said 'basement'. This is a //nightclub//! How long has this been open? Why isn't it on any of the cameras?">>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 10.5>>Although normally the club would be packed with people, the sign on the door proclaimed it was reserved for a 'private event'. Petra's still-shielded gaze wandered around the room. The shelves behind the bar were fully stocked with liquor bottles of every sort; overhead ambient blue, purple, and crimson lights bathed the dance floor. Neon flames decorated the walls, and low, deep industrial EDM music set the tone for what was come.
You, of course, knew what you were looking for, and you spotted it draped over one of the bar stools: the jacket.
<<nm $phPetra "I've thought about coming down here before. You know, grab a change of clothes after work, come get a beer.">>
<<nm $phYou "Never did?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Never seemed to line up right. Been awfully curious about what that door at the back goes, too, though. Can't be coincidence that none of the cameras see inside.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Asking questions? That's not like you. Isn't it usually 'don't ask, don't tell'?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Cap, that is //not// what that policy means.">>
She stood there for a moment, still looking around, taking in the atmosphere almost as if it were a tangible scent all its own. Finally she slipped her hands into her pockets and turned to face you, both her eyebrows lifted in expectation.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright; you got me out here. Did you want to talk about something, or is an empty nightclub your idea of a hot date?">>
You hadn't planned on lying, but even if you had, her steady gaze would have dissuaded you.
<<nm $phYou "Raincheck on the hot date. Remember coming to my door the other day? We shared a couple of beers at my dining room table?">>
It wasn't easy to embarrass Petra, but her cheeks turned a touch darker at that reminder.
<<nm $phPetra "Right. That. I figured. Sorry, Cap; didn't really have my head on straight that night. I--">>
It was your turn to give her the steely gaze, holding up one hand for quiet. She blinked and stopped, more out of reflex than anything else.
<<nm $phYou "You had your head on straighter that night than any night that I've seen you, Petra. You knew what you wanted. You knew what you wished for. Lots of people never figure that out. And it's my job, and pleasure, to give it to the people who do.">>
You crooked a finger to beckon her over... and then motioned to the navy-and-gold cloth folded over the barstool. Petra furrowed her brow at you before reaching to pick it up. As she lifted it, you realized there was something additional underneath: a delicately-curved sabre in a leather sheath, almost a meter in length. She stared at the coat first, then gingerly reached for the weapon.
<<nm $phPetra "This looks almost-- This is //old//-school Navy. Like 1812 rear admiral. What is this? Halloween costume? Some strange way of telling me I need an ocean getaway? I like a cruise as much as the next girl, Cap, but I'm pretty content just to visit from time to time.">>
<<nm $phYou "No - it's what you //want//. You want your words to be listened to. You want to persuade and command. You want people to recognize the weight of what you say.">>
You could see Petra's confusion grow. Confusion and annoyance. She was doing her best to suppress the latter, but it was growing rapidly.
<<nm $phPetra "So you're giving me a uniform? I'm no AJ-Squared-Away; I clean up good in a jacket, but this is-- this is two hundred years out of date, and I'm no officer. This is a joke.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ever heard 'the clothes make the man'? It's not a joke, Petra. This is what I do. This is what //Lazren// does. You worked for her, just like you work for me. You've seen a lot more than you let on, so you know there's more going on than you know. So if you want to find out...">>
<<nm $phPetra "..so I put this on, and people are magically going to take me seriously. what about when I take it off again?">>
<<nm $phYou "It won't be the uniform that they're paying attention to. They'll listen to //you//. But I'll be honest, Petra: there's no going back. Once you put it on, everything important about it is going to become a part of you.">>
Her lips pursed, but her eyes were impossible to see behind the dark lenses of her sunglasses. You couldn't tell exactly //what// she was thinking... but you could tell that she was. She was thinking, hard. You weren't sure what all she might have 'not seen' while working on Lazren's payroll, but surely it was enough to make her realize that what you were offering was more than playful dress-up.
Your heart sank as she abruptly lay both the jacket and the cutlass back down on the stool -- and then leapt again as she took hold of the open edges of her jacket and started shrugging it off her shoulders.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright. This damn thing better be in my size.">>
You grinned. You had no doubt Mason had tailored it to @@.choice;[[Perfection|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Drow1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Drow1.png]]</picture>@@
Perfection, it turned out, required stripping. The jacket's careful folding hid a pair of matching dress slacks inside, and it quickly became clear that both pieces were, well, //snug//.
Petra had tried on the jacket first, and barely managed to get her hand through the cuff before realizing that both her regular leather bomber jacket and her shirt beneath were going to have to come off. She grumbled and glared playfully at you, a glimpse of her blue eyes shining over the edge of her sunglasses, as she placed her well-worn brown coat down on the barstool next to the Navy blue. She crossed both arms to grab the hem of her t-shirt at her hips, and shimmied out of that as well.
Not that //you// minded.
It was a little hard to keep your concentration as you watched the tall, muscular woman strip down to a pair of simple black cotton bikini briefs and a matching bra. You'd seen Petra in stages of undress before, but that didn't take away the awe of seeing her smooth tan skin revealed an inch at a time, or how the slim strength in her muscles made you almost drool. When she bent at the waist to slip on the uniform's slacks, you couldn't help a small, wistful sigh of appreciation at the sight of her toned derriere.
Finally she managed to get them up over her hips, and cinched the double-holed belt tight around her waist. It certainly was tailored to perfection, and hugged every inch of her long and powerful legs.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm $phPetra "This doesn't ride as far up my rump as I was expecting it to. Snug, but I can live with it. And don't think I didn't notice that tent in your pants, Cap.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "This doesn't ride as far up my rump as I was expecting it to. Snug, but I can live with it. And don't think I didn't notice how you were squirming over there, Cap.">><</if>>
She took the supple grey leather of the sword belt and hung that around her hips as well. Once it was secure, she gripped the sheath with one hand and curled the other under the knuckle-guard and around the hilt. With a soft click, the blade released, and several inches of shining steel glittered under the nightclub lights. You could see the thoughtful smirk tugging at her lips.
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah. I could get used to this.">>
Then she reached for the @@.choice;[[Admiral's Coat|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Drow2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Drow2.png]]</picture>@@
Petra had slipped her left arm into the jacket when her //right// arm caught her attention. She'd just let go of her new favorite toy when the sight of her fingers made her do a double-take obvious even behind her dark sunglasses. She lifted and splayed her fingers, moving them in and out of the colorful, strobing lights of the club. No matter how she held them or from what angle she looked, though, the strangeness didn't go away.
Her fingers were grey. A dark, smooth grey, the color of cold ash or stormclouds in an evening sky.
//You// could see that the subtle beginnings of her change were more than just a few of her digits. Her chin-length hair was already an inch or so longer, and streaks yellow-cream ivory were starting to show through the rich auburn. As you watched, the ivory color faded to a pale, snowy white.
She looked over at her other hand, instinctively, and found the same ashen hue spreading over her wrist there as well.
<<nm $phPetra "...the hell? Cap?">>
You couldn't see her eyes behind her glasses as her gaze rose, but you could //feel// the sharpness of her attention as it fell on you. Her voice snapped with demand for an explanation, and you felt that, too, like a punch straight to your chest. From the way her free hand flashed up to her throat, //she// heard the difference, too.
<<nm $phPetra "What did you //do//?! I sound--">>
She stopped again, her hand still cradling the front of her neck. The few words she'd spoken reverberated with power: a visceral tone of command that bypassed your ears and sank straight into your bones. The timber and pitch of her voice hadn't changed, but the weight and impact was impossible to ignore.
<<nm $phYou "You sound like someone people //have// to listen to. Isn't that what you wanted?">>
She stared at you, the jacket half-hanging from her body, and then raised her hands again. The shadowlike darkness had crept up to her elbow on her bare arm by now, and vanished into the jacket on her other. As a lock of her lengthening hair tumbled into her face, she swept it back to fasten it behind an ear... a //pointed// ear, as her fingers froze on the narrowed tip and traced the elven outline.
<<nm $phPetra "That's-- You said I'd //sound// like--">>
<<nm $phYou "And //look//, too. No more blending in. The moment people see you, they're going to know they can't ignore you.">>
You reached to help take hold of the jacket, so she could get her other arm into it more easily -- a little encouragement to go along with the process. It shocked even you when Petra yanked away before your fingers made contact.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't touch me! You-- you-- Jesus. I-- I just had this.. thought like... you're //human//, you don't //deserve// to touch me, but you're not human, you're--">>
Her eyes widened. You could tell from how her lips dropped open and her eyebrows rose up above the Aviator lenses. She stared at you.
<<nm $phPetra "You're not human. You have-- horns! And... a tail!">>
Petra was sharp, and it took her only a few seconds to connect the dots between the cutlass, the jacket, and her newfound ability to see you for what you really were. She looked down at her hand again, where the ashen color had already reached her elbow. There it stalled, waiting for Petra's ultimate decision. Just as you did, your breath caught in your throat. Mason had seemed so sure, and no one had ever second-guessed their changes once the focus had started to take hold. Petra, though, had enviable strength of will... something the enchanted coat was only enhancing further.
<<nm $phPetra "...fuck it. They're going to //listen// and //obey//.">>
And with that, she @@.choice;[[shrugged on the other arm!|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 4]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 4>><<set $phPetra.portrait to 'PetraD'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/Drow3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/Drow3.png]]</picture>@@
You'd never seen Petra in an actual uniform... and you had to admit, she cleaned up //nice//.
Now, with the suit complete and the golden buttons fastened closed, she looked every bit an 18th century admiral from the neck down. The tailored fabric was crisp, sharp, and perfectly tailored, and the detail in the craftmanship was amazing. The naval cutlass hung on her hip with the easy confidence of someone who knew how to use it -- and wasn't afraid to.
From the neck up, 'historical' gave way to 'urban fantasy'. All of Petra's skin was a uniform and flawless dark grey that contrasted with her pale hair. Her ears swept back from her head, now extending to impressive points nearly two inches in length. It was a surprisingly exotic combination with her trademark sunglasses still in place.
Petra ran her fingers through her bangs, studying the bleached strands, and then let out a huffed laugh.
<<nm $phPetra "Damn. Things are gonna change around here, $phYou.firstname. Things are gonna change.">>
A crooked smirk tilted her lips as she dropped the lock of hair and turned her attention to you. Her hand came to rest, almost unconsciously, on the pommel of the cutlass.
<<nm $phPetra "Feels weird calling you 'Cap' now. You're no captain; you're not even enlisted. You're just a <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>girl<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>> ..ish<</if>><<else>>boy<</if>>. And just human... ish. Guess that 'ish' isn't too bad.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, don't forget who's boss here, and who transformed who.">>
She smiled. And then she spoke.
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phPetra "On your knees, //boy//.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "On your knees, //girl//.">><</if>>
She //said// it in a normal voice, but the command hit your ears like a roll of thunder. A shiver ran up your spine, and goosebumps along your arms and the back of your neck followed in its wake.
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>>Your knees hit the floor without any conscious thought of obeying at all, and a surge of unexpected //warmth// blossomed in your chest. You couldn't tell whether it was fear, awe, pleasure, or some marvelous combination of them all. But whatever it was, it definitely made you <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>wet<<else>>hard<</if>>.
Petra stepped forward, canting a hip as she looked down at you over her shades. You could see that her eyes were still bright, beautiful blue. One booted foot rose, and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>she pressed the firm, slick sole of the ball of her foot down against your hardening shaft<<else>>she pressed the firm, slick toe of her boot up against your sex<</if>>.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't argue with me. Like I said, things are gonna change. And //you//, little <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>, are going to learn to listen to people better than you.">>
You blinked, temporarily dumbstruck, and your attempt to answer came out as a surprised croak. She pressed harder, and you squirmed from both the budding prick of pain and from just how self-assured she sounded. All you could do was nod, and once you did, her foot withdrew.
<<nm $phPetra "Good. Now tell me...how does all this work? Is //this// what happened to that journalist?">><<else>>You felt it: the urge to hit the floor the moment she spoke the words. An unexpected surge of //warmth// blossomed in your chest. You couldn't tell whether it was fear, awe, pleasure, or some marvelous combination of them all. But whatever it was, it definitely made you <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>wet<<else>>hard<</if>>.
Mason's warning was fresh in your thoughts: //you// were still the boss here. You knew you //could// resist, if you tried hard enough... and that right now, that'd serve no purpose at all than to interfere with the tower's magic.
You slowly went to your knees. Petra stepped forward, canting a hip as she looked down at you over her shades. You could see that her eyes were still bright, beautiful blue. One booted foot rose, and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>she pressed the firm, slick sole of the ball of her foot down against your hardening shaft<<else>>she pressed the firm, slick toe of her boot up against your sex<</if>>. After a moment, she pressed harder, and you squirmed from both the budding prick of pain and from the pleasure interlaced with it.
<<nm $phPetra "That's for hesitating. Now tell me... how does all this work? Is //this// what happened to that journalist?">><</if>>
Fortunately, it was phrased as a question, so you didn't yet have to worry about what she could compel out of you. It didn't really matter. Either way, you had a lot to @@.choice;[[Tell Her.|PetraDrowTransformation][$phPetra.trans_counter to 5]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.trans_counter is 5>><<Transform $phPetra "drow">><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phSoulCount += 1>>
<<nm $phYou "And that's pretty much the story. I helped enough people to get past the first test, but when we started noticing someone poking around, we realized we needed a human on the security team. Your name came up first and fast, and you know the rest of the story from there.">>
<<if $phYou.necklace == "bottom">>You were seated at Petra's feet, cross-legged instead of kneeling, while she reclined on one of the many black leather chairs that graced Inferno's floor. The cross of her legs and the crispness of the uniform said 'in charge', but the easy slouch of her posture in her chosen throne exuded a sort of careless confidence that you were sure would have people begging to be were you were right now.
<<else>>You were seated across from Petra, you on a crimon loveseat ostensibly built for two, while she reclined on one of the many black leather chairs that graced Inferno's floor. The cross of her legs and the crispness of the uniform said 'in charge', but the easy slouch of her posture in her chosen throne exuded a sort of careless confidence that you were sure would have people begging to be at her feet.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "So you brought me in. I caught him and... you did what to him, exactly?">>
<<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>>You motioned towards the door that led to Inferno's dungeon... and to a certain black casket.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, he's fine. He's having the time of his life...or unlife, rather. Come to think of it, you wouldn't have seen him. He doesn't show up in mirrors, so I doubt he's on the cameras. But he runs Inferno. He's in the other room, actually. Our nightclub run by an actual creature of the night.">><</if>><<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>><<nm $phYou "Don't worry, she's fine. Uh...and it is 'she' now. If you ever happen to feel like a stroll through nature over at the park... well, if you see a leafy green woman sitting in the highest branches, you'll have lots to talk about.">><</if>>
Petra stared at you for a long, long time at that one. Then that characteristic smirk tilted her lips, and she shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "You know, an hour ago, that would have seemed strange to me. But I'm sitting here with pointed ears and a new dye job, so... Speaking of, it might be hard for me to lead security looking like this.">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "The magic takes care of that. You didn't notice my little 'extra appendage', remember?">>
The smirk widened, and Petra reached up a dark hand to lower her glasses //just// enough to make it obvious when she glanced down to your crotch.
<<nm $phYou "... my //tail//.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Was gonna say: it's not exact 'little'.">>
You glared. She smiled.<<else>><<nm $phYou "The magic takes care of that. You didn't notice my little 'extra appendage', remember?">>
You raised your tail behind you, swishing the leathery tip through the air. Petra's smirk widened.
<<if hasVisited("PetraSexTop")>><<nm $phPetra "Gonna have to try that out sometime; that's gotta give that baton a run for its money.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "Gonna have to try that out sometime; looks like you've been holding back on me.">><</if>>
You lifted both eyebrows and made a mental note to 'share' generously -- and often.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, since none of the human customers will see what you really are, and none of the simulacra -- or people like you -- will care... you're welcome to keep working, or supervising, the Security Office if you want to. You'll be a little more sensitive to sunlight now, but overnights that won't be a problem. Or, if you'd prefer, you can just stay here in the nightclub and say you retired early. Wherever you're most comfortable.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Both. All work and no play makes Petra a dull girl... but if all I wanted to do was party, I wouldn't have been in this job to begin with. Discipline: do it right, get it done, and //then// relax.">>
She looked around the nightclub as she spoke. You had it booked for a 'private venue' all night, so there would be no stream of happy, horny people tonight. <<if $phXavier.transform == 'vampire'>>Xavier, of course, would be waking up soon. Maybe it'd be better for you to be in bed before 'predator' and 'protocol' met.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "Speaking of, though -- I haven't been out to a club in ages. I think I'm going to take some time to look around, and maybe make some plans for how I want things to go. Dismissed.">>
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>You lifted an eyebrow at her, even as you felt that same heated //thrill// run through you at the magically-charged command. There'd be time to fight that battle another time. For now, you were exhausted, and Petra had a new world to adjust to.<<else>>You nodded and rose to your feet, that same heated //thrill// running through your nerves at the magically-charged command. You'd have to try to reign that in somehow... you //were// still the boss, and still had an operation to run, no matter how good it felt to do as you were told.<</if>>
She seemed happy, though -- and she already had mentioned plans on how to make the Security Office work more effectively. No regret or second thoughts that you could detect, certainly. Once she got settled in, you pitied any criminal trying to ply their trade in your tower. With Petra in front of them, they'd be crying and begging for forgiveness the moment she spoke.
One less thing for you worry about. You'd earned your sleep tonight, and you revisit your new Commander @@.choice;[[Tomorrow|Office]]@@
@@.narrative;Petra Unlocked At Inferno! Minimum and Maximum Management Caps Increased By 25%!<<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].manageMax += .25>>
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<</if>>//Paradise Inc.// is free to play, but we greatly appreciate people who help fund our kinktastic adventures. You can support us several different ways, and financial supporters get early access to new content and features, artwork previews, polls to determine what's next, and other fun treats along the way.
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Happy humping!<<include PetraDrowQuestions>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetra.post_talk to 1>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 13>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phPetra "Oof. You look like shit, Cap. Here.">>
The tall woman pushed back in her chair and rolled it over to a cabinet. She pulled it open, rumaged inside, and came up with an ornate looking bottle. She pushed back off the cabinet and, in the same graceful motion, underhanded the bottle at you. You caught it out of the air and peered at the label, but didn't recognize the symbol or even the language.
<<nm $phYou "That bad, huh? What's this?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Appears Mason decided he'd better come bearing gifts if he wanted to talk to me and slip out without trouble. Probably the smartest thing I've ever seen him do. Apparently, old vintage from my kin. The real ones. Where the Hell he got it, I didn't ask.">>
You looked down at the bottle with new respect, then pulled up a stool at the counter. A minute later, both of you had a small glass of the deep amber liquid. You took the shot hard and fast, without bothering to sip, and Petra did the same.
//Wow.// It was strong alright. You weren't exactly surprised. It also had a taste you weren't positive you could identify. More heavy and lingering than what you'd had before, but you couldn't put your finger on exactly how.
<<nm $phPetra "...So. Big promotion, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Apparently. What I did to earn it, I have no idea. Things are going pretty well, but seems like the tower does half the work for me. Employees like you do the other half. Can't help but feel there's a catch somewhere.">>
The drow woman snorted at your flattery and poured another shot into both of your glasses. She studied you from behind the mirrored lenses of her aviators.
<<nm $phPetra "Seven Deadly, Cap.... those are big shoes to step in. Can't say I wouldn't be tempted, if I were you; people do some crazy things when they're trying to get something they think they want. That's a lot of power. A //lot// of power. I don't know about you, but I don't know if I'd wield it responsibly all the time. Something to think about, maybe... think you'll be able to keep doing the right thing after you get that brass ring?">>
That was a sobering thought. You took another drink while you thought about it. Mushrooms? Was that the taste? Could you make alcohol out of mushrooms? Maybe you didn't want to know the answer.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. At least it explains why this place is so thirsty all the time. If Lazren wanted me to take over as Desire, that would be a hell of a way to prime the pump. Now you're telling me I got to worry about becoming someone else?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...I seem to remember someone telling me it was for my own good, and it would make me happier, no matter how scary it was. Sound right?">>
You shot her a deadly look, but you couldn't really argue with the point. Maybe this was just a grander version of what you had done to your employees? A leap of faith with a reward waiting at the end?
That was the thing about leaps of faith. You couldn't be sure what was at the bottom before you jumped.
<<nm $phYou "Something to think about.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Damn right. Now, if you're done moping around, what's your pleasure?">>
<</if>><<else>><<set _randarray to [1,2,3]>><<set _random to _randarray.random()>><<if _random is 1>><<nm $phPetra "I'm sorry: what part of 'no' is too complex for you? Do I //sound// like doing what I tell you is optional?">>
Petra sat the two-way radio down on the desk, next to a tonfa-style nightstick. She sighed as she sat back in her chair a shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Fucking rookies. Give them an inch and they suddenly think they get a say on things.">>
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<nm $phPetra "Good job. Keep that up and I might think you actually know what you're doing. Once you've finished there, do a patrol in through the parking lot.">>
Petra clicked off the mic and smiled up at you as she looked over.
<<nm $phPetra "Have to remind myself the sim-whatever-cra aren't really people. I'm trying to be nice to them -- well, nicer than I would most people. Wouldn't do to piss off the whole damn building by being rude to its eyes and ears.">>
<</if>><<if _random is 3>>The night seemed quiet when you slipped into the Security Office. Petra wasn't on communications tonight, and myriad of screens showed placid and uninteresting displays of shops, restaurants, and seating areas. The dark elf woman was filling out paperwork, and the gentle //scratch-scritch-scrit// of the pen against paper was the only real sound to hear. She held up a finger to forestall any speech until she finished the end of the page, sighed, and placed the pen down. The other accoutrements of her job -- a wooden nightstick and a two-way radio -- had been shoved off to the side to give her room to write.
<<nm $phPetra "Still have do some things the old fashioned way. Bureaucracy: gotta love it.">>
She favored you with a wry smile as she raised a hand to her face and tugged her aviators down far enough to give you a glimpse of those beautiful blue eyes.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Heya. Everything okay?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, fine, fine. Tight ship and all that. Livin' the dream. Fortunately all work, no play makes Pet a bad girl. Speaking of: you here to talk shop? Or is this more of a personal check in?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 12>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 13>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/DrowFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/DrowFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "Will you walk into my parlour? said the spider to the fly. 'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever did you spy.">>
You'd barely opened the door when the ominous words graced your ears, made all the more alarming by the seductive confidence with which they were spoken. Fortunately you'd know that voice just about anywhere.
Petra smirked at you as she rose from her seat at the security station and curled an ashen finger to beckon you close. She was still dressed in the same 18th century admiral uniform, although it looked a bit more modernly styled than you recalled -- or maybe it was just how it combined with her decidedly 21st century sunglasses and the high-tech surveillance system behind her. With as crisp as the seams and lines were, she couldn't have been wearing it the entire time since she was transformed. Perhaps Mason had crafted some regular, non-magical versions of the uniform so that Petra would always have her buttons polished and her pants pressed.
<<nm $phPetra "Gettin' lazy, Cap. I expected you in here a lot sooner.">>
<<nm $phYou "Am I 'Cap' again? And really? I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting you to jump back into the grunt work so soon.">>
You crossed over to the desk and leaned your hip against it as Petra shrugged and sat back down on her chair. A moment later the twin //thunk-thunk// of her boots hitting the top of the desk echoed through the room. A two-way radio wobbled from the impact, next to a slim black baton. Petra leaned back in the chair, and you caught a glimpse of her vibrant blues eyes over the her glasses.
<<nm $phPetra "Maybe sometimes; don't get used to it. And given our security staff right now is a grand total of just me?">>
<<nm $phYou "True. Thinking of requesting some additions?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Maybe. Maybe not. This place pretty well runs itself most days, and I doubt there's going to be many who can live up to my standards. Might advertise for a few new recruits and see how easy they break.">>
You lifted both eyebrows at her. True, she //was// a drow now, and you'd been warned that that particular kind of elf wasn't the jolly holiday kind...
She caught the look of reproach -- and the 'not sure if serious' twitch of your lips. Petra flashed a bright, wicked smile up at you.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry; I'll only break the ones who like it. So what can I do you for, oh supervisor mine? You just come here to shoot the shit, or you interested in a little one-on-one?">>
At least her sense of humor hadn't changed. This new Petra definitely had a much sharper edge to her than the woman who'd sought you out for family advice... but you had no doubt that she'd be just as effective at her duties, and that for people who needed a firmer lead, she'd be a dream come true.
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phPetraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Petra How She's Adjusting|PetraTalkDrowSecurity][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Her Family|PetraTalkDrowSecurity][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalkDrowSecurity][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Get In Some 'One on One'|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]
[[Say Goodbye|Security Office][$phPetra.goodbye to 'drow']]@@<<include PetraSirenQuestions>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetra.post_talk to 1>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 13>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phPetra "Hey there, sailor. Have a feeling if I really were running a radio station, you'd be requesting something just a bit moody tonight. Rough day?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, hello to you too. It's not that bad, is it?">>
Petra chuckled, leaning one elbow up against the console as she swiveled her chair around to face you.
<<nm $phPetra "...Not really. Mason told us what was happening. You look distracted, though. How you holding up, Captain?">>
You grabbed the other chair, pulled it close, and sat down heavily. You had to ponder the question for a few seconds. You'd think as much as you had been going over this lately, you'd have a better answer.
<<nm $phYou "Still figuring it out. I'm sort of committed at this point. I need to at least do my best to come through for them. I still can't help but feel like I'm playing with powers beyond my understanding, you know?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Isn't that everyone, though? You know most people get into cars without the slightest idea how a combustion engine works. They run companies whose operations turn on individuals they've never met. The world is just too complicated for anyone to understand everything about it. Do you know how much of the ocean is still virtually unmapped?">>
You peered over at her, curiously. That wasn't really the advice you were expecting out of her.
<<nm $phYou "So...what? You just go for it? Throw caution to the winds and take the plunge?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I didn't say that. Take it from a military brat: plan for what you can plan for. For everything else, just make sure you're watchful, ready, and have someone to watch your back.">>
<<nm $phYou "Someone to watch my back. Volunteering, are we?">>
<<if $phPetra.date gt 2>><<nm $phPetra "Always. Who else is going to take me to the aquarium on my days off?">>
She pushed back from the console and rolled on her chair until she was beside you. The red-head leaned in and kissed your cheek, smiling enigmatically. Then she flexed her legs and returned to her previous position.
<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Always. Someone's got to keep you out of trouble, after all.">>
She turned even further in her chair so she could reach out and pat your knee, smiling enigmatically. Then she returned her attention to the console.
<</if>><<nm $phPetra "Alright, enough of that. Anything else you wanted to talk about?">>
<</if>><<else>>Petra was singing softly into the microphone as you approached. It didn't have any words, just a melodic and flowing cadence of sound. That didn't seem to matter, though. You could see a small stampede of people building up toward one of the newest shops as the song was piped through the intercom. You guessed that store as not going to have trouble unloading its stock on the first week.
She smiled over her shoulder at you, but kept up the song until the crowd was large enough for her. Then she turned the microphone off and spun her chair toward you. You were no longer surprised when she surged forward to kiss you, and you caught her easily and held her until you had to break for air.
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmm. Always a good day when you drop in, Captain. How's the work going?">>
<<nm $phYou "People to meet, wishes to grant. Always the same tune, but I'm getting better at dancing to it. How are you?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Wonderful, of course. How could I be anything else?">>
She grinned at you and dropped herself back down into her chair, crossing her legs and leaning her back up against the monitor console. Her eyebrows lifted with playful curiosity.
<<nm $phPetra "Dropping on for a chat? Or were you in the mood to hear a few high notes from me, Captain? You know that private concerts can be arranged.">>
No doubt that was true. And a tempting thought...
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 12>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 13>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/SirenFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/SirenFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "Now...are you going to be a good boy for me and go put all those things back? I know you wouldn't want to disappoint me, would you?">>
You couldn't actually hear the response, but you could see one of the cameras was focused on a man wearing a suspiciously bulging coat. He was talking into a courtesy phone and nodding frantically. Even as you watched, he began to jog deeper into the mall so quickly that he very nearly clipped himself on a bench.
Petra giggled wickedly, fluffing out her bright red hair with both hands and spinning around toward you. She rose quickly, all but throwing herself into your arms for a lingering kiss on the lips that stopped you in your tracks. Only when you finally had to break for air did she pull away, resting a hand on her hip.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, hello Captain! I was wondering when you would finally drop in! How do you like the top? Mr. Mason was very helpful in making sure my old jacket could handle the water a lot better. It barely feels like I'm wearing anything when I swim!">>
You looked her up and down, a bit startled by the exuberance. Petra's outfit had indeed changed quite a bit. The brown leather jacket was now shorter and tighter across her body, pulling away from her front enough to show off cleavage you were pretty sure she hadn't possessed before the seashell necklace that was still hanging just above it. She was wearing a set of green-scaled leggings that extended all the way down to her boots and rather strongly brought to mind the tail you knew she could shift to at a moment's notice. You wondered if Mason had also arranged for the bottoms to actually merge with the tail, or if the color scheme was just a playful addition.
And that was the far larger change. Not the clothes, but the demeanor. Petra was grinning broadly, her eyes shining and her body relaxed. She had kissed you without a second thought, and the cynical wariness was totally gone. You spread your hands.
<<nm $phYou "It looks amazing, Petra. But I think just about anything you were wearing would. How are you feeling? I wasn't expecting you back to work this quickly?">>
Petra giggled and waved a hand flippantly, dropping herself back down into the swivel chair and crossing her legs.
<<nm $phPetra "Not //really// working, Captain. All I have to do is ask, really. They're all so sweet, and so eager to please when I explain things to them. That was the whole point, wasn't it?">>
Her voice was still liquid joy. Even when she was just chatting with you, it flowed effortlessly between registers and her words fell on your ear like spoken poetry. You realized you were going to have to be careful when it came time to talk raises.
<<nm $phYou "More or less. The point was to make you happy, Petra. This seemed like a way to do it. I'm guessing we succeeded?">>
She snorted and even somehow managed to make the sound seem gracefully. She pulled her legs up under her and rolled her eyes.
<<nm $phPetra "I think that's a safe bet, Captain. Now, what can I do for you? A little conversation or were you interested in hearing some of the high notes I can hit?">>
She said it so casually it took you a second to realize exactly what 'high notes' she meant. Well...that was tempting. Very tempting.
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phPetraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About How She's Adjusting|PetraTalkSirenSecurity][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Her Family|PetraTalkSirenSecurity][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalkSirenSecurity][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalkSirenSecurity][$phPetraQ4 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Experience Some 'High Notes'|PetraSirenSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]
[[Duty Calls|Security Office][$phPetra.goodbye to 'siren']]@@<<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ4 to 0>><</if>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 1>><<if $phPetraQ1 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How's life since the big change? Don't regret taking the necklace?">>
Petra snickered and shook her head quickly. She reached up and ran a finger along the ridged band of the seashell still resting on her collarbone.
<<nm $phPetra "Not even a little. I didn't know what it was, but now that I have it I couldn't imagine giving it up. It's like...I don't actually know how to describe it!">>
<<nm $phYou "Breathing underwater? Having a tail? All of that?">>
Petra shook her head again, her eyebrows coming together thoughtfully as she struggled to find the words.
<<nm $phPetra "No, I...well, I mean, Yeah, that was something to get used to. The feel of the water felt so //right//, but that's not what I mean. It's more...It's like there was a block for my whole life, you know? A wall between me and everyone else. My thoughts were mine, yours were yours, and we were just writing letters to one another from one side to the other.">>
<<nm $phYou "And now?">>
<<nm $phPetra "No wall at all. I can reach //out// you know? And everything I'm feeling, I know you understand. And everything you tell me, I understand. There's no barrier anymore. It's like finally being able to talk to a pen pal in person. It's so much better!">>
You thought about that. It made sense. You could be the best communicator in the world, but everything one said got filtered through the perception of everyone listening. Perhaps Sirens had the ability to bypass that. To put their own thoughts straight into someone else's mind without having to fuss with all of the extra discussion.
You weren't sure if that was one of the most gratifying thoughts you'd ever had, or one of the scariest. You suddenly understood why the old stories had warned about the creatures so much.
Petra saw your expression and grinned. Or perhaps the communication was two way. In either case, she seemed to know exactly what you were thinking.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry, Captain. I'm eternally grateful to you. I'm going to help as long as I can. The more people you can save, just like me, the better it is for everyone. Now, did you want to talk about something less...worrying?">>
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ2 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How's your family? Have you spoken to any of them?">>
Petra's expression brightened a few notches. She looked like a cat that had gotten into the proverbial cream.
<<nm $phPetra "Just fine. You remember my brother? Tried to blow the whistle on a bit of under the table nonsense?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. And got himself sidelined for it?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Right. Things might be looking up in that regard. Surprisingly, a few well-placed officials became suddenly interested in examining the case further after talking to an interested young lady who pleaded for their attention. Currently, I think a few involved parties are probably strongly considering coming clean and, once that happens, he'll be a hero.">>
You laughed. You wondered how Petra had learned exactly who she had to call, but it probably wasn't that complicated. If your voice alone could sway the listener, all you had to do was work your way up the line until you found the person you needed.
<<nm $phYou "...How's your brother taking the news?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, not that bad. He //did//, of course, want to jump out in front of it like an idiot again. Confront one of the troublemakers himself and all of that. However, when I explained to him all the reasons why he shouldn't do that...He agreed.">>
Two words, but the deep satisfaction on the siren's face as she said them was something to see. You couldn't help but smile.
<<nm $phYou "Never thought you would see the day, hmm?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You have //no// idea, Captain. It's the first time it wasn't in one ear and out the other. I could barely believe it. He's going to sit back and let the wheels turn this time, and I'm going to make sure they move where they're supposed to. Don't worry, I won't be pulled away by any more family emergencies any time soon.">>
She giggled, winsomely, and winked at you.
<<nm $phPetra "Thanksgiving is going to be a hell of thing, though. I'll tell you that right now. I'm looking forward to it.">>
...You did not envy Petra's siblings. You had a feeling a couple of traditions were about to get upended. Well, it never hurt to shake things up.
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ3 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you enjoying your work these days?">>
Petra smiled and curled a lock of her fiery hair around one finger. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phPetra "It's a lot easier now, that's for sure. Pretty much all I have to do is ask and people listen. Can you believe I yelled 'freeze' at someone the other day and the whole side of the mall stopped moving?">>
She giggled, tossing her hair over her shoulder and linking her fingers together thoughtfully.
<<nm $phPetra "Mason was a little disappointed though. He had me record a couple of 'welcome to Paradise, please walk on the left' type messages, just to try things out. Didn't work one bit. Apparently if I'm not behind the words, then it might as well just be white noise. Recordings don't do much, so it looks like I've still got job security for a while yet.">>
<<nm $phYou "We weren't planning to replace you any time soon, believe me.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Glad to hear it. Otherwise...not really. <<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>>Elysium-wise, Xun and I get along pretty well, actually. It was a little awkward at first, considering I'm the one that caught them in the first place, but we've more or less hashed it out. She's above the water, and I'm below it.<br><br><</if>>I admit, so far as the security goes we are still seeing people be nervous around the staff even when the tower tries to minimize them. There's only so much you can do. They have to be visible for the people we //want// to see them to do so. Still, maybe keep an eye out for some way to make them a little less imposing for your average shopper?">>
That was an idea, alright. Unfortunately, you had no ideas on how to do it. Still, you had a feeling that Mason was already working on the problem and would probably add it to the build terminal just as soon as he worked out the kinks. You could worry about it a bit later.
Sometimes, it was good to be the boss.
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ4 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "You seem to have Cass pretty well in hand, if you don't mind my saying.">>
Petra flashed a grin at you, leaning back and brushing a hand through long red hair. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phPetra "Not sure I'd describe it that way. Cass doesn't really need to be 'in hand'. That's always the mistake people make. Dad always used to tell stories about bad kids coming into basic and bad sergeants trying to break them out of it with sheer force. Maybe that works in the movies, but not in real life.">>
<<nm $phYou "No? So they don't scream and yell?">>
Petra smirked at you and chuckled. She lifted a hand and waggled it.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, they scream and yell, but that's not //all// they do. Maybe back in the old days it was like that, but the whole point is to make someone effective, and you don't get that from a mindless drone. You try to do it that way, you wash out a chunk of every class and all you taught the remainder is how to go through the motions and hate you in private. They're going to tell you what you need to do and teach you how to do it. They might get loud if you need it, but that's not the point.">>
<<nm $phYou "And that's what you do with Cass?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Cass isn't training to be anything. All I have to do is not judge her and not take her shit, and we're just fine. I draw the lines pretty clear. She runs over them, we talk about it. That simple.">>
<<nm $phYou "You make it sound more like a contract than a relationship.">>
Petra chuckled again and closed her eyes, clearly remarshalling her argumenet. When she looked up at you her expression contained no doubt whatsoever.
<<nm $phPetra "...It's complicated. Every relationship is. But it's also simple. I like being with her, she likes being with me. We're both going to piss off the other one from time to time. I've gotten a feel for when she needs to swear, when she needs to take a walk, and when we just need to chat. It's good for us both. I turn my brain on too much and start talking myself in circles dealing with someone in the real world, she reminds me who I am. She starts breaking things just to break them, I give a nudge to get her back on track.">>
<<nm $phYou "A nudge, huh?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Tomato, Tomahto. I say nudge, someone else might say breaking out the cuffs, the spreader bar, and a metric ton of weed. Whatever it takes. She's worth it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't argue with that. I'm glad you two got together. I think you're right. I think it's good for both of you.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Damn straight. Now, what else can I do for you?">><br><</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 0>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 0>><</if>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 1>><<if $phPetraQ1 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How's life since the big change? Any regrets putting on that uniform?">>
Petra chuckled and shook her head, raising one hand to graze down the center line between the polished buttons.
<<nm $phPetra "Not yet. Never say never, but I've got no complaints. Sometimes I forget I //have// changed. I can hear things better now, and my night vision is damn near perfect, but unless I look at myself in the mirror, it's easy to forget I have a new permanent... whatever it is. 'Tan' isn't the color.">>
She kept that hand up in front of herself, twisting it back and forth as she gazed at the dusky flesh.
<<nm $phYou "How are people treating you? Do they listen now?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh yeah. //Listening// was never the real problem; people would hear what I said, but they'd shrug it off. Now they //obey//, and I gotta tell you, $phPetra.address, it's //nice//. I snap at someone to sit down and shut up, and they actually //sit down// and //shut up//. I never realized how deeply that frustrated me until I didn't have to deal with it any more. It's like they know that I know best, and they're not only willing to take my lead, but actually wanting it.">>
You nodded as you... well, listened. It made sense. People by nature tended to follow strong personalities, and Petra's had just been dialed up to eleven. Her new confidence that people just //would// obey, combined with the tower's enhancement to her voice, probably cut through all that surface-level thoughts and doubts of other people, and for a lot of them hit them right in that instinctive desire to be guided by a strong hand. It wasn't for everyone, but you had no doubt that for those needing it, they were drawn to Petra's self-assured aura like moths were to a flame. Hopefully they didn't get burnt up in the process, metaphorically speaking.
Petra saw your expression and grinned.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry; you're not going to have any 'excessive force' complaints from me. Now, did you want to talk about something less...worrying?">>
<</if>><<if $phPetraQ2 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How's your family? Have you spoken to any of them?">>
Het smug, smug smile betrayed that there was definitely a story to be told.
<<nm $phPetra "Just fine. You remember my brother? Tried to blow the whistle on a bit of under the table nonsense?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. And got himself sidelined for it?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Right. Things might be looking up in that regard. For some reason, a few well-placed officials suddenly realized the importance of doing their sworn duty and examining the case further. Can't imagine why they suddenly felt inspired to do the right thing, but it might have had something to do with me reading them the riot act once I got them on the phone. I think now that they're actually fucking //investigating//, it won't be long until things come out, and bro's going to end up a minor hero.">>
You laughed. You wondered how Petra had learned exactly who she had to call, but it probably wasn't that complicated. If all you had to do was say 'let me talk to your supervisor' and people actually //did//, it wouldn't take you very long to work your way up the chain.
<<nm $phYou "...How's your brother taking the news?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Pretty good. Of course he wanted to jump out in front again like an idiot -- confront the troublemakers himself and all of that. I told him to sit his ass down and let the system work. He agreed.">>
Two words, but the deep satisfaction on the woman's face as she said them was something to see. You couldn't help but smile.
<<nm $phYou "Never thought you would see the day, hmm?">>
<<nm $phPetra "You have //no// idea, Captain. It's the first time it wasn't in one ear and out the other. I could barely believe it. He's going to sit back and let the wheels turn this time, and I'm going to make sure they move where they're supposed to. Don't worry, I won't be pulled away by any more family emergencies any time soon.">>
Her dark lips twisted up in a wry smile.
<<nm $phPetra "Thanksgiving is going to be a hell of thing, though. I'll tell you that right now. I'm looking forward to it.">>
...You did not envy Petra's siblings. You had a feeling a couple of traditions were about to get up-ended. Good thing it never hurt to shake things up.<</if>><<if $phPetraQ3 is 1>><<set $phPetraQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you enjoying your work these days?">>
<<if $phLocation != 'Inferno'>>The drow woman leaned back in her chair and laced her fingers behind her head.<<else>>Petra's eyebrows crept nearer her hair line as she sat down her drink and gave you a bemused look.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "<<if $phLocation == 'Inferno'>>Figures you'd ask about work when I'm off the clock. <</if>>'No news' is 'good news'. Been pretty quiet - not that there's ever been a thriving crime ring smuggling nuggets out of the food court or anything. The couple of times I've had to get hands-on with people, they figured out real quick that making me raise my voice is a bad idea.">>
With the more obvious changes in her appearance and demeanor, sometimes you forgot that the transformation had altered her voice as well.
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Do you give them them 'first, middle, and last name' treatment when they're in trouble?">>
She laughed and shook her head.
<<nm $phPetra "No, but I ought to try that. People //listen// now. The other day I yelled 'Freeze!' at some douchebag, and the whole damn store stopped moving.">>
A satisfied grin settled across her lips as she continued.
<<nm $phPetra "Mason was a little disappointed, though. He had me record a couple of PSAs -- 'Welcome to Paradise. There is no parking in the red zone' type things -- to try it out. Didn't work at all. Apparently it's live or nothing: if I'm not actually behind the words, it's just another voice. So it looks like I've got job security for a while yet.">>
<<nm $phYou "We weren't planning to replace you any time soon, believe me.">>
<<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>><<nm $phPetra "Glad to hear it. I know it's not work, but since I'm guessing that's your next question... Xav and I get along pretty well, actually. Bit of a rough start, considering I'm the one that caught him in the first place, but we've more or less hashed it out. He keeps his fangs to himself, and I don't stake him through the heart.">>
Well, that was good to hear. You could just imagine how Xavier's predatory nature, and Petra's drow instinct for domination, could clash in the most spectacular of ways.
<<nm $phPetra "I guess other than that... The simulacra are a little on the blunt side, still. Either they're not quite where I need them, or if they are, they're just //too// obvious, and then you get the clientele on edge because you've got a SWAT standing there out in the open. Hard to find the right balance, but I'm working on it.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "Glad to hear it. I guess other than that... The simulacra are a little on the blunt side, still. Either they're not quite where I need them, or if they are, they're just //too// obvious, and then you get the clientele on edge because you've got a SWAT standing there out in the open. Hard to find the right balance, but I'm working on it.">><</if>>
A good observation. Unfortunately, you had no idea on how to do it. You could worry about it a bit later, though, and maybe do a brainstorming session with Mason at some point.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">>You told Petra that you wouldn't mind a private concert for a few of those 'high notes' she had mentioned. Her blue eyes rounded slightly and the smile that spread over her face threatened to blind you with its intensity.
<<nm $phPetra "I see! Well, it is only fair that I serenade my patron from time to time. However, we should probably take a walk first. It might be a little strange if people heard certain kinds of singing coming from the security door. Know of anywhere quiet and private...maybe with a river or two to walk along and admire in the moonlight?">>
You smirked, and extended your arm chivalrously, and she dutifully took your elbow. You began to walk her to the door.
<<nm $phYou "I believe I can come up with something...">>
<hr>
Ten minutes later, the two of you were safely ensconced within Elysium. The park was dim and quiet, and the moonlight shone through the skylights above you. The grounds were far less traveled in the late evening as they would be earlier in the day, and the two of you should essentially have the place to yourself.<<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>> If Xun was still awake, she seemed to be giving you privacy.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I always forget just how quiet it is here at night.">>
<<nm $phPetra "It really is. Despite all the changes, I'm still something of a night owl. When the lights go out, you can just float down the river and look up at the stars. Do you have any idea how long it had been since I had just //looked//, Captain? A very, very long time.">>
You nodded in agreement, pausing at the side of the flowing water to look up into the sky. The skylights were hardly natural, but with the lights down and the darkness erasing almost everything but the moon far overhead, you could easily imagine yourself in a forest, not just a maintained garden.
The grass rustled underfoot as Petra took a step toward you and wrapped her arms loosely around your neck. You smiled and looked back down at her, but didn't find her eyes on yours. Instead, she was looking down at your chest, and the faint glimmer of <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>red light at your neck, where the gemstone necklace caught the white light from above.<<else>>green light at your neck, where the gemstone necklace caught the white light from above.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "See something you like?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmhmm. Very much so. But it wouldn't be appropriate to take advantage of it out here. I'm afraid I've got to move us again to somewhere the proper...acoustics.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Again? And where is that, exactly? I thought that's why we came he-.">>
You didn't get any farther than that. You saw the mischief in Petra's eyes just a split second before she suddenly threw herself into your arms. You wobbled, forced to step back to keep your balance against the sudden shift...only to find your foot sailing past ground level without finding any ground.
It was far too late to recover. You caught only a second's glimpse of Petra's wide, beaming smile before the pair of you went over the side entirely and <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>@@.choice;[[Into The River!|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<<else>>@@.choice;[[Into The River!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>You told Petra that you wouldn't mind joining her for a swim. The siren's answering smile was knowing as she pulled herself a little closer against the embankment.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh I see. I think you'll find it's a wonderful way to relax and -...Oh?">>
Her attention traveled downward and you followed suit. You saw what she was looking at immediately. When you'd bent next to the river, your necklace had worked itself out of your shirt and was now hanging freely, the gemstone occasionally catching the <<if $phTime is 2>>moonlight<<else>>sunlight<</if>> through the skylights above you.
<<nm $phYou "You've seen this before, haven't you? One of Lazren's gifts to me.">>
You reached down and pulled the jewel forward to dangle from between your fingers. Petra wasn't really listening to you, though. Her eyes seemed to reflect the <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>red<<else>>green<</if>> of the gemstone, and she cocked her head first to one side, and then to the other.
<<nm $phPetra "It's like me. The same sort of energy, Captain. Reaching out to connect you with someone else. To convey thought without words. It's amazing...and the //type// of thoughts it transmits...">>
She turned her eyes up to you, and her grin grew a little wider.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh Captain, my Captain...">>
She surged out of the water suddenly and wrapped her arm around the back of your neck before you could react, drawing you into a deep kiss. Water cascaded off her body and down your shirt, and you grabbed hold of her out of pure reflex.
You //felt// rather than saw her mischievous smile, her lip curling against yours, and you realized what she was about to do a split second too late to brace yourself against the shore. Petra was already pushing off from the wall, tugging you off your feet and down into the river.
You heard her silvery laugh reverberate through the park, just before you <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>@@.choice;[[You Went Under!|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>>@@.choice;[[You Went Under!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>><<set $phTime += 1>>You struggled with it a moment, then finally shook your head as you stood up from your seat and sighed.
<<nm $phYou "Not this time, I think. I sometimes think if I'm not in bed by a certain time, I'll turn into a pumpkin. Hazard of serving the incarnation of Sloth, I suppose.">>
Petra pouted, but she soon shook it off, extending her hand to take yours and give it a brief squeeze.
<<nm $phPetra "I understand. Of course, the offer will be there whenever you like, Captain. Just think about it? Or, if you're going to bed, should I say dream about it?">>
Oh, you very much @@.choice;[[Would|Security Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><<if (previous() == "PetraTalkDrowSecurity") or (previous() == "SecurityWait")>><<nm $phYou "Actually, since you're offering... I wouldn't mind some one-on-one.">>
The drow woman grinned, one slim eyebrow lifting up from behind her black Aviators. She studied you for a moment before placing both hands on the arm of her chair and rising to her feet again.
<<nm $phPetra "'Offering'? I don't know that I'd say I'm //offering//... see, one thing about this new arrangement we've got is that I get to //tell// people what to do.">>
She reached out an ashen hand, and one fingertip sought out the delicate chain of the necklace that rests around your throat. As she pulled them gemstone out of your collar, you could see Petra's beautiful blue eyes looking over the rims of her glasses... and you could see the vibrant <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>crimson<<else>>emerald<</if>> hue reflected in them.
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>You weren't any stranger to dealing with strong personalities, and Petra had been a strong and independent woman even before her change. Maybe you needed to remind her //some// things hadn't changed.
<<nm $phYou "...and another part of this 'new' arrangement is that I'm still your boss. Which means I tell //you// what to do, and you do it.">>
Her smirk only widened, tugging up the corner of her mouth in a lopsided grin.
<<nm $phPetra "Sorry, //Captain// -- guess I forgot. One-on-one it is. So what's the assignment? How to fill out paperwork? Proper paperclip organization?">>
<<nm $phYou "I've got something else in mind. Come on; we're going to Inferno. You need a lesson on the best way to use that smartass mouth.">>
@@.choice;
[[Remind Her Who's Boss|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<<else>><<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>>She licked her upper lip as she let go of the gemstone and let it fall back against your shirt. For a heart-stopping moment, you thought her fingers were going to close around the hilt of her cutlass. The relief when they didn't was short-lived... because they curled around the hilt of the nightstick on the desk, instead.
<<if hasVisited('PetraSexTop')>><<nm $phPetra "That was a hell of a night, Cap... think it's high time I returned the favor. What do you say?">>
The way Petra practically //purred// the words made your mouth go dry -- <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>and your pussy wet<<else>>and your cock go hard<</if>>. You could already imagine all the things she could do with that sleek, black baton... in part because you'd done them to her!<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Let's start by seeing how well you handle a shaft. What do you say?">>
The way Petra practically //purred// the words made your mouth go dry -- <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>and your pussy wet<<else>>and your cock go hard<</if>>. You could already imagine all the things she could do with that sleek, black baton...<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Say 'Yes!'|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<<else>><<nm $phPetra "So here's what we're going to do: I'm going to call in a few of my new recruits, and you're going to help me 'demonstrate' a few things for them.">>
Your breath caught, and you swallowed as Petra announced her decision. Even though it wasn't a direct command, her voice still had that bone-deep confidence, that magical //thrill//, that made it clear that obedience wasn't optional.
<<nm $phYou "I-- wait, what happened to 'one-on-one'?">>
She let go of the gemstone and let it fall back against your shirt. Instead she reached for the two-way radio on her desk. Her grin in your direction was marvelously wicked.
<<nm $phPetra "It's still one-on-one if all they do is watch.">>
@@.choice;
[[Oh Dear...|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if previous() == "PetraTalkDrowInferno">><<nm $phYou "Actually, since you're offering... how about I help you be bad?">>
The drow woman grinned, one slim eyebrow lifting up from behind her black Aviators. She studied you for a moment before setting her drink back down and taking a step away from the bar.
<<nm $phPetra "'Offering'? I don't know that I'd say I'm //offering//... see, one thing about this new arrangement we've got is that I get to //tell// people what to do.">>
She reached out an ashen hand, and one fingertip sought out the delicate chain of the necklace that rests around your throat. As she pulled them gemstone out of your collar, you could see Petra's beautiful blue eyes looking over the rims of her glasses... and you could see the vibrant <<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>crimson<<else>>emerald<</if>> hue reflected in them.
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>You weren't any stranger to dealing with strong personalities, and Petra had been a strong and independent woman even before her change. Maybe you needed to remind her //some// things hadn't changed.
<<nm $phYou "...and another part of this 'new' arrangement is that I'm still your boss. Which means I tell //you// what to do, and you do it.">>
Her smirk only widened, tugging up the corner of her mouth in a lopsided grin.
<<nm $phPetra "Sorry, //Captain// -- guess I forgot. One-on-one it is. So what's the assignment? How to fill out paperwork? Proper paperclip organization?">>
<<nm $phYou "Something better. I was thinking a little lesson on putting smartass mouths to work.">>
@@.choice;
[[Remind Her Who's Boss|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<<else>><<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>>She licked her upper lip as she let go of the gemstone and let it fall back against your shirt.
<<if hasVisited('PetraSexTop')>><<nm $phPetra "Remember when you asked me if I'd ever been 'curious'? That was a Hell of a night, Cap... think it's high time I returned the favor. Why don't we head back to the security office and see how curious //you// are?">>
The way Petra practically //purred// the words made your mouth go dry -- <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>and your pussy wet<<else>>and your cock go hard<</if>>. You remembered, alright. Petra had taken the sleek, black length of her nightstick -- taken it a good six inches in. You hadn't imagined she'd ever turn the tables... but then, back then, you hadn't ever imagined her as she was now.<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Let's start by seeing how well you handle a shaft. What do you say?">>
Your eyes dropped down to her hips in automatic reflex. The uniform had come with the cutlass - had it come with //other// extra 'equipment', too? She saw your chin dip down, and her grin flashed again, white and wide from ear to ear.
<<nm $phPetra "Not that one. Why don't we head back to the Security Office, and I'll make sure it's a very memorable night?">>
The way Petra practically //purred// the words made your mouth go dry -- <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>and your pussy wet<<else>>and your cock go hard<</if>>. You weren't entirely sure what she had in mind, but were curious enough to find out.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Be Brave!|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<<else>><<nm $phPetra "So here's what we're going to do: we're going to go back to the security office. I'm going to call in a few of my new recruits, and you're going to help me 'demonstrate' a few things for them.">>
Your breath caught, and you swallowed as Petra announced her decision. Even though it wasn't a direct command, her voice still had that bone-deep confidence, that magical //thrill//, that made it clear that obedience wasn't optional.
<<nm $phYou "I-- wait, what happened to 'one-on-one'?">>
She let go of the gemstone and let it fall back against your shirt. Her grin in your direction was marvelously wicked.
<<nm $phPetra "It's still one-on-one if all they do is watch.">>
@@.choice;
[[Oh Dear...|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@<</if>><</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
[[Actually... Not Today|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>You struggled with it a moment, then finally shook your head and sighed.
<<if $phLocation is 'Security'>><<nm $phYou "Not this time, I think. I sometimes think if I'm not in bed by a certain time, I'll turn into a pumpkin. Hazard of serving the incarnation of Sloth, I suppose.">>
Petra's eyebrow climbed even higher, and you felt like you were back at school again: the boring, nerdy kid turning down the chance for something exciting. She stared at you a moment, then let out a soft huff of mirth and smiled.
<<nm $phPetra "I suppose so. You know where to find me, if you decide to stay up past your bedtime. Maybe you'll see me in your dreams tonight.">>
Oh, you very much @@.choice;[[Would|Security Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phLocation is 'Inferno'>><<nm $phYou "Not this time, I think. I'm all for some morning fun, but... I //do// have a job to do. Maybe later?">>
Petra's eyebrow climbed even higher, and you felt like you were back at school again: the boring, nerdy kid turning down the chance for something exciting. She stared at you a moment, then let out a soft huff of mirth and smiled.
<<nm $phPetra "Maybe -- maybe not. Guess we'll see what my mood is when you come begging. You have fun out there; I'm going to finish my beer and go have some sweet dreams.">>
You had a feeling you were going to regret taking a raincheck on that offer. You //did// have a full day in front of you... but maybe you could steal away for an afternoon nap, and enjoy a little bit of daydreaming, yourself.
@@.choice;
[[Get Back to Work|Inferno]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<include PetraDrowQuestions>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetra.post_talk to 1>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 13>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phPetra "Oof. You look like shit, Cap. Here.">>
The tall woman barely had to do more but rise slightly from the stool to be able to swing her arm down behind the bar. She pulled up an ornate looking bottle and tossed it in your direction. You caught it out of the air and peered at the label, but didn't recognize the symbol or even the language.
<<nm $phYou "That bad, huh? What's this?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Appears Mason decided he'd better come bearing gifts if he wanted to talk to me and slip out without trouble. Probably the smartest thing I've ever seen him do. Apparently, old vintage from my kin. The real ones. Where the Hell he got it I didn't ask.">>
You looked down at the bottle with new respect, then pulled up a stool at the counter. A minute later, both of you had a small glass of the deep amber liquid. You took the shot hard and fast, without bothering to sip, and Petra did the same.
//Wow//. It was strong alright. You weren't exactly surprised. It also had a taste you weren't positive you could identify. More heavy and lingering than what you'd had before, but you couldn't put your finger on exactly how.
<<nm $phPetra "...So. Big promotion, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Apparently. What I did to earn it, I have no idea. Things are going pretty well, but seems like the tower does half the work for me. Employees like you do the other half. Can't help but feel there's a catch somewhere.">>
The drow woman snorted at your flattery and poured another shot into both of your glasses. She studied you from behind the mirrored lenses of her aviators.
<<nm $phPetra "Seven Deadly, Cap.... those are big shoes to step in. Can't say I wouldn't be tempted, if I were you; people do some crazy things when they're trying to get something they think they want. That's a lot of power. A //lot// of power. I don't know about you, but I don't know if I'd wield it responsibly all the time. Something to think about, maybe... think you'll be able to keep doing the right thing after you get that brass ring?">>
That was a sobering thought. You took another drink while you thought about it. Mushrooms? Was that the taste? Could you make alcohol out of mushrooms? Maybe you didn't want to know the answer.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. At least it explains why this place is so thirsty all the time. If Lazren wanted me to take over as Desire, that would be a hell of a way to prime the pump. Now you're telling me I got to worry about becoming someone else?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...I seem to remember someone telling me it was for my own good, and it would make me happier, no matter how scary it was. Sound right?">>
You shot her a deadly look, but you couldn't really argue with the point. Maybe this was just a grander version of what you had done to your employees? A leap of faith with a reward waiting at the end?
That was the thing about leaps of faith. You couldn't be sure what was at the bottom before you jumped.
<<nm $phYou "Something to think about.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Damn right. Now, if you're done moping around, what's your pleasure?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Drinking by yourself?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Waiting for good company. You seen any?">>
She favored you with a smirk and a wink as she raised a hand and tugged her aviators down far enough to give you a glimpse of those beautiful blue eyes. You decided to roll with it and smirked right back.
<<nm $phYou "Ouch. You weren't complaining about my company before, if I recall.">>
<<nm $phPetra "True, true. I guess you'll do then. What can I do you for, $phPetra.address? I've got free beer and an hour to kill before bedtime.">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 12>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 13>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/DrowFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/DrowFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "Will you walk into my parlour? said the spider to the fly. 'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever did you spy.">>
You'd barely opened the door to the club when the ominous words graced your ears, made all the more alarming by the seductive confidence with which they were spoken. Fortunately, you'd know that voice just about anywhere.
Petra smirked from where she leaned against the bar and curled an ashen finger to beckon you close. She was still dressed in the same 18th century admiral uniform, although it looked a bit more modernly styled than you recalled -- or maybe it was just how it combined with her decidedly 21st century sunglasses and the ultra-modern light system and decor around her. With as crisp as the seams and lines were, she couldn't have been wearing it the entire time since she was transformed. Perhaps Mason had crafted some regular, non-magical versions of the uniform so that Petra would always have her buttons polished and her pants pressed.
<<nm $phPetra "Little early for you, Cap. Party shut down around 4 a.m.">>
<<nm $phYou "Am I 'Cap' again? What are //you// doing here this early in the morning?">>
You crossed over to the bar as well and leaned your hip against it as Petra shrugged and lifted her elbows to rest on the polished surface. Although the club was closed, the lights were still going, and her white hair took on hues of blue, purple, and red as the spotlights cycled through the rainbow.
<<nm $phPetra "Maybe sometimes; don't get used to it. Haven't gone to bed yet. Got an itch to check things out, and you know I'm a night owl already.">>
<<nm $phYou "True. How'd it go? Everything you hoped for?">>
She chuckled, glancing over at you. You caught a glimpse of sky-blue eyes over the edge of her lenses.
<<nm $phPetra "Fun. Got a lot more attention than I thought I would -- but no one seemed to notice my new dye job. Might make it a habit to come here more often... take some of those pretty boys up on their offers and see how easy they break.">>
You lifted both eyebrows at her. True, she //was// a drow now, and you'd been warned that that particular kind of elf wasn't the jolly holiday kind...
She caught the look of reproach -- and the 'not sure if serious' twitch of your lips. Petra flashed a bright, wicked smile up at you.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry; I'll only break the ones who like it. So what can I do you for, oh savior mine? You making sure I'm being a good girl, or here to help me be bad?">>
At least her sense of humor hadn't changed. This new Petra definitely had a much sharper edge to her than the woman who'd sought you out for family advice... but you had no doubt that she'd be just as effective at her duties, and that for people who needed a firmer lead, she'd be a dream come true.
<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phPetraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Petra How She's Adjusting|PetraTalkDrowInferno][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Her Family|PetraTalkDrowInferno][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalkDrowInferno][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $phPetra.post_talk == 0>>[[It's Good to Be Bad|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]<<else>>[[Suggest What She Can 'Do You' For|PetraDrowSex][$phPetra.sex to 0]]<</if>>
[[Say Goodbye|Inferno][$phPetra.goodbye to 'drow']]@@<<include PetraSirenQuestions>><<if $phPetra.post_talk is 0>><<set $phPetra.post_talk to 1>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 13>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phPetra.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phPetra.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phPetra "Hey there, sailor. I'd sing you a song, but you kind of look like you already bounced off the rocks.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, hello to you too. It's not that bad, is it?">>
Petra chuckled, leaning on her elbows beside the river and looking up at you with a mirthful expression.
<<nm $phPetra "...Not really. Mason told us what was happening. You look distracted, though. How you holding up, Captain?">>
You sat down beside the river, cross-legged, and sighed. You waggled your hand back and forth, uncertainly. You'd think as much as you had been going over this lately, you'd have a better answer.
<<nm $phYou "Still figuring it out. I'm sort of committed at this point. I need to at least do my best to come through for them. I still can't help but feel like I'm playing with powers beyond my understanding, you know?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Isn't that everyone, though? You know most people get into cars without the slightest idea how a combustion engine works. They run companies whose operations turn on individuals they've never met. The world is just too complicated for anyone to understand everything about it. Do you know how much of the ocean is still virtually unmapped?">>
You peered down at her, curiously. That wasn't really the advice you were expecting out of her.
<<nm $phYou "So...what? You just go for it? Throw caution to the winds and take the plunge?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I didn't say that. Take it from a military brat: plan for what you can plan for. For everything else, just make sure you're watchful, ready, and have someone to watch your back.">>
<<nm $phYou "Someone to watch my back. Volunteering, are we?">>
<<if $phPetra.date gt 2>><<nm $phPetra "Always. Who else is going to take me to the aquarium on my days off?">>
She thrust her tail, briefly, and came out of the water long enough to plant a kiss on your lips before allowing herself to sink back down to her waist. Her smile was enigmatic.
<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Always. Someone's got to keep you out of trouble, after all.">>
She reached upward and patted you on the knee with an enigmatic smile. Then she cocked her head.
<</if>><<nm $phPetra "Alright, enough of that. Anything else you wanted to talk about?">>
<</if>><<else>>You walked to the edge of the river and waited. You didn't have to wait long. Soon there was a flash of green scales and crimson hair down stream, and Petra broke the water in a brilliant cascade of sparkling water droplets.
The siren swam closer, her tail flexing slowly just beneath the waterline. As she reached the edge, she raised both her elbows to rest on the grass embankment
<<nm $phPetra "Well, hello Captain. Going my way?">>
You smiled and knelt down on one knee with your elbow resting on the other, bringing you more or less eye to eye with the redhead.
<<nm $phYou "Always. You ought to know that by now.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, I do, but it's still nice to hear from time to time. What can I do for you? Here to chat or...more interested in a swim?">>
You looked around. The park was quite popular, but it was also large enough that it was rarely all that densely populated. You were quite sure you could stay for a chat //or// a swim and be confident that you wouldn't be interrupted.
...Even if the swim turned into a different form of exercise.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.focus_security is 12>><<set $phPetra.focus_security to 13>><<set $phPetra.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Petra/Mobile/SirenFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/SirenFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You walked toward the bank somewhat hesitantly. You had caught sight of something moving below the water, and as far as you knew you hadn't actually put any fish into the water, so it had to be Petra. You weren't sure how well she was adapting. She might still be sorting things out, or figuring out how to reverse it, or-
There was no warning. One second the waters were calm. Then Petra barreled through from below at such as speed that she sailed through the air like a dolphin. You caught the briefest glimpse of the long, reflective tail before it split she landed on two legs on the shore line. The woman tossed her hair, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief as she shot you an amused look, one hand on her cocked hip.
<<nm $phPetra "Why Captain, fancy meeting you here! I was hoping you might drop in.">>
And with that, she all but leapt forward, raised her hands to either side of your head, and pulled you into a kiss. It was neither a chaste kiss or a short one, and she held it until you both finally had to breathe again. Only then did she let you pull away. You almost felt a bit dazed.
<<nm $phYou "Petra? Uh...Adapting well?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Of course! How could I do anything else? How do you like the top? Mr. Mason was very helpful in making sure my old jacket could handle the water a lot better. It barely feels like I'm wearing anything when I swim!">>
You looked her up and down, a bit startled by the exuberance. Petra's outfit had indeed changed quite a bit. The brown leather jacket was now shorter and tighter across her body, and it pulled away from her front enough to show off cleavage that you were pretty sure she hadn't possessed before. The seashell necklace was sparkling on the end of the band, and she was wearing a set of green-scaled leggings that extended all the way down to her boots. You knew it was more than an affectation. You just watched her shift smoothly from no legs to two without a single scale out of place. She beamed at you with a bright and relaxed expression.
And that was the far larger change. Not the clothes, but the demeanor. Petra was grinning broadly, her eyes shining and her body relaxed. She had kissed you without a second thought, and the cynical wariness was totally gone. You spread your hands.
<<nm $phYou "You look great no matter what you're wearing, but I do like it. How are you settling in?">>
The redhead beamed and turned in a slow circle, her arms outstretched like an animated princess to take in the greenery and life all around the two of you.
<<nm $phPetra "Juuuussstt fine, don't you worry. The waterways are amazing! I swear, just when I think I've explored them all, there's some new little bend fork I haven't seen yet. It's like the place is remodeling itself all the time.<<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>><br><br>And Xav- Xun, sorry! I can't believe it! I hunted him down, and you made her into something...You'd warned me he wasn't quite the same, but still!<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "I won't lie, I'm a little proud of how this place turned out. But it's still going to be better for having you around.">>
She accepted the compliment with a little nod of her head and another smile the threatened to spread beyond the borders of her face. That gorgeous voice dropped smoothly from excited enthusing to something more collected.
<<nm $phPetra "Why, thank you. But I imagine you had a few things to talk about today...unless you were looking to take a swim? I promise I won't tell anyone if you skinny dip.">>
That got a smirk out of you. Then again, the park was popular, but never too densely populated, and you knew the tower would make sure you wouldn't be interrupted. Maybe that wasn't the worst idea in the world...
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phPetraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Petra How She's Adjusting|PetraTalkSirenElysium][$phPetraQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Her Family|PetraTalkSirenElysium][$phPetraQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phPetraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Petra About Work|PetraTalkSirenElysium][$phPetraQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phPetraQ4 is 0) and ($phPetra.date is 6)>>[[Ask Petra About Cass|PetraTalkSirenElysium][$phPetraQ4 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Indulge In A 'Swim'|PetraSirenSex][$phPetra.sex to 1]]
[[Just Checking In|Elysium][$phPetra.goodbye to 'siren']]@@<<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><h2>SPLASH!!!</h2>
You hit the water hard, helplessly flailing your arms. You managed to draw in a deep breath just before the water closed in around you. Fortunately, the indoor river was not exactly an extreme danger. The temperature was pleasantly cool against your skin, and as clear as any water bottle.
You righted yourself and started to swim for the surface, but a hand at your shoulder stopped you, dragging you back down to the bottom of the channel and turning you around. Petra was smiling in the dim light, filtered both by the skylights of Elysium and the rippling surface of the river. Her red hair floated all around her, framing her impish expression as she drew you in against her.
Her lips touched yours boldly, pressing hard against your body. Then you felt warmth flowing into you as she exhaled. The ache in your chest faltered and then faded away entirely. As Petra pulled away, you realized that you no longer felt any pressing need to paddle for the surface, no burning desperation to breath. You simply...floated, peacefully, without a care in the world. You gave the siren an amazed look.
She winked.
The mermaid reached forward and took hold of your hand, then began to swim with you in tow. Her powerful tail flexed rhythmically behind her and the pair of you shot down the river channel like a bullet through a gun barrel. It was all you could do to hold your eyes open as the water flowed around you, Petra guiding you left and right through a series of dizzying intersections and turns taken with all the confident experience of a racecar driver.
You almost didn't see the outlet in the side of the wall until Petra turned into it, and the dim light became nearly non-existent as you passed into some sort of structure. You tightened your grip on Petra's hand, keeping your eyes on the occasional reflected glint of her tail in the water. You were starting to feel the burn in your chest again, and just when you were about to stop her to communicate that her kiss was wearing off, she slowed and pulled you up to the surface.
You broke the water, sputtering a little as you transitioned from not breathing at all back to your normal mode. The lights were dim, and it took you several second to identify your surroundings. Once you did, you checked again just to be sure.
You were in a small loft apartment, of a sort. Most loft apartments did not take up a quarter of the floor plan with a sloping floor leading down into a pool that disappeared below the far wall. They also didn't usually feature poster beds embraced within a huge open clamshell. Outside of //those// little details, though, it was everything you would expect. There was a single door back into a bathroom, an enormous green loveseat in front of a small television atop a low bookshelf, and the back wall featured a fully equipped kitchen on mother of pearl tiling.
You pushed a loose strand of hair from your eyes and gave Petra an inquisitive look. She laughed and pushed herself up out of the water, once again walking on two legs, and extended a hand to help guide you to your feet.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't look at me. I was just thinking about how I'd like to swim a little longer before going home, and here it was. It even came with the books I've been meaning to get around to. I assumed you were behind it, Captain.">>
You hadn't been, but you guessed it wasn't that mysterious. The tower had created just about everything in Elysium out of nothing. A hidden living space was hardly that surprising.
<<nm $phYou "I wasn't, but I approve. This //is// for you, Petra, and it's lovely. Are you going to take me on the tour, or-?">>
A soft, clear note cut you off mid-sentence. You turned around to find Petra smiling at you, her voice rising in a slow and melodic song. It had no word, but rose and fell as naturally as the tide. The curves and walls of the apartment seemed perfectly sculpted to cradle the sound and reflect it back to you, and the soft sound seemed almost to come from everywhere at once.
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You opened your mouth to ask a question...and held it there. The music was...beautiful. Awe-inspiring. It ran over and through you, and you felt your body rising and falling with the tidal force of it.
You felt your eyes lid as you listened, soon swaying back and forth in time with the sound. Petra's brilliant smile grew even more arresting as she stepped gracefully forward. She extended one hand, brushing it across your cheek as you shuddered. She didn't break her song, but added words to the perfect song.
<<nm $phPetra "Well now, sailor, let's see if even you can resist the siren's song...">>
@@.choice;
[[Too Late|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<<else>>You cocked your head to one side in bemusement. The song was lovely, but you enjoyed listening to the ebb and flow of it, but a lovely song was all it was. Petra pouted, her voice lowering and finally disappearing all together. You smirked, just a little.
<<nm $phYou "Sirens lure in men, don't they? I don't think it's going to do that much to m-">>
Petra pursed her lip for a moment...and then, in one motion, reached down, seized the sides of her jacket, and peeled it open. She wasn't wearing anything underneath, and her bare breasts bounced freely as they were unveiled, each of the beautiful mounds topped with a perky pale nipple.
@@.choice;
[[Well...That Works Better|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>The song.
The //song//!
You had heard music before, obviously, or at least you thought you had. You would never make that mistake again. //This// was music that revealed the false orchestrations of choirs and rock stars alike as merely vestigial nods to art that had been lost.
You didn't even really hear it so much as you experienced it. It flowed through your body as easily and naturally as the blood in your veins, and warmed you in much the same way. You felt your mind eased from its chaotic and independent motions onto a calmer and altogether superior track. Even when Petra paused to speak, the song continued in your mind. She was the gateway, and you were now tapped into a part of the world that had always been there. Sheet music on which every building and person formed an inked note that only She could read.
<<nm $phPetra "There now...Isn't that better, Captain?">>
Better. You rolled that word in your mind for a time. It seemed so...inadequate, but you couldn't think of a better one. You were so distracted you barely realized that you were nodding frantically. She forgave you, however, and even gifted you with a silvery laugh that crashed across your mind like a breaking wave.
<<nm $phPetra "So eager...Now, if we're in the right mood, why don't we lose all those silly clothes, Captain? Let me take a look at you.">>
You nearly wept. Such a simple command, and so easy to execute! Truly, She was as generous as She was gorgeous. You hands flew to your jacket, peeling it away from your shoulders. You nearly snapped the buttons of your shirt off in your haste, and soon your jacket and shirt and tie were all piled up beside your feet.
Petra watched with those gorgeous and indulgent blue eyes. She was merciful, and didn't punish you for struggling with your shoes, but merely admired your body as it came into view. She returned to singing in the breaks of your conversation, and every time Her voice rejoined the song it set off the chorus in your head all the louder.
You would do anything. Give anything. If She would just keep singing for you.
Soon, your clothes were all piled together carelessly on the ground, and you stood bare before Her. She circled you, slowly, taking it all in. When She extended a hand to brush over your shoulder, you nearly moaned aloud. Her touch seemed to be yet another conduit to the song and, though you couldn't have imagined it any other way a moment ago, you now couldn't remember what it had sounded like before.
She smiled and laughed again, Her hand sliding from your shoulder down to your elbow as the other dropped down to stroke over the base of your tail, giggling as it lashed back and forth out of pure reflex.
<<nm $phPetra "Can't believe I missed that before. Must be the same reason no one ever spots me swimming, unless I want them to. What a lovely surprise, Captain.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you...uh...">>
<<nm $phPetra "Just Petra is fine, Captain. I don't need a title if I have your love, do I?">>
She kissed your cheek and you felt yourself wobble in drunken amazement. She flashed another of her blinding smiles, then pushed away from you and crossed, humming, to the loveseat. She turned and settled herself daintily down into the chair, drawing up her legs beneath Her.
<<nm $phPetra "Now, Captain, this should be very easy for you. All you have to do is listen, okay? You want to listen and obey don't you? You love me, don't you?">>
@@.choice;
[[Yes Yes Yes!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>>Petra beamed at your exuberance, leaning back in Her chair, running one hand up the side of Her leg. She hummed as She contemplated, and you could have stood there listening to it forever. You didn't feel the chill on your naked skin or impatience as She thought about Her will. You were serving, and it was bliss.
<<nm $phPetra "So handsome, my captain. I love your body. Would you like to show it off for me?">>
You would like nothing more. You tensed your muscles, making them pop against the smooth lines of your skin, and Petra cooed in delight. Your body tended toward the slender, but the muscle beneath was more than adequate. You turned to give her a side profile, enjoying the delight that danced in Her eyes the way you would enjoy a delicious pastry treat on your birthday.
<<nm $phPetra "Good boy. So strong. So brave. So //big//. No, don't touch yourself yet. Just let it grow for me.">>
Your cock was indeed rising by the second, thickening out to its full size and standing straight from your body. You wanted to reach down, but Petra's words were law. Instead, you ran your fingers across your chest and stomach, allowing each fingertip to brush across the hard indentations of your abdomen and around the curve of your pecs. You took a deep breath, and then let loose with a low, baritone moan of ecstasy than sent a flush of red across Petra's cheeks.
Petra was staring, and you could see Her pleasure at your performance, and that almost made you cum on the spot. Her lower lip was sucked between Her teeth, Her eyes were fastened on your body, and She was unconsciously wriggling Her backside against the seat cushion. She barely seemed to remember to hum occasionally to refresh the chorus in your mind, but the ebbing music only made its return all the more impressive.
<<nm $phPetra "Lower...touch yourself, Captain. Pleasure yourself for me.">>
You obeyed, leaving one hand lightly brushing your stomach as your other began to descend. As your fingers wrapped around your cock, you let out another low moan and stroked up and down in a long, slow pumps. The pleasure was intense. You timed your movements with the echoes of the song, and each beat seemed to send a pulse of pleasure through you that made your toes curl. You closed your eyes and gave yourself to the sensation.
<<nm $phPetra "Faster.">>
Your hand moved to obey before you even consciously registered the command. Your fingers blurred at your shaft, soon jacking yourself off frantically as your gasping voice echoed off the walls. You opened your eyes again to find Petra's jaw open, Her hand descended to the front of Her leggings, Her fingers openly stroking Herself through the material.
You met Her eyes, and She smiled, Her face flushed red. She ran Her tongue along her lips and resettled herself in the chair with an imperious expression.
<<nm $phPetra "Stop.">>
You froze instantly, your body going motionless in a second. You whined softly, but the song filled your mind and reassured you. As long as you were obeying Her, then you were in bliss.
Petra looked you over for several seconds, as though inspecting a new purchase. She nodded, pleaded, and settled Herself back in the chair again. This time, She rested Her hands on the armrests, and let Her legs spread. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
<<nm $phPetra "Now...Fuck me, Captain.">>
@@.choice;
[[With Pleasure!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>>You didn't hesitate. You couldn't. The song was rising to a crescendo and, at any moment, Her grace might be withdrawn from you. You all but threw yourself atop Her, your hands groping frantically over Her outfit.
Petra laughed, softly, at your eagerness, but Her laugh ended in a higher-pitched moan as your hand pressed between Her thighs. Her scaled leggings were thin and soft, despite their appearance, and you could feel the heat of Her sex through the cloth as your fingers pressed home. Her moan echoed in your head and made you shudder with bliss. You were pleasing Her!
<<nm $phPetra "So good! More! I need more!">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course! Yes!">>
Your fingers were shaking as you gripped Her leggings and pulled them down. Petra lifted Her hips to make it easy, and She was wearing nothing underneath. The sight of Her, eager and ready, made your head swim, and it was all you could do to work the material down to Her ankles and spread Her knees. You fumbled as you positioned yourself over Her, waiting until She gave you an indulgent nod.
Then you were inside of Her.
Your moan echoed off the walls, mixing with Her own and the song still playing in your mind. You couldn't properly tell the two apart anymore. They both gave you pleasure. They both signaled your obedience. All you had to do was all that She asked.
Her sex squeezed around your cock and you bit your lower lip, holding yourself back by sheer force of will as Her song rolled through your body. You began to pump your hips, settling easily into a familiar rhythm. Petra wrapped Her arms around your neck, tucking Her head against your shoulders. Even muffled, Her every gasp made your toes curl and made your hips work all the harder.
You couldn't hold back long. She was thrusting Her hips up to meet yours and both of you were starting to move with the frantic need that signaled the crescendo of Her song. You pulled your head back a little, meeting Her beautiful blue eyes, alight with joy and blissful pleasure, and She raised Her hand to touch your cheek.
<<nm $phPetra "My Captain...Oh yes. Oh yes, make me cum!">>
You let out a noise that was half a groan and half a bestial, needy roar, beginning to work your hips so hard the love seat threatened to tip backward. Petra grabbed hold of the armrests, spreading Her legs as much as She could with her leggings still tying Her ankles together.
Then her breathing hitched and her a jaw dropped. Her worked her mouth silently for a split second, and then threw her head back and //screamed//.
You came, immediately, but you barely noticed it. It was such a trivial pleasure compared to that scream of absolute joy that rocked through you. You lost everything to the sound, your eyes rolling back as you gripped tight to Her body.
She was your everything.
She was your goddess.
She was...
...
She was...
...
You came back to yourself slowly, blinking rapidly. You were rolled onto your side in the loveseat, your hand still idly stroking over one bare hip. You looked up to see a wealth of red hair and a brilliant white smile beaming down at you.
<<nm $phPetra "So...how did you enjoy the song?">>
@@.choice;
[[Smartass.|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>>You were both cleaned up after a quick dip into a hot shower, and you studied your face in the mirror as you smoothed out your tie. You might not care very much if people knew your siren had taken you for a ride, but you were certainly still going to avoid slinking out in a walk of shame.
Petra giggled quietly as she moved up behind you, her slender hands coming around your arms to begin refastening the buttons of your shirt. When she was done, she laid her cheek on your shoulder and sighed, happily.
<<nm $phPetra "Thank you, Captain. I honestly wasn't sure if you'd be affected or not. It seems stronger with males, but...">>
<<nm $phYou "I can attest to it being very effective...though honestly you don't need much help to get me into the bedroom, so it didn't have to lift very much.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Awww, Captain, does this mean I can't con more treats out of you with a song or two?">>
You laughed and turned, favoring her with a kiss. She grinned and pirouetted away from you, walking back out of the small bathroom. You followed, and looked at the lapping water along the far side with distaste.
<<nm $phYou "That's not the only way out, is it? I just got dry.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Spoilsport. No, that's alright. We've got a way that is just a little bit easier of your clothes.">>
She moved up to one of the walls and pressed down on something concealed behind one of the decorative little stalagmites. A switch clicked, and the entire square of wall swung outward. You found yourself looking out over a wealth of green grass and tall hedges. A little ways away, you could see one of the winding paths cutting through an arch in the hedges.
<<nm $phYou "Location location location. Not bad at all.">>
You moved through the doorway and turned back. Petra moved into the doorway and rested her hip on the frame. She gave a playful inclination of her head.
<<nm $phPetra "Thank you, Captain. Feel free to stop by any time, okay?">>
She beamed, and your felt your knees grow weak. Her smile was so warm, and Her joy was so-
You shook your head and gave a similar nod in return, turning to find the path and, from there, trace your way back to the mall proper. You might just have to be careful which side of your gemstone you let the siren see.
Or, maybe not that careful. Either way, it would be a @@.choice;[[Good Show|Elysium]]@@ <<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 5>><<nm $phYou "You know, when you went for the magical whammy I was expecting something a little more...carnal?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Shush. You're supposed to be helpless before my voice.">>
You rolled your eyes, and then winked. You leaned over the bath and squirted a little more of the bubble bath mixture into the running faucet, setting off another billow of fuzzy bubbles out from the point of contact. The water steamed pleasantly as you ran your hand through the water and looked up at Petra.
The siren was folding her leggings carefully, setting them down beside her boots. She turned to you fully, and you had to catch your breath for a moment. Her long red hair was done across her chest, but she wasn't wearing a stitch otherwise. Her skin was smooth and lacking any of the blemishes or scars you knew Petra would have picked up in her previous life. Her stomach was still trim and fit, but there was enough softness to it to erase the hard lines of her muscles, and you were //certain// her hips were a great deal wider now than before.
You raised your eyes back to Petra's face and found her smirking at you as though she could read every thought running through your head. She rested her hand on her hip and posed, artfully, beside the filling bath.
<<nm $phPetra "Something you like, Captain?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, very much so. Just admiring my handiwork. An artist is allowed to indulge in a little bit of hubris, aren't they?">>
She giggled and nimbly vaulted the end of the tub, letting out a happy sigh as her body sank into the bubbles and hot water. She cooed and hooked her arms around the edge of the tub, and two slick and slender feet emerges from the bubbles to rest on the other end. Her eyes fluttered.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh my, that //is// nice. What more could a girl wish for?">>
<<nm $phYou "Company?">>
Her eyes flicked up to you and her lips curled. She pretended to think about it for a little while, absently reaching out with her toes to work the faucet back off. Once the water slowed and stopped, she drummed her finger on the porcelain and finally turned her face up toward you.
<<nm $phPetra "I //suppose// that would be better, wouldn't it? Besides, you've got to be cold in those wet clothes and I guess it's my duty as a host to help warm you up, isn't it?">>
She shifted forward in the tub until she was sitting halfway down to the end, with a wide space behind her. You grinned, and your hands flew to your own buttons. Your suit soon joined her outfit beside the bath, although a great deal less neatly stowed. Petra giggled as she watched you undress. You saw her eyes following the sway of your chest with rapt interest.
<<nm $phPetra "I suppose if //you're// allowed to indulge in hubris, I should be thanking Lazren one of these days, shouldn't I? It seems she did such a fine job.">>
You grabbed hold of the tub and lifted your legs to lower yourself into the steaming water. You had to concede Lazren had certainly helped you make a few improvements
But as you slid into the tub, you knew it was far more about @@.choice;[[What You Could Do With It!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 6]]
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 6>>The water was hot and the bubble bath spread across your skin, making your legs instantly silky. It did feel good, but it felt even better when Petra pushed herself back between your legs and leaned back against you.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh yes. You were right, this is very nice indeed...<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Although I do seem to be laying on something a little stiff, Captain...<<else>>But for some reason my back seems to be getting even wetter, Captain.<</if>>">>
She grinned over her shoulder and you responded by wrapping your arms around her middle and drawing her back even more firmly to you. Her hips were slick against your inner thighs and she deliberately worked herself up and down between your legs as she made a show of getting comfortable. The siren leaned back, resting her head on the swell of your chest.
<<nm $phPetra "Mmm. Yes, very lovely. Now, if only someone would do all the hard work of soaping me up, then I could really enjoy the rest.">>
Well, if //that// wasn't an invitation you weren't sure what was. You spread your hands through the bubbles, gathering a great mess of soapy suds to drag back across Petra's sizable chest. You then cupped your hands across her tits, the bubbles running between your fingers as you gave each of them a firm squeeze. The redhead's eyes fluttered and her voice took on an almost purring quality.
<<nm $phPetra "Be sure...ah...not to miss anything. I'd hate for us to have to do this twice.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I'll be very thorough, just to be sure.">>
You began to knead her chest strongly, allowing your slink fingers to sink into the soft mounds as you worked them back and forth. You could feel her nipples harden against your palms, and you began to give them more attention, flicking your fingers across the hard nubs and occasionally tugging them lightly only to allow them to slip between your soapy digits.
Petra was beginning to squirm, rubbing her legs together as her breathing began to quicken. Soon enough, she was panting hard and rolling her body up into your powerful fingers. Her hands squeezed the sides of the tub so hard you could swear you heard the porcelain squeak.
<<nm $phYou "Thorough enough?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmhmmm! But you may...ah!...Have to spend a little longer a bit farther down.">>
You laughed and released one of her tits to begin working your fingers downward, stroking across her belly and down to her hips. She sucked in a deep, sharp breath as your fingers moved, and her body immediately went still as you moved even lower still.
Then your fingers reached their destination, and Petra @@.choice;[[Wasn't Still Anymore!|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 7]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 7>><<nm $phPetra "Oooh fuck, Captain! Yes! Just like that! Just like that!">>
You rubbed two fingers up and down against Petra's sex, and the siren was suddenly in motion again. Her hips lifted and dropped as she thrust against your hand. You tried to take your time, toying with her clit and teasing your fingertips across her folds, but it was almost impossible. Every gasp and moan and scream that came out of the redhead just served to intensify the need you felt to just make her cum.<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> Your cock was hard against her back, and every time she rocked her hips it stroked wonderfully against the underside of your side.<<else>> You found your own hips rising and falling, pressing your pussy hard against the small of Petra's back as you struggled to stimulate yourself properly against her.<</if>>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh Captain! Mmm...So good. Such a good girl. Let me help you too!">>
She shifted herself a few inches forward and drove herself down hard on your fingers, but you didn't have long to think about it. She raised one hand from the side of the tub and reached back behind her, her fingers <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>wrapping expertly around your cock. Her soapy fingers were slipped and slid around your shaft and you were soon adding your own moans to hers.<<else>>were pressed between your thighs exactly the way yours were between hers. She teased her digits up and down your sex, pausing only to toy with your clit and add your moans to her own.<</if>>
You pulled her hard against you once again, and the movement provoked a miniature storm of ripples across the bubble bath, spilling a wave of hot water onto the tile outside. Neither of you cared. All affectations were gone as you pushed two fingers into her. You felt her sex clench around your digits and her panting breaths accelerated even more. She worked her hips up and down, fucking your fingers eagerly and sending yet more of the bath splashing out beside the tub.
<<nm $phYou "N-Not going to be...ah...any water in the tub soon at this rate!">>
<<nm $phPetra "We'll...mmm!...run some more! Fuck me!">>
You were more than happy to oblige, starting to piston your fingers hard and fast, and Petra was equally eager to reciprocate. <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Her hand blurred on your cock, slowed only by the friction of slapping against the water and the effort of reaching behind her back.<<else>>Her fingers slipped into you easily, long and very very talented. She worked them in and out of you with an ever increasing pace and each push inward triggered another moan from your lips.<</if>> Soon enough, you were lifting your hips to meet her just as much as she was for you.
Neither of you could last long. You reached out with your free hand, pawing for hers at the side of the tub and lacing your fingers with her own. Your hips rose and fell as the pleasure began to crest, and you felt Petra shuddering between your legs as she caught up with you almost instantly. Petra looked over her shoulder in a whirl of red hair, and met you eyes even as she //squeezed// hard on both of your hands.
Finally, together, you both tilted your heads back and screamed as you @@.choice;[[Came Together|SirenSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 8>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phYou "Okay, I think that's just about the last of it.">>
You pulled the sodden towel out from underneath the bath and deposited it into the clothes hamper that Petra was holding, along with its many brethren. The Siren peered down critically at the shining tile floor, but nodded with satisfaction after a moment's thought.
<<nm $phPetra "Fortunately, mostly kept away from the carpet. I think we learned a thing or two about dual occupancy bathing, though.">>
The redhead grinned, setting the hamper down and stepping into your for a quick kiss. You returned it, holding her against your front for a few seconds before allowing her to step back. She run her fingers along the inside lapel of your suit, smoothing down the jacket with a curious expression.
<<nm $phPetra "Not even damp. You swam here and it's completely dry.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll be honest, I've found it a lot easier if you just don't ask too many questions. That raises a different one, though. I'd rather not swim //back// if I can avoid it.">>
You looked toward the larger pool covering the last third of the loft with distaste, and Petra let out one of her silvery laughs. She moved up to one of the walls and pressed down on something concealed behind one of the decorative little stalagmites. A switch clicked, and the entire square of wall swung outward. You found yourself looking out over a wealth of green grass and tall hedges. A little ways away, you could see one of the winding paths cutting through an arch in the hedges.
<<nm $phYou "Well, isn't that convienant?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I don't want to put //too// many hoops between me and my bath assistants. You will come again soon, won't you?">>
You grinned and pulled her close for another kiss. You let this one linger, until you both finally had to break away, if only to breath. She held on for a split second longer then finally released you.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I suspect I will. Until then, make sure we don't run out of bubble bath, okay?">>
You turned and headed out the door and back into Elysium, humming to yourself as you went. Petra rolled her eyes at your back, but still smiled as she swung the door closed, revealing that the outer side was painted to look almost exactly like the stone it was concealed in. Once it snapped shut, you doubt anyone would notice the thin break between frame and rock.
You, however, would remember where it was. After all, you were definitely going to @@.choice;[[Come Back Again Soon|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><h2>SPLASH!!!</h2>
You hit the water hard, helplessly flailing your arms. You managed to draw in a deep breath just before the water closed in around you. Fortunately, the indoor river was not exactly an extreme danger. The temperature was pleasantly cool against your skin, and as clear as any water bottle.
You righted yourself and started to swim for the surface, but a hand at your shoulder stopped you, dragging you back down to the bottom of the channel and turning you around. Petra was smiling in the dim light, filtered both by the skylights of Elysium and the rippling surface of the river. Her red hair floated all around her, framing her impish expression as she drew you in against her.
Her lips touched yours boldly, pressing hard against your body. Then you felt warmth flowing into you as she exhaled. The ache in your chest faltered and then faded away entirely. As Petra pulled away, you realized that you no longer felt any pressing need to paddle for the surface, no burning desperation to breath. You simply...floated, peacefully, without a care in the world. You gave the siren an amazed look.
She winked.
You smirked in return, reaching out to get a firm hold of the back of Petra's jacket. She let you get secure, then turned and pumped her tail beneath you and the pair of you shot down the river channel like a bullet through a gun barrel. It was all you could do to hold your eyes open as the water flowed around you, Petra guiding you left and right through a series of dizzying intersections and turns taken with all the confident experience of a racecar driver.
You almost didn't see the outlet in the side of the wall until Petra turned into it, and the dim light became nearly non-existent as you passed into some sort of structure. You tightened your grip on Petra's coat, keeping your eyes on the occasional glimpse of red hair floating in the water. You were starting to feel the burn in your chest again, and just when you were about to stop her to communicate that her kiss was wearing off, she slowed and pulled you up to the surface.
You broke the water, sputtering a little as you transitioned from not breathing at all back to your normal mode. The lights were dim, and it took you several second to identify your surroundings. Once you did, you checked again just to be sure.
You were in a small loft apartment, of a sort. Most loft apartments did not take up a quarter of the floor plan with a sloping floor leading down into a pool that disappeared below the far wall. They also didn't usually feature poster beds embraced within a huge open clamshell. Outside of //those// little details, though, it was everything you would expect. There was a single door back into a bathroom, an enormous green loveseat in front of a small television atop a low bookshelf, and the back wall featured a fully equipped kitchen on mother of pearl tiling.
You pushed a loose strand of hair from your eyes and gave Petra an inquisitive look. She laughed and pushed herself up out of the water, once again walking on two legs, and extended a hand to help guide you to your feet.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't look at me. I was just thinking about how I'd like to swim a little longer before going home, and here it was. It even came with the books I've been meaning to get around to. I assumed you were behind it, Captain.">>
You hadn't been, but you guessed it wasn't that mysterious. The tower had created just about everything in Elysium out of nothing. A hidden living space was hardly that surprising.
Petra was watching you closely as you took in the apartment, and you had to smile. She was //very// good at playing innocent, but you were quite literally <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> and not about to get taken in that easily. So you pretended to explore the space while casually putting a hand into your sodden pants pocket, wrapping your fingers around the small bit of preparation you had made before visiting the siren today.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, Captain? Don't you want to hear a real siren song while you're here?">>
Petra's tone was sweet and innocent, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. As you turned back around to face her, she sucked in a deep breath that made her chest rise against her jacket...
...and then her eyes bugged as you popped the bright red ball gag between her lips!
<<nm $phYou "I think, maybe, that I have a different sort of performance in mind, love. You don't mind, do you?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmmm!">>
@@.choice;
[[You Didn't Think So!|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>Your hands snapped out like lightning to get hold of the leather straps at the edge of the gag, pulling them back and clipping them together. Petra's right hand came up on reflex, but you caught it, using it as leverage to spin her around.
<<nm $phYou "Oh no, my dear Siren. Not that I mind a bit of relaxation, but I think I'm in more of a mood to //conduct// than to listen. I'll still be enjoying the sounds you make though...">>
Your free hand slipped under the redhead's arm and across her chest, squeezing hard. The leather and wool of her top made it difficult, but she moaned into the gag all the same. Her blue eyes fluttered and her hand went limp in yours, no longer trying to undo the binding. When you released her hand, she let it fall back to her side.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. All you have to do is listen today.">>
You continued to squeeze and knead at her chest, rubbing in slow circles through the material. You let your other hand slide around her hips and down her thigh. The material of her leggings was thin, almost a leotard more than an outfit, and as your fingers crossed between her thighs she gasped against the bright gag and rocked her hips forward sharply against you.
<<nm $phYou "There we are...You just relax. I'll take care of everything...">>
You lifted your fingers and toyed with the rim of the her leggings, running your fingertip from one hip to the other just inside the tight green material, provoking another muffled cry from your partner. You rewarded her by allowing your fingers to slide deeper, curling against the front of the material until you encountered her hot, eager sex.
Petra //screamed// against her gag and her weight was suddenly on you as she leaned back, spreading her thighs as much as she was able to give you access. You took immediate advantage of the pose, pressing your fingertips harder against her cunt until the first knuckle of your middle and index fingers disappeared inside of her.
She was rolling her hips frantically against you, and barely seemed to notice as you used your other hand to slowly drag her jacket zipper down. It wasn't until you pulled the jacket down off her shoulders to tangle around her wrists at the small of her back that she realized what you were doing. Unfortunately, it was far too late to do anything other than squirm as you casually unclipped her bra and let it fall, leaving her bountiful breasts bouncing freely in the air with every unconscious jerk of her hips at your probing fingers.
<<nm $phYou "See? Isn't this nicer...Oh fine, you want your hands? I suppose you'll have to learn to use them properly.">>
You playfully nipped at her ear, then withdrew your honey soaked fingers and yanked at the jacket with both hands, finally peeling it off her hands and letting it drop to the ground. You spun her around again, this time to face you, and she looked up with her blue eyes hazy with lust. Her breathing was whistling around the gag in her teeth, and her nipples were hard dark points on the curve of each tit.
You smiled at her, lifting a hand to brush over her hair and then press downward at the top of her head until she obediently dropped to her knees. You could see the confusion in her eyes as she looked up. Her position was clear, but she was hampered by the gag. You shook your head, your voice dripping with amusement.
<<nm $phYou "Didn't I just say you were going to learn how to use your hands?">>
You let her process that for a second, waiting as her eyes rolled automatically down your body against to your hips, just before her eyes.
And //that// was when you @@.choice;[[Helpfully Unzipped!|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>>You pulled your zipper down and pulled your pants open. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You rocked your hips back and forth to work the material down over your wide hips, and soon you were standing in only your panties. You rested one hand on your hip, letting her get a long look at you as you smiled down.<<else>>The siren let out a soft and muffled gasp as your cock fell into your hand, and you began stroking it toward its full length. You rested your other hand on your hip, letting her get a long look at you while you smiled down.<</if>>
Petra breathed deep around her gag, the red sphere filling her lips amply as she looked up at you and then down at your hips again. Slowly, she raised her hand and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>stroked all four fingers across the front of your panties, drawing an approving groan from your lips. She smiled as much as she could, pressing a little harder, and you rewarded her with an even louder sound.<<else>>wrapped her fingers around your cock, drawing an approving groan from your lips. She smiled as much as she could, beginning to stroke, and you rewarded her with an even louder sound.<</if>>
Emboldened by your pleasure, she began to work her hand a lot more firmly. She wasn't able to use her mouth, but she leaned forward and stroked her cheek up against your thigh. Her blue eyes fluttered and you had to laugh, reaching down to pet her hair.
<<nm $phYou "Very good. I do like your singing but...I could get used to this.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Mmmmmnmmn!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Petra worked her fingers between your legs, and soon enough the material of your panties was soaked through with your excitement. You tilted your head back, luxuriating in the sensation and beginning to rock your hips against her fingers. Petra never stopped working her hand and soon you were moaning openly as she jilled you off.<<else>>Petra worked her hand firmly over your cock, and soon enough her palm was slick with your precum as she stroked you with slow, powerful motions. You tilted your head back, luxuriating in the sensation and beginning to rock your hips against her. Petra never stopped, and soon you were moaning openly as she jacked you off.<</if>>
But you needed more.
You reached down to pet lightly over Petra's forehead, and then gave her a powerful push backward. She pulled her hand away from you on instinct, flailing for a half second before she fell onto her back with a muffled cry. Her blue eyes blinked up at you with equal parts lust and confusion.
<<nm $phYou "You're doing so well...but I don't want to get off that way.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> Just because you can't talk doesn't mean I can't still use your mouth.<<else>> Just because you can't use your mouth doesn't mean I can't enjoy the rest of you.<</if>>">>
You let your pants drop entirely and stepped out of them, standing over her for a few seconds, giving her ample time to admire you. You ran your hand slowly down to your hip, but let the view between your legs speak for itself.
@@.choice;
[[You Were Very Ready|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>>You let her admire you only a few seconds before you knelt and straddled her. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You let your knees drop on either side of her face as you seized her by the hair and dragged her head forward. You saw a split second of uncertainty in her eyes as you pulled her mouth in toward your sex, but it soon faded as you jammed her lips, gag and all, against you.
<<nm $phYou "That's right. Don't need your tongue to get my pleasure out of //you//.">>
You moaned and rolled your hips against her hard, working your sex up and down across her face. The gag felt deliciously strange, a hard, smooth, rounded surface in the middle of the rest of her warm, eager face. Soon, her chin was all but soaked in your excitement and you leaned over her to hold yourself up with one hand.
Soon, you were all but fucking her face, driving your hips down hard against her, not pausing even for a moment to let her gather herself. She was there for your pleasure, and it was a pleasure you planned to take. You raised your other hand to your own chest, squeezing hard as your pleasure rose.
<<else>>You let your knees drop to either side of her stomach as you settled yourself down onto her, then reached down with both hands to take firm hold of her hips. She let out another muffled moan as you squeezed the flesh firmly, then pressing those two wonderful mounds together around your cock.
<<nm $phYou "That's right. Don't need your tongue to get my pleasure out of //you//.">>
Her tits were wonderfully smooth and hot around your cock, and you immediately began to work your hips back and forth. Soon, you were leaving tiny glistening trails of precum across her neck and collar as your worked the shaft forward and back, absently teasing her nipples with your fingertips as you did.
Soon, you weren't able to help yourself, working your hips as you fucked her tits harder and harder, until her cleavage was wet and her nipples standing at full attention. You didn't pause, even for a moment. She was here for your pleasure, and it was a pleasure you planned to take.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "That a girl...that a girl, that's a good girl, right there!">>
The mantra spilled from your lips unbidden as you worked yourself into a frenzy. You reached back with one hand, your fingers again pushing into her leggings and curling around her sex. This time, though, you pushed your fingers deep until Petra moaned against her gag. You worked your digits in and out, timing them in sync with the pumping motions of your hips.
It was too much. Your thrusting motions became jerky and uneven as your pleasure rose and you drove your fingers harder into your Siren, determined that the two of you would reach your bliss together. The room almost seemed to swim as you thrust your hips hard against her.
Once!
Twice!
Mmmmmmmmm!
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your pussy shuddered against her lips as you came, holding onto her head with your free hand as your body shuddered and quaked atop her.<<else>>Your cock erupted between her tits, painting her chest in white as you let out a deep groan toward the ceiling.<</if>> Dimly, you felt her moving beneath you, her body rolling up and falling back down, her legs kicking and flailing with random movements as the pleasure swept you both away.
Then it was done. The two of you remained in the position for a few seconds, struggling to catch your breath. Then you reached down, sliding your hips back as you gently undid the gag from around her mouth. It came away wet, a long string of saliva hanging briefly from the shiny red surface. You could see marks along the top and bottom where her teeth had dug in. She panted up at you, her lips curled in amusement.
<<nm $phPetra "Can we use a flavored one next time, Captain? If you're going to make me suck on something that isn't part of you, I'd rather it be cherry flavored, you know?">>
@@.choice;
[[You Laughed|SirenSexTop][$phPetra.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>You had indulged in a little bit of aftercare, laying Petra's head on your lap as she cheerfully described all the new things she'd found out about the tower. Most were of no surprise to you, but there were definitely a few unique traits you hadn't encountered. The siren swore that the place was being more open with her now that she wasn't fully human, and that she'd seen shops actually moved around during the day to attract customers without anyone, inside or outside, noticing a thing. The abilities of this strange place seemed to be growing by the hour.
After that, you'd gotten dressed again and paused to adjust your suit in the mirror. Petra slipped up behind you, her smile winsome as she wrapped her arms around your chest from behind and laid her cheek on your shoulder.
<<nm $phPetra "...Did you enjoy your entertainment, Captain?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh yes. I'd recommend that show to everyone I came across, only then I would never be able to get myself a ticket. I can be a //little// selfish, can't I?">>
The redhead laughed, kissing your cheek before releasing you and walking to the wall. She wound her fingers around one of the decorative little stalagmites and something clicked on the other side. The entire square of wall swung outward and you found yourself looking out over a wealth of green grass and tall hedges. A little ways away, you could see one of the winding paths cutting through an arch in the hedges.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, if I'm going to keep you as a happy visitor, I'd better not make you swim back to shore in your suit. I'm surprised it dried off as well as it did.">>
<<nm $phYou "I should probably thank Mason for that, knowing this place.">>
You crossed over to her and caught her in a warm hug, bending down slightly to press your lips into hers for a long, lingering kiss. When you finally broke it, her eyes fluttered and she raised one hand to touch your cheek fondly.
<<nm $phPetra "You'll tell me when you want an encore, won't you?">>
<<nm $phYou "I always want one...but I'll let you rest up a little first.">>
You gave her a wink and stepped through the doorway, out into the green grass and verdant growth of the park. You heard a surprised squeak behind you, and Petra's voice rang out after.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, Captain! You forget your...?">>
You turned to find her holding the gag in one hand, her cheeks nearly as red as both her hair and the round part of the gag itself. You couldn't help but grin.
<<nm $phYou "Keep it. We might need it next time.">>
And with that happy thought delivered, you turned and walked down the path, leaving Petra @@.choice;[[Sputtering Behind You!|Elysium]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><<if $phLocation == 'Inferno'>><<set $phLocation = 'Security'>>It didn't take very long to make the journey back to the Security Office, not with the hallways as empty as they were. Petra walked next to you, and just in front, leading the way with the confident, relentless click of boot heels on tile, and you knew every step you took brought you closer to whatever she had planned. You weren't sure whether you wished it had taken more time, or less.
The Security Office was awash in an ambiant blue glow from the massive, multiple monitors that served as its focal point. <</if>>The door had barely clicked closed behind you when Petra's hands landed on your shoulders and forcibly spun you around. A push sent you stumbling back a single step, where your back collided with the door. She followed, and a moment later her lips were against yours, her tongue demanding access to your mouth, and her fingers hurriedly tugging your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>> free of your waistband.
Your breath wuffed out when you hit the door and you had no time to regain it. The moment her mouth found yours it was like gunpowder igniting. Your let your lips part and her tongue delve deeper, and your own hands grabbed at the front of her jacket to help wrest the golden buttons free. A soft murmur of warning and a harder thump of your body against the door reminded you to be mindful of the threads. Petra, of course, paid no such heed, and you heard at least one seam somewhere //rrrrrip!// free under her fingers.
She pulled back, both of you breathless and flushed with heat. She lunged forward one more time for another savage kiss, this one only lasting a second, before she finally spoke.
<<nm $phPetra "Get undressed. All of it. I don't want a single thread in the way of what's mine.">>
She paused, those black Aviator lenses staring into your soul. You swallowed hard and nodded.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, Ma'am.">>
She smirked and reached up to give your cheek two quick, light taps with her open palm.
<<nm $phPetra "Good $pgirl.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>>With that she crossed back over to the security desk... and reached for the black tonfa-style police baton laying atop it. Her grey fingers curled around the handle and she spun it in her hand with practiced ease.
<<if hasVisited("PetraSexTop")>><<nm $phPetra "Look familiar?">>
Oh, did it. Did it ever.<<else>><<nm $phPetra "Know what this is? Know what I'm gonna //do// with it?">>
Oh, you did. And you could definitely guess.<</if>> Your mouth went dry<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>> as all the wetness migrated to places further south<</if>>. You almost lost your balance where you stood, one leg lifted to slip off your pants, as your mind filled in detailed and indecent images of what she was about to do.
//Twirl. Twirl. Twirl. Smack!//
The rotation of the shaft came to a stop against Petra's other palm, and her smile at you grew wide.
<<nm $phPetra "Lay down on the desk. Face me; heels in the air. And relax; I'll be gentle. Ish.">>
<<else>>With that she crossed back over to the security desk, and reached for the two-way radio that sat atop it. Her thumb pressed into the side, and a burst of static announced it was live before her still-breathless command went out over the airwaves.
<<nm $phPetra "Sectors Bravo, Echo, Foxtrot: breaktime. Report to the Security Office right now. And I mean //right// now.">>
They took the command to heart, and you swear they must have run full speed to get there. You'd just finished slipping out of your underwear when the door clicked open and three uniformed security guards -- all three of them human, you realized -- slipped into the room. Each of them was flushed from exertion and panting a bit, but you could tell they were all in excellent condition. The uniforms were tight enough to show //that//.
Petra aimed a finger across from her desk, directing each man in turn.
<<nm $phPetra "There, there, and there. You can look, but the only thing you can touch is yourselves, understood? And if you cum without my permission, you'll be doing push-ups until you //throw// up.">>
All three men looked at you in curiosity. You didn't recognize them, but that didn't mean //they// didn't recognize you -- your face was pretty well-known around the mall, and you'd been making a point every since you were hired to help out a little here and there. Did they realize Petra was about to bend the boss over her desk?
<<nm $phPetra "$phYou.name -- on my desk. Face me. Heels in the air.">>
...or... not bend //over// her desk. You started to obey, but Petra opened up one of the larger, lower draws, and pulled out the last thing you'd expected her to have in her work desk. A strap-on, with a sizeable black phallus already in place.
She start buckling it around her hips, not bothering to take off her pants first. When she glanced up at you, you suddenly remembered that you were supposed to be getting 'comfortable'. Your expression must have given away your nervousness; her smirk widened into a mischevious grin.
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry. I'll be gentle. Ish.">><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Gentle-ish??|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>><<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>>The cool surface of her desk quickly warmed to body temperature once you were laying on it, and fortunately Petra knew the value of foreplay. She stood between your knees and ran both hands down the insides of your thighs, letting the polycarbonate baton graze your skin as well. The contrast between soft fingertips and rigid plastic made goosebumps rise to life across your skin.
She laid the nightstick down on your stomach. With both hands now free, she pressed her palms against your knees to spread you wide, and leaned in over you to press a warm kiss to your lips. You lifted your head to return it, only to jolt with pleasant surprise as you felt her fingers slowly <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>curl around your erect cock<<else>>ease along your damp slit<</if>>.
Your small gasp gave her tongue an opening, and soon it explored the soft depths of your mouth. You moaned quietly in encouragement and felt her subtle nod in return. Between your legs, her fingers began easy and light strokes up and down. Each one traveled the length of you, from <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>the very tip of your cock down to the thatch of hair at your root<<else>>the valley where your folds met, above your clit, down to the small and sensitive patch of skin between pussy and ass<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "I-- I thought you were--">>
<<nm $phPetra "Going to ram that straight up your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>ass<<else>>cunt<</if>>? I might have a sadistic streak, but I'm not evil.">>
She purred the words with amusement as the fingertips of her other hand played across your nipples, teasing and tweaking them into <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>tiny, <</if>>stiff, sensitive pebbles. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Your erection had grown to full size, and her thumb stroked over your cockhole. She smeared single clear drop of precum down the underside groove.<<else>>Her other hand dipped between your folds, gathered the slick nectar, and smeared it in a delicate circle around your clit... and around... and around... and around. Your breath caught each time the pressure brushed against the bundle of nerves.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("PetraSexTop")>><<nm $phPetra "Relax. You gave me a Hell of a night, Cap, and I'm going to return the favor. All you have to do is be a very, very good $pgirl for me, and let me steer the ship, mm?">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "Relax. All you have to do is be a very, very good $pgirl for me, and let me steer the ship, mm?">><</if>>
You licked your lips and nodded as you lowered your head back down to the desk and focused on the delicious sensations rippling through your body. She hummed with pleasure at your surrender, and she paused her stroking and teasing long enough to lift both of your calves into the air and brace them there.
You felt the heat of her breath brush over your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>ass<<else>>pussy<</if>> just before her thumbs spread your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>cheeks<<else>>lips<</if>> apart. The next breath as a long, slow stream of colder air from her pursed lips... and then heat again, this time focused pin-point at the tip of her tongue as she teased at your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>puckered<<else>>dripping<</if>> entrance. You let out a shivering and wordless moan as her muscle explored around every centimeter of skin she could, and then pressed a fraction of an inch inside you.
<<nm $phYou "A-ah //fuck//! Petra!">>
<<if hasVisited("PetraSexTop")>><<nm $phPetra "Ssh. Patience. You know how much I'm going to enjoy this? Turning the tables and doing to you exactly what you did to me? Sharing the love, Cap, sharing the love.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "Ssh. Patience. You know how much I'm going to enjoy this? You're going to be screaming my name in the best of ways.">><</if>>
She teased and tasted a few seconds more, even as your squirmed and wimpered underneath her. You didn't even notice when she retrieved the black baton from where it rested on your taut stomach... though you //definitely// noticed when you felt the thick, blunt end press against your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>asshole<<else>>sex<</if>> and begin to push in.
You didn't //know// how much she would enjoy it, but you were about to @@.choice;[[Find Out!|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex = 2]]@@
<<else>>The cool surface of her desk quickly warmed to body temperature once you were laying on it, and fortunately Petra knew the value of foreplay. She stood between your knees and ran both hands down the insides of your thighs, letting the heavy silicone dildo graze your skin as well.
You could //feel// three sets of strange eyes on you, and if you tilted your head back just enough, you could see the three security guards just out of arm's reach. All three of them had unzipped to take advantage of their 'break', one stroking himself through the open fly on his uniform slacks, and two having dropped their trousers to the ankles. They didn't seem put off by the mismatch of your very feminine body with the very //prominent// manhood that jutted up and all but dwarfed their own. Feeling her touching and exploring you, while the men watched you at her mercy, made your cock even harder.
Petra pressed her palms against your knees to spread you wide, and leaned in over you to press a warm kiss to your lips. You lifted your head to return it, only to jolt with pleasant surprise as you felt her fingers curl around your erection.
Your small gasp gave her tongue an opening, and soon it explored the soft depths of your mouth. You moaned quietly in encouragement and felt her subtle nod in return. Between your legs, her fingers began easy and light strokes up and down. Each one traveled the length of you, from the very tip of your cock down to the thatch of curls at your root.
<<nm $phYou "I-- I thought you were--">>
<<nm $phPetra "Going to ram this straight up your ass? I might have a sadistic streak, but I'm not evil.">>
She purred the words with amusement as the fingertips of her other hand played across your nipples, teasing and tweaking them into stiff, sensitive pebbles. Your erection had grown to full size, and her thumb stroked over your cockhole. She smeared single clear drop of precum down the underside groove.
You could hear the quiet panting of the men who were watching you -- and //see// the semi-ring of security uniforms around you whenever you tilted your head back. Glimpses of cockflesh -- erect, swollen, and ready, jutted up, just barely visible. You could hear the soft but unmistakable sound of them jacking off... while watching //you//.
You looked back down in time to see Petra move one of her hands to her strap-on, and smear it generously with some sort of clear lube she'd retrieved from her desk.
<<nm $phPetra "You're lucky you look like a woman. I'd think twice about letting a man even touch me, but you're not a man, are you? That nice, impressive dick of yours, those big, round tits. You're something special. //Maybe//, if you're good for me -- maybe if you take my cock and put on a good show for the boys -- //maybe// I'll let you top me next time.">>
You licked your lips and nodded as you lidded your eyes and focused on the delicious sensations rippling through your body. She hummed with pleasure at your surrender, and she paused her stroking and teasing long enough to lift both of your calves into the air and brace them there.
You felt the heat of her breath brush over your ass just before her thumbs spread your cheeks apart. The next breath as a long, slow stream of colder air from her pursed lips... and then heat again, this time focused pin-point at the tip of her tongue as she teased at your puckered entrance. You let out a shivering and wordless moan as her muscle explored around every centimeter of skin she could, and then pressed a fraction of an inch inside you.
<<nm $phYou "A-ah //fuck//! Petra!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Ssh. You know how much I'm going to enjoy this? Fucking you until you scream? And by the end of the night every guard in this mall is going to know what a cockslut the boss is.">>
She teased and tasted a few seconds more, even as your squirmed and wimpered underneath her. She pulled away while your eyes were still closed -- but they opened again in a flash when you felt the thick, blunt end of her strap-on press against your asshole.
You didn't //know// how much she would enjoy it, but you were about to @@.choice;[[Find Out!|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex = 2]]@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phPetra.sex is 2>><<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>>She went slowly, making sure to work the baton into you with surprising care. The polycarbonate plastic it was made of was meant to take abuse, and wasn't yielding or pliable in the slightest. It might as well been made out of solid steel. That rigidity and firmness gave it an oddly exotic feeling compared to flesh and blood, or even silicone.
The curl of her lips wasn't sadistic, though. You licked your lips as you watched her face, and the tilted half-smile she so often wore was right now tinged with affection. She watched the flickers of amazement, arousal, and worry flash across your face as the stick slid in another inch.
<<nm $phPetra "It might be a little uncomfortable, but you'll get used to it. You're doing great. Trust me; you're going to love this.">>
You nodded and tried to relax, even as your tongue reflexively wet your lips. She worked the black length back and forth, the base of it resting against her hips. While there was no mistaking the tonfa for an actual member, the suggestive positioning made the implication clear.
Petra leaned over you, brushing a kiss over your chin. You caught a glimpse of beautiful blue over the edge of her dark lenses when she pulled away again. Something in your face must have given away how her eyes made your heart jump, and her smile grew with genuine warmth.
Another push. You groaned and tried to spread your legs wider still. The shaft was nearly three-fourths in. You already felt so full, and the thought of Petra making you take the last two inches sounded painful... and so very, very nice.
<<nm $phPetra "Almost. You want more, don't you? You want all this deep inside you, don't you?">>
You were about to answer, but her last thrust of the baton forced it out of your mouth as a surprised moan. Her triumphant, smirkish smile announced what you could already //feel//: the tonfa's last bit of length finally sinking into your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>bowels<<else>>pussy<</if>> until Petra's knuckles, wrapped around the T-shape handle, butted against your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>cheeks<<else>>lips<</if>>. Your insides ached with the length and hardness of it, but Petra's patience had paid off.
She kept her grip on the baton, but didn't move it any further, as she leaned in close once more and rewarded you with a warm, loving kiss. You wrapped your arms around her neck and happily yielded to whatever she wanted. You'd //fucked// a lot, and with some of your regular partners, had some very sexy times. But you seldom at the opportunity to //make love//.
<<nm $phPetra "...what were you going to say, just then?">>
She murmured the question against your lips. You tried to answer -- again! -- but a half-turn of her wrist twisted the baton inside you. Pleasure shot out through every nerve and straight from <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>ass<<else>>sex<</if>> to stomach like lightning-bolts. The drow woman laughed, and against those lovely sapphire eyes regarded you over the top of her glasses.
<<nm $phPetra "Well?">>
She started easing the baton out of you... only to reverse half-way. Now that your body had had a few moments to adjust, the tinge of pain that colored the sensation faded away, and only left a blissful fullness. It was hard to concentrate on anything but that feeling, as she started to slowly fuck you.
What //had// you been going @@.choice;[[To Say?|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex = 3]]@@<<else>>Petra boosted your ankles up until your feet rested on her shoulders and pushed into you slowly. As turned on as you were, and as much lube as she'd used, it wasn't too much of a challenge. The drow's dildo was on the large side of average but far from monstrous<<if (hasVisited("BullSexBottom")) or (hasVisited("BullSexTop"))>> -- and certainly not the largest you'd had<</if>>. Once the acorn tip pressed past your ring, the rest slid in easily, one inch at a time. Each rock of her hips urged it a little deeper, and you were in no position to do anything but let her in. Her hand kept moving up and down your own straining length, and the combination of stimulation from within and without soon had you moaning her praises.
<<nm $phPetra "That's it. Look at you! You were born for this, weren't you? Gather 'round, boys. Get a nice, long look at who runs the place.">>
You were //pretty// sure she meant you... but the arrogant confidence in her tone left it ambiguous. You bit your lip and instinctively looked up 'above' you, to the trio on the other side of the desk. The remaining one had also gone ahead and dropped his slacks to this ankles, and all three of them had increased their tempo -- and their size. Each of Petra's thrusts rocked your body towards their waiting manhoods, even as gentle as she was going right now. You knew it wouldn't stay that gentle, and you knew from the looks on their faces that if it weren't for Petra's instruction, they'd be doing a lot more than just watching.
It was difficult even for Petra to jack you off and fuck you at the same time, and soon she abandoned the attempt.
<<nm $phPetra "Take over. I don't want to see your hand stop until you've blown your load all over those gorgeous tits of yours -- and you're not going to do //that// until you've begged me for permission.">>
You nodded your agreement several times. Her hand disappeared from your cock; as soon as it did, you wrapped your palm around it and started stroking yourself. It was a much more urgent speed than Petra had used, and she noticed.
<<nm $phPetra "You need more? Yeah? You want more? You want me to pound that pretty little ass, is that what you want?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Louder!">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Please!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yes, please, //what//?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, please, fuck me! Pound my ass!">>
She hooked both hands around your hips and grinned viciously from behind her dark sunglasses. The next thrust was a pointed claim, in more ways than one, as she buried her strap-on to the hilt. Your response was half-moan, half-scream, and //all// pleasure.
It seemed Petra was more than happy to @@.choice;[[Oblige!|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex to 3]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>><<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "Yes!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Louder!">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Please!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yes, please, //what//?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, please, fuck me! I want more!">>
The desk rocked and shuddered in time with the frenzy of her thrusts as Petra rammed the baton home as far up your <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>ass<<else>>pussy<</if>> as you could take it. You'd stretched your arms out overhead and managed to clamp your fingers onto the edge of the desk; it didn't help you stay in place, but it gave you to squeeze as spikes and swells of intense pleasure hit you again and again. Your legs were still propped up against her shoulders, but now she was leaning so much of her weight forward that your knees nearly met your ears. You'd have to remember to thank Lazren for the added flexibility... if Petra didn't fuck your brain out first!
Petra has taken off her glasses -- or they'd fallen off, you weren't sure. Now you had an unblocked view of her intense blue stare. Usually in books, blue eyes were described as //icy// or //frozen//, but all you saw in them was the same heat as a brilliant burning star.
<<if hasVisited("PetraSexTop")>><<nm $phPetra "You've been wanting this, haven't you? That night got you curious, didn't it? You've been dreaming about this ever since.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "You've been wanting this, haven't you? You've been dreaming about this since the first day you met me.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Yyyesss!">>
It didn't matter if the words were true or not. Under that fiery gaze, while Petra fucked you mercilessly, you would have agreed to anything. You were so close to cumming that all you cared about was that she didn't stop.
<<nm $phPetra "Good $pgirl, $phYou.firstname, good $pgirl. You're going to scream for me. You're going to take your reward and you're going to <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>gush like Niagra Falls<<else>>cum like a firehose<</if>>. You've earned this, $phYou.firstname. You've done. So. Very. Good!">>
She drove the words home with powerful thrusts of the police baton, and you couldn't take it any more. You screamed as abrupt heat exploded through your loins, up through your stomach, and then spread out to every single cell. Your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>ass<<else>>pussy<</if>> clenched tight around the rigid shaft, and pure euphoria botted out every coherent thought. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Your own cum splattered across your stomach and painted you with visible evidence of Petra's effect on you.<<else>>A flood of slick nectar coated the baton -- and most of Petra's fingers where she held it inside you as your muscles pulsed and squeezed around it. You were sure that any papers that happened to be underneath you would be ruined.<</if>>
The world started spinning. When it //kept// spinning, and started flickering between bright and dim, you tried to warn Petra that you thought you might pass out.
Keyword? @@.choice;[[Tried.|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex = 4]]@@<<else>>The desk rocked and shuddered in time with the frenzy of her thrusts as Petra rammed the strap-on home as far up your ass as you could take it. You'd stretched your arms out overhead and managed to clamp your fingers onto the edge of the desk; it didn't help you stay in place, but it gave you to squeeze as spikes and swells of intense pleasure hit you again and again. Your legs were still propped up against her shoulders, but now she was leaning so much of her weight forward that your knees nearly met your ears. You'd have to remember to thank Lazren for the added flexibility -- if Petra didn't fuck your brain out first!
The young recruits had crowded in closer, and now you had a steady view of the three of them around your head, staring down with open hunger and reddened cheeks, their hands stroking their cocks in a blur of desperate motion. The black-haired one was almost close enough that you could have stretched your neck and tongue out and licked the head of his cock.
<<nm $phPetra "Are you a worthless cocksocket? Are you a slut?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh god, yes! Yours! Harder, please, make me your slut!">>
A stuttering groan and a muttered //oh, fuck// hit your ears -- and ropes of hot cum hit your face. The employee responsible could do nothing more than grip his cock and ride out the climax that sent jet of seed across your breasts, face, and hair. Mixed with his orgasmic pleasure was the fear-stricken realization that Petra had told him //not// to cum. The growl she gave him as her head snapped up was enough to make him backpedal out of view.
<<nm $phPetra "I'll deal with him later, but right now you'd better lick that up like it's mana from Heaven.">>
Your tongue went to work before she'd finished the last word.
<<nm $phPetra "Your ass is //mine//! Your tits are mine, your cock is mine, and it is my fucking //right// to make you my personal little whore!">>
She drove the words home with powerful thrusts of her hips, and you couldn't take it any more. You screamed as abrupt heat exploded through your loins, up through your stomach, and then spread out to every single cell. Your ass clenched tight around Petra's strap-on, and pure euphoria botted out every coherent thought. A fresh spray of semen -- yours! -- splattered across your stomach and the underswell of your breasts.
You didn't remember anything @@.choice;[[Else!|DrowSexBottom][$phPetra.sex = 4]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>><<set $phTime +=1>><<nm $phPetra "<<if $phTime == 1>>Morning<</if>><<if $phTime == 2>>Afternoon<</if>><<if $phTime == 3>>Evening<</if>>, sunshine. You finally coming back from your happy place?">>
You heard the smile in her voice long before you managed to blink the world back into focus. A yawn forced its way from your lungs, and you ssstreeeetched your arm up over your head. The pleasant, sleepy fogginess in your thoughts slowly cleared away.
You were on a small cot against one of the walls, with a simple one-person blanket tucked around you. A quick peek underneath it informed you that your clothes hadn't gone to bed with you; as you looked around, you located the neatly folded pile next to you on the floor. <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>The three young recruits were absent, presumably dispatched back to work. <</if>>You //had// been cleaned up, fortunately... and your lower half reminded you, when you sat up, of //why// you'd needed that cleaning.
Oh, that was going ache for a while.
<<nm $phYou "... ow.">>
She laughed as she sat down on the edge of the cot. Your Chief of Security was fully dressed again, and her Aviators were back in their normal place. Even with her eyes covered, though, the smile was undeniably warm.
<<nm $phPetra "Might have enjoyed myself a little too much. But I'm not the one who came so hard I passed out, either.">>
<<nm $phYou "I passed out?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah. And damn straight I'm going to be smug about that. But we got you handled. You haven't been asleep very long, maybe a couple of hours. Figured I'd stick around and make sure you were okay.">>
You chuckled and mirrored the smile back at her.
<<nm $phYou "That was... intense.">>
<<nm $phPetra "It was. And you were great.">>
She reached out and layed her dark grey fingers over yours, and you couldn't help but tease just a //little// bit at the romantic gesture.
<<nm $phYou "I didn't think you were the type to hold hands. Should I expect some flowers delivered later?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Don't get used to it -- and don't go around bragging. People will think I've gone soft.">>
<<if $phYou.form != 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "I'm sure you'd put that baton to good use, one way or the other, to prove them wrong.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Something tells me they'd only make that mistake once before you had them in handcuffs or doing jumping jacks for two hours straight.">><</if>>
She laughed, and her hand left yours to land a light swat to your hip instead.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, obviously you're //fine//. So get out of my office before I decide we're going another round.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm kind of naked.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'll make sure to watch your streak-of-shame in 4k high-def.">>
You //did// end up leaving... although not right away. <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>After the degradation of the night before, y<<else>>Y<</if>>ou both wanted to make sure that your bond hadn't been shaken by the experience, and that your relationship -- as friends and as employee and boss -- hadn't changed under the heat of passion.
You didn't think it //would//, but it was nice to get the confirmation. Half an hour later, you'd gotten dressed again, and walked back out into the mall doing your very best not to waddle.
@@.choice;
[[Return to the Security Office|Security Office][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 0>><<if $phLocation == 'Security'>><<set $phLocation = 'Inferno'>>Inferno was just getting started now that night was encroaching, and the visitors to the tower exchanged shopping bags and to-do lists for clubwear and mixed drinks. The two of you walking together exuded such an aura of confidence and command that the sea of people parted in front of you, even pair of eyes turning to take note before unconsciously registering that they were in //your// way. No one questioned what the manager, or head of the security staff, was doing there... though you were sure some rumors were starting, as soon as you guided Petra into the backroom dungeon.
<<else>>Petra was silent for several seconds, perhaps weighing whether you were really serious. You met her shielded gaze without yielding an inch, and after a moment... she caved. She stood from where she leaned against the bar.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright; guess I can take some notes. What's my first assignment?">>
You jerked your head towards the rear of the club, where the Dungeon's lone door led to more private quarters. Not that anyone would be knocking this early in the morning, but it never hurt to be discreet.
<</if>>Once the two of you were safely behind closed doors, you turned to face her. Petra was standing at ease, her feet shoulderwidth apart and her hands clasped at the small of her back.
<<nm $phYou "We both know you and I aren't strangers, Petra. We've had a lot of fun, and some great times. We trust each other. But no matter how much people listen to //you// now... you still listen to //me//. I'm still your superior, and I know you of all people know to respect that.">>
She listened, and you could see the tiniest of micro-expressions tug at the muscles of her lips and eyes. Part of her wanted to give a //yeah, right// smirk, and part of her had that ingrained respect for station. And more than that: the hard-earned respect for you.
<<nm $phYou "Take off your glasses.">>
She did so, reaching up and removing the dark lenses to reveal her startling blue eyes underneath. It was a sight you didn't get to see nearly often enough... and one you wanted in full view for your next command.
<<nm $phYou "Now take off your jacket.">>
And //that// was what you wanted to see: the wide-eyed flash of alarm as Petra swiftly looked down at coat you'd given her. It had helped make her what she was today, and made her deepest desire come true. The uniform was an outward symbol of her authority... and she did //not// want to give it up.
<<nm $phYou "Petra. Take off your jacket.">>
You repeated the words more slowly, emphasizing the pause between each one. When she looked back up at you, she drew her lower lip between her teeth in unconscious worry. You offered her a small, warm smile. There was no point in being a hardass... but you //were// still her boss.
Petra studied you for several long seconds, her blue eyes reflecting rare uncertainty... and then she began to @@.choice;[[Undress|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 1>>She wasn't wearing much underneath: just a lacy, light grey bra that contrasted quite nicely with her dusky skin. You were surprised at just how feminine the style was -- pleasantly so. Apparently despite her more no-nonsense exterior, Petra was still very much a woman underneath.
You reached out both hands and let your fingers graze over the lace. It was thin enough to let you still feel the heat and softness of the skin it shielded. The touch of <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> had a certain effect, no matter who or //what// you were. You saw the tip of Petra's tongue peek out to wet her lip, and the subtle bob of her throat as she swallowed. As you watched, the soot-dark tips of her breasts began to grow hard.
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>They weren't the only things getting hard. <</if>>You circled your thumb around her nipple as you glanced up at your drow officer. She'd gone back to that 'at ease' stance -- which had the pleasant side-effect of presenting those luscious breasts for your perusal. As fun as they were to grab and squeeze -- which you did, eliciting a sharp suck of breath from the white-haired woman -- you //had// promised her a lesson about putting her mouth to better use...
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You smirked at her and gave one nipple a light flick with thumb and forefinger, and then took a look around to locate the nearest comfortable seat. A large, decadent looking chair covered in black velvet upholstry looked perfect.
The tell-tale sound of your belt buckle and zipper both coming undone gave Petra a fair hint as to how she'd be using her mouth... or so she thought.
<<nm $phPetra "Going to shut me up the fun way?">>
You beckoned her over with a curl of your finger and then pointed to the floor. The bluntness of your command earned you another sharp look, but she crossed over to you with confident steps and stopped in front of your feet. It wasn't until you arched your eyebrows at her expectantly before she finally sank down to her knees in front of you. You reached out to run your fingers over her bone-white hair.
<<nm $phYou "That's the plan -- but given that you wore that sexy lingerie just for me... we're going to put those tits to work, first.">>
<<nm $phPetra "A tit job? As much as I hate to admit it, I'm not exactly a double-D.">>
<<nm $phYou "And I have full confidence you won't let that 'handicap' get in your way.">>
She eyed you, amused, as your turned her pride against her... but after a moment, her smirk returned full-force.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright. Better strap yourself in, then, 'cause I pride myself on a job well-done.">>
That was exactly what you had @@.choice;[[Hoped!|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 2]]@@
<<else>>You smirked at her and gave one nipple a light flick with thumb and forefinger.
<<nm $phYou "Why don't you lay down and get comfortable? Belly up.">>
<<nm $phPetra "While topless? You know, as nice as this place is, Cap, the floor's still pretty damn cold.">>
<<nm $phYou "Let me rephrase that: on the floor and on your back, //now//.">>
The bluntness of your command earned you another sharp look. You aimed your fingertip at the stone in front of you and waited. It wasn't until you arched your eyebrows at her expectantly before she finally sank down to her knees in front of you and then lowered herself down to the dungeon floor.
The tell-tale sound of your belt buckle and zipper both coming undone gave Petra a fair hint as to how she'd be using her mouth. She grinned up at you as you started to shimmy your slacks down your hips.
<<nm $phPetra "Going to shut me up the fun way?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's the idea. I figured we can give your voice a break and let your tongue to the work instead.">>
She eyed you, amused, but after a moment, her smirk returned full-force and she obedient lay down to get 'comfortable'.
<<nm $phPetra "Alright. Better strap yourself in, then, 'cause I pride myself on a job well-done.">>
That was exactly what you had @@.choice;[[Hoped!|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 2]]@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 2>><<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Petra reached inside your open fly and slipped her hand beneath your underwear. She smiled up at you from between your knees as she slowly coaxed your cock out into the open air. You were only marginally hard at first, but that quickly changed as she gave you a few slow strokes from root to tip, and then gripped you in hand.
She slapped you lightly against each firm, lace-covered mound, and each one let a faint *smack!* reach your ears. After a few 'warm ups' on each tit, she guided your tip along the whorls of the decorative bra. The fabric was satiny soft, and just a touch cooler than her skin. Her grin widened -- much like your member did, as she pumped her hand over your length.
<<nm $phPetra "There we go. That a $pgirl.">>
She cooed as you rose to full mast, and leaned down to press a black-lipped kiss to your tip. Her free hand tugged at the front closure of her bra -- not to open it, but to lift it far enough to slip your dick underneath. She squeezed her breasts together around your shaft before starting to slowly bob her body up and down where she knelt. You watched with quickening breath as the plush flesh of her tits -- and the pale grey lace of her bra -- slid over your cock.
A few well-aimed spits added wetness and eased some of the friction as she worked over you. Now and then Petra paused to squeeze herself tighter around you, or take your shaft in hand again to run her palm over your length. She kept her eyes on you, watching you with a mixture of pride and challenge, even as she opened her mouth, lowered her chin, and gave a single lap of her tongue against your cockhole.
You groaned softly, licked your lips, and nodded your approval. You doubted this new Petra -- or the old one, for that matter -- would be caught dead on her knees like this, but in the privacy of the backroom dungeon, all bets were off.
Petra pulled away you out from where you were nestled between her globes, and let a long trail of saliva dribble from her lips and over your swollen manhood. Then she started pumping you faster. At the same time, her other hand tugged down the cups of her bra until the fabric was trapped beneath her breasts. Her exposed nipples, and all that glorious, full flesh they crowned, were on full display for you to enjoy. Her long, ashen fingers played with them, pinching and tweaking and twisting. She guided the head of your cock to each one in turn and slapped your tip against hers, then circled the soft, dark flesh with your own $phYou.skin skin.
You were just about to comment about it feeling //fantastic//, but needing a little more lube, then Petra seemed to read your mind.
After all, you did say something about using @@.choice;[[Her Mouth...|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 3]]@@<<else>>You stripped out of your pants and panties, and mirrored Petra's grin down at her as you moved to your knees to either side of her head. You didn't lower yourself all the way down; that would be too easy.
<<nm $phYou "You're going to make me cum, and you're going to do it well. If not, I'm going to schedule you for a little bit of 're-training'<<if ($phCassandra.transform == 'punk') and ($phJolie.transform != 'pornstar') and ($phDamien.transform != 'bull')>> with Cass<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.transform != 'punk') and ($phJolie.transform == 'pornstar') and ($phDamien.transform != 'bull')>> with Mistress Jolie<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.transform != 'punk') and ($phJolie.transform != 'pornstar') and ($phDamien.transform == 'bull')>>with a certain bull stud<</if>> until you get it right.">>
<<nm $phPetra "With motivation like that...">>
Petra lifted her hands to take a light hold of your hips, then arched her neck to bring her nose up to your sex. The wash of hot breath across your folds gave you tingles of anticipation, as did the happy hum of the drow's voice. Even if she wasn't //commanding// anything, it still sounded almost magical.
She ran the tip of her tongue up the side of each lip in a long and slow stroke, before retracing the path along the center slit. It was a light and delicate touch that teased more than it pleased, but as she dipped it deeper between your folds on the second pass, you had no complaints.
A nuzzle. A kiss. Petra's hands slid up your sides, under the now-untucked hem of your blouse, and circled around to your front. There they found //your// bra, hidden from view... though not for long.
You licked your lips in unconscious imitation of Petra licking yours, and unbuttoned your shirt to give her better access. Soon the pale fabric hung open, letting her see the full line of $phYou.skin skin from navel to neck, interrupted only by the thin material shielding your breasts. She had just enough reach to push it up and out of the way, so she could take both firm mounds in her palms and squeeze.
You moaned; the sound turned into a gasp when she closed her fingers around your nipples and pinched them both in turn. Her mouth was still busy between your thighs, where she'd found the nub of your clit and now bathed it in broad, quick flicks. You'd sunk an inch or so from your 'high perch' as your hips rocked in time to the licks and laps. A moment later her tongue pressed //into// you, and this time your moan echoed off the walls.
You reached down and took hold of her hair to 'help'. It was an awkward angle, after all. The fact that your thighs were now clamped against her cheeks as your rode her face was sheer coincidence. You gasped encouragement and obscenities alike as you ground against her mouth. Petra's hands abandoned your tits and flashed back down to your hips again, using her considerable strength to push you back //just// enough to steal a breath before she dove back to work.
Part of you hoped you weren't suffocating her, but part of you doubted you'd @@.choice;[[Last That Long!|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 3>><<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Her lips closed around your tip, and she released her hold on her breasts. It let her worry about more important things...like swallowing the next several inches of your cock. Her hum of satisfaction vibrated through every nerve, and you held still with bated breath as she reached half way, then three-fourths. She slowed for the last part -- you were definitely gifted in both length and girth -- but Petra was nothing if not disciplined. Small bobs of her head and swirls of her tongue worked her a little further... a little further... just a //little// more... until at last you felt the tip of your dick slide down the back of her throat, and her dark lips brush your balls.
She came up for air a moment later. Your entire length was nice and wet, and she beamed a wicked grin at you as she nestled you between her tits again. Now that you were thoroughly lubed up, the glide of your shaft between her soft swells felt even better.
Soon she was boucing up and down again, her hands squeezing her tit flesh tight around you. You struggled to keep your breath steady, and soon gave up the fight.
<<nm $phPetra "You like that? Like having me on my knees for you? Come on, Cap. You want to spray that load all over my face. Dirty me up!">>
Every few seconds she paused to lick and suckle at your head again, but it was the friction of her embrace and the //sight// of those beautiful dark grey breasts, so round and feminine, that was the icing on the cake. You could imagine how that dark skin would look splattered with white cum, with you marking her as your conquest. Petra was so confident, so dominant, but she was on her knees for //you//.
It didn't take long for imagination to become reality. Each pull and tug pushed you closer as you panted and curled your hands into the upholstry.
She //purred// with happiness when your cock pulsed and shot an impressive wad of sticky, pearlescent white all over the left side of her face. It splattered next to her nose and across her eye, which she quickly closed. The next jet hit her lips and dribbled down over her chin, where it was joined by several additional, weaker spurts that left a beautiful mess oozing down her collarbone, into her cleavage, and right back to your twitching shaft.
Petra didn't stop right away. Using your climax as a fresh round of lube, she kept working you over with much slower, patient pressure, until finally every last drop of your pleasure was painted over her skin, and at last you began to go limp.
<<nm $phPetra "... too bad you aren't military, Cap.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Why's that?">>
She smirked up at you, and lifted a hand to wipe away the strand of cum that threatened to blind her in one eye. One it was safely on a fingertip instead, she placed it between her lips and let you watch as she sucked it clean.
<<nm $phPetra "Could've made the perfect quip about 'relieving' a senior officer.">>
Even as out of breath as you were, you laughed. You certainly felt @@.choice;[[Relieved!|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 4]]@@<<else>>Those long, pointed ears made good handholds. You hung on to them as you bounced and bucked against Petra's face. Her tongue teased at your entrance and then dipped inside, before she sealed her lips around your clit and sucked. The pulsing pressure and hot, wet heat was an intoxicating mixture. Your cries and exultations reverberated off the dungeon walls; when Petra had the breath to do so, you heard her grunt her encouragement. You might be using her like a living sex toy, but she was loving it!
<<nm $phYou "Fuck! Yes! Don't stop! Don't you fucking stop!">>
You ground against her so hard that her teeth accidentally scraped against your folds, but even that just added to the sensation. Her nails dug in at your hips to try to hold on; you'd have red cresents in your skin to attest to her efforts.
<<nm $phYou "Oh yes, oh yes, yes, ooooh Petra yes, keep going!">>
She didn't have much choice. Whether through your praise and encouragement or a pressing lack of air, the security officer redoubled her efforts. Her lips and tongue worked magic, and soon you felt the tide of sensation rush towards a powerful, singular point of pure pleasure.
You tugged up and pushed down, smothering Petra with your slick and dripping folds as your climax hit and hit hard. You bucked, head thrown back and mouth open, each stab of your hips coming harder and slower. The orgasm washed over you in a half-dozen cresting waves, until finally, with a full-body shudder, you sagged and very nearly fell off her.
A few moments later, a light push at the side of your thigh prompted you move again. You blinked as your came back to your sense and, with a blush, finally let go of Petra's pointed ears. You swung one leg up and over, and heard the very audible gasp for air now that she could breathe freely.
Petra stayed where she was laying, but you heard a soft chuckle as she reached one slim hand up to massage the side of her face and work her jaw back and forth. It glimmered with your pleasure, from nearly her forehead down to her chin. It was a //very// good thing you'd taken off her glasses, otherwise they likely would have ended up a casualty of the action!
<<nm $phPetra "...think my mouth definitely got a workout. That qualify as a 'job well-done'?">>
@@.choice;
[[It Certainly Did!|DrowSexTop][$phPetra.sex = 4]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.sex is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>Fortunately, if there was one thing the dungeon was well-stocked for, it was cleaning up 'spills'. A handful of paper towels, a trip to the washroom, and ten minutes later, Petra was slipping back into her jacket and fastening the golden buttons. And looking pretty pleased with herself, in your opinion.
<<nm $phPetra "If that was your way of teaching me not to smart off to you, $phPetra.address, it might have backfired. I'm not sure I'd call tonight 'discouragement' for being bad.">>
<<nm $phYou "No? Are you telling me that a no-nonsense, crack-the-whip woman like you //likes// taking it to the face once in a while?">>
She gave you a mock glare, but it didn't erase the smirk on her black lips as she tugged at her sleeves to make sure they were straight.
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phPetra "For any Tom, Dick, and Harry? Hell no. For //you//, maybe. You and me aren't exactly average people anymore. And, you know, for a man, you're not half-bad.">>
<<nm $phYou "... 'for a man'. You realize I could walk in here with my own pair of boobs next time, right? One of the perks of //my// transformation.">>
Petra laughed, and her white teeth flashed as she grinned.
<<nm $phPetra "Can you? I'll make sure I have one of the boys on standby, so //you// can take a load to the tits.">>
<<nm $phYou "<<if $phGenderChanged == true>>Wouldn't be the first time.<<else>>You do that.<</if>> But, Petra? It doesn't matter what I have between my legs -- or on my chest -- you're still going to respect me.">><<else>><<nm $phPetra "For any Tom, Dick-- or, um, Harriet? Hell no. For //you//, maybe. You and me aren't exactly average people anymore, and I suppose for a civilian you're not half-bad.">>
<<nm $phYou "... 'for a civilian'. I guess I can't argue that, but just remember I //am// your supervisor. I might be civilian, but in here, you're still going to respect me.">><</if>>
Maybe it was the words or maybe it was the tone in which you said them. That ever-present smirk on the drow's lips softened, and she crossed over to you to one ashen hand on either side of your face.
<<nm $phPetra "You know I do. I'm not going to write you love poetry and send you flowers -- I wasn't that kind of girl even before. But... you're special, Cap. And even if I'm a little hard-ass sometimes, I never forget that. I hope you don't either.">>
It was a surprisingly tender sentiment from the 'admiral' you'd created... and one that left you with a fond smile lingering on your lips even after she took her hands away, winked at you, and strode back out of the room.
@@.choice;
[[You'd Remember That, For Sure|Inferno][$phPetra.sex to 0]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if ($phStoryProgression gte 3)>><<if $phRomanceControl is 0>><<set _options to 'blank'>>You were just getting your tie on when you heard a knock at the door. You didn't even need to call through the door to see who it was. The exacting precision of each strike signaled it enough.
<<nm $phYou "Come in, Mason!">>
The four-armed man opened the door and came up the stairs briskly. He held a cup of coffee in both hands, and you could have kissed him for it. You took one and he sipped at the other.
<<nm $phMason "Good morning, Forgive the early hour, but I had news I suspected you would want to hear.">>
<<nm $phYou "We've worked together long enough I know you know when it’s important enough. What's up?">>
<<nm $phMason "I wanted to let you know that I have been running some tests. I believe your efforts to teach and direct the tower are beginning to bear fruit. The location is beginning to show signs of a greater understanding of the humans it serves. I have detected signs of several more potential errors in judgement that would, only a week ago, have caused one of the tower's misunderstandings. In each case, the tower appears to have recognized the incongruity and corrected itself without making a mistake.">>
You mulled your way through that, sipping at your coffee. Mason's particular diction was a lot for the morning, but you thought you understood.
<<nm $phYou "You mean it's not screwing with gravity or noise or things like that anymore?">>
<<nm $phMason "Precisely. I believe from this moment on we no longer need to fear errors of that nature. At least not unintentional ones.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What do you mean by that? Aren't they all unintentional?">>
<<nm $phMason "They have been, yes. However, while each day has not only tied up our efforts and resulted in slightly less energy for the coffers, I believe they have been a boon to the tower's growth. To put it simply, it learned more by making mistakes than it will keeping things at normal operations. If it is to continue learning at the current pace, we can no longer rely on raw chance.<br><br>I came today to advise you that I have developed a means of artificially simulating unusual human perspectives for the tower. This will tax its intellect a great deal and cost us some of our energy gains for the day, but it should not actually disrupt our operations significantly. It is my advice that we run this sort of test on a regular basis.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You want to stress test the tower.">>
<<nm $phMason "More or less, yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright. That makes a kind of sense, I suppose. How would we do that, when I want to?">>
<<nm $phMason "You can simply call me from your suite, and I will schedule the earliest possible day. We will need to space these out somewhat to avoid causing any undue damage. Oh, and it would help if you isolated yourself somewhat from the floor. The tower will naturally look to you for guidance and it may be confused if the information it is getting from you is different than the artificial data I will be seeding. You were welcome to join me in the lab to assist with the test, or you may spend some time outside of its walls. Either way would work.">>
So you could still find time to get to know your employees a little better. That was good. You didn't get a whole lot of vacation days, and you badly needed a few.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. I'll keep it in mind.">>
<<nm $phMason "Very good, $phMason.address.">>
He bowed slightly in place and turned back toward the stairs. You drained off the last of your coffee and took a moment to mull it over. He was probably right. It would benefit the tower and, in the long run, would probably be much better for business, and if it got you out on the town occasionally that was hardly a drawback.
One more thing to keep track of. Stowing the mug, you followed your scientist @@.choice;[[Down To The Office.|Office][$phRomanceControl to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phRomanceControl is 2>><<set $phRomanceTimer to 4>><<set $phTowerSessions += 1>><<set $phLocation to 'R&D'>><<set $phRomanceControl to 1>><<nm $phMason "Beginning the test now.">>
The four-armed man carefully adjusted a small series of dials on the panels in front of him. This entire wall of R&D was now covered with panel displays, and each of them began flickering with images. At first, they were changing slowly enough that you could take a second to identify them. A mountain pass, an elderly woman holding hands with another, a blooming flower, a flooding riverbank. Soon, though, the velocity increased until all you were catching was the basest suggestion of color and movement.
There was a sudden tension in the air. A kind of strain that seemed to crackle with potential. You leaned over Mason's shoulder and studied the dials. Not that it did you much good. The symbols on each might as well have been hieroglyphics.
<<nm $phYou "Everything looking okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Inside expected parameters, yes. I will continue to monitor and avoid overtaxing the system, do not worry. This should be an extremely fruitful day from a learning perspective. What will you do?">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you need my help?">>
The scientist chuckled, softly, and shook his head. He carefully adjusted one of the dials with his lower hands.
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "Not that I would not mind spending the day with you and seeing how //you// learn, but both you and the tower demand my full attention when I teach you. Though now that you mention it, I should schedule a stress test for //you// in the near future.">>
You felt your face heat and you squirmed, despite yourself. You weren't sure what a stress test would involve, but an entire day spent with $phMason.him? Yes please.
<<nm $phYou "Understood.">>
<<nm $phMason "Relax, pet. You are welcome to remain and sit quietly, but I will not take affront if you spend the day somewhere else. Just choose quickly.">>
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phMason "I would never turn down being in your presence, $pMistress, but my attention would be divided. If you wish for this test to produce as much as it can, I should remain focused.">>
You ran a hand along the back of his neck, thoughtfully. Such a good boy, always looking out for you despite his own interest. You could take him up on that and leave him to his toys...or you could see how well he could manage being 'unfocused'.
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'pre') or ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><<nm $phMason "You have learned much, $phMason.address, but this what you keep me around for. I would not turn down the company, but you should feel free to depart if you wish to.">>
That would give you the opportunity to invite someone else out and get to know your crew a little better. Coordinating that would probably take all day, though. If you stayed with Mason, you could finish the stress test in the morning and out only a couple of hours.
More work or more play?
<</if>><</if>><<else>><<nobr>>
<<set $phRomanceTimer to 8>>
<<if ((ndef $phMiniDisaster) or ($phMiniDisaster.length == 0))>><<set $phMiniDisaster = ["Space","Rodents","Gravity","Silence"]>><</if>>
<<set $phCurrentDisaster = $phMiniDisaster.pluck()>>
<</nobr>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Space'>>//Mmmph. Warm Comfy Bed//
@@.narrative;BUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZ@@
You groaned and nuzzled a little deeper into the pillow, but the annoying sound refused to die away. You reached out from the bed and pawed at the nightstand, blindly. It took you a few seconds of feeling around to remember, as you did every morning, that the alarm was placed too far from the bed to allow you to hit the snooze eighteen times.
//Sigh//
You pulled yourself out of the bed and leaned over to finally punch the reset and return your suite to blessed quiet. You sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, seriously considering the ramifications of just letting yourself fall back to sleep and taking the morning off. Nothing good, you guessed. You knew you couldn't afford any wasted time. Reluctantly, you focused on cracking your eyes open.
Then blinked. You rubbed your eyes and opened them again, but the view didn't change. Sleep no longer on your mind, you hopped out of bed and rushed to the window, bending the half open blinds down to confirm what you were seeing. There was no mistaking it.
The city skyline and white clouds you expected were gone. Instead, the inky blackness of space greeted your eyes, broken by the twinkling of countless shining stars in the distance...
...and Saturn, huge and ringed, floating lazily across your field of view. The sixth planet looking for all the world like it had swapped places with the moon, despite being a great deal larger and millions upon millions of miles away.
Your head swam. You stared, trying to make sense of it for several panicking seconds. Then a cold apprehension settled into the pit of your stomach, and you turned abruptly from the window and stomped your way downstairs to the office door.
<<nm $phYou "MAAAAAASSSOOOONNN!">>
<hr>
<<nm $phMason "I assure you, $phMason.address, that the effect is harmless, if quite disorientating. The views differ, of course. I believe there is a vantage to see any of the planets of our solar system from somewhere within the grounds, and one is showing a delightful picture of the surface of Haley's Comet.">>
You glowered at him, a cup of coffee in both hands. You sipped the brew, giving yourself time to count to ten before responding.
<<nm $phYou "It's an illusion then?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not precisely, though it might be best to think of it in those terms. The space warping is not strictly Euclidean in nature and would take longer to explain than is worthwhile. I am sure you have noticed that the area has been quite smoggy of late, no? I believe the tower interpreted the desire for better views somewhat...liberally. An error in judgement that is part of the learning process the locus is undergoing.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, can we turn it off? We can't let people walk around with planets hanging out the window. And what if someone //opens// one?">>
Mason heaved a put-upon kind of sigh and shook his head slowly, as if your understanding were significantly lacking.
<<nm $phMason "The tower may not understand much, but it will not allow customers to come to harm. As for what //we// can do to turn it off, //I// will be doing my utmost, but it will take some time to do so without making things worse.">>
You blinked, taken by surprise. You gave the incubus an uncertain look.
<<nm $phYou "You don't want help?">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Rodents'>>@@.narrative;//Chitter Chitter//@@
You groaned and rolled over in bed, burying your face beneath your soft pillow. You weren't sure precisely what the noise was, but you //were// quite sure that it was not your buzzing alarm clock, and that was the only thing you cared about. A few more minutes of sleep before you had to work would be so nice.
@@.narrative;//Chitter Squeak Chitter//@@
Alertness was elusive and sleep was always tempting, but you slowly fought your way back to consciousness and listened to the noise. There was something high-pitched and murmuring in the room, but your muddled brain refused to focus on it...
@@.narrative;//Squeak Squeak Squeak!//@@
...until something scampered across your back.
You were out of bed in an instant, and then almost as quickly hopped back onto the mattress as something furred raced past your ankles. You looked down to find the carpet of your suite writhing and undulating. It took you a few seconds to resolve the strange mass into its component parts.
Squirrels. Mice. Gophers. Dozens and dozens of them, all chittering away happily and giving absolutely no indication as to why they had suddenly decided your bedroom was the set of a new Disney princess song number. Judging from the sounds coming from beyond the door, it wasn't just your bedroom that was infested either. What in the Hell was going on? There was no way a bevy of woodland animals were going to ninja their way through Mason's architecture.
You stared, for several seconds, as the pieces fell into place. Then you reached for your phone. You punched in the number hard and listened to it ring as the four-legged crowd continued to scamper over one another in mindless eagerness.
A certain someone in R&D had better have a damn fine explanation...
<hr>
<<nm $phMason "Fortunately, the issue appears to be confined largely to our 'behind-the-scenes' locations and we have not yet seen any in the public spaces. That, at least, should prevent any awkward questions from any intrepid health and safety inspectors.">>
The incubus was wearing a set of huge rubber boots that looked absurdly comical combined with his typically reserved appearance, but as he picked his way carefully over the rioting floor of fur, you couldn't argue with the efficacy. You glared.
<<nm $phYou "That's something, at least, but why exactly are they here in the first place?">>
<<nm $phMason "Ah. It would appear to be an issue with the tower's learning. It had recently been experimenting with drawing customers in from a distance, encouraging more visitors from the surrounding area. That can be a difficult task, as the tower's influence lessens considerably with each increment. It would appear that, once one passes a mile or two, that it becomes less able to distinguish exactly what type of customer it is finding.">>
You covered your eyes with one hand. Somehow, you knew where this is going.
<<nm $phYou "So it found a bunch of animals instead of people and then 'encouraged' every rodent it could find for miles around us to visit?">>
<<nm $phMason "As it turns out, the desires of this family of animals are quite simple to grant. Food, warmth, and comfortable areas to nest in. It could give that to hundreds, if not thousands, at once! From the tower's perspective, quite efficient.">>
You sighed and nodded. That tracked, at least, even if you were still not quite sure how the building would confuse //human// desires for a bunch of pests.
Then again, maybe you could understand mixing them up, from time to time.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, how do we fix it?">>
<<nm $phMason "We do not. Or at least, //you// do not. I will begin work expeditiously and should be able to conceal their presence long enough to transport them all back to their original locations, but I do not require assistance. I believe the four-legged distractions will be enough.">>
That was blunt. You gave him a somewhat aggrieved look.
<<nm $phYou "You don't think I can help?">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Gravity'>>//Brush Brush Brush. Rinse. Spit//
You might be a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> but you still had to deal with the horrors of plaque. You settled the toothbrush back on its stand and slipped your arms into your suit jacket. Your eyes were still bleary with sleep, but even through the haze you seemed to be in respectable order.
Caffeine. Caffeine would be good.
You turned and padded your way down the stairs and out to the office. $phSamantha.name wasn't at her desk, but the coffee was humming away in the machine. You picked up a paper cup, grabbed the pot, and poured...
...only the find the water flowing //upward// from the pot and up toward the ceiling.
You blinked. That was new.
Following the trail of brown liquid upward in a long, snaking line that continued until it smacked into the white ceiling. Even as you watched, you saw a pencil rise from $phSamantha.name's desk and fall //upward// to land beside the coffee puddle. Then another pen. Then a dozen papers. Then the potted plant beside the door.
<<nm $phYou "...Oh shi--!">>
You had just enough time to offer half an exclamation when you found your center of gravity suddenly //wrong//, and your body started a similar journey! You managed to twist in the air, but still landed awkwardly. The sturdy metal supports between the ceiling panels held, but the panels themselves crumpled like paper beneath your feet. You found yourself looking //up// from the ceiling...
...and nearly caught $phSamantha.name's desk in the face as it thudded against the ceiling just beside you, hard enough to bend the metal supports. You stared, taking in the empty carpet overhead and the absolute chaos of objects stuck, with you, to the office ceiling. A cold certainty settled in your chest.
<<nm $phYou "MAAAAAASSSOOOONNN!">>
<hr>
<<nm $phMason "Fortunately, the effect is limited largely to the backrooms, $phMason.address. It would appear some of our early customers this morning were in an...altered state of mind, and that caused the tower some level of disorientation. A disorientation it attempted to align with the perceptions of these inebriated individuals.">>
The incubus extended both of his right hands, and you took hold of one of them, allowing him to pull you of the pile of office debris and over to a less demolished corner of the ceiling. Annoyingly, Mason barely looked phased by the change in orientation, standing as naturally on the metal supports as he did on the ground in his own lab.
<<nm $phYou "You're telling me someone took an edible this morning and the tower //forgot which way was up//?">>
<<nm $phMason "More or less, yes. Fortunately, it was able to correct itself in the main areas once additional customers arrived but...well, the employee areas are somewhat lower priority than the public ones. It will take some time to set everything back to its proper orientation and fix the incidental damage.">>
You pinched the bridge of your nose and fought to calm your annoyance. It was far from the strangest thing that had happened here, and the tower was generally helpful. It was bound to have a screw up now and again.
<<nm $phYou "Alright then. What do we do?">>
<<nm $phMason "I will begin to process of correcting the matter. I expect it will take most of the day, but with our public areas operational we should not see more than a minor impact to our energy flow. I would recommend you take the opportunity for a holiday.">>
You gave the man a suspicious look.
<<nm $phYou "You don't want my help.">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Silence'>>Mmmmn. The bed was warm and encompassing, wrapping around your body like a perfect cocoon. It always felt amazing in the mornings, even if that did make it hard for you to actually get up and get to work. Your alarm hadn't yet gone off, though, so you had a little longer to enjoy it today.
Actually...That was funny. You couldn't remember the last time you'd woken up before the alarm. The bed was so comfortable it usually took a monumental effort to pry you away from your sleep. You rolled over and forced your eyes open, peering at the clock.
Ah hell.
You pulled your feet around under the covers and hopped up quickly. It was more than forty minutes later than you'd normally be getting up! You must have forgotten to set the alarm the day before...or maybe it had been reset in the night somehow. There wasn't any time to worry about that. You needed to run to the bathroom, maybe take a quick shower to wake up, get dressed, and race down to the-
@@.narrative;CRACK!@@
You rushed too fast and caught your shin on the edge of a chair, sending it toppling. Pain shot up your leg, and you bent to wrap both hands around your ankle, cursing vociferously...
...or rather, you tried to. Despite the fact your mouth moved, your lips formed the words, and the air rushed out of your lungs, nothing seemed to happen. You blinked and tried again, but again the room was silent. You stomped your foot, hard, into the carpet.
Nothing. Not even a glimmer of sound.
Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You could feel the vibration running through your pocket, but still couldn't hear the chirp. You pulled it out and peered curiously at the group text message on the screen.
<<nm $phMason "All Employees,<br><br>We are aware of the sudden outbreak of noise dampening within the tower. It would appear that many of our customers were seeking 'peace and quiet' today, and the tower was less than discriminating in how it satisfied that wish. Rest assured we are currently working on the issues and expect it to be rectified by the end of the day.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "All day? How will I flirt with cute boys? Or use the phone?">>
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "That is going to make it a little hard to take dictation...at least the business kind.">>
<</if>>You typed rapidly with your fingers, trying hard not to let your annoyance show in the wording. Then you waited for the replies to come in.
<<nm $phYou "Is this affecting the whole place?">><<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>>
<<nm $phXavier "It's made it all the way here. Do you have any idea how boring the club is going to be if it's dead quiet?">><<else>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>>
<<nm $phCassandra "I've been trying to play videos all morning! The whole place is muted!">><</if>><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "Ah, you //are// awake. Yes, it appears to be affecting most of the mall. I have already created signage to the effect that we are celebrating a day of silence and distributed them throughout the grounds.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Really? A day of silence?">>
<<nm $phMason "Short notice. Hardly an elegant solution, but the tower should be able to suppress curiosity about the effect while I undo what has been done. I would suggest the rest of you take a short vacation while I work.">>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>><<nm $phDamien "I'm no expert, but pretty sure that means 'get lost'.">>
<<else>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<nm $phJolie "...Isn't that just another way to say 'get lost'?">>
<</if>><</if>><<nm $phYou "I take it you don't want us to bother you, then?">>
<</if>><<nm $phMason "You are coming along in your studies, $phMason.address, but I do not have the time to explain the process in detail. I think the assistance would be outweighed by the cost of distracting me. I would prefer you take the opportunity pursue your own interests somewhere far from here for the duration. If you //must// assist, I will not argue, but the task might be more...menial than you prefer.">>
Clear enough. <<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>A little bluntly delivered, but you could take up with your sub once everything was straightened out. He had, at least, tried to spare you the work. <</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>It was a little blunt, but you knew better than to interrupt $phMason.Him when he was absorbed in a problem. At least he had tried to spare you the work. <</if>>Knowing Mason, when he said 'menial' he meant it. Perhaps it would be better to leave the tower for a while. <<if ndef $phDated>>You weren't entirely sure if you'd be able to maintain the human disguise outside, but Mason didn't seem to be worried about the possibility. You had been away so seldom that you barely thought about the disguise anymore, not to mention some other human problems...
<<nm $phYou "They sent a car for me last time. I imagine my old ride has been towed for lack of payment by now.">>
<<nm $phMason "There is a private garage on the east side of the building which should hold a vehicle to your liking. I believe you'll find the keys in your secretary's desk drawer. She offers them to any employee who asks.">>
Good to know.<<else>>It wasn't the first time you'd had the opportunity to leave the tower for a while, and you know you could maintain your disguise.<</if>> Perhaps it would be a good time to get to know one of your employees better...
<</if>><<if ndef _options>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phMason.date is 3.1>><br>@@.unavailable;You Just Pointed Mason Toward Samantha. Give Them Time To Come Together!@@<</if>><<if $phMason.date is 9>><br>@@.unavailable;You Paired Mason Off With Samantha! Good Work!@@<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>
<<if $phCassandra.date lt 3>><br>[[Paint The Town With Cass|CassPunkDate]]<</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.date gte 3) and ($phCassandra.date lt 5)>><br>@@.unavailable;Cass seemed focused on the past. You'd have to think about how to help her break out of the cycle.@@<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date is 4.1>><br>@@.unavailable;You'd given Cass the address for her lost love. It was up to her now.@@<</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.date gte 5) and ($phCassandra.date lt 6)>><br>@@.unavailable;You asked Petra to keep an eye on Cass. Better leave them to it.@@<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date is 6>><br>@@.unavailable;Petra and Cass are painting the town red! Well done!@@<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date is 10>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>[[Surprise Cass With Concert Tickets|CassPunkDate]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;Cass seems to have gotten over her past life, with your help. Best let her sort out the rest on her own.<</if>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>>
<br><<if $phCassandra.date is 3>>@@.unavailable;Cassy is lonely in her digital world. Perhaps you'd better think about that some more...@@<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date lt 3>>[[Convince Cassy To Go Mobile|CassHentaiDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date is 10>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>>[[A Romantic Dinner With Cassy|CassHentaiDate]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;Cassy is feeling a lot better! Better let her work on her MMO in peace<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date is 9>>@@.unavailable;Cassy Has A New Body To Play With! Good Work!@@<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phDamien.date lt 4)>><br>[[Hit The Road With Damien|DamienBullDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>><br><<if $phDamien.date lt 3.1>>[[Get Some Exercise with Dana|DamienSissyDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.date is 3.1>>@@.unavailable;You just pointed Dana toward Samantha. Better not confuse the issue...@@<</if>>
<<if ($phSamantha.date gte 10) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien')>>@@.unavailable;You Paired Dana Off With Samantha! Good Work!@@<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.date is 9>><br>@@.unavailable;Jolie's Performing In Cyberspace! Good Work!@@<<else>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><br>[[Take In A Show With Jolie|JoliePornstarDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>><br>[[Take JJ For A Horse Ride|JolieCowgirlDate]]<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><br><<if ($phSamantha.date gte 3) and ($phSamantha.date lt 10)>>@@.unavailable;Samantha is off playing the field - maybe check in with her later!@@<<elseif ($phSamantha.date gte 10) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You')>>@@.unavailable;You played matchmaker for Samantha, now it's time to let her work!@@<<elseif ($phSamantha.date gte 10) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You')>>[[A Date With Mistress Samantha|SamanthaFutaDate]]<<else>>[[Take A 'Business Lunch' With Samantha|SamanthaFutaDate]]<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><br>[['Go Steady' with Sammy|SamanthaBimboDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>><br>[[Visit The Park With Xavier|XavierVampireDate]]<</if>>
<<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>><br><<if $phXavier.date lt 4>>[[Go For A Hike With Xun|XavierDryadDate]]<<elseif $phXavier.date is 5.2>>@@.unavailable;You still need to talk to Damien about meeting Xun's parents!@@<<elseif $phXavier.date is 4.4>>@@.unavailable;Xun has a lot on her mind just now. Best leave her to it.@@<<elseif $phXavier.date is 6.1>>[[Catch Dinner with Xun's Parents|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.5]]<<elseif $phXavier.date is 9>>[[Take Xun To A Nature Exhibit|XavierDryadDate]]<<elseif $phXavier.date is 10>>@@.unavailable;Xun Has Been Reunited With Her Family... If A Bit Bittersweet@@<<elseif $phXavier.date is 20>>@@.unavailable;You Helped Xun Reconnect With Her Family. Better Give Her Some Space!@@<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>><br>[[Catch The Carnival With Petra|PetraDrowDate]]<</if>>
<<if ($phPetra.transform is 'siren') and ($phPetra.date is not 9)>><br>[[Find Petra Some Fishy Friends At The Aquarium|PetraSirenDate]]<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if $phStoryProgression gte 3>>[[Help Mason Monitor The Situation|RomanceOpportunityDecline]]<<else>>[[Assist Mason With The Fix Instead|RomanceOpportunityDecline]]<</if>>@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date lt 3.1>><<set $phLocation = 'CassandraDate'>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1>><<nm $phCassandra "...You have got to be shitting me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You pried my ass away from the tower while shit is going down, drag me down here where we spend fifteen minutes finding a parking garage, and the place you're taking me is another fucking parking garage?">>
You rolled your eyes and gestured her forward. Cass ignored you and remained where she was, staring up at the concrete edifice. It was a four-story parking structure with the kind of 'bare concrete' aesthetic that builders defaulted to when the only consideration was how many stalls the space could cram in at once.
Despite her protests, you couldn't help but notice Cass was slightly dressed up for the day. The normal fishnet top beneath her leather jacket had been replaced with black shirt embossed with a flaming skull. Her purple and black makeup had been applied carefully, and she'd brought the backpack with the gear you'd asked for.
<<nm $phYou "You don't //really// think I'd waste my time with you exploring parking options, do you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I dunno. Maybe you've always had the fantasy of getting banged against a fourth story railing. Wouldn't be the kinkiest thing going on with us.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh no. The railing is just a bonus. C'mon, Cass. Have I ever steered you wrong before?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright, alright. Don't get your panties in a bunch.">>
Cass finally started walking again, her heavy boots thumping against the sidewalk as you moved. As you drew nearer, however, it become obvious that the garage was anything but ordinary. Every inch of the space was covered in spray-paint. Names and images and less identifiable sprays fought with one another in a brightly-colored mess every over pillar, floor, and wall.
There were other additions, too. Wooden structures had been built against every wall, turning straight-edged corners into gently curved slopes. The stalls themselves had been replaced with suspended metal rails and benches pressed up against the walls. A young man, his face festooned with at least a few pounds of metal, had his feet up as he sat in a booth at the entrance.
Cass drank it all in, silently, and finally shook her head once more. When she spoke, her words were the same, but delivered in a far warmer tone.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Gotta be shitting me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Welcome to the skate park, Cass. I thought you might enjoy one a little different from ours. What do you say? First one to the top floor <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>licks me out like a good girl?<<else>>takes my cock like a good girl?<</if>>">>
Cass snorted, unzipped her bag with one hand, and @@.choice;[[Flipped You Off With The Other.|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1.1>>The wind whipped past your face<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> and ruffled your short hair<<else>> and sent your hair streaming back behind you<</if>> as you tried to hug the inside corner. Cass was not making it easy for you, however. She'd sprinted out to an early lead and was doing her best to stay in your way and not allow you to slip by her.
Your skates rumbled across the inclined concrete and you briefly wondered how resilient your new body might be to a fall at this speed without a helmet. There were signs posted, but neither a demon nor a rebel without a cause were known for how well they followed the rules. The pair of you picked up speed into the home stretch. One last curve -- then it would be a straight-away down to the bottom.
Cass swung her body out with startling grace, leaning sideways and cutting off the inside track as she took the turn as tight as it was possible to take it, ending any chance of you regaining the lead from her.
Almost.
You didn't aim for the inside track of the turn. You aimed even tighter, barreling straight toward the three-foot rail beside the down ramp. Just before you splattered yourself against the concrete, you jumped as hard as you could, knees up to your chest and your skates tucked up underneath you.
It almost wasn't enough. The back wheel slapped off the top of the railing; you landed and wobbled precariously for a half second before you got your balance back. The curse behind you was all the reward you needed though. You pumped your legs hard and fast, and there was nothing Cass could do about it. You passed the invisible line at the bottom of the garage and finally straightened up to allow your speed to bleed off.
Cass coasted past you, also no longer moving her legs. She grumbled and reached into her pocket, withdrawing her silver cigarette case and slipping one of them between her lips.
<<nm $phCassandra "Cheater.">>
<<nm $phYou "Like you wouldn't have done it if you had thought of it.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Pffft. I'm not handcrafted by a succubus queen to keep a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Captain America<<else>>gym bunny<</if>> body without having to work for it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey! You were crafted by //me//.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "And apparently you did an ass job of it!">>
You snorted and shook your head, coasting to a stop next to one of the benches. You sat down, not really feeling like trekking back up to the top of the garage again. The descent was exhilarating, but the climb left much to be desired.
Apparently Cass felt the same, because she dropped herself into the seat beside you. Her lighter flicked between her fingers and she puffed thoughtfully on her cancer stick.
<<nm $phCassandra "I guess you did okay on the body crafting, actually, judging from the way the kid at the gate was staring at my ass.">>
<<nm $phYou "Him, the guy at the first parking garage, everyone we passed, everyone in the gym back at the tower<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>>, Dana<<else>>...<</if>>">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah yeah, fuck off. So why //did// you drag me out here? I'll admit, it's a pretty sweet place, but you don't need me to have a good time">>
<<nm $phYou "Need and want are two different things. You bring the other thing I asked for?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What do //you// think?">>
She gave you a withering stare. You shrugged your shoulders and leaned back on the bench, putting your arm up over the back.
<<nm $phYou "Then when you finish your cigarette, I'll show you.">>
She gave you another exaggeratedly annoyed look, studying your face. Then she shrugged, raised the filter to her lips, and inhaled sharply. The remaining half of her cigarette burned away in a single long pull, and she tossed the nubby end backward behind her. Then she leaned back and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke up toward the ceiling like a dragon resting on a pile of gold.
You guessed that meant she @@.choice;[[Wanted To See!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1.2>>You rattled the spray paint can idly with one hand as you studied the patch of wall. The mural was a dizzying array of overlapping colors, letters, and pictures but someone had come in recently and done a good job painting their name in five-foot blue letters. It seemed to be the freshest, and that meant a lot of flat blue surface to make your own additions.
<<nm $phCassandra "...This part of the ticket?">>
<<nm $phYou "It is. They tell me it's something of a tradition.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Feels a lot more wussy when it's a place you're allowed to tag up.">>
<<nm $phYou "You want to stop and find an overpass on the way back, we can. If we get arrested though, I'm using your ass to bribe the deputies.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Blow me!">>
Cass stepped forward, studying the wall. She rattled her own can, then raised it and carefully began spraying. Any protests died away was she concentrated on the lines. 'Cass' appeared quickly, but she spent some time adoring the area around it with small flying bats. It was actually a fairly impressive effort considering she didn't have any tool other than the spray can itself.
You didn't get that elaborate. You wrote your name just above hers and felt lucky not to have accidentally covered your hands in the stuff. You stepped back to admire your combined efforts.
<<nm $phCassandra "If you draw a heart around it, I'm never fucking talking to you again.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're an art critic now?">>
Cass grunted and took a half step forward again, putting her hand lightly on the wall beside the wet paint. She tapped her finger lightly against the surface.
<<nm $phCassandra "Lot of layers on there. Bet it won't be long until someone else comes and paints right across the top.">>
<<nm $phYou "Then I guess we'll need to do this again to keep our claim fresh, won't we?">>
Cass gave you a surprised look, then turned her head back to the wall, her hand still splayed across the colorful bricks. //Then// she stepped back and turned away, tossing her can back into her backpack.
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright, you got your jimmies off. I'm heading to a liquor store and then back home. Try not to pick up anything with VD, yeah?">>
<<nm $phYou "No promises.">>
She snorted derisively and then came to a stop. She didn't actually turn around to face you again, but spoke quietly into the air.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Thanks. This wasn't the worst.">>
<<nm $phYou "High praise, from you. You're welcome, Cass.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...even if you are still a $phCassandra.address.">>
She shot a smoldering look over her shoulder and then resumed her forward motion. Before she'd even gone five feet, she had her cigarette case back out and was puffing once again. You watched her go, the occasional grey cloud rising in her wake, then turned back to the wall.
Eventually, it wouldn't be visible anymore. Someone would paint or spray over it until your names vanished, but they would still be there, underneath, even if no one could see them.
A tiny bit of immortality to be sure but, fuck it. You would take @@.choice;[[What You Could Get.|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2>><<nm $phCassandra "I'm not letting you by this time!">>
<<nm $phYou "You didn't 'let' me last time either!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shut it!">>
The two of you roared down the center of the former parking garage, picking up more and more speed on the downslope as you neared the end of the run. Cass was once again out to an early lead, but she was struggling even more this time to keep you at bay and had to pump her legs hard to stay ahead of your inhuman endurance.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe you ought to cut down to four packs a day! You're starting to wheeze!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I said shut it, $phCassandra.address! I don't need your help!">>
You laughed and tried to force yourself around her left side, but she shifted smoothly over to block your path, forcing you to slow a bit if you didn't want to run into her. You were coming up on the final turn, though, with the railing that you'd jumped before. You could already tell by the way Cass was leaning over that she wasn't planning on making the jump herself.
To the brave went the spoils! You curved around toward the wall just before the turn, preparing to jump it once again. You saw Cass's head snap around as your paths diverged and...
//SLAP//
Cass's hand whipped out and slapped hard against your backside as you passed. It didn't //hurt//, but it got your attention and you straightened up out of pure reflex...
...and then remembered you should be jumping right now.
You had no time to slow down before you hit the wall and folded over the railing. You rolled and landed on the other side with a noisy clatter and a series of full-throated curses. Cass whizzed by you on the other side, her snorted laughed disappearing with her.
You grumbled, picked yourself up from the concrete, and dusted yourself off. You weren't hurt. You weren't sure whether that was due to luck or a resilient body, but either way you were grateful for it. The only thing worse for wear seemed to be your smudged and dusted clothes.
And your pride, of course.
You moved down toward the end of the road to find Cass stretched out on a bench with a cigarette dangling from her lips. She drew in a deep breath, let out a cloud of smoke, and shot you an exaggeratedly surprised look.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You get lost or something?">>
<<nm $phYou "You cheated and you know it.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Like you wouldn't have done it if you'd have thought of it.">>
Why did that @@.choice;[[Sound So Familiar?|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2.1>><<set $phTime to 2>>Several 'tie-breaker' races later and aching like you had just run a marathon, you agreed to call a draw for now. You were back atop the highest level of the structure, leaning your arms against the cement railing and enjoying the setting sun overhead. You watched the cars snake past below even as Cass moved beside you, once again retrieving one of her cigarettes from the silver case. This time, she extended the case in your direction.
<<nm $phYou "Nah, but thanks. I'm not sure they'd even taste the same to me as they do to you. Do you even run out, or...?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Still working on the first pack you gave me. Hell of a way to keep the bills down. If I ever //do// run out, your egghead upstairs is going to get a visit from me. I'll bet my strap-on that I can get another pack in record time.">>
You laughed at that, trying to picture the look on Mason's face if he saw Cass at the door to R&D. Imagining the punk explaining exactly what she was going to do to him made you shake your head. You weren't sure who would win that confrontation, but you would pay to see it.
<<nm $phYou "Who knows? He might be into that.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Bullshit. He's not into anything and you know it. Not everyone is as kinky to throw down with anything that moves as you are.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not //that// bad.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Right. Why don't I start listing off weird employees that work for you and you stop me when--">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright! Alright! I surrender. What Mason's into is his business, but I doubt you have to worry about it. If you haven't run out by now, I'm pretty sure it's just part of who you are now.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Damn straight!">>
Cass clinked the silver case against your arm the way you'd tap a glass in a toast, then pocketed it and leaned down on the railing beside you. Her lip curled and you prepared yourself for another irreverent comment...
...but it never came. The sudden, characteristic sound of a motorcycle shattered the air beside the parking garage and Cass's head whipped around toward the source of the noise. You heard it pass the garage and then pass beneath you, and both you and Cass leaned forward to take a look.
It was a lot closer to 'dirt bike' than 'motorcycle'. The engine whined rather than roared, and the young man riding it wasn't bothering with a helmet. He came to the intersection, paused a moment, then revved his high-pitched engine as he sped off into the distance. You looked up at Cass, curious as to what had drawn her attention.
You found her staring into the middle distance where the biker had disappeared. Her expression wasn't derisive or angry or even bored, all of which would have been typical. Instead, she looked...disappointed. Her face falling like a child opening an empty gift at Christmas time.
What the hell was @@.choice;[[THAT About?|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2.2>>You snapped your fingers in front of Cass's face, and her eyes finally focused again, the disappointed expression shifting to one of surprise. Her gaze tracked from your fingers to your face...and then she groaned, deeply.
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah fuck, //really//?!">>
She closed her eyes and slumped dramatically over the railing, resting her forehead on the cement. You... just stared in confusion. That wasn't like Cass. Usually, she was //exceedingly// direct when something was bothering her. You rarely had to guess. Neither did anyone else within earshot.
<<nm $phYou "Cass? You alri--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I'm fine, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Mr. Bitch-boy<<else>>Ms. Bitch<</if>>. Can you not be you for five seconds and we can skip the touchy-feely kind of bullshit today?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Seems unlikely.">>
Cass groaned again and pushed herself back from the railing. She glowered down at the streets below as if she might throw something at the motorcycle if it came back.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fine. Fuck. Sarah had a bike like that. Girl I told you about from back the day. It always gets my attention. That's it.">>
<<nm $phYou "The one that wanted to run away together?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...No, the one who deals blackjack, yes, of //course// that one! Damnit. Been fucking years and I literally smoked the nerd out of me, but it still makes me look up. Memory is a bitch.">>
<<nm $phYou "You want to find her?">>
Cass didn't answer right away, and that //also// wasn't like her. She knew what she wanted, and she let everyone around her know it. Even if she had to think, there was usually a stream of obscenities to keep the listener occupied, but now there was just contemplative silence. Finally, she shoved away from the rail and shook her head.
<<nm $phCassandra "No. Maybe. Fuck. Probably not. I'm literally not the same bitch she left. She's probably got herself some sugar daddy and a bunch of kids. Or maybe she crashed her bike two cities over and I'd be dead too if I'd have gone. Who the fuck knows? Just wish I could put it out of my head.">>
She wheeled on you, extending her index finger and jabbing it at your face so hard and fast you actually had to stop yourself from flinching back.
<<nm $phCassandra "And you keep your fingers off it! Most of the time I like your ass, but don't go mucking with my head again. I just got that pile of issues arranged the way I like it. Now it's late and I'm pissed, so next time stick with tagging the wall or fucking me like your bitch and we'll both feel a lot better.">>
The punkish woman turned and stalked away from you, muttering under her breath. You could hear every stomp of her boots on the cement, as if she could power-walk her way away from her regrets.
But she couldn't. You remembered enough about being human to know that much. You carried those things with you. She'd calm down, return to her life, and it wouldn't bother her for a while, but it would still //be// there. That little niggling regret that wondered about the one who got away.
Cass didn't want you messing with her head, but there might be other ways. You wondered if you might be able to find 'Sarah' if you tried hard enough. You didn't have a lot to go on, and you doubted Cass was going to give you much choice, but you owed your 'bitch' that much.
Something you'd have to @@.choice;[[Think About.|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 3.1>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>You were between tasks, idly reading over some of the reports that Mason and $phSamantha.name seemed to churn out of the ether at a frightening rate. Between his obsessive nature, the Tower's wealth of information, and her willingness to pass it on to you, it was a wonder you ever had any time to walk the floor. Some of it, like an analysis of how the demographics of your customers had changed with each new building opened, was interesting. Others, like a data graph considering whether the restaurants were having a negative effect on energy by encouraging customers to linger over their meals rather than shop, were far less so.
Your mind was wandering. The television was on in the background, and you found yourself paying more attention to the screen and less to the papers in front of you. It was honestly hokey trash: two lovers from opposite sides of the street, their eyes begging each other to stay even as their words drove them apart. But it triggered a memory in you.
Cass had been in a real-life version of the same situation. She literally had a girl that her mother told her to stay away from, a bad influence for the sheltered nerd, and a love that could never be. When it came down to the choice, Cass had turned away from it. She'd let the girl on the motorcycle drive out of her life, and had been plagued by 'what if' ever since. Cass tried to hide it, but you knew it was bothering her far more than she said.
That offered an easy solution. For most people it would be impossible to find just one person out of a sea of faces based just on a first name and a story. But you weren't 'most people'. You had absolutely no doubt that if you asked Mason to look into it, he could manage. It would doubtlessly expend some of the Tower's energy, but that was a price you would be willing to pay for Cass's peace of mind.
Maybe that wasn't the best way though. It could gain her some closure, sure, but you would also be poking around in her past. Not to mention the story she found might not be a //good// one. What if her old flame had died in the interim? Maybe instead of seeking resolution, it would be better to get her mind off things. Unfortunately, you couldn't steal away enough hours in the day to distract her yourself, not with the endless reports and graphs. Cass would have plenty of time to mope, if that was her intention.
<<if $phPetra.date is 3>>You //did// know of someone else struggling with their past coming back to haunt them. According to Petra, her brother had been probing her relentlessly. Your security guard could certainly sympathize with not quite being able to let go of the person you were before.<<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>> Unfortunately, this //was// Petra you were talking about. Since her change, she didn't take any lip from anyone, and Cass spat weapon-grade snark most of the time. They'd mixed like oil and water, and while that might make hot sex it sure wouldn't help soothe any emotional wounds. No dice there.<<else>> Cass could be a lot to handle, but while Petra had softened a lot with her conversion to the singing siren of Elysium, she was still a military brat. She wouldn't be overly bothered by Cass's foul mouth, and could stand up to the weapons-grade snark.
Yes. Maybe that was it. You could ask Petra to keep an eye on Cass and maybe open some lines of communication. It would give Cass someone to turn to when you were tied up, and might be good for both of them. You wouldn't get to the play the hero, but that was alright. It was a lot to put on Petra, though. Which would be the better path?
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phPetra.date is not 3) or ($phPetra.transform is 'drow')>>You couldn't think of anyone that could be with her for enough hours in the day and, more to the point, anyone who would //want// to be. She got along fine with many of your employees, but her foul mouth and anger at the world was better tolerated in very small doses. If you wanted to help Cass, you'd have to manage it yourself.
<</if>><<if $phEnergy lt 500>>@@.unavailable;500 Energy - Ask Mason To Find Sarah@@<<else>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Mason To Find Sarah (500 Energy)|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 3.2]]@@<</if>><<if ($phPetra.date is 3) and ($phPetra.transform is 'siren')>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Petra To Check In On Cass|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 3.3]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Can't Think Of Anyone Who Could Help!@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Think About It More Later|Bedroom][$phCassandra.date to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 3.2>><<set $phEnergy -= 500>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">><<nm $phMason "I have found her.">>
You blinked at that, staring down at the small piece of paper that Mason was pushing into your hands. The message was hand-written, but so neatly lettered and uniform it rivaled anything printed by computer. It held just two lines: a name and an address.
<<nm $phYou "What, already? I barely asked you thirty minutes ago! How?">>
<<nm $phMason "It was not particularly difficult. Lives that overlap create a sympathetic resonance as a matter of course. These connections will dissipate over time, but particularly intense interactions are still more than traceable with the correct technique.">>
Mason paused for a moment, and shot his cuffs. <<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>The smile he shot you was equal parts pride and self-conscious hope.
<<nm $phMason "...In short, I am very good, $pMistress. Particularly when I'm working for you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Flatterer. Good boy, though. I'll be sure to reward you later. You're sure this is her? The address isn't very far.">>
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>The smile he shot you was equal parts casual confidence and predatory certainty.
<<nm $phMason "...In short, I am very good. Aren't you lucky?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Yes, $phMason.him. Very lucky. You're sure about this address then? It's not far from here.">>
<</if>><<if ($phMason.tranform is 'pre') or ($phMason.transform is 'post')>>He spread all four of his hands and shrugged his shoulders.
<<nm $phMason "In short, I'm very good.">>
<<nm $phYou "What would I do without you? You're sure it's her, then? This address isn't far away.">>
<</if>><<nm $phMason "Quite sure. Even after the length of time you described, the resonance was very strong. It is her. The rest, I leave in your capable hands.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Not the least bit curious what I plan to do from here?">>
<<nm $phMason "Curious, perhaps, but not enough to involve myself in Miss Woodrow's affairs. Given her dislike of official attention, keeping myself to the sidelines appears to be a wise decision.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>He gave you a speculative look, and then slowly reached down with one of his bottom hands to unzip his pants.
<<nm $phMason "Speaking of your capable hands, however...">>
You nodded, licked your lips, and slid down to your knees in front of him. As soon as his own hand moved out of the way, you raised yours to slip into his open fly and ease his manhood out into the open. You'd track Cass down and deliver the address the next time you saw her... just as soon as you were done with your 'other duties'.
@@.choice;
[[Please Your Dom and Return To The Office|Office][$phCassandra.date to 4]]@@<<else>>You couldn't blame the man. You looked down at the simple address in your hands and nodded, carefully tucking the paper away in your jacket pocket. You'd give it to Cass the next time you saw her.
You hoped it would help put the past @@.choice;[[Behind Her!|Office][$phCassandra.date to 4]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 3.3>><<set $phPetra.date to 9>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">><<set $phPetra.recharge to 1>>@@.narrative;One Decision And A Short Walk Later...@@
You knew Petra was around the moment you stepped into the park. The air of Elysium was always filled with the hum of life, but now that background sound of nature was joined with an echoing and unearthly voice. You would bet your customers thought it was some prerecorded performance piped in for the ambience.
You knew better. Petra was going through her scales and the whole park thrummed with every note.
Following the wonderful sound, you found your siren stretched out on a rock in the middle of the artificial rushing river, sunning her currently fully human legs in the <<if $phTime is 2>>last<<else>>warming<</if>> rays from overhead.
<<nm $phYou "Well, hello hello. Helping everyone relax today?">>
Petra turned her head in your direction, smiled, and continued to sound off for a few more seconds before letting the song die away into nothingness. Then the smile became a grin and she shimmied around on the rock to face you properly
<<nm $phPetra "Doing my part, captain, as always. What brings you down here so urgently?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Urgently? I could just be visiting, you know.">>
Somehow, even Petra's derisive snort had a musical element to it. She crossed her arms beneath her chest.
<<nm $phPetra "...Come off it. I've seen enough superior officers with that kind of 'problem solving' look on their face, and I know you. You're here to help someone. Did you find a new target?">>
She had you there. You squatted down next to the river and shrugged your shoulders, looking away.
<<nm $phYou "Not a new target, but you got me. Have you spent any time with Cass?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...The punk rocker with the mohawk? Hangs out down at the gym? She's come by once or twice. Think she likes the music, but she'd never say so. That's about as far as it's gone. Why?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...I don't really want to spill secrets that are hers to tell, but she's going through a few things right now. She's moving on in her life, but is still dealing with stuff from the old her. I figured you could sympathize.">>
Petra frowned. The siren's family had been a problem ever since she'd changed. They treated her the same way they always had, and had no reason to change things up -- but she wasn't the same person she had been a year ago. Just like Cass wasn't.
<<nm $phPetra "...What exactly are you asking me, Cap? You want me to check on her?">>
<<nm $phYou "If you could. Look, I know she makes a...strong first impression, but she really is sweet. Anyone else, I wouldn't ask them. I figure it takes more than a couple of swears to put you off, given your background, and she might be willing to listen a bit in return. //You// could use someone other than me to talk to, too, you know.">>
//That// got another snort out of it. Her brow furrowed, thoughtfully, and she finally nodded.
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah, I see it. Look, no promises. These things happen when they're ready to happen, but I'll drop in the gym and look her up. Maybe she'd like to unload a bit on someone who isn't you.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's what I'm figuring. I think you two might do some good for each other.">>
She shot you a suspicious look at that, but you just smiled and straightened up. She turned up her nose with a haughty expression in return and went back to sunning herself on the rock.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, if that's all. I'm afraid I simply //must// get back to my work. Never a dull moment you know.">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course, of course. I would never dream of interrupting. And...thanks, Petra. I appreciate it.">>
She winked back at you, then closed her eyes and began to sing again. You listened for a few seconds, then turned to retrace your steps back to the park entrance.
You'd set the ball rolling. Now you just had to wait and see if your @@.choice;[[Instincts Were Correct!|Elysium][$phCassandra.date to 5;$phTime += 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4>><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<set $phCassandra.date to 4.1>><<nm $phYou "Hey. Can we talk? About Sarah?">>
The look Cass shot you was full of daggers, but you couldn't help but notice that her eyes slid away from you to scan over her shoulders for possible witnesses. Despite her ever-present reserve of anger, you had a feeling this was more about fear of embarrassment.
<<nm $phCassandra "I thought we said we //weren't// going to talk about it? Fuck, I was just starting to put her out of my head again and you go putting her right back in. Asshole!">>
The insult came after a second or two of pause. Not long, but just enough to let you know how off her game she was. You raised both of your hands, palms out and fingers spread.
<<nm $phYou "Easy, easy! Wasn't going to go blabbing about it to anyone, but I know it was bugging you, so I looked into it. //Not// to mess with your head. I wanted to see what I could find out.">>
The punk's eyes narrowed dangerously. She rested a balled fist on her hip, the other jabbing at your chest with two fingers.
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course you did! You can't let anything go, can you? Fuck, shouldn't have talked about it at all! You always do shit like this.">>
There was a long beat of silence. Again, Cass's eyes slid off you and to the side. She flipped her head and took a cigarette out of her silver case with seeming indifference.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Shit. Okay. I'll bite. What'd you do?">>
<<nm $phYou "I asked Mason to see if he could find her, that's all. She's alive, and living not that far from here. I thought you'd want to know.">>
You held up Mason's piece of paper, keeping it clutched between your index and middle finger. Cass stared at it for a long second...and then snatched it so hard it crumpled audibly in her hand.
<<nm $phCassandra "And now //Four-Eyes// knows. Fuck! You're lucky you're cute, asshole. Okay, fine. I got the message. Now stop poking around! I'll tell you if I need you... and I won't!">>
She turned and stomped away from you, cigarette clutched tightly between her lips. You watched her go, chuckling softly to yourself. Cass would never let you think she was grateful for what you had done, but if she'd //actually// been upset there would have been a whole lot more thrown than a couple of obscenities. Even now, you could see she was carefully uncrinkling the page to check the words.
Still, she'd made one thing clear that you were in absolute agreement on: that was as far as you ought to go without an invitation. What Cass did with the information was up to her. You were curious as Hell and seeing her so off her game hurt a bit, but it was still //her// past and //her// lost love.
You'd have to wait. There was @@.choice;[[Nothing More To Do!|Gym]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.4>>The suite door closed solidly behind you and you yawned, stretching your arms wide to either side. It had been a busy day. You were going to have to have a word with Lazren at some point. You couldn't argue with the perks, but things were going to have to slow down at some point or you'd riot. What was the point of a fancy suite if you never actually got the chance to use it?
You were almost to the stairs, your tie sliding off your neck, when your phone buzzed in your pocket. You recognized the ring tone. <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>The rapid staccato sugar rush of a K-pop song meant that Sammy had something to tell you.<<else>>The gentle hum of a violin bow pulled expertly across the strings meant that Samantha had something to tell you.<</if>> For a long second, you considered letting it go to voicemail anyway. You'd done enough today. Whatever it was would keep.
...wouldn't it?
...
...Damnit. You fished the phone out of your jacket and tapped it.
<<nm $phYou "Hello?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Like...uh...sorry to bother you, $pMistress. You weren't sleeping, right?">>
Something in her tone threw you off. Sammy was irrepressibly chipper in almost every situation. Even the most dire moments slid off her like water. Still, she sounded almost... afraid? Of what?
<<nm $phYou "I just said goodnight ten minutes ago when I passed your desk, Sammy. I don't go to sleep that fast. Why are you still working? I thought you were heading out when I did?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Well... Yeah, I totally //was//, but I was looking at some really hunky guys online and promising to send them pictures and stuff, and then I got this alert on my phone. It's about Cass. She's...um...">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "She's sorta in the parking lot... smashing up cars with a baseball bat?">>
You didn't say anything for a long time. You'd heard her, certainly, but... what exactly where you supposed to say to something like that?
<<nm $phSamantha "...$pYou.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "She's doing //what//?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I think she's real mad about something.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I sort of-- Okay. Thank you, Sammy. Look, I'm heading downstairs. Tell the Tower to...I don't know. Seal the gates. Spend some energy. Most of the cars down there are probably hotel guests, but let's not have anyone stumble on her. If any of them show, have a valet show up with a copy of their car, or-- I don't know. I'm going to sort this out.">>
<<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Sorry to bother you, boss. But, uh... You needed to hear this. I hope you weren't asleep?">>
You frowned. Samantha was one of the most in control people you knew. She didn't stammer or have to choose her words very often. She almost sounded... worried?
<<nm $phYou "I just passed your desk ten minutes ago. I don't go to sleep that fast. I thought you were done for the night.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I was wrapping things up, but that's not important. I got an alert on my phone. It's about Cass. She's...well...">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "She's going after cars in the parking lot. With a baseball bat. Doing a pretty good job of it too.">>
You didn't say anything for a long time. You'd heard her, certainly, but...what exactly where you supposed to say to something like that?
<<nm $phSamantha "I've locked the place down. This hour, I figure every car still down there is a hotel guest; someone is going to stumble on her eventually.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hells bells. Thank you, Sam. Yes, lock it down. If anyone shows up looking for their car...I don't know, have a valet show up with a carbon copy and a complimentary clean. Something like that. I'm going to sort this out.">>
<</if>>You hung up and heaved a sigh. Looked like yoe weren't getting to sleep on time after all.
Time to find out just what the @@.choice;[[Hell Was Going On!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.5>><<set $phLocation to "SAParking">>It was a good swing, but it didn't really matter. Modern windshields didn't shatter into a shower of satisfying fragments. Instead, the bat sank a little into the suddenly gummy mass of shattered safety glass with a minimum of puncture. The follow-up strike slammed not into the windshield but into the side mirror. It shot off the side of the mini van with a crack and a clatter, and was left hanging from connected fires beside the wheel well.
<<nm $phYou "Cass! What the hell?!">>
You lengthened your stride to eat up the distance between you, glancing briefly at the damages as you passed. Cass was certainly...enthusiastic, if not particularly focused. A dented hood here, a broken side mirror there. You saw one where the exhaust pipe had been bent almost 90 degrees, though you couldn't imagine how she would have done that with a bat. You were very glad this particular lot was covered parking. Even the Tower wouldn't have been able to block the views otherwise.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh look! The high and mighty ruler of the fucking world has descended to help! Praise-fucking-be!">>
Cass turned toward you, her glare so intense that it stopped you mid-step still several feet away. The rebel woman was wearing her usual outfit, but there were a few small, significant differences. Her hair had been freshly buzzed at the sides to make the mohawk stand out, the silver skull at her belt had been shined up, and the black jacket was brand new. She'd clearly put in effort today.
<<nm $phYou "...Help me out, Cass. What is this?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What is this? Aren't you supposed to just //know// like you know everything else? Aren't you supposed to be $pMs Perfect with all the answers and the perfect solutions? Isn't it all supposed to just be //right//?!">>
She gesticulated at you wildly with her free hand. You kept a few paces away. You didn't think she'd really turn the bat on you -- and if she did -- you were pretty sure your demonic body could more than handle it, but you'd never seen her like this. Vexed, loud-mouthed, and abrasive, sure. But this was something new.
And you had a feeling why.
<<nm $phYou "...You found Sarah? She was okay, wasn't she?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh yes. Oh she's great. She's perfect! She's //wonderful//!">>
Cass turned and, in a surprisingly fluid motion, brought the bat down repeatedly on the hood of the poor car. With each impact, she added a few more words with all the guttural emphasis of an invocation to a terrible god.
<<nm $phCassandra "Just wonderful with her stupid HOUSE and her stupid HUSBAND and her stupid KIDS and their stupid-- stupid fucking--">>
As she reached worst curse she stumbled over it, then tilted her body to begin swinging horizontally rather than vertically, hammering against at the windshield.
<<nm $phCassandra "--MINIVAN!">>
You were moving before you really registered it. Even as she brought the bat back for yet another swing, you were at her side, your hands wrapping around the aluminum just above hers to bring the swing up short. She struggled with you, trying to yank the bat out of your grip, but she might as well have been fighting with a statue. You didn't even budge.
That disarmed the bat, but not her tongue. She wheeled around on you, her eyes wide and angry...and you saw with a start they were also red and wet. The black makeup around her eyes had run and dripped across her cheek, and her voice was equal parts savage rage and barely controlled sob.
<<nm $phCassandra "What? So I can't dent up a couple of cars, huh? I'm just your private bitch, aren't I? Playing at punk rock, living out her stupid fucking fantasy while you all laugh, huh? Stupid fucking dream. Stupid fucking life. I thought it was all just supposed to work out! That's what you promised me!">>
She let go of the bat, and instead planted both hands on your chest to shove you backwards. It didn't have any more //actual// effect than trying to pull the bat of your hands, but you still retreated a step to give her a moment.
<<nm $phYou "Cass, I--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What do you care, huh? You already got everything I had to give. Everything //you// want. You got your soul, so why the fuck do you care? Huh? Huh?!">>
She shoved you again, and you saw the tears start running once more. Despite her grunge exterior and the damage all around you, you could see the hurt on her face. The deep unhappiness.
The shine of something new. Something else she wanted. Something else she needed. There was no time to think, or plan. That wasn't the Cass way.
Fuck it, you just had to say it.
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.exclusive>>@@.unavailable;Your Heart Is Spoken For...<<else>>[[Because I Love You!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.61]] @@.narrative;Exclusive@@<</if>>
[[Because I'm Your Friend, Jackass!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.71]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.61>><<run $phYou.romance.push("Cass")>><<nm $phYou "Because I love you!">>
Cass stared at you in utter silence. It was maybe the first time you'd been with her for any length of time and not heard her voice. Cass has opinions on virtually everything they came her way... but apparently nothing on this.
You swallowed hard, but you were committed. No playing your way out from this one. You'd said it and you meant it, and you both knew it. You let the bat fall from your fingertips, the metal on concrete sound unnaturally loud in the quiet lot.
<<nm $phYou "I love you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Fuck. You can't-- You can't just //say// things like that, I--">>
<<nm $phYou "I love you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shut up!">>
She shoved you again, but there wasn't any power behind it this time. You stepped closer to her and encircled her in your arms. She didn't resist. She stepped against you and put her head down on your shoulder. You could feel the slight heat and damp against your shoulder as her tears bled through your shirt.
<<nm $phYou "I love you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fucking...//fuck//!">>
She sniffled, raising a hand to wipe at her eyes. The other looped around your hip and pulled you against her savagely. She stood there for several long, slow seconds, and finally let out an exasperated noise.
<<nm $phCassandra "Shit! Alright, alright. I...I love you too. Asshole. Perfect, beautiful, fucking asshole.">>
She sniffled again and raised her eyes to meet yours. Her expression was challenging, daring you to object to her declaration of love. You didn't feel the need to. It was like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders. The relief broke over you like a wave and you weren't entirely sure you would have been able to stand up straight on your own.
<<nm $phYou "Good. Glad we agree.">>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.71>><<nm $phYou "Because I care about you, dumbass. I'm your friend. Honest to fuck, I want you happy because I like you and want things not to be fucked up for you!">>
Cass looked taken aback. It wasn't like you didn't swear around her. Her foul mouth rubbed off, and you knew how to communicate her in her native tongue of obscenity, but you didn't usually hit it that hard and you rarely laid into her like she laid into you.
Still, her instincts were deeply imbedded. Quickly enough, you saw her cheeks flush and her eyes harden. She squared off with you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, I never asked for your help! I never asked for all this magic shit! I never asked you to fucking care!">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't //have// to, because that's what friends do. I don't care if you're an asshole. I don't care that you smoke, or spraypaint the buildings, or scare off the normies. I don't care what you call me. I care about you. Period. Get used to it.">>
She glared at you. You glared right back. She was in your personal space now, a few inches shorter than you but more than capable of using her presence when she wanted. You could hear her breath hiss angrily through her teeth as she prepared to lash out again...
...only she didn't. She just stared you at you for a long time, as the tension gradually drained out of her face. Then, she actually dropped her eyes and looked away first. The seething breath became an almost resigned sigh.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck. Alright. Thank you. Ass. I'm sorry.">>
You were almost certain you hadn't heard her right. You leaned slightly forward with your brow knitted in confusion. She glared up at you again, but it was softer now.
<<nm $phCassandra "...I said sorry. You heard me. I didn't mean to fuck your shirt up. I know you're my friend and I know you're the best fucking one I've got, okay?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Still a little fuzzy.">>
<</if>><<if ($phCassandra.date is 4.61) or ($phCassandra.date is 4.71)>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off! Or...don't. Actually. Don't fuck off. Just...shit! Why do you have to make this touchy-feely?">>
<<nm $phYou "It's a curse. You alright? You need to smash anything else? I think I've got some health inspectors scheduled later this week. We could make it a visit they'll remember.">>
Her laugh was sudden and explosive. It erupted out of her before she could clamp down on the noise. It came out half-strangled, but recognizable, and you gave her a smug look.
She shoved you again. Lightly this time.
<<nm $phCassandra "Alright. Alright. You win. Call whoever you're going to call to clean up. We'll talk, I guess. Shit.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'd like that. Do you want to go back inside?">>
She looked at you for a long time. Then, finally, you saw her shoulders square. She looked you in the eye and shook her head, sharply.
<<nm $phCassandra "No. No, not this time. Come on, follow me, or I'll kick your ass!">>
@@.choice;[[What An Invitation!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.62]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.62>><<CC_Image "Cassandra/CassYou" "601">>
<<nm $phYou "It's pretty. Easy to forget, really.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You spend all your time in doors. Got to step out once in a while. See something that //wasn't// made to order for you.">>
The night sky was, indeed, gorgeous. The city smog faded the sky somewhat, but the vista above was still a twinkling blanket of soft light. You were on the roof of the parking structure, stretched out on the only car that had been parked on the uncovered upper floor. It was a beat-up blue thing that looked like it was at least two decades old. You had a slight suspicion of who it belonged to, especially with all the metal cds littering the passenger seat.
You hadn't made an issue of it, though. Instead, when Cass had arrived at the car, you'd circled automatically around to the passenger side, only to be greeted by her exasperated sigh as she hopped up onto the hood. You'd echoed the movement, and now used the glass windshield as a kind of backrest as you both looked upward.
You had to admit, it was surprisingly comfortable.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe you're right...Hey, bum one of those?">>
Cass had just pulled a cigarette free of her pack and brought it to her mouth. She eyed you suspiciously, then plucked it from her lips and offered it over before removing one more from the case for herself. She brought out her lighter and you leaned in to let her touch the flame to the end.
<<nm $phCassandra "If it were anyone else...You sure that's alright? You're not going to go all punk on me, are you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure they're not very magical anymore. Even if they were, I think I'm immune. I've got to carry the stuff around to give it to people, after all.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Damn.">>
You grinned at her and took a puff from the cigarette. You didn't smoke often but...well, there were some advantages to a body that wasn't human. You were pretty sure most of the downsides didn't apply to you, and Cass's cigarettes were unnaturally smooth. The smoke settled in your lungs as long as you cared to hold it, and left without making you cough the moment you exhaled.
The two of you just sat there a while, looking up at the stars. You tucked one hand behind your head, but kept the other one outstretched. Your hands were very nearly, but not quite, touching. You couldn't help but notice Cass kept her hand there as well, using the other to raise and lower the cigarette from her mouth.
There you lay, allowing the comfortable silence to stretch. It had actually been a while since you had //stopped// like this. Lazren's tasks and challenges kept you busy, and it was only getting worse as time went on. You kept being promised it would slow down eventually but...it hadn't happened yet. So, you breathed in the stillness, and watched the stars, and puffed on your cigarette, enjoying the moment.
Eventually, though, it was time.
<<nm $phYou "...You...wanna talk?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "No. I mean...well, yes. Fuck.">>
The punk woman heaved a sigh and flicked the remains of her cigarette away beside the car. She sat up, bringing her knees up to her chest. You leaned up as well, laying your hand over her back. Shockingly, she didn't shy away.
@@.choice;
[[She Was Ready|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.63]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.63>><<nm $phCassandra "I found her. I don't know why I wanted to, but I did. Four-Eyes had good info. I got to her house and sat in the car across the street, being a fucking wuss.">>
You rubbed her back, gently. Under normal circumstances, Cass probably would have smacked your hand away and flipped you off. Instead, she rotated slightly to press her left side lightly against you.
<<nm $phYou "It's a big thing to do. I don't blame you for taking some time.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Big thing, little thing, doesn't matter. I wasn't doing it. And then I saw her get home. She parked that fucking minivan in the driveway and a whole gaggle of kids came out the back. Maybe six years old, or eight, or twelve for all I know, I don't know kids. Would have had to have been pretty close to the last time I saw her. Year or two at the most.">>
<<nm $phYou "And that made you angry? Were you jealous?">>
She snorted derisively at //that// guess and rolled her eyes in your direction.
<<nm $phCassandra "Think I've got some secret desire for stretch marks and PTA meetings you don't know about? Fuck no. And I wasn't expecting to get back together with her, either. Been a whole shit ton of time. I was //expecting// that she shacked up with someone, and it's not like I could explain our fucked up arrangement to her if I tried. Wasn't about that.">>
<<nm $phYou "What was it about?">>
She dropped her eyes and leaned a little harder into you. You got the feeling that she was answering the question for herself at the same time she was answering you. Letting the anger fade and looking at the problem squarely.
<<nm $phCassandra "I guess...she was the beacon. Mom always said it was a phase, fucking bitch she was, but I knew it wasn't. That it was real. That I really could have left with her that day and it would have been nothing but two rebels against the world, in love forever. But...life's a cunt. Maybe she was right. Maybe I'd have been home again in three months once the novelty of licking pussy and being too broke-ass to afford a hotel room without selling a trick to the clerk wore off. Maybe we wouldn't even have made it out of town before she decided she wanted a real life. I made this whole fucking movie script in my head, and none of it was shit. Pissed me right the fuck off.">>
You wrapped your arm around her shoulders, allowing her to press in a little harder. It was your turn to sigh.
<<nm $phYou "...Well, I'm sorry I put you through that. I thought I was helping. I guess a few busted up cars is a pretty gentle price, considering.">>
Cass was silent for a long moment. Then she tilted her face up to you. Her expression was calm and far, far more open than you were used to seeing from her. She spoke softly.
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>><<nm $phCassandra "Did you mean it?">>
<<nm $phYou "What?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck you, you know what I mean. You said you loved me. Did you fucking mean it?">>
You didn't have to hesitate. You slipped your hand into hers.
<<nm $phYou "You know I did. I love you, Cass. That's why I went through all this. I don't want you just as someone I work with, or friends with benefits. I want you with me.">>
You flashed her a slight grin.
<<nm $phYou "...You're my bitch, Cass.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Asshole.">>
She leaned up and kissed you; you returned it without hesitation. You could still taste the smoke on both of your lips, but you didn't care. You were with her, and it was wonderful. You loved her, every fiery and opinionated inch of her. Even the parts that were hard to tame.
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "You were helping. It was good to see her. Know she's out there somewhere. Part of me always worried...you know, maybe she crashed her bike on the way out of town. Splattered herself over a turnpike. Maybe she got picked up by some asshole who sold her body and threw her away. It was good to see her. Pissed me off, but it was good.">>
You leaned over and waited until she met your eyes, then flashed her your best lopsided grin.
<<nm $phYou "Hey...Fuck her, right? She doesn't want to be part of the metal life, fuck her. Fuck her and anyone else who wouldn't be happy for you, and what you've found. Stick with the Tower. The people who care about you. People that give two shits about who you really are on the inside. That's the important thing.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Going to start telling me the power was inside me all along, care bear?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nah...Pretty sure the power was in that bat. Did you see those smashed windshields? If you'd been doing that the first time I met you, I would have run for the hills.">>
She snorted in amusement and shook her head. One of her hands tracked up, grabbing you by the tie and pulling you forward. You found yourself straddling her body as she maneuvered you into place.
<<nm $phCassandra "Thanks...for being there.">>
<<nm $phYou "Have to be. You're my bitch, right? On the down low?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck off!">>
She yanked you down by the tie, and kissed you.<</if>>The kiss quickly rose in both heat and force. You felt her tongue against your teeth, and her hand balled into a fist around your tie, to pull you down on top of her on the hood of the car. One of her legs rose to hook around your hip. You leaned up, just for a second.
<<nm $phYou "Cass! We're outdoors. Someone could look out the hotel window, you know.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Do you think I give a flying fuck?">>
@@.choice;[[Touche!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.64]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.64>>You didn't much care about who might be watching anymore. You'd pried open Cass's jacket, pushed the fishnet shirt with its well-placed black Xs up to her collar, and let your hands freely roam the hills of her chest. You were lip to lip almost constantly, breaking away only to pant and catch your breath for a second before kissing once again.
It was lovely...and a little bit strange. Cass seemed more than content underneath you, her legs hooked across yours but otherwise allowing you to set the pace. That was unusual. Cass was many things in bed, but passive wasn't one of them. You'd half-expected to have spilled off the side of the car with as much as she ordinarily fought you.
You tested her. Your hands closed hard around her chest, tweaking one nipple a bit more firmly than you might ordinarily. You felt her arch underneath you, her voice rising with a hiss of surprise and sensation and... nothing else. No stream of invectives. No counterattack. Nothing but the roll of her body up against yours.
You couldn't help yourself. You broke the kiss and leaned back, using the excuse of slipping your jacket off your shoulders to give her a quizzical look.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm...Everything okay?">>
She didn't answer straight away. She stared up at you, wetting her lips and breathing hard. You did your best to keep your eyes on her face, though you couldn't help but notice that spending all day everyday skating around the gym was doing wonders for her figure. She curves in all the right places, and her stomach was as toned and trim as you had seen outside of Kagar's gym.
<<nm $phCassandra "I...I was thinking...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Yes?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Look I just... Maybe I want it a little soft today, okay? Happy now?">>
You chuckled and lifted a hand, running it down her flank. She shivered beneath the gentle touch, and her body rose and fell like the roll of an incoming wave. You could feel the taut muscles flex under her skin.
<<nm $phYou "Soft? You? Finally going to admit you're just a tiny bit subby?">>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off! You started it! You said you loved me! You can't get all touchy feely on me and then expect me ass up like it's happy hour!">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off! You can't go all 'friendship is magic' on me and then expect me ass up and ready for your pony ride!">><</if>>
You laughed. You couldn't help yourself. Then you leaned down again and kissed her, gentle and lingering this time. You could feel her tense at first, as if expecting condemnation -- and then feel her relax as she realized that it wasn't coming, and never would. You broke away but rested your forehead on hers.
<<nm $phYou "Soft is fine, Cass. I know just the thing.">>
You kissed her again, until she was breathless. Then, you began to work your way down. You kissed across her chin, her neck, and her collar bone. You kissed down to her cleavage, then tracked left and right to suckle her nipples into your mouth and let them fall, one at a time. You could //feel// the rise and fall of her chest as her breath quickened, and you heard the car hood squeak as her hands tried to grip the smooth and shiny surface.
<<nm $phCassandra "Still an asshole...">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh. But //your// asshole.">>
You kissed down over across her belly, letting your lips worship the lines of that taut stomach until you finally arrived at her skirt. Loose and frayed, it didn't take long for you to push it down her hips and bare your prize. You leaned in, tongue extending to taste her honey...
...and found yourself brought up short, stopped by Cass's hand pressed against your forehead. You blinked, opening your eyes and looking back up at her. Her eyes met yours, and she sucked in a deep breath.
<<nm $phCassandra "No...No, you did all this. You've done everything for me. And you always do. Fuck, I know it, and you know it. You watch out for me. I want to do it for you. For once. No fighting. No pretending.">>
<<nm $phYou "Cass...">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phCassandra "Just let me lick your clit like a good little bitch and get this happy good-girl shit out of my fucking system, okay?!">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Just let me suck your cock like a good little bitch and get this happy good-girl shit out of my fucking system, okay?!">><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Let Her Get The 'Good Girl Shit' Out Of Her System|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.65]]
[[Too Bad. You Were Always Going To Please Her|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.66]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.65>><<nm $phYou "Is that what you want?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shit, I don't know. You've got me doing all this--">>
You reached out and gently pressed your finger to Cass's lip. You'd never done that before, and it surprised her. Even more surprising, it worked. Her diatribe ended before it began.
<<nm $phYou "...Cass. You said no pretending. Is that what you want?">>
She stopped, looking downward for a long second. Then she took a breath and nodded, once.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah...Kind of always liked it. No give and take. Just doing what you need.">>
<<nm $phYou "Then you got it. Come and get it.">>
You stepped slightly away from the car. After a second, Cass followed you, sliding off the hood and back to her own two feet. She didn't stay there long, instead dropping down to her knees on the pavement. She rested her hands on her ripped fishnets, her head tilted slightly up toward you. No anger. No demand. Just anticipation.
It was the hottest fucking thing you had ever seen. The untamable, tamed. At least for a little while. Your fingers shook as you undid you belt and let your slacks fall down to your ankles. Cass obligingly wiggled forward, running one finger up the side of your hip as she <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>exhaled a hot breath across your slit and brushed her cheek against your thigh.<<else>>brushed one cheek up against your cock.<</if>> You could feel her piercings like cold islands in the midst of her warm skin on yours.
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>><<nm $phCassandra "...You can call me your bitch too, if you want. Sometimes. I don't mind it.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know you don't. It's the only reason I do it...that and because I love my bitch.">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Don't get too used to this.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't know. I might get a little addicted. Even if it does cost some car repairs every time.">>
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "Prick.">>
Her tone was fond as she let her head drift forward. It wasn't her usual style. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Usually, her tongue was a plunging, thrashing beast, as if she was punishing you as much as she was pleasuring you. The aggression was fun, in its own way, but it was different this time. She closed her eyes, tilted her head up, and gently spread your sex with her tongue, letting you part slowly rather than forcing your body to bend to her.
You were already soaking wet, even if you hated to admit it. You loved Cass's fire. But seeing her this way and being pretty sure you were the //only// one who had seen her this way, was intoxicating. It was all you could do to move your hips slowly back and forth rather than grabbing her and jamming her between your legs.
Instead, you held onto the sides of her head, rolling your hips against her face. You let her tongue lap across your sex, up and down with a slow and steady rhythm. You just... enjoyed it. Enjoyed being with her. Enjoyed allowing her to pleasure you.<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>
Your Cass.<</if>>
When your orgasm came, it was almost a surprise to you. One moment you were rolling your hips against her and enjoying the slow, sweet love-making. The next you suddenly realized that the pleasure inside you was beginning to spike. You gasped, stopped, and pressed your sex up against her face, holding her there as your body gently quivered. She didn't pull away, didn't retract her tongue. She just let you cum against her beneath the stars.
<<else>>Usually, she wanted you to force her to do this, and she glared up at you the entire time as if she might bite down at any moment, sucking only reluctantly. The aggression was fun, in its own way, but it was different this time. She closed her eyes, let your cock brush against her cheek for a moment, and then extended her tongue to rest the head of your shaft against it like a pillow. She flexed, slowly, making your cock bounce against her upper lip, and then carefully closed her mouth around it.
You were already achingly hard, even if you hated to admit it. You loved Cass's fire. But seeing her this way and being pretty sure you were the //only// one who had seen her this way, was intoxicating. It was all you could do to move your hips slowly back and force rather than grabbing her and shoving your cock down her throat.
Instead you held onto the sides of her head, rolling your hips against her face. You let her worship your cock, adoringly. She kissed and licked up and down every side, even dipping her head down to <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>suckle one of your balls between her lips<<else>>flick her tongue against the very base<</if>>. You just...enjoyed it. Enjoyed being with her. Enjoyed allowing her to pleasure you. <<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>
Your Cass.<</if>>
When your orgasm came, it was almost a surprise to you. One moment, you were rocking your hips back and forth with an almost lazy rhythm and sliding your cock over her tongue. The next, you suddenly realized that the pleasure inside you was beginning to spike. You gasped, stopped, and then thrust your hips to bury yourself fully inside of her. She didn't resist, didn't pull away. She just let you cum inside her, again and again and again. The only motion she made the soft constriction of her throat as she swallowed and gulped your seed, until you were completely spent.
<</if>>At last, breathlessly, you pulled away. Cass looked up at you, her lips still wet and her eyes somehow just as moist. You lowered yourself down to settle in against her. Hip to hip. Hand in hand. Heart to heart.
<<nm $phYou "Good bitch.">>
@@.choice;[[She Punched You In The Shoulder!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.67]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.66>><<nm $phYou "That's really sweet of you, Cass. Thank you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah, well, I'm a ray of sunshine. Like I said, though, don't get used to--">>
<<nm $phYou "But I'm afraid I have to insist. What would people say if I took advantage of your mood?">>
You gave her just long enough to register what you were about to do, and then pushed her hand away from your head, hiked her legs up across your shoulders, and buried your face in her snatch!
She bucked against you with an inarticulate screech of surprise, her fingernails digging into your scalp as she squeezed reflexively around your head. Her hips surged upward against your plunging tongue like she'd been jolted by electricity. Then she hammered your shoulder with her fist.
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah! A-Asshole! I was being all nice and you...Ah! F-Fucker, I'll get you ba--aaahhh!">>
Her eye twitched and her hips surged up again as you found one of the very sensitive places deep inside of her. You found yourself grinning against her sex. You wanted to tease her about trailing off like that, but you also didn't want to give her even a second to recover, so you kept your tongue working hard and fast.
You loved this. Listening to the sound of her heels and hands drumming against the car hood as she increasingly failed to keep her twitching body under control. She twisted this way and that, as if trying to find a spot where she didn't immediately want to move again, but you always pulled her back into place.
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>><<nm $phCassandra "F-Fuck! You're such a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>dick<<else>>bitch<</if>> sometimes! Don't stop! Don't stop, alright, I love you and I want you to come put my ass up on a weight bench every time you come to the gym! Just lick my cunt you cunt!!">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "F-Fuck! You're such a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>prick<<else>>bitch<</if>> sometimes! Don't stop! Don't stop, alright? I admit it, you're my best friend and I want you to come put my ass up on a weight bench every time you come to the gym! Just lick my cunt you cunt!!">><</if>>
This was bliss. It was happiness. You were who you were, she was who she was, and neither of you judged the other for any part of that. You'd been with each other from nearly the very beginning and knew exactly who you were hanging with. It was where you wanted to be<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>: With her.
Your Cass.
<<else>>.
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! You're too good! You're too fucking good! Harder! Harder! I'm...I'm gonna...!">>
She could only take so much. Soon she was panting and grinding herself up against your lips. You never let up. Not while she began to buck and scream and thrust upward. Not until she finally dropped down flat against the car did you finally loosen your grip on her hips and let her up. Almost immediately, she let herself slide down off the front of the car hood to sit on the ground, her back to the chrome. You chuckled and lowered yourself down beside her.
You both sat there, letting the comfortable silence stretch at the stars twinkled above you. You took a few deep breaths, absently licking the taste of her from your lips. Slowly, as if pulled in by a gentle gravitational pull, she tilted in your direction until she was resting her shoulder up against your chest. You hook a hand comfortably around her hip and smiled up at the sky.
Hip to hip. Hand in hand. Heart to heart.
<<nm $phYou "...Ass up on a weight bench, huh?">>
@@.choice;[[She Punched You In The Shoulder!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.67]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.67>><<set $phLocation to 'Suite'>>It was much later. You were tired but very pleased with yourself as you reached the suite door. The tower had done an admirable job of replacing everything that was broken, and you doubted it was even going to seriously impact your energy for the day. Even if it had, you'd have happily paid. Some things were worth it.
Cass had another burning cigarette between her lips, completely ignoring the 'No Smoking' signs posted up and down the office hall. Fortunately, a fire alarm would not really be what you wanted at that moment, so the Tower was smart enough to keep silent.
<<nm $phCassandra "Guess this is you, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "It is...want to come in?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Nah. Maybe another night. Pretty sure I need to digest all this shit before I'm ready to go hard again.">>
Hard? That had been a lot softer than usual...then again, maybe soft to her //was// the hard one. She tilted her head curiously as you opened the door, though. Come to think of it, very few of your employees had ever actually seen the inside of your suite. Mason had cause enough, and $phSamantha.name was posted so close she couldn't help it. For the rest, it must just be 'where the boss disappears to'.
You let her admire it for a moment. Neither of you spoke. The silent seconds turned into tens of seconds. You smiled.
<<nm $phYou "So...What happens now?">>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>><<nm $phCassandra "...You make my ass a key to the room. Not tonight. But soon. That way you'll never know if I'm going to be home. Everything else...I don't know. Shit. Come by tomorrow, or whenever you've got the time. We'll hash out the details. I've never done this sort of thing before.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's a bit of new territory to me, too. I just want to make you happy.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Then you tell me you love me again. What, you think I'm going to wait all night out here?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Sorry! I love you.">>
You stepped in and kissed her. She accepted it as no more than her due, leaning against you until the kiss finally broke, then automatically fixing her mohawk.
<<nm $phCassandra "Love you too. Fucker. I'll see you around, okay? Don't make me wait //too// long, or I'll kick your ass.">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Nothing. Look, this was a special occasion, alright? One-time fucking deal. You're a good friend, but I'm not built for this crap. I've got my head on straight now. Everything else...well, it'll come to me. I've got nothing but time.">>
<<nm $phYou "I bet it will. Thanks for the exciting night, Cass.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "No more looking into my past shit, alright? That was the last bit. Back on the road, okay? We'll hang soon. I'll bring the beer this time. Or the weed. Fuck, maybe both.">>
<</if>>She turned and started down the hall, flipping you the bird as she went. You watched her go for a second, then smiled and shut the door. Cass was Cass. There was no getting around that.
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cass")>>And you wouldn't have it @@.choice;[[Any Other Way!|Sleep][$phCassandra.date to 10]]@@
@@.narrative;Punk Rock Romance! Cass Relationship Kicked Off!<<set $phCassandra.post_talk to 99>>
What will the future bring?@@
<<else>>And you wouldn't have it @@.choice;[[Any Other Way!|Sleep][$phCassandra.date to 10]]@@
@@.narrative;No Sleep Til Brooklyn! Cass Friendship Cemented!@@<<set $phCassandra.post_talk to 4>>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.3>><<set $phLocation to "Floor2">><<set $phSleepCount to 1>>It was always strangely creepy after hours in the mall section, no matter how many times you went through it. Half the lights were out, the shops had pulled down their security shutters, and the customers had all filed out. There was nothing but the sound of your shoes on the linoleum as you walked back toward the elevators.
It had been a long day. You'd caught several last minute issues right before you were ready to turn in and all of them had stretched far longer than you'd intended them to. It was rare for you to still be working when things shut down, and your slothful body longed for a hot bath, fifteen minutes surfing the web, and a deep, dark sleep.
You were only halfway to your destination when your ears abruptly pricked. Someone else was on the floor. You could hear laughter in the distance. Two voices, both of them female, you could tell that much. One of them lower and rougher, while the other contained an oddly musical tone...
Grinning, you immediately shifted course. Sure, you were tired, but some things were worth checking in on. You found Petra and Cass arm in arm, weaving this way and that through the hall as they headed in the vague direction of the hotel elevators, howling with laughter.
<<nm $phPetra "Oh God! I'll never forget the look on his face! I can't believe I said that!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I can't believe you waited that //long// to say that! That prick had such a giant stick up his ass his breath smells like cedar!">>
<<nm $phPetra "He's not //that// bad. He loves me, you know?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Uh huh. Well, now he loves you and he can keep his fucking dumbass opinions to himself!">>
You stepped out from around the corner and crossed your arms in a reasonable approximation of a stern parent.
<<nm $phYou "...Have you two girls been //drinking//?">>
For a split second, you saw them actually look guilty. Old habits died hard, after all. Cass was the first one to smirk at you, raising her fist defiantly.
<<nm $phCassandra "We totally fucking have been! Do you have any idea how much Pet can drink? She was packing them away like they were nothing!">>
<<nm $phPetra "You learn a thing or two about drinking in the service...and I still didn't say you could call me Pet!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah whatever!">>
Petra hip-checked Cass firmly, and the punk was wobbly enough that the contact very nearly dumped her on her ass. The goth glared, then turned her attention back to you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Anyway! We got good and sloshed and when her bro called up, she gave him a piece of her mind! I could feel the poor guy's balls shrinking through the phone!">>
<<nm $phPetra "It was //your// fault. You were bucking me up all night. I just...said a little more than I usually would.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Damn straight I was, and damn straight you did. Shouldn't be ashamed of it. You fucking ruled!">>
Now it was Petra's turn to glare, but it was mitigated significantly by the look of pride across her face. She swung woozily back around to face you. You spread your hands.
<<nm $phYou "Hey, it sounds like he deserved it. Glad things are working out.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Uh huh...Though I think we should go to bed cause I'm starting to feel very not-good.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Ooorrrr we stay up another few hours and I show you where I stash the //good// shit.">>
You chuckled and stood aside to let them pass, still arm in arm. It looked like your instincts had been correct. Petra needed a little bit more spine in her life, and Cass had plenty to spare. You weren't sure what she'd said to her brother but you suspected it had been a long time coming.
<<nm $phPetra "Ugh...Oh fuck! Oh shit! I'm gonna- Urk!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Ugh! Not in the //fountain//!">>
...Though maybe you'd still live to regret this pairing. You were quite sure //they// were going to regret parts of it in the morning. You turned to start jogging more quickly back to the elevator up to your suite.
You hoped the tower had some @@.choice;[[Good Janitors!|Sleep][$phCassandra.date to 5.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.6>><<set $phLocation to "Elysium">>//"The Manager is Requested at Elysium."//@@
That was all the warning you had. It was about an hour before closing time, and normally the announcements would have been playing through the mall informing customers that they had only a short while to finalize their purchases and exit...but not tonight. The moment you entered the green park, you could see something was different.
A chunk of the central atrium had been cleared, and an enormous stage had been constructed in its place. You were growing increasingly inured to sudden changes like that, but the crowd in front of it still surprised you. There were at least two hundred or so people, maybe three, all of them clutching fliers and excitedly chattering away among themselves. <<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>>
Of course, you could tell certain 'protections' had been put in place. In addition to the stage, the entire audience section was on a slightly upraised platform. Though it looked like any other, you had a strong suspicion it was a lot sturdier than most despite being hollow. Xun was no doubt carefully keeping watch on the proceedings and make sure no greenery, not even the grass, was treated too harshly.<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Xun")>> That was good. Your green lover would not be pleased if her plants were manhandled.<</if>><</if>>
You interest was piqued. You drifted in that direction and caught sight of a familiar face hovering at the back of the crowd.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>> <<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh! You made it, good! I, like, wasn't sure when I should call you! I didn't want you to arrive too early and ruin the surprise, but I didn't want you to miss it either! I'll, like, text them that you're here!">>
She fished her bright pink phone out of her pocket and texted with all the confident dexterity of a teenager raised in the age of the internet. You cocked your head at her, one eyebrow rising.
<<nm $phYou "Surprise? What surprise?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, //the// surprise! I can't tell you which one!">>
<<nm $phYou "Why not?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "...Because then it won't be a surprise, silly!">>
<<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Right on time, boss! Good. They haven't been waiting long, but I didn't want to ping you too early. You'd ruin the surprise. Here, let me text them.">>
She expertly withdrew her phone and quickly tapped out a message with her thumbs. Your secretary spent half her life on the phone, and she typed on the tiny screen faster than you could on a keyboard.
<<nm $phYou "Surprise? What surprise?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, boss. I can't tell you that.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why not?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "It wouldn't be a surprise.">>
<</if>>You couldn't fault that logic. You were just about to change tactics when the lights overhead dimmed, leaving the area illuminated only by the starlight through the greenhouse windows. Then, with an audible 'kerchunk', spotlights stabbed through the darkness and speared the stage, where the curtains were now open.
Three figures we now visible. One of them, seated behind the drums, was difficult to make out, but even with him concealing two of his many arms, you'd know him anywhere. Mason looked as cool and collected as ever, holding a pair of drumsticks loosely in his gloved fingers. The other two people were far more prominent, standing up front near a set of microphones. One of them carried a massive guitar strapped across her shoulders.
You couldn't help but smile. Oh. Oh this was @@.choice;[[Going To Be Good!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.8>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassSiren.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassSiren.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phPetra "How many of you all feel like human beings tonight?!">>
Petra's voice boomed out of the amplifiers, but she hardly needed it. Her voice was a finely tuned instrument, and it cracked out like a roll of thunder and demanded attention. You could see the chattering crowd suddenly all locking their attention forward, but their brows were knit with confusion at the question. A slow smile crawled across Petra's face as she let their confusion marinate properly, then lifted her free hand into the air.
<<nm $phPetra "And how many of you all feel like //animals//?!">>
They knew the answer to that one, especially with Petra's perfect voice egging them on. Almost as one, the crowd cried out of their approval. Petra's smile became a downright smirk as she looked out over the crowd, and you knew when she saw you. She met your eyes, give you a wink, and sounded out the count.
<<nm $phPetra "One, two, three!">>
Mason's drumsticks snapped down on very last word, and the band launched into the first song the way a bullet came out of a gun. One second, there was nothing but the slight hiss of the speakers. The next there was a barrage of loud, aggressive sound that shook the greenery all around them.
It was...far better than it had any right to be. You knew for a fact they couldn't have been practicing for more than a couple of days, but Petra's voice melded perfectly with the percussion and the rhythm. Cass was on the guitar, and her fingers danced along the strings as if she had been doing it all her life. Mason kept his head low and his eyes focused. He hit each drumhead with perfect precision, allowing the sound to vibrate out only exactly as long as he wanted it to.
Your attention was drawn to Cass, though. As Petra crooned out a defiant declaration, the punk's eyes were locked on the singer, and she was smiling. Not just smiling. For once, there was no projection or artifice in her expression. No belligerence or need to prove herself. She was exactly where she wanted to be, doing exactly what she wanted to do, with exactly who she wanted to be with.
The light that you'd been seeing from both of them, the desire that still lingered even after their change...winked out. They had found what they were looking for. You felt a smile spreading across your own face now, and you suspected it might have been just as large as Cass's.
Raising your hands up over your head, you joined the celebrating crowd and @@.choice;[[Cheered Your Heart Out!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.9>><<nm $phMason "I would say that worked rather well. They were worried about the lack of a percussion player for a first performance, and I suggested I could make up the deficiency. Perhaps I will volunteer again. It was not unpleasant.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Not unpleasant? You were //amazing//! I bet all the girls want to jump your bones right now!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Seemed to me like you were actually having //fun// out there. Oh, and I think some of the groupies would like to handle your drumstick...">><</if>>
The impromptu concert was over, leaving in its wake only some ringing ears and good feelings. The trio had played three songs followed by a pair of additional encores, and the crowd had been with them all the way. Some of them were still hanging around the park in various stages of undress, so you guessed the emotional effect had been...somewhat strong. You'd have to have a couple of security simulacra shoo them out gently, but not until //after// they'd expended their excited energy.
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phYou "Oh my! Do I have to worry about some groupie getting their hands on you, Mason?">>
You put a hand on his chest and pushed him back against the wall, flattening him back against it before rewarding you with a kiss. He squirmed, turning slightly red and then even redder as he caught sight of $phSamantha.name's knowing grin. He cleared his throat.
<<nm $phMason "...No, $pmaam. You don't have to worry.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. I suppose I //should// visit our new stars though.">>
<<elseif $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phYou "Would you like me to go find you a groupie, $phMason.him? A redhead perhaps? I can even arrange a particular cupsize, if you want.">>
Mason pretended to think about it. Or at least you //thought// he was pretending to think about it. You couldn't really tell... and it didn't really matter.
<<nm $phMason "No, I don't think so. If I need a redhead of any configuration, I know who can arrange it. However, you have other duties. Go check in on our new stars first, yes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, sir.">>
<<elseif $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<nm $phYou "Honestly, it was just good to see you stretching your wings out a little bit. You were really rocking it. Maybe you have a new hobby?">>
Mason chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. It made you grin. The man was definitely getting a lot looser now that he wasn't relying on his crystal so much.
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps. We shall see if they ask again. Speaking of, I believe they're waiting for you in the back.">>
<<nm $phYou "I had hoped so. I'll catch you both later, alright?">>
<<elseif $phMason.transform is 'pre'>><<nm $phYou "You keep this up and people might start to think you know how to have fun.">>
Mason shot you a withering look, but you felt certain it was at least partly exaggerated. He brushed his hands over the front of his outfit and sighed.
<<nm $phMason "Don't you have some //other// employees to check up on? I believe they are waiting for you backstage.">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright, alright. I'll leave you be. Catch you both later.">>
<</if>>You waved and threaded your way over to the stage. It wasn't that extensive. The show had largely been the band, some speakers, and a bit of light show. As a result, the 'backstage' was really little more than a curtained off area that was maybe fifteen feet long and about as wide.
Petra had a towel around her shoulders and was dabbing her forehead with it, slick with sweat from the spotlights. Cass was sitting one of the large speakers, a cigarette already between her lips. Her face brightened when she saw you, and her excited words came on the tail-end of a dragon's breath of smoke up towards the sky.
<<nm $phCassandra "How was //that// huh? That was some good shit!">>
<<nm $phPetra "It //was// good shit, but we've still got to tighten things up. Thought you were going to leave me hanging right at the end there.">>
The siren crossed toward you and reached out to pluck a cigarette from Cass's case with deliberate confidence, then leaned over for a light. Cass stared at her in some astonishment, but automatically clicked the lighter to set the end alight, letting Petra puff with a smug grin on her face.
<<nm $phYou "Well, if anything went wrong, I didn't hear it. When did you guys decide to do all this?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Couple of nights ago. We were crying in our beers and Ariel here said we ought to try it. Crazy bitch even asked Four-Eyes to come down and do the drums! Can you believe that? I just went through it and //I// can't believe it fucking happened.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Seems to me we both missed the chance to kick over a couple of fences when we were growing up. What better way to take another shot at it than blowing out a couple of speakers?">>
She rested her hand on Cass's shoulder. The punk woman was still enthusing about the performance and didn't even seem to notice. You had to fight another grin. They were already so comfortable with each other that a touch didn't draw attention.
<<nm $phCassandra "So...You just wanted to talk to us about the band or you still planning to get in your pussy quota for the day?">>
<<nm $phPetra "//Pussy// quota? Cass!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What? Like the boss doesn't have //you// ass up whenever $pshe likes? I know the way shit works around here and you do too!">>
'Pussy Quota'. Yeah, that was vintage Cass, but at least you didn't see than melancholic regret in her eyes anymore. She was her old self again.
But that did raise the question of exactly how 'open' they were planning to be. You could leave them to their fun...or you could join in.
Sometimes, it was good to meet a quota.
@@.choice;
[[Party Hardy!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.91]]
[[Let Them Continue To Enjoy One Another|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.99]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.99>><<nm $phYou "Well, quotas or no, I think I might have to pass tonight.">>
Cass looked surprised, maybe even hurt, and she gave you a suspicious look.
<<nm $phCassandra "What? Got something else lined up? We're not good enough for--">>
You stepped close to her, suddenly, and her jaw snapped shut as she tilted her head to look up at you. You reached down and took her hand, then got a hold of Petra's and brought them together. Both of the women blinked, looking first at each other and then back at you.
<<nm $phYou "Hey...This isn't just a good night. It's the start of something. Something bigger than the Tower. Bigger than me. You don't need any sidetracks tonight. This is your moment. You enjoy it.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I...But we're just--!">>
<<nm $phPetra "It's not...we're just--!">>
They both started talking at the same moment, stepping over one another, then stopped as one...and then started up again.
<<nm $phPetra "I was just--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "This isn't--">>
Again, they both stopped talking together. You lifted your eyebrows and gave them both a look. Cass rolled her eyes.
<<nm $phCassandra "You know you're a real <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>dick<<else>>bitch<</if>> when you're right, right?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Officers always are. Pretty sure they shove the stick up the rear with any kind of rank, and it just keeps getting bigger the higher up they go.">>
<<nm $phYou "Har har. Look, you two, thanks for the invite. I'm sure I'll drop in to see you both from time to time, but tonight I'm just a fan.">>
Cass hopped up from the speaker and crossed her arms, with Petra falling in at her side.
<<nm $phCassandra "In that case...sorry we're not handing out autographs. Now get the hell out of the dressing room, before we go metal in here. Right Pet?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Right. We've got a few ground rules we've got to hash out, if we're going to do this right.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah!...Wait, what?">>
Cass turned, but Petra already had a grip on the back of her neck and a wide grin on her face. She spun the punk around and pushed her, so that she was half bent over the speaker.
<<nm $phPetra "Starting with: What did I tell you about calling me 'Pet'?">>
You quietly excused yourself. You were pretty sure Petra had things in hand and you needed sleep. Things were bound to get very educational in here, in the near future...
...and in the long term? Well. You were pretty sure they'd @@.choice;[[Work Things Out!|Sleep][$phTime += 1,$phCassandra.date to 6]]@@<<set $phPetra.date to 6>>
@@.narrative;You got the band together! Petra and Cass begin their whirlwind tour!
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.91>><<nm $phYou "Well, I would certainly hate to get behind on my quotas. Those are very important to me, you know. Being management and all.">>
Cass shifted her cigarette to the side of her mouth and grinned, leaning back along the speaker. Her look was one of pure satisfaction.
<<nm $phCassandra "See? I told you! Pussy quota! You know how the boss is. We're the private hunting ground, aren't we? You've got bitches lined up as long as you want them!">>
Petra smiled wide and met your eyes for a split second. Then she reached up to pull the cigarette from her lips, crossed around behind Cass and flicked the butt away as she rested one hand on the punk's neck, just where it met the shoulder.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, I suppose so. Fortunately, $pshe's got a least one bitch ready to ride, if that's what $pshe needs.">>
Petra's other hand came around to the opposite side of Cass's neck. She was holding her with both now, as if she were preparing to give the other woman a massage. When Cass tilted her head up and spoke, though, you could hear the slight shift in her voice. Just enough to let you know the touch had a bit more than massaging pressure.
<<nm $phCassandra "Huh?...Hey, could be either of us. Don't just--">>
<<nm $phPetra "Don't //worry// Cass. You spend so much time //worrying// so much about things. Mmm, the //boss// knows what you are. //I// know what you are. It's like you're trying to hold back the //tide//. Do you feel all that //pressure//?">>
The siren had bent even further, her lips inches away from Cass's ear. Her voice had changed as well. She was drawing the words out, more and more by the second, and the cadence was starting to rise and fall. It was a sing-song pattern, growing more musical with each new syllable.
You didn't bother to resist a grin this time. You knew exactly how powerful Petra's voice was, when she chose to use it. You were feeling the impact of those words, and you weren't even the target. Cass's eyes were wide and glazed almost immediately. She sucked in a shuddering breath, her voice turning into a whine.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wha...Pet...you can't just...I...">>
<<nm $phPetra "So much //pressure// you're holding back. Trying to be //secret//. But we //know// you, don't we? You don't have to //hide//. It's so //uncomfortable// holding back all the things you want so //badly// to say. You want so //badly// to do. You can //barely// hold it back. It's so //hard// isn't it? We don't want you to work so //much//.">>
Cass's pale face had gone red. She was breathing hard now, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her knees shifted back and forth, as if she were suddenly uncomfortable in her chair and unable to keep herself still. You leaned forward and rested your hands on the speaker on either side of Cass's hips, getting eye to eye.
<<nm $phYou "Something wrong, Cass? Something you want to tell me?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "F-...Fuck, this isn't...I...you can't just...!">>
<<nm $phPetra "It's so //much//. You hold it back all the time. But you want to be a //good girl// don't you? With the captain and I. It's our little //secret//. You can //give in// with us. You can //let go// with us. We'll give you what you //need//. Just //let go//. Just let it all //go//.">>
You saw Cass try to hold on. Her eyes rolled up a bit and her hands gripped the edge of the speaker. She wanted panting now, and bouncing up and down where she sat like she was on a plane flying through rough weather. Slowly, her head lowered and her eyes focused on you, desperation carved onto her face.
<<nm $phYou "...Cass?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck me like a good girl!">>
@@.choice;[[Petra Beamed!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.911]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.911>><<nm $phCassandra "Please please please!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh don't you worry. We're going to take such //good// care of you.">>
You'd never seen Cass this way. Oh sure, you'd seen her wild before: feral, demanding presence that seemed right on the cusp of exploding into violence at any moment. But //this// was a different type of wild. Her eyes were wide and thoughtless, and she begged and pleaded without any attempt to resort to her typical subterfuge.
You'd also never seen //Petra// like this either. She had poise and command, of course, but she was reveling in her power now. She pulled Cass's jacket down off her shoulders, only to loop the material around to bind the punk's hands and attacked her neck with a frantic series of licks and kisses. Cass bounced up and down, her tits pushing up against her black t-shirt.
<<nm $phYou "Nice to see you two getting alo-- Gah!">>
You'd only gotten halfway through the quip when Petra reached out, seized you by the collar of your shirt, and hauled you forward into a wet, messy kiss. When she finally broke away, her eyes smoldered.
<<nm $phPetra "No teasing. When she's a good girl and asks for what she needs, she //gets// what she needs. Right that second. Wherever and whenever. That's how I work. All she has to do is ask //nicely//.">>
Her smokey voice made your head swim, and now it was laced with power and confidence. You found yourself agreeing without even thinking about it...not that you'd really argue. It was a rare feeling, but you knew what the deal was. This time? You were a guest in someone else's house. So you nodded, and began peeling out of your own jacket.
<<nm $phPetra "That a $pgirl. What do you say, Cass? Want the boss to enjoy you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yes! Yes, please! Fuck! Please!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Flowing so //easy// now, isn't it? Get her leggings off, I've got something in mind.">>
She put her hands underneath Cass's arms and lifted. You knew from experience that the woman was stronger than that lithe, red-headed frame might suggest. Cass rose easily, and Petra sat her atop the speaker. You obligingly reached beneath the punk's schoolgirl skirt, found the edge of her thin leggings, and worked them down her ankles and off. She wasn't wearing anything beneath them.
<<nm $phYou "Okay. What now?">>
<<nm $phPetra "What now? Captain, you've got a begging bitch in heat in front of you, and I already told you I don't tease. Do I need to draw you a map?">>
<<nm $phYou "...But what will you--?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, don't worry about me. You just give her what she needs. Get a good grip on her hips and lift, okay?">>
You did as she asked. Your belt clattered to the floor and you quickly worked your pants down over your ankles. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You were surprised to find you were already wet and hot against the cool air flowing into the tent. Something about seeing these two together was getting to you. Hard.<<else>>You were somewhat surprised to find yourself already achingly hard, your length bobbing in the cool air flowing into the tent. Something about seeing these two together was getting to you. A lot.<</if>>
You got a grip on Cass's hips and lifted, hiking her up off the ground. Her legs snapped around your sides automatically and her body tilted back. Petra stepped out from behind her, guiding her down until the small of her back rested against the lip of the speaker. Cass's hands pawed for the siren.
<<nm $phCassandra "But...But I want-!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, don't worry. You're still going to get what you want. Always.">>
And in one smooth, graceful maneuver that you didn't think you could have duplicated with years to practice, Petra jammed Cass back down across the top of the speaker and vaulted up onto it herself. Cass had just enough time to realize that the sultry singer had somehow find the time to peel herself out of her distressed jeans before Petra simply smiled, rolled her shoulders...
...and dropped herself firmly down onto @@.choice;[[Cass's Pleading, Upturned Face!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.92]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.92>>Cass's moan was muffled by the ample amounts of flesh. Petra, it seemed, was not one for slow build-ups. Still, even only hearing half the sounds, you could //feel// the pleasure lacing the punk's voice.
Though that //might// also have been down to the fact that you had <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>one of her legs lifted and were frantically grinding and rubbing your mound against hers.<<else>>spread her legs and were pounding your cock into her with all your strength.<</if>> It was a strange angle but //more// than enough for you to work with.
<<nm $phPetra "She's...ah!...A sweet girl deep down. Wouldn't have it any other way. Still loves to please, you just have to-- Mmm. You just have to earn it, that's all.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm almost disappointed! I - Ah - thought I'd be able to give you the heads up on that.">>
<<nm $phPetra "What? You think I've never tamed a stray before?">>
Cass made a soft sound underneath Petra's body; her arms twitched. For a second, you might even think she was protesting, except that her leg around your hip flexed and pulled you even harder against her. One of Petra's eyelids gave a similar twitch, and she leaned forward to run a both hands over Cass's chest. With the punk's back bowed, both her tits were straining against her top and easy prey for the siren's talented fingers.
<<nm $phPetra "Okay, Okay. Settle down. I'll ask $pher. See, captain, I don't think I'm satisfied with just the occasional play date. I want to keep her.">>
<<nm $phYou "Keep her?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Uh-huh!">>
Petra was starting to work her hips now, driving herself down onto Cass's probing tongue and lips. It was a Hell of a show - enough to //almost// distract you from your own <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>grinding and scissoring against her cunt<<else>>thrusting motions as you hilted into her cunt<</if>>. Petra gripped down hard enough on Cass's chest to make the punk squeal against her; the redhead's fingers deftly tugged, tweaked, and teased in a new configuration every couple of seconds.
You were already breathless. The performance was hard to take in stride.
<<nm $phYou "Don't...really think you need permission from me! Looks like you already got her.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh! Ahhh! No, not permission! Just wanted you to go ahead and pass the word around. Anyone fucks with //my// girl, and I'll know about it. I am the eye in the sky, after all. Don't worry! You - Mmm - can still be with her, much as you want! I enjoy sharing. Long as she's treated right!">>
Petra's tone brooked no argument, and didn't even entertain the notion that Cass had any say. Not that Cass seemed //able// to object, even if she had wanted to. You could tell by the way her muscles twitched and jerked against your hands that she was driving high for one hell of a crescendo.
And you weren't far behind her.
<<nm $phYou "Suppose that's fair enough! And Cass? Think she'll want to share you?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I'll persuade her! For you, she'll make an exception.">>
The siren reached forward and grabbed your collar again, pulling you in hard. The two of you locked lips above the pinned guitarist, and the wet sounds of your kiss soon competed in volume with the sounds coming from between Cass's legs. Petra was unleashed, and she didn't have time for silly things like holding back.
Maybe it was the sounds. Maybe it was the casual way Petra negotiated out her future. Maybe it was just the blissful relief of finding a port in a long storm. Whatever it was, it was too much for Cass. The goth woman pitched upward, her entire body surging with the sudden shock of beautiful orgasm. She screamed and jerked and shook and...
...pushed poor Petra's right foot right off the edge of the speaker.
She cursed on the way down. @@.choice;[[A Lot.|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.93]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.93>><<nm $phPetra "I'm fine, I'm fine! Don't worry!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck that! You could have cracked your fucking head open! Get on your knees next time you've got my head down there, you'd have goddamn balance!">>
Petra was sitting the speaker now, tolerating Cass as the punk searched through the siren's red hair for anything that looked less like 'natural hue' and more like 'bleeding wound'. Judging from the way Cass was slowly relaxing, albeit still cursing a strip out of Petra, she wasn't finding anything.
<<nm $phYou "I'm pretty sure the Tower wouldn't actually let anything happen to her. If there was a sharp edge her way when she started to fall, it'd be soft by the time her head got there.">>
<<nm $phPetra "She's right. I'm in the security office. We basically never see anything more serious than a scraped knee here and there.">>
Cass muttered darkly for several seconds, then let Petra's hair fall back into place. She whirled around on you and jabbed a finger in your direction.
<<nm $phCassandra "You tell anyone about this, I swear I will shove a lead pipe so far up your ass!">>
<<nm $phYou "About Petra falling, or you two being together?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "The slip and fall! Tell whoever you want about us. I'm not fucking ashamed of it! Course, that second part about her protecting her girl might have to go. We're still talking about who's the pet here.">>
She hopped up on the speaker next to Petra, and automatically reached for another cigarette. Petra gave her an incredulous look.
<<nm $phPetra "...That wasn't enough to settle it?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...They fucking //sell// gags, honey dumpling. I can keep your mouth full.">>
<<nm $phPetra "...Honey //dumpling//?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I thought you wanted me being all sweet and good girl-like? Wasn't that what you said? What's the matter, pookie?">>
That was your cue to go. You left them still arguing about pet names, with Petra sputtering so much in indignation she couldn't even use her voice. You were pretty sure they'd work things out, and you were very much ready for bed.
You just made a mental note to always listen before you dropped in on them. They were going to have some spectacular rows...and even more spectacular @@.choice;[[Make Up Sex!|Sleep][$phCassandra.date to 6]]@@
<<set $phPetra.date to 6>>@@.narrative;You got the band together! Petra and Cass begin their whirlwind tour!
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to "DateCassPost.jpg">><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] to "Rock Festival">><<set $phLocation to 'CassandraDate'>><<nm $phCassandra "Hey! Stay still! You're swaying like you're lit down there!">>
<<nm $phYou "Still not sure how I got roped into the position in the first place!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "This was your idea!">>
You both had to shout to make yourselves heard. The outdoor arena was packed with people, and even the regular drone of conversation was multiplied by sheer numbers into an omnipresent din. You'd nabbed the tickets at the last minute, once it was clear you weren't spending on the day on regular work, and that meant there hadn't been any boxes or private areas available. Despite Mason's assurances he could mass produce 'green pieces of paper' at will, you still didn't have the instincts of the born-wealthy who probably would have thrown more and more money at the problem until something materialized.
So you were just in the crowd, enjoying the show with everyone else and //that// meant it was a little difficult to see the stage and //that// meant that Cass had somehow conned her way up onto your shoulders, her legs squeezing lightly around the side of your head.
<<nm $phYou "You know, you could have worn platform shoes...">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Can it! Anyway, it's just for the opening act. I know these guys. After that we can-- Hey! There they go!">>
Lights swung around toward the stage. There was a strange moment as the crowd seemed to realize things were starting, and the cacophony of conversation died away all at once. The silence rushed in, but only for a brief moment before the crowd //erupted// in a screaming roar.
Cass joined them. Even as close as you were, you heard it more as a vibration through her legs than as actual sound. The band rushed up on the stage, somehow managing to cover ground quickly while still remaining aloof and above it all. They were dressed in grungy shirts, frayed pants, and spiked belts. You couldn't see them well, even with your sharp eyes, but if Cass liked them you had a feeling these were actual outfits, not costumes bought solely for the performance.
The drummer, a woman with dark hair that brushed her hands when she sat down, took her place behind the kit and lifted her drumsticks above her head. The roar of the crowd grew to a fever pitch. She tapped the two sticks against each other, and the wooden sound was multiplied and amplified by the speakers lining the stage.
//One. Two. Three.//
They started all at once: voice, drums, and guitar. There was no lead-in or build-up; they just began to play as though they had been playing all along. The cheering crowd blended with the harsh percussion and screamed vocals, and the two forces fed on one another. Both sides grew louder and, in turn, egged the other half on.
You risked a glance upward. Cass was staring straight ahead, one hand resting on your hair and the other lifted as she cheered her guts out. Her eyes shone in the backwash reflection of the stage lights and even though she was screaming, the smile she wore threatened to split her face.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeaaaaaah! Woooooo! This is the best part, watch the guitarist! He does this - Yeah! That!">>>
You got a fresh grip on her legs and resettled yourself. Holding up another full person wasn't easy, but for a reaction like that?
You could @@.choice;[[Manage A Little Bit Longer!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.1>>Three more bands, six more songs, and a few aching muscles later, you and Cass had backtracked up the path. To one side of you stood more porta-potties than you had ever seen in your life, all of which inexplicably managed to have lines at once. The otherside was filled with merch shops and food stands.
You'd nearly fallen when you first sat down on the wooden fence that outlined the path. Somehow, part of you just assumed the fence would morph into a comfortable bench the moment you started your motion. You resolved to spend a little more time outside of the Tower, where reality //didn't// conform to your will. Cass leaned against the barrier next to you and blew a smoke cloud upward, apparently in no hurry to get back.
<<nm $phYou "Don't want to see the rest of the show?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Great part about music. Something happens I want to see, we'll hear it from here. I got my fill though. Wasn't that first set fucking rad?">>
<<nm $phYou "I--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "If you try any of that 'I like that you liked it' shit, I will kick your ass.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I liked them, but I liked the second band better?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "You would. Baby metal. But I guess it's good. You can't have a genre playing the same shit with different riffs year after year. Next thing you know you're propping up geriatrics to play songs they can't even fucking remember writing because they did so much coke thirty years ago.">>
She puffed at the cigarette again and you let the conversation lapse, listening to the music in the distance. From this far away, the subtlety of melody and lyric were lost, and only the base notes remained. At yet, even then, it was somehow stirring. Maybe it was evolution or maybe just long cultural practice, but a steady hand on a drum could stir action and energy literally at the flick of a wrist.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You think the queen bitch is ever really going to let you go when all this is over?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Who, Lazren? I don't know about letting me go. I still work for her. But I'm pretty sure it's going to get quieter. Why?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Dunno.">>
She was silent for several seconds, then doubled back on herself, stabbing out her cigarette in the fence post and looking your way.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck. I don't know. She's your mom, isn't she? Technically? I don't know how we do this. Do I need her blessing? Do I get turned into another secretary if I fuck it up?">>
You reached out and entwined her fingers in yours, squeezing firmly. She huffed out a laugh, looking away, but didn't separate your hands.
<<nm $phYou "$phSamantha.name has things pretty well in hand. Though I wouldn't mind seeing you in a pencil skirt once in a whil--">>
She elbowed you firmly in the stomach, enough to drive the wind out of you, but only for a second. You squeezed her hand again anyway.
<<nm $phYou "...She's been around a long time. I doubt anything we're doing is shockingly new to her, but even if it was...she doesn't make those decisions for me. If she doesn't like you, then fuck her.">>
Cass smirked, lifting her eyebrows silently for several seconds. You felt your face heat.
<<nm $phYou "That's not...You know what I meant!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Uh huh. You want me to believe that? That you'd throw over the craziest fucking magic thing we know just because she doesn't approve of your piece of ass? You're going to have to prove it.">>
She reached up and took firm hold of your tie, tugging your head down until you were eye to eye.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck me.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Cass! This is...This is not the Tower. People are walking by!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phCassandra "Uh huh. They'll see you knuckle deep in your bitch. It's a rock concert. Who gives a shit? Fuck me.">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Uh huh. They'll see you balls deep in your bitch. It's a rock concert. Who gives a shit? Fuck me.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "They might bring in the cops. This isn't the Tower. I can't just make them go away. They're real people.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Then we'll spend a night in jail. Fuck me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Cass--!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I love you. Now.<br><br>Fuck.<br><br>Me.">>
Well, that was just not playing fair. How could you @@.choice;[[Say No?|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.2>><<nm $phCassandra "That's it! That's it! Give it to me just like that! Fuck, you asshole, how are you so //good// at this?">>
Cass was sprawled over the fence. It was a challenge keeping her on top of it, but one that you were more than happy to take on. You kept one hand at her hip, keeping her balanced, while <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>you drove your fingers deep inside of her, forcing her to buck and push against your probing digits.<<else>>you drove your cock deep inside of her, trying not to trip over the pants hooked around your ankles.<</if>> Cass was making absolutely no effort to be quiet. The sound of the concert tended to dampen her words, but not enough to conceal what you two were up to.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. I'm very motivated. For some reason.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck. I don't care why. Just never fucking stop! You hear me?">>
She wound her hands in your hair, gripping hard, but you didn't let up. Cass wasn't one to accept half-measures, and you weren't the sort to give them. You kept moving, setting a demanding pace that pushed her to the limit. You couldn't help but notice you were having to do more and more work to keep her on top of the fence as more and more of her weight came off her feet.
You heard some whispering behind you and you half turned to look over your shoulder. A trio of young men, maybe seniors or early college, had stopped on their way back from the restrooms. They were staring at the two of you, eyes wide, and tittering among themselves. They saw you looking up at them, and you could see them freeze in place, unsure of how to react.
You just smiled, tilting your head forward, and pushed a little deeper. Cass's answering cry rose a couple of decibel levels. You winked at your audience, then turned your attention back to your lover.
Let them watch. You got to touch.
Cass was all the way up on the fence, her boot resting on a lower rail as her hands gripped the post beneath it. She was bouncing up and down in time with your movements, and you could see the pleasure growing on her face. Cass often tried to conceal her enjoyment right at first, but she could never manage long. She knew what she wanted, and who she wanted to give it to her.
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck me! Fuck me! Fuck me hard, you- Ahhh! Fuck, I love you! I love your stupid face! Just ffffffffuuuaahhh!">>
She came. Wet. Messy. Screaming. Heaving. She came with the explosive energy of a firecracker. Her entire body lifted up off the fence, bowing upward and holding on only with one foot and one hand. She remained there were several quivering seconds, filling the air with expletives and promises before finally dropping back, breathless, onto the post.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You withdrew your fingers and raised them to your lips, meeting her eyes as you licked them clean. She watched, fascinated arousal on her face as though your every motion was a riveting show. Blindly, she extended a hand, pawed at your cheek, and then finally gripped your shoulder.<<else>>You were surprised to find that you had cum as well. You could feel the warmth around your cock, and the bliss rolling through your body. It had just seemed...unimportant. You had enjoyed watching her react to what you were doing to her. //That// had been satisfaction. That had been fulfillment. You reached up, and cupped her cheek, waiting for her slightly glazed eyes to focus on you.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Love you too.">>
She smiled. Sudden, bright, and completely guileless. The goth woman heaved a happy sigh... before her gaze suddenly swept left over your shoulder. Her glare was just as sudden, burning with the furious, dangerous rage that only Cass could conjure so effortlessly.
<<nm $phCassandra "Take a picture, it'll last longer! Actually, fuck it, I brought my strap-on. Why don't we put you chucklefucks on the fence next, huh?">>
The air was suddenly full of the @@.choice;[[Sound Of Retreating Feet!|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.3>><<set $phLocation to 'SAParking'>>Your ears were still ringing as you both popped out of the car and shut the doors behind you. A tinny ring that you didn't really mind. It would go away in time, but the memories would last far longer.
Cass tilted her head to look up at the Tower, her face abruptly bathed in orange as she lit another cigarette. Two quick puffs, and she tilted her head toward you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Guess you're going to find Four-Eyes and see how your baby is doing, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "...My baby?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Fuck off. If they made a diaper in 'skyscraper' size, you'd be changing it. You know you have to check in on it.">>
You had no answer to that. You did care how the Tower was doing. As much as it learned and tried to please you, it sometimes felt more like a child stumbling through adolescence than just a place of work. You opened your mouth to apologize.
And shut up with an unintentional squeak as Cass gave you a hip check that forced you to stumble to stay on your feet.
<<nm $phCassandra "Relax, baby. I'm just breaking your balls. I know who you are. You're going to be finding people who need shit and giving them the sales pitch for as long as you're around. It's what you do.">>
<<nm $phYou "Forgive me?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah yeah. Come here.">>
She grabbed you by your tie again and drew you in. She seemed to have developed a real fondness for that maneuver, and you made a mental note not to switch to clip ons at any time in the near future. She might be awfully upset if she aimed for a kiss and ended up falling on her ass when the clip came loose.
Cass wrapped her arms around your neck and lifted her head. You met her lips eagerly, tugging at her hips until you were body to body. Then you just...held the pose, for a long time. Enjoying the feel of her against you. Enjoy the feel of her 'presence' against yours.
Finally, though, it was time to break off. Cass met your eyes directly and tightened her fists around the back of your neck.
<<nm $phCassandra "You do what you have to do. You play the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>scout if you need to. You do everything the queen bitch wants. But when you're done, and this is all over, then you're fucking //mine//. And I'm not letting you go, understand?">>
<<nm $phYou "Loud and clear, Cass. Loud and clear.">>
She kissed you again, and then finally stepped back. She tucked her hands into her jacket and turned, separating from your path in the direction of the gym's side entrance. You watched her go, letting out a long sigh.
You'd do as you were instructed. You'd beat the tasks that Lazren put you to, and then you'd take the time for yourself. You deserved at least that much.
You took a few steps toward the Tower...and stopped, cocking your head. You turned back around in the direction Cass had departed and lifted your voice.
<<nm $phYou "Cass...are you //humming//?">>
She flipped you the bird and disappeared around the corner...but not before you saw her face turn @@.choice;[[As Red As You'd Ever Seen!|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 10]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<nobr>><<if $phCassandra.date lt 2>>
<<switch $phSeason>>
<<case 'winter'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'DateXunWinter.jpg'>>
<<case 'spring'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'DateXunSpring.jpg'>>
<<case 'summer'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'DateXunSummer.jpg'>>
<<case 'autumn'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'DateXunFall.jpg'>>
<</switch>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] to 'Woodland Trail'>>
<<elseif $phCassandra.date lt 3>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'DateCassyVR.jpg'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] to "Cassy's World">><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.date lt 3>><<set $phLocation = 'CassandraDate'>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1>>You locked the car door and made sure to tuck the key carefully into your coat pocket. It had been so long since you'd had to carry any keys at all that the weight felt a little strange there. Doors in the tower opened when you wanted them to open, and it had been so rare that you had gone anywhere else that you were starting to forget what normal felt like.
You took a deep breath, looking out over the park. <<if $phSeason is 'spring'>>The chill of winter had just begun to thaw and there were new blooms and greenery everywhere. Some of the trees were still more branches than leaves, but the air was warm and pleasant as you started down the path.<</if>><<if $phSeason is 'summer'>>The summer sun was scorching overhead and you popped open the button of your coat to make sure you didn't fry. For all you knew, succubi were fireproof but you'd still be looking for shade along the path as you walked.<</if>><<if $phSeason is 'autumn'>>The leaves were already starting to change colors, and as you started down the path one would flutter past your head every minute or so. The air was cool, but fortunately your suit jacket would be more than enough to get you by.<</if>><<if $phSeason is 'winter'>>The wind was a little biting as it swept over the snowy expanse, and you closed your jacket tightly around your body. Fortunately, after your transformation you didn't seem all that bothered by the weather. Maybe there was a little hellfire at work in you? Either way, you were free to walk down the path in peace.<</if>>
You admired the scenery as you went, but didn't let yourself get distracted. You weren't here just to enjoy yourself alone, after all. There weren't many other people on the trail at the moment, and you guessed it was occasionally nice to get out into the world during regular working hours. You were left with just a handful of joggers and hikers to compete with.
You soon spotted what you were looking for. A small gazebo rested just off the trail, a long half-circle bench built along the inside. It was nice, but lacked any real 'scenic view' worth stopping for, and it was far enough from the entrance to be inconvenient for a quick visit. Perfect.
You made a beeline for it, stepping into the quiet cover beneath the gazebo's roof. You appeared to be totally alone and, judging by the silence broken only by the faint whistle of wind in the trees, it was going to stay that way for a while. You reached into your coat and pulled out the small case that you had brought with you.
It was a long wooden case with a pair of silver hinges. You hadn't actually asked Mason to make a custom case for the contents, but you doubted the incubus had ever done anything halfway in his life. You cracked the box open, carefully. Inside, nestled on a bed of dark purple velvet, was a set of glasses. They looked almost normal, save for the thicker frames and a series of small buttons along the right-hand side.
You studied them for a long moment, but Mason's handiwork was too good. You could tell there was something strange about them, but he'd concealed their true function beautifully. You popped them out of the case and returned the box to your pocket as you slipped the spectacles on.
Then you touched the first button along the side.
You felt the glasses hum. A blinking yellow light appeared at the edge of your vision, flashing for several seconds before turning green and finally winking out altogether. You smiled and took another quick look around to see if anyone else had appeared. No one had. Then you touched the second button.
For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, abruptly, there was a sudden explosion of color in front of you. A kaleidoscope of random shapes and shades that finally resolved themselves into a very familiar feminine figure. She turned left and right for a long moment, her back to you, and then spun around. Her jaw dropped.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phCassandra.Address!">>
You had to admit. Hearing the genuine surprise out of your favorite mischevious AI @@.choice;[[Felt Pretty Good!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1.1>>Cassy 'stood' in the center of the gazebo, looking left and right in amazement. The purple-haired woman was still animated, her artful body popping from the very real world around her like one of those children's cartoons with live actors and animated backgrounds.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, it's me. What do you think? Are you seeing all this alright?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I...yes! Mostly! It's beautiful! Though I'm not sure where //you// are. Right here?">>
She shifted forward and bent until you were very nearly nose to nose and you instinctively shifted yourself back. Cassy giggled and followed your motion with her eyes.
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah ha! Yep, that's you! I can't see you, but that's where the feed ends. It's all fuzzy past that point.">>
Fuzzy? You turned your head to check behind you without thinking, and Cassy let out a sudden squeak of surprised alarm. When you looked back at her, though, she was standing right where she was.
Oh. You suddenly understood. The cameras were on the //front// of the glasses. They couldn't see through the back of your head, after all. Which meant anything you weren't looking at wasn't going to show on Cassy's end at all.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry! I guess there are still a few kinks to work out. Still, I thought you might enjoy it. How long has it been since you've been out on the town?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, I get out! I can go almost anywhere in the world, you know, without ever leaving home. But this //is// a little different. It's more real with you, somehow. I'm not just watching some footage.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe because I can see you? I know you enjoy being the ghost in the machine, but it's nice to be seen too.">>
Cassy giggled and nodded, turning her back on you to look out over the park with delight in her expression. After a second, her one-piece bathing suit dissolved from around her body and was replaced with something a little more appropriate to the scenario: <<if $phSeason is 'winter'>>A heavy purple parka with a fuzzy hood and an equally toasty set of ski pants.<<else>>A set of tight blue jeans and a loose red and white flannel shirt.<</if>>
<<nm $phCassandra "Philosophy later! I don't get to come out very much, so if we're going to play, let's play! You're my <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>cameraman<<else>>camerawoman<</if>> today! Let's find out how much of this place we can see!">>
You couldn't @@.choice;[[Argue With That!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 1.2>><<if $phSeason is 'winter'>><<nm $phCassandra "Head's up!">>
You looked up to see Cassy bend, scoop up a handful of snow, and fling it directly at your head. You yelped and raised your hands to cover your face...realizing a second too late that, of course, Cassy wasn't able to touch the snow or anything else in the real world. You put your arms down to find her laughing cheerfully and showing you an all-too-innocent expression.
<<nm $phYou "Very funny. That was pretty convincing, actually.">>
The animated woman grinned at you, bent once more, and scooped off several more handfuls of the ice. Now that you were looking for it, of course, you could see that the pile didn't actually lose any of its mass and the snowballs were just as unreal as Cassy was. She formed the animated snow into a trio of spheres and juggled them, expertly.
<<nm $phCassandra "I get lots of practice. Those electronic billboards back home are really good for that. No one questions it. Even when I react to what they do, they figure it must be an employee watching through a camera. I guess in a way it i-- Oh no!">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Crickey! Look at this //beauty//! I've gotta be careful here, because one wrong move and I'm dead!">>
You stiffled a laugh, holding one hand over your mouth. The duck, who would not have been 'one wrong move' away from killing anyone, even if Cassy had been flesh and blood, tilted its head to look at you. Meanwhile, your holographic companion crouched low and continued in her bad facsimile of an Australian accent.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oooooh, look at it! This here's its home and we're the guests, so we've gotta be careful. I think I'm gonna poke it with a stick!">>
The would-be outbacker poked the animated brown stick at the poultry. The duck, seeing nothing, finally decided it had had enough of your staring and turned, waddling back into the water with as much of a huff as a duck could manage.
You grinned and took a few steps forward to stand on the shore, looking out. Cassy moved up beside you and dropped the act, admiring the circling birds in the water. You looked down at her with a smirk.
<<nm $phYou "I don't think you should quit your day job just yet, but //I'd// tune in.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Ah well. The world just isn't ready for the 3D Discovery channel. On the other hand, if we could improve the set up I'm sure we could-- Oh no!">>
<</if>>You frowned. There was suddenly a red light flashing at the top of your vision. The picture of an empty battery in the center of the light, blinking on and off with slowly increasing tempo. You sighed.
<<nm $phYou "I guess even Mason can only do so much. In fairness, getting an hour and a half of juice is pretty good, considering what it's doing. He could probably make a fortune selling whatever it is for cell phones, if he cared to.">>
Cassy pouted, putting her hands on her hips. With an exaggerated sigh, though, she moved forward and extended her hands. You returned the gesture and 'held' her fingers, though of course it was more of an overlap than a touch.
<<nm $phCassandra "I suppose so. This felt like it went by in a flash, but it was a lot of fun. Thank you, $phCassandra.address. It reminded me of a few things I'd forgotten about. No joke, I had a great time.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad for that. Any time you want, we can do it again. Maybe next time I can bring a battery pack?">>
Cassy laughed and leaned forward, kissing you on the cheek. The view in your glasses was so real, you could have sworn you actually felt a feather touch on your cheek. When she pulled back, her expression was speculative.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You know what? Why don't I take care of the next one? Mason's pretty good at this sort of thing, but I'm the queen of tech. I might be able to come up with a way to show //you// a world you've never seen before.">>
<<nm $phYou "...I'm going to regret this, aren't I?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shush. Don't you worry. Leave it all to me. The next time you get a vacation day, we'll--">>
Abruptly, the image of the woman fuzzed and vanished from your view. You felt the hum of the glasses recede and die as the last of the charge ran out. You smiled to yourself and pulled the spectacles off, tucking them away in their carrying case.
It sounded like Cassy was not going to take your surprise lying down, but was going to reciprocate in kind.
Why did that give you a @@.choice;[[Bad Feeling?|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2>><<set $phLocation to 'Exterior'>><<nm $phYou "Okay. I'm walking outside. What am I looking for again?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Just go to the parking lot! You'll see it soon enough!">>
You stepped out the front doors of the tower into the sun, trying not to worry as you left today's disaster behind. Mason knew his strengths and his limits; if he thought he had this in hand, then he probably did. Still, it felt wrong. You held the phone to your ear as you looked left and right, searching for anything out of the ordinary.
<<nm $phCassandra "Do you see it?">>
<<nm $phYou "Do I see what? There's nothing out here. It's just the parking lot. There's people, there's trees, there's cars and-...">>
Your voice cut off abruptly as you spotted Cassy. Or at least, the image of Cassy. It was spray-painted across the side of a large, pink stretch van almost the way that bomber pilots used to have pinups across their planes. Actually, //exactly// like that, considering the pose featured Cassy laying on her side with one hand crooked in an enticing gesture. The words 'Fantasy Flights' adorned the van's side just beneath her.
You stared for several seconds, then slowly began to approach the vehicle as if it might bite you. It was parked several rows back from the entrance and far off to one side, out of the more trafficked lanes. Even so, it was getting a lot of attention from passers-by.
<<nm $phYou "Not exactly subtle is it? People are going to think you're running a very different business out of the back of this thing.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "They would be //too// far off, would they? Anyway, once you get there go ahead and hop into the back. It ought to be unlocked.">>
<<nm $phYou "How on Earth did you set this up?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "What? You think Mason is the only one who gets to play with toys, $phCassandra.Address? Besides, everything is online these days. Bought it, shipped it, had someone put it together, had it delivered. Easy-peasy!">>
You tried not to think about the negotiations //that// would have entailed. You walked to the back of the van and took hold of the handle. It cracked open easily and you rushed to slip inside before anyone saw you, closing the door behind. Only then did you get a good look at what filled the back of the space.
<<nm $phCassandra "Surprise!">>
It was a VR set up. The headset was hung along the wall with a pair of black gloves, and there were sensors at all four corners. Everything with a sharp edge had been padded and the floor stripped of anything one could trip over.
You just smiled, looking over the set up for several seconds and shaking you head. You ran your hand along the back of the headset and spoke into the phone.
<<nm $phYou "You're really something, you know that?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Of course! You took me out in your world, it's only fair that I take you out in mine, isn't it?">>
You @@.choice;[[Couldn't Argue With That!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2.1>><<nm $phCassandra "Look out! Behind you!">>
You quickly spun around, lifting the blaster and sighting on the strange, six-legged beast that crouched among the giant mushrooms above you. With a flex of its legs, it sprung at you, all six limbs extended with sharp and greenish talons. You pulled the trigger, and the creature was evaporated in a blast of a blue light.
Unfortunately, that shot made noise. Already you could heard the harsh whistles and clicks all around you as the rest of the native fauna reacted to your presence. You thumbed the control in your other hand, and your hover platform lifted from the ground and began racing south.
<<nm $phYou "Okay! That's our cue! Back to the ship!">>
Cassy, the blue-skinned woman with the long antennae sprouting cutely from the top of her forehead, nodded and quickly kicked her platform up to follow yours. Just in time. Already, creatures were racing across the mushroom tops of the massive growths and beginning to leap down toward the pair of you. You lifted your blaster gravely. You weren't going to make it with a fight.
It //was// a fight. You and Cassy zig-zagged through the alien landscape, blasting frantically at your pursuers as fast as you could pull the trigger. By the time your ship appeared in the distance, you were close to overwhelmed. You both put on all the speed you could and made it to the hatch one step ahead of the beasts, which pounded impotently against the hull as you quickly triggered take-off procedures.
Then, in a blast of exhaust and dust, you were away.
You let yourself sink down to the ground, stretching out and breathing hard as the ache in your trigger finger faded. Cassy smiled down at you, stepping over and sinking onto her knees next to your feet.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well done, Captain! That was the best haul yet. What did you think?">>
<<nm $phYou "That was incredible! I thought we were done for when they kept coming down, and then I //really// thought we were done when the big ones showed up! We were swinging left to right so much I could barely aim at anything! You're amazing, Cassy!">>
The blue-skinned woman beamed and slipped a little closer to you, all but glowing with the compliment. You grinned and leaned over as well, reaching for her lips with your own...
...and found yourself clipping straight into her head. Right! You weren't actually on an alien world collecting samples from multi-legged bestial creatures. You were in the back of a van in the Paradise parking lot, being taken on an adventure by one of your employees. Cassy's world was engrossing enough that it was easy to forget, and she could adjust things on the fly to avoid disrupting your experience, something that the game developers of the world could only dream of. You'd actually managed to forget what was real and what wasn't for at least a few moments. You pulled away and raised your hands.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, sorry. No touching, I forgot. This game you've made is amazing, Cassy! In fact I-- ...Cassy?">>
You blinked as you pulled away. You could see Cassy again, and her expression was one that you rarely saw out of her. She looked...frustrated, her eyebrows drawn together and her lips pursed. When you said her name, she seemed to snap out of it and her usual smile appeared on her face.
<<nm $phCassandra "Why, thank you, Captain! Do you have time to do one more? You're pretty close to the next suite of upgrades...">>
<<nm $phYou "I've got a few minutes, still. But, no, I don't think we'll do another mission. What's up?">>
Cassy hesitated. You could read her face as if her code were actually streaming across her forehead. She was thinking about deflecting, but knew that wouldn't work. You had your own strengths and weakenesses in the 'being a demon' game, but you were //very// good at knowing when someone wanted something.
So she sighed, settled down beside you, @@.choice;[[And Spoke.|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 2.2>><<nm $phCassandra "It's just not...real, you know? I mean, it's //better// but we're still not really in the same place. There are still things we can't do.">>
The blue-skinned alien sighed and made a gesture with her hand. The ship's galley dissolved around you, leaving you in a simple black space. Cassy's skin and clothes shifted to their usual animated images. You frowned. You'd given Cassy a gift by putting her into the computers she loved. This was the first time she'd expressed any regret about it.
<<nm $phYou "I suppose they haven't invented a VR headset //that// good yet. You want out of the machine? I can--">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh no! No, no, no. This is who I am, $phCassandra.address. I love it. I //am// the net. It's just you. I owe you so much and...I don't know how to pay you back if all I can do is pretend, you know?">>
You smiled and extended your hand to Cassy's cheek. There was no contact, but you still held it there, cupping her face.
<<nm $phYou "You never have to pay anything back, Cassy, and you never have to be anything more than what you are. You're enough for me. Seeing you grow since you let me help has been amazing. You were so unhappy before -- seeing you now is like getting to see the real you that was underneath the whole time. Finally free.">>
She smiled and leaned her head down, 'laying' her cheek across your palm. She was so talented at the illusion, you swore you could //almost// feel her skin on yours. Almost.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Thanks. I know I'm a little hyper sometimes. I like to keep on the move. Try new things. But...you really mean a lot to me. So I'm going to keep trying until we find a way that works, even if takes me a hundred tries.">>
<<nm $phYou "If every try is as fun as this, I won't mind at all. I'll keep trying too. I promise. I care about you, Cassy. I want you to have just as much fun as I do.">>
She nodded, and closed her eyes for a long moment. Then she pulled away from your fingers and stood up, her expression once again back to teasing and irreverent.
<<nm $phCassandra "Okay! It's a good start. It hasn't been very long since I changed. I'm sure we'll come up with something. Oh! Can you send me all your measurements? Like //all// of them? I might have to order some special equipment. Some of it might be unusually sized, so it'll probably be a special order.">>
She ran her eyes across you, suggestively, and you laughed as you stood up. You reached up to take hold of the headset across your face.
<<nm $phYou "Just don't order anything from //too// sketchy a place. It'd be unfortunate to explain how I managed to electrocute myself in the parking lot.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "We all make sacrifices for the ones we love. Go! I've got schematics to think about!">>
You popped the headset off, and Cassy was suddenly replaced by the quiet interior of the van. You stripped off the gloves and equipment, dutifully hanging things back in their places before walking to the back. Your brain still complained at you, convinced you had been several light-years away only moments ago and you shook your head in wonder. Things had come a long way from solitaire and minesweeper.
But they had a ways to go. Cassy wanted to be with you. She wanted to touch you, enjoy a space together, and really share something with you that you just //couldn't// as long as you were in two different worlds. The equipment could get better and better, you were sure, but it would never actually overcome that problem.
That meant that, if you wanted a solution, there were only two. You'd either have to find a way to bring Cassy out into your world for short jaunts or...you'd have to find a way to join her in //hers//. Both were easier said than done. You didn't, at the moment, know how you were going to do either. Maybe you could take a little time to think about it in your bedroom...
But you'd find a way. After all, @@.choice;[[You'd Promised!|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 3.1>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>You sat down on the bed, tilted your head up toward the ceiling, and mulled things over for a while. You hadn't thought about it, but you very rarely spent much time in your suite while you were still awake. There always seemed to be a ticking clock pulling you forward. You resolved to actually take some time to relax once things settled out a little bit. At least have a proper party in the place one time.
Right now you had other concerns, however. Your digital paramour, Cassy, was clearly happy with her life. She flitted through the computer systems of the world, sowing playful mischief and engaging in anything that caught her eye, but there was a downside to her digital existence. The real world was beyond her direct grasp, and nothing in her world was more than a digital simulacrum. She was happy, but she was alone where she was.
The way you saw it, that suggested only two solutions. The first is you could find a way to bring her back into the real world. The first thing you thought of was having Mason make some kind of robotic body, but your gut told you that wouldn't really do it. Cassy wanted to //be// in the real world. If all she needed to do was view it through a camera, then hauling one around would do the trick. Mason wasn't //such// a miracle worker that he could make a whole new body without a soulgem. <<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<if $phJolie.date is 3>>
...Although maybe it wasn't a robot that you needed. You had a very flexible employee working for you, now that you thought about it. Jolie's mask could let her play any role. Would that include pretending to be some kind of sci-fi robogirl creation? You weren't sure the magic was that strong, but you could certainly ask! Jolie wanted to find a new performance. Maybe this was a way to kill two birds with one stone!<<else>>
Something picked at the edge of your brain, but refused to resolve into the complete thought. Could one of your other employees help? You couldn't imagine how, but your brain refused to let the idea go. Maybe there was someone you had hired who could play the part, but you couldn't think of who. Damn, you'd have to keep thinking about it and hope the idea emerged.<</if>><<else>>Somehow, you suspected you didn't have what you needed for that one.<</if>>
On the other hand, if Cassy was just lonely, maybe what she needed was some companionship. Mason had turned Cassy from a person into an AI. It might be expensive, but there was no reason he couldn't do the same for you. It might not be your permanent life the way it was Cassy's but...wouldn't it be worth it? For her?
<<if $phEnergy >= 500>>@@.choice;Call Mason and find a way to visit Cassy's World - [[500 Energy|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 4]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Visit Cass Directly - Insufficient Energy (500)@@<</if>>
<<if ($phJolie.date is 3) and ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>>@@.choice;[[Call Jolie And Cassy For A Meetup|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 6]]@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Find Someone Who Can Help Cassy - No One Known!@@<</if>>
@@.choice;[[Worry About It Another Day|Bedroom][$phCassandra.date to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4>><<set $phEnergy -= 500>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phYou "You're a miracle worker, Mason. You know that?">>
<<nm $phMason "I do, but it is always appreciated when spoken. As you said, it is not unlikely what we did before when we converted Miss Woodrow in the first place. It is complicated by your need to //return// from digitization in one piece. However, that complication is somewhat mitigated by your status. As a demon, your tolerances are considerably higher.">>
You had a had brand new room on the first floor of your suite. Like every room in your suite, it was ridiculously well-appointed with a shiny black tiled floor, mahoghany trim, and small modern furnishings. Most of the room was taken up with...well, you couldn only call it a contraption. In fairness, Mason //had// added some cushions to the metal chair bolted to the center of the room, but the rings around it festooned with pointy bits all turned inward to the chair made it look more like some kind of elaborate torture device than anything else.
And, of course, the man's words were not helping his case.
<<nm $phYou "...What do you //mean// my tolerances?">>
Mason lifted and spread his hands, all four or them, wide. He gestured toward the chair.
<<nm $phMason "A poor choice of words, $phMason.address. What I am trying to say is that making this process safe for a human would require a magnitude of greater expense. By contrast, you are more attuned to the type of energy current that we utilize and your body is more used to managing unusual stresses. I have, however, ensured that things will be safe for you. That was a great deal of the energy was used on its manufacture.">>
A very quick manufacture, but you let that mostly pass unsaid. Mason had never let you down before. If he said it should be said, then it should be safe.
<<nm $phYou "Did you tell Cassy?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address. I had a sense this might be a surprise. Do you want me to?">>
You shared a wolfish grin with your lead scientist, stepping carefully into the ring and settling yourself on the padded chair.
<<nm $phYou "She's always watching everything. Let's surprise her for once. What do you say?">>
<<nm $phMason "Couldn't agree more. Enjoy yourself. I'll monitor the sequence and make a few tweaks if anything looks out of sync.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What do you mean 'out of sync'?">>
Too late. Mason reached down and pressed a button on a small, handheld remote. Immediately, the air hummed all around you. The concentric rings around the chair vibrated with sudden potential and began to swing in slow, ponderous circles. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, as though you were abruptly walking through a lightning storm.
It was...dizzying. Lights began to glow on the spinning rings and, as they started to move faster, the individual lights began to blur into long bars of color and motion. The air whirred and it began to be difficult to see anything past the spinning lines. They rushed faster and faster until it felt like you were enclosed in more of an omnipresent dome. The air felt thick and heavy, and the lights abruptly blurred into a string of 1s and 0s...
And then @@.choice;[[You Were Gone!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.1>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'BlackVoid.gif'>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] to 'Black Void'>><<set $phLocation = 'CassandraDate'>>It was...strange.
It wasn't that you were cloaked in too much darkness to see, it's that there wasn't a place, and there wasn't darkness, and you didn't have eyes to see with in the first place. You were nothing, and everything. You could feel the world clicking along rhythmically like the ticking of some giant, unshakeable clock.
It was like being in spider's web made out of electric lines. There were millions of switches in the track, connecting this strand or that, and every second things clicked into a new configuration, allowing the power to run in a new way. You instinctively //felt// rather than saw those rules, sprawled out in front of you.
And then you were not alone. A familiar grouping of protected files, separate and distinct from yours, opened a connection. Switched clicked, and words simply materialized in your mind.
@@.narrative;//$phCassandra.Address? What are you doing here?//@@
You reached and gripped for a feeling of another mind. You weren't sure how to answer. It wasn't a matter of waving your arms or shouting at the feeling. You didn't have arms. You didn't have a mouth. There was no 'at' to reach for!
Click click click. You felt things flicker in the other mind. Something vaguely amused seemed to pass through you, and new connections were opened.
@@.narrative;//Here. Let me help. Just the basics.//@@
**Loading UI
**Integration Complete
**Server Found
**Running Program
It was like being created one atom at a time, or perhaps like being sucked through a very tiny straw. Between one instant at the next, you went from having no tongue to having one. Between one instant and the next, you went from having no sight to blinking in confusion.
Between one instant and the next, you @@.choice;[[Loaded In!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.2>><<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['image'] to 'CassyComputerWorld.gif'>>
<<set $phLocations['CassandraDate']['name'] to "Cassy's World">>You were standing on a rooftop. Well, not exactly. 'You' was a pretty nebulous concept right now, but whatever 'you' were was pretty focused on that rooftop. You were clearly in the middle of a downtown area, judging from the skyscrapers that bloomed all around you, but you couldn't identify which one.
You looked down and found your own hands. Or at least close to them. There were details missing. Lines in your palm that didn't quite match up to real life, and your current skin tone was a great deal more uniform than it was on the outside.
<<nm $phCassandra "I could only do so much on short notice. You needed a whole new body and...Is it really...?">>
You turned and found Cassy staring at you. It had been a long time since you'd seen the woman this way. She'd normally been a cartoonish cartoon seen through computer monitors and screens. Even when you'd done the AR glasses or VR goggles, she had been as unreal as any other video game character you could name.
Now, though, she was standing in front of you, by all appearances flesh and blood. She had been poured into a shiny latex catsuit that clung to her curves in all the right ways. Her eyes were moving rapidly, sweeping you over from head to toe, and she took a few tentative steps in your direction.
You opened your arms. Cassy squealed, and immediately rushed the remaining few steps and gripped in your a bearhug that made her outfit squeak almost as loud as the air rushing out of your lungs. You laughed and squeezed her back, enjoying the solid feeling of her beneath your hands.
<<nm $phCassandra "How? Why? What are earth are you up to?! I was just running some checks and I find your flailing around in some old backup hard drives in the computer lab!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Is that where I was? Well, I figured you might be getting a little lonely in here, so I thought I'd drop in.">>
Cassy glared at you, even as she wrapped her arms around your neck. She squeezed, gently, and you got the sense she was reveling in the touch. Perhaps she could create walls and flesh and anything else her mind desired, but having it be //another person// was a novelty worth savoring. She cocked her head to one side and closed her eyes, suddenly understanding.
<<nm $phCassandra "You bothered Mason, didn't you? Had him build you something? For me?">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't think I could build it on my own?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "If //you// had built it, I'm not sure you'd have come through the other side in one piece. Your code is still pretty rough as it is!<<if $phYou.form is not 'male'>> You didn't have any clothes data, no makeup, barely more than the basics. I had to build everything from scratch!<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "Fair, fair. Speaking of building, what is this place?">>
Cassy's answer giggle was somewhere between proud and nervous. She separated from you, and waved a hand in the air to encompass the shining city and it's lights and sounds.
<<nm $phCassandra "I didn't know where else to send you! It's something I've been doodling up. Getting the systems just right, you know? I thought I might release it online...playing game master for a couple of thousand gamers across the world ought to keep me busy, right? It's sort of a 'defeat the evil megacorp' kind of game, you know?">>
She turned back to you, and her smile was wide. She took a deep breath and looked you in the eye.
<<nm $phCassandra "So...want to help me test it?">>
@@.choice;
[[Hell Yeah!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.22]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.22>>The car was going //more// than fast enough to get air at the top of the hill, the engine revving for several agonizing seconds before you touched back to earth with rattling impact. You hung on to the wheel, doing your best to keep control of the sportscar as bullets pinged off the frame.
<<nm $phCassandra "Keep her steady!">>
Cassy was straddling the center console, her head and upper body sticking up out of the sunroof. She was also aiming down the sight of a shoulder mounted monstrosity that pulsed with an increasing green light. You swung the car around a sharp turn, then leveled off and held to the center of the road. A few seconds later, the black armored cruiser that had been chasing you curved around the corner in pursuit...
The explosion was a meaty thump that seemed to echo in your chest. The light from Cassy's weapon was blinding, and the vehicle behind you detonated into a satisfying shower of sparks and fragments. You were already looking ahead, though. You were nearly there. You reached up and grabbed Cassy by the back of her suit, dragging her back down from the sunroof even as you revved the engine and turned straight into the lobby of 'Resistance Hotel'.
The glass doors smashed inward in a shower of bits and pieces as the car flew through the front of the facade. The wheels rattled across the marble flooring until you came to a sudden unceremonious stop in front of the check-in counter. A dark-skinned woman, seemingly unphased by the smoking remnant of the car you had been driving, leaning forward and flashing you a quick thumbs up.
@@.narrative;MISSION COMPLETED.@@
You didn't so much open the door as you did pry it off its hinges and throw it aside. Cassy was bouncing out of the car next to you, stretching her arms and beaming widely at you. She gestured you forward, and you both walked past the smiling receptionist and into the massive elevator. The doors snapped shut.
<<nm $phCassandra "Did you see that? Did you see those particle physics? Oh, eat your heart out, code monkeys! Lets see you compete with that! What'd you think?">>
<<nm $phYou "Exciting! It kept up the action pretty well! Did we just rob a bank? You mentioned you hadn't figured out all the dialogue yet.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Yeah! But they're bad, don't worry! Evil Empire, illicit activity, that sort of thing!">>
The elevator dinged and you walked out directly onto the rooftop of the building. It was exactly where you had started, the setting sun painting the concrete a beautiful orange. Cassy was still excited, almost skipping the short distance to the edge of the roof. She leaned out and looked down. In the distance, you could see the smoke and damage of your assault slowly vanishing as the city's natural state reasserted itself.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Really, though. Thank you, $phYou.firstname. I was never expecting to have anyone play it like this. To really be here with me. To give me the chance to show it off. It really means a lot. That you're close enough to touch.">>
She turned around and sat down on the edge of the wall. You took the seat beside her, close enough that your knees met. Cassy chuckled, a tiny bit of that nerdy girl she had been showing through as she looked away.
<<nm $phCassandra "You really are the best friend I've ever had. Giving me this. And coming to make me feel better. Thank you, $phYou.firstname.">>
You leaned in, shoulder to shoulder, and absently wound your arm around Cassy's hip. She looked up at you, beaming and totally at ease with your presence. You felt like this was an important moment.
You opened your mouth to speak...
<<if $phYou.exclusive>>@@.unavailable;Your Heart Is Already Committed...@@<<else>>@@.choice;
[[I Love You, Cassy!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 4.3]]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[I'm Glad I'm Your Friend.|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 4.3>><<run $phYou.romance.push("Cassy")>><<CC_Image "Cassandra/CassyYou" "642">>
<<nm $phYou "...I don't think I can say the same, Cassy.">>
You saw her brow furrow as she looked up at you. You caught her hand in your, squeezing her fingers, letting her feel that you were real and solid, in this place. She tilted her head to look up at you, her jaw dropping just a little.
<<nm $phCassandra "...$phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phYou "You see, I don't think I can stop at best friend, Cass. I think I love you too much. You might just be stuck with me.">>
Cassy's breath caught and she froze. Not in the sense that her muscles tensed and she remains still. No, she //froze// like a paused image. There was even a tracking line that ran slowly down from the top of her head and had reached halfway down her torso before she seemed to animate again.
<<nm $phCassandra "Wh...wha...?">>
<<nm $phYou "I love you. I want you with me as long as I'm around. That is, if you won't get too bored with me. I'm pretty sure I can-mmmphh~">>
That was as far as you got. Cassy made a short hop, depositing herself into your lap and wrapping her arms tightly around your torso. She drew you down into a hot, eager kiss. You didn't protest. You just leaned into it, holding it for as long as you could.
Which...turned out to be a very long time. How had you not noticed that neither of you seemed to need oxygen, here?
Finally, it was Cassy who pushed you back a little and broke the lock. Her face was wet and her huge eyes were blinking rapidly. She took a couple of deep, almost hyperventilating breaths.
<<nm $phCassandra "Yes...Yes, I'll stay with you. I love you too. I've never loved anyone like you.">>
...Then she pulled you down into another kiss. One kiss led to two, and then to a dozen. You found yourself leaning over her, until she was stretched out on the stone rail, and you were laying on top of her. Your hands stroked down the shiny latex suit, making it squeak Cassy giggled against your lips and pulled away again.
<<nm $phCassandra "I've been working on a few ways to make this game //really// popular...">>
@@.choice;
[[You Don't Say!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5>><<run $phYou.bff.push("Cassy")>>
<<CC_Image "Cassandra/CassyYou" "642">>
<<nm $phYou "I feel the same way, Cassy. Thank you for sharing this place with me. This game. I know it's important to you. You've worked on it a long time.">>
Cassy giggled and leaned sideways, checking you with her shoulder. She beamed and looked up into your face.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's just a game. I never thought I'd be able to con someone into doing all my QA for me!">>
<<nm $phYou "Early Access. It's the latest thing, I thought you would have heard about it. Economics of the future.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Well sure, but that's //after// I extract the sale price from you. If you're just working for me, I guess you're QA, and I owe you some benefits.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Benefits?">>
She grinned up at you, and raised a hand to cup your chin, drawing you down against her in a long kiss. One kiss became two, and then a half dozen as she stretched herself out along the stone rail and you folded your body on top of her. She guided your hands to the sides of her shiny, latex outfit.
Oh, //those// @@.choice;[[Kind of Benefits!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.1>>Cassy's suit was slick and smooth beneath your hands, and you marveled at the sensation. You weren't a complete stranger to latex, but here in the computer world you could find the platonic ideal of the material. It molded to Cassy's body as though it had been sprayed on, and your hand glided along the surface the way a rock would skip along the surface a bond. You had to keep stopping to grip and squeeze the flash underneath to convince yourself it was indeed just a suit and not a perfect skin.
Cassy leaned up into your lips as you got a firm grip on her backside and squeezed. She was warm and firm within the slick and shiny suit, and she moaned against your lips with abandon. Her body rolled up against yours, and she slipped both her hands around you, inside your heavy black coat.
<<nm $phCassandra "It's so...//real//. No, better than real. I'd forgotten what it felt like. I want to bring you back here every day!">>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>><<nm $phYou "I'm not sure about every day but...I'm sure we can arrange it often. Date night?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I'm not sure about every day, but I'll drop in regularly. We've got the chair, after all, and you need beta testers.">><</if>>
She laughed, high and light, and pulled you down on top of her again to reclaim your lips. Her hands rubbed up and down you spine, then shifted around in front of you to stroke at your belly and then up to your chest. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Her fingers splayed against your pecs, reveling in the feel of your fit form against her own. You could feel your cock starting to harden against her thigh, and you gave her another solid squeeze.<<else>>She palmed her hands against your breasts, and your nipples were instantly hard. You had to catch your breath as you felt your excitement stirring between your legs. You gave her backside another firm squeeze, a little more possessively this time.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Feels good. Mmm, feels amazing even. You sure this is just tuned to the real-world levels?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I might have nudged things up a notch or three. Have to get repeat customers, after all. Who wants to put in all that work just to get what you could have gotten going outside?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I'm not sure they could have gotten this...Not without a lot of work anyway.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Hush, or you won't be getting any of it either. Now, are we just going to feel each other up all night? I was thinking we should really put the programming through its paces. We're sort of obliged, aren't we?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to have to figure out how to peel you out of that suit first.">>
Cassy snorted with amusement, and reached up to cup your cheeks, pulling you in for another long, lingering kiss. When she finally released you, she arched her back, struck a pose, and winked...
...and the latex catsuit vanished. Between one second and the next, she was suddenly entirely exposed. Her nipples were a very cute pink topping each full breast, her stomach was toned and flat, and her sex was perfectly adorned with a tiny patch of hair trimmed into a heart. You stared. How could you not?
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>><<nm $phCassandra "Inventory system, my love. If we're going to be dating in here, you'll have to learn about them. Very handy, isn't it?">><<else>><<nm $phCassandra "Inventory system. If we're going to hang out here often, you'll have to learn about them. Very handy, isn't it?">><</if>>
@@.choice;
[[No Argument Here!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 5.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 5.2>>It had taken Cassy a few instructions to teach you how to use your inventory and strip out of that elaborate costume. You were, fortunately, very motivated to learn.
<<nm $phYou "You know, you might have trouble with the rating board if you don't add a blur or something to some of these graphics.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Shush. This is supposed to be co-op!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You chuckled, low in your throat, and slipped your hand below Cassy's knee, lifting her leg upward. She didn't resist, hooking her leg up and over your shoulder. This left her delightfully, wonderfully exposed to you. You ran your fingers lightly from one hip to the other, and then slowly downward. As your fingertip traced across her sex, Cassy inhaled sharply.<<else>>You chuckled, low in your throat, and leaned over Cassy, planting your hands on either side of her head. She didn't resist, lifting both of her legs to wrap around your hips and pull you closer. You felt your cock stroke against her inner thigh, and then come to rest against that wet, eager sex. Cassy inhaled sharply as you pulled back and readied yourself.<</if>>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>><<nm $phCassandra "...I love you.">>
<<nm $phYou "I love you too. Are you ready?">>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Are you ready?">>
<</if>><<nm $phCassandra "I'm going to short out if you don't fuck me right now...">>
Fair enough. You couldn't wait either. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You took hold of her thigh with one hand to steady her, and then rocked your hips. The moment your aching sex met hers, it was like an electric current ran through both of you. Cassy was beyond turned on. Her body surged upward against you, and you could see every muscle go taut beneath her skin.
You knew exactly how it felt, because you were just as desperate for //her//. Every movement of your hips dragged the slick lips of your pussy up and down your digital lover's and set off a fresh wave of pleasure. You found yourself panting, short of breath, and your motions began to grow more frantic.
<<nm $phYou "How...How much more sensitive...did you make us again?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Just...Just a few hundred...percent or so...!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh fuck!">>
You breathed the words, grabbing hold of her legs with both hands as your frantically thrust your hips against her. She met you thrust for thrust, her hands gripping tightly to the edge of the roof lip. Every time she inhaled, it was a sharp, desperate sound. Every time she exhaled, it was a long, loud moan. Her eyes searched out yours, her voice needy and high.
<<nm $phCassandra "Gonna cum! Gonna cum already! Oh fuck, oh fuck!">>
<<nm $phYou "Cum! Cum with me! Cum with me, Cassy!">>
<<else>>You hooked one arm behind her neck to steady her, and she opened her legs a tiny fraction more, sucking in another deep breath of anticipation. Then you moved.
You'd only intended to thrust a little ways into her before giving her a moment to get used to your length. The moment your cock slipped into her slick folds, however, a crash of pleasure rolled up your body. It was like an electric current skittering across both of you. Cassy was beyond turned on. Her body surged upward against you, and you could see every muscle go taut beneath her skin.
You knew exactly how it felt, because you were just as desperate for //her//. You found yourself buried to the hilt inside of your lover before you'd even registered the sensation, and your hips began to pump on instinct alone. You were not starting slow. You thrust hard into her, and the air was soon filled with the sound of skin on skin. <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>Your tits brushed against her on every moment, and the added sensation of your rapidly hardening nipples on top of everything else was enough to drive you half mad.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "How...How much more sensitive...did you make us again?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Just...Just a few hundred...percent or so...!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh fuck!">>
You breathed the words, your body moving without bothering to check in with your mind. You slammed down into her, and she met you thrust for thrust, her hands gripping tightly to the edge of the roof lip. Every time she inhaled, it was a sharp, desperate sound. Every time she exhaled, it was a long, loud moan. Her eyes searched out yours, her voice needy and high.
<<nm $phCassandra "Gonna cum! Gonna cum already! Oh fuck me! Fuck me!">>
<<nm $phYou "Cum! Cum with me! Cum with me, Cassy!">>
<</if>>You couldn't have held on if you wanted to. Your orgasm hit you like a train, as irresistible as the tide coming in. Your breath caught in your throat, and your muscles hitched. You pressed yourself home, feeling like the warmth of Cassy's pussy was rising through your entire body. You could feel yourself cry out, but had no idea what you were saying. The only thing you knew was orgasmic bliss. Yours, and the bucking, writhing, moaning mess beneath you that was going through exactly the same thing.
When you came back to yourself, you were wrapped around each other tightly. It could have been ten seconds or ten minutes for all you knew. You were still breathless, and you felt like the world was rocking below you. Slowly, trying not to rock your vision too much, you tilted your head down.
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>><<nm $phYou "Might have to dial that down a bit, love. You share that with the world, I'm going to have way too much competition for you.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "You know, maybe the game isn't the part you should market. If you focused on this part, I'm pretty sure no one would ever make a competing game again.">><</if>>
Cassy stared up at you, breathing heavily. Then a smile split her face, she buried her head in your shoulder, @@.choice;[[And Laughed!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 7]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 7>><<set $phLocation to "Bedroom">>The blinding light resolved itself into blurred movement, and you became aware that you were sitting on a chair. The air hummed around you, but quieter and quieter by the second as the spinning rings slowed and came to a halt. Finally, they folded themselves into a single row and the room fell silent.
<<nm $phCassandra "All vitals green! Wow, remind me to do something nice for Mason soon. Do you think he would still wear only one watch or would I have to get him two?">>
You stood up and stretched, expecting your muscles to be feeling sore after so long. To your surprise, they moved smoothly and without protest. You had to remind yourself that you hadn't been jacking in to some alternate world. You had really gone there personally. There had been nothing in the chair for as long as you'd been present.
<<nm $phYou "We could ask. Where is he, anyway? I figured he'd want to make sure his machine worked.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, he slipped out right at the start. I had enough bandwidth to take over, once he let me in on what you were doing. Pretty sure he didn't want to spy on us.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>You were pretty sure you'd still hear about it later. $phMason.Him would extract his price from you.<<else>>That made sense. Your scientist might not always have a lot of social grace, but he'd always been respectful of your privacy.<</if>> You turned to look at the large screen beside the chair. Cassy was in all her animated glory, having traded out the shiny latex for a somewhat distracting bikini top.
<<nm $phYou "I hope you didn't mind me dropping in?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Not even a little bit! You're more than welcome back in here any time. In fact...">>
<<nm $phYou "...In fact?">>
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>><<nm $phCassandra "Actually...let me think about it a bit, okay? Not second guessing anything, mind you! Just...brand new game. Could use a little while to finish the tutorial and come up with a build, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "I gotcha. Take all the time you need, love. We'll talk about it soon.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Thank you.">>
<<else>><<nm $phCassandra "I've already started coming up with a few new missions. What do you think about firing a machine gun out of a helicopter?">>
<<nm $phYou "I wouldn't miss it for the world.">>
<</if>>You flashed a last smile to the screen and turned for the door. You knew this wasn't a one time thing. You had the chair set up now, so you had easy access to the other world whenever you liked.
You could @@.choice;[[Hardly Wait!|Bedroom][$phCassandra.date to 10]]@@
<<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>>@@.narrative;Relationship Level Up! A Digital Duo!
What will the future bring?@@<<else>>@@.narrative;Relationship Level Up! Added To The Friends List!@@
<</if>>
<<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 6>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<set $phLocation to "CompCafe">><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phYou "...so that's my idea. I think we can solve two problems at once this way, one for each of you. Assuming you're both willing.">>
You were in one of the computer labs at the cafe. Cassy wasn't hard to summon up, as long as you were near a computer, and her glowing face was filling one of the monitors. Jolie was sitting one computer down, the swivel chair turned to face you. The blonde woman was holding her mask in her hand, absently drumming it against the desk.
<<nm $phJolie "I am willing but I am not...what's the word...I'm not very sure I understand? Of course, I want to help Cassy. If I can, that sounds wonderful. But why did you say two problems?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's the best part. You still want to perform, don't you Jolie? I know you get a lot of practice here, but it's not really a show. I know your magic. If you're acting like a digital conduit, then you really will be one. That means if Cassy can upload and play in the real world, there won't be any reason //you// can't download and play in cyberspace. You could be on a thousand screens at once, if you wanted to. Whatever kind of show you want to do.">>
You could see the realization cross Jolie's face. Her jaw dropped open, just a touch, and you saw pink spreading across her cheeks. Unlike most of your employees, she still had a form that mostly felt like herself. That means she still had a little bit of embarrassment you could milk for all you were worth.
<<nm $phCassandra "Are you sure about this? What if Jolie's mask falls off when she's in cyberspace? Would we have to mount some sort of rescue? Would I get stranded? I wouldn't mind a visit, but I //like// it in here most of the time...">>
<<nm $phYou "Trust me. I'm starting to learn my way around this world. Things are going to work pretty much the way that we want them to. No getting lost. No getting stranded. Jolie's the best actress possible, and you're the most amazing program! This'll work!">>
You tried to project confidence. You //had//, in fact, run it by Mason before you'd called them over. The scientist had just looked at you blankly and reminded you that it was //your// tower, not anyone else's, and the employees there were yours as well. Reality was yours to bend.
You hoped that meant it would work.
Jolie and Cassy were staring at each other. Or, at least, Jolie was staring at the screen and Cassy was doing a pretty good job simulating looking back at her. Her actual vision would be through all the webcams, but she was good at not calling attention to that.
<<nm $phCassandra "Well, I suppose, there's no harm in experimenting...">>
<<nm $phJolie "...and if we don't like it, we can always stop...">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Boss has never really led us astray...">>
<<nm $phJolie "...It would be sort of fun to find a new way of acting...">>
<<nm $phCassandra "And...as long as you're changing...maybe I could make some requests?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Of course! And...maybe you could leave a least of good...how would you say...good sites?">>
You couldn't help but grin, even as you stood up and headed for the door. You waved over your shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "Seems like you two have it in hand. I'll look forward to seeing the results. Give me a ring, alright?">>
You weren't going far. After all, you wouldn't miss this for the world. Let them talk over the changes at their own pace.
You were sure you'd enjoy @@.choice;[[What They Came Up With!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 6.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 6.1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cassandra/Mobile/CassyJolie.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassyJolie.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phYou "Cassy? Jolie? Is that you?">><<set $phCassandra.portrait to 'CassyJolie'>>
It seemed a stupid question, but what else could you say? The voice had been familiar when it had called you back from the other side of the door. You hadn't been prepared for what was on the other side. Clearly, the pair had not been satisfied with just allowing Cassy to drive Jolie. The form they'd come up with was brand new!
Cassy was slight, but had the same large, green eyes she had on the other side. The hair that fell around her face was dark, but had a slight purple tinge that matched the jewel on the choker she was wearing around her throat. She was wearing large, square glasses that seemed to magnify those emerald eyes even more, and she was resting her elbows across the top of a computer monitor.
On the screen was an avatar. Digitized and cartoony, sure, but still very much recognizable. Jolie's synthesized smile shown out at you from the surface.
<<nm $phJolie "What do you think? Isn't she gorgeous?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Jol helped with the design! What do you think? Is the hair too much? Think I could still pass?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't know about passing. Pretty sure you're going to draw attention, Cassy, but I doubt they'll be too worried about where you came from. Is that really Jolie's body? You're...uh..."?>>
You trailed off, gesturing at Cassy's front. The hoodie hid a lot of the new woman's curves but...well, they weren't enough hoodie to hide Jolie's. The digital face on the screen colored.
<<nm $phJolie "My mask is not just a...a costume! I am the role! You shouldn't be surprised she doesn't have my...uh...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Front curtains?">>
Cassy giggled, and moved around the monitor. She was slight and short, and looked if she might break if you touched her too hard. You had a feeling she was quite a bit hardier than she might seem, though. She looked her arms around the back of your neck and leaned forward to rest her cheek on your chest.
<<nm $phCassandra "We shouldn't tease her too much. She's helping me, after all...But if you //do// want to keep teasing her, I think we can do better than that. I was going to let her watch me...explore a few aspects of my new body. If you wanted to help, we could show her just how good she is at embodying the role...">>
Cassy tilted her head to look up at you, and the digital Jolie got a lot redder. Cassy was fully under her own control, of course, but it was still //technically// Jolie in there...and she'd have to watch the two of you have fun, if you chose to. Judging by the way she sputtered but never really protested, you doubted that was an entirely negative idea for the actress...
@@.choice;
[[Put On A Show|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 6.2]]
[[Let The Pair Enjoy Some Alone Time|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 6.11]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 6.11>><<nm $phYou "Awfully tempting, but lets not push too far too fast. You two did this for each other. You ought to have a little time in your new forms before you go too wild.">>
Cassy pouted. It was a pretty good pout on her new face, but her eyes turned thoughtful as she looked back at Jolie's screen.
<<nm $phCassandra "$pShe's being kind of a jerk, but she's probably right. There //are// all sorts of sites that I wanted to show you.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Sites? Or Sights?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Both! You wanted to perform, didn't you? Here, I've bookmarked a bunch of my favorites. We're going to make a few nerd jaws hit the floor tonight! Thanks for the encouragement, boss! Come look us up when we play again!">>
Cassy slipped over to the computer and picked up a headset, one adorned with cat ears. Then she began to type, so fast that even your eyes couldn't follow the motion. Jolie's form seemed to flicker, and a digital moan emerged from the speakers!
You smiled to yourself. Yeah, they were going to get along just fine without you. Still, you'd done something good today. Jolie and Cassandra had wanted something...now they had what they needed. Is that what a good boss was supposed to do?
Humming to yourself, you made your way @@.choice;[[Back To The Cafe!|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.date to 9;$phJolie.date to 9;$phCassandra.portrait to 'Cassy']]@@
@@.narrative;Freaky Friday! Thanks To A Little Body Swapping, You've Solved Both Of Your Employee's Problems! Maybe Next Time You Work In The Cafe, They'll Be Ready To Show You A Good Time!@@<<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<set $phJolie.recharge to 1>>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 6.2>><<nm $phYou "I suppose it would be remiss of me not to insist on a thorough test. After all, we're mixing magic here. Yours and hers. We ought to experiment a while.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I couldn't agree more.">>
You wrapped yours arms around Cassy's new form, deliberately meeting Jolie's eyes over Cassy's shoulder. The digital woman's floating face was red, and her eyes had enlarged so much it looked almost like she was copying Cassy's exaggerated anime style. You spread one hand across Cassy's back and then, without breaking your stare, lowered the other down until you were cupping her rear.
<<nm $phJolie "H-Hey! You can't just-...That's not-...I-...!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh dear. She's stuttering. Tell me, is there any feedback coming through for you, J? We ought to test that. If sensations start getting mixed up between us, it could cause problems.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're right. Don't worry. I've got the perfect way to test it!">>
You tightened your hands on Cassy's rear and picked her up. Surprisingly, she was a lot sturdier than her waifish frame suggested. Fortunately, you were much stronger than //you// seemed as well, as were able to haul her up. Still, you took the few long steps to the table near Jolie's monitor quickly and hoisted Cassy up into a sitting position.
Jolie never was good at hiding her thoughts, and even less so in digital form. You saw the confusion stretch across her face in perfect HD resolution...and then saw the realization forming as you knelt down beside the table, your head between Cassy's knees.
<<nm $phJolie "$phYou.firstname! You can't-...This isn't fair!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Just experimenting. But I suppose you're right. We're having all the fun, and you're doing me a favor. Don't worry, I can show you one of my favorite little tricks.">>
She picked up the keyboard from the table, holding it with one arm as she typed rapidly with her other hand. You, meanwhile, busied yourself unbuttoning the daisy duke shorts she was wearing. She absently lifted her hips, helping you to slide the jean material down. She wasn't wearing anything underneath.
<<nm $phJolie "Ahh! I just felt - Cassy! What did you do?">>
Letters and numbers scrolled too fast on the screen to be read, but suddenly Jolie's floating face was joined by the rest of her body. It was a more than slightly exaggerated design. She was busty, but now her breasts defied gravity, each a considerable size bigger than her head. Her hips, too, were wide by her waist was waspish thin. She was wearing a badly overstrained black top and tight jeans.
<<nm $phCassandra "There we are! You're all set up for solo mode!">>
<<nm $phJolie "S-Solo mode? What's solo mode?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, nothing much. Just a little programming trick. See, it filters any of your thoughts for anything...spicy, then runs it back into you as sensation. I learned that one on my first day!">>
<<nm $phJolie "Wha-...What does that mean?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Mmmm...if you think it, it happens.">>
Jolie stared, her jaw dropping open. Then, judging by the way she suddenly bucked and her moan resounded through every speaker in the room, @@.choice;[[She Thought Of Something Good!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 6.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 6.3>><<nm $phJolie "Ooohhhh! WaitWaitWaitWait! Oooh!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Can't wait! Can't wait, can't wait! Oooh, it's so good!">>
You couldn't help but smile. The soundtrack the room, consisting largely of two of your favorite girls moaning and begging, really couldn't be beat. You were pretty sure you could make a fortune is someone cared to turn on a recorder. Both women were experiencing something new, and it was clear it was throwing both of them equally.
Poor Jolie was having trouble keeping her thoughts in line. Giant, squeezing handprints appeared across the front of her shirt and across her eyes. Every couple of seconds she was either pulled roughly upright or bent over again. She was still wearing her bottoms but judging from the way her body bounced and rocked, the program didn't care. If her mind wandered to getting fucked, then that was what was happening. No partner required.
<<nm $phJolie "Can't stop it, can't stop it!">>
Cassy, meanwhile, was suffering under more traditional means, but it was no less remarkable to her. Your tongue //danced// across her sweet pussy, and every motion seemed to make her jump and gasp. You had wondered if her new body would be as sensitive as the AI was in cyberspace, but you needn't have worried. Cassy's eyes were bulging, and she had both hands on your head, frantically pushing and pulling as if she couldn't decide which way she wanted you.
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck! Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck!">>
It was a babble of sound now. Jolie's squealing got muffled as her mouth was suddenly opened wide into a surprised O. There was nothing between her lips, but you could see by the way her jaw opened wide that the //sensation// was...large. Cartoonishly large. You would swear you could see the indent working it way down into her throat as her eyes rolled back.
Cassy was rocking her hips from side to side, twisting and bouncing against the desk. You never let up. When she moved back, you moved with her. When she thrust forward, you pulled back to tease her. She let out a hiss of frustration and gripped your head with both hands.
<<nm $phCassandra "This body...Oh hell, $phYou.firstname! You have no idea! I...I can't...I can't even...">>
Her eye twitched. Her chest rose as she sucked in a deep breath. Her eyes seemed to fix on the middle distance...and she //moaned//. It was less violent than you were expecting. She didn't buck and grind, she just moaned loud and long and her eyes went lidded. A slow, contented smile spread across her face even as her pussy spasmed against your tongue. Her hips lifted and fell, lifted and fell again...and then she fell back fully against the desk with a loud sound.
You finally pulled back and wiped your mouth. Rising to your feet, you crawled up onto the desk and pulled Cassy against you. She was still almost completely dressed, and her hoodie was warm against your skin as she snuggled in. She let out a sigh, clearly reveling in the real-world sensation.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Mmm. You'll come find us again, right? When we play? Three players is definitely the way to go.">>
You grinned and leaned over to kiss Cassy on the forehead. She clung to you for a few extra seconds, then reluctantly let you disentangle yourself.
<<nm $phYou "Obviously. I have to keep track, after all. Call it scientific curiosity. How long do you think she'll be going?">>
The two of you looked to the computer monitor. Jolie's shirt was hanging in shreds now, and you couldn't help but notice her body was even //more// exaggerated than it had been before. Ever hole was filled and her eyes were rolled back in utter bliss as she was ravaged again and again and again. Cassy laughed.
<<nm $phCassandra "She's got better control than I do. Probably eight or nine hours, I'd say.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're a good friend. Helping her.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "I know. So very generous.">>
The two of you looked at the moaning hentai image you'd made of Jolie, then back at each other. A slow smile spread across Cassy's face.
Then, at the exact same moment, @@.choice;[[You Both Winked!|Computer Cafe][$phCassandra.date to 9;$phJolie.date to 9;$phCassandra.portrait to 'Cassy']]@@
@@.narrative;Freaky Friday! Thanks To A Little Body Swapping, You've Solved Both Of Your Employee's Problems! Maybe Next Time You Work In The Cafe, They'll Be Ready To Show You A Good Time!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'UltWork'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phCassandra.recharge to 1>><<set $phJolie.recharge to 1>>
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10>><<set $phLocation to 'SamanthaDate'>>The steak was //perfect//.
The sear was exquisite, there was just the right amount of pink in the center, and the spicing and sauce made it all but melt on your tongue. Your diet outside of this world had been mostly whatever you could eat quickly, if you remembered to eat at all. This was something else, and it was all you could do to take your time and enjoy the ambience.
And ambience there was. The ballroom was so richly appointed it might have even put the tower to shame. The decorations and the band sawing away on instruments in the corner suggested prohibition era, but the sort of romanticized view of the same. Men dressed in suits and coats flirted openly with women in sparkling ballgowns. You noted approvingly that the recreation had only gone so far. Quite a number of the men and women were pairing off with themselves instead.
<<nm $phYou "Cassy. This is amazing! How do you make it taste so good?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh, it's a little trick. Random numbers. Just enough variance to make it real without ever letting it be so real that it sucks.">>
Cassy reached over and clinked her glass to yours. Her own gown was a deep purple and sparkled anew every time the light changed, even a little. The candles on the table shone in her eyes as she sipped at her wine.
<<nm $phCassandra "...You really like it? I've been working on it since the last time you 'dropped in'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Cassy, I love it. Just like I love you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Charmer.">>
You winked, and she laughed. Then the band switched to a slower melody, and you extended your hand to cover hers, letting it rest there. You squeezed, just a bit.
<<nm $phYou "Seriously, thank you. It's nice to have somewhere to get away from it all, with you.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Really, it's not so much. I still have a lot of work to do. Most of the backrooms are just empty right now, and the AI still glitches a lot. They really don't have a lot of interactivity right now, it's mostly window dressing and plot hooks and-.">>
She stopped only when you stood up to lean across the table and touched your lips to hers. When you broke away, she looked down and actually blushed. It was easy to forget inside that freewheeling, all knowing AI was a young woman learning about real love for the first time.
<<nm $phCassandra "...Thanks.">>
<<nm $phYou "Any time.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Do you want to step outside? I've got something to show you.">>
It was a short walk to the edge of the ballroom and the open balcony doors. Cool, calming wind blew in from outside as you both stepped onto the short, railed platform and looked out over the city. Despite the apparent era inside, the city was still electric and modern. Beautiful all the same.
There was a sudden flash above, painting the world blue. Then red. Then white. Every light was echoed with a resounding bang as the fireworks sparkled and popped above you. You couldn't help but smile.
<<nm $phYou "For me?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Who else?">>
She slipped her hand into yours and squeezed it. In turn, you shrugged your jacket off your shoulders and wrapped it warmly around her frame. Her eyes widened, but she soon relaxed into the warm garment. You nodded, tilted your head up, and together you @@.choice;[[Enjoyed The Show.|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.1>><<nm $phCassandra "Do you ever think about what will happen when this is all over? When you pass all of Lazren's tests?">>
You'd watched the show in comfortable silence for at least fifteen minutes, even after the pattern had begun to loop. You looked back to your AI, one eyebrow raised.
<<nm $phYou "...I'll be honest, right now I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other. Every time I start to think I have a handle on things, something else pops up. Why?">>
Cassy leaned against your side, her head on your shoulder. Every few seconds, another bright burst would paint her face in light, highlighting the faint, contented smile on her face.
<<nm $phCassandra "Just thinking out loud. When we were human, it was pretty easy. You grow up. You get a job. Maybe you marry. At some point you die. Now all of those things are pretty much out the window.">>
<<nm $phYou "You thinking about retirement? White picket fence and little AIs with horns running around?">>
She nearly choked and slapped your shoulder hard. You lifted both your hands in gesture of surrender. She shook her head.
<<nm $phCassandra "Not getting ahead of myself. Just wonder how long until it gets old. Until you've played every game there is to play. Until the novelty of visiting new worlds wears off.">>
<<nm $phYou "Then we'll come up with new ways to keep things interesting. I don't think we're in any danger of running out of excitement. We've got a lot of firsts to explore.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Is that so? Like what?">>
You thought about it. Then a slow smile spread over your face, one that Cassy knew all too well. There was a look of deepest suspicion on her face when you looped your around her hip and guided her back inside, to the dancers and crowd flirting at tables. You couldn't help but notice, despite the realism of the scene, that no one had actually left or even substantially changed their position.
Perfect.
You picked up a glass and a fork and rang the metal against the rim. The band quieted and every eye in the room turned toward you. You smiled and kept your voice low.
<<nm $phYou "Just window dressing? They seem to be behaving pretty well.">>
<<nm $phCassandra "They'll react to the basics, or pretend to. They won't really know what you're talking about, though, what are you-?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please! You've been so lovely this evening, I couldn't help but return the favor. I wanted to put on a little show for you all...">>
Cassy opened her mouth, probably to ask another question, but she didn't manage to. Before she could get a word out, you'd grabbed her by the hand, gently pushed her down against the table...
...and @@.choice;[[Lifted Her Dress For The Audience!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.2>>Cassy, as you had noted before, had a fine rear. Apparently, the crowd thought so to, because there was a bit of chatter and a smattering of approving noises. Cassy's cheeks went red...the ones on her face, that was.
<<nm $phCassandra "$phYou.firstname! You-!">>
<<nm $phYou "How can I help myself with an audience that seems to be enjoying the show?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "They don't even know what you're doing. They'll be approving of anything the PCs do. They aren't programmed to- Ahhh!">>
Her protest died in a sudden cry as you reached down, slipped your hand up between her thighs, and let your middle and index fingers press into her. Despite her cry, she was sopping wet and eager, spreading her legs for you automatically. She didn't even try and push away from the table.
<<nm $phYou "Well, maybe I've always wanted to fuck you front of crowd. Even I have never managed to do that one in the tower. I see you like the idea too...Look how //wet// you are for it!">>
<<nm $phCassandra "That's not- Ahhhh! Oh fuck!">>
You added a third finger to the fun. There was another murmur through the crowd. Several of the men nodded their heads, their attention rapt. You saw one young woman cover her mouth, then turn to whisper to her companion. All eyes were focused on you.
<<nm $phYou "Are you going to tell me you never wanted to be watched, love? That you never snuck into someone's porn stream and taken an actress's place? Did you enjoy watching them their webcam as they touched themselves to you?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck...$phYou.firstname, don't make me say it!">>
<<nm $phYou "Why not? None of the crowd is real, right? They don't actually know what you're saying. It's just me in here. Enjoying the world you created. Enjoying the body you created.">>
You leaned over Cassandra, putting your elbow against the table as you looked at her face. Her cheeks were scarlet and her eyes were wide, her stance widening even further as you pushed your fingers in and out of her mercilessly. Her hands clawed at the edge of the table, holding on for dear life.
<<nm $phCassandra "Y-Yes...">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes what?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "Oh fuck...I've put myself into porn! I've watched people get off to me! I love people getting off to me! I'm a naughty girl!">>
The words came out of her in a rush, her eyes rolling back a little. You giggled and leaned over further, kissing her on the forehead. Then you straightened up again, your fingers still deep inside of her.
<<nm $phYou "My favorite naughty girl. You know what naughty girls get?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "W-What?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nice, hard, public spankings!">>
Your hand came down on her flank. The sound of flesh on flesh reverberated through the room but was almost instantly drowned out as Cassy's mouth fell open, her body jerked into the tables, and her scream of pure bliss rose into the air. She shook and shuddered for at least fifteen seconds before she finally went silent, laying flat against the table, the only sound her ragged breathing as she tried to catch her breath.
Well, that, and the abruptly @@.choice;[[Smattering Of Applause All Around You!|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 10.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 10.3>><<set $phTime to 3>>The rings slowly came to a stop all around you and you rose gingerly out of the transport chair, stretching out your muscles. It was always amazing how //good// you felt after you got back, but you weren't sure you could rule out that having more to do with what you got up to in the other world than anything native to the transport process.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Made it back in one piece again. All systems green?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "They seem to be. Mason does good work, however much I tease him. Looks like he's also handled your emergency while we've been playing. How did you even manage to get into the chair this morning with the tower in such a tizzy?">>
<<nm $phYou "Very very carefully.">>
You turned toward the large screen on the wall. Cassandra was there, still dressed in her elegant gown and her only slightly exaggerated form. You smiled at the monitor.
<<nm $phYou "Did you enjoy yourself?">>
<<nm $phCassandra "...Next time you drop in I'm going to have a whole crowd set up to watch //you// get spread out on the table. I'll make sure they have //lots// of responses! Jerk.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll take that as a yes. Love you, Cassy. I'd better go check in with Mason, make sure everything finished up alright.">>
Cassy crossed her arms, her expression becoming an an exaggerated stormcloud of discontent. There was even a small, animated sweatdrop above her brow. She dropped the act quickly, though, blowing you a kiss.
<<nm $phCassandra "Any time the tower goes nuts, you're always welcome here. Go find Mason. I'll get back to my programming. Maybe I really //will// have something exciting the next time you stop in.">>
@@.choice;[[How Could You Resist?|DateReturn][$phCassandra.date to 10]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<set $phLocation = 'DamienDate'>><<if $phDamien.date is 3>><<set $phDamien.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1>>You used to dream about taking a road trip.
Back then, your fourth-hand bucket of half-rusted metal that you generously called a 'car' had made that dream impossible. It started with reluctance even on good days; you turned the key with a prayer on your lips any time the weather turned chill. The tires wouldn't have made it out of the city, much less the state -- provided the transmission lasted even that long.
Back then, though, you hadn't been the manager of the newest and most lucrative luxury tower on Earth.
You hadn't quite been //surprised// to find sports cars and SUVs aplenty in a private garage when you'd gone to look, despite the idea of a fleet of vehicles never having crossed your mind. You //had// been surprised to find a rather glamorous convertible of an unknown brand -- Acedia -- that somehow was both sleek yet spacious, and which even Damien's enhanced physique managed to fit in with leg-room to spare.
Acedia. Huh. You'd have to look them up some time.
Now, two hours into a full day trip along what was advertised as one of the area's top five scenic highways, you had the wheel as Damien reclined back in his seat. You hadn't seen a speed limit posted in ages, and a sign that flashed past on the shoulder promised curves for the next four miles ahead.
<<nm $phYou "Want me to put the top up?">>
Damien held on to his cowboy hat with one hand as the wind tried its best to whip it free and send it flying. He'd been wrestling with it for the last ten minutes or so.
<<nm $phDamien "Nah, kinda ruins the mood. I'm fine, $phDamien.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "You sure? You're going to be holding it like that the entire ride.">>
He wrinkled his nose, the motion accented by the golden ring through his septum. He hadn't shaved in a day or two, and had a full scruff of a fledgling beard growing in on his cheeks to compliment his goatee. It accentuated his thick hair and more 'rural' appearance, though you couldn't say whether it made him look more 'bull' or not. His six-inch horns did that all on their own.
Horns that doubled as a hat stand, as he reached up with his other hand as well, re-positioned his cowboy hat, and then gave a sharp, strong tug down. The tips of his horns tore through the felt of the brim. It ruined the carefully molded shape of the hat, but when he finally removed his hand... it stayed in place where he'd impaled it.
The bull-man grinned over at you with the widest, proudest, derpiest //I did it!// smile you'd ever seen. You snorted; it quickly turned into a laugh as he settled back in his seat contentedly, now with both massive arms folded behind his head.
<<nm $phDamien "I'm good, $phDamien.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "You sure are.">>
You pressed your foot down on the accelerator. Today was going to be @@.choice;[[A Great Day|DamienBullDate][$phDamien.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1.1>>By the time you whipped past the last turn and back into the straight-away, Damien was holding on to his hat again, impalement or no. The Acedia seemed to take it to heart that the speed 'limit' was more a 'suggestion', and it handled like a dream.
Once the curves evened out you eased off the gas. No sense risking getting pulled over, and you weren't in any hurry to get back to <<switch $phCurrentDisaster>><<case 'Rodents'>>the vermin invasion<<case 'Gravity'>>the adventures in weightlessness<<case 'Silence'>>the mime parade in the Paradise tower<<case 'Space'>>the disorienting, otherworldly scenery back home<</switch>>. When your speed approached something resembling 'legal', Damien's massive hand cautiously lifted from the top of his hat. After the wind failed to send it launching skywards, he lowered his arm and settled back into a more comfortable position once more.
<<nm $phDamien "So what's the plan, $phDamien.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't have one! Mason wanted me out of his way, and I realized it'd been a while since I'd been outside the tower.">>
<<nm $phDamien "We're not goin' anywhere in particular?">>
<<nm $phYou "No -- unless you have somewhere you want to go?">>
You glanced over at him, although with your hands on the wheel you couldn't look for too long. He'd pass as human relatively well... if you covered up his horns instead of having them poking through his hat. Though, honestly, they might well think it was an adornment of the hat and not //actually// part of his head. If anyone noticed anything odd about his face, you doubted they'd say it //to// his face... presuming they could even come eye to eye. Damien had gone from 'struggling at the gym' to a physique that would make Conan the Barbarian look small. You wouldn't be surprised if he topped 300 pounds, every bit of it pure muscle.
<<nm $phDamien "Nowhere I can think of. Guess you're right we haven't left the mall in a while; funny I didn't notice it before. Haven't been back to my old place... haven't even //thought// of my old place. When I think of 'home', all that comes to mind is Paradise.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know what you mean. Still enjoying the job? I know it's probably not what you had mind for a career.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Can't complain. Might not be much, but it's honest work. Keeps me busy, keeps me happy. Don't got a lot of things I want or need: I've got a warm bed, good food, and good company.">>
<<nm $phYou "It really sounds like you're enjoying 'the simple life'.">>
The bull nodded. His gold septum ring glinted in the morning sun.
<<nm $phDamien "I am. Sure beats the heck out of always worryin' 'bout what people think of me, bein' all anxious about how I look. The world's a rat race. I know women got their problems, too, but it wasn't a cake walk bein' a man either. Everything's about bein' big: big muscles, big dick, thick wallet. All that pressure 'bout being the top dog.">>
<<nm $phYou "And now you've got all that.">>
He chuckled and tipped a lopsided smile you way.
<<nm $phDamien "I do -- 'cept maybe the wallet. But y'know what's even better? //Not caring// that I got it.">>
<<nm $phYou "...wait. But you //did// want that. The muscles, I mean. That was the whole wish, wasn't it? We talked about that a lot, and you really wanted to be--">>
<<nm $phDamien "Strong enough? Yeah. Strong enough to protect people, an' help'em out. Didn't say I wanted to be seven feet tall an' horns comin' outta my head. That's just a side perk.">>
You looked over at him again, your brow furrowing. He half-raised a hand and shook his head, answering your concern before you could even voice it.
<<nm $phDamien "Like I said, $phDamien.address, I got no complaints. But I been thinkin' about it, an' I think the biggest change? I got the //confidence//. I'm not afraid to step up and do what's gotta be done. That's the part of this that steps it up from something I wished to something I needed.">>
You pursed your lips, not entirely convinced. You'd seen the old Damien try to stand up to a certain jerk in the food court -- and fail at it. Size //was// important. Although, you had to admit, the mind was a powerful force...maybe if he'd been more confident to begin with, he would have given off a different 'vibe' to the bully? History was full of smaller men who nonetheless dominated their chosen fields... proof you didn't have to be 'big' to be 'bold'.
And honestly, you weren't sure what surprised you more: Damien's claim, or the fact he was articulating it. It was easy to think of him a more brawn than brain, given his new laid-back outlook on life, but...
You knew as well as anyone that @@.choice;[[Looks Could Be Deceiving!|DamienBullDate][$phDamien.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1.2>><<set $phTime to 2>>The philosophical bent to the conversation didn't last. That, at least, you //could// attribute to Damien's shifted mindset: he was much more focused on here-and-now things, like cold drinks, good food, and occasionally stopping for photographs near the rural 'mom and pop' gas station stores you found along your route. He stayed in the car most of the time, sprawled in the front seat soaking up the sun while you went in for snacks.
Too soon you were on your way back, and too soon you were back down to a reasonable city speed limit, navigating your way through traffic lights and stop signs to get back to Paradise.
<<nm $phYou "Have a good time?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Yes, $pmaam. Was real nice of you to invite me along, thank you.">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't have to call me '$pmaam' all the time, you know.">>
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>><<nm $phDamien "That ruby necklace of yours says otherwise, if you don't mind me sayin'. I'm just bein' polite -- though I know you don't mind bein' called other things, once in a while.">><<else>><<nm $phDamien "I know. That little green necklace you're wearin' makes me think of less polite things I'd call you.">><</if>>
You lifted an eyebrow and glanced down to the gemstone <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>laying against your chest<<else>>nestled between your breasts<</if>>. The faint glow of color was still visible even underneath your shirt.
<<nm $phYou "... well, the day's not over yet.">>
He chuckled, shooting a glance your direction. You'd swear you saw the tiniest beginning of a blush color his cheeks.
<<nm $phDamien "I've been gone all day. No offense, $pmaam -- $phYou.firstname -- but I gotta check on the girls and make sure the stables're running smooth. Maybe if you stop by in an hour or two, once I got everyone taken care of...">>
You didn't have to imagine how Damien would be 'taking care of' some of the cowgirls. You'd visited the stables enough to know how very responsive and sensitive they were when they needed milking, and no doubt some of them were in dire need by now. That protective side of Damien did have its drawbacks, when it meant choosing responsibilities over random romps with the boss.
<<nm $phYou "Tempting, but I have a feeling //one// of us is going to be worn out by then.">>
This time he definitely blushed. For all his newfound confidence, it was still cute to realize being 'big' hadn't made him less awkward in some areas. He muttered something that you didn't quite catch, and you leaned forward with an inquisitive look. The second time, he muttered it loud enough to catch your ear.
<<nm $phDamien "...I've got the stamina, $phDamien.address.">>
<<if ndef $phDated>>You //grinned// as you finally pulled into the Paradise parking lot and eased your way to a stop at the front. Damien gave you a somewhat surprised look.
<<nm $phDamien "...Just dropping off?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not ready to get back to the grind just yet, I think, or maybe I'm just not ready to give up the car. I'm going to run a few more errands before I head back. Maybe if your 'stamina' holds up, I might drop in? If not...well, I'm sure it won't be long until we cross paths. We're not exactly strangers.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Sounds like a plan, $pmaam. Thank you again for the ride.">>
<<nm $phYou "Any time.">>
Damien reached over and patted your knee with a hand that almost engulfed your leg, then popped the door open and headed back into the tower. He offered a last boyish smile and a lifted hand in farewell as he hurried back to his station. You watched him go, but then eased your way back from the curb to rejoin exiting cars. You loved your new home, but you sure didn't love the occasional, bizarre malfunctions that seemed to break the laws of <<if $phCurrentDisaster == 'Rodents'>>nature<<else>>physics<</if>>. Mason could cope without you for a little while longer.
You'd be back @@.choice;[[Soon Enough.|DateReturn][$phDamien.date to 2]]@@
<<else>>You //grinned// as you finally pulled into the Paradise parking lot and eased your way into the valet parking. A crisply uniformed simulacrum was waiting there to take the keys.
Your smile did fade a little bit when you looked up at the impressive, sprawling building that shamed everything for miles around. It looked normal enough from out here, but you wouldn't know whether things were back to normal until you actually stepped through the doors.
<<switch $phCurrentDisaster>><<case 'Silence'>><<nm $phYou "I guess I should check back with Mason and see how things are, while you go check on the food court. Maybe if the curse is broken, we can make some noise later tonight.">><<case 'Rodents'>><<nm $phYou "I guess I should check back with Mason and see how things are, while you go check on the food court. If I'm not chasing around rats for the rest of the night, maybe I'll stop by.">><<case 'Space'>><<nm $phYou "I guess I should check back with Mason and see how things are, while you go check on the food court. Hopefully it's just a normal night sky, and not a planetarium show.">><<case 'Gravity'>><<nm $phYou "I guess I should check back with Mason and see how things are, while you go check on the food court. If gravity's working the right way again, maybe later you can sweep me off my feet.">><</switch>>
You both got out of the Acedia, and it was with a small pang of regret that you watched the valet drive it away to park it. It was a //nice// car; you'd have to take it out again, now that you knew it existed.
<<nm $phDamien "Sounds like a plan, $pmaam. Thank you again for the ride.">>
<<nm $phYou "Any time.">>
Damien turned and headed back into the tower, offering a boyish smile and a lifted hand in farewell as he hurried back to his station. You weren't quite so quick of step to head back in. You loved your new home, but you sure didn't love the occasional, bizarre malfunctions that seemed to break the laws of <<if $phCurrentDisaster == 'Rodents'>>nature<<else>>physics<</if>>.
You sighed, gathered your own confidence, raised your chin, and headed inside.
@@.choice;[[Time To Be Responsible|DateReturn][$phDamien.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2>><<nm $phDamien "Do you always drive like this, $phDamien.address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Too fast for you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "...maybe just a smidgeon, $phDamien.address.">>
You chuckled and eased your foot off the gas. You'd found a nice, flat stretch where you could floor it, without a curve or turn visible all the way to the horizon. The two of you weren't in any hurry, and enjoying the scenery was a lot more difficult when it whizzed past in a blur.
<<nm $phYou "How's that? Sorry; my old car could barely go up a hill, guess I'm enjoying this one a little too much.">>
Damien had a new and undamaged cowboy hat on, but he'd learned his lesson from your last road trip. This time the hat had been fitted with leather lacing that he'd tugged tight and tied beneath his chin. His horns still stuck out the sides, not that there was anyone around to see.
<<nm $phDamien "Hard to think, sometimes, 'bout how things used to be. Sure can imagine enjoyin' a new ride though.">>
His Southern drawl made the comment sound innocent enough, but something in his tone -- and in his lopsided smile -- made you cast a suspicious glance his way.
<<nm $phYou "...do you mean 'car', or cowgirl?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, both, but guess I'm a little big to fit in most cars anymore.">>
<<nm $phYou "But not too big for a cowgirl?">>
He chuckled, ducking his head down and reaching up to rub the edge of a finger against his coarse goatee. Despite the fact he'd started the innuendo, you swore you saw a faint blush tinge his tanned cheeks.
<<nm $phDamien "Ah, no, $phDamien.address. Not too big for that. Though...uh... sometimes I gotta...be... you know. Slow.">>
Oh yes. He was definitely blushing. And having been on the receiving end of Damien's passions, you could //definitely// understand the need for a more gentle and gradual introduction. Maybe it was best to try to change the subject, though, unless you wanted him blushing all the way to speechlessness half-way into the ride.
<<nm $phYou "Speaking of the girls: everything okay with them? How are they handling our 'technical problem'?">>
<<switch $phCurrentDisaster>>
<<case 'Rodents'>><<nm $phDamien "They're not real happy with a bunch of mice runnin' around the store, or the stables, but I think the mice are as afraid of the girls as the girls are of them. Still get the occasional squeal, but 'fore I left they'd broken out the brooms and declared war.">>
<<case 'Gravity'>><<nm $phDamien "It's a mess, to be honest, $phDamien.address. Ingredients floatin' all over the place, can't even hook'em up right to the milkers to calm'em down. They aren't //upset//, but it sure is frustrating. 'magine they might need some extra hours in the stables once things are right-side-up again.">>
<<case 'Silence'>><<nm $phDamien "It's not too bad. Little quieter than usual, but the girls enjoy the calm. They've gotten creative with the customers, and printed out a menu so folks can just point at the things they want.">>
<<case 'Space'>><<nm $phDamien "Seein' Mars float past sure is impressive, but it hasn't shaken them off their day-to-day. Gettin' hungry doesn't stop because the view changed, so we're still fieldin' customers, and back in the stables they aren't lookin' out any windows... or thinkin' much at all.">>
<</switch>>
<<nm $phYou "Sounds like things aren't //too// bad, all things considered. How about you? We've got a lot more cowgirls than when we started, and it's still just you back there.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I'm keepin' up. Don't need any help, if that's what you're askin'. I don't mind havin' more girls -- kinda like it, actually. Like... guess I feel kinda proud. Even just goin' on with work, cleanin' things, restockin', I'll hum a little and just be happy, 'cause I know the girls are happy. Is that strange?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think so. It just means you care for them, doesn't it? You care for them, and you enjoy your work.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Care for'em. And like my work, too.">>
His blush still hadn't faded, even despite you shifting topics towards 'working' instead of 'riding'. If anything, his cheeks had deepened their rosey hue, and the bull-man lifted a heavy hand to rub at the back of his neck as he stared down at the car's dash. An awkward silence fell, with Damien trying his best to look like he //wasn't// uncomfortable, and you casting frequent, questioning glances at your passenger.
@@.choice;
[[Was Something Wrong?|DamienBullDate][$phDamien.date to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "...Damien?">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phDamien "Yessir?">><<else>><<nm $phDamien "Yes'm?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Don't play dumb; you're 'stud', not 'stupid'. What's wrong? Something with the girls?">>
<<nm $phDamien "N-no! Just-- well, I-- That's just it, $phDamien.address. I'm, ah, not... much of a 'stud', you know.">>
Both of your eyebrows lifted towards your hairline, and your foot eased off the gas a little more, bringing you back //almost// to the posted speed limit. Your $phYou.eyes eyes flicked down to his lap. Damien, having //performance// problems? Unless he had secret eunuch fantasies that had affected his transformation, surely that was impossible.
His face was strawberry-red now, and he'd somehow managed to sink down further into the Acedia's plush leather seat. He still rubbed self-consciously at his nape.
<<nm $phDamien "You, uh, understand: a man has certain... needs. An', I guess since, uh, becoming more... uh, you know, I guess I'm... kinda... feelin' that itch. An' I really do //like// the girls, an'... an' I guess I... well, I...">>
<<nm $phYou "...are you having 'trouble'? Viagra kind of trouble?">>
<<nm $phDamien "No, $pmaam! Not at all! Everything //works//, and-- and the girls really, uh, enjoy getting bred, but... I guess I'm...well. Shooting... blanks?">>
His voice almost //squeaked// from his embarrassment on the last word, and if the big man could have somehow melted into the floor boards away from your incredulous gaze, you think he would done so. You, meanwhile, were incredulous.
<<nm $phYou "Have you been trying to get them //pregnant//?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Not trying, no, $pmaam, but... well, even the extra large condoms are too tight on me, so I go 'all natural', and sometimes I service the girls two, three times a week, or even every day if they're really needin' it... and nothing's, ah, happened yet. And... and.. yeah. I guess I... I feel like it should? Like something's wrong with me. That I'm not doin' my job.">>
You had to turn your eyes back on the road as you listened with dumbfounded shock. You //knew// how babies were made, of course, and in your old life you wouldn't have been caught dead doing the deed without protection. Since Lazren's blessing and your new and improved sex life, you hadn't really given it much thought. Was it something you had to worry about? Had 'going natural' already put you into danger? It hadn't been long enough for any physical symptoms to show up; you hadn't been a demon //that// long. The thought made your stomach sink down to your feet. You did not think the tower was properly equipped for that sort of thing right now.
<<nm $phYou "So... okay, let me say this back to you. You're not //trying// to get them pregnant, but you're disappointed none of them are? Has it-- has it even been long enough to know that? Aren't they on birth control or something?">>
Would the tower even let something like that happen? You were pretty sure you'd never seen any budget line-items for prophylactics or child support. <<if $phLazrenPlan == 1>>Lazren had mentioned wanting the tower to be able to //re-make// the world -- not fill it with half-demon children.<<else>>Lazren hadn't mentioned anything about your job including half-demon children.<</if>>
<<nm $phDamien "No, $pmaam. All the girls are clear of medication -- makes the milk taste off. Even aspirin or ibuprofen, they gotta tell me so I know not to hook'em up to the milkers that day. Not that it happens much. Turns out part of the basic package is usually pretty good health.">>
Of course. You had to admit, that did make sense. You let out a slow, stunned breath, still trying to process both what Damien had said, and its implications. If the tower itself didn't somehow render you sterile, then if there weren't any pregnancies //now//...
@@.choice;
[[There Might Be Soon!|DamienBullDate][$phDamien.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2.2>>The rest of the trip had been less 'road trip' and more 'heart to heart'. It was a good talk, and once you'd managed to get past your initial shock, you got down to the core of his embarrassment. It made perfect sense, once Damien managed to stop stammering enough to explain how he felt. He //was// a bull, with all the protective, possessive traits that came with it. And when you put a bull together with a herd of cows, that was what you got. You supposed bulls and cowgirls might work the same way.
His breeding instinct wanted full bellies and the eventual pitter-patter of little feet around the stables. The human side of him had no idea why suddenly he felt such a strong urge to have children. Not a //family//, not marriage and a wife and a little house with a green yard, but //children//, specifically. Or why he felt like such a failure for not having any yet.
Unfortunately, it put //you// in the awkward situation of trying to soothe frustrated primal drives that even he didn't fully understand, and at the same time somehow convince him to hold off on the whole 'kid' thing. The problems of business management they'd never prepared you for.
<<nm $phYou "The fact none of them are, uh, expecting doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Nature's fickle like that sometimes, and it's only been, what, a couple of weeks? Maybe a month? And waiting a little bit might be the best thing you can do, Damien. I mean, we don't have a medical facility or a hospital or anything, and we can't send the girls to somewhere outside. I'm not even sure we have a daycare.">>
Or a kindergarten, or anything else like that, but //those// problems were at least a few years down the line.
<<nm $phYou "I'll talk to Mason, too, and find out if maybe the transformation or the tower blocks that kind of stuff. I haven't exactly been practicing safe sex myself, <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>and I don't have any children on the way that I know of<<else>>and I'm not 'expecting' either<</if>>, so maybe we just //can't//. Maybe it's not you at all.">>
You were both back at the mall now, and the Acedia was idling with a low, thrumming purr as you waited for a valet to come park it. Now that the convertible top was back up, Damien's immense bulk made him look comically large in comparison to both you and the car's interior.
He nodded. His expression still warred between melancholy and embarrassment, and he rubbed at his goatee with one hand.
<<nm $phDamien "Maybe not. I'm sorry, $phDamien.address; I know it sounds crazy, and if I knew how to make it //stop// botherin' me, I would. I don't regret changin', not for a second, just... guess I wasn't expectin' those protein drinks to have this particular side effect.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hah. Me neither, believe me. Guess we'll have to refine the formula a little bit.">>
You reached over and patted his muscular thigh before giving it a soft squeeze. Damien's horned head turned towards you, and he beamed a grateful smile in your direction.
<<nm $phDamien "Thanks for listenin', $pmaam. Then, and now. Means the world to me, an' I want you to know that.">>
Any notion you might have had about holding firm in your 'boss' role went out the window with that. You leaned across the center console and wrapped as much of him in your arms as you could manage, squeezing even tighter this time.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you for trusting me. I know I don't always have the answers, but you mean a lot to me, and we'll both do the best we can.">>
He returned the embrace, his arms encircling you with noticeable care. You felt a warm, contented wuff of breath against your hair before the shadow of the valet darkened the window, and you both reluctantly pulled away.
It was time to give back the car, and go see @@.choice;[[How Things Fared Inside.|DateReturn][$phDamien.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Damien's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<set $phLocation = 'DamienDate'>><<if $phDamien.date is 3>><<set $phDamien.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1>><<if $phSeason is 'winter'>><<nm $phDamien "There you are! I was starting to think it was a prank, $pMistress! Why'd you tell me to bundle up this much if we were going to the movies? Even in this season, it's not //that// cold!">>
<<nm $phYou "Not the movies, actually, and because I know you. You've got wonderful legs to show off, but if you wore a skirt today you would not be very happy.">>
<<else>><<nm $phDamien "There you are! I was starting to think it was a prank, $pMistress! Why did you tell me to bundle up so much if we were going to the movies? It's //way// too hot for this!">>
<<nm $phYou "Because I know we're not going to the movies, actually, and I know you. You have wonderful legs to show off, but if you wore a skirt today you would not be very happy.">>
<</if>>Dana ran to meet you as you popped out of your car, very much not in a skirt today. He was dressed in a set of tight black snow pants and a white parka emblazoned with a shining pink unicorn. His long hair spilled out of the bottom of a beanie with the same unicorn across the front, and his makeup was, as ever, expertly applied.
The moment he reached you he all but hurled himself into your arms and, laughing, you gathered him up into a kiss. Dana's perfume was a lovely floral scent and you got the distinct taste of cherry against your lips as you pulled away from the kiss.
<<nm $phYou "New lipstick?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh! You can tell? Is it too much?">>
You pretended to think about it, then leaned forward and pressed another kiss against him. When you pulled away, you smacked your lips theatrically and shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "Seems just right to me!">>
Dana giggled and finally disengaged from you, only to loop his arm into yours and lean his head against your shoulder. He wasn't the only one in a slightly different outfit. Your demonic body didn't seem to care about the cold very much, but you'd still traded out the suit jacket for a long, woolen coat. Judging by the way he cooed as you began to walk forward with him, your new style met with his approval.
<<nm $phDamien "So where //are// we going? You've never asked me out away from the tower before. I had no idea what to wear.">>
<<nm $phYou "You did just fine. Right there in that middle building, the one in front of the theater. You spend all day in the gym; I wasn't sure you could even stand to sit still for two hours if we took in a movie. I came up with something a little better.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I could if you were there, but I'd probably be bouncing on my heels a little. It's hard to stop once you get going. What's in-- Oh gosh! $pMistress! Really?! For me?">>
You approached the door to the building. It gave little away on the outside: just a long rectangular shape with an unpainted exterior. As you approached the glass doors, though, Dana could see the snowflakes painted onto the sliding doors. He could also see //through// the glass doors to the rink beyond. Dozens of people in large coats and hats circling around in the central ice rink.
<<nm $phYou "So I know you love the skate park. How do you feel about ice ska--">>
You were silenced, abruptly, by yet another cherry-tasting kiss.
Apparently, @@.choice;[[Dana Approved!|DamienSissyDate][$phDamien.date to 1.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1.1>><<nm $phDamien "That's it! You use the very front of the skate to grip and push off! You're getting the hang of it!">>
Dana effortlessly turned again, his hands held at the small of his back as he switched to skating backward in front of you. You wobbled for a moment, trying very hard to resist the urge to curse at your paramour. It wasn't that you couldn't skate on the ice. The problem was that you weren't the same person who had //learned// to ice skate years ago.
Your tail was a problem. It changed the way your weight was distributed and made you want to lean back rather than forward every time you tried to move your feet. Whenever you had a moment of unsteady footing, which was quite often on the ice, it threatened to pull itself out of the back of your coat to counterbalance you and the effort to keep it from doing that made it twice as hard to get your balance back.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Dana. Why don't we slow down for just a minute. Oh, have you tried any of the snacks?">>
Dana looked confused, and you pointed past her. You'd mostly stuck to the edge of the rink where you could grip the railing when your tail threatened to spill you down to the ground again, but the very center of the long oval was actually occupied by a quartet of small booths, back to back in two pairs. Every so often, a small food basket would be placed on the counter and, sooner or later, a passing skater would turn in to snag it up.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh! Is //that// what those are? I've been wondering. I don't see anyone paying, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "Comes with the ticket. Come on, let's try to make it that way.">>
You pushed away from the wall, grimly, but it wasn't as horrendous as you might have thought. You //were// starting to get the hang of things, it was just a great deal slower than you would like and more often than not you inched along rather than actually skated.
Dana did not have that problem. The pretty young man seemed to be born on the ice. He effortlessly changed directions, stopped, or started up again without apparently thinking about it. It would appear that all of those hours in the gym had not been wasted. You were starting to wonder if you should hit up the site more often yourself, and do something other than supervising and enjoying your sissy's company.
You finally made it, though, the counter working putting out a large basket ahead of you. You skated past and snagged it up, feeling the pleasant warmth against your fingers. You peered into the basket and inhaled deeply.
<<nm $phYou "...Fried dough, I think!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh dear. Not exactly in my diet, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Oh, you didn't want any then?">>
Dana's expression was a war of emotions. It wasn't a war that lasted very long. He skated close to you, reached out, and snagged one of the fried treats with a guilty expression.
You laughed. @@.choice;[[That's What You Thought.|DamienSissyDate][$phDamien.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 1.2>><<set $phTime to 1>>You sat down on the bench and unlaced the skates from your feet. It had been a good afternoon. After a little practice, you finally got used to a slightly different system of balance and could move around the ice faster than a geriatric giraffe, though you were still nowhere near keeping up with your date.
<<nm $phYou "Well? What did you think? Roller blades or ice-skating next time?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, we've //got// to come back here, $pMistress! That was so much fun! Thank you, thank you!">>
As you straightened up in the bench seat, Dana skipped up to you, turned, and sat down directly on your lap. You laughed and wrapped your arms around his middle, holding him tight against your body. Dana squirmed playfully for a few seconds, as though trying to get comfortable.
<<nm $phYou "Thank //you//, Dana. It's good to get out of the tower for a little while. It's a lovely place, but even paradise can get boring after a while.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I know what you mean, $pMistress. We always have new people to meet, though. I'm happy, though I absolutely hope we come here again. I'm just surprised you took //me//. All those gorgeous people who work for you, but you wanted a day on the town with me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey now, not one talks down to my Dana, not even you. You //are// one of the gorgeous people, you know. You have any idea just how many deep reflections about orientation you've caused working down at the gym? I've seen a lot of guys a fair bit more open with themselves, and a lot of girls wondering if they want to try something a little different too.<br><br>It's not just the looks, though. You're totally happy with everything, Dana. You remind me that sometimes life is about the little things, and you're a bright spot in my day every time I see you.">>
Dana's cheeks heated to a shade of red that rivaled his cherry lipstick as he looked down at his lap and squirmed -- this time not just to tease you. Finally he reached down with one hand and squeezed your knee.
<<nm $phDamien "Thank you, $pMistress. It means a lot to me. What you gave me was...I can't even describe it. It's like I get up every morning excited to face the day. It's getting harder to even remember what getting up without that excitement was like. I want to spread it to everyone, but to you most of all. Meeting you was the best thing that could have happened to me.">>
You beamed and took gently hold of Dana's chin, turning him into yet another kiss. This one was not chaste or playful, however, but a long and lingering touch of your lips. You wrapped your other arm tight around him, feeling every swell and ebb of his breath.
Eventually, though, you had to let him go. His eyes fluttered for a few seconds, and then he let out a giggle as he popped back onto his feet and picked up both of your skates.
<<nm $phDamien "You've got others you need to help though, $pMistress. Thank you. This was wonderful. The next time you want to get out, let me know and I'll be right there. Your Dana.">>
He mimed a curtsey, though he didn't have his normal skirt to pull it off, and then winked. You nodded and waved him off toward the desk to turn things in. As you watched the sissy skip away, you leaned back on the bench and let out a contented sigh.
Dana was right. There were others. Tomorrow you would be back to work, once more sifting through customers for those with deep desires. Still, it was good to remind yourself that you //were// improving things for the people you helped. Dana was happier than he had ever been.
Reluctantly, you stood. A few more errands, and then it would be time to @@.choice;[[Go Home Again.|DateReturn][$phDamien.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2>><<set $phTime to 2>><<nm $phDamien "Now you're getting the hang of it! Just like that.">>
You leaned into the turn as you pumped your legs and built up speed, allowing yourself to straighten out as you rounded the corner. Dana was right there beside you, his expression annoyingly untroubled as he kept up with you. You were visiting later in the day, and you seemed to have caught it at a bit of a slow point. Two of the four food stalls in the center were closed, and there were probably only a third as many people on the ice with you as there had been. That meant a lot more room to maneuver outside the crush of humanity.
<<nm $phYou "Starting to get the hang of it. At least, my tail isn't trying to find a way to rip itself out of my coat every time I lean to one side. That's progress!">>
Dana giggled, performing an expert pirouette in the air and landing facing toward you, once again skating backward with little apparent concentration. You whistled, impressed.
<<nm $phYou "I meant to ask this last time. Where'd you learn to skate like that?">>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>><<nm $phDamien "Oh, it's not that different from skating on concrete, and Cass makes sure that I get //lots// of practice doing that. She loves to speed down the park. I also played a lot of hockey growing up, though I was never much good at it. I could skate with the best of them but I was pretty useless at actually moving the puck anywhere.">><<else>><<nm $phDamien "Oh, it's not that different from skating on concrete, and I get lots of practice at that in the gym. I also played a lot of hockey growing up, though I was never much good at it. I could skate with the best of them but I was pretty useless at actually moving the puck anywhere.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, it's paying off. You're pulling tricks like you're a professional. Think you'll be trying out for some figure skating trials soon?">>
Dana blinked and actually almost fell out of rhythm, though he recovered nicely. A bit of red spread across his cheeks as he lead you through the curve at a more leisurely pace.
<<nm $phDamien "What...like...Leotards and music and judges with numbers and all that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sure! You've got the skills for it. You're young, and you're in amazing shape. I bet you'd master it inside a year.">>
<<nm $phDamien "But...wouldn't I have to leave the gym a lot if I did that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Dana, you're allowed to have a hobby. We're out the gym right now aren't we? I'm not saying you have to, I'm just saying you ought to think abou--">>
The intercom squawked from above you. The lights shifted. Several of the plain white bulbs shut off as they were replaced by more colorful pink and red spotlights down over the ice. A chipper female voice echoed over the rink.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Announcer" "Attention everyone. It's time for our daily couples skate. We're going to ask everyone here with their special someone to skate on the inside ring of the ice. Everyone else is welcome to continue skating along the outside. Thank you!">>
Dana looked back down to you, but you were already extending your hand. The red at his cheeks deepened, but he slowed and slipped his fingers into yours. You closed your hand around his and squeezing, reassuringly.
Then you turned and tugged him toward @@.choice;[[The Inside Ring.|DamienSissyDate][$phDamien.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2.1>>You didn't recognize the song they were playing. It sounded like it came from the barbershop era and a crooning voice sang saccharine praise about his lover in a way that would have struck you as immensely trite if you heard it on the street.
But right here, and right now, it was perfect.
Dana skated close beside you, one arm looped around your back and his head was laid across your shoulder. It was awkward to skate much faster than a crawl like that, but neither of you cared. The young man let out a soft sigh.
<<nm $phDamien "...This is nice.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes.">>
And that seemed to be enough talking for a while. You skated together and Dana was warm against your side as you watched the bright lights shine against the ice. You didn't say another word as the song ran to its conclusion, then switched to one that you recognized. Queen's 'Somebody to Love' began to echo through the rink, and you smiled down at the sissy.
<<nm $phYou "Whatcha thinking about?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Just wondering. If I'd also wished I could slow down time, would I be able to do that now? Cause I'd give you all of me all over again to do that right now.">>
You grinned and ruffled Dana's hair, lightly. He slapped you playfully on the back, but didn't otherwise object, and you completed another circuit around the ring while Freddy Mercury's voice rose and fell in its unique way.
Finally, Dana lifted his head again and bit his lower lip. His eyes were wide and shining in the pink and red lights passing overhead.
<<nm $phDamien "...$pMistress? Can I ask you something? And I promise I'm not trying to be bratty?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hmm? Of course, Dana; I know you're not a brat. What do you need?">>
<<nm $phDamien "...Would it be alright if I brought anyone else here, or is this only for you?">>
That made you pause. You gave Dana a confused look, and he dropped his head immediately. You kept a tamp on your initial reaction, squeezing him lightly against your side.
<<nm $phYou "...Is there someone else you'd like to bring?">>
<<nm $phDamien "No! It's nothing like that, $pMistress! The boys and girls at the gym are good fun. I get to call them daddy or mommy a few times, and then mostly they get involved elsewhere. I was just thinking that when I find someone serious, this is exactly the sort of place I would want to go.">>
<<nm $phYou "We aren't serious?">>
Dana giggled and reached up, putting his hand lightly across your chest. He patted you, lightly, and batted his eyelashes.
<<nm $phDamien "$pMistress. If I thought I could keep you to myself, I absolutely would. But I know you've got to be on the hunt. There are people you need to help, and new secrets you need to ferret out. You're going to meet new people who will be just as grateful as I am. You've got better things to do than play games.">>
You blinked, contemplating that for a split second. Then you tilted your skates and @@.choice;[[Brought Yourself To A Halt.|DamienSissyDate][$phDamien.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 2.2>>Dana kept going for a moment, but when you halted you brought him up short and pulled him in against you. You got a bit of a sour look from the couple behind you, who had to swerve suddenly to avoid the pair of you, but everyone else had plenty of time to give you wide berth. You reached up to take Dana's chin and lift his eyes to yours.
<<nm $phYou "Dana. I'm here with you. If you want to bring someone else, I don't mind. I want you to be happy, but I'm not playing a game. You mean a lot to me. I don't want you ever forgetting that.">>
Dana's cheeks flushed brightly as the young man's eyes flicked for one of yours to the other. He smiled, and brought both his arms up to lay across your chest.
<<nm $phDamien "Mmm, $pMistress. You're wonderful to me. I feel the same way about you. You've given me enough, more than enough, really, but love isn't a part time thing, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "You...don't want to share?">>
Dana rolled his eyes playfully, but his expression was serious, even as he absently toyed with the collar of your shirt with the edge of his fingers.
<<nm $phDamien "It's not the //sharing//, $pMistress. You could tag team me with anyone you wanted and I'd just beg for more, and I don't mind that you're with other people at the tower too. It isn't about that. It's...">>
He trailed off for a moment, clearly contemplating his words. You let him get his thoughts in order even as Mercury's singing reached a crescendo around you.
<<nm $phDamien "You have to do what you do, and I wouldn't stop you if I tried. You have to listen and you have to understand, and to do that you have to love them too, just a little bit. There are going to be all sorts of people who are going to have a piece of your heart. You can't spend all your time worrying about your sissy back at home when you're out on the town with someone new, and it's not you to //stop// hunting, even if you could.<br><br>So...I'm alright with that. I'll take all of you I can get. I'll be there whenever you want, and I'll spread myself on the bed with a snap of your fingers. I'll always be yours...but only for a little while at a time. You've got other places to be, and I need someone who can hold onto my collar so tight I know they'll never let me go.">>
<<nm $phYou "But what if--">>
Dana rose onto his tip-toes and pressed his lips to yours, cutting off your protest. You held the cherry-flavored kiss in the ice and music until the last notes of the song died away. The lights began to rise back toward the clear right of regular skating and Dana finally gently pushed away from you.
<<nm $phDamien "...Good night, $pMistress. I'll see you back home, okay?">>
He turned and skated away, nimbly, leaving you standing shell-shocked in the middle of the rink and feeling like a high school student who just got rejected for prom. You privately had to concede the sissy had a point, though. Your attention was always going to be divided. Even if Dana didn't mind you seeing other people, that still meant a lot of days and nights occupied with the tower and not with him. He'd always worry about coming second. <<if $phWaitUltimate.includes('Gym2') is true>>That wasn't even getting into the fact you already had Mason as a full time submissive, which was a whole different kettle of fish.<</if>>
You could show him he was wrong, somehow. You weren't sure how, but you could prove that he //wouldn't// be low priority to you...if you believed that. Otherwise...maybe he was right. Maybe it was time for you to find someone with a lot more time and attention to give Dana what he needed.
That would be something to think about, but later. You suddenly felt like you had done enough skating for @@.choice;[[One Day.|DateReturn][$phDamien.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Dana's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<set $phJolie.portrait to 'Jolie'>><<set $phLocation to 'JolieDate'>><<if $phJolie.date is 3>><<set $phJolie.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1>><<nm $phJolie "A //film// museum? Oh wow! I didn't even know this was here!">>
You were standing in the parking lot, and the blonde woman stared at the large building in front of you. It was covered with brightly colored murals depicting clapboards, megaphones, actors, and actresses. The front entrance was accentuated by a massive water fountain featuring a huge stone tripod and camera statue in the very center. Digital billboards flickered and ran through a short listing of upcoming events, exhibits, and performances.
You'd come separately, but arrived at almost the same moment. Jolie stared, taking it all in. She was maskless, for once, but you knew that it was probably in her pocket. She'd traded in the concealing turtleneck for something lighter and more revealing: a simple white windbreaker over a black strapless tanktop, along with a pair of jeans and comfortable sneakers. Even in her 'unaugmented' form, she wore it well.
<<nm $phYou "I went looking when it turned out we had the time. You always play what everyone needs; I thought you might enjoy the day off.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh I will, I will! Don't worry, though. If you do what you love, then it's never work. I am...how you say...living my best life, yes?">>
She moved over and hip-checked you playfully before beginning to walk toward the museum. You stretched your legs easily to keep up with her.
<<nm $phYou "I can get behind that, but there are still days that feel like work. I'm sure Mason would agree. He loves solving problems, but I don't think he was expecting issues like today.">>
Jolie wrinkled her nose, and nodded emphatically as you walked. Her attention was on your conversation, but you could see her eyes bouncing around each new mural, ad, and statue. You hadn't even made it into the building yet and you already knew this was going to be a hit.
<<nm $phJolie "Ah, yes. I am quite lucky I had not yet donned a role this morning. If I had, I might have adapted to the new circumstance, and who knows how long it would have taken to pry me out of it.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You don't get a choice whether you do or not?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Somewhat. I know the role that is called for. I know if someone is seeking a kindly old lady or a young woman of loose morals or just a clerk with good directions. I do not always know why, and once I am in the role I become what is needed. It can make breaking out of the performance somewhat... challenging.">>
That made sense. You nodded as the pair of you stepped into the ticket line. On reflex, you lifted your head to scan the prices above...and then patted your pockets in consternation. Money! Right! That was actually a //thing// in the outside world, wasn't it?
Jolie saw your motion and laughed, reaching into her pocket for a small, leather pocketbook. She flashed you a teasing grin.
<<nm $phJolie "It seems you shall have to owe me, my friend. I shall buy us admission for the day, and you can find a way to make it up to me, I am sure.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why don't we go for the season pass? I have a strong feeling we're not going to see everything in a single day...and I have a hunch we'll be seeing this place again very soon.">>
Jolie @@.choice;[[Beamed!|JoliePornstarDate][$phJolie.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1.1>><<nm $phJolie "Oh geez, this is //too// fun I- Oh! I should be quiet, shouldn't I?">>
Jolie was giggling like mad as you walked arm in arm through the exhibit. It hadn't been hard to decide where to start. The exhibit halls were arranged by era, and the pair of you had set out to enjoy some silent films.
The whole massive wing was painted in an artful black-and-white, shaded here and there to give the impression of a run down shack, or a resplendent castle, or a peaceful farm. You'd watched comedic shorts from a man with a short mustache, examined aged relics and hand-painted backgrounds, and even 'starred' in your own version. A station in one side room was set up with a digital camera and a load of props, and you'd both enjoyed playing the voiceless, exaggerated characters.
<<nm $phYou "Well, we are moving forward in time. We'll be hitting 'talkies' soon enough. I think we can converse just a little bit.">>
You smiled and put your hand on the small of Jolie's back as you walked her over to a set of tables between this exhibit and the next. It was a very modern building, so you weren't surprised to see both gift shops and snack counters throughout. You had to admit this one showed a great deal more effort than most though. The tops of the burgers were seared in such a way as to suggest a camera lens, and the fries came in old-style red and white popcorn containers.
You had to let Jolie buy the meal again, cursing your continual forgetfulness of the concept of money, and settled down into a seat to munch happily.
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. I admit, the ones back home are pretty good, but there is something to be said for...how would you say it...">>
<<nm $phYou "Variety?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, yes. Variety. I suppose that is what I do, isn't it? And you, for that matter!">>
You blinked and turned to look at her, resting your elbow on the table next to the box of artful fries.
<<nm $phYou "I do variety? How do you mean?">>
<<nm $phJolie "I mean, you have so many of us now. All of us different. Not just little differences, but you make us all into something new. A totally new role. A totally new person. I hope that we are spice enough!">>
You smiled again and reached to lay your hand over Jolie's as she reached for a fry. She looked up at you, her expression surprised, and you met her eyes.
<<nm $phYou "//You// are, at the very least.">>
Jolie drew her head back for a moment and then ducked her chin and chuckled. She shifted her hand palm up, to squeeze your fingers.
<<nm $phJolie "Well, then. I will continue to be...spicy?">>
You blinked at each other for a moment. Then you both @@.choice;[[Burst Into Laughter!|JoliePornstarDate][$phJolie.date to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1.2>><<set $phTime = 2>>You progressed through the eras. From silent films to talkies to the early days of the Hollywood blockbuster. Despite it being more for Jolie than for you, you found yourself fascinated. The technology kept advancing, yes, but the //style// did as well. There were things that you still recognized from modern productions and things that seemed to come from another culture entirely.
You found yourself following cheerfully after Jolie from exhibit to exhibit. Neither of you was in a rush. You knew you'd be back soon enough, and you were both determined to look at every display, experiment with every 'do it yourself' installation, and watch every reel from the antique footage.
As you passed into a new era, however, the intercom overhead beeped and announced that the museum would be closing in the next half hour. You checked your phone for the time with some surprise.
<<nm $phYou "Wow, have we really been here that long? It's not //that// late. Do they close this early?">>
<<nm $phJolie "How many museum patrons do you think they get in the evenings? It's, how you say, a 'day activity'? Besides, I think they have an auditorium on the far side they rent out, and they probably want to keep the parking clear.">>
It made sense, but your agreement was grudging. You were glad you'd opted for the season pass, but you couldn't help but feel like your momentum had been broken. You both made note of the era you were leaving off in, and proceeded toward the exit. As you had said, it wasn't //that// late, and the sun was still painting the sky red as the two of you stepped out onto the sidewalk.
Jolie tilted her head back to look up at the sky, and then shot you a bashful look over her shoulder. She nudged the ground with one foot.
<<nm $phJolie "You know...I wanted to say that I...um...Well, I wanted to tell you...">>
<<nm $phYou "...Wanted to tell me...?">>
Jolie rolled her eyes at you and stamped her foot playfully on the ground, shaking her head back and forth and setting her ponytail to swaying behind her.
<<nm $phJolie "Hush. This would be a lot easier if I was playing a part. I could bring out the leather domme to say it, if you'd rather. Or your 'wife'!">>
<<nm $phYou "No, no. That's alright. I'd prefer you. Take your time.">>
Jolie studied you suspiciously for a long moment, then settled herself and blew out a breath. She turned and took both your hands.
<<nm $phJolie "It is not that big a deal. I just wanted to tell you that I...appreciate this. Not just today, but everything you have done for me. Meeting you was one of the best things that ever happened to me.">>
<<nm $phYou "I promise, I feel the same way. I'm glad that I was able to help. I had fun today. I hope you'll come back with me, next time there's a disaster upstairs?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Oh, of course! Just...do not let me go out in leathers, yes? I really like this place, and they seem nice. I would rather not get banned for telling one of the cashiers to kiss my boo--">>
You cut her off. With your lips.
You pulled her lightly against you and wrapped an arm around the small of her back. Jolie's muscles went tense against your fingers, but she relaxed onto your chest shortly after. She was plush and soft and warm against your body, and the kiss seemed to go on forever.
Everything had an ending though. Soon enough you were forced to break away and allow Jolie to take a step back. The blonde's face was flushed, and you were pretty sure it wasn't with embarrassment. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then grinned up at you.
<<nm $phJolie "I will see you back in the office?">>
<<nm $phYou "Always. Drive safe. I'll see you soon.">>
She laughed and turned back to her car. You watched her go. You waited until she'd gotten in, waved at you one last time, and pulled out of the parking lot. Only then, grinning like an idiot, did you get into your own.
That had been @@.choice;[[Quite A Show.|DateReturn][$phJolie.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2>>The museum had a new facade out front as you stepped out of your car. A bright red carpet stretched out in front of the entrance, and a dozen people with cameras and microphones were hanging out in front of the building. You spotted Jolie standing nearby and jogged up to meet her.
<<nm $phYou "Looks like we picked an exciting day to come back. Think they're waiting for someone?">>
<<nm $phJolie "I suppose they might be. Perhaps there is an event here? Want to find out?">>
She smiled at you, and hooked her arm inside of yours. You chuckled, and walked her down the lot toward the carpet. Your feet had barely touched the carpet when one of the crowd suddenly pointed your way. Almost immediately, cameras began to turn toward you, flashing blindingly!
You stopped in your tracks and stared as you suddenly faced a mob. Microphones were thrust at the pair of you as the crowd began to shout a rapidfire series of questions. What was your next project going to be? What sort of afterparty were you going to? Was it true what the tabloids all said about you?
You reeled on your feet from one side to the other, unable to articulate an answer to one question before the next came. Did they think you were someone else? Did they know about the tower? No, there was no way. <<if $phXavier.transform is not 'pre'>>Xavier hadn't been able to write his story. No one knew about what you did!<<else>>There was no way that rumors about the tower would end up in print without you finding out about it!<</if>>
At your elbow, Jolie suddenly laughed. She reached up and tilted your head upward a fraction to the large banner hanging above the doorway. It took you a few seconds to parse the words, and then you let out a a relieved sigh -- followed by a sheepish chuckle.
@@.narrative;''//Welcome To 'You're The Star' Day! What Will You Do With Fame?//''@@
You and Jolie pressed forward into the crowd of 'reporters', all of whom gave way easily. Jolie pulled you a little closer to her as she wiggled the fingers of her other hand invitingly at the cameras.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh yes! Why, our last film did so well, I think the sky is the limit! Thank you, dear, be sure to get my good side!">>
A chuckle went through the crowd, and the cameras flashed a few more times as the reporters obliged the 'starlet'. Once you were through to the lobby, the crowd regrouped behind you and turned to face the next arriving celebrities. You saw a curious family approaching the carpet and wondered if they would catch on faster than you did.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh my! Look!">>
Again, Jolie tilted your head upward, but this time it wasn't a banner above you. The lobby was hung with a massive TV screen which was now displaying an earnest reporter cutting live to news about the 'hottest talent in Hollywood today'. The screen switched to an image of the two of you walking in, your bemused expression beside Jolie's dawning comprehension as the reporters mobbed you both.
Clever! You guessed the intro was the same every time. All they had to do was trade out the video for the one they'd just shot outside. Still, you couldn't help but indulge the fantasy. Lazren had made your powerful and influential, but not famous! You laughed again, put your hand on Jolie's hip, and pulled her in.
<<nm $phYou "Well? What do you say? Want to see how the other half lives?">>
Judging from her expression, @@.choice;[[She Did!|JoliePornstarDate][$phJolie.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2.1>>As it turned out, the way the other side lived was silly, but it had its perks. Your season passes to the museum covered admission to the special event, and a perky woman at the reception desk hurried you over to a much larger group. You hadn't actually known the event was happening, so it was no surprise you were a little bit on the late side.
From there, it was an artful whirlwind of action. You were all shown into a 'green room' with suspiciously familiar catering from the fast-food court you'd visited last time. A 'reporter' and her cameraman went from person to person, asking how confident they were feeling about the night. You and Jolie talked cheerfully to a young couple that were visiting from 'out east' who blushed and stammered when the reporter asked if they shared a kiss in their last film.
Then, one by one, you were ushered out of the room and onto a stage to give your acceptance speech. The audience roared with clapping and applause, and the spotlights nearly blinded you both as you stepped out into the lights. The seats, of course, weren't actually filled with anything, but the bright lights and the noise did a lot to hide that fact.
So you gave your 'speech' with Jolie. You thanked the academy, your stunt doubles, and your parents for this 'high honor', holding onto a small gold foil statue you suspected was wrapped around a chocolate figurine. Then you were ushered off the other side and given copies of your photographs, which you happily purchased...or at least Jolie did, since you were once again cursing the human world's obsession with carrying cash. Then the pair of you reentered the museum proper and all but collapsed, laughing, at a table.
<<nm $phJolie "That was so-- What a clever idea! They had actors and everything! And so many people, too! How could they afford all that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not all that many. I'm pretty sure I recognized the anchor on TV from the crowd of photographers outside. Besides. I saw what they were charging for the event if you didn't have a pass. Add that to the price of all the pictures, and they probably did okay. It's well done though. Make me wonder if we ought to do events like that. Think our customers might have a longing for fame and fortune? Jolie?">>
Jolie had the pictures you'd been given spread in front of her on the table, and she was studying them carefully. A little too carefully. Her eyes were distant, and it wasn't until you said her name a second time that she looked up at you and coughed.
<<nm $phJolie "Oh! I'm so sorry. I...how you say, 'zoned out' for a moment. What were you saying?">>
You frowned. That wasn't really like Jolie at all. Curiously you reached over and plucked up the photo she'd been looking at. She squeaked and tried to grab hold of it, but it was too late. You flipped it around and took a look.
It was one of the sillier ones in the spread. It was a picture of you and Jolie superimposed into an elaborate 80s VHS cover. The photo stills showed explosions, a woman in a bikini, and a grim faced man with a phone. The text promised 'The Jolie and $phYou.firstname Collection! High Octane Action and Adventure! Thrills and Chills! You'll Laugh, You'll Cry, You'll Spill Your Popcorn!'.
You chuckled at the image and looked up at your partner, only to freeze. Jolie's expression wasn't one of mirth. It almost looked a little bit like...longing? But that couldn't be right. You'd given her what she wanted...
@@.choice;
[[Hadn't You?|JoliePornstarDate][$phJolie.date to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2.2>><<nm $phYou "...Jolie?">>
The blonde smiled and shook her head as she opened her mouth to protest. You just looked at her, and a moment later she deflated visibly without attempting it. She pursed her lips, and her cheeks turned a little red.
<<nm $phJolie "I'm sorry, $phYou.firstname. Here you are doing so much for me, and it is so fun... I just had a...um...'stray thought'?">>
<<nm $phYou "Stray thought? It's a pretty funny picture. What's wrong with it?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Nothing! It's just... I was thinking there is still one role that I cannot play. Not even with your wonderful mask.">>
You frowned and peered down at the shlocky picture, but you weren't able to follow. Finally, you shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to need to be walked through it, I think.">>
<<nm $phJolie "It is not you, $phYou.firstname. I //know// it does not make sense, but... it is just that I grew up wanting to be on the stage. You gave me the most wonderful chance to play any role I wished; to embody that role right down to my core. I'm wonderfully happy. I get up, and I never know what my day will be. I have been dozens upon dozens of people since I began to work for you. It's such a unique thing to do.<br><br>But I suppose, in a strange way, it is not what I grew up wanting to do. I wanted to be an //actress//... and I am not acting. Perhaps, just once, it would be fun to visit the stage again. Just one time.">>
You thought about that. It made a sort of sense. If young Jolie had grown up idolizing stars on television and in the movies, then being able to inhabit her roles was only one part of the equation. There was the whole mystique around the profession itself that she'd never been able to experience: tabloids and cameras and interviews. No wonder this event had caused a little twinge of something, even if she really //was// happy overall.
<<nm $phYou "If it's any consolation, I'd come to see anything you put on.">>
Jolie broke into a grin and leaned across the table of pictures to plant a kiss on your lips.
<<nm $phJolie "//You// are a touch...how to say...biased, but I appreciate the thought. Now, why don't we get back to the exhibits? Even with this start, we can still fit in two whole eras before we head back, yes?">>
You agreed, and the pair of you gathered up your mementos and headed deeper into the complex. It was just as engaging and interesting as it had been on the last visit, but your mind wasn't quite as focused on it. Instead, you were still turning the problem over in your head.
Jolie was pleased where she was, but the person beneath the mask still harbored the dream of seeing her name in lights. You didn't have much pull in Hollywood, but you'd learned a thing or two about persuasion on this job. You were pretty sure you could find a way to get her back on the stage as herself, even if only one time.
On the other hand...a lot of her personas lately weren't really designed to for art films. You could absolutely see a lot of her usual roles acting in the sort of movies that people didn't display openly on their shelves. If Jolie wanted some fans to know her name, that might be a fun way to do it. You might even volunteer as a co-star...
It would be something you'd have to think about. @@.choice;[[Hard.|DateReturn][$phJolie.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Jolie's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<set $phLocation to 'JolieDate'>><<if $phJolie.date is 3>><<set $phJolie.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1>>You stared at the horse. The horse stared back, and snorted in a way you couldn't help but interpret as derisive.
<<nm $phYou "How did I let you talk me into this?">>
JJ giggled and ran her hand lightly down the front of her horse's wide nose. The equine nickered and rubbed against her hand, shaking its head back and forth and casting its white mane from side to side.
<<nm $phJolie "You asked me where I wanted to go, my bull. My grandparents had a farm when I was growing up. I learned to ride when I was very young.">>
You frowned and studied the horse ahead of you. You weren't sure exactly where you fell on the demonic ladder, but you //were// in charge of something fairly grand and important. You had powers, influence, and a lot of strength. Your horse didn't much seem to care. It pawed at the stable floor with complete indifference.
<<nm $phYou "This might be a good time to admit I //never// learned to ride. Are you sure about this?">>
JJ laughed again and moved over to you, pressing herself against your side the way she habitually did. It let your upper arm slide into her cleavage through the tight white button-up she was wearing. It was a little too small for her, and ample flesh showed between the straining buttons, but she didn't seem to mind.
<<nm $phJolie "Don't worry, my bull. I am certain they have done this trail hundreds of times. Once we've started, I doubt you'll even need to touch the reins, and I appreciate you making the effort.">>
You grunted and gave an experimental tug forward on the leather straps. The horse gave you a flat look, then lifted its head and began walking out of the paddock and toward the open end of the barn, leaving you scrambling to walk after it. Clearly, it was going to take its journey regardless of whether you were on it.
Once you were outside in the sunlight, the horse stopped and shook itself off. You took advantage of the pause to get a firm grip on the bridle. The last thing you needed was to have the bloody thing run off and leave you chasing after it the entire afternoon.
JJ came up beside you, her expression as calmly serene as ever. She flashed you a smile and then, despite the fact she was a lot shorter than you, expertly raised her foot up into the stirrup and swung herself up onto her horse's back.
Your ascent was not nearly as graceful. You got your foot into the stirrup, alright, but the exact mechanics of lifting yourself up and swinging your other foot around the back of the horse took you a few tries. By the time your rear was firmly planted in the leather saddle, the beast was snuffling impatiently. You took up the reins and all but growled in its ear.
<<nm $phYou "...You dump me off your back and I'm going to make you into glue. We clear?">>
The horse @@.choice;[[Nickered!|JolieCowgirlDate][$phJolie.date to 1.1]]
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1.1>>Okay. You had to admit this had been a good idea.
The sun was shining bright and clear, but the path that the ranch was built near was lined with trees, so you were never in direct sunlight long enough for the heat to bother you. As JJ had said, the horses were both old hands on the trail. They trotted along in the dappled sunlight of their own accord, yours just a touch behind Jolie's.
You weren't even sore, though you weren't sure if that was luck or the body that Lazren had given you being more than resilient enough to handle your first ride. Soon you were relaxed and talking as you bounced along the road.
<<nm $phYou "I think I'd still prefer something with horse//power//, but this isn't too bad. It was a good plan, JJ.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmmhmm. I still get to have those, from time to time.">>
She half-turned in her saddle to smile impishly at you. You enjoyed the smile, and the fact that it gave you a better view of the way her chest bounced with every step the horse took. JJ had a lot of bouncing to give.
<<nm $phYou "We were lucky you were here. My ID doesn't look much like me anymore. Until you leaned down at the desk, I thought he was going to refuse to rent them at all.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmmhmm. He liked my tits.">>
You found yourself blushing, unexpectedly. Not that she had said it. You weren't exactly a stranger to JJ's chest, after all. It was the way she said it. She wasn't teasing you, or trying to seduce you, just stating a fact she wasn't the least bit worried about.
<<nm $phYou "You don't mind that he got to stare?">>
JJ gave you a perplexed look. She turned again, and her free hand went to her chest, bouncing her more-than-ample breasts just a little more.
<<nm $phJolie "I //like// being stared at, my bull. Don't you like to look at them?">>
You were digging yourself into a hole. You looked around, desperately, and pointed to a field with a single, lone apple tree in the middle of it.
<<nm $phYou "You know, we're about halfway! Why don't we stop there for a few minutes, and then we can head back!">>
Totally not changing the subject at all. JJ giggled, but inclined her head to you without protest. She tapped her heels against her horse's flank, and the animal suddenly broke into a run. Your horse sprinted ahead as well, and it was suddenly all you could do to hold onto the saddle.
You both rode hard into the field: JJ riding upright and casually in her seat and you desperately clinging to the leather for all you were worth. You were jostled and bumped and bounced all the way down, until the tree blessedly came into sight and the horses began to slow to a trot and then finally to a walk. The cowgirl swung off her horse with all the ease of a gymnast dismounting from a balance beam.
You tried to do the same. @@.choice;[[Tried.|JolieCowgirlDate][$phJolie.date to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 1.2>><<nm $phJolie "Careful, my bull!">>
You'd already swung your leg around and off the horse before realizing that your other foot was still caught in the stirrup. You clutched for the saddle, but it was too late. Your weight was already shifted too far and you toppled off the horse rather than dismount.
It didn't hurt, though. You found yourself landing on a very soft, very resilient cushion. You lay there, listening to the heartbeat against your ear for a few seconds before you looked up.
JJ was smiling beatifically down at you, seeming not at all disturbed to suddenly be laying in the grass. She raised a hand, running her fingers lightly down the back of your head. You couldn't help but laugh.
<<nm $phYou "Nothing fazes you, does it?">>
<<nm $phJolie "No, my bull. Not anymore. You helped with that.">>
You laughed again and attempted to push yourself back to your feet, only to find JJ holding you in place. She took in a deep breath and let it out in the purest sigh of contentment that you had ever heard.
Message received. You'd just lay there for a while.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you. For breaking my fall.">>
<<nm $phJolie "Mmm. You have a little bit to learn, my bull. You don't seem very at ease in the saddle.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why would I be? Have you seen my horse? I bet he's snickering right now.">>
You glared at the equine who, in point of fact, was munching on the tall grass with his compatriot and doing his best to ignore you. It didn't fool you for a second. JJ, however, giggled and pet her hand down the back of your head a little harder.
<<nm $phJolie "You don't trust him. Animals are simpler than people, and they can feel it. You shouldn't be so worried. He is what he is. You are what you are. It's...simple.">>
You thought you caught a note of something in her tone, but you couldn't imagine what. JJ hadn't been unhappy since she'd put on the headphones you'd given her. Her entire life was a blissful fog, albeit one with some entertaining spikes of action. Yet, there had been something beneath the relaxed words that peaked your interest. A little flicker of desire enough to catch your demonic vision.
When you looked up, though, she was smiling serenely, and there was no deception in her eyes as she sighed and finally released her arms from around you.
<<nm $phJolie "We should head back now or we will be late. Perhaps next time, we should rent them for longer? I am certain they would enjoy that, and I would as well. We could ride them longer...or stop here again and just enjoy ourselves some more.">>
She traced a hand across her chest and beamed at you. You laughed once more, leaned to kiss her on the forehead, and picked yourself up. Oh, that was a promise alright, and a very good reason to stop by again.
Another day. For now, it was time to take the horses back and let JJ get back to the tower. You knew she'd start to get a little backed up if she was too far away from the pumps for too long.
But you would be back, just as soon as you could @@.choice;[[Manage It.|DateReturn][$phJolie.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2>>The same horses trotted down the same path in the same dappled sunlight. Your gelding had greeted you with a disbelieving look when you had appeared, so at least he remembered you even after as long as it had been. You had to admit that mounting had been a little easier. You could, despite all the evidence to the contrary, be taught.
<<nm $phYou "You think that Mason is doing okay back home?">>
JJ giggled and turned to you on her horse, once again giving you a wonderful view of her bouncing bust. She shrugged and flipped her blonde ponytail over her shoulder.
<<nm $phJolie "He is who he is, my bull. He'll be fine. He is happiest when he is immersed in a problem.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? I didn't know that you two had done much talking.">>
<<nm $phJolie "A little, but not very much. He is very polite, but he requires more than tits in a partner.">>
You gave JJ a sharp look, and your lips pursed. Mason had a vicious tongue sometimes. If he'd said something like that to JJ, you were going to have words when you got back.
<<nm $phYou "He told you that?">>
<<nm $phJolie "No, but it's true. I'm too slow to keep up with him, and he doesn't want what I have. The conversations are short.">>
You felt your brow furrowing, and you kicked your legs a little against your stallion's flank. Shockingly, he actually obeyed, picking up the pace and soon riding beside JJ's horse instead of behind it.
<<nm $phYou "You're not 'slow'. You're my JJ. You shouldn't say that about yourself.">>
JJ blinked at you, and her eyes seemed genuinely surprised. She raised a hand to her face to cover her smile and shook her head.
<<nm $phJolie "I did not say it was a bad thing, to be slow. I like the way I am, remember? You don't have to worry about me.">>
<<nm $phYou "No...But I want to. You're mine, you know. It's my job to keep you happy. Just like you keep me happy.">>
<<nm $phJolie "I am happy, my bull. Come on, we're almost to the apple tree.">>
The smiling woman touched her horse's sides with her heels, and she was suddenly trotting faster and out of your range. You frowned as you watched her back, then kicked your horse into a faster canter.
JJ didn't lie. You're not sure she even could anymore. But you thought you caught an emphasized word when she had spoken, one that maybe she didn't intend. The emphasis hadn't been on 'happy'. It had been on 'I'. //She// was happy.
So who @@.choice;[[Wasn't?|JolieCowgirlDate][$phJolie.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "This is nice...">>
You were in the field again and the horses were once again grazing on the tall grass. This time, though, you'd managed to dismount with slightly more dignity, and you and JJ were both stretched out with your back to the tall apple tree in the center of the field.
<<nm $phJolie "It is...Thank you for taking me back here again.">>
<<nm $phYou "I have to take care of my JJ, don't I? I'm your bull. Though, now that I think about it, I'm not sure if you ever really talked about what that means...other than you being a cowgirl, of course. I know it's important to you.">>
JJ giggled quietly and leaned up to kiss your cheek, her hand resting lightly on her knee. She was silent for so long you wondered if she'd gotten distracted away from the question, until she finally answered.
<<nm $phJolie "It's...something I just know. You're my bull. I'm your pet. You tell me where to be, how you want me, and you fuck me silly any time you please. I get to enjoy being with you, and I know you'll protect me and keep me safe. That's what 'bull' means.">>
<<nm $phYou "Doesn't that mean I ought to talk to Mason about making you feel dumb? Protect my cowgirl? People don't usually like being insulted.">>
Jolie took her head off your chest to look up at you, her expression confused.
<<nm $phJolie "I'm not people. I'm a pet.">>
<<nm $phYou "I mean, yeah, between us. But it really doesn't bother you?">>
<<nm $phJolie "It really doesn't. I know what I am, my bull. I am happy with that. If anything...Mmm. Nevermind.">>
Now it was //your// turn to shift to peer at your partner. She was watching leaves of the apple tree swaying in the wind, but you could //feel// a tiny bit of tension in her body. Not much, but for JJ, that was enough. JJ was about as relaxed and sure of her place as it was possible to be.
<<nm $phYou "Tell me? I'm your friend.">>
JJ looked away from you, an oddly pensive expression crossing her face. You gave her a few seconds and, when her answer wasn't forthcoming, reached out to gently take her chin and turn her to meet your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "Tell me. I'm your bull.">>
JJ's blue eyes were wide as she searched yours. A bit of a red flush spread across her cheeks, and she gave a slow nod. Solemnly, she shifted upward a little and turned to face you more directly. She settled herself, took a deep breath, and then spoke.
<<nm $phJolie "Everyone talks to me too much, my bull.">>
...Okay, you hadn't been expecting @@.choice;[[That.|JolieCowgirlDate][$phJolie.date to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 2.2>><<nm $phYou "You don't want people talking to you? Is someone bugging you, JJ?">>
You were trying to square that with the hesitation and uncertainty you'd been seeing, but JJ shook her head. She sighed, furrowing her brow and reaching up almost unconsciously to stroke her hand across one breast. You wondered if that was a comforting motion, like rubbing your chin, or if she was just badly in need of the pumps. You decided not to ask just yet.
<<nm $phJolie "No, that's not it. Everyone is wonderful. And sometimes I like to talk. But everyone is always asking me questions, my bull. They want to know what I want and what I think. Even the customers want to ask me before they take me for a fuck.<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>> Mr. Damien is learning. He's becoming a very good bull as well, but everyone else keeps asking so many questions.<</if>> Even you do it, sometimes. It is very strange.">>
You weren't sure you were processing this correctly. You lifted your eyebrows and peered at your cowgirl.
<<nm $phYou "The other employees care about you. They want to make you happy.">>
<<nm $phJolie "They know what makes me happy. I like having my titties played with and milked. I like going blank. I like to be bred. When they ask me questions I have to stop and think and it's so tiring sometimes. Do you know how my sisters visit from time to time?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sist-- You mean the other cowgirls? The ones from one of Lazren's other ventures?">>
<<nm $phJolie "Yes, my bull. They're very happy and very welcoming. No one ever asks them things. They arrive, they get guided to the pumps, they enjoy themselves. They get to talk, when they're not blank, but they're pets. Everyone takes care of them. That seems nice.">>
You gave the cowgirl a somewhat exaggeratedly incredulous look.
<<nm $phYou "Why, JJ! Are you a little jealous?">>
JJ //blushed// suddenly, twisting in a place a little. She leans forward, pressing both her arms against your chest before leaning up to plant a kiss lightly on your lips.
<<nm $phJolie "Never, my bull. Because I have you. That makes me as lucky as I can be. It's just...something I think about.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, as your bull, I'll figure out a way that you can //stop// thinking about it, okay? Promise.">>
JJ's smile was like the sun coming up. She leaned up and kissed you again, then settled herself back down against your side. Almost immediately, the tension in her shoulders had vanished again, and you put your arm around her.
Your mind was at work though. It made a sort of sense, you supposed. Jolie's fantasy had been becoming completely at ease with herself and her body, and releasing all the extra worries and fears she had. You imagined having someone pull you out of that fog every couple of minutes to ask you a question would wear on even the perpetually cheerful cowgirl.
If you were going to fix that...well, you might have to do something dramatic. Make it clear to the entire tower what she was, and what her expectations were. That might be a little extreme, though. Perhaps you should look for an alternative to give her what she wanted? Something more...intense, but short-term?
It would be something to think about. Later. You'd have to head back to the office soon enough and check in on Mason's progress. Right now, you had a cowgirl, an apple tree, and a beautiful day.
You didn't intend to @@.choice;[[Waste Them|DateReturn][$phJolie.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of JJ's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date lt 9>><<set $phLocation to 'SamanthaDate'>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1>><<nm $phSamantha "Well? How do I look?">>
You didn't answer immediately. You were busy staring. Samantha was wearing a dark crimson dress that hugged her form like a second skin. It left her shoulders bare and stopped halfway down her thigh to show off her legs down to strappy high heels, and her make-up was perfectly done. Every so often, when she moved, you caught the slight bulge in the material between her legs. Probably no one else would be looking for it.
If they did, you doubt she would care. She loved what she was, and that wasn't going to change because it raised some eyebrows.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Cat got your tongue, boss?">>
You dragged your eyes upward to find Samantha's own glittering with mischief. You shot her an amused look in return and smoothed the front of your suit jacket.
<<nm $phYou "You look amazing, Samantha...of course, you're going to be pretty embarrassed if this turns out to be a business lunch, won't you?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I'll take the risk.">>
She strode toward the restaurant. The tower had food available, of course, but you couldn't remember the last time you'd simply gotten out and away to eat something new and different. Your stomach rumbled in anticipation and you hurried to catch up.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you for coming out on short notice, by the way.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh please. You think I want to be back in the office while Mason is on the warpath? Don't let the stoic look fool you, boss. That one's got a temper. It just burns cold, that's all. No, if you're taking the day, then it's only fair I do too. I'm sure they can hold down the fort for //one// day, don't you think?">>
You passed through the glass doors and the air swept over you with a fragrant wash of spices and breads. The walls were a dark tan and covered in artwork depicting a villa somewhere being worked by hand with smiles and sunshine. A waiter in a dark vest straightened his back and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He gave you both an appraising look, though the one he sent over Samantha took a great deal longer to complete.
Once his eyes made it back to her face, he turned and lead the pair of you back to one of the rear tables. It didn't seem to be a peak hour, so the background noise was only broken with the occasional rich guffaw from the two older men sharing a booth nearby. The table was covered in a jet-black cloth and dark red plates. A trio of white candles were burning in the very center, casting back the shadows with a low and intimate ambience.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Business lunch, huh?">>
@@.choice;
[[Okay. Maybe Not.|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1.1>><<nm $phSamantha "Mmmm! Oh hell. This is //sooooo// good!">>
Samantha spun her fork and curled another mouthful of pasta around the end before popping it into her mouth. She groaned low in her throat: a noise you had only ever heard out of her in //much// more intimate circumstances.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmm! This is //amazing//. I'm sorry, boss. I love the tower and all, but we need to get us one of these!">>
You agreed wholeheartedly. Your exposure to breadsticks and noodles had always been 'warmed in a microwave' rather than high-end dining. This was different. The bread was piping hot, soft, and flavorful and the pasta was a whirl of ingredients in your mouth. This was the longest sentence either of you had spoken since the food was set down.
<<nm $phYou "I think we should look into it. If we had a place like this, people might never want to leave.">>
Samantha nodded emphatically, and the two of you fell silent again until the sound of your forks scrapping the plates announced the end of culinary bliss. Your secretary sighed, absently picking up a half-eaten breadstick and running the end through the remains of the pasta sauce.
<<nm $phSamantha "Ahhhh...Now, that hit the spot. I know I was teasing you before, but I suppose we //should// get down to business before the cute waiter boy comes back. Pretty sure he was checking me out, and I'd hate for him to get away. What's up, Boss?">>
<<nm $phYou "No teasing, there's no business. With the tower out of commission, I wanted to spend the day away.">>
Samantha blinked and then smiled, cocking her head at you and trailing her finger lightly across the tablecloth.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh really. Careful now. You might begin to give a girl ideas.">>
Her tone was still teasing. Still joking. Your secretary was very astute in certain ways but that didn't mean she was always on the ball. You leaned forward in your seat, resting your elbow on the table.
<<nm $phYou "And why //shouldn't// I give you ideas?">>
That caught her by surprise again. She dropped the piece of bread she had been using to mop up her pasta sauce and, for just a moment, you saw a little of that shy girl in the office from when you had first walked into Lazren's life so many years ago.
<<nm $phSamantha "...W-What do you mean?">>
<<nm $phYou "I mean you've been with me from the very start, Sam. You knew about Lazren long before I did. You signed on to help me, wanted to be mine, before you even knew who I was. Why would it be bad to give you the idea you're more than a secretary?">>
Samantha settled back in her seat, putting her fork down entirely as she looked away. Then you saw something you hadn't expected to see out of her again.
Samantha @@.choice;[[Blushed!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1.2>>Samantha ducked her head and her cheeks heated. She cleared her throat and managed once of her husky laughs.
<<nm $phSamantha "Well...Thank you, Boss. It's good to know that. I bet you say that to //all// of the girls that you got to mold from head to toe into your personal wet dream.">>
Now it was your turn for your cheeks to heat a bit. You spread your hands in surrender and the dark-haired woman seemed to regain her poise and demeanor.
<<nm $phYou "Can't argue with that. And you've never given me any cause to regret it, either. I'd do it all over again, and not just because it was a hell of a show!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. There's a thought, going through it again. I love my body too much to change, but I'll tell you the experience is not something you forget. Your eyes nearly popped out entirely when my blouse buttons started giving up, and when you saw what was growing between my legs I just about--">>
The cough was quiet and apologetic. You both looked up and saw the waiter standing there. //His// cheeks were also flaming red, and you might be able to guess why. From beside the booth, he could look down into <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>both your laps. You guessed Samantha was having exactly the same reaction to the memory as //you// were.<<else>>Samantha's lap. You guessed the memory was probably stirring up a bit of a reaction.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh? I see it's time to pay the piper. That's okay, sweetie. Why don't you put the bill right down in my lap and I'll take care of it?">>
Samantha shot the poor boy a predatory look, and his face went even more red. He mumbled something, but you didn't catch any actual words as he set the check down on the table near Samantha and bolted for the back. The dark-haired woman's expression was one of purest satisfaction as he fled.
You, however, were looking at the check. Right, money. It had been long enough you found yourself patting at your empty suit pockets with growing consternation. Samantha saw the motion and rolled her eyes.
<<nm $phSamantha "What would you do without me, boss? You owe me one the next time it's a slow day. I want to come back here to eat and revel in your attentions again soon. Can you find your way back to the office without my help?">>
She shuffled out of her seat and settled a neat stack of crisp, new bills down on top of the check. You looked at the brand-new money suspiciously, but chose not to comment about it. Mason had mentioned being able to produce 'small green pieces of paper' more than once.
<<nm $phYou "...Find my way? Are you not coming back with me?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "And deny the wonderful staff here their due? Don't worry, I'll be back in the office before you miss me. I'm just going to track down that nice young man and give him my tip.">>
She grinned at you then strutted around the side of the table to bend down and kiss you on the top of head. Her hand extended to warmly pat your own.
<<nm $phSamantha "But it was really nice, $phSamantha.Address. Really, we should do this again. I feel like we might have a few... ideas the next time.">>
The secretary winked, turned, and strode boldly in the direction your waiter had fled. You couldn't help but notice the small bulge she'd had on the way in was a //lot// more prominent now. You shook your head and pushed your chair back.
Poor boy. He was about to get the best tip of his life. You knew Samantha would make sure he enjoyed it though. At least once he got used to the idea.
As for you, it had been a very memorable @@.choice;[[Business Lunch|DateReturn][$phSamantha.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Well, here we are again! I cannot tell you how much I've been looking forward to this, boss!">>
You grinned at Samantha and extended an arm to her. She smiled in return, performing a totally spurious little curtsey before she took your arm and allowed you to escort her toward the now-familiar restaurant. She was wearing her form-fitting dress again, and this time you had sprung for a new suit yourself. You couldn't let her have all the fun.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure you have been. Have you been eager to get back to the food...or the waiter? How'd that end up going by the way?">>
Samantha let out a low and throaty laugh as she pressed herself against your side to purr into your ear.
<<nm $phSamantha "Jealous? You shouldn't be. You know you have me at the end of a leash, even if I scratch from time to time. We had fun, though. Turns out he'd always been curious about a few things. I was happy to indulge his curiosity if he would indulge me in a few other things. I'll bet he's here, though. No way he gives up a job if there's any chance I'm going to drop in.">>
<<nm $phYou "Even if he got to see all of you?">>
Samantha laughed and squeezed herself against your side again. You could feel the part you were asking about grinding deliberately against your hip.
<<nm $phSamantha "You don't give people enough credit. He saw me, liked me, served me. But I wouldn't say he saw //all// of me. I'm not even sure //you// could say that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh really? Holding onto a few secrets then?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I guess you'll have to keep pouring delicious food into me to find out.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm very sure you're right. Let's go see.">>
You settled your hand onto Samantha's flank and squeezed. She shot you a scandalized look, but couldn't really pull it off without grinning. Then she strutted through the front door and into the building.
There was a young woman at the front counter with short red hair and a freckled face. Samantha jogged forward ahead of you and leaned down over the counter, speaking quietly. The woman's gaze fell straight onto Samantha's cleavage and her cheeks colored. She shook her head.
Samantha sighed, nodded, and exchanged another few words. Then she returned to you.
<<nm $phYou "No luck?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Ah well. We'll still enjoy ourselves, won't we?">>
Her tone was casual and teasing, and the way she took your hand and pulled you toward the tables was as warm and confident as ever. But there was something forced about the way she moved, and the way she smiled. Like her heart wasn't in it.
Bemused, you allowed yourself to be pulled along. But you were damn sure going to @@.choice;[[Pay Attention From Here.|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "...So we've been trying to track down these footsteps for twenty minutes when Mason realizes that the ventilation system is three times as big as it normally is. Apparently the tower actually absorbed all that Hollywood nonsense of people walking around inside of the bloody things. Took us another hour to get the kid out. His mom would have been beside herself if she hadn't been blissed out already. Absolutely the craziest afternoon I've had yet.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmhmm. Sounds like it.">>
You paused, studying the woman across from you. Samantha's eyes were distant and she was looking off to one side as you told your story. She seemed so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice immediately that you had stopped talking entirely.
You waited.
Finally, she blinked and seemed to realize something was wrong, leaning back in her seat and flashing you a quick, automatic grin.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Sorry boss. Was just thinking about a few nice, thick, hard things and--">>
<<nm $phYou "Samantha, what's wrong?">>
The secretary waved one of her hands dismissively and laughed. You didn't.
<<nm $phSamantha "Nothing's wrong, I was just a little--">>
<<nm $phYou "Sam.">>
You said it gently, but firmly. She stared at you for a few seconds, then let out a groan and leaned back in her seat. She cast an annoyed look down at her plate.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Damnit, boss. You don't really have to be //on// all the time. You already gave me the eternal happiness treatment, and I'm damn grateful. I'm not asking for any more.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay. You don't have to ask, then. You just have to tell me what's going on. You've been distracted ever since we got here. Did you and the waiter really have something going on? I know I teased you about him, but if you want to take him to the tower--">>
<<nm $phSamantha "No, no, no. Nothing like that. He was a nice kid, but he's not the 'sell my soul for a footlong package' sort. It was a good fuck and that was it. Promise.">>
<<nm $phYou "Then what's up? You aren't really the moon-eyed sort. Why the sudden introspection?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "...Promise you won't laugh?">>
You nodded, slowly. Samantha watched your face, as if looking for deception, then sighed again. She ran her fingernail along the edge of her plate.
<<nm $phSamantha "Look, everything you've given me is great. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I'm as happy as I think it's possible to be. I love my work, I love my coworkers, I get plenty of attention. Plenty of affection. But the other one percent, I feel like there's still just one tiny little thing missing, boss. Even with everything I have, I feel a little...pent up. Sexually.">>
You managed not to @@.choice;[[Laugh.|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2.2>>You steepled your fingers and nodded slowly, but it was mostly buying you time. Samantha? //Pent up//? Just how much could she //need//?
She must have read your eyes, or maybe knew how ridiculous it sounded. She gave you a wry smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Yes, I know. I get a lot of action. I don't mean it like that. You've got a lot of employees I can get with when I need it, and we both know there's a line of humans I'm more than happy to indulge. But it's different. With the humans, it's a one-time thing. Or else it's a repeating thing that never //feels// like anything more than a one-time thing. The employees are yours, and they always will be. They got their deepest wishes already, and none of them had someone tall, dark, and packing in mind when they joined us.">>
<<nm $phYou "You have me.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "No offense, but you're the boss, boss. It's not the same thing. You can turn the gem green every day, but it doesn't change the fact that you call the shots, not me.">>
You understood. You leaned back in your seat and watched your oldest conquest across the table.
<<nm $phYou "...You're a dominant, Samantha. I wanted a partner who could take charge and lead, who could help me keep the tower in line. You want a submissive. A full time submissive, not just play acting. Someone you could take home.">>
Samantha's cheeks colored, and you knew you'd hit the nail on the head. She looked away and cleared her throat.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Maybe. All I know is sometimes when I run into some cute thing I wonder if //this// might be the one that turns into something, and I admit, even in paradise, I'm a little disappointed when it doesn't. That's really all.">>
She stood, suddenly, and laid her napkin over the remain of the plate. You blinked and made to rise as well, but she extended a hand to pressed it down against your shoulder to keep you seated.
<<nm $phSamantha "It's alright, boss. I'm throwing a bit of a fit. I'm going to run back, find some sweet thing with tits straining her buttons, and make myself feel better. You'll see. I'll be back to normal by the morning.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sam...we can find you someone. We really can.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Sure. You keep on the lookout and let me know if you see any long-term prospects, will you?">>
Her tone was... not exactly //curt//, but it was disbelieving. You guessed you understood why. Finding a submissive for her wouldn't be that hard. Finding a permanent one was a bit more difficult, but certainly not impossible. Finding one that would remain permanent when they realized their Dominant worked for a demon?
That might be a longer shot.
Samantha bent down and kissed you on the forehead, giving your shoulder a squeeze before she released it. She straightened up again and cocked her hip, some of that normal teasing tone back in her voice.
<<nm $phSamantha "Thanks for the therapy, boss. I wouldn't quit your day job just yet...or ever, actually. I'm not sure what Lazren would do to a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> who went rogue but I'm sure it would be more entertaining to watch than to experience. Stay safe, okay? I'm going to head back.">>
She set some bills on the table and left. You sat there for a while longer. Samantha was happy overall. You believed that. This had been the first time you'd seen anything to the contrary. You wondered if Lazren's gifts ever needed fine tuning for that last one percent that was missing.
You could find her someone to be hers and her alone. It might be a bit of an adventure, but you could do it. You owed her that much...
...or maybe it was time to find a way to submit that //wasn't// just the green gem. Something a lot less...reversible. That would make her happy too. It just might do a lot of other things as well.
Pushing that thought away, at least for right now, you stood up. Time to @@.choice;[[Go Home|DateReturn][$phSamantha.date to 3,$phSamanthaDateTimer to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason')>><<nm $phYou "You seem to be in a good mood, Sam. You //are// looking a bit flushed, though.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello boss. Oh, the day is going wonderfully. Just a little cram session, that's all. Would you like to see how well we're doing?">>
There was a muffled sound of protest beneath the desk, but not quickly enough. You were already around the edge and looking down into the crawlspace.
Mason's look was a bit mortified. He tried to pull back off the cock sticking out through Samantha's skirt, but the secretary almost absently reached down to grab the back of his head and keep him in place. He struggled for a moment, but stopped trying to pull back when she fixed a steely gaze downward.
<<nm $phSamantha "He's a //very// good boy, but he still has a lot to learn. Fortunately, he's got an...enthusiasm for knowledge.">>
<<nm $phYou "I can see that. Fortunately you have an equal enthusiasm for teaching, right?">>
Samantha laughed, cheerfully. She pushed her hips up, forcing Mason to take her length to the hilt, and then held him there for several seconds. Just as his forehead was turning red, she finally released him and let him pull back, sputtering and coughing despite himself.
<<nm $phSamantha "He keeps coming back for more, so I must be doing something right. Speaking of good, sexy sluts who love me, it's a very big desk. I bet there's room down there for two.">>
Samantha's eyes were bold as she looked up at you. Ever since she'd begun domming for Mason, it was like her full personality had finally been allowed to flower. No matter what necklace you were wearing, you were pretty sure she'd be playing the role of 'Mistress' in front of her new submissive.
What did you say?
@@.choice;
[[Two People? Don't You Think We Should Test That Hypothesis?|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 9.1]]
[[Better Focus on Mason's Learning For Now, Sam|Office][$phGoodbye to 'SamMasonDecline']]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.1>><<nm $phYou "I'm not sure how you talked me into this.">>
<<nm $phMason "She can be very...persuasive, when she wishes to be.">>
Samantha's desk, despite your fears, was roomier than you expected. It was fully enclosed with thick wooden walls, leaving the only escape blocked by Samantha's long legs, but didn't feature the cabinets or shelves that usually took up so much space below. That beings said, you were still edged under there with another person, and the air was warm as you and Mason both pressed together beneath the surface.
<<nm $phSamantha "I don't remember persuading. I just remember offering. You two did the rest.">>
<<nm $phYou "Really? You just took her up on the offer, Mason?">>
<<nm $phMason "She...said it would please her if I worked on my techniques. It's important to practice for a loved one.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah, of course. And //is// his technique coming along, Sam? You two seem to be getting on well.">>
Samantha's chuckle was husky. She opened her legs, slowly, and almost immediately her thick cock popped into view between her thighs. You had no idea where her panties were, but clearly she wasn't wearing them at the moment. You caught your breath, just a little. Samantha's endowment was always impressive, but shoved under a desk and having it bob a few inches from your face was a new perspective.
<<nm $phSamantha "//Very// good. He's such a nice pet, you know. But he could use a little help from someone more...experienced. Especially when it comes to proper foreplay.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? That's a common problem. How long did you spend on the prelude before you started sucking her, Mason?">>
The four-armed mechanic's embarrassed silence gave you the answer you needed. You laughed and wiggled against him until you were the one 'head on' to that beautiful shaft. This close, the scent of her was enough to drive you wild. She was still a little wet from the 'service' Mason had been performing, and it was more than clear she was ready to go. Even as you watched, her cock flexed and a thick bead of precum rolled down the tip.
You gulped, straightened your back, and tried to pick your jaw up off the floor, along with your dignity. You reached up, and wrapped your finger tentatively around the length. It jumped, immediately, and nearly bounced off your chin.
<<nm $phYou "See? She's very ready, but you can always help prime her a little more. The best trick is that the underside is always the most sensitive. So you want to do it like this...">>
You tilted your head back and extended your tongue, allowing it to run from the very base of Samantha's shaft all the way up to the tip, gathering up that salty payload of precum along the way. You heard her inhale sharply and //felt// the shudder run through your shaft as you lapped from root to tip a few times. You even flexed your tongue, the shaft bouncing just a bit with every stiffening and relaxing of that muscle.
<<nm $phMason "But...when it is presented, is it not rude to make your date wait?">>
You took Samantha's length by the hand again, stroking up and down over the now slick skin as you spoke.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. You aren't making them wait, you're extending the pleasure. Holding them just shy of cumming for a little while just means they feel better overall. Once they finish, the pleasure ends, but if you //really// know your partner you can make them squirm for a very long time!">>
You returned to your work, pulling her cock down and swirling your tongue around the tip as Mason looked on in rapt attention. You felt a smile curl at your lips. Samantha might act like she was the one in charge, but you were still the boss. You had a //lot// to teach poor Mason. Maybe the two of you could tease him togeth-
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Hello! How are you?">>
Samantha's cheerful greeting, and the sudden sound of heavy footsteps, abruptly signaled that you were //not// alone. Panicked, you tried to pull yourself back off the tip of her...
...only to have her reach down, seize you by the back of the head, and pull you onto her cock @@.choice;[[Exactly Like She'd Done To Mason!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 9.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.2>>Your gag reflex had not survived your demonification. Even so, breathing was still a thing, and having Samantha's cock pushed all the way down your throat was making it very difficult to do that. You squirmed against her shaft, only for her fingers to tighten warningly when you started to make noise.
<<nm $phMunokho "A fine day to you, mistress of information. Have your conquests been fruitful?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Conquests? Mmm. Oh, they've been good. I d-do prefer not so fruitful, though. I'm more of a strictly 'for fun' conqueror, if you know what I mean.">>
You sucked in air as best you were able as Samantha's shaft twitched and shuddered in your throat. Her grip, even one-handed, was like iron and you couldn't retreat even an inch. You tried to sweep your eyes up pleadingly, but the desk blocked your view. You swung your gaze over to Mason.
The four-armed scientist smiled at you...then wiggled himself against you, wrapped both of his right arms around you...and slipped one of them down between your thighs. You bucked and suppressed a squeal.
That was //not// what you meant!
<<nm $phMunokho "A shame. You could have a mighty harem, and your bloodline might well breed true. The world could use more of you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "The more you talk, the better it sounds. Maybe I should look into that. I can think of at least two candidates for nice, round bellies and 'continued bloodlines'. But what can I do for you, handsome?">>
Mason's motion skipped a beat. Clearly, he hadn't considered that possibility. Neither had you. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You were significantly more capable of it in your current form than Mason was, but<<else>>Neither you or Mason were great candidates in your current form, but<</if>> the tower usually didn't care much about things like that. Judging by the way her cock jumped and pushed another spurt of precum down into your throat, she might just have been serious too.
<<nm $phMunokho "We require additional equipment. I am aware the tower can make it for us, but the items that we summon ourselves tend to be...slightly too much for anyone but us.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Well, you and your wife are - Ah!...Sorry. Banged my knee on something. You're both all but made of muscle, so I can see that. I'll make sure you get some appropriate sets manifested up and sent down, alright?">>
<<nm $phMunokho "You are worth your weight in gold! I shall await the good news.">>
Mason's hand <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rubbed ceaselessly between your legs, and you nearly moaned around that choking cock. Your could feel how wet you were.<<else>>stroked ceaselessly, your cock gripped through the fabric of your pants. You could feel the familiar hard ache of need between your legs.<</if>> How did this turn from teasing //them// into teasing you?
The footsteps slowly receded, and Samantha's grip relaxed. You pulled off her cock immediately, coughing and sputtering as you caught your breath. That had been a bit much, but at least it was-
<<nm $phSelene "Is something wrong, Miss Samantha?">>
//Oh you have got to be kidding m-//
@@.choice;[[Ghrk!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 9.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.3>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh, everything is just //fine//, love. Don't you worry! Another day in Paradise. What's up?">>
Samantha leaned forward, resting her elbow on the desk and her chin on her elbow. The position nicely concealed that her other hand was working your head up and down her shaft as if you had all the volition of a sex doll.
Damn Selene, choosing this moment. Damn Samantha, fucking you throat like a toy. And damn Mason who was //still// stroking your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt<<else>>cock<</if>>!
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, nothing very much. I was hoping you might ordinary some dinner from that little italian place downtown? My treat?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You //are// a treat! You got it. Usual order, or are you a growing girl these days?">>
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>><<nm $phSelene "Ah! Well, we //are// feeding two of us, now. Could you double the appetizers too? We sort of fought over the good stuff last time...">><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>><<nm $phSelene "Ah! Well...not really growing anymore, but I eat a little more. Maybe one of the family sizes?">><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'pre'>><<nm $phSelene "...Maybe we could get an extra order of breadsticks? We didn't have that where I was growing up.">><</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Don't worry, I was making fun. I sort of like a girl with appetites. I've got a few of my own, after all!">>
She was starting to rock in her chair, her hand moving a lot faster. Despite yourself, you were sure you were making wet sounds around her shaft. Mason was //still// not helping, holding you at the crest of cumming without ever letting you go ove-
...Oh! //Now// he learns! Great!
<<nm $phSelene "Naughty! Thank you, Sam, as always. Are you, um, sure you're alright? You're looking a bit flushed...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Just the usual chaos, don't worry. I'll be by tonight with all the breadsticks you can eat, and I'll spill every detail. I promise, the hot gossip will be more than you can swallow!">>
Precum was leaking down your throat and, despite your demonic heritage, you could sweat there were black rings appearing at the edges of your vision. Samantha's chair squeaked under her several times as your head bobbed frantically.
<<nm $phSelene "I'll look forward to that! I'll see you tonight, Sam...Oh! One more thing!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ah! A-Anything! What can I do for you?">>
Samantha twisted in her seat and suddenly jammed your head all the way forward, holding you there. Spots exploded in front of your vision even as her seed exploded down your throat. You forgot how...productive she could be. You swallowed as fast as you could, you had little choice, and you were soon feeling like your belly would burst if you gulped anymore. You leaned your head and let your eyes roll back.
<<nm $phSelene "Could you tell the boss they're invited too, next time you see them? Assuming they haven't...eaten already?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I'll be sure to tell them. See you tonight, 'lene!">>
The naga didn't make any footsteps as she left, but you could hear the movement. Finally, Samantha's hand disappeared from the back of your head and you pulled back sharply, gasping for air.
The sudden rush of blessed oxygen was too much. Even as you pulled in a full breath, there was a sudden explosion of fireworks in your vision. You felt your hips back up against Mason's hand, and a bit of dampness spread slowly from the point of contact. You collapsed against the back of the deck, panting and looking up.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Selene wanted me to pass on a message, boss. Something about dinner some night? I admit, I was a little distracted. Mason, did you catch it?">>
<<nm $phMason "I'm afraid not. The lesson was too...riveting for me to look away from. I did learn a great deal, however.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Well, then everything is fine, right boss?">>
You couldn't tell if you loved or hated them, right at this moment, but one thing was for sure. You wouldn't trade your staff @@.choice;[[For The World!|Office][$phSamantha.date to 12;_MasonDuoChance to 1]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien')>><<nm $phYou "Well hello there. You're looking like a cat that got into the cream today, Sam.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello boss! Oh, don't worry. I'm not the one who's getting the cream. Isn't that right?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Hi, $pMistress! Samantha was looking a bit bored, so I'm helping!">>
The familiar voice was chipper and unashamed. You leaned over the desk and got a wonderful sight of Dana on his knees, lapping happily at the underside of Samantha's shaft, which was showing openly through the button of her skirt. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "So I see. Are you still allowed to call me that, Dana?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, don't worry. You're still the boss. I know this little slut is mine. We've established that...a few times now.">>
Samantha looked down with a mock serious expression, but you could see the affection beneath it. Dana nodded his head rapidly, nuzzling his cheek up against her thigh and batting his long lashes, cock still resting on his forehead. You couldn't help but laugh.
<<nm $phYou "Okay, okay. I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. I'm glad things are working out for you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Are you sure? Dana's a big girl, and he's so eager to please. I don't think he would mind if you joined us for our afternoon fun...and everyone knows you could use taking a little time for yourself.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oooh! She's right, $pMistress! Why don't you stay with us? We'll make sure you have a good time.">>
Well, //there// was a thought. It would take a little time, but you were sure Dana and Samantha would make it worth your while. Locking the office for an hour or so wouldn't even be an unusual circumstance, if anyone happened by...
@@.choice;
[[Take The Edge Off With Your Secretary And Her Pet|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 10.1]]
[[You Lovebirds Have Fun!|Office][$phGoodbye to 'SamDanaDecline']]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 10.1>><<nm $phYou "How can I refuse the two of you acting together? Of course I'll enjoy a little time.">>
Dana made a gleeful sound and clapped his hands. At Samantha's urging, he carefully popped up from beneath the desk, still dressed in his pretty skirt. You could see a noticeable bulge against the front, however. You couldn't blame him. Samantha was a whole lot of woman and she loved to tease.
<<nm $phDamien "Yay, $pMistress! We'll help you! How should we- eeep!">>
A startled yelp escaped him as Samantha reached out and dragged him back against her. Her hands caught his wrists expertly, pulling them back behind him as she nuzzled her face down against the crook of his neck.
<<nm $phSamantha "Naughty! Should always look to Mistress Samantha. She knows what you need, and she'll tell you where she needs you!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ahh! Sorry, Mistress! Yes, ma'am! How would you like me? I'll do anything I can for you two!">>
Dana wiggled and bounced in Samantha's lap like an excitable puppy. The secretary smiled and tilted her head to look up at you. She kissed his ear and squeezed him around his middle.
<<nm $phSamantha "Much better! I was thinking you could sit on Mistress's cock, get nice and full, and if you begged nicely I'm sure the boss here might stroke you a few times before you put your sissy tongue to work on $pher.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oooh, yes! $pMistress $phYou.firstname! Would you please touch me while Mistress Samantha fucks my sissy ass?">>
You laughed at that. The tone of his voice was pure desperation, but still didn't have an inkling of embarasment in it. He knew exactly what he was and what he needed, and he knew both of you knew it too. Yes, you had done a good job on this one.
<<nm $phYou "I suppose I could be persuaded, for a proper reward. Let's get you ready, though. Samantha might just fuck you right through your panties, but I know you like to collect pretty sets and you'd be sad if she ruined things.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Spoilsport. Then I get to buy him //new// panties.">>
You reached down and flipped open Dana's skirt. His panties today were lacey and small, hugging his body closely enough to make the bulge of his shaft very visible indeed. They were also a nice, lovely pink, making you chuckles. Your rubbed at his girlish thighs and then slipped your thumbs into the band of the silken fabric, easing it down.
He was already excited. The tip of his shaft was wet with precum, and he was //very// hard. Dana wasn't very large, and you could swear he'd gotten a little smaller since the last time you'd seen him, but what he did have was standing at full attention. You didn't hesitate to wrap your fingers around him and gave him a few experimental pumps, drawing out a moan.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. What do you say?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Thank you, m-aaaaahhh!">>
The word got a little disorted as Samantha casually lifted him up by his hips, positioned her //much// more sizable length, and let him drop down onto her shaft. @@.choice;[[All In One Motion!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 10.2>><<nm $phDamien "Mistress! Mistress! Oh, you're so big and good and ooohhhhhh!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I know. It's nice to hear it, though. Good sissy slut! I'm going to bounce you faster, okay?">>
Dana couldn't answer. He just moaned as the secretary used both hands to bounce him like a sex toy. You kept your hand on his shaft, holding his cock between thumb and forefinger as you jacked the sissy off. You leaned in to kiss his neck, careful not to let his shoulder slap you as he rode Samantha's shaft.
<<nm $phYou "Is this what you like? Is Samantha treating you alright, Dana? Fucking you, petting you, calling you a good girl? Is she making you feel like the luckiest sissy in the world?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ahhhh! Yes, yesyesyes!">>
Precum was gushing over your hand. You barely had to move to pressure him. Samantha's bouncing motions drove him up and down on her shaft and, in the process, pushed his cock in and out between your fingers. All you had to do was keep your hand in place. You beamed at him.
<<nm $phYou "He's a very good catch. Starting to think I gave you an even better gift than I thought...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Gave? I caught him all on my own! Just had to give him a taste of //this// and he was all mine!">>
Samantha pulled him down against her, holding him place solidly for a moment as she pumped her hips and fucked him, hard and fast, for about fifteen thrusts in a row, his voice rising to a muffled pitch. Then she leaned back in the chair and started bouncing him properly again.
<<nm $phYou "Well, sure, but I helped create him. So I guess I'm partially responsible, you know? And he's so good...have you been taking care of him? Lots of cock, lots of praise, lots of head pats?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, he gets plenty of each, don't you, Dana?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmhmm! Mmmhmmm! Mmmmmmm!">>
He couldn't speak. You could feel he was close by the way he was twitching in your hand. You thought about teasing him, but the look on his face was just too cute. Instead, your fingers blurred as you jacked him off properly. His thighs spread, his head tilted back onto Samantha's shoulder, and he moaned at the ceiling.
When he finally went off, it was all at once. His legs flexed, lifting him slightly into the air. His eyes rolled back entirely and his cock jump, dousing the back of your hand in his sweet cum. Only then did he collapse back against Samantha, head lolling, her cock making a wet sound as it slid back into his rear. She tsked, playfully.
<<nm $phSamantha "So quick...you know, it's rude to cum before your dommes, sissy. What am I going to do with my naughty boy?">>
Dana murmured something, but was clearly still getting his brain together. Samantha reached past him to take your wrist, gently prying your hand loose and raising it up. The moment it got near Dana's lips, he wrapped them around your finger and let his tongue clean his spunk from your skin. Samantha chuckled.
<<nm $phSamantha "I suppose he's good enough, though. I'm still training him. You won't mind if I make him give you an apology, though, will you?">>
You didn't. In fact, you were already @@.choice;[[Unbuckling Your Pants!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 10.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 10.3>><<nm $phDamien "Mmmmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh hell...I always forget how talented his tongue is! Or have you been training him already?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmph! Just a little, but a lot of it is natural talent!">>
You wound your hands tighter into Dana's hair and pulled him hard against you. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The sissy responded but extending his tongue even more, lashing it back and forth inside of your sex even as you made a mess of his face. He clearly didn't care. As Samantha plowed him from behind, he strove to pleasure your pussy with every movement he could muster!<<else>>The sissy responded by bobbing his head even faster on your cock. He //was// talented, and his tongue curled around your shaft even as his head was forced up and down by the motions of Samantha plowing into his backside.<</if>>
She was absolutely savage with him, and it was clear he loved every second of it. Her thick erection disappeared into his ass over and over again, every motion accompanied by a heavy slap her hips hitting his flank. You weren't much better. You held him down between your legs, not letting him retreat for even a second as he pleasured you.
<<nm $phYou "Going to - Ah! - Have to make a habit out of this!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You're always welcome! I - Mmm - Don't mind sharing that much! In fact, it makes me pretty hard to see him spread for someone else...as long as he comes back home to me. Isn't that right, sissy?">>
She lifted a hand and brought it down on his ass with a sharp crack. Dana squealed, the sound muffled by your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt<<else>>cock<</if>>. You chuckled and leaned forward, pulling Samantha into a tight kiss above the cheerleader you were both fucking. She obliged eagerly, her mouth hot and wet against yours.
It was quickly too much for you to take. Dana was just too damn //good// with his mouth, as much as you hated to admit it, and seeing the way they both looked at one another fanned a smoldering ember of desire into a raging inferno. Your hips began to thrust faster, and you broke away from the kiss to gasp and moan. Samantha grinned at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "That's right, boss. Just cum. Give my slut the prize he's been waiting for. I'll fill his ass, and he'll be just as happy as he can be. Tell $pher you want it, Dana!">>
<<nm $phDamien "Mmmm!">>
She slapped his ass again, firmly, forcing him to buck and cry out against your body...and that was it. The vibration of his muffled cry rolling through your flesh finally pushed you over the edge. You howled and pulled down hard on his head as you came, gifting him with everything he could want!
The orgasm seemed to last forever. You were only dimly aware of Samantha groaning and crying out as she fulfilled her own promise, stretching the poor sissy's insides with the sheer amount of spunk she was pouring into him. Dana's eyes rolled back and he went limp, held up only by the hands on either end of him.
When you were finally spent, the three of you all slumped to the ground to catch your breath. Dana pulled away from your thighs and nuzzled his head against your middle, his eyes still unfocused. Samantha, meanwhile, curled herself against his back and pet a hand down the sissy's hair, crooning softly into his ear.
It was perfect. It all but threatened to set you off again, but all you could do is reach for your clothes.
<<nm $phYou "...Thank you both. Can't wait to do this again soon. Don't let me hold you back, though. I'm sure you're only getting started.">>
Judging from the way Samantha grinned, you were pretty sure @@.choice;[[Dana Was In For A Long Day!|Office][$phSamantha.date to 12, _MasonDuoChance to 1]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if ($phSamantha.date is 12) and ($phSamanthaSuitor is 'You')>><<set $phLocation to 'SamanthaDate'>>The little Italian place was just the same as it ever was. Dimly lit and intimate with candles on the table, but enough customers to provide a pleasant background hum of conversation without having anyone crowded so close as to make it difficult to hear. The air was still heavy with the scent of spices and freshly cooked bread. You were still wearing your favorite suit, and Samantha had still been poured in a red dress that clung to her curves and made your jaw drop.
But it //felt// different. It was as though you had been viewing the world in black and white and there was suddenly color. Lights seemed stronger and more welcoming, the light background music washed over you pleasantly, and even the air itself felt charged with joy. It was easy to smile and even easier to laugh.
You knew, of course, it had nothing to do with the location. It had everything to do with the company.
<<nm $phSamantha "So then - Get this, okay? - So then Mason looks her dead in the eyes. Like -right- dead in the eyes of a Sin herself, and he says 'Yes, Madam, the bathrooms are boring, but they are expected to be. If we install toys in every seat, it would be more interesting, but decidedly more difficult to pass off as normal'!">>
<<nm $phYou "You're kidding! The tower was really trying to do that?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "It really was! And Lazren just gave him this hugely put-upon kind of look and grumbled something about humans being more fun back in the day.">>
You laughed, reaching across the table for Samantha's hand. She was laughing as well, slipping her fingers into a grip on yours easily. It felt...natural. Like you had been doing it for years.
<<nm $phYou "She's probably forgotten more than I'll ever know, but I guess no one can keep it all in their head at the same time.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I guess not. Still, can you imagine? Some poor soul sits down looking to go number two and finds themselves on the receiving end of some machine loving?">>
You chuckled, shaking your head. Your tower had definitely had a lot of very //strange// mistakes and errors, but at least it hadn't done anything like that. It would, no doubt, liven up the place but you had to agree with Mason when it came to some places being necessarily boring.
<<nm $phYou "Well, the tower is learning, but I sort of hope I get a few more days off. I want to spend all the time I can with you, Mistress.">>
Samantha beamed, raising her free hand to touch your cheek, softly. She cocked her head to one side, her expression thoughtful.
<<nm $phSamantha "...I'd like that. All this craziness has to settle down eventually. I mean, we're probably never going to lead the quiet life, but it won't always be deadlines and seat of your pants decisions, you know. You ever think about what you want to do after?">>
<<nm $phYou "I thought we were-">>
<<nm $phSamantha "//Other// than me kidnapping your for a week solid and fucking you silly. I mean beyond just a vacation.">>
Damn.
<<nm $phSamantha "And don't tell me 'Mistress gets to decide either'. You're a hot piece of ass, but if you start sleep walking through our relationship, I'll break you like an egg.">>
@@.choice;[[Double Damn!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 12.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12.1>><<nm $phYou "I'll be honest, I haven't really thought about it that much.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Why not?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...two reasons. First, I really don't know who I'll be when this all shakes out. There's been so much change, and so much learning. The person I was when I first walked into Lazren's office with you feels like a million miles away. I can't help but think that who I am right now will feel just as distant when it all finishes.">>
Samantha couldn't really argue with that. She rolled a last bit of pasta onto her fork, then settled the empty utensil down on the plate.
<<nm $phSamantha "That's true for all of us, you know. Everyone you recruit. I suspect most are still just worried about figuring out their new selves. Eventually, though, I think we'll lose a few.">>
<<nm $phYou "Lose?">>
You breathed the words. You weren't sure why it hit you so hard. It was like a sudden, possessive jolt through your entire body. You felt the sudden urge to grab everyone you'd ever changed and yank them to you. Samantha's grin suggested she knew exactly what you were feeling.
<<nm $phSamantha "Shush, my happiness slut. Nothing bad. No one is going to steal any of your boys or girls, but people are allowed to have lives. Maybe they'll work on some of Lazren's other projects. Help out others just getting started. Like Mason.">>
<<nm $phYou "...'Happiness slut'?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You //are//. You get off hard on making everyone around you happy. Don't even try to deny it, you know it's true! Anyway, what's the second reason?">>
<<nm $phYou "Because, as long as I'm with you, I'll be happy. Everything else is just gravy.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, that's very nice, boss. I'd think you were buttering me up if you hadn't already offered to use the crystals to let me enslave you permanently. That's nice to hear. Though if you wanted to show me your affection in a slightly more...physical way...">>
She shifted in the booth, sliding around to the middle seat, so that you were next to rather than across from her. You realized with a start that she had somehow opened the overlapped part of her dress without you noticing, and her erection was now standing tall and proud between her legs.
<<nm $phYou "S-Samantha! We're not in the tower! I...I'm not sure...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I understand, babe. It's not the tower. No mystical energy keeping us hidden, and if we do get caught, we might get kicked out of even cool our heels for a day. Might be embarrassing. Mason might even have to come pay our bail, and you'd have to admit you got caught jacking me off in public. I totally get it.">>
Her eyes glittered, and the smile she flashed you was one of pure, wicked glee.
<<nm $phSamantha "...Now then. Jack me off, $phYou.firstname. I wasn't //asking//.">>
@@.choice;[[Well...That was that!|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 12.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12.2>><<nm $phSamantha "That it's...just like that! A little firmer, I'm not going to break.">>
You tightened your fingers around Samantha's shaft, feeling the heat of her against your palm. Her cock was always hot, and it throbbed in your hand even as you pumped it slowly beneath the table. Samantha rested her arms on the table, her back straight and her expression totally ordinary. Only someone who knew her as well as you did could see the way her chest rose and fell faster than normal, and the slight rolling of her body as you teased her.
<<nm $phYou "Mistress, are you sure-?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "If you ask me that again, I swear I will bend you over this table and fuck you in front of everyone here. Dinner and a show.">>
She lazily met your eyes, and you saw the glint of purest confidence in them. It made your heart ache, for just a moment. You had a brief flash of the shy, nerdy secretary she had once been, and were abruptly filled with pride at having helped her become what she was meant to be. She was your Mistress. You hadn't be corrupted by a crystal, or your necklace, or anything else. You wanted to be with her because this woman //deserved// everything you could do for her.
She cocked her head again, and a smirk rolled across her features. She extended one hand, and ran it gently across your forearm, from wrist to elbow. You saw her tongue extend to roll across her lips, somehow wetting them without disturbing her lipstick.
<<nm $phSamantha "Did I say you could stop?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Sorry Mistress!">>
You realized your fingers had paused in your reverie, and you started moving them again. She was close, already. Samantha tended to be a little hair-trigger at the best of times, typically making it up with the stamina to go three or four times in a row. You felt a dribble of her hot cum over the back of your hand as you stroked her.
Finally, she gripped the edge of the table and her eyes fluttered. Her words came out as a sharp hiss.
<<nm $phSamantha "You. Underneath.">>
<<nm $phYou "But-">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Now.">>
You barely made it. No sooner had you wiggled your way underneath the table and come face to face with that beautiful, throbbing cock than it jerked upward and painted a white line across your face, all the way across the bridge of your nose. Samantha gasped, softly, trying to stifle her moans. You tried to lean forward to catch the tip of that erection cock, but her hand pushed you back down.
She didn't want you swallowing this. She wanted you wearing it, and that's exactly what you did. The first spurt of her cock ran hot across the bridge of your nose and then down across your face. Again and again she came across you. You could see the joy in her eyes as she peeked down at you between her legs. She was marking you. Signaling that you were hers, first and foremost. That she //owned// you.
Finally, she was done. She panted and held onto the table as you felt her love dripping across your face and down to your collar. Her shaft didn't soften. It remained thick, and hard, bobbing in front of your eyes. You started to wiggle out but felt her hand close around your shoulder again. You abruptly realized that there was another pair of legs standing at the end of the table. You heard Samantha chuckle before she spoke to your waiter.
<<nm $phSamantha "No thank you to dessert. I'm sure it's wonderful, but we've both just had it, I think.">>
@@.choice;[[Smart Ass.|SamanthaFutaDate][$phSamantha.date to 12.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12.3>><<nm $phSamantha "Relax, you got it all.">>
You reluctantly stopped wiping at your neck with the napkin. You felt a little guilty swiping it, but it was either that or leave a //very// well used rag on your plate, once you had cleaned your face off. Even Samantha's generous tip probably wouldn't have covered having to wash //that// up.
You were both in the back of the towncar. You had no idea if Samantha had found someone to drive or if Mason had wiped up some kind of ahead-of-its-time autopilot, but Samantha had very curtly ordered you into the back. You'd thought, for a moment, that was setting up for a second round of lovemaking, but she'd instead laid over the back seat like a couch and pulled you between her legs. Her arms were draped across your body and your head rested on her wonderfully soft chest.
<<nm $phYou "...Sorry. Inside the tower I wouldn't even worry about it, but outside I feel naked. You also...ah...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Cover you in cum, when I'm excited. Yes, pet. You made me a very //productive// girl when you gave me this thing. Only fair you reap the benefits of your work.">>
You flushed, but only a little. The two of you knew just about everything there was to know about each other. You had both been there to see the before and after of your bodies being sculpted, and you had even been able to watch it in real time. She had maintained your schedule and watched as you got your feet under you. By now, you had both explored each other's forms more than thoroughly. What point would there be in her trying to hide that she //liked// you wearing her cum, or for you to claim you //didn't// enjoy the raw, unmistakable sign of being owned.
<<nm $phSamantha "...What are you thinking about, with that little smile? Am I going to have to punish you for something?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think so. Just reflecting on being so lucky. I really meant it, you know. What I said inside. That I'll be happy as long as I'm with you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I know you were. I know you are. Even if you weren't, by now I'm not letting you go, so you better get used to the idea.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Touchy feely? Isn't that a little out of character for you?">>
She looked down at you and arched both of her eyebrows, playfully, Her hand stroked lightly across your chest<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>, laying flat to feeling your heart beating against her palm.<<else>>, gently cupping your breast between her soft fingers.<</if>> She huffed an exaggeratedly annoyed breath.
<<nm $phSamantha "If you'd //rather// be gagging on my cock like a good slut, it can be arranged. You're making me out to be some kind of villain. Aftercare is important, you know. I can't just break you over and over again and expect you to last very long.">>
<<nm $phYou "My mistake. Thank you for your care, Mistress.">>
She snorted and tightened her arms around you. Her gaze shifted to the tinted windows, watching the world go by outside. It was dark, now, and the lights of the city were bright and shining. A whole world of possibilities. A whole world of people in need of your help. You'd always had those. Now, though, you had something else.
A set of arms to come back to.
<<nm $phYou "Samantha, I-.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Shhhh. No more talking tonight, pet. Just let it be.">>
You did just that. You both stared out the window at the lights beyond the highway, twinkling slightly in the night. The hum of the tires on the road formed a steady, droning sound that lulled you. Samantha's body was warm against your own, comfortable and soft. You felt your eyes droop, and finally close.
You had work to do, of course. People to meet. Adversity to overcome. Chaos to manage. You figured it would get better, but it would never truly end. This would be your lot in life.
But today? Today was yours. @@.choice;[[For A Little While...|DateReturn][$phSamantha.date to 12]]@@
<</if>><<set $phLocation to 'SamanthaDate'>><<if $phSamantha.date is 3>><<set $phSamantha.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh wow! This place is //sooooo// cute, $pMistress!">>
Sammy clapped her hands together and even bounced a little off the ground as you walked through the front door. The diner was surprisingly spacious, with a wall through the center of the building to give both halves the shotgun diner effect. The 50's influence was strong, and there was a jukebox selector at every table. Neon lights and old Hollywood pictures lined the walls, and the air smelled like a mixture of fryer foods and peppermint.
Sammy got a little bit of attention. She'd 'dressed up' for the occasion in a remarkably short red skirt, pigtails, and a cheerleader's blouse stretched almost to the breaking point across her more-than-adequate chest. She turned and threw her arms around you, her skirt flaring over her backside. One of the only other patrons, an older man enjoying a coffee near the door, nearly fell off his stool entirely as he stared.
<<nm $phYou "I thought you might enjoy it. I like the aesthetic of the tower, but I don't know if I'm always in the mood for Modernism, you know?">>
Sammy stared at you for a long moment, and you quickly tried again.
<<nm $phYou "...Sometimes it's a little boring there, and I like all the colors.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh wow! Like, I think exactly the same thing. I was going to put up some posters to make it more fun to look at, but Mr. Mason said I wasn't allowed because it would be distracting! I wouldn't get distracted by a few pictures though!">>
<<nm $phYou "I think the office could do with more color, actually. What were they pictures of?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, oh, oh! So, like, one of them was Dixie Double Ds from 'Planet of the Studs', and another one was Cindy Cox and Vicky Val showing off that one special trick they do with the whip cream and the--">>
<<nm $phYou "W-Well...those might be a //little// distracting.">>
Sammy pouted, crossing her arms with a huff. But soon she caught sight of a waitress carrying a tray in the other direction, and her eyes rounded. She leaned against your arm excitedly,
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh look! They have shakes! With two straws! Can we get a shake, $phSamantha.Address? I'll be good!">>
You laughed and extended your arm around Sammy's hip and pulled her in close. She giggled and laid her head happily on your shoulder as you walked deeper into the dinner to find a booth.
<<nm $phYou "I am pretty sure we can manage that!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh yes! You're the best, $phSamantha.Address! The very best!">>
She bounced in place again, and the older patron who was still watching choked on his coffee. Sammy did a //lot// of bouncing. You couldn't help but grin to yourself.
It seems you were @@.choice;[[Forgiven!|SamanthaBimboDate][$phSamantha.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1.1>>You had to admit, they made a hell of a meal.
The two of you had settled into the seats, and Sammy had immediately begun looking through the music selection for the jukebox. Once you'd ordered, she'd played footsies with you beneath the table while the two of you chatted. When the waitress had returned with your burger, hot dog, and curly fries, the conversation had immediately gone silent as the pair of you dug in. The fries were crispy and seasoned with something delicious that you couldn't identify, the burger had just the perfect amount of pink, and Samantha had wrapped her lips around her hot dog with an enjoyment she usually reserved for wrapping her lips around something else entirely.
Now she was holding her shake in both hands, the thick red and white straw between her lips, sucking hard on the tip. You rested your chin on your hand and watched her with a smile. Her expression was utterly unconcerned with anything but the ice cream treat.
<<nm $phYou "Doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?">>
Sammy pulled the straw from her lips and giggled at you. It was a cheerful and vacant giggle, but there was a tiny smile with it that seemed more knowing than you would have expected.
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh. That's why I'm the best, $phSamantha.Address. Like, everyone in the tower is all running around doing big important stuff...but whenever there's lollipop in my desk cause I forgot I bought some last week, I'm //totally// like, 'wow!' And when you make time to stretch me over my desk, it's the best day ever!">>
You...had to admit she had a point. She might not articulate it the same way, but being happy with the little things was generally a good life strategy. You reached out to take her hand and she looked up at you with wide, guileless eyes.
<<nm $phYou "You //are// the best, Sammy. You're also the first. There's no one that's been with me as long as you. You gave yourself to me when you barely knew me, and when I hadn't done much to earn it. I'm not going to forget that.">>
Sammy stared at you for a long moment. You could almost hear the gears turning in her head as she worked her way through that. Then her expression lit up, abruptly.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh my gawd! Is this a //date//, $pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Yes?">>
Samantha squealed and abruptly launched herself over the top of the table to wrap her arms around you and plant a kiss on your lips. You enjoyed it, despite the tired look from the waitress disappearing back into the kitchen. You made a mental note to leave them a good tip. Sammy pulled back after a second, your lips still tasting of her chocolate shake.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm so sorry, $pMistress! If I knew it was a date I totally would have done this sooner!">>
Then she wiggled her hips expertly, slid her rump off the bench sit, and slipped beneath the table in an instant. You blinked in confusion, but that ended when you felt her deft fingers undoing your belt and pulled down your zipper. You leaned back in your chair and couldn't help but shake your head.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, my Sammy...">>
You let your head rest on the back of the bench as you felt Sammy lean forward beneath the table and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>slip your panties down to your knees<<else>>wrap her lips around your shaft<</if>>. You kept one hand on top of the table, while the other dipped lower to get a comfortable grip on one blonde pigtail, exactly the way she liked.
It wasn't everyone's idea of the perfect first date, but you @@.choice;[[Sure Didn't Mind!|SamanthaBimboDate][$phSamantha.date to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 1.2>>$phSamantha.name cocked her hip near the cash register, staring into a compact mirror as she carefully reapplied her bright, cherry lipstick. You leaned over to sign the credit card slip, doubling the price of the meal in the tip line. Sammy was not the quietest customer, though in fairness she was the one who'd remembered to bring the company credit card. You'd really have to get better about remembering the concept of money.
That completed, you turned and put your hand on the small of Sammy's back and passed through the doors. A small brass bell tinkled overhead as you departed. She waited until you were a step or two down the sidewalk, then reached back and confidently pushed your hand down from her back to her pert rear. You were more than happy to leave it there.
<<nm $phSamantha "This was //so// much fun, $pMistress. I haven't been out on a real date in forever! Oh Oh Oh! Can we do this again? I already want to go back in and have another cheeseburger, and I bet I could make you cum, like, twice as fast!">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course we'll come back, and you don't even have to do that if you don't want to. It's supposed to be a way for you to relax.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "...But that //is// how I relax!">>
You laughed and began to walk her toward the parking lot, giving her a playful little squeeze. You shot a look at her, even as she cooed and stepped closer to lay as much of herself across you as she could.
<<nm $phYou "You don't regret it? Becoming my secretary? Becoming every man's wet dream? And every woman's too, for that matter?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "What? No, $pMistress! You're, like, //soooo// the best thing that's ever happened to me. Like before, I was all nervous and shy and stuff, and now whenever I go shopping and I forgot to bring my purse, then I can go to the cashier and give them this little smile and they //totally// take me in the back and let me pay that way. Like, there was this really pretty girl with these amazing tits and for some reason she was hiding them and I said she had really gorgeous tits and she looked really surprised so I think she must have forgotten that she had them and so I smiled and asked if she liked mine and then she got all red and stuff and started to--">>
You let her talk, but let go of the actual words themselves. You just enjoyed the cadence of it. Sammy's voice rose and fell excitedly as she spilled out one story, and then another and another without transition or break. She was excited to talk to you, excited to find excuses to offer herself to people, and excited to see new things.
She was just //excited//, period, in a way unlike anyone you'd ever known before. Privately, you had to admit, you wouldn't have her any other way. You liked her as this ditzy, blonde, sex-crazed little bimbo, because she was //your// ditzy, blonde, sex-crazed little bimbo. You'd never lose sight of that again.
You reached your car and Sammy pouted a little, but once again she was quick to forgive. She rose up on her heels and pressed another kiss to your lips, her eyes shining as she pulled away.
<<nm $phSamantha "I had a //really// good time, $pMistress. I'm, like, totally going to shop for some sexy things to be wearing the next time you rip my skirt off, so you just wait and be ready, okay? I'll be such a good girl we'll be back here in no time!">>
<<nm $phYou "I believe you. Good girl, Sammy.">>
The blonde beamed at you, twirling excitedly in place and offering you just a glimpse of her pink cotton panties beneath the skirt. Then she turned and skipped toward her own car. You watched her fumble in her purse for a full ten seconds before she found the keys, got the door open, and disappeared inside.
Smiling despite yourself, you got back into your own car. You'd be back @@.choice;[[Soon Enough.|DateReturn][$phSamantha.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh Oh Oh! I know this place! It's really really good! I had a shake last time, and it was, like, so tasty! You should try one and the curly fries too!">>
You paused just before you arrived at the door and gave Sammy a quizzical look. She blinked back up at you with wide eyes, absently toying with the end of one of her pigtails.
<<nm $phYou "...I was with you, remember?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "...Uh huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nevermind. Come on, love. Inside.">>
You reached down and gave her a light spank on the rear to get her moving again. She giggled and trotted through the doorway, then went straight to 'your booth', and you followed along after her. After you'd both settled down into your seat, Sammy leaned forward to show off a generous view of cleavage down the front of her schoolgirl-like outfit.
The waitress, who had been picking up the menus to seat you, looked more than a little non-plussed, but you flashed her a quick smile as you passed and she moved on.
<<nm $phYou "Going to have to spend some time crunching the tip again, I think.">>
You'd just murmured it to yourself, but apparently Sammy had sharp ears. She turned back to you and cocked her head like a puppy.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, that's, like, not hard. Move the dot one place over, and that's ten percent. Then it's super easy to multiply that by two or three or whatever you want. So if the bill is, like, $28 then 10% is $2.80. Round it up to three and you're all set! Like, totally a no brainer.">>
You blinked. It had been a while since Sammy had surprised you, but that caught you off guard. The bimbo leaned over to toy again with the jukebox selector.
<<nm $phYou "You can still do those numbers in your head?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh! Like, I'm still your secretary and stuff! So I have to do the math for payday and remember phone numbers and sign all the paperwork. Except for the safety people who stopped by cause, like, I just offered to blow the guy one day and now he doesn't write up any reports anymore and everyone is happy!">>
You conceded the point. You'd have to remember that. Your secretary was more than a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but you shouldn't underestimate her. She //did// keep the tower running for you, and she did it well. Just because she was excitable and flighty didn't mean there was actually nothing going on between her ears.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good point. Touché, love.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Touch what?">>
On the @@.choice;[[Other Hand...|SamanthaBimboDate][$phSamantha.date to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2.1>>Sammy's shake came to the table before the food, and the woman had grabbed for it like it were a life preserver in the ocean. She was humming to herself as she did, her entire being seeming focused on the singular treat.
<<nm $phYou "I think we're going to have to invest in an ice cream machine for the office at this rate.">>
Sammy stared at you, her jaw dropping and the straw actually falling out from between her lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "You can //buy// an ice cream machine?">>
<<nm $phYou "For you? I'd buy the whole factory.">>
Sammt giggled and extended her foot beneath the table, running her toes up the front of your leg to your knee and then down again, playfully. Her long eyelashes batted at you across the tabletop.
<<nm $phSamantha "So we're back here for another date! Are we going steady, $pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. I wanted to do something nice for you. I know you work pretty hard at the front desk. Sometimes it's good to take a break.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I take lots of breaks! Sometimes I sneak into the supply closet and use the--">>
<<nm $phYou "Breaks //away// from work entirely, Sammy. I want you to be happy, you know?">>
Sammy's expression was uncomprehending. She cocked her head one way, and then the other, not unlike a puppy trying to figure out what sound a dog whistle was making.
<<nm $phSamantha "But I //am// happy at work. That's what the vibrator is for!">>
You couldn't help it. You laughed, covering your face with your hand. When you looked up again, Sammy was pouting at you once more.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hey! Don't make fun of me!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's alright, Sammy. You're perfect the way you are. I just want to make sure you're doing okay.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Of course I am! I'm, like, doing so good! I'm always good! It's all of you that do the real dummy stuff!">>
That set you back. Sammy //almost// sounded annoyed, just for a moment. The blonde seemed to realize what she had said several seconds too late and clapped both her hands over her mouth with an embarrassed squeak.
Well, wasn't that @@.choice;[[Interesting?|SamanthaBimboDate][$phSamantha.date to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 2.2>><<nm $phYou "...'Dummy stuff'?">>
Sammy squeaked again. She shook her head, blonde pigtails flying as she leaned down.
<<nm $phSamantha "Awww. I didn't mean anything. Don't you want me to get under the table again instead? Please?">>
<<nm $phYou "We haven't even eaten yet. Come on, spill it. What did you mean?">>
Sammy heaved an enormous sigh, reaching up with one hand to play with the end of her hair. Then she bounced impatiently in place and groaned.
<<nm $phSamantha "Fiiiinnnee. $pMistress, I know I'm, like, not as smart as I used to be and, like, I'm //super// horny most of the time. I know every time I think about nice, big cocks I get super distracted cause I'm thinking about how yummy their cum is and...mmm... Or, you know, what they could do to me afterward and whether or not they'll spank me and make me call them--">>
<<nm $phYou "Sammy.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Right, uh huh! All of that stuff! But //I'm// happy. It's //fun// being me, $pMistress. It's better than all those people coming in and out all the time that are all smart and hate it. I even think you should do it with me some day! You'd like it!">>
Now it was your turn to cock your head uncomprehendingly. Your 'bimbo' was talking with surprising fervor. You actually weren't sure you'd heard her talk about anything this seriously.
<<nm $phYou "...Me? Do what?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phSamantha "Be like me! You know, we could get, like, Mason to whip something up. You could be all tan and strong and happy. And, like, every time you flexed I bet you'd get all distracted and your cock would get hard and I'd have to take care of it! You might relax that way!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Be like me! You know, we could get, like, Mason to whip something up! You'd get all big and pop your bras and be //happy//. We could go shopping and if there were cute boys we could show our asses until they made us suck them off! You might relax that way!">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Sammy, I have to run the tower. I can't just--">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Not all the //time//! You need a vacation. If we're going steady and you're allowed to worry about me, then I'm allowed to worry about //you//! It's, like, fair!">>
You frowned at her, thoughtfully. You, some kind of <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>'himbo'<<else>>bimbo<</if>>? You had to admit it would relax you. Sammy could barely keep her mind on anything that wasn't sex. The pair of you would probably have a wild night, at the very least.
<<nm $phYou "I...I'll think about it, Sammy. I'm not trying to worry you, but why bring it up now?">>
The blonde played with her hair some more, and heaved another exaggerated sigh. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phSamantha "Everyone is always worried about me cause I'm kind of ditzy, but I'm the smart one, $pMistress! It's just hard when no one understands. It might be nice to hang out with someone like me for a little while. It's more fun in pairs anyway!">>
You thought about that. You guessed, at the end of the day, everyone wanted someone they could relate to. Sammy had precious few options. Most of the other employees wanted their brains intact, and you expected many of them could be a little condescending.
Just like, you had to admit, you could be. Maybe you could indulge her, or at the very least find someone else who would. You owed her that much.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry, Sammy. I brought you out on a date and made you talk about all of the hard stuff. Do you want to get under the table again?">>
She didn't even hesitate. The moment you spoke, her pout turned into a wide, beaming smile and every iota of distress vanished from her features. She immediately leaned back and slipped beneath the table, her hands already reaching for your belt.
You leaned back in your seat and spread your legs to give her access, keeping your eyes watchful for the waitress. Sammy was quick to forgive.
You'd think about it though. @@.choice;[[After She Was Done.|DateReturn][$phSamantha.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Sammy's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<set $phLocation = 'XavierDate'>><<if $phXavier.date is 3>><<set $phXavier.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1>><<set $phTime to 3>><<nm $phYou "I hope you don't mind the quiet.">>
Xavier's 'condition' meant that a stroll in the park to enjoy a sunny afternoon had been out of the question, and you figured after spending so long cooped up between four walls, some outdoor time would do him good. There just weren't many outdoor attractions open at night. The 'stroll in the park' had become one of chirping night-time insects and the faint sound of traffic in the far distance. The concrete pathway trailed through dark green grass against a black sky; lamps threw spotlights of illumination at infrequent intervals, allowing the daydwellers an escape from the dark.
Xavier walked next to you, his hands in his trouser pockets. Still dressed in Baroque fine fashion, he somehow both looked out of place and completely at home in the urban night. His black clothing, dark skin, and dreadlocked hair all served to mask him further still. The gold hue of his eyes were almost luminescent in contrast.
<<nm $phXavier "Far from it. I enjoy Inferno, but a break from one hundred decibels of club music is quite welcome.">>
You smirked.
<<switch $phCurrentDisaster>>
<<case "Silence">><<nm $phYou "I guess today's adventure in mimes and malfunctions //is// an exception. Hard to run a dance club without dancing.">>
<<if $phPetra.transform == 'drow'>><<nm $phXavier "Mm. All the lights, none of the action. Petra and I were reduced to writing notes on the napkins to 'talk' to one another.">>
<<nm $phYou "What's she up to while things are under repair?">>
Xavier gave an expressive and elegant shrug of his slim shoulders.
<<nm $phXavier "Polishing her anti-tank rifle -- or whatever she does to relax. A benefit of our respective lifestyles: both of us are accustomed to being alone with our thoughts.">><<else>><<nm $phXavier "Mm. All the lights, none of the action. Fortunately having an epileptic seizure is no longer something I'm capable of, and I am already accustomed to being alone with my thoughts.">><</if>>
<<case "Space">><<nm $phYou "I guess the 'spectacular views' didn't matter much in the club anyways, did they?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, there are far //more// 'spectacular views' in Inferno, $phXavier.address. One only has to look over the crowd to find some of the most breathtaking sights.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hah. Fair -- and easier to look //and// touch those particular sights.">>
Xavier's broad lips quirked upwards at the corner.
<<nm $phXavier "As if I would ever take advantage of my position to enjoy forbidden fruit.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, of course not. Me neither. Strictly professional, you and I.">>
Neither of you could keep a straight face, even with the deadpan delivery of the words. After a few seconds of silence, both of you let out soft, snorted laughs.
<<nm $phXavier "When you work for <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>, I suppose 'taking advantage' //is// professional.">><<case "Gravity">><<nm $phYou "And I imagine having the drinks -- or the customers -- floating off towards the ceiling isn't great for business.">>
<<nm $phXavier "There's a joke to be made about 'light on your feet', but yes: zero gravity does make the dancefloor a creative sort of chaos. Better to just close things down and spend the day cleaning the vodka off the spotlights.">>
<<if $phPetra.transform == 'drow'>><<nm $phYou "Is that what you have Petra doing while you're enjoying a walk with me?">><<else>><<$phYou "Is that your exciting plan for when we're done with the night?">><</if>>
He snorted, casting an incredulous look over at you in the darkness.
<<nm $phXavier "Of course not. That's what the simulacra are for.">><<case "Rodents">><<nm $phYou "More worried about the sound levels than the squirrel levels?">>
<<nm $phXavier "It was mostly rats -- and I believe it's part of my contract that I not be bothered by rats, bats, or other 'children of the night'.">>
You couldn't help but make a small face, and Xavier chuckled as he glanced your way.
<<nm $phXavier "At least it wasn't spiders?">>
<<nm $phYou "...at least it wasn't spiders.">><</switch>>
@@.choice;
[[That Was a Good Point|XavierVampireDate][$phXavier.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.1>>A figure up ahead came into view; both of you went quiet for the minute or two it took the late night jogger to cross through the pools of light that separated you. The person -- a young man in loose-fitting sweatpants and a tshirt -- passed you both, and both of you turned your head to watch him a moment longer as he quickly disappeared into the darkness again.
<<nm $phXavier "It's odd, being outside the tower, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess you could say that. I mean, I see strangers every day, every //hour// of every day, but... until things went haywire, I hadn't really noticed how long it'd been since I'd been outside.">>
Xavier nodded, pausing his steps for a moment to allow you to catch up -- an easy feat, with legs as long as yours. Once you did, he started walking again, tilting his chin up to look up at the muted constellations of a city sky.
<<nm $phXavier "It's not been nearly so long for me, but I understand what you mean. Inferno has become my home. I'm not sure I like being somewhere else.">>
<<nm $phYou "...oh. Regretting coming out with me?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not yet. I //am// enjoying the walk. But the club is... safe. I know I'm in control, and I know how the night is going to end. If there is one thing I don't miss about my old life, it's 'living while Black'.">>
<<if $phYou.skin == 'pale'>><<nm $phYou "I would say I'd run interference if anyone decides to hassle us, but... that'd exactly prove your point. You shouldn't need me around to protect you from society.">>
<<nm $phXavier "And I don't; I can take care of myself, just as I always have. But I don't miss being aware that I might //have// to.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Yeah. I'm not exactly a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant anymore, myself, but... obviously my situation is very different. Between the two of us, though, I'm sure we'll be okay.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, undoubtedly. And I'd be okay even without you -- I can take care of myself. But I don't miss being aware that I might //have// to.">><</if>>
<<if $phLazrenPlan != 1>>You nodded, chewing your lower lip thoughtfully.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I guess we do live a pretty charmed life inside Paradise, don't we? All the more reason to keep expanding. Right now it might just be we happy few, but after a year -- or two, or ten -- we could be a 'happy hundred'.">>
<<else>>You nodded, chewing your lower lip thoughtfully.
<<nm $phYou "I guess we do live a pretty charmed life inside Paradise, don't we? All the more reason to keep expanding. Right now it might just be we happy few, but--">>
You stopped, suddenly recalling the conversation you'd had with Lazren about the tower -- about why she'd //made// it, and why it was so important to her. About re-making the world, better than it was before.
<</if>>Xavier's lips curled up in a smile of his own in the periphery of your vision.
<<nm $phXavier "Which brings me to something I've been wondering, $phYou.firstname: why me? To spend your night 'out' with, I mean. I'm hardly the most senior or most charming of your employees.">>
You'd half-expected @@.choice;[[That Question...|XavierVampireDate][$phXavier.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.2>><<nm $phYou "I wanted to get to know you better. I know we got off to a kind of adversarial start, and between you running Inferno and me handling the rest of Paradise, we haven't had a lot of time to talk.">>
<<nm $phXavier "The Biblical 'know', or the platonic kind?">>
<<nm $phYou "... is 'both' not an option?">>
He let out a small chuckle as you came to a crossroad in the park. One direction led to a broad, lazy loop that curled around a small pond; the other, up a mild hill before returning back down. <<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>>Xavier regarded them both thoughtfully for a moment before motioning towards the lake and leading you towards the black water.
<<else>>Xavier regarded them both thoughtfully before tipping his head towards the lake.
<<nm $phXavier "Shall we?">>
You nodded your assent, and soon you were both strolling towards the black water.
<</if>><<nm $phXavier "I suppose it can be. I've taken my status as a 'sex slave' -- if you'll pardon the expression -- for granted, but I'm also an adult: I know the difference between 'fucking' and 'friendship'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sex slave? Oh come on. You don't really see yourself that way, do you? Or $phSamantha.name, or anyone else?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Of course I don't; I did say 'pardon the expression'. You gave us all free choice, though in my particular case the alternative was... bleak. And I have //enjoyed// my 'adventures'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good. I //do// want you to be happy -- it might sound cliche, but that's really my goal in all this. Lazren gave me an out of a miserable life and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. So if I can pay that forward, I want to.<br><br>Some people get what they //deserve// more than what they //want// -- Lazren did tell me about that. But I really do hope that when we all look back on things, we'll be proud of ourselves and what we've become. I hope you are, too.">>
He listened as you spoke, his yellow eyes the only point of color on his dark silhouette as you walked next to the quiet pond. When you finished, he was silent for a moment longer before his eyes lifted back towards the night-time park.
<<nm $phXavier "...do angels exist, too?">>
The question took you aback, and you had to pore back over the conversations you'd had with Lazren and Mason. As far as you could recall, though, they'd never mentioned the heavenly side of things.
<<nm $phYou "I... don't know, actually. It's never come up. Why?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Curious, and curious what the difference is. Improving people's lives and making them happy isn't something people usually think of as 'demonic'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why, Xavier, are you saying I'm an angel?">>
Your teasing tone made him stop and glance over at you, his slim smile curving one side of his mouth a little higher. His bright gaze drifted down to your feet and then all the way back up... and grew wider as it did.
But he still @@.choice;[[Didn't Answer.|XavierVampireDate][$phXavier.date to 1.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.3>>It wasn't until Xavier pointed out your increasingly frequent yawns that you realized how late it'd gotten. The rose-and-gold hues of sunrise were still far away, but you weren't accustomed to being active so late, and you'd swear that the inky black sky had brightened //just// enough that you could make out the ghosts of trees, bushes, and lamp posts against the dark horizon.
<<nm $phYou "Well... I guess we should head back to the car.">>
He nodded, though if you weren't mistaken, you caught a glimpse of reluctance in his eyes. You paused and looked over at him, even as he already turned to start back towards the entrance of the park.
<<nm $phYou "Xavier -- you wouldn't //actually// burst into flames if the sun came up, would you?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I'd rather not find out. I finally //have// a life again - I don't plan on taking needless risks with it.">>
A very reasonable position -- though you could still hear the unmistakable sourness under the words. Surely he didn't regret his decision? The transformation wasn't even supposed to work unless it would make the transformee happy: soul-deep, truly //happy//.
Something in your expression as you gazed at him must have given away some of your thoughts.
<<nm $phXavier "I enjoyed the walk -- and the company. I suppose I just... didn't realize it would be over so soon.">>
<<nm $phYou "That just means I'll have to invite you out again for a repeat.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I doubt the Tower will repeat a mistake of this scale any time soon.">>
<<nm $phYou "Who says it has to be during a disaster? Maybe I'll just show up and invite you out, just because.">>
<<nm $phXavier "And who would manage the club, then?">>
<<if $phPetra.transform == 'drow'>><<nm $phYou "I'm sure Petra could keep things in line for one night.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I'd think of something. I //am// the boss.">><</if>>
Xavier snorted, but his faint smirk was back again. As you continued back towards the entrance and left the park behind you, he stepped a little bit closer.
<<nm $phXavier "Maybe. We'll see.">>
You shared the smile, careful not to let it spread too obviously across your lips.
Xavier having an open mind was @@.choice;[[All You Could Ask For|DateReturn][$phXavier.date to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2>><<nobr>>
<<script>>
var d = new Date();
var days = ["Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday"];
State.temporary.todayMF = days[d.getDay()];
State.temporary.todayDate = d.getDate();
if (State.temporary.todayDate > 3 && State.temporary.todayDate < 21) { State.temporary.todayDate += 'th'; }
else {
switch (State.temporary.todayDate % 10) {
case 1: State.temporary.todayDate += "st";
case 2: State.temporary.todayDate += "nd";
case 3: State.temporary.todayDate += "rd";
default: State.temporary.todayDate += "th";
}
}
<</script>>
<</nobr>><<nm $phXavier "...I think I'd forgotten how... peaceful the outdoors can be.">>
You were back at the park again, not too long after sundown. Mason had all but chased you out the doors in his insistence that, despite your efforts to stay out of his way, you //were//. You'd actually left with Xavier before the sun had set, but the darkly-tinted windows of the car had kept him comfortable enough until it was safe to venture outside.
<<if $phLocations['Elysium']['built'] == 1>><<nm $phYou "Have you ever been to Elysium? It's beautiful, lots of trees and flowers, plenty of walking paths. You could go there to get some nature without having to drive.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I've thought about putting a nature area in at Paradise: a place people can get away from the shops and just sit down, relax, and enjoy some quiet.">><</if>>
He was dressed a bit more modernly this time, having traded pseudo-Victorian for black jeans tucked into heavy-duty leather boots, a dark grey sweater, and an unzipped charcoal jacket over top of it. He listened as he walked.
<<nm $phXavier "Not a bad idea. I wonder whether I could visit during the daytime, so long as it's indoors.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good question. Maybe with some UV coating on the windows? I could ask Mason; he might know.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Mm. What's today's date?">>
<<nm $phYou "It's _todayMF.">>
<<nm $phXavier "No, the actual date.">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh... the _todayDate?">>
He nodded, making a small contemplative sound. You looked over at him in askance. Xavier shook his head in response.
<<nm $phXavier "Time blurs together. Sometimes it feels like my old life was years ago; sometimes it feels like everything's happened in the space of just a few days.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I feel that way too sometimes. I can't believe it's been... god, I don't even know. Months? Has it been months? Since Lazren hired me.">>
Another nod from the Black man as you walked together down the path. While he still kept his hands tucked inside the pockets of his coat, he seemed more comfortable walking next to you, close enough now that you occasionally felt the brush of his elbow bump against yours.
<<nm $phXavier "Do you ever think about what it would be like, if she hadn't?">>
You pursed your lips at the question, already knowing the answer.
<<nm $phYou "Sometimes. I went back to my old apartment, not too long ago. They'd demolished it -- the building wasn't even there anymore. And even though I know I'm better off now... it still felt strange. Like I lost something. I never expected to go back, but... I guess... I never thought I wouldn't be //able// to?">>
He let out a soft sigh, and this time his nod was more heartfelt.
<<nm $phXavier "Yeah. Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.">>
@@.choice;
[[He Did?|XavierVampireDate][$phXavier.date to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "...did something happen?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Recently? No. Just... this. Being outside again. Seeing the city again. Remembering that things haven't changed for anyone else.">>
<<nm $phYou "Missing your job? Or your friends?">>
The vampire was silent for a long time, his golden eyes directed down to the pavement as you walked. The intermittant spotlight of the walking path lamps offered small pools of illumination along the way.
<<nm $phXavier "Missing my family. I haven't been in touch since... things changed. I don't know what they must be thinking, or which might be worse: whether they think I'm alive, and just abandoned them, or whether they think I must be dead.">>
You winced. It was easy to forget that while //you// hadn't left behind a significant other or any close family ties, not everyone was as socially isolated as you'd been.
<<nm $phYou "It hasn't been //that// long. They wouldn't think you'd abandoned them, or //died//, would they?">>
<<nm $phXavier "It hasn't been that long... but I wasn't exactly well. I had a month, maybe 'a few'. You don't realize how quickly that time can pass until you're counting your life expectancy in terms of weeks instead of years.<br><br>My parents put on courageous faces, and they tried not to ask about the details of my appointments, but they knew time was running out. They knew they were going to outlive their son, and that they would have to plan my funeral and wrap up my affairs when I was gone. When I suddenly drop off the face of the earth, work hasn't seen me, I haven't been home or collected my mail..?">>
You nodded. Put that way, you could definitely understand.
<<nm $phYou "... they're going to fear the worst. Maybe you could write them a letter? Or give them a call?">>
<<nm $phXavier "What would I tell them when they asked where I was, or why I hadn't come home, or what miracle drug had cured my cancer? They might believe I'm 'in treatment' for months, maybe even a year, but sooner or later I would run out of excuses as to why they couldn't visit me, and I couldn't visit them.">>
Another good point. You weren't surprised that Xavier had already put some thought into this... although you were surprised at how //much// thought he'd put into it. Clearly this had been bothering him for more than just a day or two, and he'd already figured out there weren't any easy answers. He was cured, true, but at a cost.
You glanced over at him, offering a small, sympathetic smile, and then reached to curl your fingers around the inside of his elbow in what you hoped was a reassuring touch.
<<nm $phYou "I wish I could help.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I know. I'd rather talk about something else, if you don't mind. Dwelling on it isn't going to change anything.">>
Neither was ignoring it, you knew, but the least you could do was help him think about @@.choice;[[Something Else|XavierVampireDate][$phXavier.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2.2>>It didn't take you long to get Xavier moved on to a different subject, but even then, you could feel the topic lurking in the shadows. It lingered after you with every step, despite his occasional smiles and acceptance of your hand on his arm.
<<nm $phXavier "You're yawning again.">>
You gave him a guilty glance, even as you covered your open mouth with the back of your free hand.
<<nm $phYou "...child of Sloth. My body insists on reminding me any time I try to stay up too late, or get up too early.">>
He snorted softly.
<<nm $phXavier "Sloth; that's one of the deadly sins. If you are 'sloth', I cannot fathom what a child of Lust would be like.">>
<<nm $phYou "That-- yeah. Wow.">>
You'd met Sloth. You'd //heard// of Greed -- the mysterious 'Avery'. Maybe you'd have to ask Lazren if there were five more of her siblings somewhere out there... although Xavier did have a good point. If you were Sloth, 'Lust' might be borderline terrifying, and 'Wrath' was definitely in "no thank you" territory.
Eventually the conversation died down, and Xavier made his excuses to return to the tower. You lingered in the park a little longer, if only because you were trying not to fall asleep as you went. It was a long and slow stroll back to the car as your mind looped back over Xavier's words.
He didn't regret his choice -- you were sure of that. He'd wanted life, and now he had it... in the unexpected form of undeath. But he could //live// now: he had all the time and energy he could want to experience new things in all their glory and variety. He could make friends now, and say 'hello' without counting down the days to 'goodbye'. Maybe serene sunrises and spectacular sunsets weren't on the menu any more, but everything else was.
Maybe you could arrange for his parents to come to the mall. Even if they didn't visit Inferno, Xavier could still see them while they enjoyed the food court -- and maybe even join them for dinner. But that still ran into the same problem of excuses, prevarications, and outright lies about why he didn't come home.
Could he visit them, instead? Xavier //could// leave the tower, obviously, so long as it was dark outside. But... again, how to explain?
Everything seemed to come down to that. Any conversation with his family would invariably turn to his illness, and lack of it. It would turn to why he couldn't, or wouldn't, come back home.
There was another option, of course. Time might even things out. Xavier //had// died, and with any death, with any loss, there was an adjustment period. Given a few months, those pangs of homesickness might fade away, and whatever sorrow he felt about missing them might be replaced with fond recollection of the time he //had// had.
//"Grief, with his pick, mines at the heart, but he is a cunning workman.
He deepens the channels by which happiness enters,
and hollows out new chambers for joy to abide in when he is gone."//
You'd read that somewhere, once upon a time.
The thought left a faint smile on our lips as you finally started the car to @@.choice;[[Drive Home|DateReturn][$phXavier.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Xavier's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<nobr>><<if $phXavier.date lte 3>>
<<set $phLocation = 'XavierDate'>><<switch $phSeason>>
<<case 'winter'>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to 'DateXunWinter.jpg'>>
<<case 'spring'>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to 'DateXunSpring.jpg'>>
<<case 'summer'>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to 'DateXunSummer.jpg'>>
<<case 'autumn'>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to 'DateXunFall.jpg'>>
<</switch>>
<<script>>
var d = new Date();
var days = ["Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday"];
State.temporary.todayMF = days[d.getDay()];
State.temporary.todayDate = d.getDate();
if (State.temporary.todayDate > 3 && State.temporary.todayDate < 21) { State.temporary.todayDate += 'th'; }
else {
switch (State.temporary.today_Date % 10) {
case 1: State.temporary.todayDate += "st"; break;
case 2: State.temporary.todayDate += "nd"; break;
case 3: State.temporary.todayDate += "rd"; break;
default: State.temporary.todayDate += "th"; break;
}
}
<</script>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phXavier.date is 1>><<nm $phYou "This is really nice.">>
That Xun knew all the best places to enjoy nature wasn't unexpected, despite her relative confinement in the tower. You were pretty sure that, just as her single physical form was somehow part of all of Elysium's greenery, so too she had some sort of 'connection' to wider natural world around her, no matter where it was.
But Elysium, carefully cultivated and climate-controlled as it was, lacked a certain... well, naturalness and wildness. Which was why, <<switch $phSeason>>
<<case 'winter'>>despite the winter cold, the two of you were arm in arm as you strolled through the lines of hibernating trees, ankle-deep in freshly fallen snow<<case 'spring'>>despite the cloud of springtime pollen in the air, the two of you were arm in arm as you strolled through blooming, colorful woods, wildflowers stretching towards the sun on both sides<<case 'summer'>>despite the almost oppressive summer heat -- not to mention the humidity -- the two of you were arm in arm as you strolled through the trees thick with verdant leaves
<<case 'autumn'>>despite the creeping chill of autumn air, the two of you were arm in arm as you strolled through the woods, a carpet of russet, gold, and crimson leaves crunching quietly beneath your feet<</switch>>.
Xun was nude, of course, and seemed utterly unbothered by the weather despite her green skin and feminine charms bared for the world to see. She'd met you here as requested, but she'd been naked as a babe from the moment you'd arrived. If she'd deigned to wear clothes long enough to get a ride there, you didn't see her carrying them now. Maybe she hadn't had to catch a lift at all. Maybe, with her ability to vanish and reappear seemingly at will, she'd just followed branches, roots, and rivers from home to here.
<<nm $phXavier "It is. As much as I enjoy the home you made for me, there is something to be said for the beauty of nature unrestrained, especially considering what making alterations to that natural order showed us today.">>
You smirked. You couldn't let a comment like that go.
<<switch $phCurrentDisaster>>
<<case "Silence">><<nm $phYou "You weren't enjoying the profound //quiet// today?">>
Xun shrugged her shoulders, one handheld lightly on her hip as she studied the scene around you thoughtfully. She made a gesture that seemed to encompass the whole area.
<<nm $phXavier "There is the 'quiet' of a calm night, and the 'quiet' of a graveyard. The former is peaceful; the latter is just disturbing. There are still sounds in the night, after all. The wind, the rustling of the trees, and the fluttering of wings in the distance.">>
<<nm $phYou "True. I guess there's such a thing as //too// quiet.">>
<<nm $phXavier "There is. And nature is never silent unless it is under dire threat. In the dead of winter the trees creak and the snow crunches; in the darkest night, insects still chirp. That is why //that// silence is so unsettling. It's unnatural, and ten thousand years of instincts scream it at you.">>
<<if $phPetra.transform == 'siren'>><<nm $phYou "... I can see that. How is Petra handling it?">>
Xun gave an expressive and elegant shrug of her slim shoulders.
<<nm $phXavier "Less than well. Her voice //is// part of her essence -- losing that is as if you had lost every limb.">>
You wrinkled your nose.
<</if>><<case "Space">><<nm $phYou "I guess the 'spectacular views' were a little, uh, too much contrast with the whole flora and fauna thing?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I find that there are //far// more 'spectacular views' in Elysium, if you look around you instead of at your feet or your phone -- or, right now, at the ceiling.">>
<<nm $phYou "Of course you'd say that. But you have to admit, seeing Jupiter live and in person gives a blooming flower a run for its money, no matter how exotic a flower it is.">>
Xun's jade lips quirked upwards at the corner.
<<nm $phXavier "I was not //only// referring to flowers, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "You weren't?">>
<<nm $phXavier "There are other urges that are also quite natural. ">>
You blinked, feeling the beginnings of a blush. You were so accustomed to thinking of Xun as a sort of personal Earth Mother that sometimes you forgot that there was more to 'nature' than recycling your plastics and enjoying some fresh air.
She glanced over at you, the faint smirk growing on her lips.
<<nm $phXavier "For some male marsupials, for example, the urge to mate is so strong that they will breed until they drop dead from exhaustion. They, at least, will not be distracted from what is important to them.">>
<<case "Gravity">><<nm $phYou "I imagine the visitors floating off towards the ceiling isn't great for Zen-like tranquility?">>
<<nm $phXavier "There's a joke to be made about 'lightness of being', but yes: zero gravity does cause a creative sort of chaos. Insects and birds have //no// idea which way is up... which I admit, ends up being far too amusing.">>
<<nm $phYou "You? Laugh at a bird squawking in desperation as it flaps in a circle?">>
She snorted despite herself, giving you a sharp, almost reproachful look that failed utterly as her smile spread across her lips.
<<nm $phXavier "That's mean. I wouldn't do such a thing.">>
<<nm $phYou "You mean you wouldn't //admit// to it. But you'd laugh.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Maybe. But you have no proof, and no one would ever believe you. I am far too dignified for that.">>
<<case "Rodents">><<nm $phYou "Everything that happened today and your only problem with the squirrels stacked up to the ceiling is that it wasn't natural?">>
<<nm $phXavier "It is mostly rats -- and I believe it's part of my contract that I not be bothered by rats, squirrels, bats, or any other so-called 'vermin'. They aren't so bad once you get to know them.">>
You couldn't help but make a small face. You hadn't seen any bats, but now that you thought about it, you probably had them flapping through the air conditioning vents right now. Xun chuckled as she glanced your way, as though she could read your thoughts clearly.
<<nm $phXavier "At least it wasn't spiders?">>
<<nm $phYou "...at least it wasn't spiders.">>
You tried really, really hard not to think about what waking up would have been like if the tower had mistaken bugs for humans instead of the rodents.
<</switch>>@@.choice;
[[She Had a Good Point|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 1.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.1>>A figure up ahead came into view, and both of you went quiet. You looked over at Xun with concern -- even outside, she didn't look human -- and found her gone completely. You stood <<switch $phSeason>><<case 'winter'>>in the snow<<case 'spring'>>amongst the flowers<<case 'summer'>>in the sunlight<<case 'autumn'>>amongst the carpet of leaves<</switch>> by yourself for the minute or two it took the jogger -- a young man in loose-fitting sweatpants and a t-shirt -- to pass. You turned your head to watch him as he quickly disappeared down the path... only to hear Xun's voice as she reappeared next to you. Someday, you'd get used to that.
<<nm $phXavier "It's odd, being away from the nest, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phYou "You mean the office? I guess you could say that. I mean, I see strangers every day, every //hour// of every day, but... until things went haywire, I hadn't really noticed how long it'd been since I'd been outside.">>
Xun nodded, resuming her steps. <<switch $phSeason>><<case 'winter'>>Even nude and barefoot, she didn't seem to register the cold.<<case 'autumn'>>The leaves rustled quietly as she strode through them, like a faint instrumental accompaniment.<</switch>> She tilted her chin up to look up at the vast expanse of open sky, dotted here and there with white clouds.
<<nm $phXavier "You should make the time to get out more when you can, sapling. It's not been nearly so long for me, but I understand what you mean. Elysium has become my home. The outside world seems somehow less welcoming.">>
<<nm $phYou "Regretting coming out with me?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not yet. I //am// enjoying the walk. But Elysium is... safe. I know that I am in control, and that I'll only be seen if I choose to be. If there is one thing I don't miss about my old life, it's 'living while Black'.">>
<<if ($phYou.gender == 'female')>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>><<nm $phYou "But now you're a woman -- and, despite how I look right //now//, I know how hard that can be, too. I would say I'd run interference if anyone decides to hassle us, but... you shouldn't need me around to protect you from society.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "But now you're a woman... and trust me, that can be hard, too. I've experienced it enough. I would say I'd run interference if anyone decides to hassle us, but you shouldn't need me around to protect you from society.">><</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "But now you're a woman. Obviously I have pretty limited experience on what that's like, but... you know. Society doesn't paint the prettiest picture of what women go through. I would say I'd run interference if anyone decides to hassle us, but... you shouldn't need me around to protect you.">><</if>>
<<nm $phXavier "And I don't; I can take care of myself, just as I always have. There are quite a number of species in which the female is far more capable than the male, and I never believed women were any less than I was anyway. I suppose in a way I've traded one 'disadvantage' for another -- for lack of a better word -- but I am no less empowered as a green woman than I was as a Black man.">>
<<if $phLazrenPlan != 1>>You nodded, chewing your lower lip thoughtfully.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I guess we do live a pretty charmed life inside Paradise, don't we? All the more reason to keep expanding. Right now it might just be we happy few, but after a year -- or two, or ten -- we could be a 'happy hundred'.">>
<<else>>You nodded, chewing your lower lip thoughtfully.
<<nm $phYou "I guess we do live a pretty charmed life inside Paradise, don't we? All the more reason to keep expanding. Right now it might just be we happy few, but--">>
You stopped, suddenly recalling the conversation you'd had with Lazren about the tower -- about why she'd //made// it, and why it was so important to her. About re-making the world, better than it was before.
<</if>>Xun's lips curled up in a smile of her own in the periphery of your vision.
<<nm $phXavier "Which brings me to something I've been wondering, $phYou.firstname: why me? To spend your night 'out' with, I mean. I'm hardly the most senior or most... expressive of your employees.">>
You'd half-expected @@.choice;[[That Question...|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.2>><<nm $phYou "I wanted to get to know you better. I know we got off to a kind of adversarial start, and between you managing Elysium and me handling the rest of Paradise, we haven't had a lot of time to talk.">>
<<nm $phXavier "The Biblical 'know', or the platonic kind?">>
<<nm $phYou "... is 'both' not an option?">>
She let out a small chuckle as you came to a crossroads on the<<switch $phSeason>><<case 'winter'>> snow-covered<<case 'autumn'>> leaf-littered<<case 'spring'>> flower-sprinkled<</switch>> path. One direction led to a broad, lazy loop that curled around a small pond; the other, up and over a gentle hill. <<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>>Xun regarded them both thoughtfully for a moment before motioning towards the lake and leading you towards the water.
<<else>>Xun regarded them both thoughtfully before pointing a slim green hand towards the lake. You nodded your assent, and soon you were both strolling towards the water.
<</if>><<nm $phXavier "I suppose it can be. I've taken my status as a 'concubine' for granted, but I am also an adult: I know the difference between 'fucking' and 'friendship'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Concubine? Oh come on. You don't really see yourself that way, do you? Or $phSamantha.name, or anyone else?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not really, no. You are quite an impassioned leader, but you are not royalty...at least not that I know of. You gave us all free choice, though in my particular case the alternative was... bleak. And I have //enjoyed// my 'adventures'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good. I //do// want you to be happy -- it might sound cliche, but that's really my goal in all this. Lazren gave me an out of a miserable life and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. So if I can pay that forward, I want to.<br><br>Some people get what they //deserve// more than what they //want// -- Lazren did tell me about that. But I really do hope that when we all look back on things, we'll be proud of ourselves and what we've become. I hope you are, too.">>
She listened as you spoke. When you finished, she was silent for a moment longer before her eyes lifted back towards the serene scenery around you.
<<nm $phXavier "...do angels exist, too? Or are those merely a myth?">>
The question took you aback, and you had to pore back over the conversations you'd had with Lazren and Mason. As far as you could recall, though, they'd never mentioned the heavenly side of things.
<<nm $phYou "I... don't know, actually. It's never come up. Why?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Curious, and curious what the difference is. Improving people's lives and making them happy isn't something people usually think of as 'demonic'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why, Xun, are you saying I'm an angel?">>
Your teasing tone made her stop and glance over at you, her slim smile curving one side of her mouth a little higher. Her gaze drifted down to your feet and then all the way back up... and grew wider as it did.
But she still @@.choice;[[Didn't Answer.|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 1.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 1.3>><<set $phTime to 2>>It wasn't until Xun pointed out that the sky had turned from blue to violet that you realized dusk was around the corner. The darkness of night was still an hour away, but the dying light was already starting to mask the once-clear outlines of trees and bushes against the horizon.
<<nm $phYou "Well... I guess we should head back to the car. Elysium awaits.">>
She nodded, though if you weren't mistaken, you caught a glimpse of reluctance in her eyes. You paused and looked over at her, even as she already turned to start back towards the entrance of the park.
<<nm $phXavier "I suppose it does.">>
It wasn't a mistake: you could still hear the unmistakable sourness under the words. Surely she didn't regret her decision? The transformation wasn't even supposed to work unless it would make the transformee happy: soul-deep, truly //happy//.
Something in your expression as you gazed at her must have given away some of your thoughts.
<<nm $phXavier "I enjoyed the walk -- and the company. I suppose I just... didn't realize it would be over so soon.">>
<<nm $phYou "That just means I'll have to invite you out again for a repeat.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I doubt the tower will repeat a mistake of this scale any time soon.">>
<<nm $phYou "Who says it has to be during a disaster? Maybe I'll just show up and invite you out, just because.">>
<<nm $phXavier "And who would watch over Elysium, then?">>
<<if $phPetra.transform == 'siren'>><<nm $phYou "I'm sure Petra could keep things in line for one night.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I'd think of something. I //am// the boss.">><</if>>
Xun chuckled, but her smile -- faint as it was -- had returned. As you continued back towards the drop-off point and left the setting sun behind you, she stepped a little bit closer.
<<nm $phXavier "Maybe. We'll see.">>
You shared the smile, careful not to let it spread too obviously across your lips.
Xun having an open mind was @@.choice;[[All You Could Ask For|DateReturn][$phXavier.date to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2>><<nm $phXavier "Don't laugh, but I think I'd forgotten how... magnificent real nature can be.">>
You were back at the same trail, not too late in the morning. Mason had all but chased you out the doors in his insistence that, despite your efforts not to get in his way, you //were//. You were ready to stretch your legs. The long drive to the far outskirts of town had taken a while, though you had been blessed with company. You weren't sure why Xun had opted to travel with you this time rather than use her typical means, but you didn't mind at all.
<<nm $phYou "Elysium is real nature! Or do you say that because it's indoors?">>
She //was// wearing something this time, perhaps only to safeguard the sensibilities of anyone who'd looked through your window on the way. It was an exceedingly simple sari-style dress: a single, long weave of cloth draped around her curves in a way that was nothing short of art. She listened as she walked.
<<nm $phXavier "Confined, yes. Elysium is a pet: it's well-fed, cared for, manicured, and groomed but it has lost the wildness that it otherwise could have had. That isn't to say it isn't lovely, and beautiful, and all these things... but it also isn't the same as being out //here//.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hmm. Well, if you want, maybe we could 'unplan' it a little it? Let some areas grow a little more wild? We'd still need to make sure the walking paths were clear, and there couldn't be any aggressive animals there...">>
<<nm $phXavier "Mm. Perhaps. What's today's date?">>
<<nm $phYou "_todayMF?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No, the actual date.">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh... the _todayDate?">>
She nodded, making a small contemplative sound. You looked over at her in askance. Xun shook her head in response.
<<nm $phXavier "Time blurs together. Sometimes it feels like my old life was years ago; sometimes it feels like everything's happened in the space of just a few days.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I feel that way too sometimes. I feel like I've half-forgotten everything that I was before, but it hasn't really been that long.">>
Another nod from the dryad as you walked together down the path. She seemed more comfortable walking next to you than before, and strolled close enough now that you occasionally felt the brush of her fingers across yours.
<<nm $phXavier "Do you ever think about what it would be like, if she hadn't?">>
You pursed your lips at the question, already knowing the answer.
<<nm $phYou "Sometimes. I went back to my old apartment, not too long ago. They'd demolished it -- the building wasn't even there anymore. And even though I know I'm better off now... it still felt strange. Like I lost something. I never expected to go back, but... I guess... I never thought I wouldn't be //able// to?">>
She let out a soft sigh, and this time her nod was more heartfelt.
<<nm $phXavier "Yes. I know exactly what you mean.">>
@@.choice;
[[She Did?|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "...did something happen?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Recently? No. Just... this. Being outside again. Passing through the city again. Remembering that things haven't changed for anyone else.">>
<<nm $phYou "Missing your job? Or your friends?">>
The dryad was silent for a long time, her eyes directed down to the ground as you walked. <<switch $phSeason>><<case 'winter'>>Tiny flakes of attempted snow decorated her hair with momentary white before swiftly melting away.<<case 'spring'>>Here and there a newly born bee zipped past to find a colorful bloom.<<case 'summer'>>Dappled light fell through the foliage overhead, painting her skin in near-perfect camouflage with the trees around you.<<case 'autumn'>>Now and then a brilliant red-gold leaf tumbled from its former home and fluttered to the ground.<</switch>>
<<nm $phXavier "Missing my family. I haven't been in touch since... things changed. I don't know what they must be thinking, or which might be worse: whether they think I'm alive, and just abandoned them, or if they think I must be dead.">>
You winced. It was easy to forget that while //you// hadn't left behind a significant other or any close family ties, not everyone was as socially isolated as you'd been.
<<nm $phYou "It hasn't been //that// long. They wouldn't think you'd abandoned them, or //died//, would they?">>
<<nm $phXavier "It hasn't been that long... but I wasn't exactly well. I had a month, maybe 'a few'. You don't realize how quickly that time can pass until you're counting your life expectancy in terms of weeks instead of years.<br><br>My parents put on courageous faces, and they tried not to ask about the details of my appointments, but they knew time was running out. They knew they were going to outlive their son, and that they would have to plan my funeral and wrap up my affairs when I was gone. When I suddenly drop off the face of the earth, work hasn't seen me, I haven't been home or collected my mail..?">>
You nodded. Put that way, you could definitely understand.
<<nm $phYou "... they're going to fear the worst. Maybe you could write them a letter? Or give them a call?">>
<<nm $phXavier "A letter, maybe. A call would be...awkward, given my new voice. And what would I tell them when they asked where I was, or why I hadn't come home, or what miracle drug had cured my cancer? They might believe I'm 'in treatment' for months, maybe even a year, but sooner or later I would run out of excuses as to why they couldn't visit me, and I couldn't visit them.">>
Another good point. You weren't surprised that Xun had already put some thought into this... although you were surprised at how //much// thought she'd put into it. Clearly this had been bothering her for more than just a day or two, and she'd already figured out there weren't any easy answers. She was cured, true, but at a cost.
You glanced over at her, offering a small, sympathetic smile, and then reached to intertwine your fingers with hers in what you hoped was a reassuring touch.
<<nm $phYou "I wish I could help.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I know. I'd rather talk about something else, if you don't mind. Dwelling on it isn't going to change anything.">>
Neither was ignoring it, you knew, but the least you could do was help her think about @@.choice;[[Something Else|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 2.2>><<set $phTime to 2>>It didn't take you long to get Xun moved on to a different subject, but even then, you could feel the topic lurking in the shadows. It lingered after you with every step, despite her occasional smiles and grateful squeeze of your hand.
<<nm $phXavier "You are yawning again, sprout.">>
You gave her a guilty glance, even as you covered your open mouth with the back of your free hand.
<<nm $phYou "...child of Sloth. My body insists on reminding me any time I try to stay up too late, or get up too early.">>
She chuckled softly.
<<nm $phXavier "Sloth; that is one of the deadly sins. If you are 'sloth', I cannot fathom what a child of Lust would be like.">>
<<nm $phYou "That-- yeah. Wow.">>
You'd met Sloth. You'd //heard// of Greed -- the mysterious 'Avery'. Maybe you'd have to ask Lazren if there were five more of her siblings somewhere out there... although Xun did have a good point. If you were Sloth, 'Lust' might be borderline terrifying, and 'Wrath' was definitely in "no thank you" territory.
Eventually the conversation died down, and as the sun began to drift from 'afternoon' to 'evening', <<switch $phSeason>><<case "winter">>what little warmth there was disappeared as well<<case "fall">>a chill wind picked up and chased the fallen leaves<<case "spring">>a brisk wind brought a surprising bite to the end of the day<<case "summer">>the shadows stretched out like fingers over the uneven ground<</switch>>. It was time to head back to the tower.
<<nm $phXavier "Thank you, $phYou.firstname. Sleep well.">>
You had dropped her off at the front doors of Paradise at Xun's insistence, and she said the simple, soft farewell before closing the car door. The automatic locks clicked back into place, and almost as swiftly, the nature spirit disappeared. No doubt she was using her connection with nature to travel far beyond the speed of mortal feet. You, on the other hand, had to take the long way back... but in this case, you didn't mind. Your mind looped back over Xun's words as you parked the car and strolled thoughtfully across the garage.
She didn't regret her choice -- you were sure of that. She'd wanted life, and now she had it... in perhaps the purest form possible. She could truly //live// now: she had all the time and energy she could want to experience new things in all their glory and variety. She could make friends now, and say 'hello' without counting down the days to 'goodbye'. Maybe she'd traded a beard for some breasts, but... well. //Life// was full of surprises.
Maybe you could arrange for her parents to come to the mall. If they took some time to enjoy Elysium, Xun could watch them sight-unseen. Or maybe she could visit them, instead? She //could// leave the tower, obviously.
Both were viable... but you suspected that neither would truly settle the worry inside her. Her parents still wouldn't know the truth of the matter, and would still go to bed that night wondering why their son -- why Xavier -- had never come home. Xun would still be plagued with the fear that they thought she'd died, abandoned them, or worse. It didn't provide any closure.
Everything seemed to come down to that. The only way to assure them 'Xavier' was okay was to talk to them as Xun -- and //that// would a disaster. Even if you could temporarily transform her back to her former self, or disguise her voice on the phone, any conversation with her family would invariably turn to her illness, and lack of it. It would turn to why she couldn't, or wouldn't, come back home.
There was another option, of course. Time might even things out. Xavier //had// died, and with any death, with any loss, there was an adjustment period. Given a few months, those pangs of homesickness might fade away, and whatever sorrow Xun felt about missing them might be replaced with fond recollection of the time she //had// had.
//"Grief, with his pick, mines at the heart, but he is a cunning workman.
He deepens the channels by which happiness enters,
and hollows out new chambers for joy to abide in when he is gone."//
You'd read that somewhere, once upon a time.
The thought left a faint smile on our lips as you headed for @@.choice;[[Mason's Lab|DateReturn][$phXavier.date to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 3.1>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>As exciting as it was to read over inventory and supply chain reports, sometimes you just weren't up to it. Now was one of those times. Instead, you flipped on the television, and spent half an hour drifting from program to program. After fifteen different reality shows, half a dozen bake-offs, and nine programs about alien abductions, you were questioning why anyone ever paid for this junk. Eighty different channels, and each one stunk.
You stopped on a drag show competition, and watched the women -- men? -- prance across the stage in outfits, heels, and makeup that made red carpet galas looks dull in comparison. It was amazing to watch. <<if $phYou.gender is 'female'>>You'd grown up as a woman, and you didn't have half their skills.<</if>><<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You had to admire anyone who could pull off spins and sashays like that without tripping and falling on their face.<<else>>Sure, you favored a more feminine appearance yourself, but if you tried those dance moves? You had no doubt you'd fall on your face.<</if>><</if>>
One of the drag queens was a tall, attractive Black woman, and it turned your thoughts back towards another beautiful Black woman you knew: Xun. You could just //imagine// how hard the dryad would roll her eyes at this display of artificial opulence. She was about as far from 'drag queen' as someone could get. She didn't care about fashion or performance, and the notion of putting on a persona was an anathema. And, perhaps most importantly: Xun couldn't take off the costume at the end of the day.
//That// was what made the situation with her family so problematic, and made Xun's new lease on life so bittersweet. She couldn't celebrate it with her family -- a family that, no doubt, stayed awake at night worrying about their terminally-ill son. A son who had mysterious dropped off the face of the Earth. If Xun had stayed 'Xavier', it would have been easy to call and reassure them, or even make a visit home. But as Xun... there wasn't enough makeup and costuming on Earth that could pass her off as her former self. Maybe a voice-transformer? Or literal magic?
You doubted Xun would go for either option. Either would be another layer of deception to the people she loved, and would leave any reunion with a sour aftertaste.
Maybe deception wasn't necessary, though. There were plenty of families out there who got the surprise of a son coming home as a daughter. Sure, it wasn't //exactly// the same situation, but it was the closest thing to the truth you had. Surely Xun's parents would be delighted to have a vibrant and healthy daughter, instead of a dying son.
You wanted to believe that, but you knew the world outside Paradise was... well, not always idyllic. If Xun was willing to meet her family as her new self, you'd feel better if someone went with her.
Someone strong enough to handle any angry family members -- or strong enough to hold back an upset nature spirit, if needed. But: someone calm and rational enough not escalate things, and well-mannered enough to navigate some tricky emotional terrain. It shortened the list of names significantly. Mason, bless his heart, had the social finesse of a rock -- not to mention the extra set of arms. <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy was adorable and supportive, but neither strong nor, uh, well-mannered. <<else>>Samantha was suave and confident, but you could absolutely see her telling Mom and Dad where they could stick their opinions, if they weren't as welcoming as you hoped. <</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'Cass'>>Cass? //Hell// no. <</if>><<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>>Dana was sweet and sensitive, but that was going to raise a whole different set of questions.<</if>>
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phDamien.date is 3)>>... but //Damien//...
He was definitely big enough and strong enough to make even the most disapproving parents think twice about raising their voice, much less their hands. But, he was a gentle giant. You could already hear him in your head //yes, ma'am-// and //no, sir//-ing in his Southern cowboy drawl. You weren't sure if he and Xun had ever really properly met, but no doubt her connection with nature would appreciate the bull part of him... maybe in more ways than one!
Plus, Damien already knew what it was like to be the gender-nonconforming sheep of the family. Damien had embraced a sort of ultra-masculinity, but he could have just as easily embraced his feminine side. Either way, he might have some unique empathy for Xun's situation. You could ask him if he'd be willing to help.
And if he wasn't... //you// could do it.<</if>><<if ($phDamien.transform is not 'bull') or ($phDamien.date is not 3)>>Someone, perhaps, like you.<</if>>
Sure, you were Xun's employer, technically, but you were also her friend. You had a little more experience adjusting to the mysterious world Xun had stepped into, and a little more experience telling //just enough// truth to keep things believable without straying too far into outright deception. You could help answer some of the inevitable questions, and be moral backup if things got tense. You weren't the most diplomatic person on earth, but you'd definitely gotten good at seeing things from other's perspectives and understanding not only their deepest desires, but also their worries and fears.
It //would// mean taking time away from the Tower, though, and possibly getting tangled up in family affairs that were none of your business. <<if ($phDamien.transform is 'bull') and ($phDamien.date is not 3)>>Both you and Damien<<else>>You<</if>> would need to tap some of the Tower's magic to disguise the whole 'horns' thing you had going on -- not to mention to hide Xun's greenery. That'd cost energy that you could use for other things.
There was another option, of course: the most obvious option. Xun might be a dryad, but she was no wilting, delicate flower. It was //her// family, and //her// life -- she didn't need (and might not want) any help at all. You could stay out of it, let her decide what was best for herself, and just make sure she understood that you'd be here for her, no matter what she decided. After all, you were assuming she'd ultimately decide to reconnect with her family... and that was a big assumption. She might just as easily decide that 'Xavier' //did// die, and his life with him, and choose to focus on her new life instead.
Who would have thought watching a drag show would spark such deep thoughts?
@@.choice;
[[Let Xun Make Her Own Decisions|Bedroom][$phXavier.date to 4,$phXavier.goodbye to 'SoloDate']]<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>
[[See If Damien Would Go With Her|Bedroom][$phXavier.date to 5,$phXavier.goodbye to 'DamienDate']]<</if>>
<<if $phEnergy gte 500>>[[Volunteer to Meet The Parents, Yourself (500 Energy)|Bedroom][$phXavier.date to 6,$phXavier.goodbye to 'YouDate']]<<else>>@@.unavailable;Not Enough Energy To Disguise Yourself For The Trip! (500 Energy)@@<</if>>
[[Think About It Later Instead|Bedroom][$phXavier.date to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phXavier.date is 4) or ($phXavier.date is 5) or ($phXavier.date is 6)>><<set _interrupt to 'Xun'>><<nm $phXavier "$phYou.firstname, do you have a moment?">>
You nearly jumped out of your skin, and your hand flashed to your chest as your heart tried to do the same out of your ribcage. You'd just gotten dressed, combed your hair, and cracked open the door to your suite to get your morning started. Xun's serious expression //right// on the other side of your door was the last thing you expected this early.
<<nm $phYou "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?? You could have knocked!">>
<<nm $phXavier "I was about to, but you have fateful timing. May I?">>
She motioned towards your suite; you glanced back over your shoulder out of pure reflex. By the time you looked back towards the dryad, she had somehow slipped under your arm and was already inside.
<<nm $phYou "... yes? Something wrong? Is Elysium alright?">>
Xun paused in your foyer and glanced back at you. She was nude, as was normal for her, although the coiled vines around her body sprouted conveniently-placed leaves that offered a minimum of modesty.
<<nm $phXavier "Elysium is fine. Nothing is wrong. I... wanted your opinion on something.">>
That sounded serious. Serious enough that you closed the door again, and decided your morning briefing with $phSamantha.name could wait.
<<nm $phYou "Of course. Do you want to sit down? I can fix you some coffee.">>
She shook her head, although at the same time she walked over to the loveseat and took a seat on its arm.
<<nm $phXavier "No, no thank you. I just need a moment, and a second opinion. I...">>
She paused, and you gave her a moment to collect her thoughts. Since her transformation, she'd gained an impressive inner calmness, but something was clearly on her mind.
<<nm $phXavier "I've decided to visit my parents. I owe them that much, $phYou.firstname. I want them to know that they don't have to mourn. But I need your help. I know the Tower can shield my appearance within its walls, but I need to know whether there's a way I can still use that mask while I return home.">>
Huh. Fateful timing indeed. You'd just been thinking about the same thing. Was that really coincidence, or was the tower learning more subtle influences?
<<if $phXavier.date is 4>>Wasn't //that// an @@.choice;[[Ominous Thought!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 4.11]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5>>Wasn't //that// an @@.choice;[[Ominous Thought!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 5.11]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6>>Wasn't //that// an @@.choice;[[Ominous Thought!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.99]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phXavier.date is 4.11) or ($phXavier.date is 5.11) or ($phXavier.date is 6.99)>><<if $phXavier.date is 4.11>><<set $phXavier.date to 4>><</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5.11>><<set $phXavier.date to 5>><</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.99>><<set $phXavier.date to 6>><</if>><<nm $phYou "...Funny you mention that. I was just thinking about that conversation last night. It shouldn't be too hard to find a way to de-green you.<<if ($phJolie.transform is 'pornstar')>> I bet Jolie knows some theatre makeup tricks that would do the job.<</if>><<if ($phJolie.transform is not 'pornstar') and ($phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo')>> Sammy's a lot better with makeup than you'd think, I bet she'd have some ideas.<</if>><<if ($phJolie.transform is not 'pornstar') and ($phSamantha.transform is not 'bimbo') and ($phSara.transform is 'magician')>> Sara's literally magic; she'd be able to whip something up.<</if>><<if ($phJolie.transform is not 'pornstar') and ($phSamantha.transform is not 'bimbo') and ($phSara.transform is not 'magician') and ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre')>> Nadia... well, I'm not sure there's anything Nadia //can't// do at this point, honestly. We could pay her a visit.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phXavier "No, $phYou.firstname. I don't need to look //human//; I need to look //male//. I need to look like Xavier again.">>
You blinked.
<<nm $phYou "I mean, it might be //possible//, but... are you sure that's a good idea?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I am sure. It only needs to be for one night: long enough to reassure them that I am alright.">>
<<nm $phYou "What if you want to see them again? Or talk to them on the phone? What if they want family pictures, or to come visit?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Then I'll-- I'll repeat the process, somehow. What other choice do I have? I can't tell them I met <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> who cured my cancer by transforming me into a nymph.">>
You grimaced and took in a deep breath, then stepped over to where Xun sat. You weren't really sure what she was going to think about this, and you could see from the look on her face she knew you had //something// to talk about.
<<nm $phYou "No... but... you could leave out the whole <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> part. You could meet them //as// Xun. It'd be easier, and more honest.">>
<<nm $phXavier "//As// Xun? $phYou.firstname, how do you expect me to explain that? That I've just magically become a woman?">>
<<nm $phYou "Drop the 'magic', too. But, I mean... you wouldn't be the first son to come home as a daughter. It's still a small bit of a fib, but we could tell them that you decided on a change, and that's why you've been making yourself scarce. Not because you've been sick, but because you've been transitioning.">>
She stopped, mouth open, and just //stared// at you for a moment, as if you'd spouted alien gibberish instead of English. You were debating whether you needed to explain more, give some more clarification, when she managed to finally sputter out a response.
<<nm $phXavier "But I-- I'm not-...I never //wanted// to be a woman; I was very //happy// being--">>
You held up your hands, half-supplication and half to stall her objection.
<<nm $phYou "I'm not saying you are, or-- or that you weren't. I would remind you that the tower //is// designed to make you happy with what it does. Maybe we don't have to use those words. I just... I think, long-term, you'd regret the deception. That's why you want to see them, isn't it? Because you don't want to hide from them?">>
<<nm $phXavier "That is //different//, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "It probably is. But just hear me out, Xun. Let's say you go meet them -- whether as a man or a woman. If things go well, are you really going to just walk away and not see them again? Never drop by dinner? Call home on birthdays? If they get sick, or as they get older, you're going to be okay with not taking care of them?">>
She was getting irate now. She rose from the arm of the sofa and whipped a sharp motion of her hand through the air between you.
<<nm $phXavier "I am still a //dryad//. I am //bound// to this tower. I chose that fate of my own will -- I am not complaining. But it makes stopping in for dinner difficult!">>
<<nm $phYou "You can leave the Tower, at least for short periods. We went for those walks, didn't we? The Tower might be able to disguise you -- if not, we can find some method or other. Mason has a bag of tricks that doesn't end. I'm just saying, it's easier to hide a couple of vines than it is to make you look like someone you aren't anymore. And if you want your parents in your life long-term, even if it's just dinner once a week, you're going to want to be yourself with them. Or, as much yourself as you can.">>
You met Xun's intense green eyes and the simmering emotion in them. If you were a betting <<if $phYou.form is not 'male'>>wo<</if>>man, you would have put damn good odds on getting a palm-print slapped across your face.
Then she @@.choice;[[Sat Back Down!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to $phXavier.date += 0.1]]@@<</if>><<if ($phXavier.date is 4.1) or ($phXavier.date is 5.1) or ($phXavier.date is 6.1)>><<nm $phXavier "I-- I don't know if I can... I wouldn't know what to say!">>
She sounded defeated. Instead of standing this time, you crouched down on the floor next to her, so she could look down at you as you offered a reassuring smile back up.
<<nm $phYou "Me neither, but I think honesty is the way to go -- as much honesty as we can.">>
<<nm $phXavier "You keep saying 'we'. Who is 'we', exactly?">>
<<if $phXavier.date is 4.1>><<nm $phYou "I did think about it. You said 'fateful timing', and it really is. I was thinking about it last night, but I think for your first time seeing them again it should probably just be you and them. You're going to have a lot to talk about, and I imagine some of those conversations are going to be emotional... and private.">>
She made a low, uncertain sound in the back of her throat.
<<nm $phXavier "You're not wrong. It will be... challenging.">>
<<nm $phYou "We'll all be here when you get back; I'm not just going to throw you out after that awesome pep talk and abandon you to the winds. If you need a phone call or a quick ride back home, we'll be there as quick as you can blink. But as far as actually seeing your parents...">>
<<nm $phXavier "I understand. And I'll keep that in mind; I might need it. Do you truly think I should do this, $phYou.firstname? As a woman? As Xun?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think there's another way you //can// do it, and still be happy. And, honestly, if mom and dad can accept you with a bit less facial hair, I doubt that a touch of green will make much different after that. One stage of 'coming out' at a time.">>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5.1>><<nm $phYou "I did think about it. You said 'fateful timing', and it really is. I was thinking about it last night, and I //do// think someone should go with you, just in case.">>
<<nm $phXavier "In case my parents reject me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think they will, but you know them better than me. It's easy to forget that our little slice of doesn't extend much past the doors. I'd just feel better if you had someone there, even if it's as a chauffeur and walk you to the door. I was thinking Damien, actually.">>
That made the dryad cock her head to the side and give you a quizzical look.
<<nm $phXavier "Damien? Not yourself? Why him?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well... he's //bigger//, obviously. Anyone who thinks about messing with you will definitely think twice. But I can't think of anyone gentler, more polite, and more understanding. And... I don't know if //you// knew this, but he's not exactly a stranger to dealing with family and gender expectations. He might have some good advice.">>
She lifted her eyebrows in curiosity, but you shook your head instead of answering.
<<nm $phYou "Not my story to tell, but it'll give you something to talk about on the drive.">>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.1>><<nm $phYou "I did think about it. You said 'fateful timing', and it really is. I was thinking about it last night, and I //do// think someone should go with you, just in case. So... if you'll let me: yes, me.">>
<<nm $phXavier "How am I to explain who //you// are?">>
You shrugged a shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "Friend? Most bosses wouldn't show up to a personal kind of thing like that, and I like to think we're more 'friends' than 'coworkers' anyways.">>
Xun gazed at you for a moment, her forest-green eyes slightly weighing your words. You saw a tiny mischevious twinkle begin to glimmer in their depths.
<<nm $phXavier "A fellow <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>transman<<else>>transwoman<</if>>, perhaps? Someone who, being so much more //experienced// in this strange new world, helped show me my true self and helped me start down that path?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah... well.. I-- I-- guess? As long as they don't think that's a //bad// thing. Although maybe better they blame me than you, if they do.">>
She snorted, but the smirk on her lips stayed in place.
<<nm $phXavier "I... don't know how they'll react, honestly; I can't recall the topic coming up. I'll think about it. Perhaps you being my very normal, not-demonic friend would be the best explanation.">>
<<nm $phYou "Whatever's best for you. I'll play along.">>
<</if>>She was silent for a moment, and you let her think. It wasn't //you// family, after all, and she still might change her mind. You reached to lay your hand on her knee and give her a small squeeze.
<<nm $phYou "Whatever you decide, we'll be here.">>
She nodded, once, but didn't speak for another minute. Finally, she straightened and drew in a deep breath.
<<if $phXavier.date is 4.1>><<nm $phXavier "I'll go as Xun, and I'll go alone. You're right; it's a personal matter. I may need some help hiding my vines, though.">>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5.1>><<nm $phXavier "I'll go as Xun... and I will take Damien with me. I suspect his perspective may be valuable, and... I suspect I will feel somewhat better with someone by my side. I may need some help hiding my vines, though.">><<set $phXavier.date to 5.2>>
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.1>><<nm $phXavier "I'll go as Xun... and I'd like you to come with me. You're more experienced than I am with all this, and you have a knack for calming down people who are, to put it mildly, surprised or distressed. I am need some help hiding my vines, though.">>
<</if>>You smiled at her and squeezed her thigh again.
<<nm $phYou "I'll ask around and figure something out. When are you thinking of going?">>
<<nm $phXavier "... this weekend, if I can. They always make a point of family dinners on weekend nights. I know they'll be home.">>
<<nm $phYou "Plenty of time to prepare, then. I think you're doing the right thing, Xun. I'm proud of you.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Thank you, $phYou.firstname. I hope they will be, too.">>
She got to her feet again and laid a soft palm against your cheek. She held it there for several seconds before removing her fingers and heading for the door.
You pulled in a deep breath of your own. You hadn't been expecting to start your day quite so seriously, but it sure beat Excel spreadsheets.
@@.choice;
<<if $phXavier.date is 5.2>>[[Go Fill Damien In On the Plan!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 5.3]]<<else>>[[Head To the Office|Office]]<</if>>@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 4.5>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>//Knock knock knock.//
You paused and looked back over your shoulder, catching your nightrobe half-way in its descent towards the floor. You'd //just// finished turning off all the lights, and had been planning on spending a lovely half-hour getting better acquainted with your tail and a bottle of lube. Now, you squinted towards the stairs that led down to the door to your suite, and debated just how important it was to answer it.
'Fairly', probably. One thing about your old hourly-wage jobs: you didn't have to answer the door at 10pm. Strongly counterbalanced by the fact you didn't have gas money, rent money, or any other type of money. At least in the Tower, you knew whoever was knocking had a good reason, and was probably someone you actually liked.
You pulled the robe back up around your shoulders, half-tied the sash around your hips, and descended down the stairs.
You were right.
<<nm $phYou "Xun! You-- wow. You look fantastic. Dinner with the family tonight?">>
Your favorite dryad was dressed in an olive-green one-piece dress with quarter-length sleeves and hem that stopped just before her knees. It certainly wasn't 'evening gown' elegance, but the color complemented her skin tone amazingly well -- and, you realized, might help to explain away any lingering hue in her skin. The simple lines were clean, smooth, and beautiful. She wore light and subtle makeup, including a soft, glimmering lip gloss that practically begged to be kissed. A carved and polished wooden bracelet encircled her left wrist.
<<nm $phXavier "Actually, I just returned.">>
She offered you a smile from just outside your door, but it was... markedly reserved. Your own smile faded as slow realization dawned. She didn't sound nearly as jubilant and cheerful as you'd expect after reuniting with her parents.
Oh no.
<<nm $phYou "Want to come in? How'd it go?">>
She shook her head before letting out a sigh.
<<nm $phXavier "I won't stay long. But I knew you would want to know, and... I'd rather not dwell on it longer than necessary.">>
<<nm $phYou "...ouch. Was it that bad?">>
<<nm $phXavier "It didn't go //poorly//. They... were polite. Welcoming. Tried to be understanding. Just... they...called me Xavier, a lot. 'He', their 'son'. I understand where they're coming from: that's how they've known me their entire lives, and this was as much as surprise for //me// as it was for them. But it still felt like... they weren't that happy that I was alright. That I was standing there.<br><br>I know they //were// happy, I know they're thrilled not to have to plan a funeral for their only child, but it felt like they would have been much happier, had I come home as a man again. And that stung more than I thought it would. That maybe I'm... less, now, because I'm different.">>
You stepped forward, crossing the threshold to embrace her in a swift and tight hug.
<<nm $phYou "You aren't! You aren't, not at all. You know that, don't you? You're exactly the same-- no, you aren't. You're not the //same//, but you haven't changed who you are deep down inside. You aren't //less//; Hell no. You know that, right?">>
She squeezed you back, and to your surprise, held on. She was silent for a long moment, but you didn't feel any of the quavering or shivering of restrained tears. You weren't sure whether to say anything more, so you didn't. You just held her until she spoke again.
<<nm $phXavier "I know. I do know that. I just-- I thought that-- that they'd be happier, $phYou.firstname. I really did.">>
You hugged her a little tighter and raised a hand to stroke over her hair.
<<nm $phYou "...I'm sorry I didn't go with you, Xun. One of us should have.">>
<<nm $phXavier "It wouldn't have made a difference.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe not to them, but maybe it would have for you. Are you going to go back again? Keep visiting?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No. No, I don't think so. Maybe someday. But if they miss me, as their daughter, then they can come here, too.">>
<<nm $phYou "If they do, they'll be welcome... so long as they're respectful to you.">>
You felt her nod against your shoulder, and a moment later she pulled away. You noticed the way she wiped one eye with her fingertip before forcing that delicate smile up at you again.
<<nm $phXavier "Thank you. I should go back to Elysium; I've missed it, and I'm sure it's missed me. I'll be fine. I'll feel fine after a good night's sleep, don't worry.">>
That was easier said than done, but you nodded to her as you slowly let her go.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. If you need you need anything, Xun...">>
<<nm $phXavier "I'll let you know. Good night, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good night.">>
You watched her with bittersweet emotion as she walked back into the darkened hall that led to her new home. You knew she //would// be alright, eventually. Maybe even 'rapidly'. Paradise had a way of helping people forget their sorrows.
But it was a poignant reminder that even Paradise wasn't always perfect. Or maybe, that it wasn't perfectly immediate. It was a step. There was always tomorrow.
@@.narrative;A Little Closure, Albeit An Icy Welcome. Xun's Family Can Reach Her Now...When They Want To.@@
@@.choice;
[[Try to Get Some Sleep|Sleep][$phXavier.date to 10]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5.3>><<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set $phDamien.date to 4.11>><<nm $phYou "Hey, Damien, you got a minute?">>
The bull-man paused and looked your way, a full 60-liter milk drum balanced on one shoulder like it weighed nothing at all. He nodded at you and moved behind the counter of Shakes 'n' Sundaes, where he slung the steel vessel off his shoulder and sat it down out of sight.
<<nm $phDamien "Sure thing, $phDamien.address. Gimme just a second to get this all hooked up.">><<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>
<<nm $phJolie "$phJolie.Address! Can I get you anything? It is on the house!">>
You smiled at her as you glanced over the array of flavors and toppings on the other side of the acrylic guard. It was tempting, but... maybe after you got the serious bit out of the way.
<<nm $phYou "Not yet, but hold that thought.">>
She beamed back at you, clasping her hands in front of her in a way that just happened to squeeze her enormous breasts together in a very appealing way.
<<nm $phJolie "Of course. We are always at your service.">>
<</if>>It didn't take the massive man long to get the various spouts, tubes, and connectors situated. He stood back up and brushed his hands off on his jeans before coming around to the 'customer' side of the counter where he could talk to you face to face. You couldn't keep your gaze from wandering, just a little, over the very //large// expanse muscular, hair-covered forearms, and equally muscular and hairy pecs that strained against his plaid button-up shirt whose open top buttons gave a perfect glimpse of heaven.
The sudden //thud// of a woman nearby colliding with one of the food court support columns betrayed you weren't the only one enjoying the view.
<<nm $phDamien "What can I do ya for, $phDamien.address?">>
//...so many things.//
Nope. No, pleasure later. Business now. Or-- well, not //business//.
<<nm $phYou "Have you ever run into Xun? Cute girl, kinda green, lives in the park by the fountain?">>
His lips spread in a smile.
<<nm $phDamien "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Yessir<<else>>Yes'm<</if>>. Like to take my lunch break sittin' down, so I'll take a shake and a sandwich down an' enjoy a view that's not stainless steel. I love my job, but it's nice to get away from the machines.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ever talk to her?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Just some howdies and hellos; usually got my mouth full. Enough to know I better make sure I hit the trash can on my way if I want to keep my jewels intact.">>
Hah. Fair. That certainly sounded like Xun -- and it sounded like there wasn't any friction or animosity there. That was promising.
<<nm $phYou "How'd you like to do me -- and her -- a favor? She's going outside the Tower for a night, and I'd like to send someone with her.">>
You saw every muscle in his body shift as he drew himself up straighter, and you knew you'd hit exactly the right note. If there was one way to get the bull's attention, it was to play up his instinct to protect others.
@@.choice;
[[Bingo!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 5.4]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 5.4>><<nm $phDamien "'Course I would. Where's she headin'?">>
<<nm $phYou "She's going to meet her family for dinner... for the first time since she became Xun. I, ah... well, maybe you should ask her, actually. Just, they haven't met her like she is now yet.">>
<<nm $phDamien "You thinkin' they're gonna give her trouble?">>
<<nm $phYou "No -- or, I hope not. But someone else might, and you know how stressful a visit home can be. She might just like having a familiar face around, and someone who she can be herself with.">>
Damien nodded, and pulled in his lower lip to chew on it. If he'd had a toothpick or piece of straw, he'd be chewing on that instead.
<<nm $phDamien "I can do that.">>
<<nm $phYou "I figured you could, and I couldn't think of anyone who'd be more polite at a family dinner than you. Just show up, be a friend, and if anyone catcalls her on the street, remind them it's rude to whistle at a lady.">>
He huffed in amusement and adjusted his stance, his feet slightly apart and his arms folded across his stomach.
<<nm $phDamien "Ayup, can do that too. She know you're invitin' me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I already talked to her; she thought it was a good idea, too. I'm not sure when she's going, but you could probably ask her next time you're on lunch down there.">>
A nod from the big man.
<<nm $phDamien "I will. Guess I'll ask her 'bout the dress code an' expectations. I'll hit 'er up next time I got a break, an' let her know I'll be there with bells on.">>
You had a split-second mental image of Damien //literally// with bells on: one of those big, square-ish Alpine cow bells attached to a collar around his neck. You smirked and filed it away for a possible playtime -- or a possible punishment.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks, Dam, I appreciate it. I'll let you get back to work. Give the girls a spanking from me?">>
He grinned as he uncrossed his arms and tucked his thumbs into his hip pockets.
<<nm $phDamien "Will do; I'll make'em scream real good an' tell 'em you said hi.">>
That sounded just about perfect. You clapped him on the shoulder -- nearly having to rise on your tiptoes to reach -- and took your leave. At least you knew that Xun would be in good, safe hands now.
@@.choice;
[[Back to the Food Court!|Shakes 'n Sundaes]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7>><<set $phLocation to 'ShakeShack'>><<set $phDamien.date to 4.12>><<nm $phYou "Looks like you survived meeting Xun's parents. How'd it go?">>
Damien chuckled and gave you a meaningful look that suggested 'survived' was just about the right word. He lifted a massive hand to lift up his cowboy hat, and then ran the fingers of his other through the shock of thick hair between his horns.
<<nm $phDamien "Well, $phDamien.address... let's just say it was an experience. Nice folk. Ms. Lanelle is a mighty good cook, and her pa doesn't pull any punches.">>
<<nm $phYou "...metaphorical punches, I hope.">>
<<nm $phDamien "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Yessir<<else>>Yes'm<</if>>. Didn't raise his hand or his voice, but just about pinned me to the wall with pointed questions.">>
<<nm $phYou "Guess I can understand that. I bet it was a shock for them to not only see Xun, but see her bring home someone like you. How'd they react to her? Any problems there?">>
Damien shook his head.
<<nm $phDamien "No, can't say there were. Think they were a little taken aback, an' used her old name a few times, but honest they mostly did a lot of huggin' and cryin' and catchin' up.">>
That was music to your ears. You didn't //think// Xun's family would react badly, but hearing Damien confirm it lifted a weight from your heart.
<<nm $phYou "How about you? They treat you okay?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Ayup. Sleepin' arrangements were a little awkward with the, uh, ... y'know. Assumin' me and her were an item. But we worked it out.">>
<<nm $phYou "...that sounds like a story. //Sleeping// arrangements?">>
You could see a rosey blush creep into his tanned cheeks as the big bull ducked his head.
<<nm $phDamien "//Just// sleep, $phDamien.address. Ms. Lanelle -- Xun's ma -- kind of assumed that, ah, we were a couple. Sounded like as good explanation as any, so me and her, we just rolled with it. Shacked up in the guest bedroom, Xun on the bed, me on the floor.">>
You snorted. How Damien could literally spend his days milking and fucking voluptuous and beautiful women without missing a beat, but actually //blush// at the thought of being mistaken for Xun's boyfriend... it just amazed you. Surely there was some measure of logic to the man's reactions, but Hell if you could figure it out.
<<nm $phYou "Ever the gentleman. Well, I'm glad it went so well. Thanks for taking care of her, Damien.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I didn't do much but nod and say //yes ma'am// and //no sir// 'bout every three words. Still: my pleasure. Anything else I can do for you, speakin' of?">>
@@.choice;
[[Chat With Damien A While|DamienBullTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 2]]
[[Indulge In A More 'Substantial' Encounter|DamienBullSex]]
[[Just Passing Through|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.goodbye to 'bull']]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.1>><<set $phLocation to 'Elysium'>><<nm $phYou "Sooooo how'd the dinner with the parents go?">>
The dryad smirked down at you from her branch. Like a Cheshire cat, she faded from view, only to reappear a moment later at the base of the tree. Bereft of her perch, now she had to look up at you to answer.
<<nm $phXavier "Better than I expected. They were... surprised, to say the least. But they were very adamant that they cared more that I was healthy, and happy, than what I looked like. I didn't enjoy the deception of it, but... it wasn't entirely inaccurate, either.">>
<<nm $phYou "That does sound good. So you'll be seeing them again? Should I let Petra know they might swing by?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I'll ask them. I had originally intended on sticking with telephone calls, but both of them //insist// on meeting my 'boyfriend' -- by which they mean vetting him and putting him through the gauntlet.">>
Both of your eyebrows crawled towards your hairline. You had a pretty solid guess who this 'boyfriend' was -- given you knew the only boy she'd taken with her.
<<nm $phYou "...Damien? Your boyfriend?">>
<<nm $phXavier "My mother jumped to the obvious, if erroneous, conclusion, and... well, I was caught too off-guard to think of a better explanation, and Damien was too polite to correct her. So, according to my loving and now very //protective// parents... Damien is my boyfriend.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hah. Well, there's worse people to be in a relationship with. Trust me; I dated a few while I was mortal.">>
She leaned back against the tree trunk and gave you an amused look.
<<nm $phXavier "Likewise. We agreed to keep up the ruse for a few more visits, at which point we can have an amicable 'break up'.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's too bad; you'd make a cute couple.">>
She laughed lightly, and her eyes glimmered with her mirth.
<<nm $phXavier "Don't you start too, little sprout. But yes, it went well - thank you for talking me into it. Is there anything //else// you'd like to talk about?">>
@@.choice;
[[Ask How Xun Is Adjusting|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About Elysium|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About Journalism|XunElysiumTalk][$phXavierQ3 to 1]]
[[Less Talking...More Sex?|DryadSex]]
[[That Was All!|Elysium][$phGoodbye to 'none']]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.5>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to "XavierHouse.gif">><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['name'] to "Xun's House">><<set $phLocation to 'XavierDate'>><<nm $phYou "You ready for this?">>
You leaned slightly towards Xun as you asked the question, but honestly it was as much for you as for her. The pair of you stood not a hundred meters from her parents' house, gathering your courage before approaching the door.
It was a lovely house. Fortunately, Xun's family lived in a fairly modest abode. It was small, width-wise, but two stories tall, with grey-blue siding and white trim around the windows and porch. The yard was small but well-kept, and Xun's mother -- or father -- seemed to have a knack for plants. Maybe the whole 'dryad' thing hadn't been complete coincidence.
<<nm $phXavier "As ready as I can be.">>
She did a good job of sounding confident, but you heard the pause and the deep breath before she answered. A touch of color-correction makeup from $phSamantha.name had evened out the green tones in her skin, and with her clothing covering her vines, she looked as ordinary as anyone else.
You nodded and reached to take her hand, and together you stepped towards door. You gave that same hand a reassuring squeeze as Xun pressed a finger against the doorbell.
<<nm $phXavierMom "...Xavier?">>
The woman who answered the door was a bit shorter than you expected, with rich brown skin and tightly coiled hair worn in a natural afro style. She was dressed in denim jeans and a loose, yellow-brown ochre sweater that draped all the way down to mid-thigh. A wedding ring glittered on one finger, and her ears were adorned with golden hoop earrings.
Xun managed an uncertain smile and stepped forward.
<<nm $phXavier "Mom. I-- I go by Xun now. But, yes, it's me.">>
You stood there, awkwardly silent, as the two women gazed at each other. You couldn't imagine the swirl of emotions they were processing, much less how you could 'help'. You saw Xun's mother glance up at you briefly, but you were definitely not the focus of her attention.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Xun. Yes, ah- of course. Xun.">>
She stepped forward, hesitated, and then raised her arms to wrap Xun in a hug. Xun returned the embrace, although you weren't sure whether it was reflex or enthusiasm. That answer became clear a moment later when both of them wrapped each other tighter, and you heard Xun's mother let out a quiet, joyful half-sob.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Xun. Xun! It's so good to see you. Who is--?">>
She pulled away to look up at you, over her daughter's shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "$phYou.firstname, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Yes, this is $phYou.firstname $phYou.surname. $phYou.firstname, this is my mom, Lanelle King. And my dad, Philip -- mom, is he home?">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "He's in the kitchen. Oh, he's //nervous//, honey, but it will be okay, it will be okay.">>
Lanelle patted Xun on the shoulder and then took a half-step to the side to get a better look at you. She smiled, but her eyes were still uncertain.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Are-- are you Xun's... <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>friend?">>
Somehow, even though you'd expected that question to come up, it caught you flat-footed and without a good answer. You weren't //technically// dating, but you'd sure enjoyed each other's company a time or two. But you were also her boss at her new job -- which, actually, how would you even describe Xun's job? 'Groundskeeper'?
<<nm $phXavier "Just friend, but a very good friend. We-- we work together. I have a new job, did I tell you?">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "You're not with the //Daily// anymore?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No. I guess, after everything, I wanted something different. I'm working at a garden now. Do you know that new mall downtown? They have an indoor park.">>
Distraction successful. You let out a small mental sigh of relief as Lanelle turned away from you and back towards her daughter, and the two of them headed inside.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Phil! He-- She's here! They're here.">>
She motioned you inside, where the rich aroma of food foretold a delicious dinner to come. As Lanelle shut the door behind you and headed towards the kitchen to find her husband, you shared a brief and meaningful glance with Xun.
@@.choice;[[So Far, So Good|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.6]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.6>><<nm $phXavierDad "So how did you two, uh, meet, exactly?">>
Philip King was a good ten years older than his wife, judging from appearance. He was either bald or shaved his head, but still had a thick beard and connected goatee that was groomed with obvious pride. He had a linebacker's build that had long ago softened into a beer belly and dad-bod, but you still wouldn't care to be on his bad side.
Dinner was marinated and grilled beef medallions served with buttered rolls and a vibrant green salad of arugula, spinach, cauliflower, and sliced strawberries. A quiet comment from Xun suggested this wasn't a typical evening meal, but then, this homecoming wasn't a typical evening either. You finished chewing your food before answering, but Xun beat you to it.
<<nm $phXavier "We met while I was working on a story, about the new mall. $pShe's the manager. $pShe offered me an interview, and we kept talking afterwards.">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "What issue was that published in?">>
Lanelle had a scrapbook of every article Xavier had ever written, no matter how minor, from middle school to adulthood. Xun had confessed that to you when she'd tried (and failed) to extract a promise that you wouldn't say 'yes' when her mother inevitably offered to show it to you.
But //that// article had never actually seen print. You cut in.
<<nm $phYou "I talked Xun into a career change before she finished the story. Not that I would have minded the free publicity -- all news is good news when it comes to business -- but... it didn't seem that important, compared to making sure she was happy.">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "But you've always //loved// journalism!">>
<<nm $phXavier "I know. But part of that was wanting to be //remembered//, wanting to leave something behind when I was gone, and I don't have to worry about that anymore. I can just... live, without worrying about the expiration date.">>
<<nm $phXavierDad "You've been in remission before. I don't say that to rain on the parade--">>
<<nm $phXavier "I know, and I have. I'm keeping an eye on it. But I really think this time is different. I feel healthy, strong.... it just feels different.">>
His lips pressed together, and you caught a very distinct flash of marital '//don't you dare//' from Lanelle as she pinned him with a sharp look. Phil rumbled a bit and shifted in his chair, motioning with his fork.
<<nm $phXavierDad "The treatment, did it... is that why you're... different?">>
You and Xun exchanged a brief, panicked look. Technically, Mason's 'treatment' -- the focus -- was //exactly// why Xun was 'different'.
<<nm $phXavier "...yes? But I wasn't forced into anything I didn't want, dad. I was told exactly what the risks were, I was allowed to ask questions, I was given time to think about everything. I don't regret it, I don't feel cheated or misled, and I am //happy//. I genuinely am. I am going to have a long and wonderful and amazing life: as a woman. And I embrace that.">>
There was an awkward silence, as Lanelle side-eyed her husband, and you cast a worried, furitive look towards Xun. The dynamic of father and son was now father and daughter, but the tension -- perhaps simply of 'parent and child' -- was still there. A child who had chosen their own way, one that their parents hadn't seen coming.
<<nm $phXavierDad "Well. I guess that's what matters. It's going to take us some time to get used to it... Xun. But we love you, and you being here eating dinner with us... that's more important than anything else.">>
Lanelle straightened in her chair, reached over, and gripped her husband's hand in a tight squeeze as she nodded her enthusiastic agreement.
You reached for Xun's, as well, when you realized she was trying her best @@.choice;[[Not To Cry.|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.7]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.7>><<CC_Image "Xavier/XunYou" "601">>
The faint sounds of running water and the clink of dishes being washed filtered from the kitchen, where Phil and Lanelle were cleaning up after dinner and dessert. You and Xun had been banished to the living room, much to your relief.
The hushed conversation between the two of you had quickly been replaced by quiet, rhythmic breathing, and now you lay on the couch with a wistful smile across your lips, with Xun's sleeping form cradled against your chest. You toyed with her long dreadlocks, running your fingers over them in light, slow strokes. Her limp hand rested in yours: the only thing keeping her arm from sagging off the couch entirely. Her skin was warm, smooth, and soft.
A shadow darkened the light from the kitchen, and you lifted your gaze. Lanelle King lifted both eyebrows at seeing you and Xun stretched out together, but a smile quickly curved her lips. She moved with care not to make too much noise as she took a seat nearby on one of the well-worn chairs.
<<nm $phXavierMom "...just good friends?">>
Xun's claim that the two of you were strictly platonic had neither been entirely truthful, nor entirely believed. Neither parent had questioned you too directly about it, but it didn't take a demonic sixth sense to tell that, at very least, they didn't believe you were here //just// to support the woman you'd hired. Which, given how you were laying at the moment, and the obvious comfort and familiarity with which Xun lay against your chest... well, you couldn't blame them.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Did you meet her as 'Xavier'? Does she ever talk about that?">>
The question was whispered, but nonetheless you glanced down. When Xun didn't stir, you raised your eyes to Lanelle again.
<<nm $phYou "Not long, as 'Xavier'; I mostly know her as Xun.">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "It doesn't bother you? That she was a man?">>
You bit the inside of your lip for a moment, but you could tell from her tone that Lanelle wasn't trying to be provocative or rude. She was just trying to understand. A moment later you tilted your head back towards the kitchen, and where you could hear Phil shut off the water.
<<nm $phYou "It really doesn't. Like you and Phil said: what matters is that she's happy and healthy.">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "I guess so. I just worry. Ever since she called, I've worried. He was such a... an angry, sullen boy. Angry that life was slipping away, that he'd never get to //live// like everyone else would. He-- She, seems... much more at peace now. Sometimes the world isn't a kind place for people like her, and I love my child: son, daughter, or anything in-between. I just want her to be safe.">>
<<nm $phYou "She will be; I can promise you that. Xun's not a pushover, and she's got a lot of people who love her. She's not alone against the world.">>
<<nm $phXavierMom "People... like you?">>
She smiled again, and you recognized the bait. //Love.// You did love Xun, of course, but maybe not in the way her mother kept hinting at. Or...maybe...
<<nm $phXavierMom "I'm glad she has you, $phYou.firstname. You and her other friends. Xun didn't mention staying the night, but you're welcome to the guest bedroom if you're too tired to drive home.">>
A second shadow crossed the threshold as Phil finally emerged from the kitchen. His dark brown eyes drifted over you and the woman asleep atop you; Lanelle quickly rose to intercept him.
<<nm $phXavierMom "Let's go for a walk around the block, dear. I think Xun needs half an hour to sleep off dessert.">>
Phil grunted, but clearly Lanelle knew her husband. Arm-in-arm, the couple left the living room and headed towards the front door. You heard them talking softly, followed by the jingle of keys, and a faint click.
You closed your eyes. You did plan on going home tonight, but Xun was far too peaceful to wake her up right now.
@@.choice;
[[A Nap Never Hurt!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.9]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.9>><<set $phLocation to 'Elysium'>><<set $phTime to 2>><<nm $phXavier "Thank you for going with me, $phYou.firstname. It was much more support than I thought it would be -- and more than I thought I needed. It was... very comforting.">>
Xun had eventually woken up, and the visit to her parents had concluded with ice cream and small talk. Goodbyes had been pleasant, hugs had been exchanged, and promises made to stay in touch. The dryad had been quiet and introspective during the ride back to the Tower, and you'd given her the time to think.
Now, the two of you were back in Elysium. The mall had long since closed, and the garden was dark and serene. Even the plants seemed to be sleeping, and many of the flowers had folded up their petals until morning.
<<nm $phYou "You're welcome. I'm really glad it went so well, and that I could be there for you. I'm //pretty// sure your dad doesn't hate me?">>
Xun chuckled and laced her fingers between yours where the two of you stood on the edge of the path. The squeeze was soft and reassuring.
<<nm $phXavier "He doesn't. He's the traditional father: more action than words, emotionally reserved. He's not entirely comfortable with me as Xun, I can tell, but... he's trying.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's all we can ask. Mom seemed a little more at ease with things.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I do apologize for her questions. Sometimes I think my illness made her overcompensate and try to match-make me with everyone I ever //looked// at with a romantic eye, much less brought home. Other times, I suspect that's just how mothers are.">>
<<nm $phYou "Probably just how moms are. I really didn't mind. She was cute about it.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Cute -- until you're trying to sell 'we can still be friends', and your mother is making it awkward to the girl you brought home. But it was not the most embarrassing she's been.">>
You laughed and shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "I don't think us cuddling on the couch discouraged her much. I imagine we give off a lot of mixed signals.">>
<<nm $phXavier "True. But I know that you don't feel that way about me, or want a serious relationship with me.">>
You blinked and cocked your head to one side.
<<nm $phYou "You... do? I-- how do you know that?">>
The dryad returned your curious look, and mirrored the tilt of your head as she offered you a small, somewhat uncertain smile.
<<if $phYou.exclusive is true>><<nm $phXavier "...because you're dating $phYou.romance[0], and it is not exactly a secret that you've agreed not to date anyone else.">>
...true. Okay, that was an obvious answer. You felt silly for asking. And you definitely hadn't meant to imply that you were thinking of cheating on $phYou.romance[0]!
<<nm $phYou "Right. Sorry, I -- it's not that it slipped my mind, just, I guess I hadn't realized we were that obvious.">>
<<nm $phXavier "$phYou.firstname... //everyone// knows. You two could not be more blatantly in love if you broke out in song holding bouquets while heart-shaped balloons drifted overhead.">>
You snorted and almost opened your mouth to say it wasn't //that// bad -- but with your luck, drawing too much attention to that mental image would end up with the Tower orchestrating a Bollywood musical to put it to the test.
<<nm $phYou "I really want to say something, but you're right. And I'm sure sooner or later your mom will let it rest -- until you bring the next person home for dinner, and if you'll get to hear it all over again.">>
Xun groaned, but her now smile was wide and genuine.
<<nm $phXavier "I'm looking forward to it. Not because of the teasing, but because I am still here to be teased. This isn't the life I expected, $phYou.firstname, but I am so grateful that I have it. Thank you.">>
<<nm $phYou "My pleasure. I'm glad everything has worked out, and that everything went so well. We should both get some sleep, but I'll talk to you again soon, okay? And tell your dad that dinner was delicious.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I will. Good night, and thank you again.">>
You smiled and stepped forward, embracing the nature spirit in a tight hug. Then you stepped away, and waved as she turned and retreated back into the peace and greenery of Elysium.
It'd been a good night, and a happy ending. It was why you'd taken this job: the opportunity to make people's lives better. Moments like this reminded you just how powerful and wonderful that was.
@@.narrative;A Growing Friendship And A Healthy Family Tree! Xun Is Doing Just Fine!@@ <<run $phYou.bff.push("Xun")>>
@@.choice;
[[Time for Bed|Sleep][$phXavier.date to 20]]@@<</if>><<if $phYou.exclusive is false>><<if $phYou.romance.length is 0>><<nm $phXavier "...I assumed you had your hands full, with the Tower and everything else. You already literally saved my life, and you help so many people every day. I didn't think you'd want more complications on top of that... Was I wrong?">><</if>><<if $phYou.romance.length is 1>><<nm $phXavier "... I assumed, given you already had a partner, that you wouldn't be interested in anyone else. Was I wrong?">><</if>><<if $phYou.romance.length gt 1>><<nm $phXavier "...I assumed, given your love life, that you wouldn't have time or interest in another partner. Was I wrong?">><</if>>
The question hung in the air, heavy despite her attempts to make it casual. You studied her, carefully, and opened your mouth to speak....
@@.choice;
[[She's Right - You're Just Friends|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.19]]
[[She's Wrong - You'd Like More If She Does Too|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.11]]
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.19>><<run $phYou.bff.push("Xun")>>You sighed and tugged up the corner of your lips in a bittersweet and rueful smile.
<<nm $phYou "No, you're not wrong. Not too be too crude about it, but: the //sex// is fun, but with all the chaos and everything going on<<if ($phYou.exclusive is false) and ($phYou.romance.length gt 0)>>, and already being with someone<</if>>... yeah. My plate is a little full. That sounds bad, doesn't it?">>
Xun snorted and shook her head. Her dreadlocks swayed over her shoulders.
<<nm $phXavier "Wanting sex without further commitment? Enjoying friendship with benefits without the requirements of a relationship? It sounds very much like how nature often works. I am not offended.">>
<<nm $phYou "... hah. So you're saying 'wham, bam, thank you ma'am' is the natural way of things?">>
<<nm $phXavier "One of several ways. Life is nothing if not diverse.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'm glad you're not offended. And who knows, maybe your mom will let things rest... at least until you bring the next person home for dinner, and if you'll get to hear it all over again.">>
Xun groaned, but her now smile was wide and genuine.
<<nm $phXavier "I'm looking forward to it. Not because of the teasing, but because I am still here to be teased. This isn't the life I expected, $phYou.firstname, but I am so grateful that I have it. Thank you.">>
<<nm $phYou "My pleasure. I'm glad everything has worked out, and that everything went so well. We should both get some sleep, but I'll talk to you again soon, okay? And tell your dad that dinner was delicious.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I will. Good night, and thank you again.">>
You smiled and stepped forward, embracing the nature spirit in a tight hug. Then you stepped away, and waved as she turned and retreated back into the peace and greenery of Elysium.
It'd been a good night, and a happy ending. It was why you'd taken this job: the opportunity to make people's lives better. Moments like this reminded you just how powerful and wonderful that was.
@@.narrative;A Growing Friendship And A Healthy Family Tree! Xun Is Doing Just Fine!@@
@@.choice;
[[Time for Bed|Sleep][$phXavier.date to 20]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.11>><<nm $phYou "...You're wrong.">>
Xun's head cocked a touch further to the side, and both dark green eyebrows crept higher towards her hairline.
<<nm $phXavier "...Am I?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I hope you are. Or, I'd like you to be.">>
That... had sounded better before it actually came out of your mouth. You pursed your lips, huffed, and tried again.
<<nm $phYou "Look, I know I've got a lot going on. My cup overfloweth and my plate is already full -- I know that. But you know what you and I have in common? //Embracing// life, seizing it and everything it offers us, because we know how special it is to have that chance. And frankly: I love that about you. I love how you've grown, how you've blossomed -- and no, that's not a dryad pun.">>
She snorted, and eyed you with renewed curiosity.
<<nm $phXavier "Are you sure?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Maybe just a little one.">>
The snort became a laugh, and her eyes twinkled as she gazed at you.
<<nm $phXavier "I meant about me. Us. Love. I should warn you: even as a man, I wasn't prone to serious relationships, and now, as you say, I plan on embracing everything life has to offer. I can't offer you a ring on your finger, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "I wouldn't expect one. Xun, I don't //want// you to tie yourself down when you're just starting to really live and enjoy life again. I just want to be part of it and enjoy it with you.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Aren't you already? Part of it, and enjoying it with me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes -- and I want to keep doing that. More. Look, Xun, the sex is great. //Really// great, fantastically great! But what else was great was that you trusted me enough to come to me that night, and that you held my hand while we walked to your parents' house, and that you were smiling to yourself while you slept on my chest. I want that, too.<br><br>I want you to know that you're not just a fun time, and you're not just a good lay. You're not just one more person in the mall or one more line on my busy schedule. I want you to know that I love you.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Even though I was once a man? Even though I broke into the Tower with full intent of exposing it? Even though I won't promise myself to you and you alone?">>
You knew she wasn't trying to scare you off, //per se//. Your lives weren't exactly ordinary in any sense of the word, and you could understand why Xun was trying to make sure you knew what you were signing up for. She had seriously underestimated how thoroughly you'd embraced your new life as a happiness-granting CEO <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>>!
<<nm $phYou "... would action be more convincing than words?">>
Xun gazed at you, and the corner of her mouth curled up in a slow, knowing smile.
<<nm $phXavier "Yes, I think it would.">>
@@.choice;
[[Action It Is!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.12]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.12>>You never made it to a bed. You barely made it off the walking path before the two of you were locked lip to lip and pawing at each other's clothing. Xun was stronger than she looked, and not shy about using it -- something that was just as true about you. Cloth ripped and buttons popped free; you'd both have to replace your clothes tomorrow. Now you wrestled each other in the plush carpet of grass, utterly abandoning the expectations of politeness and civility that you'd obeyed all night.
You'd gotten the upper hand - for now. Xun's beautiful body stretched out beneath yours. She smelled like hyacinth and fresh rain, and you buried your face against her neck as you kissed, licked, and nipped at her skin. One of her hands was tangled in your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>short<<else>>long<</if>> $phYou.hair hair; she reached the other down between your thighs where she <<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>circled her fingers around your cock and stroked you off with heated desperation<<else>>sought out your clit and circled, flicked, rubbed over it until each stroke made you shudder and whimper against her throat<</if>>.
Your fingers were busy, too. Two of them were buried deep in Xun's sex, drenched in her nectar. You tried to focus on the rhythm of your wrist and how each thrust stole her breath away, and on controlling the eager length of your demonic tail as it twitched and squirmed against the tight pucker of her ass.
<<nm $phXavier "Oh //fuck//!">>
You froze as the leathery, spade-shaped tip finally pushed past her entrance. Xun arched up hard, pressing her breasts against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bare chest<<else>>own bare bosom<</if>>. It took you a moment to catch enough breath to form words.
<<nm $phYou "...too much?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No! No, keep going! Keep going, don't stop.">>
//She// didn't. The rapid back and forth of her <<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>palm across your shaft had you rock-hard<<else>>fingertips over your clit had you soaking wet<</if>> and aching. You channeled the tension right back at her and used it to fuel the heat of your kisses and the squeeze of your hand across her breast.
Another flex and twist of your tail wormed it another inch into her ass. Xun groaned and lifted her hips to give you better access. You curled your fingers inside her pussy, and after a moment you were able to find a rhythm. Each time you sank your fingers into her, your tail pulled back; each time they withdrew, you drove your tail forward. <<if $phTailMaster gt 0>>All that practice and playing with your extra appendage finally paid off. <</if>>You moved your mouth up, kissing a trail of fire along her jaw until your lips met hers, and swallowed the sound of her moans as you started to fuck her in both holes at once.
<<nm $phXavier "Oh god! $phYou.firstname!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not stopping until you cum, Xun.">>
Her own rhythm of faltering; it was too hard to focus on the twin, alternating appendages inside her and still keep her <<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>hand sliding over your shaft<<else>>her fingers dancing across your clit<</if>>. You didn't mind. Maybe next time you did this you'd slow down every time she did, stop every time she lost track, and make her work to have you cum at the same time.
Today, you wanted her stuffed full, quivering, and shaking underneath you. The slickness from her sex dripped down to the cleft of her asscheeks, and made the firm in-and-out of your tail into a smooth and effortless glide. Xun's eyes flew open and she stared up at you. You could see the chaos and wonder in her eyes as she tried to process the overflow of sensation.
<<nm $phXavier "P-please! Please!">>
<<nm $phYou "Please what? Let you cum? //Make// you cum?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Yes! Yes god please $phYou.firstname please don't stop make me cum please let me cum!">>
You promised her you would, if she screamed your name.
She screamed. @@.choice;[[Long, Loud, and Beautiful!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 6.14]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 6.14>><<run $phYou.romance.push("Xun")>><<set $phTime to 3>><<nm $phXavier "$phYou.firstname. $phYou.firstname. It will be light soon.">>
You roused to a gentle shake of your shoulder and raised a hand to rub at your bleary eyes. Xun's subtle smile came into focus above you just before she leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your lips.
<<nm $phXavier "Thank you.">>
<<nm $phYou "For-- for what? The sex?">>
A soft, rustling laugh.
<<nm $phXavier "It //was// incredible, yes. But not just for that. For understanding me. For encouraging me. For loving me.">>
You blinked a few more times to bring the rest of the world into focus. It was still dark out, and the Tower was still quiet, but you could already hear the simulacra starting to move around and go about the business of stocking, cleaning, and prepping for the day to come. You reached up to caress Xun's cheek with your fingertips.
<<nm $phYou "You don't have to thank me for that, Xun.">>
<<nm $phXavier "I'm thanking you anyways. I know enough about the preciousness of life not to let such words go unsaid.">>
Fair enough. You closed your eyes again, and instantly felt your body start to doze back off. It was with effort that you managed to open them again. Unless you wanted to greet the day naked, sticky, and covered in grass stains, you'd best get back to your own bed.
Xun helped you to your feet. She was still nude, having neither reason nor compulsion of putting back on her 'human' clothes now that she was back in her domain. You pulled in a slow breath and smiled as your gaze travelled over her figure -- right before a massive yawn ruined the moment.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I should go to bed. Back to bed. Though - I guess 'grass' still isn't 'bed'. Are we-- I guess, what can I call you now? 'Girlfriend'? Is that too much?">>
<<nm $phXavier "No. 'Just right', I would say... presuming you are still comfortable with not being exclusive to you alone?">>
<<nm $phYou "Still comfortable.<<if $phYou.romance.length gt 1>> And it's not like I'm exactly exclusive, myself.<<else>> Who knows, maybe you're the start of my own personal harem.<</if>>">>
She smirked and rose up on the tips of her toes as she breathed a final farewell.
<<nm $phXavier "Goodnight, $phYou.firstname. I love you.">>
You were will smiling and still re-playing the words in your head, all the way back to your bed.
@@.narrative;The Seed Of A New Relationship, And A Growing Affection!@@
@@.choice;
[[Sweet Dreams Are Made of This!|Sleep][$phXavier.date to 9]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.3>><<set $phLocation to 'Elysium'>>Elysium looked a little different than you last remembered it. It was subtle, but you'd been here often enough -- and been in the Tower long enough -- to notice. There was an area on one side where the paths seemed to twist off in directions they hadn't before, and you swore the trees were larger there than they used to be. The bushes were thicker and higher, almost as if part of the park had been closed off, and people skillfully guided elsewhere.
Xun's tree was still there. It was on the edge of this new 'thicket', but the local dryad was absent. You //knew// she knew you were here -- no one touched a blade of grass in this place without her knowing about it. It was possible she was busy elsewhere, perhaps teaching an unfortunate litterbug about the virtues of recycling.
... //something//, though, told you that the mysterious growth and the missing groundskeeper might be related.
<<nm $phDamien "You keep teasin' me like this an' I'm gonna do somethin' about it.">>
Damien's voice was low, hushed, and hot. You barely caught the words, but even still the raw, rumbling passion in his voice sent shivers up your spine.
<<nm $phXavier "You keep saying that, and never do.">>
<<nm $phDamien "I've been //tryin'// to be a gentleman.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Is that why your cock is so hard? Because you're a gentleman?">>
Oh-ho. You were definitely paying attention now. You pressed closer as you homed in on the voices through the undergrowth.
<<nm $phDamien "That why you like gettin' me riled? 'Cause you want to straddle the biggest dick you've ever seen?">>
Xun's answering chuckle was warm, seductive, and knowing. You still couldn't see anything, but your imagination was filling in all sorts of...gaps.
<<nm $phXavier "As a bull, I would think you'd know that it's the female of the species who chooses when she's ready to mate.">>
He growled, muffled, as if between clenched teeth. You were close enough that you could hear the quick, quiet friction of what sounded like something rubbing rhythmically against stiff cloth.
<<nm $phDamien "An' I think you'd know that I can smell how bad you want it. You're in heat and ready to be bred. This time I'm not taking 'no' for an answer.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your pussy clenched and you felt a sudden, answering wetness of your own.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Your cock swelled with such speed and strength you swore it was about to burst through your zipper.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>The twin sensations of your cock suddenly straining against your fly and your pussy clenching with sympathetic slickness made you bite down on your lower lip.<</if>> Xun //moaned//, and you heard the distinct sound of rustling cloth and a zipper being pulled down.
<<nm $phXavier "I was hoping you'd say that.">>
The heavy growth Xun had summoned would have kept most people out, but you weren't most people. The Tower let you go wherever you wanted to go. You knew Damien and Xun wouldn't mind an audience... and might not mind you joining in!
@@.choice;
[[Stop Beating Around the Bush|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7.4]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.4>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Xavier/Mobile/XunDamien.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XunDamien.png]]</picture>@@
You slipped through the brush, which parted around your shins and curled away rather than hinder your steps. When the last branches swayed out of your way, the sight took your breath away.
Damien stood near the thick trunk of one of Elysium's trees, his plaid button-up shirt already stripped from his broad and powerful chest and discarded on the ground nearby. His horns, for once, were not hidden beneath his ever-present cowboy hat, but stood up and proud where they grew out from his temples.
He held Xun in his arms, with one arm wrapped around her waist and his thick fingers splayed over her stomach. The other cupped the front of the dryad's throat and urged her chin up and back, where he met green lips in a hot and hungry kiss. Xun's body arched against the bull behind her, nude and beautiful. You could see one hand pressed flat and rubbing against Damien's denim-clad thigh; you couldn't see the other, but from the tell-tale flex of her elbow and wrist and the sound of the zipper you'd heard, you could guess where it was and what it was doing.
The pair didn't notice you at all as Damien turned Xun around and pulled her tight against his chest. Her breasts flattened against the hard and hairy expanse of muscle; the vines that adorned her skin reached out and curled around his biceps to embrace him. Between their bodies now you could clearly see the enormous shaft of the bull's cock jutting from his open pants, and Xun's slim fingers utterly failing to wrap around its girth as she worked over the length. She knew how to tease him, clearly. And just as clearly, he was in no mood to be teased for very long.
Damien took Xun around the waist and lifted her clear of the ground; she instinctively swung her legs forward to clench around his waist. She lost her grip on his prick, and once her arms were free, she laced them around his massive neck instead. You watched with <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>increasingly drenched panties<<else>>an increasingly aching hard-on<</if>> as he lifted her up like she weighed no more than a hummingbird, and then guided her down on his cock. She let out a strangled sound of mingled pleasure and pain.
<<nm $phDamien "Too much?">>
<<nm $phXavier "I can take it! Keep going!">>
You //knew// how challenging it was to fit that massive manhood, but Xun's breathless words left no room for doubt. She licked her lips and stared up at her lover as the horned man stared right back, each of them captivated by the other. The sheer //passion// between them was so strong you were surprised you didn't literally see sparks.
<<nm $phDamien "Been wantin' to do since that first night.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Have me in your arms? Or have me riding you like one of your milking girls?">>
He tugged her down, slow but sure. The tendrils of greenery twitched and spasmed in sympathy with each inch Xun was lowered, and each centimeter wider she was spread.
<<nm $phDamien "Make love to you. Fuck you. Breed you.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Is that what you want? To //breed// me?">>
He snorted and jerked her down; Xun shuddered and whimpered.
<<nm $phDamien "'s what's natural. Tell me you wouldn't like it: bein' bent over or legs spread, and me fillin' you up over and over until that seed takes root.">>
Another inch. You could see Xun's nails digging into Damien's tanned skin, and this time you weren't so sure whether her shiver was from the effort of taking him, or the image his words painted in her mind.
<<nm $phXavier "...Maybe. We could let Nature take Her course. You'd have to be a good bull to me. You'd--">>
//Snap!//
You froze as soon as the twig shattered under your weight, but that didn't do anything to hide you from the two heads that immediately jerked your way, or the two sets of eyes that now stared at the intruder. Xun's were as lovely bright green as always. Damien's were //crimson//, and he immediately lifted Xun free of his shaft and set her back down on the ground. The bull was literally seeing red -- and as he squared his chest at you and drew back his shoulders, you realized he would //definitely// mind sharing.
@@.choice;[[Uh-Oh!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7.5]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.5>>Xun swiftly stepped in front of her enflamed lover and pressed a slim green palm against his chest. Her eyes darted up to Damien's face, then glanced over her shoulder to pin you as well.
<<nm $phXavier "Ssh. It's just $phYou.firstname, lover. It's fine. Look at me. Look at //me//.">>
Damien's nostrils flared as he glared at you, but the dryad's calming voice finally urged her his gaze to drop down to her. Your interruption hadn't done anything to deflate the raging hard-on between his thighs, and somehow it made him look even more intimidating.
<<nm $phXavier "I'm yours. You know that. Let $pher watch. $pShe knows I belong to you. There's no need to fight.">>
Xun's hand had risen to stroke Damien's stubbled cheek and short goatee as she soothed him. It //seemed// to be working -- though you still hesitated when she glanced back at you a second time and gave a quick 'come hither' jerk of her head. Her skilled palms slid back down to caress Damien's pecs and adore the curves of his muscles before following the swath of his chest hair as it transformed into a narrow trail leading further south.
<<nm $phXavier "You could lay me down, Damien. Pin me in the grass and make $pher watch while you lay claim to me. While you breed me.">>
Her fingers reached the thick nest of curls at the base of his cock, and then walked, tip by tip, to the midpoint of his shaft before curling back around him.
<<nm $phXavier "Make $phYou.firstname //help// you hold me down while you cum inside me and make me yours.">>
The bull's eyes flicked to you, still red with lust, but Xun's words were all too distracting. They sent a quivering thrill through your stomach, and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>made your pussy squeeze tight shared desire.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>a fresh surge of blood made your cock //ache// with shared desire.<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>a fresh wave of desire made your pussy ache and your cock throb with delicious torment.<</if>> <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>The idea of pinning her, of //making// her take it, and helping Damien rut between her thighs...<<else>>The idea of seeing her pinned down, with Damien rutting between her thighs, knowing you might be next...<</if>>
The words seemed to have the same effect on Damien.
He moved with a surge of energy, and Xun //gasped// as she was swept from her feet by a powerful arm and as the bull bore her to the ground. His other arm braced her shoulders, and despite her abrupt departure from terra firma, she landed in the grass with surprising grace. She lay there, quietly panting, as she stared up at the massive man above her. That massive man hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets and shoved the denim down his thighs as he stared back.
<<nm $phDamien "Hold her.">>
You blinked. No //please//, no //$phDamien.address//, no drawled Southern charm -- just raw, rumbling need and single-minded instinct. A command.
One you intended @@.choice;[[To Obey!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 7.6]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.6>>It looked like it hurt, in all the best of ways.
You held down Xun's shoulders, and it took no small amount of strength to keep her body from sliding across the grass from the force of Damien hilting into her. Each massive thrust made her entire body shudder and the vines on her skin tighten and twitch where they curled around your arms. Her face was tilted back, her expression open-mouthed and eyes clenched shut, in that beautiful liminal space between pleasure and pain. The overgrown undergrowth blocked passing eyes, but surely everyone in Elysium could hear her rhythmic, throaty moans.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl, Xun. You've never had him before, have you? He's almost there. He's going to fill you so full of cum.">>
You couldn't see the rest of her. It was hidden beneath Damien's thick, muscular bulk where the bull covered her body with his. Each shove of his hips between her spread thighs forced a grunt from his lungs, and the wuff of breath sent bits of leaves, grass, and pollen spiraling into the air.
<<nm $phYou "His seed -- and //you// know so much about seeds. How they're planted, how they grow. Is that what you want: a new life inside you?">>
Her moan rose another note in pitch, and her eyelids fluttered briefly before closing again. You couldn't tell whether it was from your whispered heat or from Damien's increase in pace as //he// heard your teasing words.
It seemed to be working for them both, though, and you were always willing to encourage 'employee performance'.
<<nm $phYou "That's what //he// wants. He wants to fuck you until you're too sore to walk, fill you full of his cock, breed you over and over again until your belly starts to swell and you both know it's his child you're carrying. That's what you're going to be, Xun: his mate. Millions of years of natural instinct. He can't help himself.">>
She was nodding along now. You //could// see that: her chin rising and falling even as she reached up and clenched her fingers around your biceps so hard it hurt. The slap of Damien's heavy balls against her pussy and smack of body against body was swift, brutal, and sharp. You ached from how //familiar// you were with how he must feel inside her. She'd be sore tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. But her climbing cries of encouragement told you she she'd happy all the same.
<<nm $phXavier "Yes! Yes, Damien, please! Cum in me! Make me yours! Prove it, bull! Fuck meeeeeaaaaaaaahhhh!">>
Her hands abandoned your arms as her back arched and her body spasmed, and grabbed at Damien's head instead. Xun literally grabbed the bull by his horns, though it was //she// who bucked and twisted with all her might as the powerful orgasm coursed through her. Were it not for Damien's bulk pinning her, you weren't sure whether you could hold her down. With his 'help', it was easy. He clung to her just as tightly as he drove his shaft into her with a series of bestial grunts.
From your vantage point you saw the very moment his orgasm hit. Every sculpted muscle, from deltoid down to firm, powerful glutes, tensed as the bull finally earned his reward. His bellowed call of triumph sounded more like a lion's roar, and you could imagine each jet of thick, milky cum that erupted from the thick head of his cock.
<<nm $phYou "That feels better, doesn't--">>
You reached to run your finger through Damien's sweat-damp hair, but the movement and the sound of your voice earned a grumble of warning and a toss of those thick and surprisingly sharp horns. The bone collided with your hand and easily knocked it away.
Hint taken!
You stayed where you knelt for almost a minute longer. Neither Xun nor Damien showed any signs of opening their eyes any time soon, much less engaging in post-coital small talk. In fact... you weren't sure whether they //were// done, versus regaining their strength. Damien had stamina to spare, and Xun had the endurance to match it.
Slowly, you drew your hands away from Xun's shoulders. There was no reaction. No reaction either, when you shifted your weight back to your heels and gingerly got back to your feet. Maybe it was best if you let them be for now, until hormones were back to normal. Then you could talk without the risk of being gored.
A heavy grunt made you look back over your shoulder just as you reached the edge of the thicket again. You glanced back in time to see Damien get back to his knees and pull free of his dryad partner... and then with the ease of a toy, lift and reposition her so she was ass up and face down. She moaned with delight when he slid back in for round two.
Oh yes. They were going to be busy for a while!
@@.narrative;An All Natural Pairing! They Won't Be Thinking About Their Problems Any Time Soon!@@
@@.choice;
[[Time to Make Your Escape!|Elysium][$phXavier.date to 7.7, $phDamien.date to 7.7, $phDamien.recharge to 1, $phXavier.recharge to 1, $phTime += 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 7.8>><<nm $phYou "So... about that whole 'Xun's mom //mistaking// you for a couple'...">>
The blush that reddened his cheeks painted the cowboy a bright cherry red that would have rivaled even the most vibrant of roses in Elysium's gardens. He stammered and stuttered, but when he still hadn't managed to string together more than three words after thirty seconds, you couldn't help but smirk.
<<nm $phYou "It's fine. Just, uh, after that reaction... do I need to re-assign you away from the Stables? Or make sure I steer clear of getting too friendly with Xun?">>
Damien's eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head.
<<nm $phDamien "N-no, $pmaam! Not-- not unless you just //want// to. I didn't think my, uh, relations with Ms. Xun would... would affect my job performance. I've been milkin' the girls nice an' steady, an' all the tanks are full, an'--">>
<<nm $phYou "Damien, Damien! Relax. It's not about your job performance; you're doing //fine//. Just... you know. You were pretty firm about Xun being yours and... uh... breeding her. If you need to be in Elysium, and I need to get someone else for the Stables...">>
<<nm $phDamien "I can do both, promise; ain't nothin' to worry about. I don't mind the walk to Elysium; gives me a chance to clear work out my head.">>
Huh. Okay. Well, he sounded certain enough about that. You couldn't help but noticed he hadn't answered the //other// question.
<<nm $phYou "Usually I'm pretty 'affectionate' towards the staff... but it sounds like you and Xun are pretty serious, too. Be honest, Damien: do I need to keep things professional from now on? With you, or with her?">>
<<nm $phDamien "No, $pmaam: an' that's honest. I, uh, get a mite caught up in things in the moment, but... me an' Xun ain't exactly exclusive. Maybe romantically, a bit, but, y'know...">>
He gestured back towards the milking area, and the hucow girls you knew were waiting there to be hooked up, milked, and fucked by their bull.
<<nm $phDamien "I still gotta service the girls, an' Xun's an independent kinda woman. If she fancies a tumble with someone, ain't my place to tell her no.">>
That was a more egalitarian attitude that you'd perhaps expected, but Damien had always been utterly respectful of the women in his life from what you'd seen. He wasn't afraid to bend them over and rail them into next week, but he'd say 'please' and 'thank you' while doing it.
<<nm $phYou "That's fair. And... about that 'breeding' talk...">>
If possible, his cheeks reddened further still, and he tried his best to keep his eyes on your face instead of on the floor.
<<nm $phYou "...I mean...I guess you'll tell me if you need some paternity leave?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Yes, $pmaam. Nothing on the horizon there just yet, but, uh, I wouldn't 'zactly mind if... stuff happened.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know. And I'm guessing Xun knows that, too.">>
<<nm $phDamien "We've talked about it, yes $pmaam. Not gonna try to force it, but gonna let Nature do what Nature does, when the time is right.">>
That sounded like the best course of action. Not that //you// had any say in it, of course, but if the paperwork ever crossed your desk, you'd do whatever you had to to make sure the parents-to-be had everything they needed!
@@.choice;
[[Enough for Now!|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phDamien.date to 8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 7.8>>You smiiiiiiirked at the dryad as she tilted her perfectly calm, oh-so-wise face up at you with exaggerated innocence.
<<nm $phXavier "...sapling, would you care to explain why you are staring at me like I've grown another head?">>
<<nm $phYou "Just that, you know when you mentioned your parents //erroneously assumed// Damien was your boyfriend? That little rendezvous the other day didn't feel very 'erroneous'.">>
She snorted softly and turned to lean her back against the trunk of her tree, before scything a quick glance back your way.
<<nm $phXavier "I never said he was actually my boyfriend.">>
<<nm $phYou "'Breed me, Damien, please!' doesn't count as boyfriend material?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Don't mock; it's rude. As if //you// are committed heart and soul to every <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>person you let spill their seed inside you<<else>>person you spill your seed inside<</if>>.">>
Oof. Okay, yeah, that was a valid point.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry; I'm not trying to make light of things, or be mean about it. Honestly, I just want to make sure things are alright, and see whether we need to change anything if you and Damien really are an item.">>
Both dark green eyebrows rose as she looked up at you.
<<nm $phXavier "We are an item. How serious of one remains to be determined. Why, and what, would require change because of that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe it was just sex-talk, but that all sounded pretty... exclusive, and possessive. //And// like... well... like I might need to ask $phSamantha.name what kind of child care options and maternity leave we have?">>
Her eyebrows //stayed// raised, and she stared at you for much longer than you expected, seeming to weigh exactly what you were asking... and exactly what her response might be.
<<nm $phXavier "...it was... mostly just sex talk. I am aware that Damien has other responsibilities, and that a bull's instinct does not allow him to be tied to a single female. Monogamy in nature is //a// way, but a remarkably uncommon one, especially amongst mammals. I suspect he and I will continue to entertain ourselves with other lovers, despite our relationship.">>
That was a frank and fair assessment of things, though her hesitancy in giving it made you curious. That, and a particular word she'd used.
<<nm $phYou " 'Mostly'?">>
<<nm $phXavier "As they say: life finds a way. I... suspect, as well, that talking to $phSamantha.name would be a good idea.">>
<<nm $phYou "Are you //pregnant//, Xun??">>
She narrowed her eyes at you, and at your tone, and lifted her chin in challenge as she responded.
<<nm $phXavier "I don't know, and if I did, it would be none of your business. But I knew what Damien was when I accepted him; I know what he wants. It is the natural way of things, and I won't stop nature in its course. It's a minor miracle, sapling, that you haven't <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>felt new life inside you<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>had a paramour come calling<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>have neither felt new life inside you, nor stirred it in someone else<</if>> given how freely you love and are loved? Perhaps your demonic nature prevents it -- but I am life, and will embrace all that brings.">>
That was //almost// an honest opinion of things. You opened your mouth to respond, but paused as you reconsidered. Xun had been pretty clear that whether or not there might be the pitter patter of little feet nine months from now, it wasn't any of //your// business to get too nosey about it. And that was a long, long way from now anyways. You had plenty of time to figure out-- well, what was there to figure out? You supported Xun, you supported Damien, and you supported them being happy together. Full stop.
<<nm $phYou "Got it. I'm happy for you two, honest, and I think you'll be great together. //And// I'm happy that I don't have to be shy of enjoying your company -- either of you! -- when then mood's right.">>
Finally a small smile curled the edge of her lip.
<<nm $phXavier "Quite - and thank you. Rest assure, should I need anything, either I will ask or Damien will provide.">>
<<nm $phYou "... by the way, did anyone //hear// any of that?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Not a single moan.">>
Whew. That would have been a Hell of a thing to try to explain away to your daily powerwalkers and strollers-in-the-park!
@@.choice;
[[Enough for Now!|Elysium][$phXavier.date to 8]]@@<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 9>><<set $phLocation to 'XavierDate'>><<set $phLocations['XavierDate']['image'] to 'DateXunSummer.jpg'>><<nm $phXavier "A butterfly house?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, I thought you'd enjoy it a little more than a zoo. It's pretty!">>
<<nm $phXavier "...Alright, fair enough. I've actually never been to one, if I'm honest.">>
The two of you were standing outside an expansive home, made up with plastic sheafing and decorations to make it looked like a magical cottage. There was even a dragon above the door, only one with purple and maroon butterfly wings.
Xun was in her 'disguise' again. She was getting better at it each time you went out. A bit of foundation, a good selection of clothing and she could have passed for human almost anywhere. After all, even if someone noticed a little green in her skin, who was going to comment on it?
The young woman at the counter barely glanced up from what looked to be a literature textbook. She took your small admission fee and pointed you toward a set of wide double doors. There didn't seem to be much of a crowd this afternoon, but it //did// seem to be popular for schools. Both walls were lined with child's crayon drawings of butterflies and caterpillars, many with the age signed proudly beside the names.
Xun paused to study one, clearly from an older child with a budding talent. The image depicted a pair of butterflies in a sort of dancing flight, little lines showing the twirling path of their spiraling movements.
<<nm $phXavier "Funny how things change, isn't it? When we're young, the world holds so much fascination. Sooner or later, we become more concerned with what we can do //to// it than what we can find in it. Did you ever notice that? How children tend to like animals or buried treasure or the sciences. I wonder if anyone has done any research on that...">>
<<nm $phYou "You can take the writer out of the newsroom, but you can't take the newsroom out of the writer. I'd definitely read that story. Do you keep up with the writing at all? Your mother said it was always what you wanted to do.">>
<<nm $phXavier "A little. It's harder now. So much of it didn't really exist, figuratively or literally. Empty write-ups of press conferences where companies said nothing, written as words no one will hear, and sent online for people who didn't actually read it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe those aren't the stories people actually want. Maybe stories about the butterflies would be better?">>
<<nm $phXavier "One impossible task at a time, sapling.">>
You pushed through the double doors, passing under a gentle exhaust of air meant to dissuade any fliers who might hitch a ride from within. They immediately opened up to a second door, this one made of wooden and netting before you finally reached the indoor garden itself.
It was impressive. Maybe not 'Elysium'-level impressive, but it smelled clean and wet and the plants looked lush and well-tended without being cut into unnatural straight lines. There were still some decorations up, but not many and most were built into the scenery, like trees with faces and hanging dioramas.
It was also full of butterflies. They flapped and swirled in all directions, alighting briefly on trees and branches with wings slowly folding and unfolding until they took flight again. You knew almost nothing about the species, but even you could tell there was an abundance of varieties, from small mono-colored fliers to almost robin-sized wingspans etched with elaborate patterns.
<<nm $phYou "...Wow, that's lovely. I wonder how long it took them to get this many all at once. I have to imagine they need to bring in some nectar or the flowers would just be drained dry.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, I have a feeling they're attracted to sweet scents.">>
<<nm $phYou "What makes you say th-...Oh.">>
You stared behind you. Xun had made it three steps from the door before she was //blanketed// in a wall of insects. They covered her almost from head to foot, their little wings flexing in the gentle breeze as she tried not to move.
You couldn't help it. You laughed. @@.choice;[[Hard!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 9.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 9.1>>The butterfly house was well-designed. The building was a single large space, but it used curves in the path, interior walls, and various decor to conceal that fact. The design made it feel more like a trek through a magical forest than wandering around someone's garden. You'd seen no one along your path and seemed to have the place entirely to yourself.
About halfway through, there was a circular 'clearing' with a bench put up, obviously to allow adults to take a load off while the children got to peer and play with the insectile cloud. Xun had managed to dissuade her swarming groupies from landing on her again (though you had no idea how) and casually emptied out the small fistful of trash she'd picked up along the road.
<<nm $phXavier "This is...nice. I have to admit, we don't see many children in Elysium. Some, of course, but it's mostly adults looking for a bit of nature. It's nice to remember there's magic to the outdoors.">>
<<nm $phYou "Suppose it's the nature of a shopping mall. Even with the Tower guiding people where they want, they're still going to be showing up to buy things. That you nab as many converts as you do I think shows the magic is still there for us.">>
She chuckled and nodded, thoughtfully watching the cloud of bright colors around you. She extended one hand, finger up, and one particularly large monarch landed at the very tip of her finger. She tilted her slightly, looking at it from all sides.
<<if $phStoryProgression gte 3>><<nm $phXavier "Perhaps. And what of you, sapling? From what I hear, it may be time to spin your cocoon and be ready to emerge.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Really? We're going with that metaphor?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Mmmhmm. I came up with it myself. Isn't it original?">>
You snorted and leaned back, careful to keep your movements slow lest you accidentally crush any of the life around you. You shrugged your shoulder up, once.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. I'm honestly more worried that I'll change too much. I don't know how to be a Sin, and I don't really know what it will do to me, you know? I'm mostly just hoping I'm the same caterpillar that crawled in when I come out.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Now who's abusing the metaphor? Regardless, you shouldn't worry. There are things that are alterable in the world and things that are not. I do not think your kindness is a mutable quality. What do you plan to do if everything works out?">>
<<else>><<nm $phXavier "Perhaps. And what of you, sapling? From what I hear, Lazren seems to have a number of plans for you. Plans she is not quick to explain.">>
<<nm $phYou "You can say that again. If she was any more tight-lipped it would be a wonder that I knew her name at all. It's clear she's got something planned for me, though. There's no way she'd let me do all this if she didn't.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Are you worried she may attempt to change you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Wouldn't you be? She's changed everything else.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Perhaps. But regardless, there are things that are alterable in the world and things that are not. I do not think your kindness is a mutable quality. What do you plan to do if everything works out?">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "That might be a long way away. Relax, I suppose. Enjoy what I have. Keep it slow and try to find more people who need my help, you know? Why, what do //you// have planned?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, nothing in peculiar. I thought I would teach you about chemistry.">>
That threw you. You shot the disguised dryad a long look, your eyebrows raised.
<<nm $phYou "Chemistry? What chemistry?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh sapling. Everything is chemistry. Stimulus, response. It all comes back to the same fundamental building blocks. Why, if you know what you're doing, you can do almost anything with a little chemistry.">>
She smiled at you in a way you couldn't help but find mildly disconcerting, then reached down and plucked a fallen flower bud from beneath the bench. The slightly faded blue color of the flower abruptly lit into a softly shining gold.
<<nm $phXavier "In fact, if someone knew you well enough, they could sculpt a stimulus that would feel like something else entirely, don't you think?">>
She extended the flower toward your face and you obligingly leaned in, taking a tentative kind of sniff...
...@@.choice;[[What in the...?!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 9.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 9.2>>Pleasure.
You didn't know how to describe it any other way. Every time you inhaled, you expected to detect a scent, whether earthy or sweet or rotten. You'd live your entire life with smell, and you knew what one was.
This wasn't that. Every time you inhaled, pleasure seemed to spread down your body, tingling across your skin. You felt like you were being teased, groped, slapped, and squeezed all at the same time, only with none of those actual //sensations//!
You bucked in your seat, one hand abruptly death gripping the arm rest. Your eyes had almost gone unfocused, but you tried to get them orientated properly back toward Xun again.
<<nm $phYou "H-How-...Ah!">>
Every time you breathed in, it hit you again. Another wave, just as intense as the first, but also just as strangely inexplicable. Xun smiled and extended her other hand to brush over your cheek.
<<nm $phXavier "As I said, sapling: chemistry. Call and response. Your body interprets the signals it receives and translates them into a language your mind understands...but who is to say you couldn't design way to use that against someone, hmmm? To pass a scent off as another sensation entirely?">>
She pulled back the golden flower, and you began to sag in relief...only for her to thrust another glowing plant beneath your nose. This one was pink and glowed more brightly still. You inhaled, despite yourself, feeling the pollen tickling your nose...
...and you made a mess of your underwear immediately. Arousal. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your pussy dripped against the bench as your loins burned with need, and you felt your nipples go rock hard, aching for someone's tongue and lips to find them.<<else>>Your cock was rock hard and all but pouring precum into your pants, aching desperately for hands and lips to tease it once again.<</if>> You wanted it. You needed it. You'd give anything for it. You were //burning// with the need for climax.
And there Xun was. Just casually trading one flower for the other back and forth, pressing them gently beneath your nose before pulling them back again. You felt like your mind was dissolving into a haze of pure lust and the dryad hadn't even broken a sweat.
<<nm $phXavier "Nice, isn't it? You could call it a shortcut, but I think of it as //not// taking the scenic route. Manipulating the lever directly. Turning all the dials with your own hand. Wouldn't you agree?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah! Ah! Ah!">>
<<nm $phXavier "Oh, do you need to cum, sapling? I suppose you probably do. Neither of these is designed to actually get you off. Would you like me to make another for you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ahhh! Ahhhh! Ahhhh!">>
<<nm $phXavier "I suppose I do owe you that much. Breathe deeply, sprout.">>
She brought her hands together, pressing the two flowers into one another. Even as you watched, the pink and golden glowers seemed to mingle. It became hard to see where one flower began and the other ended. It was all just one mass of light and nature...
...and then she thrust the new flower beneath your nose, and the bench creaked beneath you as your body reacted to one, specific signal:
@@.choice;
[[Cum Your Brains Out!|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 9.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phXavier.date is 9.3>><<nm $phYou "...Please let us never speak about this to anyone.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Speak of what? That I gave you an olfactory orgasm while we explored a butterfly house made for children?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. Exactly that.">>
Xun laughed, high and long. You were walking back to the Tower, the butterfly exhibit fortunately close enough to make that a pleasant exercise rather than a grueling hike. The green woman tucked her arm around yours and laid her head on your shoulder.
<<nm $phXavier "Your secret is safe with me. I cannot promise those flowers will not make an appearance again, however. That was entirely too much fun.">>
<<nm $phYou "Just promise me the next time they make an appearance we'll give a bouquet to $phSamantha.name. I would enjoy seeing the look on her face.">>
<<nm $phXavier "Done.">>
You strolled for a while, the sun crossing the sky above you. It was a particularly nice day and you genuinely didn't know whether that was due to the Tower's influence, Xun's magic, or just natural confluence of events. You also didn't really care. You had a woman you loved on your arm, and that was enough for you.
All too soon, the Tower came into view, its shining silvery windows clawing for the sky. It was a monument of a different kind of nature: Man's nature. As much a part of the world as beaver dams and ant hills, and yet distinct in its own unique way. Beavers and ants didn't build things just to be impressive. When you got right down to it, the relentless pursuit of prestige probably accounted for an embarrassing amount of progress in the last decades.
<<nm $phXavier "We should do this again. It's been far too long since I've been out, and there are many more places to see. When you have more time, I would like to travel with you. There are jungles and deserts and forests the world over, and I should like to see them all.">>
<<nm $phYou "I think seeing those things with you would be a wonderful experience. As soon as things settle down, it's a promise.">>
You paused in front of the giant wall of glass doors and turned to her. She tucked her hands into yours and squeezed, then rose up slightly onto her toes to press her lips to yours. Then she let herself drop back down with a sigh.
<<nm $phXavier "It will happen. Continue your work, continue learning, and it will. I have every faith. In the meantime...should you ever need help, you can always call on me.">>
<<nm $phYou "What if I need more of your mother's cooking?">>
<<nm $phXavier "Then you had better call on me and be prepared for awkward questions about marriage. Be well, $phYou.firstname. I expect you to make time regularly for a walk in the woods.">>
She turned and began to walk into the mall. You watched her go, smiling dreamily to yourself. Then you caught the faintest whiff of something familiar. You couldn't help it. You called after her.
<<nm $phYou "New perfume?">>
The nature spirit stopped in the doorway, turned her head to look over her shoulder at you...
...@@.choice;[[And Winked!|DateReturn][$phXavier.date to 9]]@@
<</if>><<set $phLocation = 'PetraDate'>><<set $phTime to 2>><<if $phPetra.date is 3>><<set $phPetra.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1>>It'd been a while since you'd been out to a carnival -- like, a decade or so. You'd gone through puberty since then, plus about a dozen jobs and about as many failed relationships. Of course, things were a little different now.
<<if $phYou.gender != $phYou.form>><<if $phYou.gender == 'male'>>You were a woman now, for one<<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>> -- or, woman enough, considering the extra equipment you were packing 'down south'<</if>><<else>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>You were packing a little bit extra 'down south' nowadays, for one -- an addition you'd really come to enjoy<<else>>You'd traded breasts for balls and a cock, for one -- an exchange you'd really come to enjoy<</if>><</if>>. <</if>>You had horns, a tail, and infernally red skin; you had the job of your dreams, a VIP suite, and wealth enough you'd forgotten what it was like to clip coupons and browse the 'clearance' aisles.
<<nm $phPetra "Jesus. I haven't been to a carnival in for-fucking-ever.">>
...and you had some relationships that, at least so far, were going pretty good.
<<nm $phYou "Me too. Er, neither. I haven't either, I mean.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah, I get you. Feel like I'm twenty again.">>
She was still wearing her shades, even though the sun had gone down an hour ago. Your suggestion for a casual dress code had convinced her to ditch the admiral's outfit, but whether for 'old time's sake' or to be a brat, she was still walking around in her leather jacket and a black t-shirt emblazoned with 'SECURITY' in white. Her white hair was gathered in a bun and tucked under the baseball cap that also served to camouflage her extraordinary ears.
<<nm $phYou "...how old //are// you, actually?">>
You could feel Petra's gaze scythe over to you, even blocked as it was by her tinted glasses. One slim eyebrow lifted with perfect offended precision.
<<switch $phYou.form>><<case 'male'>><<nm $phPetra "I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. If we weren't in public, I'd give you a lesson on being polite to a woman.">><<case 'futa'>><<nm $phPetra "I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. Think you must have traded out your common sense to get that cock of yours.">><<case 'female'>><<nm $phPetra "I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. From one woman to another: you should know better.">><</switch>>
Despite the rebuke, she didn't sound angry in the slightest. Instead, her attention immediately turned back to the sights and sounds of night-time fun, peering around at the multitude of beckoning attractions. Almost everything required entry tickets, some only one or two, others as many as four. Fortunately, you'd invested in a slim, neon-green paper bracelet for each of you at the faire's entrance: unlimited games and rides, for one still-outrageous price.
<<nm $phPetra "So what's the plan? Hot dogs and skee-ball? Funhouse and cotton candy? Roller coasters 'til we puke?">>
They //all// sounded good -- except maybe the puking. And there wasn't any reason you couldn't do all of them...except maybe the puking.
<<nm $phYou "Do you have a favorite?">>
The dark elf flashed you a grin and reached to grab hold of your hand. Before you knew it, you were behind pulled along as Petra weaved through the crowd of people, heading off for the nearest ride.
<<nm $phPetra "Everything.">>
That bracelet was going to @@.choice;[[Earn Its Keep Tonight!|PetraDrowDate][$phPetra.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1.1>>You didn't throw up on the Pirate Ship as it swung, pendulum-like, from side to side until you were straight vertical in the air, only to plunge back down towards the earth again.
And you didn't throw up on the Graviton, which spun in circles so swiftly that you were pinned to the wall from sheer centrifugal force.
You even managed to hold down your hot dog while riding the Octopus, the bumper cars, and yes, the spiraling rollercoaster with the double loop that had both of you screaming -- for different reasons.
Now that you were off it, though, and Petra was gleefully tugging you towards the next implement of torture, you finally had to call stop.
<<nm $phYou "Pet-- Petra, wait, I need like five minutes!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Aww, come on! The line for the Slingshot bungee finally cleared out!">>
You shook your head and plonked your butt down on the nearest bench, elbows on your knees and lips pursed as you tried to both catch your breath and calm your stomach.
<<nm $phYou "Five minutes, Pet. Five minutes, then I'll go.">>
For a moment you thought she might just leave and go to the Slingshot without you, but a few seconds later the wooden bench creaked as she sat down next to you. A dark hand rubbed up and down your spine before giving a reassuring pat.
<<nm $phPetra "Weak stomach, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "No - but yours is made out of solid steel, I think.">>
She chuckled, still lightly stroking her palm over your back.
<<nm $phPetra "I guess I //might// be a bit of a thrill junkie. 'Pet', huh? Don't get too used to calling me that; always hated it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Childhood nickname?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah. I mean, I get it: what else are you going to shorten 'Petra' to? But especially when you're a tomboy tagging along after your big brothers... cue the jokes about 'following like a puppy', 'oh look it's your Pet sister', //et cetera//. Ted's best friend tried to pat me on the head once.">>
<<nm $phYou "Broke his nose? Broke his arm?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Bit him. I was twelve, and I'd already told him a fucking dozen times not to call me that. I figured if he insisted, I'd make his dreams come true.">>
It painted the immediate mental image of a much younger and smaller version of Petra hanging off a grown man's arm by nothing but her teeth, like a tiny and fierce cartoon kitten.
<<nm $phYou "Hah! Bet he stopped after that, didn't he?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, yeah: seven stitches later. Dad had to give me a talking to, but he told me in private later that Brice deserved it. A woman tells you 'no', it means 'no'... just maybe next time knee him in the nuts instead of making him get a rabies shot.">>
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>><<nm $phYou "So noted; I'll stick to 'Mistress' or 'Ma'am' or something.">>
Her dark lips drew up in a smirk.
<<nm $phPetra "Now that's a bright $pgirl. Might have to give you a little reward for being so good... seeing as how I like you and all. You feeling better yet?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "So noted; I guess calling you my bitch is also out of the question?">>
Her dark lips drew up in a smirk.
<<nm $phPetra "Damn straight. //Maybe// in private -- maybe -- if I'm in a fantastic mood and you've been //such// a good $pgirl that I feel you've earned a special reward... seeing as how I like you and all. You feeling better yet?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I think, so, yeah. Do we //have// to do the Slingshot?">>
Petra's hand on your back slid up until she could curl her fingers into your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>short<<else>>long<</if>> $phYou.hair hair, and pulled you in close, pressing a soft, hot kiss to the corner of your mouth... and a moment later, you felt the tip of her tongue flick against your lower lip.
<<nm $phPetra "...how about the funhouse? I'm in the mood for some fun.">>
You blinked, and Petra took your hand to once more pull you up and along, this time to the cheerful, clown-bedecked mansion that promised an //A-MAZE-ing Magical Mirror Maze!//
For some reason, your head had @@.choice;[[Started Spinning Again|PetraDrowDate][$phPetra.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1.2>>It was //very// fun.
It was also borderline indecent, and probably //would// have been indecent if you hadn't drawn the line at Petra pushing you up against the mirror maze and fucking you in perfect, infinite reflections of yourself. This //was// a carnival, and there were other people in the funhouse, and it went too far past your sensibilities to do very adult things in a place by and large meant for kids.
It'd still been fun, though, to see Petra grinning ear to pointed ear as she tried to find her way through the mirror maze, a blacklight obstacle course, and a long, spinning tunnel where different sections spun in different directions. You'd kept up as best as you could, and even managed not to make too much of a fool of yourself.
Eventually you came to the light at the end of the tunnel -- literally, as the well-lit exit beckoned you once you found your feet again. The two of you staggered outside, breathless and laughing, holding on to each other for support.
<<nm $phPetra "I haven't had this much fun in ages! Thank you, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "More fun than Inferno? More fun than handcuffs and batons?">>
Your quip was rewarded with a swift -- and mercifully light -- backhand to your chest.
<<nm $phPetra "//Different// kind of fun! <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Jackass<<else>>Bitch<</if>>.">>
The accusation was fond, and followed up by Petra's arm sliding around your waist. You returned the favor, and arm in arm you started back towards the parking lot in unspoken agreement.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks for coming out with me, Petra.">>
<<nm $phPetra "You're welcome. I guess all work and no play might make me a dull girl. Ever thought of adding an amusement park somewhere in the mall?">>
That was certainly an idea, although given your current adventures in <<switch $phCurrentDisaster>><<case 'Space'>>galactic scenery<<case 'Silence'>>amateur mimery<<case 'Rodents'>>pest control<<case 'Gravity'>>turning things topsy-turvy<</switch>>, adding rollercoasters and funhouses might just be asking for trouble.
And speaking of adventures... your lips twisted up in a bittersweet smile as the sounds of the faire faded behind you. Time to wrap this one up, and go see how Mason was handling things in your absence.
All good things must come to @@.choice;[[An End.|DateReturn][$phPetra.date to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2>><<nm $phPetra "Heh. You must really like carnivals.">>
It wasn't the same one, but honestly, you'd be hard pressed to prove it. Faires and carnivals all had a sort of //look// to them, an atmosphere, a sort of special ambiance to the neon lights, flashing signs, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn and cotton candy in the air. They were their own sort of special world, apart from the mundanity of everyday life -- but oddly, the ticket stands and barkers and rollercoasters all seemed to blend together after a while. So distinct, yet so alike.
<<nm $phYou "I thought //you// really liked carnivals! We had a great time at the last one.">>
Petra smirked over at you. She was in her leather jacket again, having left her admiral's uniform at home. Well, 'home'. You guessed the tower was her home now, really, just like it was yours. The sword, too, had been stowed away somewhere where it wouldn't cause a scene, and she'd even left behind her Aviators this time. Apparently even dark elf eyes weren't adapted for wearing sunglasses at night.
It meant you had a gorgeous view of her playful blue eyes whenever she looked your direction, and the way she had her hair pulled back in a cascade of snowy white was a beautiful contrast. Her long ears were tucked beneath a knit beanie, though you could still see their points poking at the fabric.
<<nm $phPetra "Well, yeah. Funhouse was worth it. Other stuff was great, too.">>
<<nm $phYou "Would you rather go somewhere else?">>
<<nm $phPetra "No, no, I'm just giving you a hard time. Maybe if every single date ends up on a midway.">>
<<nm $phYou "Date, huh?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...//you// said it was a date. Don't try backtracking on it now.">>
You grinned at her as she stopped in front of one of the food stands and ordered a bag of cotton candy. A visit to the faire just wasn't the same without having sticky blue-and-pink goo all over your fingertips by the end of it. Petra stuffed a wad of sugary pink fluff into her mouth with an audible hum of pleasure.
<<switch $phCurrentDisaster>><<case 'Silence'>><<nm $phPetra "So what's the occasion? Mason deciding to practice his mime routine?">><<case 'Space'>><<nm $phPetra "So what's the occasion? Not everyone enjoying the view of Uranus?">><<case 'Gravity'>><<nm $phPetra "So what's the occasion? You falling literally head over heels?">><<case 'Rodents'>><<nm $phPetra "So what's the occasion? The live re-enactment of Secret of NIMH?">><</switch>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I don't want you to think I only ask you out when there's a crisis, but.. yeah. I wanted to help, but you know how Mason is.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry; I know the feeling. Got a bit of a crisis of my own, and it's nice to have the distraction.">>
@@.choice;
[[...Crisis of Her Own?|PetraDrowDate][$phPetra.date to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "Something wrong at Inferno?">>
She shook her head as she motioned towards her next stop: a drink stand selling colorful, saccharine drinks in a rainbow of festive colors. Nothing washed down a mouthful of sugar like //another// mouthful of sugar.
<<if $phXavier.transform == 'vampire'>><<nm $phYou "Xavier okay?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, he's fine, if you count 'dead' as 'fine'.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Issues with the Security simulacra?">>
Petra rolled her eyes a bit as she took up her turn in the line of customers and ripped another wad of fluff free of the confectionary cloud.
<<nm $phPetra "...you're going to keep asking until I tell you, aren't you? Ever think the reason I didn't bring it up is because I don't think it's a big deal?">>
<<nm $phYou "You //did// say it was a crisis.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I was exaggerating. And it's nothing work-related, don't worry.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'd still like to know what it is, if you're willing to share. You know me: I'm a good listener.">>
Petra sighed, her blue eyes rolling up a second time. One hand automatically went to her temples, where the frame of her shades would be if she were wearing them, in a reflexive attempt to tug them down. When her fingers met nothing but her own soft skin and hair she made a small, annoyed pout of her lips before dropping her hand again.
<<nm $phPetra "So -- my brother John? Hot-shot lawyer?">>
<<nm $phYou "The one who nearly got buried for doing the right thing? Yeah, I remember. You said you'd managed to get him back out of trouble.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I did. And he's incredibly grateful for the help... which is the problem. Next holiday coming up, he wants to meet up and see me, maybe go out for dinner, catch up -- you know, regular family stuff.">>
Ah. And, of course, Petra was no longer exactly 'regular' in any sense of the word. You nodded your understanding.
<<nm $phYou "I take it he's not taking 'no' for an answer.">>
<<nm $phPetra "He would if I told him to. He //has// to listen to me now, right? He has to do what I say. But, you know, it's one thing to order some wanna-be thug at the mall to fuck off and don't come back, but I //do// want to see him again. Him and Ted and Dwight, mom, dad, Andrea, Simone... I just wanted people to pay attention and not write me off. I didn't say anything about giving up the clan.">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess you could tell him 'not right now' instead of 'no'. Put it off to the next big holiday. That'd give us some time to think of a better solution.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I //have//... but you don't know John. He's smart, he's tenacious; that's why he's a damn good lawyer. Being a bulldog and digging until he found a bone is how he broke open that case to begin with. I can just tell he knows something's up, and sooner or later, he's going to start digging.">>
You wrinkled your nose and nodded. It'd be like Xavier all over again -- except you could easily imagine that a military lawyer would be even more dangerous to the tower than a journalist. Xavier had been 'professional', sure, but small-scale and local. It probably depended on rank, cleareance levels, and a dozen other things you were barely aware of, but Hollywood definitely implied that Petra's brother would have more leverage, more power... and more authority to get the police involved.
<<nm $phPetra "Anyways. Funhouse?">>
Petra had obtained her bright green cup of 'wacky watermelon' drink. Now she arched a questioning eyebrow at you as she slowly, deliberately, placed the straw between her lips and started to suck.
It was hard say 'no' to @@.choice;[[Some Fun|PetraDrowDate][$phPetra.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2.2>>The topic didn't come up again through the rest of your night, and it didn't seem to slow Petra down. Calling it a 'crisis' might have indeed been pure hyperbole -- or maybe she was just intent on enjoying herself now instead of worrying about the future.
You managed to talk her out of going on a bigger, faster ride every five minutes, and your stomach was immensely thankful. You spent most of the night walking around, munching on popcorn and assorted treats, laughing and swapping horror stories about younger, more awkward versions of yourselves.
All too soon you were on your way back to the parking lot again and leaving the neon lights and cheerful music behind you.
<<nm $phYou "This has been really nice. Thank you for coming out with me, Petra. You know, for a while after you put on the uniform, I was a little worried you were going to become a... well, a bitch. The mean kind, not the sexy kind.">>
<<nm $phPetra "For some people the mean kind //is// the sexy kind. I know you tend to go soft on people, $phYou.firstname, but different strokes for different folks. One thing you learn early on as a woman is that any time you've got the power in a situation, any time you take control, or call the shots? People are going to call you a bitch, whether it's true of not.">>
<<if $phYou.gender == 'female'>><<nm $phYou "Yeah. Yeah, I know, and that makes it worse that I still go there by instinct, doesn't it?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Yeah... yeah, I was probably guilty of that once or twice in my previous life. Guess it makes it worse that I still go there by instinct, doesn't it?">><</if>>
She shrugged and tossed her now-empty cup into a trash bin as the two of you passed by.
<<nm $phPetra "You treat me with respect. You treat //everyone// with respect, and that's admirable, Cap. If I step out of line and you need to smack me, I trust you to do it. But don't worry about me being a bitch. I //am//, but I'm not cruel just to be cruel. You let me handle my things, and I'll let you handle yours.">>
You nodded as Petra laced her arm back through your elbow again. Petra was definitely mature enough and capable enough to handle her own things, and as much as you liked helping out your employees -- your lovers -- sometimes it was best to realize you couldn't solve //all// their problems. Like, say, over-enthusiastic older brothers.
Oh well. If Petra actually //needed// help -- or wanted it -- she'd ask for it. Until then, maybe it was better just to do as she said: respect her, and her choices.
And maybe start thinking of a good place for a third date. One that didn't involve rollercoasters or bungee jumps.
@@.choice;
[[Head Back to Paradise|DateReturn][$phPetra.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Petra's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<set $phLocation = 'PetraDate'>><<if $phPetra.date is 3>><<set $phPetra.date to 2>><</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1>>It'd been a while since you'd been to an aquarium -- like, a decade or so. You'd gone through puberty since then, plus about a dozen jobs and about as many failed relationships. Of course, things were a little different now.
<<if $phYou.gender != $phYou.form>><<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>You were a woman now, for one<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> -- or, woman enough, considering the extra equipment you were packing 'down south'<</if>><<else>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>You were packing a little bit extra 'down south' nowadays, for one -- an addition you'd really come to enjoy<<else>>You'd traded breasts for balls and a cock, for one -- an exchange you'd really come to enjoy<</if>><</if>>. <</if>>You had horns, a tail, and infernally red skin; you had the job of your dreams, a VIP suite, and wealth enough you'd forgotten what it was like to clip coupons and browse the 'clearance' aisles.
<<nm $phPetra "Wow. I haven't been to an aquarium in... forever.">>
...and you had some relationships that, at least so far, were going pretty good.
<<nm $phYou "Me too. Er, neither. I haven't either, I mean.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah, I get you. Feel like I'm twenty again.">>
You'd suggested a 'casual' dress code for the occasion, and Petra had obliged with a slightly modified version of her 'new normal'. She'd left her shades at home, for one. Oh, she still wore them once in a while, but since her transformation into the world's most convincing saleswoman she had let down some of her personal walls, and the eye-concealing shades had been part of that. Gone, too, was the skin-concealing Security uniform, and her heavy leather jacket. Instead she strolled alongside the massive tanks in a midriff baring top and scale-pattern leggings that were all-too-appropriate.
<<nm $phYou "...how old //are// you, actually?">>
She paused, a hand on the plate-glass as small-spotted catshark swam past. One slim eyebrow lifted with perfect offended precision.
<<switch $phYou.form>><<case 'male'>><<nm $phPetra "Now, Captain, I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. Isn't that gentleman-rule number one: never ask a lady's age or weight?">><<case 'futa'>><<nm $phPetra "Now, Captain, I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. You must have traded out your common sense to get that, ah, 'extra package' of yours.">><<case 'female'>><<nm $phPetra "Now, Captain, I'm going to pretend you didn't ask me that. From one woman to another: you should know better.">><</switch>>
Despite the rebuke, she didn't sound angry in the slightest. Instead, her attention immediately turned back to the sights and sounds of the aquatic, peering around at the multitude of beckoning exhibits. You'd arrived as soon as the aquarium opened, and the crowd was still thin. Almost every wall served as a window into an underwater world, each with a different theme. Here was a tunnel leading to lagoon exploration; there, a mangrove swamp. Of course, most of the visitors were already thronging towards three places in particular: the bright colors of the tropical reef; the outdoor enclosure that promised penguins aplenty; and the center point of the entire building: an //enormous// tank, with a viewing tunnel through the center, where sharks, sunfish, and a giant stingray swam.
You heard Petra let out a soft sound of amazement as her gaze travelled from one to the other, lingering a bit on a display that promised //An Adventure into the Abyss//, //An Encounter with Whales//, and a //Sunken Shipwreck//... all courtesy of immersive VR. Finally her attention returned to you, as did her wide, gleeful smile.
<<nm $phPetra "So what's the plan? Swim with dolphins? Pet the rays? Feed sealions? VR until we're sick?">>
They //all// sounded good -- except maybe the sick part. And there wasn't any reason you couldn't do all of them. Maybe you could avoid the last part.
<<nm $phYou "Do you have a favorite?">>
The siren flashed you a grin and reached to grab hold of your hand. Before you knew it, you were behind pulled along as Petra weaved through the crowd of people, heading off for rays and skates exhibit.
<<nm $phPetra "Everything.">>
You guessed that meant you were going to be here @@.choice;[[For A While!|PetraSirenDate][$phPetra.date to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1.1>>Everything had gone swimmingly until the VR.
You hadn't thrown up during the //Encounter with Whales// -- that one had been pretty enjoyable, and you'd been awed by the sheer //size// of the blue whale as it swam past you in the deep, serenading with its strange, echoing call. //A Sunken Shipwreck// had been more disorienting, as you'd tried to navigate through portholes and broken doors, around furniture, with only a bright flashlight as your guide. You'd gotten lost a time or two. Soon the abandoned belongings of sailors and passengers felt more like you were exploring a horror game than a shipwreck, even though they'd thankfully not included any skeletons.
And then there'd been //An Adventure into the Abyss//. Alone in the darkness, with a flashlight that illuminated next to nothing, you were surrounded by blackness on all side, now and then broken by a brief, brilliant bioluminescence. You'd managed to spend a few seconds admiring a trio of rainbow-pulsing ctenophora jellyfish before they'd all scattered as quickly as they'd appeared... and the shadow of a predator had passed over you.
A giant squid. A giant, carnivorous squid with eight sucker-covered arms and a sharp beak that had descended down towards you!
The VR experience cut short there with a cheerful chime. You hadn't thrown up, but you were definitely feeling just a little wobbly. And Petra was already grabbing your hand to haul you off to feed the sealions.
<<nm $phYou "Pet-- Petra, wait, I need like five minutes!">>
<<nm $phPetra "Aww, but the next show starts in ten! Please?">>
You shook your head and plonked your butt down on the nearest bench, elbows on your knees and lips pursed as you tried to both catch your breath and calm your stomach.
<<nm $phYou "Five minutes, Pet. Five minutes, then I'll go.">>
For a moment you thought she might just leave and go see the sealions without you, but a few seconds later the wooden bench creaked as she sat down next to you. A soft hand rubbed up and down your spine before giving a reassuring pat.
<<nm $phPetra "Weak stomach, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "No - but yours is made out of solid steel, I think.">>
She chuckled, still lightly stroking her palm over your back. She casually shook out her long red hair behind her as she leaned back against the bench.
<<nm $phPetra "I guess I //might// still enjoy a thrill or two. 'Pet', huh? I haven't heard that one in a long time. I admit, I hated it growing up.">>
<<nm $phYou "Childhood nickname?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah. I mean, I understand: what else are you going to shorten 'Petra' to? But especially when you're a tomboy tagging along after your big brothers... the jokes about 'following like a puppy' or 'oh look it's your Pet sister' were pretty common. Ted's best friend tried to pat me on the head once.">>
<<nm $phYou "Broke his nose? Broke his arm?">>
Petra laughed, and a hint of red spread across her features. She drew in a deep breath and shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phPetra "If I'm honest, I think I bit him. I was twelve, and I'd already told him a dozen times not to call me that. I figured if he insisted, I'd make his dreams come true.">>
It painted the immediate mental image of a much younger and smaller version of Petra hanging off a grown man's arm by nothing but her teeth, like a tiny, fierce cartoon kitten.
<<nm $phYou "Ha! Bet he stopped after that, didn't he?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I do believe he did. Seven stitches later. Dad had to give me a talking to, but he told me in private later that Brice deserved it. A woman tells you 'no', it means 'no'. He also told me maybe next time I should try kicking an unmentionable place instead of making him get a rabies shot.">>
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'bottom'>><<nm $phYou "So noted; I'll stick to 'Yes, Miss' or 'Ma'am' or something.">>
Her lips drew up in a smirk as she brushed her bright red hair back behind an ear.
<<nm $phPetra "You are a wise captain. Perhaps I can reward you for being so good... seeing as how I like you and all. Are you feeling better yet?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "So noted; I guess calling you my bitch is also out of the question?">>
She looked startled, as if the coarse language was completely beyond her understanding. Then her lips drew up in a smirk and she let out a high, silvery laugh.
<<nm $phPetra "//Maybe// in private -- maybe -- if I'm in a fantastic mood and you've been //such// a good $pgirl that I feel you've earned a special reward... speaking of, are you feeling better yet?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I think, so, yeah. I think we might be late for the sealions, though.">>
Petra's hand on your back slid up until she could curl her fingers into your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>short<<else>>long<</if>> $phYou.hair hair, and pulled you in close, pressing a soft, hot kiss to the corner of your mouth... and a moment later, you felt the tip of her tongue flick against your lower lip.
<<nm $phPetra "...how about the dolphin swim? We can get a little wet?">>
You blinked, and the security officer took your hand to once more pull you up and along, this time up the stairs next to a sign that promised //an unforgettable experience for all!//
For some reason, your head had @@.choice;[[Started Spinning Again!|PetraSirenDate][$phPetra.date to 1.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 1.2>>It was //definitely// unforgettable.
It was also borderline indecent, and probably //would// have been indecent if you hadn't drawn the line at Petra pushing you up against the wall in the changing room while getting out of your wetsuits. This //was// a family-friendly aquarium, and it went too far past your sensibilities to do very adult things in a place where grandparents and their grandkids might wander in after you were done. You had a feeling she was teasing you, however. You had noticed a little more shyness from your siren since her transformation.
It'd still been fun, though, to see Petra grinning ear to ear as she'd swam next to the dolphins, moving in the water as if she were born to it. One of the guides had asked her if she was a professional, but Petra had been so absorbed in stroking the sleek grey skin that she'd missed the query entirely. You'd kept up as best as you could, and even managed not too make too much of a fool of yourself while splashing around.
Eventually you were back on solid ground, and back into dry clothes. The two of you made your way back towards the entrance, still excitedly comparing notes on your favorite parts.
<<nm $phPetra "I haven't had this much fun in ages! Thank you, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "More fun than Elysium? Life isn't better down where it's wetter?">>
Your quip was rewarded with a swift -- and mercifully light -- backhand to your chest.
<<nm $phPetra "//Different// kind of fun! Cad.">>
The accusation was fond and followed up by Petra's arm sliding around your waist. You returned the favor, and arm in arm you started back towards the parking lot in unspoken agreement.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks for coming out with me, Petra.">>
<<nm $phPetra "You're welcome. I guess all work and no play might make me a dull girl. Ever thought of adding an aquarium somewhere in the mall?">>
That was certainly an idea, although given your current adventures in <<switch $phCurrentDisaster>><<case 'Space'>>galactic scenery<<case 'Silence'>>amateur mimery<<case 'Rodents'>>pest control<<case 'Gravity'>>turning things topsy-turvy<</switch>>, adding a room full of oceanic predators just be asking for trouble.
And speaking of adventures... your lips twisted up in a bittersweet smile as the sounds delighted children and barking seals faded away behind you. Time to wrap this one up, and go see how Mason was handling things in your absence.
All good things must come to @@.choice;[[An End.|DateReturn][$phPetra.date to 2]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2>><<nm $phPetra "Hah! You really like aquariums!">>
It wasn't the same one, but honestly, you'd be hard pressed to prove it. Each aquarium had its own special flare or focus, but they still had to draw in the crowds, and there were only so many high-profile underwater denizens. Sharks, rays, clownfish, and blue tangs were staples of success -- and accordingly, all aquariums had a sort of //look// to them, an atmosphere that made them feel alike. So different, but so much the same.
<<nm $phYou "I thought //you// really liked aquariums! We had a great time at the last one.">>
Petra smirked over at you. She was in a vibrant violet t-shirt this time, having left her leather vest at home. Well, 'home'. You guessed the tower was her home now, really, just like it was yours. She'd traded the scale-pattern leggings for time capri-cut blue jeans that were sinfully form-fitting. Her cascade of red hair was pulled back into a fiery ponytail, and matching amethyst earrings dotted her ears.
Had she had her ears pierced before, or had your tomboy started developing a more feminine side?
<<nm $phPetra "Well, yeah. The dolphins were worth it. Other stuff was great, too.">>
<<nm $phYou "Would you rather go somewhere else?">>
<<nm $phPetra "No, no, I'm just giving you a hard time. Though I reserve the right to make jokes if every date you take me on involves the water.">>
<<nm $phYou "Date, huh?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...I believe you said the word first, before. No need to backtrack now.">>
You grinned at her as she stopped in front of the gift shop to examine a small seashell necklace that had caught her eye. It wasn't as unique as the one you'd gifted to her, and it wasn't long before her attention drifted to octopus bracelets, jellyfish beanie hats, and dozens of other on-theme merchandise.
<<nm $phPetra "I can't help but notice our visit coincides with an emergency back at home.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I don't want you to think I only ask you out when there's a crisis, but.. yeah. I wanted to help, but you know how Mason is.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Don't worry; I know the feeling. Got a bit of a crisis of my own, and it's nice to have the distraction.">>
@@.choice;
[[...Crisis of Her Own?|PetraSirenDate][$phPetra.date to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "Something wrong at Elysium?">>
She shook her head as she motioned towards her next stop: the drink cooler selling colorful, aquatic-themed drinks in a rainbow of festive colors. //Jellyfish Juice// -- blue raspberry, it turned out -- //Octopus Ink// -- that was grape-flavored -- //Shark Attack// (strawberry), and //Coral Cola// were all nicely chilled and ready to go.
<<if $phXavier.transform == 'dryad'>><<nm $phYou "Xun okay?">>
<<nm $phPetra "Oh, yes, she's our very own Mother Earth. She's fine.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Issues with the Security simulacra?">>
Petra rolled her eyes a bit as she took up her turn in the line of customers to check out, a bottle of Jellyfish Juice in hand.
<<nm $phPetra "Captain, you don't need to worry. If there was anything of importance going on, I would tell you.">>
<<nm $phYou "You //did// say it was a crisis.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I was exaggerating. And it's nothing work-related, don't worry.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'd still like to know what it is, if you're willing to share. You know me: I'm a good listener.">>
Petra sighed, her blue eyes rolling up a second time. One hand automatically went to her temples, where the frame of her shades would be if she still wore them, in a reflexive attempt to tug them down. When her fingers met nothing but her own soft skin and hair, she made a small, annoyed pout of her lips before dropping her hand again. There'd be no hiding from you.
<<nm $phPetra "So -- my brother John? The hot-shot lawyer?">>
<<nm $phYou "The one who nearly got buried for doing the right thing? Yeah, I remember. You said you'd managed to get him back out of trouble.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I did. And he's incredibly grateful for the help... which is the problem. Next holiday coming up, he wants to meet up and see me, maybe go out for dinner, catch up -- you know, regular family stuff.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why is that a problem?">>
<<nm $phPetra "...said the demon to the Little Mermaid.">>
<<nm $phYou "No one would know that from looking at you. I mean, look at you right now! You dyed your hair and changed up your style a bit, that's all.">>
<<nm $phPetra "I guess. I'm not sure he'd believe it, and I'm worried if he comes to the tower, he'll notice something is up.">>
<<nm $phYou "If you're not comfortable meeting him yet, tell him no. He //has// to listen to you now, don't forget.">>
<<nm $phPetra "It's one thing to sweet-talk someone at the mall into //not// taking a five-finger discount, or to suggest to someone that maybe they'd be better off never coming back. I //do// want to see him again. Him and Ted and Dwight, mom, dad, Andrea, Simone... I just wanted people to pay attention and not write me off, but family has always been important.">>
<<nm $phYou "Tell him 'not right now' instead of 'no'? Put it off to the next big holiday. That'd give us some time to think of a better solution.">>
<<nm $phPetra "Yeah... maybe I'm worrying too much He's smart, he's tenacious; that's why he's a damn good lawyer. Being a bulldog and sniffing until he found the scent is how he broke open that case to begin with. I'm just afraid that if he thinks something's up, then sooner or later, he's going to start digging.">>
You wrinkled your nose and nodded. It'd be like Xavier all over again -- except you could easily imagine that a military lawyer would be even more dangerous to the tower than a journalist. Xavier had been 'professional', sure, but small-scale and local. It probably depended on rank, clearance levels, and a dozen other things you were barely aware of, but Hollywood definitely implied that Petra's brother would have more leverage, more power... and more authority to get the police involved.
<<nm $phPetra "Anyways. Dolphins?">>
The red-head had obtained her bottle of Jellyfish Juice, which came with a kids 'crazy straw' that zigged and zagged and spiraled the three inches from lid to lips. Now she arched a questioning eyebrow at you as she slowly, deliberately, placed the straw between her lips and started to suck.
It was hard say 'no' to @@.choice;[[Getting Petra Wet|PetraSirenDate][$phPetra.date to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phPetra.date is 2.2>>The topic didn't come up again through the rest of your night, and it didn't seem to slow Petra down. Calling it a 'crisis' might have indeed been pure hyperbole -- or maybe she was just intent on enjoying herself now instead of worrying about the future.
The line for the dolphins was longer than you'd expected, and you knew getting in on this round of swim wasn't in the cards. This particular establishment did not have a VR experience and your stomach thanked them for it. Instead you spent most of the day walking around, learning about the various animals on display, and marveling at the vast creativity of nature. From sea urchins to whale sharks, it was incredible how much existed beyond normal human awareness.
And //that// realization was made all the more poignant when you in turn realized that the ocean wasn't the only 'other world' out there. Demons existed. Sirens existed. If <<if $phDamien.transform == 'bull'>>bull-men and <</if>><<print $phXavier.transform>>s and other fantastic 'creatures' existed, then how much more was still out there to discover?
All too soon, though, you were on your way back to the parking lot again and leaving the vast tanks and their denizens behind you.
<<nm $phYou "This has been really nice. Thank you for coming out with me, Petra. I know that if you //wanted// to, you could probably use that voice of yours to just make me do whatever you wanted to, So...I'm glad we're... not like that, I guess?">>
<<nm $phPetra "I think there are some who might enjoy that sort of thing, Captain, but I don't really think that's you. At least not all the time. I work for you, yes, but we're partners. I have a job that I'm good at, and I want to help you as much as I can.">>
<<nm $phYou "You know you could go anywhere you wanted to, now. All you'd have to do is ask nicely, and you could open any door. Yet you still want to stay with me?">>
She shrugged and tossed her now-empty bottle into a recycling bin as the two of you passed by.
<<nm $phPetra "You treat me with respect. You treat //everyone// with respect, and that's really admirable. If you ever need to pull me back from something, I trust you to do respectfully. But you don't need to worry about me going any time soon. I'll handle my things and not do anything that would make you worry about me.">>
You nodded as Petra laced her arm back through your elbow again. Petra was definitely mature enough and capable enough to handle her own things, and as much as you liked helping out your employees -- your lovers -- sometimes it was best to realize you couldn't solve //all// their problems. Like, say, over-enthusiastic older brothers.
Oh well. If Petra actually //needed// help -- or wanted it -- she'd ask for it. Until then, maybe it was better just to do as she said: respect her, and her choices.
And maybe start thinking of a good place for a third date. One that didn't involve Great Whites or VR.
@@.choice;
[[Head Back to Paradise|DateReturn][$phPetra.date to 3]]@@
@@.narrative;This is currently the end of Petra's romance story, and this date will repeat on the next visit.@@<</if>><<if $phRomanceControl gt 0>><<set $phTime += 1>>It was a busy morning, but not uninteresting.
The main issue seemed to be keeping the tower from getting confused between the data Mason was pumping in and what was actually happening in the real world. For the most part, that meant keeping an eye on the flow of traffic and dialing down the stress test whenever pockets of confused or bored people appeared. That eased off the pressure a bit and let the Tower refocus on doing its main duty. With two of you working, you were able to keep things flowing pretty well.
After a few more hours, Mason consulted the screens, nodded to himself, and turned the dials all the way down. There was a sudden coolness in the air and a sense of quiet peace, as if he had just turned off heavy industrial equipment. He turned his chair.
<<nm $phMason "I believe that is all we will usefully get for today. The Tower will need some time to digest what it has learned - most likely at least a few days. Thank you for the assistance, $phMason.address.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phYou "It was my pleasure. Honestly, it was even a little bit fun. I think I'm going to grab some lunch. Can I get you anything?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes, absolutely. You can drop your pants to your ankles, bend over, and be silent. I believe I shall relieve the stress of the workday that way.">>
You froze, not even two steps toward the door. Mason's tone hadn't changed, even a little bit. It was as if he were ordering a coffee, and your brain seemed to short out trying to even process the difference between his words and the sound of them.
<<nm $phYou "...What?">>
His eyebrow elevated, just a little. Now his voice changed, dropping into a low register of warning.
<<nm $phMason "...Did you not hear me?">>
Squeak. You swallowed hard...and slowly reached to your waist to undo your belt. Cloth rustled together as you worked your pants down your legs, then bent forward and placed both your hands on a nearby table. Mason chuckle and stood, casually reaching to his own belt even as he moved up behind you.
<<nm $phMason "Very good. On future occasions, you will be permitted to think and have opinions and receive affection. This morning, you are little more than a receptacle for me. That is your role. You may nod to show that you understand.">>
You nodded. Mason let out another satisfied sound and gripped your hips with his two upper hands. He didn't waste much time, pulling you back against him and position his thickening shaft carefully. Then he thrust, firmly, and pushed into you.
You held back the moan by sheer force of will, though your expression when trying to do so must have been amusing because your $phMason.him laughed behind you again. His hips began to work, slapping against your ass as he gave you a quick, frantic railing while you stood frozen and silent in place.
It didn't take him long. Soon, his thrusts picked up speed and he gave a low, satisfied kind of grunt. You felt the heat of him spreading inside your body as he filled you, then casually pulled himself free, wiped his cock on the tails of your shirt, and pulled his pants back up.
<<nm $phMason "Adequate as always. Now you may take your lunch. Bring me a sandwich and a water from the shop on the north side. Do not wash up before 3 pm today. Let that mark remain until then.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him. I understand.">>
You pulled your pants up, still feeling his cum running down your inside thigh. Mason looked you up and down for a long, smirking moment. Then he returned to his chair, and you @@.choice;[[Escaped Back Into The World!|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phYou "Oh, any time. It's always good to see how hard you work. In fact, I think you deserve a little reward.">>
You gave him your best grin, slipping behind his seat and tucking one hand up under his shirt. Your other went lower, wrapping across the bulge between his legs. Almost immediately, you felt his muscles go limp.
<<nm $phMason "Ah! M-$pMistress! You don't...have to...">>
<<nm $phYou "But I want to. Are you going to be good and let $pMistress jack you off, hmm?">>
<<nm $phMason "Y-Yes, yes $phMason.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy.">>
You undid his zipper and let his cock fall into your hand. It was a beautiful cock, far larger than you would have guessed before you knew him well, and it only got thicker the more you stroked it up and down. You tucked your chin against Mason's shoulder, so you could enjoy each shuddering, mewling breath he exhaled as you teased him.
It didn't take long. The poor boy was clearly pent up after the morning's work, and he was soon pushing up hips up into your hands, oozing precum down along your fingers. You thought about stopping right that second but... well, that would be cruel. That would be a tactic for when you needed something from him.
Mason gripped the edge of his chair and turned his face up toward the ceiling. His cock bounced in your fingers and shot a thick rope of seed over the console in front of him. Then a second. Then a third, fourth, and fifth. By the time he collapsed back against the seat, he'd all but made an abstract painting of his work space.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Now be a good little sub and clean up after yourself, before I go to lunch.">>
You lifted your hand from his shaft and held it front of his face. After a few beats, he obligingly leaned forward and dragged his tongue across your digits, until your hand was clean of his seed. You laughed and kissed his temple, then pushed away from his chair and turned toward the door.
Not a @@.choice;[[Bad Morning!|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'pre') or ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><<nm $phYou "No problem. It was actually sort of fun. Thanks for letting me see how the magic happens...literally.">>
Mason gave you a //very// long look for the pun, but reluctantly shrugged his shoulders and stood up.
<<nm $phMason "Any time you wish, you are always welcome back. Rest assured that we are making good progress. Your mother should be pleased the next time that she visits.">>
<<nm $phYou "Let's hope so. I would like to pass one of these examinations //without// having a whole new 'to do' list added to my pile.">>
<<nm $phMason "The price of success, $phMason.address. I am not certain that will ever stop.">>
You grunted your agreement at //that//. Probably more true that you wished it was. Turning toward the door, you stretched and yawned. You hadn't really realized how many hours you had been sitting there.
Lunch. Lunch and then back to work. You'd at least @@.choice;[[Earned that much!|Office]]@@
<</if>><<else>>It was, indeed, 'menial'.<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Space'>>Covering all the windows in the building had been a good, if arduous, start. After that had come the distraction. You'd set up an impromptu show in the very center of the mall floor and drawn the curious away from the outer edges. You'd given away goods, shown ads for 'future' attractions from Mason's idea box, and you'd told just about every joke you could think of. You'd smiled so much your cheeks hurt and were so thoroughly sick of people that you wanted nothing more than to bury yourself back in bed for a week.
But it had worked.
With you running interference, Mason had been free to put all his effort towards correcting the problem. By noon, sunlight was again streaming through the windows and, as your last-minute variety show broke down, the customers were once again free to get back to shopping and let you continue your hunt for souls.
You slumped against the wall of R&D and shot Mason a glower. Annoyingly, he still seemed perfectly at ease.
<<nm $phMason "Well done, $phMason.address, that was excellent. I'm told there was a chicken suit involved in the second act...did anyone perchance record that? I'm afraid the tower's security systems were likely not functional.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm pretty sure no one did...if they know what's good for them. Are we back up and running then?">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Rodents'>>Stopping the tower had been relatively easy. It hadn't taken long for Mason to 'explain' to the tower that it needed to stop bringing in the rodent life from around town. That didn't remove the vermin that were already //in// the tower, though, and you didn't want people to see a horde of chipmunks running out the windows anyway.
Mason took care of most of that. He'd tried to explain the mechanism he used, but you'd had to settle for the layman's explanation of 'teleportation'. Whatever he had done, Mason had managed to send 99% of the beasties back where they came from while safely ensconced in his office. But even just one percent of 'thousands' was an infestation.
That was where you'd come in. Unfortunately.
You trudged into R&D and tossed the heavy rubber gloves and the little wooden box on the table. You weren't sure how the box worked, but every little monster you grabbed and shoved inside had vanished in a puff of green light. After several //hours// of tracking them into corners and under tables, you were close to seeing whether Mason's head would vanish the same way.
<<nm $phMason "All done? Splendid. Not quite as efficient as we might hope, but the important point is that we are finished. I trust it was not too much of a task?">>
You counted to five. Slowly.
<<nm $phYou "...That //has// to be the last one. Are they all back to their parks and dumpsters and are we back to work?">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Gravity'>>You ached in places you didn't know you even had. 'Explaining' things to the tower had been relatively quick. However, flipping things back around would have meant sending everything plummeting down in an ungodly mess. It would have taken most of the day's energy just to repair all holes it would have put in the floor.
Easy solution. All you had to do was grab a ladder and haul all the heavy objects up to the carpet above you. The tower would make them stick in place, and then you could allow things to turn right side up once there were only small things remaining to come down. Those you could just pick up off the ground when they fell.
Just the small objects. Dozens and dozens of pens, papers, plants, pictures, coffee mugs, and waste baskets.
In every.
Single.
Room.
<<nm $phMason "Ah ha. There you are. I believe this represents the last of the disturbed areas. You should feel free to resume your regular rounds.">>
You groaned and stood from the floor, leaning against the wall of the room. It was nice to have everything turned the proper way. It didn't make your body hurt any less, but it was nice.
<<nm $phYou "Good. If there had been any more, I'd have quit. We're up and running again then?">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Silence'>>The 'day of silence' seemed to work out okay, for the most part. Of course, even with the tower encouraging introspection and suppressing curiosity, it needed help. That's where you came in. You put on your sternest expression and glared at anyone who seemed about to try to speak, weaponizing eons of guilt built up by parents the world over.
From one side of the mall to the other.
Over and over.
For four hours.
By the time you phone rang in your pocket, the sound seemed so loud you were surprised it didn't shatter the windows. Several of the customers nearby glared at you in return, and you stepped off to one side before pulling it free.
<<nm $phYou "...Hello?">>
<<nm $phMason "Ah. Good. As you can see, the dampening appears to have been lifted. I was able to convince the tower to apply things more selectively in the future.">>
You let out a long breath, and luxuriated in the fact you could actually //hear// the sound. You'd never have thought the low background hum of life would be so disorientating to lose -- until you had lost it. You nodded.
<<nm $phYou "Good, because I think I was going insane trying to play 'strict Catholic school teacher'. I was all but ready to start whacking people with rulers if they opened their mouth. I think I'm going to go back to my room and turn my stereo up until the windows shake. We're back up and running then?">>
<</if>><<nm $phMason "We are, and I believe we even managed to do it without any significant impact to energy production. I expect today should be more or less an average haul. Of course, I doubt this will be the last of these kind of errors. I suppose we will have to see if we can beat our time on the next occasion. I have every faith that we can manage.">>
The //next// occasion. Oh wasn't that a cheerful thought. Muttering, you @@.choice;[[Returned To The Office.|Office]]@@<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'dom') and ($phMasonCommand is 'Call')>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'CallObey'>><</if>><<set $phTime to 3>><<if $phRomanceControl is 0>><<if ndef $phDated>><<set $phLocations['Apartment']['image'] to "ApartmentDestroyed.jpg">><<set $phLocation to 'Apartment'>>It was considerably later, and the drone of the engine was starting to get dangerously close to putting you to sleep. You weren't that far from the tower and the nice, comfortable bed that you had inside of it. You'd had an eventful day, despite taking the time off. Meeting with one of your people outside of work had been nice, and you'd found enough to do to keep yourself busy on your own. It was time to go back.
Except, as the tower came into view, you instead turned off the freeway too soon with your brain on autopilot. You found yourself on the familiar streets you'd haunted before you'd ever //heard// of Lazren and your tower, heading toward your old apartment.
You weren't sure why, but you let yourself drive in that direction. You passed fast-food venues you'd scraped pennies for, shop windows you'd stared longingly through, and sidewalks you'd jogged down when you hadn't been able to waste the gas to get grub. A few familiar turns put you into the quasi-residential neighborhood, and you pulled yourself up to the familiar curb.
You sat there, staring, for a long time. Your apartment was...gone. In its place was an empty patch of dirt with a metal fence around the perimeter. Orange flags had been planted into the ground to mark the gas and electric lines, and you saw a few construction vehicles parked along the far side of the dirt.
You popped the car door open and stepped down, the gravel crunching quietly beneath your business shoes. You hadn't been gone //that// long, had you? Your mind struggled to catalog the exact weeks, but the number slipped away from you. Your bastard landlord must have known it was coming and refused to tell anyone. You wondered if anyone actively living there had come home to find the wrecking balls in operation.
You didn't need this place. Didn't need your crappy couch or your castoff laptop. Didn't need the clothes for your old body or the high school yearbook you'd carried around for no reason with every move. They were probably all pawned off somewhere, and good riddance to the lot of it. Yet, despite yourself, you felt the strangest sense of loss. You guessed there had been some part of you, however small, that thought you could always go back to the way things were if this fell through.
Your eye caught sight of something and you stooped, reaching down to the ground to pick it up. The chip of concrete wasn't large. Maybe the size of an orange. It was squared on one side. Maybe part of the wall or foundation that had been busted and destroyed for whatever was coming in its place. You tensed your arm to toss it back onto the ground...
...and stopped. Instead, you slipped it into your suit pocket and stood. Maybe you didn't need any of it. This life had been left behind. You had a new one now, with a lot better perks, but maybe it was also important to remember where you came from. The way life had been before you'd sold your soul for //your// deepest wish.
You stood there for another couple of seconds, then turned your back to the empty patch of earth. It was time to @@.choice;[[Go Home|DateReturn][$phDated to 1]]@@
<<else>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>><<set $phEnergy -= 25>><<nm $phMason "Well, I don't think it appropriate to call any amount of mitigation a 'success', but we are operational once again. I was able to put things in order with minimal distraction, thanks to you. I believe all will be as it should be, tomorrow.">>
You were standing outside your suite door, in the office. Mason had met you as soon as you'd stepped off the elevator. You wondered if he had some way to know when you were back, or if he was just inhumanly patient about waiting.
<<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Space'>><<nm $phYou "Pluto isn't hanging around just outside the window, then?">>
<<nm $phMason "I assure you that the celestial bodies are all exactly the size that they should be out the windows -- though it has given me the idea for a planetarium at some future date. I have yet to work out which inner desire that might appeal to in the general public, but I am certain we can find one.">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Rodents'>><<nm $phYou "I trust my suite is no longer swarming with more life than I appreciate?">>
<<nm $phMason "Indeed not. It is been swept free of our unwanted guests, just as the other areas have been, and should now be considerably more solitary. Though $phMason.address should consider getting a feline, I think. They //are// aligned with Sloth, you know.">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Gravity'>><<nm $phYou "I take it from my being right side up right now that things have returned to their proper orientation?">>
<<nm $phMason "More or less. There are a few things that will settle over night, I expect, and undoubtedly we will find small items such as pens in the air ducts for a time. Nonetheless, I believe the worst is behind us. The ceiling tiles have been repaired and the furniture should be more or less where you left it now.">>
<</if>><<if $phCurrentDisaster is 'Silence'>><<nm $phYou "I take it from the fact that we're talking that our moment of silence has ended.">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite. The sound dampening effect has been undone, which should let communication resume. I have to say we may want to implement a smaller version from time to time. It was certainly a way to be alone with one's thoughts for a while.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Wonderful. How much did it cost us?">>
Mason coughed into his hand, then produced a small sheet of paper from his side, laden with spreadsheets. You ignored most of the numbers as he handed it over, focusing instead of the sums at the very bottom. You winced.
<<nm $phYou "...Rough day.">>
<<nm $phMason "Noticeably, yes, but that is to be expected. Still, while it may be on the far tail of probability, it's not a disastrous number. We will persevere.">>
<<nm $phYou "Until something like this happens again? Is this sort of thing going to keep happening?">>
<<nm $phMason "Very likely, yes. The tower is learning, $phMason.address. Part of that process is making mistakes. So long as we remain vigilant and ready, I am certain we can smooth out the wrinkles as they appear. I think, given the many benefits the tower provides us, we still come out ahead.">>
You grunted. Couldn't argue with that. Without the tower's casual magic, you weren't sure you'd even have passed Lazren's first test. No, better to just take your lumps and deal with it.
<<nm $phYou "...Fine. We'll cross those bridges when we come to them. I'm going to bed. Thank you, Mason. For the work.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "At your service...at least as long as we're in public.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phMason "Always happy to be of service, $pMistress. You know that.">><</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'pre') or ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><<nm $phMason "At your service, $phMason.address.">><</if>>
You nodded and turned toward the door. After today, you desperately needed some sleep.
@@.choice;
[[Tomorrow was a New Day|Sleep]]@@
@@.narrative; A Meager Day! You lost 25 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@
@@.narrative;The Tower Is Learning...@@<</if>><<else>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>>You stepped off the elevator, yawning. It was always good to get away, but you had to admit you felt a little naked outside of the tower these days. The entire place was crafted around you as you walked, and that wasn't something you could find just anywhere.
<<nm $phMason "Ah, $phMason.address. Perfect timing. I have the report for today.">>
Mason was standing next to $phSamantha.name's desk with a thick stack of files in his hand. He started walking your way, but you quickly waved him down before he tried to foist that on you at this hour.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure you do. Summarize for me and I'll look it over tomorrow?">>
The poor man actually looked a little disappointed but nodded. He tucked his lower arms behind the small of his back and idly flipped through the pages with his upper two.
<<nm $phMason "Certainly. While there //are// many interesting details within, I suppose the practical result is simplistic enough. The short version is that our efforts are bearing fruit. After this morning's stress test, we have seen an increase in all metrics of understanding for the remainder of the day.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. And what effect will that have?">>
<<nm $phMason "At the moment? Subtle and inconsequential, but I assure you that the compound interest of this understanding will benefit us in the long run. How was your time free of the tower?">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phYou "Well enough...but I missed you, $phMason.him. Maybe you could go with me next time?">>
You leaned in again him and the scientist chuckled again. He took his hands away from his back, only to slide them around yours and get a firm grip on your rear.
<<nm $phMason "Eventually, yes. When you are free of this business with Chastity, then I will indeed put a significant claim on your time. I have certain plans for that day.">>
You shivered at the slow, confident smile he flashed you, but nodded. You kissed his cheek and then yawned again.
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phYou "Worried I might replace you? Don't worry, that's not going to happen. I would never leave you behind.">>
You stepped close to the man and put your hand firmly between his legs, squeezing the bulge in his pants. Mason stiffened up, his head tilted back, and you would swear his voice was a half octave higher as he spoke.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress. Would you like any company tonight?">>
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'post') or ($phMason.transform is 'pre')>><<nm $phYou "It was just fine. It's good to get away. I love this place, but no one works forever.">>
<<nm $phMason "So I have heard. Would you like me to catch you up on the rest of the day's events?">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Raincheck? I am bushed. Right now, the only thing I want is to get to bed.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course. Enjoy your sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.">>
<<nm $phYou "It always is.">>
You bid your researcher goodnight and slipped into your suite. That was good that the tower was doing well. It had cost you a bit, but you couldn't argue with results //and// a vacation, albeit a short one. Tomorrow would be back to the grind. You guessed it would be at least a few days before the tower was ready for another test.
That was tomorrow's problem. For now, you threw yourself down on the bed, and were asleep @@.choice;[[Before Your Head Touched The Pillow!|Sleep]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 0>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraBJ.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraBJ.png]]</picture>@@<<nm $phSara "Alright then, let's see what we have! Double ace and eight is twenty; the lady in red hits on fourteen... plus eight is twenty-two. Bust, sorry! Third base stands on eighteen. Dealer has a fourteen, hoping for something big...! Ooh, king of clubs! Dealer busts!">>
A small cheer went up from the players crowded around the blackjack table, and chips clicked and clacked as they were stacked and collected. Judging from the wide smiles and exhuberent attitudes, this hadn't been the first time the dealer had given a win to the players.
<<nm $phSara "Another good flip. Now, who's staying on? Bets out, please.">>
You found yourself drifting closer to the table. The woman at the dealer's station swept her hand over the top of the bets before her, then began to deal out cards with professional grace. She was young -- probably only a few years beyond being able to buy her own alcohol -- and her black hair was pulled back into a single chopstick bun befitting her Asiatic features. Her uniform was crisp and starched, with every line in place, but you noticed something was missing: her nametag. Every dealer wore a nametag pinned to the black vest they wore atop their dress shirt... every dealer but her.
It got your attention. You'd become more familiar with the limits of the simulacra at the tower. The Casino featured a better breed than most other places, since it would quickly become apparent something was strange if your dealers couldn't even hold a conversation. There //were// limits, however. At the end of the day, no matter how many simple anecdotes they came 'programmed' with, they were still artificial constructs in the shape of a person.
...and they did //not// forget their nametags. They literally couldn't. Which meant she had to be real. Since when did you have a real human employee here?
<<npc "mnpc2" "Winner" "You are the absolute best...uh...what was it again?">>
<<nm $phSara "Hmm? Oh, don't worry, sir, I'll still pay out even if you forget my name. I'm Sara.">>
The tone was warm, forgiving, and casual. It was accompanied by the kind of pitch-perfect half-smile that hiring managers the world over would kill for. She gave absolutely no sign of being anything less than delighted just to be there.
At least, no sign anyone else could see. You, though, had better vision than most. You caught the flicker in the air and the brief flare of brightness across her skin. The now-familiar glow of want never failed to draw your attention.
She was one of yours.
The other players at the table seemed motivated to quit while they were ahead. First one man rose, then a second; once they left, the remainder of the table reluctantly pushed away from their seats. Several of them left behind a few chips as tribute: a sign that each player had walked away with substantial winnings. Sara beamed at each one of them as if no one had ever tipped her before, and her words of thanks were as natural as they were effusive.
You didn't hesitate. As the players began to leave, you hurried to take their place. It seemed you had better @@.choice;[[Meet The New Hire!|SaraTableTalk]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 1>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraCP'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraCP.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraCP.png]]</picture>@@
The lights never went out in the casino, and the ringing and bleeping from the slot machines never ended. That was part of the appeal, but it didn't mean people didn't need a break from time to time. It was important to have an oasis within the chaos to let people recharge -- without, of course, actually //leaving// the casino.
Here in the tower, that oasis was the Corner Pocket. One small end of the casino floor had been sectioned off behind half-walls and hanging bead curtains that did a surprisingly effective job of cutting down the noise of main gambling area. It was a small, intimate place with eight seats in front of a shotgun bar, four booths along the back wall, and a pair of pool tables that seemed more to justify the name than anything. Here customers could be find a short repreive from the rollercoaster of victory and defeat outside.
And, apparently, so could employees.
<<nm $phYou "Sara?">>
The young woman looked up from her seat at the bar, where she was resting her elbows on the polished wood surface and sipping at a glass of something strong. If it hadn't been for the little glimmer of desire still clinging to her, you might not have recognized her. She'd traded the formal attire of the blackjack table for a t-shirt and a motorcycle jacket that had that peculiar mixture of shine and frayed edges that always signalled something old and well-maintained; the chopstick that pinned her sleek black hair was gone, and now it spilled free around her shoulders. A surprised smile split the young woman's face.
<<nm $phSara "$phYou.firstname, you remembered! I'm impressed. How are you?">>
There was a difference in her tone, you noticed. It was lower and more relaxed, flowing from word to word rather than skittering across the tops as she had before. An effect of the drink, or maybe just dropping the 'customer service' voice when she wasn't on the clock?
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your free time, I'm just saying hello.">>
She laughed and gestured you into the seat next to her. You slid into the seat and lifted your fingers at the bartender, who immediately put a drink in front of you. You weren't surprised to find it was your prefered poison, even though you hadn't said a word. The tower was getting better and better at anticipating what people wanted.
<<nm $phSara "I don't mind the conversation. Just got off the tables and I like to rest a bit before I walk home. You'd be surprised how difficult it can be to just be on your feet an entire shift.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe less surprised than you think - sometimes I think I could circumvent the globe with as much running around as I do. There's always something to look into. So, walking, not driving?">>
Sara laughed again. It was a more genuine sound, warm and low. She flicked her fingernail against the edge of the glass firmly enough to make it ring.
<<nm $phSara "Wouldn't be the best way to prepare for a drive, would it?">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Point|SaraBarTalk]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_table gt 1) and ($phTime is 1)>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>>You scanned through the busy casino floor and soon spotted what you were looking for. Sara, in her work uniform, was stationed behind one of the curved blackjack tables, both her hands resting lightly on the corners. You wove your way through the crowd and over to her table. She smiled broadly when she spotted you.
<<nm $phSara "Good afternoon, $pMs $phYou.firstname. How's it going today?">>
You looked around. Several of the tables had players taking up the seats, but there were none here.
<<nm $phYou "Just fine, so far. Slow day?">>
Sara smirked and rapped her knuckle lightly on the small sign beside her that listed the betting limits.
<<nm $phSara "My turn at the high limit table, until we rotate again. It can be a little quiet, but they have to keep it open for the serious gamblers. Are you sitting down for a few hands, $pmaam?">>
You thought about it. The casino rotated dealers after fifteen or twenty minutes, and once she was on the lower limit tables your ability to chat would be severely limited. If you wanted to talk to her, this might be your best opportunity.
On the other hand, dropping in on her twice in one day would be a little weird, even with the tower smoothing things out for you. If you intended to catch her at the bar later, you should probably let things go with a simple hello.
@@.choice;
[[Play A Few Hands|SaraTableTalk]]
[[Just Hello|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'SaraQuick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar is 2) and ($phTime is 2)>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraCP'>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>>You stepped through the bead curtain and into the Corner Pocket bar. The pool tables were, as always, empty but you spotted Sara in 'her' seat along the edge of the bar... only she wasn't alone.
You paused. A brown-haired man in a striped suit sat at the bar next to her. The pair were turned toward each other and talking with enthusiasm.
Or at least he was. His hands moved here and there as he described this or that thing, and he kept shifting a little closer on the chair. Sara, by contrast, was resting her chin on her hand and allowing her eyes to wander the bar occasionally. When she spotted you, you saw the telltale brightening of someone who desperately wanted to be interrupted.
//That// was a service you could provide. You bellied up to the bar on Sara's other side and flashed your best, beaming smile.
<<nm $phYou "So sorry to keep you waiting, Sara! I hope you haven't been sitting here for too long.">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, no problem at all! Plenty of friendly people to keep me company. Thank you so much for the chat, Mitch!">>
The man's expression darkened a few degrees, but he managed an insincere smile and a hasty exit. You watched him go with some amusement.
<<nm $phYou "...Problem?">>
<<nm $phSara "Nah, not really. It's nice to be noticed, but he was about as interested in the conversation part as I was in the consumation part. No big deal. Thanks for the assist. Staying, or passing through?">>
Good Question.
@@.choice;
[[Staying|SaraBarTalk]]
[[Passing Through|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'SaraQuick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar is 3) and ($phTime is 2)>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraCP'>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>>You stepped into the small bar on the casino floor and paused. Sara's usual seat was empty. You could have sworn you saw her come in just a little while ago, though, and you let your gaze sweep the room.
It took a little bit to find her. She wasn't at any of the other bar seats. Instead, she was sitting at one of the booths. Both her hands were wrapped around her glass, and there was a dour expression on her face.
That was new and different. Sara had been pretty happy so far, both when she was sober and when she was tipsy. You hadn't actually seen her upset, so far as you knew. You stepped up to the bar and ordered your favorite, more to buy yourself some time than any particular need to drink.
You were close to finding out what she wanted, you had no doubt of that. On the other hand, she might not be in the most receptive mood tonight. You could sneak out before she saw you and try some other time. That might be the safer option.
Then again, it was usually when people were upset that you got the most truth out of them. Deep desires like the ones you looked for didn't grow from a life that was completely and utterly fulfilled. Maybe //this// was the time you had been waiting for.
The bartender settled the drink down in front of you, and you were suddenly out of opportunities to stall. It was time to decide.
@@.choice;
[[Go Talk To Her|SaraBarTalk]]
[[Sneak Back To The Casino|Casino]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSara.focus_bar gt 3) and ($phTime is 2)>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>>You stepped through the bead curtain and into the Corner Pocket bar. The pool tables were, as always, empty but you spotted Sara in 'her' seat along the edge of the bar.
She was alone today, and lifted her glass toward you in a kind of silent toast. You smiled and stepped up to the bar beside her, leaning against the bartop on your elbow.
<<nm $phYou "Evening, Sara. How was work?">>
The Asian woman shot you an amused look, and then rattled the ice cubes in her glass. She meant it as an illustration, but the bartender immediately reached below the counter to grab up the bottle again. She didn't seem too upset as she extended the glass for a refill.
<<nm $phSara "I may be two drinks in, $phYou.firstname, but I can't really complain about my job and my boss to //you// can I? I'm comfortable around you, but there are limits, you know.">>
<<nm $phYou "Fair enough. You haven't quit yet, and you still want to come here in your off hours, so we must be doing //something// right.">>
She chuckled that soft, rich sound again, and raised the glass to take a new sip once it'd been topped off. Her other hand reached for her purse, but you waved her off. She nodded gratefully.
<<nm $phSara "Going to sit down and chat for a while, or just the daily patrol?">>
Good Question.
@@.choice;
[[Staying|SaraBarTalk]]
[[Passing Through|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'SaraQuick']]@@
<</if>><<set $phSaraQ1 to 0>><<set $phSaraQ2 to 0>><<set $phSaraQ3 to 0>><<if $phSara.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phSara.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phSara.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSara.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phSara "And now, entering the stage, our brand-new headliner! Please put your hands together for $phYou.firstname!!">>
The spitlight flicked on and bathed you in light as you move up the row of seats in the auditorium. You held up a hand to shield your eyes, and spied Sara sitting on top of a long wooden box. One of her props from the show, you gathered.
<<nm $phYou "Ow! Applause is fine, but enough with the light show.">>
<<nm $phSara "Fine, fine. But you'd better get used to it. Going to be all eyes on you from here on out, I think.">>
The spotlight winked out again, and you climbed up onto the stage. The magician was in fine form today, with her outfit all but gleaming even in the low stage lights. You cocked your head.
<<nm $phYou "All eyes on me, huh? Because of the promotion?">>
<<nm $phSara "Exactly. Mason did the rounds, told us all about it. Somehow, I don't think 'congrats' is enough. Just say the word and we'll throw one hell of a party, alright? Pretty sure if you stack all of us employees together, it'll be a night to remember!">>
You couldn't help but laugh. You'd gotten so used to seeing your followers in their own little world, it was easy to forget they //did// all inhabit the same space. What //would// a party with everyone be like?
Maybe you ought to find out...some day.
<<nm $phYou "Now worries at all about me becoming a Sin?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, is //that// why you aren't taking a bow? I thought you'd know better by now. Power is what it is. If you don't take it, someone else will, and probably someone who is a lot more interested in it just for its own sake. I'll put my money on the demon who has spent every working day looking for people to help out.">>
<<nm $phYou "I //do// get souls out of that, you know. It's not completely altruistic.">>
<<nm $phSara "And priests get a paycheck. The point still stands. You're a good person, and the people who know best think you'd do it better. They're probably right. Simple as that.">>
<<nm $phYou "And if they're not?">>
<<nm $phSara "Well, then it'll still be a hell of a show. Now, if that's done with, what else did you come down for?">>
<</if>><<else>>You passed through the double doors into the theater. The dragon lamps along the wall were low and cast a dim and intimate light over the stage seating. You weren't surprised to see Sara, resplendent in her full performing get up, standing on the stage and peering up into the rafters. She had her wand with her, and she held it up at an angle as if checking a camera shot's composition.
<<nm $phYou "Planning a new trick?">>
<<nm $phSara "Always! Imagination is a muscle, after all. Gets weak if you don't use it.">>
She didn't sound surprised, and she turned to greet you with a wide smile on her face. It took her three steps to meet you at the edge of the stage and she swung down into a sitting position in such a single fluid motion she may have practiced the maneuver a thousand times.
<<nm $phYou "Good to see you, Sara. How are reviews?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, the word is getting out, believe me. I still walk the floor from time to time to drum up interest, but we're starting to run out of seat space.">>
<<nm $phYou "Let me know if it gets too much of a problem. We've got a few advantages when it comes to remodeling.">>
<<nm $phSara "Not yet. It's hard to be too excited when you're so far back from the action you can't see it. I like to keep it close. I want to see the looks on their faces as they try to figure out the secret. If they only knew.">>
You chuckled at that. If people knew everything that went on here at the tower, you weren't sure the magic show's secrets would be high on the list. There would be a few more pressing burning questions for them to ask.
<<nm $phSara "So what's up? Come to talk for a bit? Next show is a while away, so we've got the time...">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSara.post_talk is 0>><<set $phSara.post_talk to 1>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraMagicianFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagicianFinal.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phSara "And is //this// your card?">>
Sara slapped her wand down on the deck of cards and there was a sudden explosion of smoke and light between her fingers, vanishing quickly. She tilted the wand upward, and where there had once been a full deck there was now only a single card floating in the air without anything support it.
The small crowd around her gasped and then applauded. The young girl in front of her, who couldn't have been older than ten, stared goggle-eyed at the spinning card with her jaw hanging open. Sara giggled and leaned down, holding out her hand with the card still happily hovering above it.
<<nm $phSara "No strings! Why don't you keep it? Go ahead, take it.">>
Tentatively, the young girl reached out and plucked the card from the air. She turned it around in her hands and, when she looked up, her eyes got even wider. Sara winked at her, then swept her arm out to encompass the rest of the crowd, who gave her a second round of impromptu adulation.
<<nm $phSara "Thank you, thank you! It's been wonderful. If you want to see a little bit more, please feel free to take a look at the schedule behind you. Hope I'll see you there!">>
The crowd broke up, talking excitedly to one another. You could see a bit of a line forming at the standee displaying the show times. You took advantage of the lull to walk forward, looking at the wall behind them. A variety of posters showed Sara in a variety of mystical poses, all of them filled with bold-faced text promising wonders that the reader could not imagine. The flanked a twin set of double doors along the wall where only slot machines had stood the day before.
<<nm $phYou "I didn't know we had a theater, Sara.">>
Sara shot you a massive grin and rushed forward, throwing her arms around you and squeezing you in tight. You gasped, more in surprise than the squeeze, and put your arms around her in return. She kissed your ear.
<<nm $phSara "You do now, and you aren't //that// surprised about it, are you? All I had to do was drop in early, set up a communing circle, and explain what I wanted...Gosh, it's so //easy//! Why doesn't everyone learn these things?">>
She tightened her embrace and held it a long moment. Then she pulled back, still holding you by the shoulders. She looked into your eyes and shook her head slowly.
<<nm $phSara "...Thank you. Thank you, $phYou.firstname. I can't...I don't think I could begin to describe what this is like. //Thank you//.">>
Oddly, you found yourself flushing. You did your best to ensure the gifts you gave were best for them and more than one of your employees had expressed as much. It was rare it was so direct, or sudden, though. You shuffled like a child being called in front of the class.
<<nm $phYou "You're welcome. Believe me, it was my pleasure.">>
She grinned at you, suddenly, and reached up to tilt the brim of her hat in your direction. Then she spun around and gestured you to follow her with one white gloved hand.
<<nm $phSara "This way. I expect we'll want to talk about a few things. The show isn't for a little while yet, so we've got time to talk...or do other things.">>
That surprised you, and you found yourself standing alone as Sara strode away. You hurried to catch up with her as she passed through one of the double doors leading into the theater. It wasn't huge, but it wasn't small either: maybe twice the size of a movie theater, with a row of balcony seating up above your head. The wide stage was made of dark, lacquered wood and artfully decorated with dragon head lamps in a row along the walls. The lights were low, and the dimness gave it an intimate atmosphere despite its size.
<<nm $phYou "'Other things?'">>
Sara grinned back at you again but kept walking down the center aisle toward the stage. A few steps short of it, she suddenly vaulted into a somersault, pushing off of her hands, spinning in the air, and landed smoothly on the edge of the stage without her hat even wavering from the top of her head. She crossed her legs and gave you a devilish look.
<<nm $phSara "Cute horns do it for me, what can I say? But what can I do for you today?">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Sara About Her Magic|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask Sara About Her 'Magic' Act|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask Sara About The Casino|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ3 to 1]]
[[Inquire About A 'Private Show'|SaraMagicianSex]]
[[Just Saying Hello|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'MagicianQuick']]<<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>><<set $phSaraQ1 to 0>><<set $phSaraQ2 to 0>><<set $phSaraQ3 to 0>><<if $phKayo.post_talk gt 0>><<if ($phSara.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phSara.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSara.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to 3.9>>The mug Sara set in front of you was steaming and fragrent. The china looked delicate and was adorned with a startling beautiful mountain and river motif that ran along the outside all the way to the rim. It was, in all ways, a gorgeous presentation.
In this //particular// circumstance, however, you couldn't help but scoff.
<<nm $phYou "Tea? Really? I come to the friendly neighborhood barwoman to drown my sorrows and I get tea?">>
<<nm $phSara "Funny thing about needing to sort some things out in your head. Getting plastered doesn't //actually// help you do that. I thought what you might need is clarity and conversation. Not with me though.">>
You picked up the mug and blew on the tea lightly, watching the steam swirl out around the rim. You peered back up at the pale woman.
<<nm $phYou "Not with you...?">>
But the young woman was already closing her eyes. When she reopened them, there was a different cast to her expression. Everything shifted, if only slightly. The way she held herself, the position of her hands at the end of the bar, and most of all her eyes. There was a wealth of knowledge in those playful eyes.
<<nm $phKayo "...You do not fail to entertain, young one. This promises to be a most exciting time.">>
You felt your shoulders relax a little. You had very few employees who knew any more about the Sins than you did, but Kayo was an exception. She was very old, and had learned a lot from that time.
<<nm $phYou "I don't suppose you could help shed some light on the matter? They tell me Desire is sick...but I'm not sure I would do any better.">>
<<nm $phKayo "Sick? Mmm. One age's virtue is another's vice. I have known many virtous men who would be villains by the standards of our day, and many who now stand tall who would be seen much more harshly by the light of a younger sun. You have seen that demons are not everything that holy men claim. Much in the world is a matter of perspective.">>
<<nm $phYou "Are you saying she might not be sick at all?">>
<<nm $phKayo "I am reminding you that even the powerful can be blind to some things. All being can be short-sighted, self-absorbed, and believe their actions to be in service of a greater good when they are not. That is not the question. The question is: does that describe Desire...or Sloth?">>
<<nm $phYou "...And which one //does// it apply to?">>
...but Sara was already blinked. She refocused for a moment, and the ancient look was gone. Her smile was apologetic as she leaned over the bar.
<<nm $phSara "She does that. She says what she means to say. No more, and no less. Sorry...is there anything else I can get you?">>
So much for that.
<</if>><<else>><<set $phKayo.post_talk += 1>>The Corner Pocket had gained in popularity, now that the new bartender was on duty. No doubt Sara's good looks and exotic appearance were part of the draw, along with the 'Orientalized' decor that suited the new theme. Much more, however, was the draw of someone intelligent, friendly, and flirty instead of just the stock politeness of a simulacrum employee.
You watched as Sara placed down drinks in front of two patrons, exchanging smiling words that you couldn't hear. Soon she was back to cleaning glasses and restocking the garnishes of lemon twists and cherries, although you noticed she kept one eye on anyone who lingered near the bar for very long. In fact, you'd almost swear you saw the ghostly outline of a canine ear perked in that direction... though the moment you blinked, the illusion disappeared. Maybe nothing, then. Maybe.
Sara placed down what she was holding and wiped her hands off on a bar towel as you approached. She smiled brightly.
<<nm $phSara "Well, well, well. Always a good day when the big boss decides to stop in.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good evening to you, too. Behaving yourself?">>
<<nm $phSara "That depends -- regular, or 'mis-'?">>
She winked at you, and you chuckled as you took a seat at the bar.
<<nm $phYou "Either-or, I guess. Looks like you're keeping busy. Everything going okay?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, yeah, going fine. Chitchatting, lending an ear, making sure no one gets too sloppy. Though I've noticed that I can serve people the exact same drink, and one person it hits like a truck and another person barely gets a buzz. Sometimes the //same// person gets a truck one day and a buzz the next. If I didn't know better, I'd say people only seem to get as drunk as they really want to get, no matter //what// they drink.">>
She tilted her head at you, appropriately fox-like in her curiosity, but all you could do was spread your hands and shrug. As far as you knew, the liquor was real... but then, you'd never seen any vendors or delivery trucks arrive to re-stock things. In fact, you'd never seen //any// delivery trucks at the tower: not for food, drink, clothing, or material goods. Maybe the tower manufactured them as easily as it did Mason's famous 'green pieces of paper'.
<<nm $phYou "Means you never have to bounce anyone, right?">>
<<nm $phSara "Not often. Still occasionally get a jerk who's high off a winning streak and thinks it means he gets to talk down to the help.">>
<<nm $phYou "... I don't suppose that jerk might named 'Mitch'?">>
She grinned wide at the question.
<<nm $phSara "Not yet, but I've got my eye out. So what's up? Come to talk for a bit? What's your poison this evening?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phKayo.post_talk is 0>><<set $phKayo.post_talk to 1>><<set $phSara.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraKitsuneFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsuneFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You passed through the beaded curtain that separated the Corner Pocket from the rest of the Casino. The decor now reflected a decidely more upscale and Asiastic theme. Rose-colored bamboo etching on the windows, while red ambiant track-lighting along the ceiling cast an intimate light over the sleek, black-glass tables.
Sara stood behind the bar, wiping it down with a clean white cloth her eyes shifted your direction. The red mask lines were gone completely from her face, but even from here you would swear you could see a fire-like flicker of orange in her glance -- and maybe, just maybe, the ghostly outline of a tail swishing behind her. She smiled at you as you approached. That 'afterhours confidence' she'd had before was still there, and dialed up to eleven.
<<nm $phYou "... people can't see that, right?">>
<<nm $phSara "See what?">>
<<nm $phYou "The tail. And the, uh, glowing eyes.">>
<<nm $phSara "What tail?">>
Sara tilted her head, both eyebrows lifting in confusion... even as the foxfire outline swished behind her. You opened your mouth to point out //that// tail, when she grinned and gave away the game.
<<nm $phSara "No more than they see yours. We both have our secrets.">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess so. How's business? Prefer the bar to the blackjack table?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, definitely. More relaxed, more people. Win or lose, most of the players end up here for a victory toast or drown their sorrows.">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't miss dealing? What about all the Mitches that come around, any trouble with them?">>
She laughed softly as she finished with the cloth and tucked it back behind the bar again. Dressed in her kimono and with her hair pulled back, she certainly didn't look like a typical bartender, but the customers probably assumed it was just one more theme costume to add some spice and flavor to the Casino floor.
<<nm $phSara "We can still do tricks with the coasters, and fancy-flip some bottles to put on a little show. Haven't seen Mitch in a few days; looking forward to when he shows up again.">>
The grin she gave with that statement was definitely a predatory one, and for a moment you almost felt sorry for Mitch the next time he came back to his 'hunting grounds'. He -- or people like him -- would quickly learn that they weren't the top dog anymore.
<<nm $phYou "'We', huh? How's, uh... Kayo, right? How does it feel being bound with a kitsune?">>
<<nm $phSara "What kitsune?">>
She grinned at you again and winked. You saw a flash of the orange tail behind her for a split-second before it vanished again.
<<nm $phSara "It feels great, honestly - more than great. But, you know, we're still getting to know each other. It's like having a new roommate, with benefits.">>
<<nm $phYou "...benefits?">>
<<nm $phSara "Secrets, $phYou.firstname, secrets. Speaking of which -- what can I get for you? Here to bend the bartender's ear? Need a glass of poison? Maybe something special from the back room?">>
Hmph. Well, you'd probably learn more about Kayo later, once they got to know each other. A drink might be fun, too -- and the way she was grinning at you, you had a feeling that 'something special' might be something quite special indeed.
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Sara How She's Doing|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask Sara About Kayo|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask Sara About The Casino|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ3 to 1]]
[[Inquire About 'Benefits' of Your Own|SaraKitsuneSex]]
[[Just Saying Hello|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'KitsuneQuick']]<<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 0>><<set $phSara.focus_bar to 1>><<set $phSara.focus_table to 1>><<nm $phSara "Well, hello $pmaam! How are you today?">>
You slipped onto one of the stools at the table and rested your forearms on the green felt -- and //then// remembered that you hadn't brought money with you, nor did you have any chips. As the ruler of this little domain, monetary concerns were few and far between, and it hadn't been the first time that you'd been caught lacking.
<<nm $phYou "Ah... Not actually playing today, I think. Hopefully you don't mind a little chatter?">>
The woman swiveled to face you and her almond eyes swept over your body from top to bottom. She shot you a slow, knowing smile and then reached for the card shoe in front of her, removing the remaining cards and settling them into the auto shuffler.
<<nm $phSara "Somehow I don't think the pit boss is going to complain too loudly if we talk a little while the machine shuffles! Besides, I don't think they'd threaten to kick //you// out, right?">>
She winked at you and you laughed, though you couldn't quite keep the surprise off your face. How...?
<<nm $phYou "You know who I am?">>
<<nm $phSara "I saw how everyone got out of your way, $pmaam, even when you moved through the pit. No one even batted an eye.">>
<<nm $phYou "Is that so?">>
<<nm $phSara "...And Ms. Mammon mentioned you might drop in. She said you like to talk to new hires. It might have been more that, if I'm honest.">>
She gave you a somewhat tentative grin, and you rewarded it with another laugh as you shook your head. Mammon. Of course. You weren't sure whether she could see the desires the same way you could, but clearly she had noticed something. You'd have to drop in on her and ask.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, that's me. I guess I have a few well-known interests. I'm $phYou.firstname. Nice to meet you.">>
You offered your hand, and she took it. Her grip was brief: a short squeeze and then a rapid retraction of her arm back to the relative safety of her side of the table. Her smile was automatic and practiced.
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Sara') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Sarah')>><<nm $phSara "Likewise -- on the name, and that it's nice to meet you. I'm Sara -- no 'h'. What sort of interests?">><<else>><<nm $phSara "And you. I'm Sara. What sort of interests?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I manage things mostly. The casino here, a few of the other shops in the mall, and the hotel parts.">>
<<nm $phSara "That sounds like a lot to manage to me! How do you find the time?">>
<<nm $phYou "Some days it is. Fortunately I've got great staff, and so most of the places basically run themselves. I check in, of course, but I only have to //step// in if something really goes wrong.">>
<<nm $phSara "Great staff means a great boss; sounds like you're good at your job. How long have you been running things?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, gosh, not //that// long. Maybe a--">>
There was a quiet but sharp chirp in the air. Sara rotated her wrist automatically to look at the watch she wore reversed on the underside of her arm. She gave you a polite and apologetic smile.
<<nm $phSara "...That's all for my shift, I'm afraid. I've got to hurry home tonight, but maybe we could talk again?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! We barely spoke at all. Is this your normal shift time?">>
Sara chuckled, collecting her tips as one of the simulacra stepped up to the table to replace her. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phSara "Kind of in flux at the moment. They aren't sure what my permanent hours are going to be. But if you're around often, hopefully you'll still see me here when my probation period is over.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll look forward to that, then. Thanks for the talk, Sara.">>
You watched her leave, straining for the telltale gleam of desire, but you didn't see it. You sighed. It wasn't //that// surprising. It always took at least a few conversations to pry out what people really wanted. Still, you'd learned something and made progress. You'd learned...
Hmm.
You frowned, cocking your head in the direction of the disappearing woman as you replayed the conversation in your head. You hadn't really learned anything at all. Since the moment you'd sat, Sara had either been directing the flow of the conversation or been asking questions of //you//. As a result, you'd done the lion's share of the talking and, in fact, all you'd gotten out of her was her name.
Accident? Or intention? Mammon might know, if you asked her.
You came back to yourself to find the simulacrum in front of you, a slender man in a similar uniform to Sara's, raising his eyebrows at you questioningly. You could see other guests eyeing both the table and your seat with eager anticipation, and you quickly stepped back and away.
Either way, you'd have to see if you could catch her again.
And, next time, you'd @@.choice;[[Let Her Do the Talking!|Casino][$phTime += 1]]<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 2>>You sat down at the table. Almost immediately, a croupier appeared at your elbow with a small stack of chips, which they sat out on the felt next to you. You peered at them a moment, curious. There were probably regulations about playing with 'house money', but you weren't really all that worried about inspections.
Sara smiled with practiced ease and began to deal. Her motions were smooth, professional, and graceful. She settled the cards in front of you, each edge perfectly aligned and offset with one card barely overlapping corner of the other. You glanced down at the number but forgot it almost as soon as you saw it. You weren't nearly as interested in the hand as you were the dealer.
<<nm $phYou "So I doubt this is your first dealing gig. Where'd you learn?">>
There was a slight hitch in Sara's flawless hand movements as she dealt out the cards in front of her. You wondered just how many people perservered long enough to get any of her own history out of her. When she answered, you caught an almost wistful note to her tone.
<<nm $phSara "You're right, I learned to deal for another job. Was an Indian reservation, not too far from where I grew up. It had two casinos, side by side, run by the same tribe. No idea why they didn't make one big casino, but I'm sure they had their reasons. It was nice place actually. Not nearly as modern as here, of course.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not everything 'new' is 'good'. It's alright: I won't hold it against you if you like a place other than ours.">>
<<nm $phSara "Alright, alright. I did like it a lot. Heavy on the smokers, and it had its share of slots, but there was a nice partition between them and the table games. It cut the noise, and kept a lot of the smoke over on the other side. Owners took good care of the place, too. Everything was old and scratched, but it was all polished to a shine. Polar opposite of the next place, now that I think about it.">>
Sara racked in your chips as the Jack of Diamonds ended your hand. As soon as there was space, you put out another stack, practically on autopilot. Your attention was on her face, and the way her soft, slightly angled brown eyes scanned over the table as she worked.
That anecdote was the first thing about herself you could remember her volunteering unprompted.
<<nm $phYou "Next place a little glitzy?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh yes. Decided that I was too good to waste my talents in some backwater corner of the world. Thought I was special, and I wanted to be where the action was. So I put some money in my pocket and headed for The Strip.">>
<<nm $phYou "Vegas? Really?">>
You let out a low, playful whistle and Sara rolled her eyes in only partially feigned embarassment. This time you stayed on a fourteen against her showing a five... and the odds came through for you. She busted and you soon had your lost chips back in front of you. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phSara "I wanted to be away from home, make my mark, and I knew how to deal. Seemed like a foolproof plan. What could go wrong?">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh-huh. And how many things //did// go wrong?">>
Sara shuddered, shaking her head back and forth as she scooped up the cards again. The click-clack of the chips was a pleasant undercurrent to her story.
<<nm $phSara "Everything. Took forever to get hired, roommate lost their rent money the third night we were there, I got into a fender bender in the first month trying to figure out how to drive. It was a nightmare. 'Glitz, glamour, and grime,' they used to say. This was way after the whole 'family-friendly' Vegas ended, and 'Sin City' Vegas took over. Finally landed a gig an hour away at the state line.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ouch. Sounds like a bad beat. Hated it by the time you left?">>
<<nm $phSara "You know, it's funny: I never hated it. Loved the city then, still do now. There's something about... Well, everything is fake, yes, but everyone //knows// it. Everything is just turned up to eleven and larger than life. Shining gold chrome and red carpets everywhere you go. You could grab breakfast in a Pharoah's tomb, take lunch along a Venetian canal, and have dinner in a Space Needle. You just can't do that anywhere else. It was so...">>
She had actually paused in her dealing for a moment, her brow furrowed as she tried to think of the word. As she did, the barely-there glow around her flickered and intensified. You sat forward, holding your breath with anticipation...
...and let it out again as Sara's wristwatch beeped. Seriously?
The woman laughed, turning her wrist over to look at the time. The glow vanished as her thoughts shifted, as if someone had snuffed out a candle between their fingers.
<<nm $phSara "Saved by the bell. Guess I'll have to save the rest of that story for the next time you sit down, $pMs $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not heading to the bar?">>
<<nm $phSara "Not this time. Got some errands to run tonight. Just going to have to wait. Want me to color you up before I step out?">>
You sighed and pushed your remaining chips in toward her. Sara smiled and began to convert them into the smaller, higher denomination chips. You tried hard not to glare at them. Ah well, at least you were getting closer.
But today? @@.choice;[[No Dice.|Casino][$phSara.focus_table to 3;$phTime += 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 3>>You had a fresh stack of chips, a small drink with an umbrella, and every intention of getting what you came for. Sara smiled as you sat down, though she kept an eye on a couple of the other customers as they passed. No one joined you, though. The high stakes table was clearly often a solo affair.
<<nm $phSara "Ah, so the big boss enjoys the high stakes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Have to keep tabs on my favorites, don't I? How's the day so far?">>
<<nm $phSara "Good, actually! Had a big winner over on slots earlier today, I'm sure you heard. Sweet little old lady sobbing and saying how she never won anything before. Said it was enough to finally fly and see her daughter overseas.">>
You couldn't help but smile at that. Sure, there'd probably been an expenditure involved in a jackpot like that, but it sounded like the emotions had run high. The tower had no doubt gotten its due.
<<nm $phYou "That //is// good! I know it's a funny thing for someone in the business to say, but I kind of like it when the customers win.">>
<<nm $phSara "Everyone does, $pmaam. Wouldn't be the best for business, but there's nothing worse than sitting there racking in chips from someone who clearly can't afford to lose them.">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't tell them not to play?">>
Sara gave you a long, somewhat amused look. She shook her head as she dealt out the cards.
<<nm $phSara "I see why you have Ms. Mammon on the floor directly, $pmaam. People making bad bets is literally the whole business model. You can't even offer advice as a dealer, most of the time. Too much liability if they lose. Close as you can come is the old 'Most people would stay on that' and the like, but they don't have to listen.">>
<<nm $phYou "Lot of bad memories from Vegas?">>
You tried to keep your tone casual as you nudged the subject back in that direction. Vegas had been tied up in what Sara wanted, you were sure of that. Sin City was expensive, but it wasn't impossible to live there. If that was all she wanted, she certainly wouldn't be glowing enough to catch your attention.
Sara sighed, and her expression tracked past you for a split second. She shrugged a shoulder noncommitally.
<<nm $phSara "A few. You tried to be a machine in those scenarios. Play the hands as they're prescribed and keep the banter to a minimum. Some of them would get bored and leave without the chatter. Others were chasing that high. Not everyone, of course; most people were after a good time. They had money in their pocket they had already planned on losing. I guess it's about the fantasy. You can dream about the big win and living the good life, but your brain doesn't really buy it unless you're there. Doesn't matter how small the chance is, when you slide a few bucks into a slot machine, you //could// be set for life.">>
You studied her, trying hard not to make it obvious. The flicker was there again, growing stronger, but it wasn't shining yet. You were in the ballpark, but it wasn't about winning the big one either. You changed tacks.
<<nm $phYou "You said you loved the city last time, despite everything? Why's that? It sounded like it was pretty rough.">>
Sara smiled that soft smile again, and her dealing slowed slightly as she once again tracked back through time in her thoughts.
<<nm $phSara "I did. It's a strange place. The whole place is a hustle, and everyone knows it. Casinos running the oldest con of all time and every customer walking in with a strategy that was going to break the bank. You couldn't just have a nice building; it had to be covered with marble or made into a reproduction of New York or some such. There's just really no place like it. You //never// forget it.">>
The moment the words left her lips, it was like someone had thrown a light switch. The glimmering glow that had teased you for so long suddenly shone into full light. You squinted your eyes again the glare, and Sara laughed. She seemed to interpret the expression as confusion.
<<nm $phSara "...Well, for example, the place I worked with had this magnificent stage on one side of the floor. Every couple of weeks there'd be a new act passing through. Singers, dancers, artists... even had one of those gymnastic groups for a solid few months. These amazing performers from all around the world come to show what they could do. People left that theater in //awe//. As if anything were possible.">>
You leaned forward, allowing your eyes to adjust to the sudden shine. From this close, Sara's soft smile was lit like a Renaissance portrait. Almost there....
<<nm $phYou "That's a nice feeling, to see something you can't shrug off.">>
<<nm $phSara "It is. That's what I used to imagine when it was a bad day, or my roommate shipped home, or the bills were piling up. Everyone else was imagining their bank accounts gaining zeros, but that wasn't what I was thinking about. I was just thinking... 'Man, if I could do that'. If I could show people something, just for a second, that convinced them that the world was stranger and more fantastic than they ever imagined, that'd be the dream for me. To really just... give someone that 'wow' feeling. It wouldn't just be a night out; it'd be an //experience//. They'd never forget me.">>
There it was. You didn't need the shining light to enlighten you; the reverent tone of Sara's voice was more than enough. She'd actually stopped dealing entirely, her smile lingering and her eyes focused somewhere other than Casino around you. It lasted only a few seconds, but it was all you needed.
Finally, she blinked and laughed sheepishly, returning to the task at hand. The shining light faded until it was nothing more than the tiny glimmer you'd seen that first day.
<<nm $phSara "...I'm sorry. Just slipped out of me. Don't worry, I don't think I'm going to wind up on stage any time soon. I can do a few trick shuffles, but 'is this your card?' isn't going to bring in the crowds.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know. Never say never, right?">>
You had a feeling that Sara would, in fact, be given the chance to 'wow' someone soon enough. You understood what she wanted. She had told you she went to Vegas to leave her mark, and that was precisely what she desired: to leave an impression like none other.
You were pretty sure you could oblige. Mason would already have ideas.
The pair of you made small talk for a while longer. When you finally gathered up your chips, you realized you'd lost about half of what you sat down with.
You couldn't @@.choice;[[Care Less.|Casino][$phTime += 1;$phSara.focus_table to 4]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 0>><<set $phSara.focus_bar to 1>><<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><<set $phSara.focus_table to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
You sat down at the blackjack table and chatted pleasantly with the dealer for a while. It wasn't until she'd finished her shift and stepped away that you realized you hadn't gotten anything out of her except her name: Sara. She'd expertly kept you talking about yourself instead of her for the whole time you'd been seated.
You wondered if you might get more information out of Mammon, who had apparently hired her. In the meantime, you pushed away from the table and back to work. You'd have to pay more attention @@.choice;[[Next Time.|Casino]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 2>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
You sat down at the table and chatted with Sara for a while as she dealt cards. You wondered how many people had successfully asked her about herself long enough to avoid being deflected by her usual evasions. Sara, as it turned out, had learned to deal at an Indian reservation casino. She had some affection for the place, which was well-maintained even thought it was old and worn. Very different from her second job.
She then told you about trying to find a job in Vegas and finally landing one on the state line. It had, apparently, been a terrible time and everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. Despite that, she still confessed she loved the city. Before she could finish telling you //why//, however, her wristwatch signaled the end of her shift. She had errands to run and couldn't stay, and you knew you'd have to try again @@.choice;[[Another Day|Casino][$phSara.focus_table to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 3>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
This time, you were going to get the whole story. Sara regaled you with tales of her time working at the tables of Vegas, detailing both the good and bad things about the job. She described the casino where she worked as having a beautiful stage near the main floor. A lot of casinos had acts stay for years, but this one seemed to funnel a new one in every few weeks.
It wasn't until Sara talked about the performers that the glow around her intensified. She talked about the expressions on the faces of the customers who left the theater afterward, full of amazement and awe. She wanted that. She daydreamed about being able to give people an experience they would never forget -- and ensuring they never forget //her//, either. That's when you knew you'd soon be giving @@.choice;[[Mason A Call|Casino][$phSara.focus_table to 4]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 4>>You sat down and chatted with Sara a while as she dealt out the cards. It was a pleasant conversation and she kept you entertained telling you more stories of her time dealing cards in the big casinos of Vegas.
You weren't primarily interested in the stories, though. You knew was Sara wanted. She wanted to be known, and to remind people the world was an amazing place. She wanted to put on an act so unbelievable that people would never forget.
You were sure you could arrange it, with a little help from your incubus builder. You'd have to find the time to step into his office. @@.choice;[[Soon.|Casino]]@@
<</if>><<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 1>><<set $phSara.focus_table to 2>><<nm $phYou "So no occasion, just relaxation?">>
<<nm $phSara "Little occasion, actually. I won't be out of my probationary period for a while, but they did finally give me a solid schedule. I'll be working the afternoon shift, if you ever want to drop in.">>
That surprised you a little. The tower made your targets more tolerant of your prying, but they very rarely made a specific invitation to keep the talks going.
<<nm $phYou "Not too weird hanging out with the boss?">>
<<nm $phSara "Miss Mammon is the boss, $phYou.firstname. //You// are so high up the food chain I'm never going to see you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Still. I could be a creep, or an asshole, you know?">>
<<nm $phSara "You're not.">>
You blinked. You weren't shocked that she was defending you; that part was pretty nice. It was the //way// that she said it: utterly and completely confident in her response, as if it were an immutable fact of the universe.
She saw your reaction, and her laugh this time was a little more self-effacing. She leaned forward and pressed the glass to her forehead as if she were cooling a fever.
<<nm $phSara "...Sorry. You get a few drinks in me, and suddenly I'm Miss Psychoanalysis. I'm good at reading people. Always have been. You aren't that sort.">>
<<nm $phYou "What sort am I?">>
She turned her head and gave you a long and appraising look. Then she sipped from the glass again before settling it on the bar. Her tone turned coy.
<<nm $phSara "You're driven, you're successful, but you've got stresses hanging over your head every day. You're more interested in me than you are any of the other employees, but I'm not sure why. If you were after something more nefarious than flirting... well... you'd have better options. Am I close?">>
//She's doing it again!//
The realization hit you even as you opened your mouth to answer. You'd sat down to talk about her...and she was turning that subject back to you! So instead, you leaned forward.
<<nm $phYou "...Could be close, could be off. But I was asking why //you// want me to drop in.">>
You could see the flicker of surprise across her face as you put her back on the spot. You got the feeling very few people did that. She shifted a moment in her seat, and when she looked at you again, it was with new interest.
<<nm $phSara "I admit, I'm a bit curious. No one gossips much around here. They don't really talk much at all. Yet, everyone knows your name. Even the regulars ask me questions about the owner. I guess I'd like a few stories to tell them.">>
There was a flicker in the air again, and a return of that gentle glimmering around her. Something she'd said touched on her //real// need, even if she wasn't ready to open up that much.
<<nm $phYou "Well, Miss Probationary, I guess you have a schedule now, so I might be able to hop in and tell you a few. At least the ones clean enough for work hours.">>
She grinned at you, then tilted her glass back and finished off the last of her drink. The bartender moved up to her, but she waved him off and slid out of her seat, turning to face you.
<<nm $phSara "Only the clean ones?">>
<<nm $phYou "If you're working afternoons...if I ever catch you here in the evenings, maybe I'll share one of the //other// stories.">>
Sara chuckled and picked up her empty glass, just to ring it lightly against the one you were still holding in a pseudo toast. She nodded, once.
<<nm $phSara "You just might, I think. Good night, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "Goodnight, Sara. Enjoy the walk.">>
She grinned again, gathered up her purse, and walked out through the hanging bead curtain. Your eyes lingered for several seconds, contemplative, where she'd departed. You weren't sure about 'Miss Psychoanalysis', but it had been like talking to a whole new person. You should probably try to catch her in both moods, if you really wanted to find out what inspired that flicker of light. There was no need to hurry.
//In Vino Veritas.//
You drained your glass and pushed back from the table. The bartender, unsurprisingly, did not object to the fact you hadn't paid. Simulacra didn't know much, but they know who paid the bills.
You frowned. You weren't sure Sara was as good at reading people as she thought she was, but she might not need to be. Your fake employees could fool the regulars, but you weren't sure how long they could keep up the facade with a honest-to-goodness coworker.
You made another note to yourself. @@.choice;[[Maybe You'd Better Hurry This Time After All.|Casino][$phTime += 1;$phSara.focus_bar to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 2>>You settled in at the bar next to her and waited as the bartender made your drink. Sara held out her cup for a refill at the same time, and you could tell from the relaxed way that she held herself that she'd finished more than one.
<<nm $phYou "So, other than guys being a little too interested in things other than conversation, how are you, Miss...?">>
You blinked, suddenly realizing that you had never caught her last name. Sara giggled with amusement, aiming a finger at you with her free hand.
<<nm $phSara "Oooooh, caught you! Getting down on the bar flies for not knowing much about me, and you don't even know my name!">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, I'm asking though, aren't I?">>
<<nm $phSara "Mmm. I suppose that's true. Miss Sara Kincaid, at your service. I know, I know: doesn't sound very Asian, is it? You can say it; I've heard it before.">>
You spread your hands in denial and shook your head. Sara narrowed her eyes in suspicion and grinned around the edge of her glass as she took another sip from it.
<<nm $phYou "That's not that weird, is it? People have all sorts of names.">>
<<nm $phSara "This from someone named $phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phYou "Ouch. How many have you had?">>
Sara rolled her eyes and took another sip. She extended three fingers above the glass and shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phSara "Mom and Dad changed it before I was born. Kinoshita. We're Japanese -- well, two generations back. He went through public school in the middle of Massachusetts somewhere, only Asian kid in his class. You can guess how long it took kids to come up with 'fun variations'.">>
You didn't have to think about it too long. Children were both quick-witted and merciless when it came to inventive twists, especially when the unintentional swear word was already 'built in'.
<<nm $phYou "Well, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Kincaid. You said they changed it before you were ever in school. Did it work?">>
<<nm $phSara "Pretty well. Honestly, I was pretty quiet; no one paid that much attention. The bullies always had other targets to worry about.">>
She frowned, and there was a glimmer in the air around her. You shifted forward in your seat, trying to hide your excitement at the little flicker of desire.
<<nm $phYou "...Do you wish they hadn't changed it?">>
Sara chuckled and waved a hand dismissively, the ice cubes in the glass tinkling merrily against one another.
<<nm $phSara "Doesn't matter to me. If we had family or something out that way, it might be one thing, but it's just a name. Fitting in was always important to them, Mom especially. Can't say it didn't work.">>
She peered at you again, and as she did the flicker of light around her went out. Swing and a miss?
<<nm $phSara "You know, I usually don't go into all with someone I've only talked to a few times. I'll concede you //are// a good listener... or else the drinks are just really good.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Why not both?">>
Sara laughed and looked at the last third of her drink in the glass. Then she settled it on the bartop firmly and pushed it away, standing up.
<<nm $phSara "And that is probably my cue to head out. One more and I might let Mitch chat me up.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Mitch? The guy you were with?">>
<<nm $phSara "Uh huh. Didn't tell me his name //this// time. Last time, though. Don't think he actually realized we'd talked before. You see what I mean about not being that interested in conversation.">>
Her face shone again, briefly, and you swore you caught a half-note of bitterness underneath the flippant tone. You stood up as well.
<<nm $phYou "You want a lift? You said you're not far.">>
<<nm $phSara "I'm not //that// bad. I'll be fine once I get out into the air. I do appreciate the offer though. I'll see you around?">>
<<nm $phYou "Count on it.">>
She grinned at you, pulled her jacket around herself, and turned for the exit. Despite her easy manner, her footsteps were steady and she didn't sway at all as she swept through the hanging beads over the doorway...
...leaving you to wonder exactly what you had missed. You'd thought maybe it had something to do with her heritage, but apparently not. Or, at least, that hadn't been the main thing. Something about school? A formative experience?
You weren't going to find out by hanging around here. You tossed back the rest of your drink and hopped back up to your feet. You were close, at least.
You could @@.choice;[[Feel It.|Casino][$phTime += 1;$phSara.focus_bar to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 3>><<nm $phYou "Change of scenery?">>
Sara jumped at the sound of your voice, even though you hadn't been trying to sneak up on her. Only her steady two-handed grip on the glass in front of her kept her from spilling her drink all over her lap.
<<nm $phSara "$phYou.firstname! Sorry, didn't see you there.">>
<<nm $phYou "Obviously. Am I interrupting? You looked like you could use a friend tonight.">>
Sara lowered her head a few degrees, staring into the ice cubes floating in her glass. You noticed the cubes had half-melted, but the glass was still full to the brim. She hadn't touched it at all. Finally, she nodded to the seat across from her, and you settled in.
<<nm $phSara "...Thanks. Not me who could use the friend though.">>
<<nm $phYou "Huh?">>
She sighed and nodded over your shoulder. You gave her an uncertain look, but shifted in your seat and scanned the room. Most of the other booths were empty at the moment. A quartet of young men were munching on appetizers and talking excitedly about their wins and losses, an older woman was enjoying a steak dinner in a corner booth by herself, and along the other side of the room...
...Ah. A familiar man in a striped suit was talking animatedly to a young woman. There were empty plates in front of both of them with napkins piled on top, and a couple of empty bottles on the other side of the table. She was nodding along with every word and her broad smile encouraged him to keep going. Both of them had leaned so far forward that they could have kissed and kept the table between them.
You turned back to Sara and found her studying the happy couple with a pensive intensity. You raised your eyebrows.
<<nm $phYou "...Jealous?">>
Sara snorted so loudly with surprise that one of the four young men around the table glanced her way. She looked away and finally raised the glass to her lips. The sip was more perfunctory than anything.
<<nm $phSara "Hardly. Just Mitch plying his trade again. Looks like he's doing much better tonight. I don't think they're going to bother with the check, he'll probably just leave the cash on the table.">>
<<nm $phYou "Probably, yeah. You...think I should break them up? He's not going to hurt her, is he?">>
Sara refocused on your for a moment, gauging your seriousness. You held her gaze steadily, and finally she looked away. Her smile was wry.
<<nm $phSara "...Not my place. I don't think he's a bad guy, $phYou.firstname, really. Not worried about her //that// way. I can just tell...she wants a connection. Thinks she found one. He's just telling all the same stories he told me and who knows how many others. A fine night, a disappointing morning. It's her call to make, not mine. Hell, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she's into the short term too.">>
The words were good, but you could tell she didn't think she was wrong. Her hands still squeezed the glass firmly enough to lighten the skin around her knuckles, and that wasn't the only thing starting to lighten. Even as you watched, the glow of desire around her began to intensify again. You licked your lips and chose your words carefully.
<<nm $phYou "What would you do if it //was// your call? If you had the power?">>
She laughed, short and still sour, and shook her head, but when she looked back at you your expression was dead serious. She blew out a breath...and her face shone. It shone with the full, radiant intensity of that desire.
<<nm $phSara "I don't know. Something. Maybe warn her, if she doesn't already know. Maybe teach him a lesson... Not like keying his car or beating him up or anything, just... I don't know. Something to make him understand that people are more than just interchangeable entertainment. Maybe...">>
She trailed off, struggling for the words and not finding the ones she wanted. Finally she shrugged and let out her held breath without finishing. You heard a shuffle from behind you and looked up to see Mitch stepping out from the booth, offering the woman his arm even as he settled a stack of bills down on the table. She accepted it, and the two moved off at a speed that could only be described as a power walk.
Sara watched them go, and as she did the light around her glimmered and faded. She lifted her drink toward her mouth, stopped, and then settled the glass down without touching it.
<<nm $phSara "Thanks, $phYou.firstname. I think it's just an off night. Getting way too invested in other people's business. Sorry I'm being a drag.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm happy to be here, Sara. Any time you need me.">>
She flashed you a brief but genuine smile and reached across the table to squeeze the top of your hand. She gave a slow nod and stood to her feet.
<<nm $phSara "I believe that. I really do. Anyway, I'm going to take a hot shower at home and wash off the day. Promise I'll be back to normal the next time you see me, alright? Take care of yourself.">>
She let her hand trail up yours, across your arm, and to your shoulder. She squeezed there for a half second, released, and started walking. You barely managed to utter a goodbye before she was away from the bar.
You thought for half a second Sara was going to go after the couple, but you could still see glimpses of her through the hanging beads. She turned and walked toward the employee area. The pair would be long gone by the time she re-emerged.
She wanted to, though. You knew that now. She might be able to be unnoticed and avoid negative attention, but that just left her watching it play out on someone else. She wanted to act -- wanted it as much as she wanted anything. Even wanted it enough to catch your attention.
You thought about calling someone. You were sure the tower could arrange to 'accidentally' soak the couple with a fire sprinkler mishap or an inconvienant misunderstanding. It would be enough to break things up before things got too heavy...but Sara was right. It wasn't your call to make.
You had a feeling Mason would have a few ideas about how to let Sara teach a few lessons, though, and that was a call you //could// make.
And @@.choice;[[Soon.|Casino][$phTime += 1;$phSara.focus_bar to 4]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 1>><<set $phSara.focus_table to 2>><<set $phTime +=1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
You spent a while talking with Sara at the bar, and were a little surprised how different she was. Confident, insightful, and even flirty, she seems almost like a different person once she had a few drinks. She claims she's always been a good judge of character, and knows you're trustworthy enough.
You aren't sure about //that//, but you're happy to chat. As it turns out, Sara is celebrating getting some solid shift hours. She'll be working afternoons, and will probably spend a little time at the bar in the evenings after work. Given how different she is both on and off the clock, you make a note to run into her in both places...hopefully before she catches on to the @@.choice;[[Simulacra Not Being Real!|Casino][$phSara.focus_bar to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 2>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
You settled down at the bar and chatted for a while. Sara reintroduced herself by her full name, Sara Kincaid, and relayed the story of her parents changing from the original Kinoshita in part to spare her the sort of jokes her father had put up with growing up. There was a glimmer around her when she spoke of bullies at her school mostly going after others, but when you gently pressed her about her heritage the glimmer faded.
She'd stood at that point, pushing away the last of her drink and joking that Mitch, the guy who had been hitting on her, might come back if she got any drunker. You offered to give her a lift back home, but she said she was fine. She seemed steady enough as she moved away, and you were left only with your thoughts. You had been close, but you'd have to try again @@.choice;[[Another Day.|Casino][$phSara.focus_bar to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 3>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.narrative;SUMMARY MODE@@
You joined Sara at the booth, surprising her. She confessed the reason she wasn't sitting in her normal seat was that she was keeping an eye on Mitch, the man who had hit on her the last time you'd been here. He was chatting up another girl, and this time it looked like his practiced lines were working.
That got Sara talking. She didn't want you to break them up and didn't think the man was any more than a casanova, but it still bothered her. She confessed to you that she wanted to do something, anything more than stand aside and let things play out when they were so obviously not going to end well -- at least, for the woman who was unknowingly about to become a 'one night stand and ghost'. You realized that //Sara// might be practiced at avoiding negative attention, but that it had just left her standing by and watching people being taken advantage of.
She left soon after, but you had what you needed. Sara wanted to intervene and protect people from the problems she saw coming. She wanted to teach a few lessons. And that was a service that @@.choice; [[You Could Provide|Casino][$phSara.focus_bar to 4]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>You sat down with Sara and the two of you chatted aimlessly with the sounds of slot machines ringing quietly beyond the half wall. She regaled you with a few more stories, and you shared a few of your own that //didn't// involve demonic magic. It was a lovely time.
Her eyes still tracked the room, though. You weren't sure if she was looking for Mitch in particular or just anyone treating the bar as a watering hole. Sara wanted to help, you knew that. She wanted to get involved. Teach some lessons instead of just watching people get hunted.
You were pretty sure Mason would have a few tricks up his sleeve to do exactly that. Soon. For now, though, you let Sara say her goodbyes and then stood to walk back into the casino.
It would have to be @@.choice;[[Another Day|Casino]]@@<</if>><<nm $phMason "Ah yes, Miss Kincaid. <<if $phPetra.transform is 'pre'>>Something of a rarity. A hire before they've achieved their final destiny.<<else>>You do seem to be making a habit of flouting the order of things. Another hire made //before// they've been brought into the fold?<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "You'll have to blame Mammon for that one, but I can't say she was wrong. Has the tower come up with anything?">>
Mason studied the photo of Sara a moment more, then turned to his keyboard. The //click-clack// of his typing was so fast it sounded more like a chittering insect than deliberate movement. His expression warmed as he found what he was searching for, the text scrolling by reflected in the lenses of the goggles perched high on his forehead.
<<if $phSara.focus_table is 4>><<nm $phMason "Yes indeed. It would appear our humble and unobstrusive blackjack dealer would prefer to be neither of those things. Not an uncommon wish in the modern age, where our knowledge has shown us just insignifcant we often are in a vast and uncaring world.">>
<<nm $phYou "Poetic. What's this 'we' stuff though?">>
Mason laughed, sardonically, and inclined his head. He spread his lower hands theatrically, but the other set never stopped typing.
<<nm $phMason "I speak in general, $phMason.address. //You// are clearly a different matter. I digress. If Miss Kincaid wishes to leave her mark upon the world, then we face a quandry. It would never satisfy her to be a secret, and yet all that she does must have some plausible rationale or we shall soon find ourselves facing questions we neither seek or desire.">>
<<nm $phYou "Right; I see the problem. We can't let her too much draw attention, but drawing attention is exactly what she's asking for. How do we do that?">>
<<nm $phMason "Well, there //is// a profession whose entire //modus operandi// is doing the impossible. One that places the Statue of Liberty into their pocket, who catch bullets between their teeth, and, of course, pulls rabbits from empty hats. When the fantastic is routine, no one thinks to investigate whether there is a pact with the devil up your sleeve.">>
It took you a second, but you got it. The surprise must have shown on your face, because Mason held up a hand to forestall your argument.
<<nm $phMason "Ah, but then why does she need us and not simply a book on sleight of hand? I said that the things she does must have a mundane explanation, not that the explanation need be the truth. I suggest we imbue some appropriate tool of the trade, such as a wand or top hat, with all the gifts we can bestow. From there, she may perform wonders to her heart's delight and practice magic as openly as she pleases. Everyone who watches her will be suitably adoring... and not one of them will even consider that what they witnessed might be real.">>
Clever. You had to admit that. If you made Sara into a magician -- an //actual// magic-using magician -- then she could truly perform wonders that her audience would never forget. Even if they were convinced it was clever use of smoke, mirrors, and sleight of hand, they'd still obsess over //how// it was done, and how flawless it seemed. Should a would-be debunker try to expose the trick, they'd still never stumble onto you or the rest of the tower... and having a performer in the casino would certainly draw in more crowds. This seemed like the definition of a win/win.
<<nm $phYou "I can see that...any other options?">>
<<if $phSara.focus_bar is 4>><<nm $phMason "Indeed there is. It appears you've shared enough drinks with the young lady to expose a second desire, though one that is considerably more...esoteric to enact.">>
Esoteric? From Mason? If that didn't set off alarm bells, nothing would. You gestured for him to continue.
<<else>><<nm $phMason "I fear that appears to be the only major desire we've uncovered. It is possible there might be more, but you will have to find a way to bring them to light, perhaps by speaking to her in a different context. Otherwise, we can proceed with this option at your leisure. The choice is yours, $phMason.address.">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 4>><<nm $phMason "It would seem there are benefits to meeting with an employee off duty. They may be more inclined to speak honestly when the threat of heirarchy is lifted.">>
<<nm $phYou "Is that a long way of telling me you want me to buy you a beer at some point?">>
Mason barked a short, sharp laugh. That was unusual. A chuckle you'd gotten out of him before, but an actually //laugh//? You couldn't help but look a little smug at that one.
<<nm $phMason "I assure you, I am quite taken care of. However, your evening chats with Miss Kincaid have borne fruit. It would seem our erstwhile employee is quite good at avoiding notice. While that may be useful in extending one's own longevity, it does require a certain amount of holding one's tongue and avoiding conflict, by its very nature.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. That seemed to bother her. Avoiding trouble, but letting it find other people. She said she wanted to stop them. Actually, now that I think about it, she said she wanted to punish them.">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so. Tell me, how familiar are you with the legends of the kitsune?">>
That startled you. Not that he was suggesting a creature out of folklore, of course. Odd as it was, that was just business as usual around here. It was fairly rare he just came out and said it without extensive preamble though.
<<nm $phYou "I've //heard// of them, but that's about it. Is this because she's Japanese? You don't think that's a little...?">>
Mason coughed uncomfortably into his hand, and picked a bit of invisible lint off the front of his uniform. You gave him your full attention. Mason? Fidgeting?
<<nm $phMason "...Miss Kincaid's ethnicity is a useful tool, only in that it suggests an obvious connection through tales and folklore she is likely familiar with. People must understand and identify creatures if they are to successfully become them. Kitsune are fox spirits, though the moniker encompasses a wider variety of beings than is believed. Like their representative canine, such spirits are often cunning, charming... and capable of a vicious bite.">>
<<nm $phYou "That sounds kind of ominous. Aren't foxes supposed to be trickster types?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so. The legends vary, of course, often wildly. Kitsune are sometimes benign and sometimes malicious, and they are often said to bewitch men in particular. Those that are overly proud or sure of themselves are particularly vulnerable. That would appear to match the desires of our young lady: subtle, rather than confrontational, but fully capable of making their will known should someone spark her ire. She may be an excellent candidate to manage the Casino bar room.">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright, I get that. Now, why are you so eager for this transformation in particular?">>
Mason coughed and brushed at his shirt again, then finally sighed. He raised one hand to smooth his hair back behind his goggles.
<<nm $phMason "There is a learning curve for all of us in Lazren's world, $phMason.address. It is possible I made some small offense to just such a spirit at one point: one who is now looking to pair with an appropriate vessel. I will of course abide by your decision, but, hypothetically, should I have made such an offense, it would be extremely convenient for me were I able to resolve one problem with the solution to another.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait...Kitsune are real? Not like 'we can make them real' real, but actually real? And you...? They wouldn't //possess// her, would they?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite real, yes, and yes, the spirit would take up residence in Miss Kincaid's corporeal form. However, it would not be a possession in the manner you are likely imagining. It is not a matter of Miss Kincaid being evicted, and a new resident moving in; rather, it is a partnership, more akin to roommates sharing an abode. My personal cricumstances notwithstanding, I would never suggest a course of action that would make our clients unhappy. The spirit will merely enjoy providing the guidance and 'muscle', so to speak. The young lady would do the rest.">>
<<if $phSara.focus_table is 4>><<nm $phYou "Either way I go, you're going to have to tell me that story if we ever go out for that beer.">>
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps, $phMason.address. Regardless, the choice is yours.">>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "You're going to have to tell me that story if we ever have the beer I mentioned. Do we have any other options?">>
<<nm $phMason "At this moment, I don't believe so. I suspect they exist, but you might need to find a way to converse with Miss Kincaid in a different venue to bring them out. Regardless of my personal situation, I will inform you of any other possibilities as they arise. I can also begin work on the kitsune focus, if you prefer. As always, the choice is yours.">>
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 4>>Pull A Magician Out Of Your Hat - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|SaraFociFinish][$phSara.focus_table to 5]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "Portals, Shrinking, Magic">><br><</if>>
<<if $phSara.focus_bar is 4>>Solve Mason's Kitsune Problem - <<if $phEnergy >= $phFocusCost>>[[$phFocusCost + " Energy"|SaraFociFinish][$phSara.focus_bar to 5]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;$phFocusCost Energy<</if>><<FVText "FemDom, Possession, Revenge">><br><</if>>
[[We'll Wait For Another Day|Talk to Mason][$phMason.goodbye to 'foci']]<</nobr>>@@
<<FVLinks>><<run $phFociReady.delete("Sara")>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phEnergy -= $phFocusCost>><<if $phSara.focus_table is 5>><<set $phSara.focus_bar to 8>><<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><<nm $phYou "Our casino needs a draw, I think. If Sara wants to work some magic, let's see about making that literal. Set her up to get on stage.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.address. I will begin work immediately.">>
You left him to his duties... but you could never resist hanging around for a while. Mason's construction projects were always interesting, and you had even less idea than usual of what this one would be. You hunkered down to do paperwork with $phSamantha.name and watched the door to R&D as closely as you could without making it obvious.
It was nearly two hours after your discussion that you got the first hint of something going on. You were passing by the door (coincidentally, of course) when you heard muffled music beyond. It was an orchestral number: a deep, low horn playing a fast-paced, bouncing beat. It was accompanied by the percussion of something like... wet noodles against the tiles, over and over again. It sounded oddly... familiar.
<<nm $phYou "...No. You've got to be kidding me.">>
You couldn't help yourself. You opened the door just wide enough to squeeze in, only to find yourself in a veritable flurry of activity. Things swished and swirled and flew through the air in every possible direction. Sponges scrubbed away at countertops without anyone actually holding them, beakers were marching themselves up to a full and sudsy sink for a quick dip, then a roll across a towel to dry and shine themselves. And yes, there were mops bobbing up and down the tile floor leaving shining trails of soapy water in their wake.
All of it to the orchestral beat of horns and trumpets.
<<nm $phYou "Mason!">>
The inner door to Mason's office clicked open, and your occasionally mad scientist emerged. He was holding a simple black top hat of classic design, with a white band around the brim. The hat also happened to be crackling with electricity; the light played off the goggles that now shielded Mason's eyes, and against the excessively wide smile he was wearing.
<<nm $phMason "Ah! $phMason.Address! You are just in time! We are very nearly prepared to relocate our energies to a more useful arrangement. You may wish to hold onto something!">>
He rotated the hat upward until the bottom was facing out towards you and you could see inside. It took you a second to realize that, despite the shining light from the electric bolts running across it, all you could //see// on the inside was an inky black void. You didn't hesitate. You threw yourself at one of the tables and got both hands around a solid fixture. You'd been here long enough to take Mason's warnings seriously.
You didn't have to wait long. A howl of air and sudden force of //suction// toward Mason's office threatened to sweep you off your feet. It even drowned out the sound of the music. You held on tightly, your hair whipping around your head as the wind rippled and screamed around you.
The animated janitorial tools were less tied down, of course. Sponges, mops, towels, beakers, and suds all rushed backward, swirling in ever tightening circles as they hurtled towards the hat. It was as though the inky bottom were the drain end of a huge whirlpool that sucked everything down. One by one, every single item vanished into the shadow. First a trio of sponges, then a quartet of beakers, and then an entire mop disappearing without a trace into that tiny bit of haute couture headwear.
It felt like an eternity, even though it was likely only a few seconds. Soon the howling wind died to a whimper and, as it went still, you realized that the music had died with it. You peeked carefully over the edge of the counter.
Mason was standing where he had been, still holding the simple top hat. It was no longer crackling, but it was //smoldering// slightly, a curl of white smoke spiraling lazily out of the depths. He waved the smoke away with one of his many hands as he disappeared into his office and re-emerged with a small, circular box exactly the right size to house the hat. He settled the latter in the former, placed the lid back on, and then set it down on the counter nearest to you with a flourish. You gave him a long, steady look.
<<nm $phYou "...Mason?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $phMason.address?">>
You took in a deep breath, let it out in a rush, and then picked up the box.
<<nm $phYou "...Nevermind.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.address.">>
You turned with your hat box and strode back out into the hallway, shaking your head. One of these days, you'd get used to the things that your engineer came up with.
Maybe. But @@.choice;[[Not Today.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.focus_bar is 5>><<set $phSara.focus_table to 8>><<set $phSara.recharge to 1>><<set $phSleepCount to 3>><<nm $phYou "Well, two birds with one stone is always a good technique. If we can make Sara happy, protect our bar goers, and solve a problem for you, then I think we should do that.">>
You could see the relief flicker across his face. It wasn't a lot, but it was there. He gave you a crisp nod and settled the papers and photos back into the folder.
<<nm $phMason "Very well. I will make the arrangements. I am sure that whatever the focus is, you should be able to present it to the young lady with your typical aplomb.">>
That caught you by surprise. You cocked your head and frowned at the tall incubus.
<<nm $phYou "'Whatever the focus is'? Aren't you making one?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not this time, no. We are tapping into powers older than I am. The energy will be invested as an offering. That, and some convergent interests, should be more than enough to get us what we want. Please go about your day, $phMason.address. I will let you know when we have any response.">>
Well, that was new. You squinted at him, somewhat suspicious, but after a moment, you nodded and turned back towards the door. You weren't entirely sure you understood what was going to happen, but you trusted Mason. It //did// sound like it would be very different from his usual process.
...And given how his usual process went, that @@.choice;[[Sort Of Worried You.|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 1>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>><<nm $phSara "Gah! $pMs-...$pMs $phYou.firstname! You scared me!">>
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, sorry! Didn't mean to!">>
Okay, so the overall plan was pretty good. You'd found the small room in the back set up as a clear, if spartan, employee lounge. It hadn't existed the first time you'd visited Mammon, so you guessed it had sprung up in response to Sara's needs. You wanted to catch her getting off duty before she went back out onto the floor where the transformation process was likely to draw attention.
However, sitting yourself down on the seat closest to the door so that, when she arrived, you spun around to face her from less than ten feet away was probably not your most subtle play. You spread your hands apologetically and Sara moved forward to stand beside your table.
<<nm $phSara "Wasn't expecting to see you there. Actually, I'm surprised to see anyone there. They must have the shifts staggered because it's always empty when I'm coming on or getting off.">>
You chuckled and shrugged, but in your head you were relieved you hadn't waited longer to talk to her. She was a smart girl. It might take her a long time to figure out what exactly //was// going on here, but it wouldn't take long to realize something was not right with the other employees. You gestured toward the seat across from you and rested your hand on the unassuming hat box on the table. Even through the material, you felt the faint thrum against your palm.
<<nm $phYou "Lucky, I guess. Actually, I came to see you. I have a gift for you, and I didn't want to give it to you while you were working.">>
Sara's eyes tracked from your face down to the box, and her expression stood somewhere between interest and suspicion. You could guess why. You were still her boss, and there were many whose 'gifts' would come with a lot of strings. You waved off the look quickly.
<<nm $phYou "Nothing like that. It's an offer of sorts. We've talked for a while, and I want to give you something you want.">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh? And what's that?">>
<<nm $phYou "A chance to see your name in lights. To be the name on everyone's lips. To make a legend for yourself that goes far beyond these walls.">>
Sara frowned, mulling that over for a second. Her expression was still a little suspicious, but she did shift to settle herself in the seat across from yours, leaning forward onto her forearms. When she spoke, her expression was questioning.
<<nm $phSara "...Stripping? You know I don't have the figure for that, right?">>
That caught you by surprise. You couldn't help yourself. You tossed back your head and laughed, long and hard. The laughter at the idea seemed to relax Sara, and her expression grew shamefaced.
<<nm $phYou "No, no, no. I mean... No. I want you in a show, Sara. A proper show. As risque as you want it to be and no more. I want you to be an attraction. We need a headliner.">>
<<nm $phSara "Headliner? $pMs $phYou.firstname, I'm not even an act, much less a headliner. I can deal cards. That's about it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe right now, yes. But that's about to change.">>
You nodded toward the box and took your hand away. Sara studied you closely, her gaze piercing. You knew she had a talent for reading people, and you didn't try to hide anything. You were about to change her life, and you wanted her to know it.
It took her several seconds but, finally, Sara reached out and @@.choice;[[Took The Box.|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 2>><<nm $phSara "It's...a hat?">>
Sara's tone was confused even as she carefully set the lid of the box aside and peered inside. You smiled as she delicately lifted the top hat free of its container. She run a finger lightly across the felt rim, and then looked up at you.
<<nm $phSara "...I'm grateful for any gift, $pMs $phYou.firstname, but...the way you were talking seemed like more than a hat?">>
<<nm $phYou "You're right, yes. You talked a lot about the people who brought in the crowds to that wonderful theater at the casino where you worked. How many of them were magicians?">>
Sara blinked, then narrowed her eyes back and thought about it for a moment. Her nod was slow, but still uncomprehending.
<<nm $phSara "Quite a few, actually. That's always popular. Making people see things that they can't explain. Do things they can't believe. But it takes a long time to become a magician...and I'm pretty sure it takes more than just the right hat.">>
<<nm $phYou "But what if it didn't? What if the hat was all you needed...would you do it?">>
<<nm $phSara "That'd be nice, but--">>
<<nm $phYou "Sara.">>
You said it quietly, but firmly, and reached across the table to touch her free hand. You met her eyes directly. You saw them widen. You knew she saw something in them, as so many of the others had before. Saw something that told them, on a level deeper than thought, that this was important.
<<nm $phYou "...If it was all you needed, would you do it? Even if it meant leaving everything you know behind? Even if it meant risking everything you've got, just to see your name shining from the marquee? To have all eyes on you as you show them something they can't believe?">>
You let it hang there, not taking your eyes away from hers. She stared at you, her face a trifle paler than it had been. You wondered what they saw, in this moment. If they understood you weren't human anymore. If it was some innate warning that they were being hunted.
Or maybe it was nothing like that. Maybe it was just taking someone seriously when they asked you to. You might never know. Either way, Sara's hand closed around the brim of the hat.
<<nm $phSara "Yes...Yes. It'd be worth it. That would be everything I want.">>
You flashed her a smile...and gestured toward the hat. She looked down at it with a new fascination, tracing a finger across the pale band. Then she flipped it over, as if to peer inside. Her brow knit again.
<<nm $phSara "Can't...Can't see inside at all. It's just black. Is it a special felt, or...?">>
She stopped suddenly, with a gasp. She had poked her finger experimentally into the hat, and the tip of her finger had simply vanished into the darkness. She snatched her hand back as if it had been burned, but there was no damage at all to the tips of her fingers. She looked up at you, then back down at the unassuming piece of clothing. She squared her shoulders...
...and @@.choice;[[Thrust Her Hand Inside!|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraMagician1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagician1.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phSara "I...How strange, I think... I think I feel something...I'm gonna try to--">>
Sara's voice abruptly stopped as her whole body went stiff. She looked down, sharply...and then she screamed!
You came up out of your seat, alarmed. It sounded more like surprise than pain, but it definitely wasn't //pleasure//. Sara's whole body had gone stiff as she pulled her hand back out from inside the hat...
...or at least she tried to! Even as her arm retracted, you saw what had made her cry out. A hand had emerged from inside the hat, human looking and white-gloved, and seized her wrist. Sara dropped the box onto the table, using her other hand to push against the hat as she struggled to free herself.
You hurried around the table and wrapped your arm around her shoulders, trying to steady her. She looked up at you, her eyes shining with alarm and sudden fear!
<<nm $phSara "Wha- What is this? Something's got me!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's alright! It's alright! Not that kind of movie. Relax, Sara. Relax!">>
Sara stared at you for several seconds, still struggling uselessly against the hat's grip. Finally, she slowed her motions to a stop. The hand held on, but otherwise didn't move. Soon, she was was entirely still, although breathing hard.
<<nm $phYou "Relax. It's alright. I want you to let go of whatever you grabbed onto, okay?">>
Sara frowned, but nodded and looked back down. After a few beats, you saw the hand open it's fingers and release Sara's wrist. Immediately, the woman pulled her hand back and out of the hat...
...only to find herself staring down at a white glove. The same one that had disappeared back inside the seeming black hole on the inside. She wiggled her fingers experimentally in front of her face, and her expression paled.
<<nm $phYou "It was just you. You're alright. I'm here.">>
<<nm $phSara "That's...not possible. You can't bend someone's wrist like that...my hand was coming //up// out of the-- And I'm wearing the glove, how--...How?!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's not the only thing impossible around here. Almost as impossible as becoming a performer in a single day. Want to learn how many impossible things are a little more possible than you think?">>
Sara's jaw dropped. She looked from you, back down to the hat, and then back up. She shook her head slowly and raised her ungloved hand to brush her hair back.
<<nm $phSara "This is...this is crazy. This isn't possible! You can't just...">>
She spun around to face you and you took hold of her shoulders, gently. Her eyes were shining with confusion and uncertainty as she looked at you and tried to find deception or malice. Of course, there wasn't any of either, and that only confused her more.
You had to get her past this halfway point before she went completely insane. You leaned forward, until you were eye to eye with the woman.
<<nm $phYou "Do you trust me?">>
<<nm $phSara "What?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sara. Do you trust me?">>
She goggled at you in bewilderment for several seconds, then took a few deep breaths. Each inhalation seemed to calm her, though she was still not what you'd call settled. She tilted her head to look back into your eyes.
<<nm $phSara "...Yes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Good.">>
You smiled at her. After a beat, she smiled back...
...and that's when you @@.choice;[[Pushed Her Backward!|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 4>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraMagician2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagician2.png]]</picture>@@
Sara didn't have a chance to cry out this time. She'd barely had the chance to register the push before she was falling backward, arms flailing wildly as she fell back against the table.
You didn't actually see the moment of transition. One second, Sara was falling backward, the next minute everything up to her shoulders was inside the hat. The wide brim seemed to grow wider to take in her shoulders, and her feet lifted up off the ground.
She kicked, wildly, and you saw one of her heels fly off and land on the table beside the headgear. She wriggled her body, but seemed wholly unable to stop herself from being pulled deeper in.
The brim rolled past her chest, and then all the way to the hips. Her legs and feet were all but straight up in the air now, and you tried hard not to think about horror movies featuring the protagonist having a crushing run in with giant anacondas. Mason wouldn't do that to a potential employee...at least not if he wanted to keep living here.
Sara sank in. Past the hips. Past the knees. Past the ankles. Finally, only the toes of one foot, the one that had lost the shoe, remained outside the darkness of the rim. Then, with an audible pop, even that was gone and you were left in a silent room with a hat on a table. You waited a few tense beats. Then finally spoke to the stillness.
<<nm $phYou "...Sara?">>
You got no reply. Tentatively, you took a few cautious steps forward until you stood in front of the table again. You peered down into the headgear but couldn't make out a thing past the inky black of the hat's insides. You raised one hand and began to uncertainly lower your finger toward the rim...
...and then, with a sound like a released rubber band, the hat flung itself into the air!
You jumped and stumbled back, catching yourself on the next table over only through pure instinct. The hat rose three feet above the table in a single bound and then came straight back down again. When it landed, though, it didn't go still. It spun like an unbalanced top, rolling left and right across the table's surface before suddenly bouncing into the air again, this time spinning end over end.
It landed again upside down and this time finally settled, but only for a second. As you watched, the hat began to vibrate. It was barely noticeable at first, but soon the sound of it rattling against the table became a rapid-fire drumroll. It began to lurch from side to side, bulging ominously as though something were trying to press out from the inside. The bulge receded...only to grow again, even larger, in the other two directions. The vibration grew to a high-pitched fervor.
<<nm $phYou "...Aw hell.">>
You had just long enough to heave a long suffering sigh @@.choice;[[Before The Hat Exploded!|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 5>><<Transform $phSara "magician">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraMagician3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagician3.png]]</picture>@@
Confetti. The hat exploded into //confetti//. Streamers rained from the ceiling and the air was suddenly filled with the crackling of fireworks and smoke. Flashes of multi-colored light flashed throughout the smokey explosion, and a rush of oddly sweet-smelling air rolled over you. You saw a shape moving in the dark cloud, and suddenly a hand swept out and upward, holding a familiar looking hat aloft.
<<nm $phSara "Tadddddaaaaaa!">>
Sara's voice echoed through the room, clear and crisp, holding onto the note like the end of a musical number. The smoke puffed out around her and streamed away from her body, giving you a good look at her. She was still Sara, but almost everything had changed.
Her hair was still dark and raven black, but it now cascaded down her shoulders. Her normally wary eyes were now bright and satisfied, and she was actually //smirking// as she waggled the top hat artfully in the air to punctuate her 'trick'. The hat, despite the fact it had just //exploded//, seemed none the worse for wear and had been joined by a whole ensemble of appropriate attire.
Her hands were white-gloved, and her feet were tucked into black heels so polished you would fear to look directly at them in the daylight. She was still wearing fishnets, but the unassuming pair she had worn before had been replaced by ultra-fine netting that reached almost all the way to her hips. You noticed a prominent diamond cut out of the front of her top, showing of a wealth of full-figured cleavage you were quite certain she had not been hiding beneath her uniform before.
<<nm $phYou "...Sara?">>
<<nm $phSara "The one and only, the inimitable, unexplainable, and downright...something else that rhymes!">>
Sara chuckled, her voice lowered slightly from the pitch it had been before, and she staggered forward. She made it to you eventually, but she weaved like a drunk driver even over the ten feet of distance between you. You thought you saw her eyes glaze.
<<nm $phYou "All of that is very true. Are you alright?">>
<<nm $phSara "Never better, never ever better! Now then, lovely audience, for my next trick--!">>
She raised a finger into the air in pronouncement...and you saw her eyes roll backward. You leapt forward even as she toppled and caught her on the way down. She slumped and sagged in your arms as you lowered her to the ground, but even then her death grip on the brim of her hat did not diminish.
You leaned your head down to check that she was still breathing. She was. Her face was calm and untroubled. She looked, for all the world, as if she had decided to fall asleep in the middle of the cafeteria.
You saw the familiar green glow between her lips and your shoulders relaxed quickly. You leaned forward on instinct, pressing your lips to Sara's and feeling the heat of the gem running through your body. When you pulled away she still had not stirred. You settled her down carefully. She didn't wake even as you laid her head down on the tile floor.
You watched her for several long seconds. Then you @@.choice;[[Grabbed For Your Phone!|SaraMagicianTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 6>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<nm $phMason "She will be alright. The process is somewhat exhausting, but not at all dangerous.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'partner'>><<nm $phSamantha "She's adorable, boss. Are you sure we shouldn't...?">><</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Awww, she's so cute! Are you sure we shouldn't, like...you know?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. C'mon. I don't //entirely// trust you alone with her.">>
$phSamantha.name huffed and stepped out the door ahead of you. You took a last look at Sara, tucked into bed in one of the tower hotel rooms. You hoped the clothes didn't cause too much issue. You'd managed to get her out of her jacket and her heels, but doing more seemed unwise, even given your typical 'friendly' relationship with your employees. Waking up in a bizarre costume was probably better than waking up naked and in a strange place.
You shut the door firmly behind you; the automatic lock whirred and clicked into place. You turned back to your four-armed incubus and your favorite secretary.
<<nm $phYou "Exhausting? Most of them take a little time to recover, but she could barely stand on her feet! I thought she was drunk!">>
<<nm $phMason "Depending on your definition, she was. She was indeed in an altered state of mind, though alcohol was not involved. Rather, the state was brought about by the sheer amount of information she had to process. There is a great deal of complexity in the arcane arts, even when focused on a limited selection of the gifts.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'partner'>><<nm $phSamantha "Magic? Well now, don't I feel like I got the short end of the stick?">>
<<nm $phYou "Didn't you get the //long// end of the stick?">>
Samantha grinned at you appreciatively and winked. She checked to make sure the door was firmly locked, then strolled down the hallway to let you and Mason talk.
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "She's an //artist//? Does she do naughty sketches?">>
<<nm $phYou "Actually, it means she's a magician, love.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Even better!">>
You laughed and patted Samantha lightly on the rear. She wiggled against you for a moment, fluttered her eyelashes, then followed the hint and flounced up the hall to let you and Mason talk.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Did we have to do it all at once? Couldn't she learn over time?">>
<<nm $phMason "And grant her full powers with no knowledge of how to use them properly? That //would// be a dangerous thing, $phMason.address. The arts are neither tolerating nor forgiving of error. Most practitioners are either taught by one more knowledgeable or are fortunate to begin with almost no power with which to do themselves harm. However, a focus must be accepted in its entirety. She would have all the power she needed...and must, therefore, take the knowledge as well.">>
You grunted, thinking that over for a second, and then you began to walk after $phSamantha.name. Mason followed along behind you, all four sets of hands tucked behind his back.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, I get it, it was just...you have to start warning me of these things.">>
<<nm $phMason "I shall endeavor to operate with more obvious warning signs.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'd appreciate that. Could you tell me what sort of things she'll be able to do?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not usefully, no.">>
You stopped dead and gave him a hard stare. He walked another few paces, nearly bumping into you before he caught himself, and then smiled. His lower hands came out from his back to spread helplessly.
<<nm $phMason "I am sorry, $phMason.address. The mystic arts are much more expansive than other gifts you've given. It is a toolbox. Tools each have a purpose, but they can be applied in a myriad of ways to create a cornucopia of different end results. What Miss Kincaid does with them, I have no idea. I expect we shall soon find out. Isn't that 'part of the fun'?">>
Very funny. You took a deep breath, and then continued to the trail after $phSamantha.name. So you wouldn't be able to find out what she was capable of until she woke up, at which point she would have enough power to be 'dangerous' and enough knowledge to use it effectively.
Sometimes, you wondered if taking this job had been the best idea, even if you still couldn't deny the perks.
Tomorrow was tomorrow. Mason had said it right. You would find out @@.choice;[[Soon Enough.|Office]]@@
@@.narrative;Sara Unlocked At The Casino Stage!
<<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<set $phEPD += 50>>Energy Per Day Increased By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!
Your Odds At The Casino Have Improved!@@
<</if>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 1>>The bar was fairly quiet once you got there. A few early-evening souls nursed drinks where they sat on the round red stools, comparing notes about which slots were hot tonight and which techniques paid the most. You sat down in front of the simulacrum bartender, placing the lacquered cherrywood box down on the bar well. You upnodded to get his attention, then tilted your head towards the barflies. That was all it took to get your wish across, thanks to the tower's preternatural connection to your desires. Soon you heard the bartender inform the drinkers that the bar was reserved for an upcoming private event as he brushed them both towards the door.
Sara arrived not long after.
<<nm $phSara "$phYou.firstname! You're early. Wanted to catch me before I got three drinks in?">>
<<nm $phYou "Kind of. Well, yes, actually. I wanted to talk to you.">>
She was smart; you already knew that. Her eyes travelled around the bar, noting the lack of any other patrons... and the ornate box sitting next to you. Her slim black eyebrows lifted in curiosity. You gestured her over, and out of habit flagged the bartender to serve up a drink. Sara sat down on the stool next to you, a little more cautiously than she normally did, whether from circumstance or the lack of a little rum in her system.
<<nm $phYou "I know this is going to seem strange, but... this is for you.">>
You slid the box over, and Sara glanced up at you again as she accepted it. Her fingers grazed over the smooth, glossy surface before she braced her thumbs on either side to lift the lid. Her eyes widened as the mask came into view, nestled on a cushion of black silk.
<<nm $phSara "This is a fox mask! My dad has a little collection of masks from Japan -- a couple of antique //noh// masks he's really proud of. Never let me touch them, though. He told me about some of the stories... I can't take this, $phYou.firstname. This is way too nice for a 'welcome aboard' gift -- and if this is kind of a 'dating' thing, I mean, you're //nice//, and you're cute, but you're my boss, and even if you weren't, this is just... way too expensive for some flirting.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mammon's the boss; I just own the building. But that's not what it's for. You remember when you were watching Mitch hit on that woman? And saying you wish you could do something? The way you said that really struck a chord. It got me thinking about how sometimes, some people are predators and some people are prey, and how you want to protect people. You said you thought you were meant for bigger things; I think you're right. You //are//. And I happen to have a way to make that come true.">>
She laughed softly and shook her head, wrinkling her nose just a bit at the idea of you taking her words to heart. Nonetheless, her gaze on the mask was wistful, and she gently retrieved it from the silk to take a better look.
<<nm $phSara "I was just venting, and reminiscing; it wasn't anything serious. It's sweet of you to say, and it's a really nice mask, but come on, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm serious. //You// come on, Sara. You said you're good at reading people, right? So you must have already realized this place isn't like the other casinos you've worked. You've never seen someone lose their life savings on a bad bet, have you? Or walk out shell-shocked with empty pockets? There's a reason your coworkers are so quiet -- and you've noticed that, too. You wanted to work somewhere where you could put your talents to use //and// help people who are being taken advantage of, right? This is your chance.">>
Sara frowned as she glanced between you and the mask and then back again. In her hands, right now, it seemed like 'just' a mask: beautiful, ornate, and inert. In your eyes, it was lit like she was: bathed in the flare of soul-deep desire that flickered around her at your words. 'Want' wasn't the problem -- it was 'belief'.
<<nm $phSara "What -- Batman? The Masked Avenger?">>
Her voice was thick with doubt, and you couldn't blame her.
<<nm $phYou "... I don't know. But that mask is bound to a kitsune. A //real// kitsune, a fox spirit. I don't know exactly what happens when you put it on, but //do// know that it will be permanent. You'll be able to do amazing things, but you'll never be 'just another girl at the blackjack table', again.">>
Her dark eyes shifted over to you again. At this angle, they almost matched the black slits of the kitsune mask. Her lower lip dimpled inwards as she chewed it between her teeth and tilted the mask from side to side in her hand as she studied it.
<<nm $phSara "Never believed in ghosts and such... and I haven't had anything to drink, so if you're just fooling with me because you think it's funny, then you're no better than Mitch, at all.">>
And with that, she @@.choice;[[Put on the Mask!|SaraKitsuneTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraKitsune1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsune1.png]]</picture>@@
The mask flared with orange light as soon as it touched her skin. It was the same sunrise incandescence that had filled your bedroom. Sara gasped and let go of the mask... but it stayed in place even without her holding it up. Her hands flashed forward again, her fingers grabbing at the edges as she tried to pry it off once more.
<<nm $phSara "Get it-- get it off! $phYou.firstname! Help!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's okay! I'm here, Sara. You're okay. Breathe. It won't hurt you!">>
It didn't calm her down. Her breath came hard and fast as she kept tugging at the mask to no avail.
You heard a soft, feminine laugh curl through the air, and saw the front of Sara's jacket begin to bulge. At first you thought it was due to her expanding feminine charms -- an understandable assumption, considering how many of your other female employees had enjoyed some 'natural enhancement'. It wasn't her breasts that were fighting to get free, though.
It was the fox on her shirt.
The laughter came not from Sara, but from her //shirt//. As she struggled with the mask, you could see the white cotton through her open jacket, and the grinning vulpine face. It twisted and turned, tugging at the cloth as it pushed into a three-dimensional shape, and glowed with the same orange energy that imbued the mask itself.
The light began to gather and swirl around Sara's body. It threaded itself into the sleeves of her jacket, around the collar of her shirt, and around the curve of her hips. You could tell that she could feel it by the way her fingers abandoned the mask, and how she jerked and twisted to try to 'see' what was touching her. She sucked in a deep breath.
<<nm $phSara "...$phYou.firstname??">>
<<nm $phYou "You're okay, Sara, I promise. I promise nothing is going to hurt you. This is what you wanted.">>
Both the fox and the mask @@.choice;[[Seemed To Smile!|SaraKitsuneTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 3]]<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraKitsune2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsune2.png]]</picture>@@
Sara was still breathing heavily, but she'd stopped fighting with the mask. She gripped the edge of the bar instead as the orange energy curled around her. You saw her shiver... and an unexpected sound -- almost a moan -- escaped her throat. You blinked in surprise.
You couldn't tell if //she// raised her arm, or if the fox-spirit raised it for her, but this time her gasp was definitely one of surprise. The edges of her jacket sleeves began to melt. Not //melt//, maybe, but... sublimate. Transform. The material rippled and shifted, and little by little the heavy black leather gave way to the rich and finely embroidered purple silk of a kimono sleeve.
The curling wave of russet light condensed into the unmistakable shape of a fox's tail, still glowing with bright, fire-like light. It wrapped around Sara's body with supernatural grace. Invisible hands -- or paws? -- toyed with her hair, gathering up the long black strands and pulling it back once more into a sleek and stylish bun.
<<nm $phSara "...$phYou.firstname!">>
Now her voice definitely didn't sound //alarmed//. It sounded //aroused//, and she shivered as the phantom touch of the kitsune traced over her neck and shoulders, and the tail drew snug around her waist. You could see the other trails of energy sneaking under the hem of her shirt and up through her pant legs as her clothing continued to change. You could see the raised fabric where invisible digits cupped her breasts under a shirt that was now equal parts East and West. You could see a second, longer, thicker tail that slid beneath the waistband of her jeans. It wound its way down between her thighs, the denim transforming from blue to purple where it touched.
Judging from how she gasped for breath and how her hips rolled against it, it was touching a lot more than just denim.
<<nm $phSara "Oh-- oh fuck! What-- who--!">>
The fox face on her shirt had disappeared. For that matter, her //shirt// had disappeared. You could still see the faint traces of where the purple silk had once been a separate garment, but within seconds it merged with her former jacket, and the folds of the ornate kimono smoothed themselves out in sleek perfection. Even the painted red and black lines of the fox mask she wore had faded away, leaving behind pure, pristine alabaster.
Sara barely managed to stay upright as the ghostly figure finally manifested behind her. It was tall, feminine, with the same triangular ears and unearthly glow you'd seen in your bedroom. Where it touched Sara's body, the orange energy sank //into// skin and flesh, as the two began to merge.
<<nm $phSara "I-- oh, oh my god, oh my god, $phYou.firstname, I-- //ooooooh!//">>
Even with the fox mask still on her face, you could see Sara's jaw drop open in surprise and ecstasy. As soon as she did, the kitsune took advantage. The same light, pleased laughter chimed through their air again like a delicate crystalline bell. The figure vanished, dissolving once more into a rush of sunset-colored light. The wisp of vulpine energy rushed between her lips, and for a moment you were seized with alarm.
Sara's head tilted back as she climaxed, hard, her knees buckling as she fell back against the bar for support. The howl that echoed from her throat was beautiful, raw, and otherworldly -- and loud enough that you were sure everyone in the casino could hear it.
And then the @@.choice;[[Glow Was Gone!|SaraKitsuneTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 4>><<set $phSoulCount += 1>><<Transform $phSara "kitsune">>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Sara/Mobile/SaraKitsune3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsune3.png]]</picture>@@
It took her over a minute to compose herself, even after the aftershocks of her unexpected -- and unexpectedly powerful -- orgasm had faded away. You saw the change in her body language, first. She drew in a deep breath and slowly straightened. Her hair was fully pulled back in a glossy black bun, now secured with two elegant chopsticks. The black racing jacket was gone completely, as were her jeans and her shirt. All three had been melded together and transmuted into a gorgeous silk kimono of rich royal purple. One slim hand rose to the now-blank mask on her face... and pulled it off.
This time the mask came free without any effort at all. That was your first clue that the focus had done its job. The second clue were the faint red lines of the mask's fox-paint, which you could now see imprinted on Sara's face. It gave her Asian features a sharper, more exotic cast. Her eyes now glowed with that fiery, orange-gold energy that seemed to be the fox-spirit's hallmark. Sara was already a smart girl, but now as she regarded you with a knowing smirk on her lips, you had the distinct feeling that you were being watched by something //more// than just Sara.
<<nm $phKayo "Where is your many-handed man, $phYou.firstname-//kun//?">>
You blinked. Her voice had changed as well. You'd never heard even a hint of a Japanese accent before. Sara's family might have immigrated a few generations prior, but she was as native-born as you were. But now, you could hear a light clip to her vowels and consonants that definitely hadn't been there before.
<<nm $phYou "Uh... do you mean Mason?">>
You asked the question before you realized that Sara had never //met// Mason, and certainly wouldn't know how many hands he had.
<<nm $phYou "Wait, Sara? Are you still Sara?">>
<<nm $phKayo "Yes... but we are also Kayo now. It has been a long time since we have enjoyed living in flesh. It seems the world has not changed so much, that pride and arrogance have disappeared?">>
<<nm $phYou "...no, those still exist, definitely. It sounds like you and Sara have a common, uh, dislike of them?">>
Oh, how she //smirked//.
<<nm $phKayo "One might say that. Rest assured that we have much in common. You may ask your many-handed man as to why. A debt was owed, and a debt now repaid... but tell him that we will wish to speak to him, soon.">>
The neon glow faded from her eyes, but not entirely. The rich brown of her irises still had a distinctive warm tint. When she spoke again, her accent had returned to 'normal'.
<<nm $phSara "... wow. That was-- //is//.... wow.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sara? Thought I lost you there for a bit.">>
<<nm $phSara "No, no. No, I'm still here. She is, too. I can... feel her, inside me. All through me. It's...incredible.">>
Was she //blushing//? She was. She definitely was. Of course, you'd probably blush, too, if you just had a mind-blowing orgasm in the middle of a bar with your boss watching, while being possessed by a mythological fox. You recalled how Sara has shivered and moaned as the energy had touched and caressed her. If she could still feel that //now//...
<<nm $phYou "What kind of 'feel her'?">>
The question immediate dialed the tint of embarrassment up another three notches, and you had your answer. It sounded like sharing her body with the kitsune might promise some very interesting times. <<if $phTailMastery > 0>>After your bedroom experimentation with your sensitive tail, you could sympathize.<</if>>
<<nm $phSara "I-- I think I need a drink. //Can// I drink? Do kitsune drink? I-- Oh. Right. Sorry, $phYou.firstname - you can't hear her, can you? We're... she says we're going to get to know each other. That soon it won't feel strange at all.">>
You'd swear she almost stammered as she said it, but maybe it was your imagination. Poor Sara; she had a lot to come to grips with. To your relief, though, she didn't sound upset in the slightest, and it sounded like the kitsune -- Kayo -- knew the ropes on this one.
<<nm $phYou "Order anything you want; it's on the house. Why don't I get you a room in the tower for tonight? You won't have to worry about getting home, and you can, uh, get acquainted. Take a few days off from the tables, too, okay? Look for room 223, and keep it as many days as you want. I'll check in with you later, okay?">>
<<nm $phSara "Sure. Thanks, $phYou.firstname. I know I'll... I'll understand more tomorrow.">>
She quickly reached for the drink the ever-present bartender simulacrum had already put down. You lingered for a moment later, just in case, but as she sipped the liquor you could already see her gaze going distant... and flickering with golden-orange.
You'd check with her after she had time to adjust. In the meantime, it was time to pay a visit to your @@.choice;[['Many-Handed Man'|SaraKitsuneTransformation][$phSara.trans_counter to 5]]@@.
@@.narrative;Sara Unlocked At The Casino Bar!
<<set $phEPD += 50>>Energy Per Day Increased By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!
Your Odds At The Casino Have Improved!@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.trans_counter is 5>><<set $phLocations['CornerPocket']['image'] to "CornerPocket2.jpg">><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phLocation to 'R&D'>><<nm $phMason "Interesting. I confess, I had no real knowledge of how the hosting process worked when I encountered Kayo-//sama// previously. I had expected some level of psychological fusion in addition to the physical cohabitation.">>
<<nm $phYou "Cohabitation sounds like a good word for it. I guess we'll see how it shakes out over the next few days, but Sara was definitely still //there// -- but she did talk a lot with 'we', and she did look a little different. But you were right, it wasn't just like a flat-out Hollywood-style possession.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course I was right. Have I ever given you counsel in error?">>
You pursed your lips and didn't reply to that. Partially because it was late, you were tired, and you knew you'd probably be a touch snappier than normal, and partially because, frankly, you weren't sure he had. Mason's arrogance was grating, but rarely unwarranted.
Speaking of arrogance...<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>You usually enjoyed the act, but you probably wanted to nip that in the bud. You stepped forward into Mason's personal space, forcing him back against the wall.
<<nm $phYou "She also asked where my 'many-handed man' was and asked me to tell you how much she was looking forward to speaking with you. Is this going to be a problem?">>
Mason pressed himself back and his professional demeanor fell away. He looked left and right, then lowered his voice as if worrying he was going to be overheard.
<<nm $phMason "No $pmaam. I don't think so. It was a long time ago. I was...reckless, at times, in my old life. Many of the older things in this world can be easy to offend if you do not know what you are doing. I didn't.">>
<<nm $phYou "She did tell me to ask you why she has a dislike of pride and arrogance.">>
His blushed deepened further and he swallowed hard. You pressed in a little closer, your front press against his.
<<nm $phMason "I believe you have assisted with a reduction of those traits, $pMistress. I believe she merely seeks to rattle my cage and remind me of my humility.">>
<<nm $phYou "...right. Do I need to //be there// when you go talk to her, Mason? Just in case?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address. Rest assured I will be quite alright.">>
You frowned, but stepped away from him. You weren't certain he would tell you if he wasn't going to be 'quite alright', but you didn't think Kayo was actually going to carry out any kind of revenge. If she did...well, you'd cross that bridge when you came to it.
<<else>>
<<nm $phYou "Oh. She also asked where my 'many-handed man' was, and said to tell you that she wanted to speak to you soon.">>
Mason stiffened, and all four hands reached around to clasp behind his back as he unconsciously drew to attention.
<<nm $phMason "I see.">>
<<nm $phYou "... something I ought to know about, Mason?">>
<<nm $phMason "Nothing that concerns yourself or the tower, $phMason.address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Given that //you// concern me and the tower, and so does Sara and her new guest, I beg to differ.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>His eyes narrowed and one of his eyebrows elevated. He held you gaze for a long moment, until you felt the steel leaving your spine. You licked your lips nervously and averted your gaze.
<<nm $phYou "...$phMason.Him.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>He gave you a rueful smile and looked away into the distance. When he spoke again, his voice was quiet.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'pre'>>His eyes narrowed, just for a moment, before his expression went back to studiously neutral. You swore you could hear just a little bit of indignation in his tone.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "... as I said before, a learning curve is an inevitable part of our life experience. You may have noticed that while my intellectual skills are beyond compare, my social graces are... not as well-honed.">>
<<nm $phYou "Kayo //did// say I should ask you as to why she has a dislike of pride and arrogance.">>
<<nm $phMason "As the saying goes: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.">>
<<nm $phYou "...right. Do I need to //be there// when you go talk to her, Mason? Just in case?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $phMason.address. Rest assured I will be quite alright.">>
Right. You honestly weren't sure whether Mason would admit it if he //wouldn't// be 'quite alright', but there wasn't much you could do about that. Hopefully his assistance in finding Kayo a new partner would mean that whatever slight he'd inflicted was now forgiven... although, if the incubus and the kitsune had an old flame, could it spark up again?
<<if $phMason.transform is 'pre'>>You couldn't imagine that, either, any more than you could imagine Mason having a flame to begin with. He hadn't always been as distant and cold as he was now, you knew, but... people changed.
Oh well. //If// any interesting gossip got around, you knew you'd hear about it sooner or later. You'd definitely have to ask Sara about it, after Mason went to 'chat'.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>You doubted it. He had you, after all, that was enough for just about anyone. If something like that did happen, you'd just have to show $phMason.Him just how valuable you could be. And if $phMason.Him brought her along to play one day...
...Well, that wouldn't be so bad either!<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>You doubted it. He'd come a long way since he stopped using the crystal to dampen things, but you suspected he still wasn't ready to start up a relationship with anyone else. If he did...
Well, if he did, you would cross that bridge when you came to it.<</if>>
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Return to the Office|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSaraQ1 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Sooo... Magic, huh?">>
Sara flashed you a wide grin and leaned back onto her elbow, bouncing her foot playfully off the end of the stage. Her eyebrows elevated.
<<nm $phSara "You sound dubious, which is kind of funny coming from someone with horns, a tail, and an entire coterie of strange, beautiful helpers.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's fair, and I know it's close to the same thing, but it feels different. They can all do whatever it is they do. They can't just pick new abilities to pull off. There are rules, they're just not the same rules as humans. Mason tells me you're quite a bit different.">>
<<nm $phSara "'Rules'. Yes, I suppose there is, but it's not... Well, here, think of it this way: imagine water flowing in a pipe. It only goes one way, if everything is going correctly, and that's why you can //use// it. Without the pipe, you've just got water flying in every direction getting things wet and causing problems, yeah? That's how magic works for most. You feed it into one end and it gets where it's going and does what it's supposed to do.">>
<<nm $phYou "With you so far.">>
<<nm $phSara "Good. Well, I don't have a pipe, I have a hose. Same principle, but I've got more control over what I'm pointing it at and what it's doing. At the same time, I'm never going to be as precise as the pipe. There's a lot more possibility I can mess it up and fling a mess everywhere, but it also means I can do a lot of different things.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay...but if Mason could teach you how to do that with your focus, why wouldn't we just do that to everyone? Then we'd have a whole team of people who were more flexible, right?">>
<<nm $phSara "Well, that wouldn't be any fun, would it? Trying to replace me already?">>
She extended a foot to rest against your shoulder and give you a playful mock shove backward. You smiled up at her and spread your hands. Her expression turned more serious.
<<nm $phSara "...I think it's a question of //want// more than anything. Let's be honest with ourselves, $phYou.firstname. We're meddlers. We don't want anything going on that we can't be a part of. Most people are perfectly content to get what they want without jumping through a lot of hoops. If all you want to do with the water is go to the bathroom, you'd much rather just have a pipe than a firehose...though I'm guessing that latter would be entertaining to watch.">>
Wasn't //that// a mental image. You conceded the point. Some of your employees had more flexibility than others, but it was ultimately still arranged to make them happy. To each their own.
<</if>><<if $phSaraQ2 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I'm curious. Is it still fun to put on the magic show when you can do //real// magic?">>
Sara beamed, reaching down into her cleavage and pulling out her black and white wand. She spun it between her fingers and then clapped both her hands over it. When she spread her fingers, the wand was gone.
<<nm $phSara "Why wouldn't it be? The world needs a bit of wonder in it, $phYou.firstname. They need to see a few things they can't explain to remind us we don't have the world entirely figured out.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, yeah, but I know you're cheating when you do that.">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh really?">>
She rotated her wrist, and you saw the white tip of the wand sticking out from her jacket sleeve. She giggled, withdrew it, and tapped you lightly on the chin.
<<nm $phSara "...It's not cheating, $phYou.firstname. It's the same thing. When we go to these shows, everyone //knows// that it's all about angles and hand movements and trick decks and carrying cases worn inside suits...but we still //see// it and know it's happening, but we don't know how it's done. Isn't it the same principle if I had it up my sleeve or reduce it down to two dimensions through a simple transmutation?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Okay, I don't know if I have an argument for that...though now I have to ask about the boob window.">>
<<nm $phSara "Hey. Any second they're not watching my //hands// is a good one for me.">>
She took a deep breath to emphasize the point, and you privately had to admit you had not been looking at her hands for the last few seconds.
<<nm $phYou "Fair. So you're enjoying yourself?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh hell yes. Look at me! I've got a stage, I've got interesting people to talk with, and if I get too bored did I mention that I can do //magic// now? I thanked you before, but I'll keep thanking you for as long as I can.">>
She leaned forward and caught your shoulders with her gloved hand, pulling you in between her legs. She couldn't quite line up the angle to kiss you on the lips, so she settled for kissing your forehead instead, holding tight for a few seconds before letting you go.
<<nm $phSara "Thank you, $phYou.firstname.">>
Direct enough! You couldn't help but feel a lot better. 'No regrets' had always been the rule around here, but it never hurt to be certain. You leaned back and thought of what else you wanted to ask her.
<</if>><<if $phSaraQ3 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "You're close to it all day and you worked there. How do you think the casino is doing?">>
Sara looked past you at the double doors out into the casino proper and considered the question for a moment. Finally, she nodded.
<<nm $phSara "Honestly, now that I understand what's //really// going on, it makes a lot more sense. I remember thinking that my old employers must have found a way to rig the games, because yours were a lot more honest. Now I know why everyone wants to come back.">>
<<nm $phYou "No one ever loses?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, people lose. Most people still lose. Just not very much, and they always have a big, exciting time losing. They go home a few bucks lighter in the pocket, but they got what they were really after. No one sane goes to a casino to make money.<br><br>Of course, some of them //do// get to win. They're always so shocked and happy. People have things stacked against them for some long they forget what it's like to have things turn out alright. I think we're giving them something pretty nice.">>
That was good. Mammon had told you much the same thing, and you'd seen the tower in action long enough to know it wasn't about the money. It was still a temple of greed, of course, but you were after a more precious resource, and one your customers were happy to pay for.
<<nm $phYou "You were right there on the ground. Anything we can do to do better?">>
Again, she considered the question.<<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>> Finally, she shook her head and shrugged her shoulders with a helpless expression.
<<nm $phSara "I can't think of anything. I know they installed something new for the slot machines. I can feel the ebb and flow of winnings like clockwork now, and we've got even more smiling faces than we used to.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good! I'll take that. Promise to tell me if things ever start to feel out of whack?">>
<<nm $phSara "Obviously. I have to earn my keep around here, don't I?">>
You laughed. You weren't sure that keeping an eye on the tables was the only thing Sara did to help, but you wouldn't mind the extra assistance. The casino was running as smoothly as you could make it.
For now, anyway.<<else>> Finally, she lifted one of her hands and waggled it around in an uncertain gesture.
<<nm $phSara "Maybe. I've definitely noticed some of the wins aren't really happening at the right time, at least on the slot machines.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Wrong times?">>
<<nm $phSara "Yeah. I can see the way things are rigged now. You're trying to capture people's emotions. Winning twice in a row doesn't feel as good as hitting the big win out of nowhere, and if people have been losing for fifteen minutes then even winning a little money is probably going to be more of a relief than excitement. It needs to understand moods a little better, I think.">>
You mulled that over. It made sense. The tower was amazing and sometimes you wondered why you ever needed to be there. At the end of the day, though, it wasn't human. It was never going to be that precise, at least not without help. If you could find a way to fine tune, you'd probably get more than enough extra energy to pay for the effort.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks! I'll keep that in mind!">>
<<nm $phSara "It's what I'm here for!">><</if>>
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><br><<if $phSaraQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Sara About Her Magic|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phSaraQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Sara About Her Show|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phSaraQ3 is 0>>[[Ask Sara How The Casino Is Doing|TalkToMagician][$phSaraQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<br>[[Arrange a 'Private Show'|SaraMagicianSex]]<br>
<br>[[Say Goodbye|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'MagicianQuick']]
<</nobr>>
@@<<nm $phYou "You know, I was thinking more along the lines of a 'private show', if you have the time for that.">>
Sara's jaw dropped, just a little, and then she broke into an immense grin that threatened to extend, like that of a Cheshire Cat, off the side of her face.
<<nm $phSara "Oh really? Well, I suppose you //are// our patron. It is for you that we perform such death defying feats...but what sort of show would you be interested in today?">>
<<nm $phYou "I was thinking a little less 'death defying' and a bit more 'wonders of the world'.">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, they //are// wondrous. Well, let's see what I can do.">>
She put her legs together and rolled herself backward, coming up onto the stage on her feet in a fluid motion. She waved her hand theatrically toward the back of the theater...and you heard the soft snapping of doorlocks behind you.
<<nm $phSara "Let's see, let's see! Oh yes, I think for this trick I will require a volunteer from the audience! Hmmm...Oh yes, you <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>sir<<else>>miss<</if>>! Why don't you step right up here?">>
Sara pretended to scan the empty seats behind you, then rounded her features with exaggerated shock when she 'spotted' you. She took a step forward and leaned down to offer you a gloved hand. You took it, and allowed her to haul you up to the stage. Sara turned to the 'audience' with her arm outstretched.
<<nm $phSara "A big round of applause for our volunteer! Let's see, judging from $pherhis clothes, I'm guessing something of a big shot. Kind, generous...a little flirty with the help, but that's hardly a crime, is it?">>
You grinned, a little awkwardly. Even though there wasn't an actual audience, it felt strange to interrupt her practiced patter. She circled you for a long moment, extending one arm to drape around your shoulders to your neck and down, following the chain of the necklace down to the hanging gem. She drew the jewel out, and her eyes flashed briefly with the by-now-familiar <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>red light.
<<nm $phSara "And what have we here? Oh yes, a big deal indeed. One quite used to getting $pherhis way. I think a talent like that deserves a //real// front row seat. What do you all think?">>
There was a sudden metallic 'chunk' from above you as the spotlights turned on, focusing their beams on Sara. She smiled at you, turning this way and that in the light before gesturing expansively behind you. You turned your head to find a thick and comfortable chair sitting on the stage, an obvious invitation...
...except you were pretty sure that, when dealing with a magician, taking the 'obvious' route was not the best way to see what was really going on. You turned back toward her and spread your hands with a laugh.
<<nm $phYou "You're very kind to offer me a seat, but I'm not so sure that'll show me what I really want. Don't worry, I'll find a view of my own.">>
You enjoyed seeing her expression falter with confusion for a split second, just before you turned and walked to the curtain between the stage and the back, reaching down to lift the heavy black felt. You heard a startled gasp behind you, and the sound of heels clicking rapidly across the floor.
It seemed someone didn't want you checking out @@.choice;[[All The Secrets!|MagicianSexTop][$phSara.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>green light.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phSara "What do we have here? Oh I see. You have to be such a big presence all day to keep this place running. I bet it would be a wonder to feel small again...just for a little while, wouldn't it?">>
She smiled at you. You were very sure you didn't @@.choice;[[Trust That Smile!|MagicianSexBottomFemale][$phSara.sex to 1]]@@
<<else>><<nm $phSara "What do we have here? I do believe someone was looking forward to sitting back and enjoying a show tonight, weren't they? Tired of running every little detail? Well, who am I to argue? Let's get you a very special chair!">>
Sara made a pass with her hand, and her tiny magician's wand was suddenly between her fingers. She pointed at you and you barely had time to react as something hit the back of your legs and you @@.choice;[[Toppled Backwards!|MagicianSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<set $phLocation to 'CornerPocket'>><<if $phSaraQ1 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ1 to 2>><<if $phKayo.post_talk < 3>><<nm $phYou "How're you doing? Given there's been some, uh, big changes recently?">>
Sara flashed you a wide grin and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the top of the bar as she lifted both eyebrows.
<<nm $phSara "I like how you're worried about that //after// I get body-melded to an ancient spirit and find out my boss is a demon. By which I mean Ms. Mammon. My boss's boss is //also// a demon, of course.">>
<<nm $phYou "... of course.">>
<<nm $phSara "Just giving you a hard time about your sense of timing. But things are okay! It's actually been kind of nice not being on the tables. I get to let my hair down more -- metaphorically -- and meet a lot of new people. Most of them are pretty nice, and everyone's got a story.">>
<<nm $phYou "Just 'okay', though? Is there something I can do? Anything you feel like you're missing?">>
She waved away your concern with a hand.
<<nm $phSara "We're fine. Just both getting used to things. It's a big change; you don't just wake up one morning with your biggest dream come true, someone else in your head, and oh, hey, by the way, magic is real, and not need a little time to adjust.">>
<<nm $phYou "True. Believe it or not, but I was human not too long ago, too. I'm still learning new things, just about every day.">>
<<nm $phSara "I'd believe it -- I'd believe a lot of things nowadays. How I said everyone's got a story? //That// sounds like a story. How about I pour you one on the house, and you give me all the details?">>
You'd almost automatically opened your mouth to agree, when you realized that 'deal' wasn't quite as good as it sounded. For one, you practically //owned// the tower -- you never had to pay for anything, a fact which had made your skills with money and budgeting abyssmal as of late. For another, that sounded an awful lot like Sara getting //you// talking about yourself, instead of answering your questions. Some things, it seemed, hadn't changed.
<<nm $phYou "... maybe later. Actually: definitely later. But you're enjoying yourself?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh Hell yes. I've got interesting people to talk with, don't have to wear a uniform, and Kayo's already taught me a few new things about sorting out the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. If we have any trouble at the bar, I //know// that we can take care of it.">>
You were tempted to ask what, exactly, the kitsune had been 'teaching' Sara. Your other employees may have changed to become what they'd always wanted, but they were still //just// themselves. Sara was a unique case, and she wasn't the only one who would have to get used to having a new 'roommate' around.
Then again, you //did// trust Mason, and you doubted the tower would have even allowed the 'union' if it would mean trouble down the road. The Corner Pocket was in good hands now, and the Casino as a whole was probably better for having an on-site guardian-slash-barkeep to keep things interesting and safe.<</if>><<if $phKayo.post_talk >= 3>><<nm $phYou "Enjoying the 'new normal' yet?">>
Sara fished a bottle of something bright green from behind the counter. A casual flip of her wrist sent it airborne, where it made a swift 360 before she caught it again with perfect confidence. She poured a shot of it into a small glass tumbler; a moment later the bottle was gone again, and she added a second shot of something clear and strong: vodka.
<<nm $phSara "We are, actually! Getting some of these recipes down, starting to really get our flow going, even making some friends with the regulars. You like Midori?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Midori?">>
<<nm $phSara "Guess we'll find out.">>
She grinned at you as she plucked a lemon wedge and a lime wedge from the garnish tray and picked up the hand juicer. A moment later the medley of citrus flowed into the glas as well. You eyed the concoction with both skepticism and interest. The green liquor, you guessed, was the Midori. She finished it off with a spritz of bubbling soda water from the bar hose, and a bright yellow lemon wheel as garnish.
<<nm $phSara "There. On the house, as promised. Which means //you// owe //us// a story.">>
<<nm $phYou "I do?">>
You took the glass and sampled a sip of the liquid therein. It had a sweet-tart, melony taste that was totally //not// what you expected from an alcoholic drink, but it was still surprisingly good.
<<nm $phSara "Ah! See, we can tell you like it. Good! And yes, you do. I said we'd give you a drink on the house, and you'd tell me about how you //used// to be human, remember?">>
You did remember -- although you were pretty sure she had suggested that without you necessarily //agreeing// to it. Still, you didn't mind sharing. You'd told the story often enough: how a down-and-out office drone had been seduced by a violet-skinned succubus and given the job of $pher dreams. You told it again to your new half-kitsune employee, now between sips of the delicious green drink.
<<nm $phSara "Hah. Well, I know the feeling! Pretty amazing -- but you know that. Now that I've gotten -- we've gotten -- used to things, it's even better. I never thought I'd appreciate having a permanent roommate, but Kayo's smart, interesting, powerful, //and// sexy. There's a lot to like!">>
<<nm $phYou "Sounds like it. So... when do //I// get some stories?">>
She laughed and tossed you a wink as she reflexively picked up a cloth to wipe down any and all flecks of spray that landed on the shiny countertop.
<<nm $phSara "Eventually. Maybe. <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>If we ever have a girls' night out.<<else>>If you're either //really// charming, or a really good boy.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "What if I just pull rank and point out I'm the boss?">>
Her smile sharpened into an almost wicked smirk, and for a second you swore you saw a flash of fire in her brown eyes.
<<nm $phSara "Good question.">>
Hmm. Suddenly you weren't so sure you wanted to find out.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSaraQ2 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ2 to 2>><<if $phKayo.post_talk < 3>><<nm $phYou "How are things with your new 'roommate'?">>
Sara raised an eyebrow in momentary confusion.
<<nm $phSara "What-- oh! You mean Kayo? Fine, fine. Genuinely fine. We're still getting to know each other. Fortunately the language barrier doesn't matter when you're both inside the same head, but there's still a lot to learn. 'Roommate' is a good analogy, actually. She's older than me, and //very// traditional.">>
<<nm $phYou "How much older?">>
She let out a small laugh and shook her head.
<<nm $phSara "Come on, $phYou.firstname, you should know better than to ask that! //Older// -- I don't know how much. Probably... a lot. It's still hard to understand some of the stuff she 'talks' about, but, like, I'm pretty sure 'a few hundred years' is a safe bet.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's pretty impressive. Is she nice?">>
<<nm $phSara "I think so. Different, but she's... polite. Opinionated. I think she's had some similar experiences to me, back in the day somewhere. She can spot a grifter or wanna-be Romeo the moment he walks in the room. Or 'she'!">>
You nodded. Given what little you //did// know about the kitsune spirit, and why it -- or she -- was a good match for Sara's protective desires, it made sense.
<<nm $phYou "Has she mentioned anything about a 'many-handed man'?">>
Sara tilted her head to one side, pausing as she absently wiped her hands off on a bar towel. Almost as if she were listening.
<<nm $phSara "... Mason, yes. I haven't met him, have I? I mean, I don't recognize the name, and I'd remember a 'many-handed man'. It sounds like he didn't make the best impression.">>
<<nm $phYou "That was sort of my take-away. Kayo didn't mention why?">>
The barkeep shook her head, and then cast you a wry smile.
<<nm $phSara "Sorry. And even if she did, I don't know if I should be repeating it. I'd say you should ask her yourself, but she's not inclined to talk to you right now.">>
<<nm $phYou "She's not? Why not?">>
A shrug from Sara this time, and you gave a small //hmph// of annoyance. Whatever Mason's past mistakes, //you// were a reliable and trustworthy person. Sure, you both had a common 'lineage' through Lazren, and a shared forehead adornment of shapely horns, but mentally the two of you were quite, quite different.
Ah well. If there was one thing your new 'job' had taught you, it was that patience was a virtue, and that trying to force someone to like you just didn't work.
Maybe time to ask about something else.<</if>><<if $phKayo.post_talk >= 3>><<nm $phYou "Is our resident fox inclined to talk to me yet?">>
Sara pursed her lips and let out a low, scandalized whistle. Her eyes lifted as another patron walked in, and instantly she flashed them a smile and a friendly wave before turning her amused gaze back to you.
<<nm $phSara "Straight to the punches, huh? Guess that depends. Which one's the fox: me, or Kayo?">>
You really should have used better wording.
<<nm $phYou "...Both. But I know //you're// inclined to talk to me.">>
<<nm $phSara "Uh-huh. For now. Why? Something you want to ask us?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, no. Don't take this wrong, but you're one of my people now, and I like you -- and you like me. I have a vested interest in making sure everyone's getting along and that you're doing okay.">>
Her mischevious -- and cautious -- expression slowly softened as you explained, and soon Sara regarded you with a small, fond smile.
<<nm $phSara "We're getting along. //Really// well, honestly. I... I never really thought of myself as bi, before, but... <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>between you and Kayo, I guess I've broadened my horizons<<else>>well, Kayo isn't exactly //just// a 'roommate' anymore<</if>>. Let's just say my nights have been super educational.<br><br>But you don't have to worry about her and me, or even just 'her'. It's not that she doesn't like you. She thinks you're cute, and that you're a good person. But she's really more of a behind-the scenes kind of person.">>
As soon as she said it, Sara's head canted to the side and she laughed lightly.
<<nm $phSara "I guess now //I'm// the mask, and she's what's hidden. Appropriate, isn't it?">>
You saw the briefest, swiftest flash of an orange-fire tail, and a momentarily glint in Sara's grin. A subtle reminder that Kayo, though unseen, was watching.
If you wanted to talk with the fox spirit herself, you might have to find a different approach.<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phSaraQ3 is 1>><<set $phSaraQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "You're close to it all day and you worked there. How do you think the casino is doing?">>
Sara looked past you, towards the beaded curtain and the Casino proper beyond it as she considered the question. After a moment she nodded.
<<nm $phSara "Honestly, now that I understand what's //really// going on, it makes a lot more sense. I remember thinking that my old employers must have found a way to rig the games, because yours were a lot more honest. Now I know why everyone wants to come back.">>
<<nm $phYou "No one ever loses?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, people lose. Most people still lose. Just not very much, and they always have a big, exciting time losing. They go home a few bucks lighter in the pocket, but they got what they were really after. No one sane goes to a casino to make money.<br><br>Of course, some of them //do// get to win. They're always so shocked and happy. People have things stacked against them for so long they forget what it's like to have things turn out alright. I think we're giving them something pretty nice.">>
That was good. Mammon had told you much the same thing, and you'd seen the tower in action long enough to know it wasn't about the money. It was still a temple of greed, of course, but you were after a more precious resource, and one your customers were happy to pay for.
<<nm $phYou "You were right there on the ground - and still have your ears to the ground. Anything we can do to do better?">>
Again, she considered the question.<<if $phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] is 1>> Finally, she shook her head and shrugged her shoulders with a helpless expression.
<<nm $phSara "I can't think of anything. I know they installed something new for the slot machines. We've got even more smiling faces than we used to, and people can't stop talking about it. Seems to have really hit a sweet spot.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good! I'll take that. Promise to tell me if things ever start to feel out of whack?">>
<<nm $phSara "Obviously. I have to earn my keep around here, don't I?">>
You laughed. Keeping an eye on the tables wasn't the only thing Sara did to help, you were sure, but an extra set of eyes and ears never hurt. The Casino was running as smoothly as you could make it.
For now, anyway.<<else>> Finally, she lifted one of her hands and waggled it around in an uncertain gesture.
<<nm $phSara "Maybe. I get to hear a lot of people talk, you know? Noticed something about how they talk about the slots. Now that I know what you're aiming at -- capturing emotions, not money -- I think I get what's off.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Something wrong with the payouts?">>
<<nm $phSara "Not the payouts, but maybe how often they actually pay out. Hard to explain, but... well, winning twice in a row is nice, sure, but not //as// nice as hitting a big win out of nowhere. On the other hand, someone who's been losing for fifteen minutes straight, winning is going to be more relief than excitement. I think maybe the timing's off because of that, maybe? I don't know. You're the expert on that, but... just, I think it could use some work. The cards and roulette and all, people are always bustling with excitement. The slots... not so much.">>
You mulled that over. It made sense. The tower was amazing and sometimes you wondered why you ever needed to be there. At the end of the day, though, it wasn't human. It was never going to be that precise, at least not without help. If you could find a way to fine tune things, you'd probably get more than enough extra energy to pay for the effort.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks! I'll keep that in mind!">>
<<nm $phSara "No problem - it's what I'm here for, right?">>
<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phSaraQ1 is 0>><br>[[Ask Sara How She's Doing|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ1 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if $phSaraQ2 is 0>><br>[[Ask Sara About Kayo|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ2 to 1]]<</if>>
<<if $phSaraQ3 is 0>><br>[[Ask Sara About the Casino|TalkToKitsune][$phSaraQ3 to 1]]<</if>>
<br><br>[[Ask to See the 'Private Stash'|SaraKitsuneSex]]
<br><br>[[Say Goodbye|Casino][$phSara.goodbye to 'KitsuneTalk']]
<</nobr>>@@<<if lastVisited("SaraKitsuneTalk") is 1>><<nm $phYou "Actually... I wouldn't mind getting in on some of those 'benefits' you mentioned.">>
Sara grinned and tilted her head to one side. Her almond eyes half-lidded as she drew a finger in a lazy, graceful arc across the bar in front of her.
<<nm $phSara "Well, I suppose being in good with the boss is kinda of a perk in and of itself. Maybe I //should// show how... appreciative I am. We are.">>
That sounded //very// good, indeed. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You felt yourself stirring and starting to stiffen<<else>>You felt a tell-tale beginnings of heat between your thighs<</if>> at the thought of just how that appreciation might manifest.<<else>><<nm $phYou "I've always heard bars keep the really good stuff in the private stash.">>
<<nm $phSara "Yeah. For the really important VIPs. Big spenders, big winners...">>
<<nm $phYou "Big bosses?">>
Sara grinned and tilted her head to one side. Her almond eyes half-lidded as she drew a finger in a lazy, graceful arc across the bar in front of her.
<<nm $phSara "Well, yeah. I suppose if you wanted something... private, in the back, I'd //have// to give it to you, wouldn't I? Since you're the boss?">>
She made it sound so good to be the <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>king<<else>>queen<</if>>. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You felt yourself stirring and starting to stiffen<<else>>You felt a tell-tale beginnings of heat between your thighs<</if>> at the thought.
<<nm $phYou "I'm very generous. Very nice. But I //am// the boss.">><</if>>
<<nm $phSara "I'm on the clock, though. I wouldn't get in //trouble//, right?">>
The coy lilt to the words only teased you more. You'd enjoyed several of your employees, on and off the clock, but none of them had made it sound so deliciously scandalous.
<<nm $phYou "No. The boss says it's totally okay.">>
She eyed you still with that half-secretive, half-suggestive smile, as her gaze trailed over your body. You saw them pause briefly on the <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>ruby red<<else>>jade green<</if>> gemstone around your neck. Sara let out a thoughtful hum, and then with a languid look up through her lashes, her smile widened.
<<nm $phSara "Follow me.">>
She turned, and crooked a beckoning finger.
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.necklace == 'top'>>[[Find Out What's On Offer|KitsuneSexTop][$phSara.sex to 1]]<<else>>[[Find Out What's on Offer|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 1]]<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 1>>You lifted up the heavy curtain and stepped into the back of the stage. The air was cooler here, away from the spotlights and careful climate control. Despite the fact that you were quite certain the Casino hadn't //had// a theater before Sara's arrival, there was a faint dusty scent in the air -- the kind of accumulation any space too large to be given a top to bottom clean develops over years of service.
It was also far from empty. The back of the curtain was an elaborate working of rope and pulleys set to supply various backdrops and lights during particular moments of the show. It was also, unsurprisingly, loaded with props. Everything from a classic 'sawing in half' box to what appeared to be a full-fledged wooden pillory. You saw variations of Sara's regular outfit hung neatly on hangers near the edge of the stage, several of them with bags or other attachments concealed in the back. How on earth she could manage to change into one on the fly you had no idea. Perhaps that was where the real magic came in.
The curtain lifted behind you and Sara hurried in. Her face was flushed brighter than if you had stripped her naked and she put her hands on her hips and glared at you.
<<nm $phSara "Hey! You can't just root around a girl's backstage without permission! It's not fun if you see how everything works!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I'd never think I'm seeing how //everything// works. It'll just encourage you to make some new tricks. And anyway, I don't think it makes it any less impressive. Sometimes I think knowing how complicated the trick is makes it a lot //more// impressive.">>
You reached down and picked up what looked to be box from a long table of objects, only to immediately have to scramble to put it down again. It appeared to be solid, but when you lifted you saw that every side was actually only attached on one end and the panels swung open and shut with a clatter as you placed it back down beside the others. Sara was smirking when she came up to stand beside you.
<<nm $phSara "...Maybe you'd better stick to the things you know better?">>
You spotted something on the table as you carefully took your hands off the box. You fought back a smile and sidled slowly in that direction, trying your best to look casual as you reached a hand down as if merely leaning on the table. Two could try for sleight of hand.
<<nm $phYou "Well, actually, I think there's one thing here that I do know how to use. Very well, in fact.">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh? And what's that?">>
You grinned at her. Then, in one motion, you raised the silver handcuffs off of the table, turned toward Sara, and snapped them over one wrist with a satisfying clicking sound. She had only a split second to blink at you before you pulled her hand closer to her other and, with another quick ratchet, had both her wrists bound!
She looked down at her hands in surprise, tugging on the chain which held her firm. You laughed and leaned in, stealing a quick kiss from her before you turned away.
<<nm $phYou "See? Not too bad. Now, don't worry. I'm sure there are all sorts of things you could do to convince me to let you out. I was thinking--">>
<<nm $phSara "Sorry...Let me out of what?">>
You blinked and turned back to find Sara holding up the cuffs, dangling one of the rings off her extended index finger. Both her wrists were free, yet the cuffs still appeared to be closed. She was also giving you a terribly smug expression.
<<nm $phSara "Would you like to try again? I'm sure those things you mentioned for me to 'convince you' would be a lot of fun.">>
Oh, so //that's// how @@.choice;[[She Wanted To Play!|MagicianSexTop][$phSara.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 2>><<nm $phYou "Oh, so that's how we're going to play this?">>
<<nm $phSara "Just pointing out you shouldn't try to restrain a magician with her own tools, $pMs $phYou.firstname. That's just a basic rule of thumb.">>
She rolled the cuffs in a circle around her finger and you reached out to take them. You probed at the silver surface for a few seconds, but were unable to find the hidden latch or switch that you knew must be there. Clearly these cuffs would be about as effective at actually restraining Sara as a rope made of cotton candy.
Sara knew it, too. She bounced on her heels, her hands behind her back, studying you with exaggerated innocence. You put the cuffs back down on the table with disgust, and she giggled mischeviously.
<<nm $phSara "Awwww, not going to try again? I admit, everything back here was pretty much crafted just for me by the tower, so I'm not sure how much luck you'd have...but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be fun!">>
That snagged in your mind for just a moment. Of course, Sara hadn't made or ordered any of these things, especially not in the time she'd had. The tower had crafted them, out of the same energy it used to create and move around the rooms within the tower.
And that give you an idea.
<<nm $phYou "Well, if the cuffs don't work, clearly I need to get a little more...elaborate!">>
You reached out to grip her by the back of the neck with one hand, turning to pull her along with you. She stumbled for a moment before she got her feet beneath her, her expression surprised until she saw exactly where she was being hauled.
The pillory that you'd noticed in the corner.
It was a pair of thick wooden boards on hinges, with one large head hole and two smaller hand holes cut through the center. It was clearly designed to evoke the true image of the classic medieval tool, but you noticed that the edges had been very carefully smoothed and there was brown padding blended in around the ring of each hole to make it a trifle more comfortable.
Sara kicked her feet and pulled back against you, but it was all for show. The moment she saw where you were going, she played it up. She undoubtedly knew the secret to get in and out of the device without trouble and, as a result, was relishing the opportunity to set you up for another trick.
You pulled her over to the pillory and opened it with your other hand. Sara gave a token, all-for-show protest, and you were able to guide her neck and hands into place with a triumphant shout, slamming the upper board into place! You turned away, so she wouldn't see you close your eyes as you focused your thoughts.
//I want this to remain shut. I want this to remain shut. I want this to remain shut!//
<<nm $phSara "Oh no! And now I am captured for a crime I did not commit. If only there was some way to...uh...if there was some way to...">>
The pillory rattled behind you. When you looked, you saw Sara's bewildered expression. She was stepping on some kind of switch concealed at the base of the device, but nothing was happening. You leaned down, resting your forearm atop the wood, and gave her your best smug smile in return.
<<nm $phYou "Something wrong? The tower made this for you exactly how you wanted it, with all the tricks in place... but the tower //also// has a way of shifting things around to match what people desire. Especially when those people are me. Rank hath its privilege. Don't worry -- didn't you say you thought it would be fun?">>
Sara @@.choice;[[Squeaked!|MagicianSexTop][$phSara.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 3>>Sara struggled against the pillory and the hinge rattled against the wooden base, but without whatever sleight of hand trickery Sara had been relying on, she was completely locked in. If she had time to think, she'd probably figure out a way to use her //real// magic to free herself.
You did not plan to give her that time to think.
You shifted yourself in front of her, putting a hand on the wooden stock to either side of her head, leaving her face to face with your hips. She saw <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<else>>the bulge of your cock through the thin fabric, and <</if>>the way your finger traced gingerly around the button of your pants, and she rapidly put two and two together.
<<nm $phSara "$phYou.firstname??!">>
<<nm $phYou "You can't expect me to turn down an opportunity as wonderful as this, can you?">>
You unzipped your pants with a flourish and peeled open the zipper.<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>> You wiggled your hips and pushed your pants down across shapely thighs, allowing the garment to puddle around your ankles. Your panties were tight across your sex and, from so close a distance, she couldn't miss exactly how wet you were. Your finger traced a slow circle around the hem.<<else>> You didn't bother with grace. You simply slipped your thumb in around the belt of your pants and pushed them down to your ankles. Your cock, already aching, popped free and hung in the air in front of the magician's face. From this distance, there was no way she could miss every throb that it made, nor the way your arousal already had a bead of precum gathered at the tip.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Now then. For your crimes, which are clearly numerous, I am going to put you to work in my more...direct service. You tongue gets a lot of exercise, so I'm quite certain you'll be up to the task of earning your way out.">>
Sara opened her mouth, likely to protest, but that was an opportunity that you simply couldn't pass up. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You jammed your hips forward against her, not even bothering to remove your panties, and Sara's words were muffled beyond any recognition. All she did was send glorious vibrations through your sex and up into your body. You put a hand on the top of her hair, getting a good grip even as you began to roll your hips against her. Your free hand rose, cupping at your chest and teasing a thumb across your own nipples.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. Lucky, you know. I'm doing all the work. All you have to do is be there. Ought to be thanking me for this.">>
She made a muffled noise against you. It might have been a thank you or it might have been a curse. You couldn't tell and you really didn't care. You just held her in place and thrust your hips hard, over and over again, using her as an elaborate sex toy. Her hands twisted within their bindings, her fingers scratching for surface in the wood, but there was nothing for her to grab hold of.
By the time you reached down in frustration to tear your panties down your legs, she was beyond resistance. Her tongue extended obediently as your sex was bared to her, and you rewarded her by jamming yourself up against her chin. She extended her tongue every time you moved forward, and the joint movements drove her deep into you. Soon, you were panting, looking down at her with your face flushed and your breath heaving out of your body. Your fingers closed around your breast, squeezing and making the sensation from below even stronger.
You wanted to enjoy this, but as you looked down between your legs you saw Sara's face and knew you couldn't draw it out. The sight of the woman with her eyes closed and her face set in the perfect, blissful concentration of pleasing her lover was too much to bear for long. You let out a long, drawn out howl as you began to thrust even harder against her, making a wet mess of her face as you fought to get yourself off. Your hand gripped her hair and tugged her back into place whenever your frantic motions shifted her position too much.
And then you were there. You felt your body tense and tighten up, your movements going jerky for a few seconds before finally ceasing entirely. You gasped and moaned and Sara extended her tongue deep once more, willfully accepting your sweet honey as a reward for a job well done. You were happy to deliver it, bucking and grinding and moaning until, finally, you were forced to double over the top of the pillory to get your breath.
Finally, after a dozen panted gasps, you pulled your hips away from Sara's face. Her eyes fluttered; she looked a little dazed. It took her a few seconds to find her words, and in the meantime her tongue flicked thoughtful over her lips to gather up the glistening reward.
<<else>>You thrust your hips forward quickly, and whatever she was about to say ended with the 'pop' as her mouth was suddenly full of half your shaft. Her lips closed around you, and you reached down to get a solid hold on her hair as you began to work your hips back and forth, allowing your cockhead to come close to popping free of her before pushing back in again.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. We're going to put your mouth to better use today; I think you've run it long enough. It feels a lot better around my cock, doesn't it?">>
Sara made a muffled noise against you. It might have been agreement or it might have been a protest. You couldn't tell and you really didn't care. You held her in place and thrust your hips against her, keeping it slow but allowing more and more of your member to jut forward each time. You felt the head of your shaft bump against the back of her throat and Sara tensed up. Her hands twisted within the pillory holes, but her fingers had nothing to grab onto. She was helpless to be anything more than a cocksleeve.
By the time you were fully in her and your thrusts had her lips wrapped around the base of your shaft, she was totally relaxed again. Her tongue had begun to stroke against you with every movement, teasing the sensitive flesh just along the underside of the head, and she suckled whenever you withdrew to create an audible pop in the air and pressure along the slick skin. Soon, you were struggling to get your breath and every exhalation was a low moan. The pace was increasing, despite yourself, and you were now fucking her face with complete abandon.
You wanted to enjoy this, but as you looked down between your legs you saw Sara's face you knew you couldn't draw this out. The sight of the woman with her eyes closed and her face set in the perfect, blissful concentration of pleasing her lover was too much to bear for long. You let out a soft, growl of posessive delight and you tightened your grip on her hair, holding her in place as you drove yourself in as deeply as you could.
And then you were there. You felt your body tense and tighten up, your movements going jerky for a few seconds before finally ceasing. You shuddered and tossed your head back as your cock erupted inside of Sara's mouth. You heard and felt her moan as your seed filled her mouth and she struggled to swallow down the reward for a job well done. You released spurt after spurt inside of her, but she didn't waste a drop. Her throat worked, again and again, until you were finally spent and forced to double over the top of the pillory for support.
Finally, after a dozen panted gasps to get your breath back, you pulled yourself out of Sara's mouth. Her lips remained locked in the 'O' position for a few seconds, as if she were nothing more than an expensive doll. Finally, she seemed to come out of it, and her tongue wet her lips gingerly as her eyes tracked up to yours. She smiled.
<</if>>
<<nm $phSara "Mmm...What do you think? Did I earn my freedom?">>
Oh. Oh she didn't think you were done, @@.choice;[[Did She?|MagicianSexTop][$phSara.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 4>>You laughed softly, pushing back from the pillory as you caught your breath. Sara looked up at you with some of her usual spirit back in her eyes, her absent licking of her lips becoming far more deliberate and seductive, and that made you chuckle some more. She was an incorrigible one, but you loved her for it.
You crossed around behind her, and she wiggled playfully against the bindings. She couldn't //see// you, as there was absolutely no way for her to turn her head far enough, and so it took her a good five or six seconds to realize you weren't planning to let her out. By then, of course, you were standing behind her and you'd already found the small zipper on her black leotard like shorts. You pulled it down quickly.
<<nm $phSara "Wh- But I did good!">>
<<nm $phYou "You did //very// good. So good I don't think I can end your sentence without giving you a reward to go with your freedom.">>
You pulled the shorts open and pushed them down to Sara's knees. Beneath it, she was wearing simple white panties that were so thin and sheer you could see the color of her skin through them. Given how many layers she wore, you guessed that made sense. After a second, her panties joined her shorts around her knees and you ran your finger across the cleft of her ass. She wiggled hard enough against the pillory to make the wood rattle.
<<nm $phSara "$pMs $phYou.firstname!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phYou "Hmm? I'm sorry, did you want me to let you out //without// finger fucking you into a messy, squealing, subby orgasm, Sara? I can do that, if you like...or you can ask me to hurry up and get to it.">>
You traced your finger down her ass, enjoying the expanse of soft, toned flesh for you to play with. Sara shuddered against the bonds, her fingernails scrambling against the wood. You could see the moisture around her thighs. She'd been waiting for this since the handcuffs had come out, and you were calling her bluff.
<<nm $phYou "...Well? What'll it be?">>
<<nm $phSara "...Could...Could you fuck me first, ma'am?">>
You laughed and rewarded her with a firm spank across the backside, making her groan. She stuck out her ass further and you shifted your position. You were standing beside her, facing away, your left arm wrapped around her hip to arrest her movement while your right stroked up and down her wet thighs and eventually rose up to play gently across her sodden sex. You let two fingers press ever so slightly into her, and then separated them to spread the woman's petals. You felt a shudder run through her body again as she realized there was nothing at all she could do and her pussy squeezed instinctively against your fingers.
And then you fucked her.
You were not gentle and you did not start slow. You plunged two fingers into her cunt and sank them to the second knuckle. Sara //moaned//, her voice echoing through the expansive backstage area, and she clamped down hard. You spanked her ass with your left hand three times until her muscles relaxed, then began to piston them in and out of your lover.
You set a savage, rapid pace. Sara writhed and bucked her body, but the combination of your arm around her and the sturdy pillory made it impossible for her to move much, leaving her twisting ineffectually back and forth within her bonds. Her moans grew louder and louder, each one timed with an increase of pressure against your fingers. You could feel her pleasure building with every hard pump of your hand.
<<nm $phSara "Oh! Oh hell, I'm going to cum! $pMs $phYou.firstname! I'm going to cum I'm going to cum I'm go-!">>
Then it hit. Her right leg lifted and kicked spasmodically and she let out a reverberating scream. The pillory rattled as she bucked against it, her ass swaying back and forth as she came and came and came. You held her tight, refusing to let her move more than a few inches. She quaked against your body.
Then it was finally over. She hung limp in her bonds, gasping for air, her hair sticking to her forehead with her sweat and exertion. You pulled your fingers free, gently, and squeezed your hand adoringly across her ass. Then you leaned back, allowing her to see your face once again.
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Hmm? I'm sorry, did you want me to let you out without fucking you into a messy, squealing, subby orgasm around my cock, Sara? I can do that, if you like...or you can ask me to hurry up and get to it.">>
You were still bare and your cock was already mostly hard again. You let the head run down over her ass, enjoying the expanse of soft, toned flesh against you. Sara shuddered against the bonds, her fingernails scrambling against the wood. You could see the moisture around her thighs. She'd been waiting for this since the handcuffs had come out, and you were calling her bluff.
<<nm $phYou "...Well? What'll it be?">>
<<nm $phSara "...Could...Could you fuck me first, $pmaam?">>
You laughed and rewarded her with a firm spank across the backside, making her groan. She stuck out her ass further, rolling herself against your hips with your cock tucked into the cleft of her ass. You toyed with each cheek in turn, then spread them wide and shifted your hips. Your dick bumped against her sex, and you felt the heat and wetness between her thighs as she let out a needy little groan. She lifted herself onto her tip toes, making it easy for you to position yourself, and you squeezed her ass in approval.
And then you fucked her.
You were not gentle and you did not start slow. You drove your cock into her firmly and Sara //moaned//, her voice echoing throughout the expansive backstage. Her muscles clamped down instinctively over your shaft, slowing you, and you spanked her ass with your left hand three times until her muscles relaxed. Freed, you began to work your cock in and out of her in steady rhythm.
You set a savage, rapid pace. Sara writhed and bucked her body, but every thrust you made jammed her up against the pillory and made it impossible for her to move much, leaving her twisting ineffectually back and forth within her bonds. Her moans grew louder and louder, each one timed with an increase of pressure against your shaft. You could feel her pleasure building with every hard pump of your hips.
<<nm $phSara "Oh! Oh hell, I'm going to cum! $pMs $phYou.firstname! I'm going to cum I'm going to cum I'm go-!">>
Then it hit. Her right leg lifted and kicked spasmodically and she let out a reverberating scream. The pillory rattled as she bucked against it, her ass swaying back and forth as she came and came and came. You held her tight, refusing to let her move more than a few inches. She quaked against your body.
Then it was finally over. She hung limp in her bonds, gasping for air, her hair sticking to her forehead with her sweat and exertion. You pulled yourself free, gently, and squeezed your hand adoringly across her ass. Then you leaned forward over the pillory, allowing her to see your face once again.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "//Now// you're ready to be free.">>
You were, after all, @@.choice;[[Most Magnanimous!|MagicianSexTop][$phSara.sex to 5]]
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>>It took only a few minutes to get yourselves cleaned up, once you had willed the tower to let Sara out and popped open the pillory lock. Despite the heavy padding, there were red marks on her skin across her wrist and neck, but she appeared to think they were worth it.
Catching your breath took a little longer. Oh, physically, both of you had been crafted with fitness in mind and probably could have gone another half-dozen times without getting seriously tapped, but there was more to life than the physical. You stayed close to her, sitting at the edge of the stage and rubbing your hand up and down her side to make sure she felt your presence as she put herself back together.
Finally, she smiled up at you and leaned her head against your shoulder.
<<nm $phSara "I'm alright, I'm alright. Just wasn't expecting that one. Guess I learned not to get snarky about my trick cuffs.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I don't know. Maybe you learned exactly when //best// to get snarky about them, hmm?">>
She chuckled and bumped her shoulder against yours. You bumped her back and let the silence stretch. It was a comfortable silence, one where words were unnecessary. You could //feel// her getting her legs beneath her again, but now every hint of stress in her had been excised. She had needed that.
Soon enough she sighed and offered you an apologetic smile.
<<nm $phSara "I've got a show on soon enough. Really ought to open the doors and let people start finding their seats. Won't have quite as much time to check everything before this one, so I'd better make the most of it.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know you're going to knock them dead. Don't forget to find the handcuffs again. I'm not sure where they ended up.">>
She grinned and rolled up to her feet, turning to offer you a hand. You shook her off and slide off the end of the stage instead, looking back at her with a wide smile.
<<nm $phYou "...And maybe conjure up a new set of underwear before things start? I may have ripped them a bit. I got excited.">>
She rolled her eyes at you, back to her usual self, and gave a florid bow. Then, with one more wink over her shoulder, she hurried back behind the stage to get things set up, leaving you free to make your way back up the aisle to the double doors.
The lock clicked even before you reached it, and you opened the door to find a line of guests out front. Their eyes all swiveled to you, and you could feel the low-level thrum of anticipation in the air. They knew they were about to see wonders.
You put on your best smile and opened the door wide before stepping aside to let them in. You gestured in a wide arc toward the theater.
<<nm $phYou "Ladies and gentlemen, come in. Take it from me, you all are about to have an amazing time.">>
You knew //you// @@.choice;[[Certainly Had!|Casino][$phSara.sex to 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 1>>You didn't realize it was a chair that had knocked you over until you found yourself sitting down. You still jumped, unable to help yourself, and nearly dumped yourself right back out of your seat. When you got control of yourself again, you glowered at Sara. She was too busy vamping for the pretend audience to notice.
<<nm $phSara "Lovely! Well, now that our wonderful patron is set up in $pher seat, we can begin! Let's start the music, shall we?">>
She lifted her hand in the air, her fingers spread apart. From the rafters above you, there came the sudden metallic 'chunk' noise of spotlights flaring to life, catching the magician in the center of a trio of blazing columns. The other house lights dimmed, and the rest of the theater seemed to fade away entirely as your eyes struggled to adapt to the sudden differentiation.
Sara stood completely still. She may as well have been turned to stone. Her eyes were closed and her hand was still raised above her head. There was absolute silence in the room for so long you almost began to wonder if something had gone wrong. You were afraid to turn your head or even shift your weight, lest the sound of the chair scraping across the stage resound like a cannon blast in the silence.
Then, suddenly, a single music beat. One note banging into a drum, and with perfect synchronicity, Sara shifted her hip to the right. There was another resounding drum impact and her hips shifted back to the left. Slowly, a steady beat began to play and Sara's hips began to sway.
Soon, other instruments joined in, and Sara was dancing in earnest. She lowered her hand as she rocked back and forth, and when she turned back to you her eyes were smoldering in the spotlights. She was grace personified as she danced back to you.
You found yourself shifting in your chair, trying to ignore the sudden tight feeling across the front of your pants. When you'd alluded to a show, you hadn't actually expected her to put one on. You were certainly not going to object, however.
<<nm $phSara "Worth the price of admission?">>
Sara's voice was teasing as she spoke to you beneath the music, losing that performative air that she had addressed to your 'audience'. She leaned back slightly, giving you a wonderfully clear view of her cleavage through the diamond cut in the front of her outfit.
<<nm $phYou "Worth every penny and more, believe me.">>
<<nm $phSara "Good. Because we haven't even begun yet.">>
She beamed at you, reaching up to take hold of the collar on her jacket. She met your eyes to be sure you were looking at her and then pulled forward suddenly and...
...her jacket was just //in her hand// as if she hadn't been wearing it a moment ago. She grinned at you and made a show of tossing it to one side, her hips still swaying in time with the now pulsing beat.
Oh. Oh this @@.choice;[[Was Going To Be Good!|MagicianSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 2>>Sara strutted in a small circle around you, extending her hand to drag her fingertips lightly across your shoulder. She might have laughed, quietly, but it was difficult to tell. The music was loud enough to drown out anything that wasn't a full-throated attempt.
She circled around in front of you...and you realized with a start that she was carrying her vest in one hand, again despite the fact she'd kept her finger on you the whole time and couldn't possibly have taken it off. She winked at you and then tossed it aside to join her jacket.
<<nm $phYou "Now you're just showing off!">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh just wait! You'll know when I'm showing off!">>
She crossed back over in front of you, putting her hands on either side of her bow tie as her hips continued to sway. She passed her hand over it, and when she lifted her fingers the tie was gone. She turned her hands in front of you again and this time the white gloves simply disappeared between one movement and the next. Her shirt parted down to the diamond cut-out, showing off even more of her chest. By now, she was dressed only in her white dress top, her black shorts, fishnets, and glossy high heels.
You were so hard by this point you were legitimately worried that you might burst a seam in your pants at any moment. You shifted uncomfortably in your chair...and Sara gave you a sudden, knowing smile.
<<nm $phSara "Oh yes. Someone is enjoying our little show alright! Well then. I guess now it //is// time to show off!">>
She rolled her hips to the music and lifted both her hand, turning them one way and then the other to show that they were empty. Then she made a flipping motion, and there was a sudden metallic gleam in the air in front of her. She caught it dexterously from the air and then raised her hand to reveal her prize.
It was a ring, of a sort. It was golden and decorative, and could have been made for a person excepting the fact it was far too large for a finger. It was very nearly the size of a napkin holder and shone brightly with reflected spotlight as Sara held it up for inspection.
<<nm $phYou "...You know, when they tell you to 'put a ring on it', I'm not sure that's quite what they have in mind.">>
<<nm $phSara "Hey! I make the jokes up here. You don't know what this does. I think you're going to enjoy it, though. See, magic is like real estate. It's all about location location location! Getting the right thing to the right place, and this little lovely helps me do that. Do you want to see?">>
What were you going to say? No? You grinned at her, settling back in your chair and crossing your legs. Sara returned the smile, inclined her head, and held up the ring. She cupped her other hand over the top of it and then, with a flourish akin to pulling the tablecloth off a table, pulled her hand away...
...And you //moaned//!
The ring was glowing now with a continual blue light, but that hadn't gotten the reaction from you. No, you'd moaned because emerging from the top of the ring and held triumphantly aloft was @@.choice;[[Your Cock!|MagicianSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 3>><<nm $phSara "Well well well. What have we here? Does this little guy look familiar? Though I guess not really that little.">>
Sara dragged her finger lightly across the base of the cock still emerging from the glowing ring, and you groaned. You could //feel// her finger across you. On reflex, you clutched at the front of your pants. They were no longer tight, and you could immediately tell you were missing something very important.
<<nm $phYou "Sara??!">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh don't worry! I thought you wanted the front row seat. I thought it might be enjoyable for you to just watch for once.">>
She giggled and closed her fingers around your shaft, resting her other hand on the base of the ring. Then, suddenly, she began to pump the ring up and down through her fingers. You gasped and fell forward. You could //feel// her fingers running over your shaft despite the fact it was five feet away.
Sara just beamed at you, slowing only to gather a little dollop of precum from the tip of your shaft and then spread it across the shaft, allowing her palm to glide all the more easily. She turned to her phantom audience.
<<nm $phSara "As you can see, once you've got them in hand, it's really much easier to manage them. Mmm...and then you can start to have a little fun!">>
She tilted her head back, shot you a last sparkling grin, and then lifted your member up into the air. She tilted her head back like a sword swallower...and in a sense she was. You had just long enough to cry out before she pressed your shaft down into her mouth, all the way down until the ring rested against her lips.
You moaned again, but you didn't care. You felt her tongue lap against the base of your shaft, felt the head of your cock impact the back of her throat and slide neatly down, and felt her lips enclosing the base. You shuddered and pumped your hips forward, helplessly, but you were utterly powerless to control the pace. No movement you did translated at all to the sensations running through you.
She held you for a moment, then pumped you in and out for a few seconds before pulling the ring back. She swirled her tongue playfully around the head of your shaft while you squirmed and writhed in the chair, then finally pulled it clear entirely. Almost immediately, she tucked you through the diamond cut out in her shirt and between her soft tits.
<<nm $phSara "Don't worry, love. I'm only a tease for a little while. I always know how to bring down the house for the finale.">>
She kept you nestled snuggly between her breasts with one hand as she snagged up her black jacket with the other. She used it like a matador, letting it extend down to the ground, then pulling it away with a flourish. At this point, you weren't even surprised when a black painted stool simply materialized where there had been nothing a moment before.
Sara mounted the stool in a bound, resting her heels on the supports and leaning back to spread her knees lewdly. She dragged your cock head down into her cleavage and then over her belly. She used it to toy with the hem of her short, and then lowered her other hand down to take hold of the concealed zipper. With agonizing slowness, she pulled it downward.
The material parted and she pushed it down. She was wearing nothing underneath, and you could see the slight glistening of moisture at her lips. That, and the almost unnoticeable flush on her cheeks, signaled that she was enjoying this little show just as much as you were.
<<nm $phSara "Ready for me to make this disappear?">>
She didn't give you time to answer. She just @@.choice;[[Pushed In!|MagicianSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 4>><<nm $phSara "Oh //fuck// you're really big!">>
Sara's voice didn't contain any trace of her performance. She wasn't talking to the audience, or even teasing you. That was just Sara. Her feet rattled against the stool and she leaned forward a bit, even as she pressed your cock head between her lips and into her sex. Her knees wavered and closed a few inches.
You couldn't help but smile, even as you groaned and locked your hands around the edge of your chair. You might not have any control over the pace or the actions, but you were satisfied that, even separated from your body, your cock could still break her concentration.
Soon, she got herself back under control. Her legs opened again as she thrust her hips forward, enclosing another inch of your shaft to your moaning delight. Your hands went white-knuckled around the arms of chair. You could feel her. You could feel every centimeter as your shaft slid slowly into her hot, wet folds.
<<nm $phSara "S-See? Totally gone!">>
<<nm $phYou "Actually, that's...ah!...only about half.">>
<<nm $phSara "W-What on earth was //your// wish? Fuck!">>
Sara looked down between her legs and let a soft groan as she pushed in a little bit more. Her feet rolled against the stool's support, and her knees were trembling. She rolled her hips gently and you leaned back and tried to remain still. It was a losing battle. Every instinct of your body wanted to grab and thrust and move, but you were a complete victim to the sensation.
Finally, she'd had enough. She began to pump her hand forward and back, literally using your shaft as a toy. You closed your eyes and reveled in the sensation. Even though it didn't do anything, you found yourself lifting your hips in time with her motions, as if thrusting along with her. She gave you a smoldering look and a breathless laugh.
<<nm $phSara "E-Enjoying yourself? Watching yourself fuck me from across the room?">>
<<nm $phYou "Of...Of course! But like you said, you have to up your game for the finale, r-right?">>
She cocked her head at you, but you were already up and out of your seat in an instant. She barely had enough time to squeak as you crossed over to her on the stool, reached down, and pressed your hand along the back of hers to drive her 'toy' fully into her sex!
She tossed her head back and screamed! You wrapped your other arm around her, holding her in place as you drew the ring back and then pushed it forward again, even harder now. You felt your knees shudder and shake and you realized you were half leaning on her for support, but it didn't matter. The speed, the power, and the surprise all melded into one glorious blend of sensation and emotion.
Sara met your eyes and you felt her body quake beneath yours. She rolled her shoulders and her hips, caught hold of you with one hand, and drew you down into a kiss. You held it for several long seconds as you pumped the disembodied shaft into her body.
Then both of you, at the same moment, broke away, tilted your heads back, and @@.choice;[[Finished The Show!|MagicianSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phSara "Careful with that!">>
You froze where you were, halfway through picking up Sara's jacket from the ground, but it was already too late. The moment you lifted it from the stage floor, a veritable cascade of coins, cards, wands, and small juggling balls poured from the underside. Sara grumbled, reaching over to take it from you and swung it around in a circle to pop her arms back into the sleeves.
You gave her a suspicious look.
<<nm $phYou "...You're messing with me aren't you?">>
<<nm $phSara "Just a little. Honestly, though, all the preparation really is the sucky part of being a magician. Half of what the hat taught me is just a hell of a lot of patience for setting things up properly.">>
She took advantage of your stooped posture to lean in and press her lips to yours. You caught her in a tight hug, squeezing her against your chest before allowing her to take a step back. You smoothed out the lapels of your jacket.
<<nm $phYou "I don't know why you're complaining. I didn't have so much as a button out of place.">>
She hip checked you firmly enough to nearly knock you off balance, then straightened the collar of her jacket and resettled her bow tie across the top of her shirt. You rested a hand across the small of her back for a moment and leaned in.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you. I have to say that was a hell of a show.">>
<<nm $phSara "Well, I'm glad. That's 100% audience satisfaction, as far as I'm concerned. Maybe you could tell my boss and she might give me a raise?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, save it for the performance review!">>
You squeezed her and she laughed, then disengaged and walked toward the edge of the stage. You were halfway down to the floor when she called out to you again.
<<nm $phSara "Oh, $phYou.firstname?">>
You turned back around...and found her holding the golden ring in her mouth. She rolled it between her lips for a moment, and then extended her tongue through the loop.
You didn't see her tongue emerge out the other end, but you certainly //felt// the wet lash where it counted. You gave a startled sort of gasp that echoed in the empty theater and gripped suddenly against the edge of the stage. The look that Sara shot you was pure satisfaction as she pulled the ring from her lips, tucked it in her pocket, and turned to strut back behind the stage.
Well, you couldn't see that wasn't an experience, one that was likely to be supplying fodder in your dreams for many weeks to come.
You couldn't say @@.choice;[[Minded One Bit!|Casino][$phSara.sex to 0]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 1>><<nm $phSara "Thank you everyone! Let me introduce you all to my big boss, the tower's owner, and the secret succubus of Paradise! Everyone put your hands together for $phYou.firstname!">>
She actually paused as if waiting for applause. It didn't come, but what did resound through the theater was the heavy metallic 'chunk' sound of the spotlights engaging. Sara was suddenly bathed in light, and after a moment several of them swung your direction as well, forcing you to close your eyes and raise your hands against the suddenly glare. You wondered how anyone managed to do anything on a stage for a living. You could barely see anything.
Unfortunately, lifting your arms appeared to be something Sara was waiting for. With just a whisper of movement, she was suddenly behind you and extending her arms beneath yours. Her gloved hands came up and caught hold of your breasts, squeezing them gently through your shirt.
<<nm $phSara "Now, when I say //big// boss, I do mean it. You certainly have a way of making your presence felt around the office. These girls deserve a show of their own, don't you think?">>
Despite yourself, you found yourself blushing. <<if $phYou.gender is 'male'>>You hadn't had them at all before Lazren got ahold of you, and you were still getting used to the new figure you cut.<<else>>You had been a lot smaller before Lazren got ahold of you, and you were still getting used to the new figure you cut.<</if>> Sara's hands splayed over your chest and you almost felt like you //were// being watched by an audience.
<<nm $phYou "This is the show? Showing me off under the spotlight?">>
<<nm $phSara "Of course not. This is just a bonus. You do deserve to be shown off, though. Something about you just makes me want to put you on a pedestal for the whole world. I'm just aiming to make that a little easier...and enjoy myself while I do.">>
She squeezed, sharply, and you drew in a quick breath in response as her fingers sank playfully into the soft flesh. The magician leaned forward and giggled against you ear, kissing your cheek briefly before she let you go and strut around in front of you again.
<<nm $phSara "Okay! The show must go on! We can't spend the entire time fondling those beautiful, heavy, perfect, soft, squeezable, delicious, amazing-.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sara!">>
<<nm $phSara "Alright, alright! If you insist!">>
Sara lifted her hands and posed for the unseen audience, basking in the spotlight. She brought her hand down in front of her and turned toward you, palm outstretched, and you saw that it was no longer empty. Instead, she was presenting a pile of oddly sparkling pale sand. You cocked your head in confusion.
<<nm $phYou "I don't quite-.">>
That's all you got the chance to say before Sara, her beaming smile almost as blinding as the spotlights, leaned forward, exhaled sharply, and blew a cloud of sparkling smoke @@.choice;[[Straight Into Your Face!|MagicianSexBottomFemale][$phSara.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 2>>You flinched back on reflex, but much too slowly. The cloud of sparkling vapor washed over you and you breathed it in before you knew what was going on. It had an oddly fruity taste, reminding you of apples or pears, and despite its appearance it melted pleasantly on your tongue. You shook your head and reached up to brush away the shimmering powder, blinking at the magician. You coughed, more out of instinct than any actual discomfort.
<<nm $phYou "The hell was that?">>
<<nm $phSara "Fairy dust. Remarkable, isn't it? You have no idea how hard it is to actually keep ahold of. You sneeze around it and a whole keg goes up in smoke.">>
You weren't stupid. The air around you was still flickering every couple of second, your skin felt tight, and Sara was smiling way too broadly. You put your hands on your hips and straightened up to your full height to look her eye to eye.
<<nm $phYou "...And what does fairy dust do, exactly?">>
<<nm $phSara "Exactly what I promised it would.">>
You frowned at her, idly raising one foot to rub against the back of your leg. It was itching for some reason, as though the fabric were rubbing against your calf. As you did, your shoe wriggled and nearly came off your foot. When had it gotten so loose?
Sara was still looking far too smug as you bent to examine your shoes. They were still polished shiny and neatly tied, and yet when you lifted your foot they hung oddly, as if the laces had been pulled loose. That wasn't all, either. Your shirt collar was brushing against the underside of your chin and the cuffs of your shirt were loose against your wrists. You straightened up.
<<nm $phYou "Okay, so it's something about my clothes, what exactly-!">>
Your indignation ended with a sudden squeak. You found yourself eye to eye with Sara's generous cleavage. Reflexively, you tried to straighten your book further, but found you were standing at your full height. Sara towered over you, grown at least a head taller than she had been.
...No. Not grown. Suddenly, your ill-fitting clothes made perfect sense. //Sara// wasn't the one who was changing size.
<<nm $phYou "...Oh hell!">>
<<nm $phSara "Didn't I tell you it might be nice to feel small again, $pMs $phYou.firstname? You sort of forget what it's like after a while.">>
Your shirt billowed around you, your hands pulling inside the sleeves and the collar half obscuring your eyes as you sank into the fabric. You flailed on reflex, but the fabric tangled all around you faster than you could extract yourself from it. You let out a frustrated sound that, you were annoyed to discover, was far higher pitched than your voice normally would be!
Sara laughed, clasping her hands together with delight as you shrank back into your clothes. Her expression was filled with glee as she leaned down a bit to bring you back to head height.
<<nm $phSara "You're adorable! I wasn't sure it was going to work, but that's so worth it! Now, let's get you out of those clothes!">>
@@.choice;[[Uh Oh!|MagicianSexBottomFemale][$phSara.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 3>>It didn't take long. Sara reached down and pried open your shirt collar with both hands, popping the two top buttons. You were several inches short of five feet by now and you had started closer to six, so that was just about enough to squeeze your slender shoulders through the opening.
You tried to hold onto your bra after the shirt dropped, but it was a losing battle. Sara reached down and plucked at the garment and, even though you tried to keep your grip on it, she barely had to apply effort to pull it from your hands. You realized you were still dwindling only when you looked up and found that Sara still loomed over you even while bent at the waist.
<<nm $phYou "Sara! How small am I going to get?">>
<<nm $phSara "I'm not sure. I didn't splash you with //that// much so you probably won't be pixie sized! Maybe!">>
You glared up at her and she laughed, stooping and lifting you up out of your clothes. She was startlingly strong. You were still approaching four feet tall and she lifted you about as easily as she'd heft a set of full grocery bags.
You turned you in the air and pulled you back against her, and almost immediately her hand went to your chest again. This time, though, her fingers covered nearly your entire breast with your nipple brushing out against the center of her palm. She squeezed, firmly enough to make you emit a high-pitched moan.
<<nm $phYou "Careful with those!">>
<<nm $phSara "Always, but you can't expect me not to play with my new toy, can you?">>
You clutched onto her wrist, but it didn't slow her down. She squeezed and kneaded and pinched at your breast until you were panting and your nipples were like little diamonds. All the while, your feet continued to retract toward your body. It got slower and slower until you seemed to stabalize...at about half your previous height. Your curves were impressive as ever but you'd barely come up to Sara's waist if she put you down...which it seemed she had no intention of doing.
She held you against her body with one arm, and the fingertips brushed down your side to your hip. You marveled at how much bigger her hand seemed to you now. Your head was nestled into her cleavage like two huge pillows, and you could hear the steady beating of her heart against you.
Her fingers shifted, suddenly. You had just enough time to gasp and put both hands down between your legs before Sara's finger curved between them and stroked up the length of your sex. You shuddered, holding both hands against her wrist, but her fingertip pressed against you all the same. It felt as large as a cock to your current size, except it was impossibly flexible, bending and pressing at you in all the right ways. You found yourself wet against her fingertip.
Sara laughed again and whispered into your ear, her voice hardly more than a breath.
<<nm $phSara "The nice thing about being small, $phYou.firstname, is that it means other people can be big for once. Now, why don't you thank me, hmm?">>
Your fingers trembled at her wrist and you swallowed hard. She held her hand still, but she kept stretching and relaxing her index finger, and every push against you felt like it just made the heat and wetness between your legs all the worse. The leaned back, letting yourself relax into the comfortable pillows behind you. Slowly, your arms bent and you pulled your hands back from her to let her act.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Sar-ah!">>
You didn't have time to finish. The moment the affirmation hit your lips, Sara was already moving to press her finger @@.choice;[[Straight Into You!|MagicianSexBottomFemale][$phSara.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 4>>You found your back arching, your knees spreading, and your head tilting up against Sara's body as she drove her finger inside of you. Your tinny moan echoed off the walls as if someone were playing a porno at twice the speed. You clutched onto her arm, but you were still held pinned against her body as if you had been glued there.
<<nm $phSara "That's a good girl! Relax, okay? Sara will take care of you. Just let me in.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's...It's too big!">>
<<nm $phSara "It's alright, we'll go slow. Just relax!">>
You felt her sink into you to the first knuckle and your knees spread a little further, toes curling despite yourself. If her finger was a cock, it was one of the thickest cocks you had ever taken. <<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>Damien and his enlarged shaft might be a match, but only just.<</if>> You still retained half your height, but your body had shrunk on all three axes and Sara felt as though she were stretching you to the very limit.
She did as she promised, slowing down to give you time to adjust. As she began to work her finger forward and back, you felt it growing more and more slick by the second as your excitement grew. You were helpless. Sara had three feet and probably eighty pounds on you. All you could do was lay back against her and trust that she would be careful.
And that fucking turned you on.
Soon enough, she could move more easily. You began to roll your hips up to meet every movement of her finger inside of you, and she was soon able to push in to the second knuckle. You still couldn't get used to it. Every time you thought you were compensating for the sensation, she would twist or curl her finger in a new orientation and every motion would brush her against your body in a different way. Her glorious digit moved in a way a cock never could, and a way you were simply not prepared to handle.
Within a minute, she was fucking you with abandon. You gasped and moaned and rocked your hips as she pistoned her finger in and out of your sex, leaving you breathless. You tried to hold on, but it was impossible. You felt yourself rising to the precipice and you closed your eyes and let it wash over you.
The pleasure was sharp, sudden, and overwhelming. It washed across your body and made you stiffen and moan, squeezing so firmly over Sara's finger that it slowed her pistoning to a crawl. You didn't care. Your eyes fluttered and your scream echoed off the walls. You humped at her hand, frantically, as the aftershocks rebounded from one end of your body to the other and then finally slumped down in her arms, panting hard.
She let you catch your breath, humming softly to herself as she withdrew her finger and raised it absently to her lip to lap lightly at her fingertip. You would have blushed if your face wasn't already bright red from the exertion and excitement. The magician winked down at you, then leaned forward to settle you back on your feet.
<<nm $phYou "That was...really nice. Thank you, Sara.">>
<<nm $phSara "Mmhmm, any time. But, there's one other nice thing about having you small. Do you know what that is?">>
<<nm $phYou "No? What's the other-.">>
You didn't get much farther. You were straightening up to your full height and turning around when you realized that, at some point in all of that, Sara had managed to undo the button and slide the zipper down on her close-fitting black shorts...and you realized that because that's exactly where your head was.
Uh oh. @@.choice;[[Again!|MagicianSexBottomFemale][$phSara.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>>Sara's first orgasm was hard and fast, but it was still gentle. She pulled you forward against you, driving your tongue deep into her sex. She rolled her hips against you, clearly excited by the power she had over you, and you were more than happy to oblige. You brought her off to a quick, powerful climax against your lips and probing tongue.
The second was far more savage. Sara pushed you down onto your back and straddled your head, pulling your face up to meet her once more. This time, she did all the movement, driving her body down against you so hard you struggled to find a rhythm to take a breath. When she came, it was a shuddering, screaming, begging orgasm that had her curled up and falling off you to the side.
Then it was time for one of yours. Her tongue on your pussy was just as large as her finger had been, wet and slick as it probed far deeper into you than anyone could at your ordinary size. Then another for her, this time with three of your fingers held together to push into her as fast as your arm could move.
After that, you lost track of the back and forth. Eventually, though, you were both spent. You both lay on the stage, curled up with one another, slowly baking in the spotlight as you struggled to find the energy to even roll over to let it cook your other side.
You didn't realize you were back to your full size until you nuzzled up against the magician's shoulder and realized she no longer loomed over you. She gave a tired laugh and reached out to pat you on the hip.
<<nm $phSara "Well, I'd say that was a successful test!">>
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean, 'test'? Wait...you didn't know what it would do?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh I knew what it was supposed to do, but I didn't know how small you'd get. Still have to fine tune the amount to get you at the height I want. Something for next time.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh really? And what if I blow it back on you, hmm? I could be the one on top.">>
<<nm $phSara "You keep telling yourself that, big girl. You know you loved being thrown around a little.">>
She shifted onto her elbow and leaned up to plant a kiss on your lips. Then she blearily looked out at the empty seats and heaved an enormous sigh.
<<nm $phSara "...We should get up. I have to put on a show in an hour. People will start lining up soon.">>
You groaned, but obediently sat up and got your wits about you. You both redressed, though annoyingly you found you had to unbutton, untie, and unlace all of your clothes before you could put them on. The hazards of slipping out of them while so small. Quickly enough, though, you were both restored to your respective costumes.
Sara twirled her wand in her hand and tossed it into the air. Somewhere along the way back down it simply vanished into nothingness. She gave you a broad wink.
<<nm $phSara "That's one way to get ready. I think it's safe to say you're the best volunteer I've ever had. I'll have to invite you back, though. I already have some plans for next time.">>
You frowned at her, even as you gingerly slipped off the edge of the stage and hopped back down to the carpet. The air felt shockingly cool now that you'd finally escaped the glare of the spotlights.
<<nm $phYou "...Do I want to know?">>
<<nm $phSara "Oh, it'll be fun! I was just curious...what happens if I sprinkle you with dust while you've got a toy inside you? I have no idea but I am //really// excited to find out.">>
Oh dear. You had a feeling //that// one was going to keep you up at night for a while.
For now, you decided it was best to make your escape before Sara decided to @@.choice;[[Make You Part Of Tonight's Show!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 1>>You followed Sara as she all but sashayed behind the bar towards the //Employees Only// door. <<if ($phKayo.focus_bottom is 0) and ($phKayo.focus_top is 0)>>Behind it: something between a very small room and a very large closet. Wire shelves lined the walls, bearing bottles of every possible size and shape. Rum, gin, scotch, schnapps, and vodka; small boxes of paper drink umbrellas, straws, and napkins. A hexagonal honeycomb rack with a two dozen bottles of wine rested against a wall.<<else>>It still looked much the same as before -- perhaps a bottle more or less, or a box moved from here to there -- but a storeroom was a storeroom no matter where you went. It certainly hadn't gotten any bigger since your last visit.<</if>>
She crossed some of the racks, selecting some of the smaller bottles seemingly at random as far as you could tell, although the smile on her lips and the way she glanced back at you every so often was anything but business-like. The purple kimono she wore may have been more Kayo's style than Sara's own, but the combination of her playful expression and the semi-traditional attire just enhanced them both.
<<if $phKayo.focus_top is 0>><<nm $phSara "...so that necklace. Weird, but I don't think I noticed it before. Have you always worn it?">>
You looked down instinctively to your chest, where the small red gemstone rested in sharp contrast to your white <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "It was a gift from Lazren -- the woman who changed me. It's a bit like a mood ring. I wear the green side when I'm feeling a bit more like getting my hair pulled; the red side when I want someone on their knees.">>
Sara raised her eyebrows as she finished selecting the bottles she needed and set the small collection into a small cardboard box on the floor for easy transport later.
<<nm $phSara "Really? Well, $pMs $phYou.firstname: you wearing a nice necklace doesn't mean I //have// to bend over for you, you know. Or you being the VIP around here. Kayo and I have had some interesting conversations about people, power, and entitlement, actually.">>
It was your turn to lift your brows at her -- half because you weren't expecting a challenge on the subject, given the magical nature of the gemstone, and half because her flirtatious demeanor outside sure didn't suggest she'd been thinking about power and entitlement out //there//.
<<nm $phYou "The way you were flirting with me didn't give me the impression that you thought I was taking advantage.">>
<<nm $phSara "So you're saying I'm asking for it?">>
You genuinely couldn't tell whether the tone in her voice was 'arch' or 'amused', and you were just about to protest that that wasn't what you meant, when Sarah rolled her eyes, canted her hip to one side, and crossed her arms over her waist.
<<nm $phKayo "Do not listen to her, $phYou.firstname-//kun//. If only you could feel the tingle in her nerves and the dampness between her thighs, you would know how hollow her words truly are.">>
Immediately, Sara's eyes widened again, her stance straightened, and a swift objection leapt to her lips.
<<nm $phSara "W-what?? I didn't say that!">>
<<nm $phKayo "Is lying not also inauspicious behaviour, Sara? For one who speaks much of punishing those who take advantage, you are quick to attempt the same.">>
You watched the exchange -- if it could be called that -- with both confusion and fascination. As Sara spoke, her bearing and speech changed completely. Her accent changed; the formality of her words changed; the timbre and tone and warmth of it. The expression on her face shifted from shocked disbelief to sly cunning and back again with flawless execution. <<if ($phJolie.focus_comp > 0) or ($phJolie.focus_shake > 0)>>Even Jolie would be jealous of that sort of acting skill... if that's what it was.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...Kayo?">>
Sara's eyes were wide as she clapped a hand over her own mouth -- only to have her other hand rise and forcibly pry it away. She opened her mouth to object, only to have it transform into a wide grin and knowing look in your direction.
<<nm $phKayo "She accuses me of ruining her fun...but I believe, perhaps, the fun is just beginning. Even should I control her body, Sara-//chan// can see and hear everything around her... and feel everything that happens.">>
Now both of Sara's hands rose and followed the cool silk fabric of the kimono from her waist up along her torso. When they reached her breasts, Sara -- or Kayo -- cupped both breasts in her hands. She squeezed the modest handfuls with firm but gentle pressure before her fingertips sought out the small nubs of her nipples, just barely visible against the rich fabric. A tug, twist, and light pinch brought a low moan of pleasure from her lips... and a half-hearted objection.
<<nm $phSara "... that's not fair.">>
Suddenly you were very curious as to what the two got up to in the privacy of their room. That question, however, would have to wait.
<<else>><<nm $phSara "...red necklace again, huh? Looking to take advantage of a poor, innocent girl at the bar?">>
You //snorted//.
<<nm $phYou "If you see one, let me know -- because neither you //nor// Kayo come within a lightyear of being 'poor and innocent'.">>
<<nm $phSara "Well, maybe if my boss didn't have me going down on $pher in the stockroom all the time...">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe if you didn't //like// it so much when $pshe did...">>
Sara's eyes narrowed a little at you, and she gave a light, indignant sniff.
<<nm $phSara "Well. Maybe I won't like it this time!">>
<<nm $phYou "Right. Sure. Kayo? What do you think? Is Sara already wet, or do I need to wait about, oh, thirty seconds?">>
<<nm $phKayo "'Wet' is perhaps an exaggeration, but how did your Shakespeare put it? 'Methinks the lady doth protest too much'?">>
<<nm $phSara "//Hey!//">>
Her objection was made all the more moot when Kayo pulled the strings of her body, brought a hand to Sara's own throat, and lightly dragged a single oval nail down the side. The way Sara's lips parted and how surprised the expression on her face looked, you wondered whether Kayo could choose to control only //some// parts of Sara, and leave other parts free. A moment later, her hands drifted down to the top of the kimono. They followed the curves of feminine flesh beneath the silk, tracing and cupping and squeezing as they went. Sara shivered and drew in a deep breath, followed by a token objection.
<<nm $phSara "H-hey-- this-- this is two against one!">>
Not exactly sporting, true, but...
<</if>>@@.choice;
[[All's Fair in Love and War|KitsuneSexTop][$phSara.sex to 2]]<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 2>><<nm $phSara "F-fuck... this isn't //fair//!">>
It wasn't, you could agree, as you watched the young Japanese woman rub and caress her own breasts through the silk of the kimono. One of them slid inside the finely-crafted cloth to explore the soft skin beneath. Sara arched beneath her own touch, pushing her chest out further against her palms. Her eyes were half-lidded but focused on you, and her cheeks were flushed with embarassment and arousal as //you// watched //her//.
<<if $phKayo.focus_top is 0>><<nm $phYou "Are you sure this alright? If you're controlling her body, //can// she tell us to stop? If she wants to?">>
<<nm $phKayo "Of course. I have nothing to gain from abusing the woman I inhabit. Even should I close her mouth, I cannot still her thoughts, and should she think but a moment of reluctance, I would release her -- and so would you.">>
<</if>>you let out an amused breath as you watched 'her' touch 'herself'. It quickly spread to your lips, where it found expression as a wide grin. This was going to be fun. You stepped up to her and reached out your hands. Your fingertips brushed against her shoulders and trailed lightly down her sleeves towards her elbows. There, they reversed and climbed up her forearms until you were able to cup your hands over hers. You helped her squeeze.
<<if $phKayo.focus_top is 0>><<nm $phYou "... you like this, Sara? Imagine that: someone so protective of other people, secretly wanting someone to take advantage of //her//.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I remember how much you enjoyed this last time. You're only complaining to save face, aren't you? We already know how wet it makes you. You like being 'forced' a little bit.">><</if>>
Sara bit her lip to try to quell her moan. The walls weren't soundproof, and the door wasn't all that thick. The music and din of the machines in the Casino offered audio camouflage, but any patrons lingering at the bar still might get an interesting earful.
<<nm $phYou "Drop the kimono off her shoulders; get her hands out of the way.">>
Kayo complied, and Sara's hands moved to slowly spread the neckline of her robe open further still. An elegant shrug of her right shoulder made the sleeve flow down her arm like rich water; a shrug of her left shoulder did the same on the other side. The top pooled down around her slightly bent elbows as she lowered her hands to her upper thighs, and then slipped further still until it hung on only by the the three-point support of her wrists and backside. It left her entire upper body bare to your gaze.
And not just your gaze. Now unobstructed, your hands returned to her breasts. You splayed your fingers across them, squeezing and kneading the pale skin as Sara whimpered quietly under your touch. The light brown tips of her areolas and nipples looked lovely caught between your $phYou.skin fingertips. She shivered, helpless to do anything other than allow you to fondle her.
Her own hands -- controlled by the fox spirit inside her -- mirrored your groping touch on the wine-purple fabric of her robe. Her fingernails trailed from her knee all the way up her inner thighs, stopping just short of the junction with her hidden sex. Sara sucked in a light gasp as the silk shifted over skin, but you weren't sure whether it was her or Kayo who parted her knees just a bit more.
You licked your lips as you watched, tweaking the small dark nubs that topped her breasts. Your eyes drifted down her body. It was easy to imagine what was under that silk. The surreal sight of Sara touching, stroking, and squeezing herself, moaning in pleasure, spreading her legs in instinctive request for more... The sight of her, half-nude and teasing herself, already had <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>slick nectar building between your legs<<else>>your cock half-hard<</if>>.
Sara breathed out another half-hearted objection as Kayo pulled the strings to her body as an expert puppeteer.
<<nm $phSara "Fuck...">>
You pulled in a deep breath as you reached to undo your belt.
'Fuck' sounded like @@.choice;[[An Excellent Idea.|KitsuneSexTop][$phSara.sex to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 3>>You took Sara around the waist and boosted her up until her ass rested on the top of a prep table. Wedging one hand under each hip, you rocked her back and forth with demonic strength as you jostled the silk out from under her bottom and up around her waist instead. She wore no panties underneath, despite the kimono's short length, and the sight tugged the corner of your lips up in a knowing smile.
<<nm $phYou "Make her grab the edge. Spread her legs.">>
Kayo nodded Sara's head, and soon her long fingers curled around the edge of the table to anchor herself and hold herself steady. Her knees were already beginning to part before your palms came to rest on them. You helped spread them wider still. It bared her mound to you in full glory: soft, feminine folds beneath a trimmed patch of short black hair. Her lips parted as you urged her knees apart, and you could see the slick arousal glistening along their inner edges.
You might take your own pleasure later, but right now, you wanted to taste hers.
You got to your knees in front of her and nuzzled your nose against her bare inner thigh. The finely sculpted muscles twitched beneath the warmth of your breath. Sara's fingers flexed and started to lift, only to clamp back down on the edge as Kayo re-exerted control. You let out a soft laugh, curled your tongue against her skin, and began painting a long, wet path from mid-thigh up towards her waiting sex.
Sara's breath caught and her head tilted back as your tongue found its target. You felt her stomach muscles tighten and quiver; when her legs spread further still, you weren't sure whether it was Kayo's 'helping hand' or Sara's own raw desire.
You closed your mouth around one of her folds and suckled it lightly between your lips. The taste of her nectar met your tongue. You eased it slowly up to the top of her slit, where the pearl of her clit awaited you. Her body jerked as you flicked the tip of your tongue across it, and when you embraced that, too, with you lips, Sara let out a high-pitched, shivering moan.
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Your other hand was busy, too. Your slid your hand beneath the waistband of your open slacks and panties until your fingers found wetness of your own. You pressed your fingertips against your clit; the small back-and-forth, up-and-down, and pinpoint flicks lit up your nerves in delicious spikes and waves. You matched the movements to the stroke of your tongue against Sara's clit, and soon the small spasms that seized her body rocked yours as well.<<else>>Your other hand was busy, too. You reached inside your slacks and drew your already-thick erection out over your waistband. You traded tongue for touch, swiping your fingers up through Sara's slickness, and then spread it over your cock as your mouth went back to work. The juices made for an easy glide as you wrapped your hand around your shaft and started pumping.<</if>>
You buried your nose against her folds, licking and teasing, alternating with pursed lips and pulsing suction. Sara's hands gripped the tabletop tight enough to whiten her knuckles. Each buck of her hips against your face was accompanied by a gasp of breath. Her chin had dropped back down to her chest, and as you spared a glance up the line of her torso, you could see her half-lidded eyes gazing down at you. Orange flickered in her otherwise brown eyes, and you could swear you saw a curl of matching aura flicker behind her body. <<if $phKayo.focus_top is 0>>You wondered if Kayo could feel what Sara did, and whether the fox spirit was enjoying it just as much.<<else>>You knew from experience that despite her reserved demeanor, the foxwife could feel everything that Sara did -- and enjoyed it just as much.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Grope yourself. Tease her.">>
A grin spread across Sara's lips -- though it disappeared a moment later into an open-mouthed moan. Her hands finally left the top of the table and rose instead to her breasts again, where she squeezed, tugged, and kneaded with renewed urgency.
<<nm $phSara "Ah! K-Kayo, p-please!">>
The same breathless voice answered, though with different timbre and accent.
<<nm $phKayo "It is not me whom you should be begging.">>
With one hand busy with yourself and one hand steadying her leg, you were at a disadvantage... but not for long. Human eyes never noticed the long, prehensile tail that extruded through the slit in your slacks. You knew Kayo could see it, though whether Sara shared her supernatural sight, you weren't sure.
You //were// sure that she //felt// it, as you wrapped its length around her waist, curled in the edges of the spade-shaped tip, and then began to press the thick, muscular member into her cunt. Her eyes instantly went wide, and her hips pushed down with an instinctive thrust that buried the wide, blunt tip inside her.
<<nm $phSara "$phYou.firstname! Please! //Please!//">>
She ground her pussy against your mouth with fevered desperation, and your obliged her pleas by sealing your lips around her clit and fucking her hard and fast with your whip-like tail. Kayo had to clamp Sara's hands back on the edge again to anchor her and stop her from slipping off the table entirely.
One hand abruptly yanked free and slapped over her mouth, just in time to muffle the delightful scream of pleasure that erupted. Her muscles clenched and squeezed around you, and you all but //growled// in satisfaction as she came.
But you weren't sure she'd been @@.choice;[[Properly Thankful Yet.|KitsuneSexTop][$phSara.sex to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 4>>You pulled back and wiped your mouth off on the back of your hand, and at the same time slid your tail free of her cunt. She let out an unsteady whimper as she was left empty again, her breath coming in short, hard pants.
<<nm $phYou "On her knees. Right here.">>
You aimed a finger down at the slim patch of floor between you and the table. Your other hand was still <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>nestled in the valley between your legs<<else>>wrapped around the throbbing base of your cock<</if>>, and you kept stroking yourself as Sara -- or Kayo -- nodded and slowly eased herself off the table and knelt at your feet.
<<nm $phKayo "Shall I release her, $phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phYou "Not yet. Not until her mouth is properly full.">>
Despite Kayo's voice on her tongue, the surprise and wanton lust in her eyes was all Sara. Though they widened, there was nothing she could do to resist while the fox spirit pulled her body's strings. You stepped around her and took her place against the support of the table top as you tugged your slacks down to give her better access. Sara, still fainly quivering, sank down to her knees.
You weren't sure whether Kayo had to 'encourage' Sara to open her lips and lean forward, but you were sure it was Sara as her eyelids fluttered, she <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>pressed her mouth to your wet pussy, and began to lick<<else>>took your stiff cock into her mouth, and began to suck<</if>>. Her hands rose to brace against the front of your thighs as she began to <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>nod her head up and down, the blade of her tongue deep between your folds<<else>>bob her head up and down, your shaft rubbing over the back of her tongue<</if>>.
Your hand soon rested atop her head, your fingers between the elegant chopsticks that held her hair. Your own eyes half-lidded as you watched her. It was a beautiful, beautiful view.
<<nm $phYou "That's perfect, Sara; you're doing great. You just needed a little encouragement to be honest, didn't you?">>
She gave an ecstatic, muffled sound in response without breaking rhythm.
You'd already <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>stroked and fingered yourself until you were sopping wet<<else>>stroked and pumped yourself until you were almost at the brink<</if>> when you'd been the one between //her// thighs. Now that the positions were reversed, Sara's skilled mouth was making short work of what little remained of your restraint.
<<nm $phYou "That's it. That's it! Don't let her stop!">>
Your physical hands complemented Kayo's metaphysical ones, and joined them in holding Sara in place between your legs. You bucked your hips against her face, <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>crushing your clit against her tongue<<else>>jamming your cock into the soft stop at the back of her throat<</if>>, gasping and grunting as you tried to hold back the groan of your climax and keep it from escaping the storeroom walls.
As <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Sara's lips and tongue teased at your clit<<else>>Sara's cheek hollowed and and worked over your shaft<</if>> with fervent adoration, the electric jolts lit up your nerves and pushed you to the breaking point. You bit your lip and caught your breath, and then <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>painted her face with the smeared nectar of your climax<<else>>filled her throat with the cream of your climax<</if>>.
@@.choice;
[[She Took It All!|KitsuneSexTop][$phSara.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 5>>It was several minutes later before the waves of small aftershocks finally left you. The tabletop was your anchor, and your inner thighs twitched in delightful echo of powerful sensation. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>They were also drenched in slick, sticky juices.<<else>>They were also smeared with remnants of semen that had dribbed from Sara's lips as you pulled free.<</if>>
You eyed the young Asian woman as she got to her feet and retrieved a small bar towel, which she then used to try to wipe you clean.
<<nm $phYou "...Kayo?">>
<<nm $phSara "Sara. She, ah, let me go a minute or two before you, ah...">>
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>><<nm $phYou "Came all over your face?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "Came down your throat?">><</if>>
She blushed at your teasing tone, though a moment later her brown eyes glanced up again with the familiar mischieveous edge.
<<if $phKayo.focus_top is 0>><<nm $phSara "I didn't realize how much I'd like something like that, but... well, Kayo's been teaching me a lot about... things. Things I'd never considered before. Things I didn't know even //were// 'things' before.">><<else>><<nm $phSara "I'm always amazed at how //hot// it is when someone else is in control and just //using// me... in an approved, consentual way. Kind of embarrassing: even though I hate guys like Mitch, or just people in general, who take advantage of everyone else... I get off, hard, to this.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Heh. I'm not surprised. Everyone's got their kinks, and for a lot of people 'not being in control' is one of them. But consent is important, and I'd never do it if you weren't okay with it. //You//, not Kayo.">>
<<nm $phSara "I know. I'm a good read of people, remember? I knew you were a good person right from the start. I just didn't realize that you were 'good at heart' and //amazing// at... other things.">>
Her lips tilted up in a smile, and the way her eyes drifted down to waist level left little imagination to what 'other things' that might be.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Customer" "Bartender!">>
The call from outside interrupted you as you were about to respond, and Sara's head turned towards the still-closed storeroom door. When she looked back at you again, it was with a wry, apologetic smile.
<<nm $phSara "I should get back out to the bar. Having two minds doesn't help when you've only got one body.">>
You let out a breath that was half-chuckle and half-sigh. You loved that you could steal these little 'breaks' from the ordinary work-day, but it seemed like the actual //work// never ended, and always came back at an inconvenient time.
<<nm $phYou "Go ahead. Although you might want to take a drink of something strong, or grab a mint.">>
She laughed and gave you a little roll of her eyes. The blush of color was back in her cheeks.
<<nm $phSara "... thanks. I think. I'll see what I can find.">>
Sara tossed you a wink, and, quickly adjusting the folds of her kimono and re-cinching the //obi-jime// cord, hurried towards the door. She snatched up a bottle on the way out.
<<nm $phSara "Coming!">>
//More like 'came',// you thought with a little mental snort, as you pulled up and fastened your slacks as well. Time to get back on the clock.
@@.choice;
[[No Rest for the Wicked!|Casino][$phSara.sex to 0, $phTime += 1, $phKayo.focus_top += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phSara.sex is 1>>A plain door behind the bar warned that it was for //Employees Only//. Behind it: something between a very small room and a very large closet. Wire shelves lined the walls, bearing bottles of every possible size and shape. Rum, gin, scotch, schnapps, and vodka; small boxes of paper drink umbrellas, straws, and napkins. A hexagonal honeycomb rack with a two dozen bottles of wine rested against a wall.
You followed Sara, and the sway of her hips. She flipped the lightswitch and continued on to a small table, plucking one of the bottles from the shelf as she walked. A glass, plucked from another. Your eyes traveled the shelves before finally returning to the barkeep, and caught a glimpse of that orange tail sweeping in a short, elegant swish behind her back.
<<if ($phKayo.focus_bottom is 0) and ($phKayo.focus_top is 0)>><<nm $phKayo "I am accustomed to being in control of certain situations, $phYou.firstname, and I am protective of my new... friend.">>
You recognized the voice instantly: the small shift in accent, the more formal way she spoke. It explained as well the swish of russet behind her back, and the taller, straighter way she carried herself. This was Kayo.
<<nm $phKayo "Given your demonic nature, I would prefer to ensure that you are no danger to either of us, this first time.">>
You frowned. She didn't turn around, so you couldn't see her expression. The notion that you were somehow untrustworthy, or a //danger//, was one you very much disagreed with.
<<nm $phYou "I'm not. Sara trusts me; she wouldn't have put on the mask if she had any doubts.">>
<<nm $phKayo "She does -- but with respect, she barely knows you. I am older, wiser, and more cautious.">>
You scowled, and as the kitsune turned to face you, a bottle in one hand and glass in the other, she met your gaze evenly and unperturbed. Sara's soft brown eyes were bright fox-orange again, and the energy tail curled around her thighs around the rich purple silk of the kimono. When you blinked, you were sure you caught a glimpse of tall, peaked ears as well.
It seemed that if you wanted Kayo to trust you, you'd have to do some trusting of your own.
<<nm $phYou "Fine. What do I need to do to show you I'm safe?">>
With that, the corner of her lips lifted in a slight, knowing smile. The neck of the bottle //tinked// against the tumbler in her hand as she poured a shot's worth of something with a rich amber color. As she sat it down on the counter, she plucked another glass from the shelf and filled it as well. This time, though, she touched her fingertip to the liquid's surface. It left behind a familiar orange ripple that soon melted away into nothingness.
She sat the bottle down and motioned to the two seemingly-identical drinks with an elegant flourish of her hand.
<<nm $phKayo "Pick one.">>
<<nm $phYou "What are they? And what's //in// them?">>
Her smile curled the other side of her lips as well, slim and sly.
<<nm $phKayo "A good time.">>
<<nm $phYou "... like, 'lowered inhibitions' good time, or like, you spiked my drink?">>
<<nm $phKayo "The first is the first; the second, the second. But I assure you that even should you choose the latter, it will not be an unpleasant experience.">><</if>><<if ($phKayo.focus_top > 0) and ($phKayo.focus_bottom is 0)>><<nm $phSara "As you know, $phYou.firstname, I have certain preferences -- although, as you also know, I am willing to be... flexible. Especially having shared Sara-//chan//'s enjoyment of being on the more 'receptive' end of things.">>
She turned to face you. The thin red lines of the mask were just barely visible on her pale skin, and her ethereal tail rose and flicked behind her. In her hand she held an earthenware jug; in the other, two small, matching cups. She poured from the former into the latter, watching you with a small smile. Once she'd placed the bottle back down behind her, she dipped her fingertip into the one of the glasses. It left behind a familiar orange ripple that soon melted away into nothingness. Now holding one in each hand, she offered you both.
<<nm $phKayo "That said, I will enjoy returning the favor. Choose one.">>
You took them cautiously, raising them to your nose and taking a sniff of each in turn. They smelled //strong//, but not necessary strange, not even the one in which she'd dipped her finger.
<<nm $phYou "What are they? And what's //in// them?">>
Her smile curled the other side of her lips as well, slim and sly.
<<nm $phKayo "A good time.">>
<<nm $phYou "... like, 'lowered inhibitions' good time, or like, you spiked my drink?">>
A wink from the fox spirit.
<<nm $phKayo "The first is the first; the second, the second. But I assure you that even should you choose the latter, it will not be an unpleasant experience.">><</if>><<if $phKayo.focus_bottom > 0>><<nm $phSara "As you know, $phYou.firstname, I have certain... preferences, which your emerald encourages. I quite enjoyed the last time we shared sake... as did you.">>
You couldn't deny that. Kayo had definitely made an impression, and despite your initial misgivings, it'd been a Hell of a time.
<<nm $phYou "Good sake makes for good sex, it seems.">>
She turned to face you. The thin red lines of the mask were just barely visible on her pale skin, and her ethereal tail rose and flicked behind her. In her hand she held an earthenware jug; in the other, a small, matching cup.
<<nm $phKayo "Mm. Agreed. I am glad you appreciate fine drink.">>
Kayo poured and held the cup out to you, but as you reached to take it, her raised pinkie finger stalled your motion.
<<nm $phKayo "Choose, $phYou.firstname. Then drink.">>
You pursed your lips, recalling the choice you'd been given last time: 'a good time', whether with simple alcohol spirits, or the fox-magic packing a more potent punch. Kayo hadn't actually touched the liquor yet, so it should be 'safe'... unless you chose otherwise.
<<nm $phKayo "In Japanese, we toast with '//otsukare//'.">>
You said it back, as best you could, and made your choice.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Choose the Safe Sake|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 2]]
[[Choose the Drugged Drink|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 2.5]]@@<</if>><<if ($phSara.sex is 2) or ($phSara.sex is 2.5)>><<if $phSara.sex is 2>>It didn't //burn// on its way down -- the sake was far too rich and smooth for that -- but as soon as it hit your stomach you felt the warm glow begin to spread out through your veins. It was strong, for sure -- but you were pretty sure that 'strong' was all it was.<<else>>It hit fast, and it hit strong. The trail of heat down your throat seemed to spread out even before the sake hit your stomach, lighting up your nerves. You blinked, caught your breath, and tried to stay focused. You had a demonic constitution, but whatever she had laced the drink with stronger still.<</if>>
<<nm $phKayo "Take a seat, $phYou.firstname.">>
Kayo's kimono rustled softly as she moved towards you. Her outstretched hand, fingers spread, flattened against your chest and nudged you backwards. You turned your head enough to confirm where the 'seat' was. It was a simple wooden chair: four legs and a back, but lacking any armrests. Solid enough, though, to sit on, and when the backs of your knees bumped up against it, you sat.
Her hand stayed on your chest as you did so, guiding you down. The kitsune tilted her head as she watched you with those bright orange eyes, and soon she seemed to tower above you as she stood next to the chair. Her fingers lingered on the front of your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>, and <<if $phSara.sex is 2>>the warmth of the sake spreading through your body<<else>>the dizzying high of the drugged drink<</if>> made the touch glow with pleasant heat.
<<nm $phKayo "Let us go over the rules. You will not touch me without my permission. You will address me as //Kayo-sama//. In English, you may call me 'Madame Kayo'.">>
Her tone was soft, silken, and graceful as her hand finally rose from your chest. It rose only far enough to slip beneath the lapel of your suit jacket, and was soon joined by her other hand on the other side. Her smooth motions spread the expensive fabric apart to bare more of your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>> beneath. That same light, measured touch spread trails of warmth over your shoulders as her palms slid up and urged the jacket free.
<<nm $phKayo "Repeat them, $phYou.firstname.">>
She kept one hand braced on your shoulder as her other withdrew and dropped to her thigh. The indigo silk crinkled as she gathered it between her fingers. Your eyes dropped automatically to her leg and the pale skin that was revealed, inch by inch, as she drew her robe upwards. <<if $phSara.sex is 2>>The sight brought a sudden rush of heat in your cheeks, and in parts further south -- a heat amplified by the tingle of the sake.<<else>>The sight brought a sudden rush of heat in your cheesks, and in parts further south. It was already hard to concentrate on your words, and you barely managed to get them out in a coherent sentence.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I... won't touch you without permission. And I will address you as Madame Kayo.">>
<<nm $phKayo "Good. Sara-//chan// has... other preferences, and perhaps there will dawn a day that I share them. But for now, you will serve //my// pleasure.">>
You licked your lips as you gazed up at her. From this close, you could //see// the lick of glowing orange power in her eyes, and the elegant curve of her ghostly tail behind her. As she settled astride your thighs, the waving brush of 'fur' slid across your calves, and you were surprised to realize that you could //feel// it, too. What you'd thought was ethereal energy had substance after all.
It made you all the more aware of the sharpened points of her canine teeth as she smiled down at you, and the tips of her strong nails as she raised her hand from her leg and begin undoing the buttons of your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>, one by one.
Her hand slipped inside your shirt, and those exquisite nails traced <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>the line of your pecs<<else>>the curve of your breasts inside your bra<</if>>. Kayo's tongue touched her upper lip to wet it as she circled your nipple with slow, purposeful grace.
<<nm $phKayo "Many would give both their riches and their lives for the touch of a foxwife, $phYou.firstname. You are fortunate that all I ask from you is your obedience.">>
Her hand withdrew from your shoulder and went to hers instead. She drew the silk down over the curve of her body, baring a few precious inches of pale skin to your view. Were it anyone else, such a modest 'tease' would have seemed laughable; you were accustomed to seeing much, much more from most of your lovers. But the way Kayo moved, and the imperial elegance of her motion, made the gesture send your heartrate spiking, and <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>instantly dotted your panties with wet arousal<<else>>your cock instantly straining against your fly<</if>>.
Then she reached down, and with that same authoritative calm, @@.choice;<<if $phSara.sex is 2>>[[Unfastened Your Slacks|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 3]]<<else>>[[Unfastened Your Slacks|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 3.5]]@@
<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phSara.sex is 3) or ($phSara.sex is 3.5)>><<if $phSara.sex is 3.5>>The world swirled around you in a heady rush, and the more you blinked and tried to focus on the kitsune in front of you, the more difficult it was. Your entire body felt like it was floating, dreamlike and detached. You could still //feel// everything. Without the filter of inhibitions and logic, it felt even better. Purer. //More.//<<else>>The heat of the drink was quickly spreading through every inch of you, and the pleasant buzz combined with her touch in the best way possible. You weren't //drunk//, but the foxspirit's sake was surprisingly potent, and the happy thrum of relaxation certainly was a nice change of pace.<</if>>
Kayo's hand slipped inside your pants and down over the soft fabric of your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>underwear<<else>>panties<</if>> <<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>She tilted her head as she felt the hard, masculine length attached to a decidedly feminine form.
<<nm $phKayo "...I see. Do not think this changes anything, $phYou.firstname. You will serve me just the same either way. Do you understand?">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>The faint smirk that curled the corner of her lips melted into a subtle, open-mouthed awe as her touch found the impressive heft of your manhood.
<<nm $phKayo "...impressive. But do not think this changes our positions, $phYou.firstname. No matter how much of a man you are, you will serve me all the same, do you understand?">><</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>The faint smirk that curled the corner of her lips grew with delight as her finger found the small, sodden patch of panties between your legs.
<<nm $phKayo "... I see. I am glad we have a mutual understanding, $phYou.firstname. You body betrays your need for a Master's touch. And I will give it -- so long as you serve as you should. Do you understand?">><</if>>
You nodded, any words stolen from you lips by the sensation of her fingers sliding beneath the fabric and <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>pressing against your swollen clit<<else>>cupping your cock<</if>>.
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>She eased her fingers further down, pressing them between your folds with gentle but insistant pressure. You sucked in a breath as her hips rolled, slow and subtle, where she straddled your thigh. It matched the unhurried pace of her hand: each time her sex pressed down against your slacks, her digits wandered lower and teased at your entrance; each time she rose, her fingertips returned to trace a small circle around the pearl at the top of your slit.<<else>>She eased her fingers further down until their questing tips found the base of your shaft and curled around it. You sucked in a breath as her hips rolled, slow and subtle, where she straddled your thigh. It matched the unhurried pace of her hand: each time her sex pressed down against your slacks, her palm glided towards your root; each time she rose, it returned to your tip, tugging you up and out of your pants until you jutted at full-mast under her attentions.<</if>>
<<nm $phKayo "Good. Very good, $phYou.firstname. Place your hands behind your back, and keep your eyes on me.">>
You swallowed and wasted no time in obeying. You laced both arms behind the chair and took hold of one wrist with the fingers of you other hand. It left the front of your body open and unobstructed for anything she desired to do. Keeping your eyes on her was easy -- indeed, it would have been hard to look away. It was not every day that you had a sultry and stately fox spirit straddling and stroking you.
She tilted her head to one side as she watched you through slitted orange eyes. Her free hand rose to your neck, and a delicate, claw-like fingernail traced a thin red line from the hollow of your throat up, up, and up, until it forced your chin to rise as well. You made sure your gaze never left her. The steady, undulating rhythm of her hips astride your leg made her kimono shift and flow like violet waves of water, and soon your own body tried to respond in kind. Each wax and wane of motion helped her other hand as it <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>delved between your slick folds, and now two of her fingertips teased at your entrance. Your breath caught and your head spun as you whimpered and tried to press your pussy down to get more.<<else>>stroked over your cock with confident and experienced motions, each time adding a small twist, tug, or squeeze somewhere different than before. Your breath caught and your head spun as you bit back a groan and tried to arch your body in time to hers.<</if>>
<<nm $phKayo "Say you want more, $phYou.firstname, and I will give you more. But you will not cum until I allow you to, and when you do, it will be a gift to honor me.">>
<<if $phSara.sex is 3>>Even with your head spinning from sake and sensation<<else>>Even with your thoughts scattered by the spiked sake<</if>>, it was an easy choice. You felt her nail between your chin dig into skin as you opened your mouth to breath the word.
<<nm $phKayo "I cannot hear you, $phYou.firstname. Louder.">>
<<nm $phYou "... more.">>
The fox-energy tail behind her swished in warning. Beneath your chin, pressure became a kiss of pain as her nail broke skin.
<<nm $phKayo "Say it //politely//, $phYou.firstname. Say it properly.">>
<<nm $phYou "I want more, Madame Kayo. Please. Please give me more.">>
<<nm $phKayo "Ah. Better. In the future, we will practice your attention to etiquette.">>
And then she @@.choice;<<if $phSara.sex is 3>>[[Gave You More|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 4]].<<else>>[[Gave You More|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 4.5]].@@
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phSara.sex is 4) or ($phSara.sex is 4.5)>>Kayo's hand left your throat and dropped down to the short silk 'skirt' of her kimono robe. She drew it even higher up her thighs. Her right remained <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>tucked tight between the folds of your sex, stroking through the slick nectar of your arousal<<else>>curled around your erect shaft, stroking and tugging<</if>> in time with the subtle motion of her hips. You kept your chin tilted up, mindful of her admonition about 'etiquette', and tried both to keep your breath steady and your own hips from joining that rocking motion.
Both failed when <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>she reached behind the chair to take one of your hands, and then guided it to the valley between her legs. Velvet heat and slick juice met the tips of your fingers, and you bit back a muffled groan.<<else>>she raised herself higher up your body and spread her legs wide. As she lowered herself again, delicious wet heat met the tip of your cock. You bit back a muffled groan as the foxwife took the first inch of you inside her.<</if>>
<<nm $phKayo "Sssh. Patience, $phYou.firstname. Patience.">>
'Patience', at this point, felt like torture.
<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Her fingertips pressed inside you, and the roll of her loins urged yours to mirror the motion. Kayo's other hand laced around the nape of your neck to help brace herself. Each strong, graceful undulation of her body ground her bare sex against your hand, and each time it was accompanied by her skilled fingers delving deep inside you.<<else>>Each strong, graceful undulation of her body drove her further down your cock. One of her hands laced around the nape of your neck to help brace herself. The other curled into a claw and tightened on your flank. Every rise and fall of her body was accompanied by a strong squeeze of the muscles of her sex, milking you that much more.<</if>>
<<if $phSara.sex is 4>>The light buzz of the alcohol lent additional fire racing along your nerves, like a turbo-charge for every spike of sensation. It loosened your inhibitions just enough keep any rational thought at arm's length away, and let your body enjoy the experience without filter. You bucked up to meet her and match her rhythm, her request -- or demand -- for patience already forgotten.<<else>>The heavy haze of the drug make conscious thought impossible -- all you could do was //feel//, raw and unfiltered, like fire along every nerve. It turbo-charged every spike of sensation. Her frequest -- or demand -- for patience was impossible to fulfill. The words themselves were already nothing more than vague memories of things you may or may not have really heard. What //was// real was her cunt around your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>fingers and her fingers deep in yours<<else>>cock<</if>>. Your hips jerked in time with her motions, completely beyond your control.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ka-- Madame Kay-- Madame! Madame!">>
Her hand slipped from your nape to the back of your head and tightened in the short, soft strands at the base of your hairline. You felt the electro-static embrace as her tail wrapped around you calf, and her grin as she <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>ground and thrust against your fingers<<else>>bounced and bucked up and down your shaft<</if>> was vulpine-sharp.
<<nm $phKayo "My pleasure is... first, $phYou.firstname.">>
She was breathless, despite the measured calmness of her words and the dignified authority of her tone. Breathless from riding you where you sat in the chair, where she used you exactly as she wanted to. You alternated between clenching your teeth to hold back your climax and panting out rapid, open-mouthed breaths of desire.
You didn't have to suffer @@.choice;<<if $phSara.sex is 4>>[[Much Longer!|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 5]]<<else>>[[Much Longer|KitsuneSexBottom][$phSara.sex to 5.5]]!@@
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phSara.sex is 5) or ($phSara.sex is 5.5)>>You knew the dozens of small signs that a woman was nearing that crest of sensation<<if $phSara.sex is 4.5>>, even through the fog of the drugged drink<</if>>. The shift in her breath, the harder, more demanding motions of her body, and even the twisting tension of how her hand pulled at your hair. You'd know those signs anywhere, with anyone. You craved them.
Kayo drove herself down on your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>fingers<<else>>shaft<</if>>, taking as much as she could, as deep as she could. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Her own digits speared deep into your pussy and curled against your inner walls. Her thumb against your clit, the fullness inside you,<<else>>The way her body squeezed and milked you, each contraction of her climax tightening around your cock,<</if>> it all combined with <<if $phSara.sex is 5>>the beautiful buzz of the sake you'd drank<<else>>the heady haze of the altered drink<</if>>. She dipped her head forward, her cheek coming to rest against yours; you felt a shudder of pleasure run through her body and the quivering heat of her breath against your skin.
It was the last straw for your yearning body. Your breath hitched, your muscles jerked, and you came. <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>Sweet, slick heat gushed over her fingers and trickled down onto the chair, leaving wet streaks on the wood beneath your ass.<<else>>You cock throbbed and twitched as you shot your load into the woman above you. Each spasm emptied you a little more.<</if>> She coo'd wordless encouragement against your ear until you could do nothing more but sag, dazed and spent, where you sat.
Kayo didn't stay astride you long. Once the shivers subsided, she released her hold on your neck and pulled herself off you, leaving behind glistening evidence of her satisfaction. You tried to focus on her as she returned to one of the shelves and retrieved a small, clean square of cloth, which she then used to discreetly wipe away the excess between her legs<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>> and off her fingers<</if>>. She glanced over to you with playful eyes and a subtle smirk.
<<nm $phKayo "...acceptable. Perhaps, had we met differently, you would have made an enjoyable <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>husband<<else>>wife<</if>>. <<if $phSara.sex is 5>>I suggest you sit still for a while, $phYou.firstname, until you are sure you can safely return to your room.<<else>>I will call someone to take you back to your room so that you can sleep off the remaining effects.<</if>>">>
You nodded unsteadily as you tried to catch your breath. It sounded like wise advice.
Kayo smoothed the silk of her kimono and raised her hands to check the careful bun of her hair, ensuring all strands were in their proper place. Once assured that she was presentable, you heard her soft footsteps approach you once more, and felt a soft touch beneath your chin.
<<nm $phKayo "Thank me, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "Th...thank you, M-madame Kayo.">>
It took all your remaining energy to muster the words, but they seemed to suffice. Her touch withdrew, and a moment later you heard the door of the supply room open and close with her departure.
You lost track of time after that. Whether you sat there, head spinning, for ten minutes or an hour, you couldn't really say. <<if $phSara.sex is 5>>Eventually your head cleared, though, and you felt sober enough to get back on your feet and straight //your// clothes back into propriety. Once you'd used that same cloth to clean yourself up, and your slacks were zipped and your belt re-buckled, you ventured back out into the Corner Pocket -- and tried not too look //too// obviously 'up to something' as you did.
You needn't have worried. The Bar was fairly busy, but the patrons were busy regaling each other with tales of winning strategies. Kayo was still at the bar, and she was the only person who glanced your way when you emerged. Or was it Sara? Her tale was gone, and her body language seemed more relaxed than before. She gave you a wink from where she was serving out orders to a quartet of unsuspecting, flush-with-winnings men.
If you wanted to chat with her, you'd have to wait until the customers cleared out. Oh well. You'd both had a much needed 'break' from work, so you couldn't complain.
@@.choice;
[[No Rest for the Wicked!|Casino][$phSara.sex to 0, $phTime += 1, $phKayo.focus_bottom += 1]]@@<<else>>Eventually the door opened again, but it wasn't Kayo. It wasn't even Sara. The perfectly polite and cheerful smile of a young redheaded girl greeted you, and you vaguely recalled that Kayo had mentioned sending someone by. She pulled you to your feet with surprising strength, and you realized that she was probably a Casino simulacrum, drafted to ensure the boss got back home okay.
The last thing you remembered was being guided out of storeroom, through the beaded curtains of the Corner Pocket, and somewhere hearing a triumphant cheer go up as one of the blackjack tables won again.
@@.choice;
[[Sleep It Off|Sleep][$phSara.sex to 0, $phTime += 1, $phKayo.focus_bottom += 1]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><</if>><<nobr>><<if ($phNadia.transform is 'genie') and ($phSara.transform is 'magician') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Casino') is false)>><<set _random to 9>><<elseif ($phNadia.transform is 'angel') and ($phSara.transform is 'kitsune') and ($phWaitUltimate.includes('Casino2') is false)>><<set _random to 10>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
if (State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].length == 0) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(1, 2, 3);
if (State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['upgraded'] == 1) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(4,5);
}
if ((State.variables.phSara.transform == 'kitsune') && (State.variables.phSara.post_talk > 0)) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(6);
}
if ((State.variables.phSara.transform == 'magician') && (State.variables.phSara.post_talk > 0)) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(7);
}
if ((State.variables.phSara.transform == 'magician') && (State.variables.phNadia.transform == 'genie')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(9);
}
if ((State.variables.phSara.transform == 'kitsune') && (State.variables.phNadia.transform == 'angel')) {
State.variables.phLocations['Casino']['waits'].push(10);
}
}
<</script>>
<<set _random to $phLocations['Casino']['waits'].pluck()>><</if>>
<</nobr>>The casino was always noisy, with a mixture of electronic bells and whistles mixing in with the low hum of conversation from the tables. Despite the random mixture, however, there was a flow to it that you found more and more appealing. You no longer heard the component parts, but rather an ebb and flow to the sound that followed the rise and fall of excitement and celebration. All casinos were designed to chase those highs, but yours was even more so. Your people wanted nothing more than to create a memorable experience.
You walked the floor slowly, allowing your eyes to slowly track the room. As with the sound, there was so much visual noise in the place it was easy to let it all blend together into a composite picture rather than pick out the finer details, but you couldn't allow yourself to do that. The simulacra were talented and the tower was learning well, but this place was as much about emotion as finances. Greed, hope, and the thrill of danger all mixed together into a potent brew, one that you would always be better at encouraging than the tower's worker bees.
<<if _random is 1>><<npc "mnpc1" "Teasing Gambler" "That's another one! Damn, Stacy, if you keep winning like that you might be able to afford some tits!">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Thin Gambler" "Har har. You're just saying that because I'm doing better than you are. Turn your luck around and you might be able to afford something between your legs.">>
You turned to find a pair of gamblers sitting together at one of the blackjack tables. Judging from the words, you expected to turn and find them glaring at one another, but they weren't. In fact, they were holding hands and smiling at one another before turning back to the game. You saw a wedding wing on each of their fingers.
She was a painfully thin woman with bony shoulders and sharp cheeks, her brown hair allowed to fall free to her midback. He was at least three inches shorter than she was, wearing an expensive watch and a 'desperately trying for casual' blazer. The simulacrum in front of them smiled, resetting the table and dealing out to them again. Judging from the stack of chips in front of them, it appeared they were both having a good night.
You smiled to yourself. They were already having a good time, but that didn't mean you couldn't make it better. The simulacra were going to concentrate on the chips and the money, but it sounded like these two might have desires that ran a little deeper than that. You could take over for the dealer and coax a little extra energy from them with a temporary enhancement.
On the other hand, that would take a lot of your time. There were other improvements you wanted to make, and all that would be pushed off to another time if you stopped. Maybe it would be best to leave it to the professionals.
@@.choice;
[[Help Raise The Stakes|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 1]]
[[Leave It To The Dealer|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 2>>You were quickly coming to discard the idea of coincidence. Both the tower and your abilities seemed to have a way of coaxing you into seeing what you needed to see, so you weren't sure if you simply got lucky as you looked toward one of the tables or if you were responding to a subtle nudge.
Either way, you were looking in the right direction. An unassuming man wearing a loose polo shirt stopped at one of the tables and leaned across it. You watched him ask a question and saw the simulacrum dealer glance at his watch to answer it, drawing a quick and apologetic nod. You //also// saw the man's hand as he pulled back from the table, passing across a stack of chips in front of the customer he was reaching over.
//And// you saw that there were one or two fewer chips there when his hand passed, than when it had started.
The other guest had a healthy stack of chips. He'd clearly been winning all night, and you doubted he was paying attention to his running total. He might never notice, but you certainly had. You saw the man straighten up and slip his hand casually into his pants pocket before waving and continuing down the line. You followed him with your eyes.
A thief, then. No surprise, really. A lot of money changed hands in this room and, while the pickpocket might not know it, your tower cared more about excitement than security.<<if $phPetra.transform is not 'pre'>> Petra might track him down, if she happened to be watching, but that would be even more of a coincidence than you seeing it.<</if>> More than likely, he'd get away with his cash and the tower would absorb his happiness as much as anyone else's.
...but it rubbed you the wrong way. You could step away from your rounds long enough to make sure he got a little light comeuppance, but it would take you away from the improvements you'd been planning to make. On the other hand, you could leave it to the tower itself. If he got cocky and went too far, it would make sure he was removed before he had a chance to ruin anyone's fun.
@@.choice;
[[Crime And Punishment|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 2]]
[[Let Him Enjoy Himself|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 3>>As you neared a slightly upraised section of the table games set aside for your high rollers, you saw one of the pit bosses raise their hand to catch your attention. That was unusual. They didn't usually deviate much from their assigned scripts. You looked a little more closely.
A young man sat at a pai gow table, by himself, with only the dealer for company. He had a stack of dark chips in front of him, and even you had to whistle a little. If he'd actually paid for those, rather than winning his way up, then he must be doing very well for himself indeed. You watched him play for a few minutes.
After a moment, it became clear why the pit boss has signaled you. The poor man's hands shook every time he made a bet and he had to ask the dealer to repeat herself at least once a minute. He looked about as nervous as it was humanly possible to be, but despite his discomfort he never rose from his seat.
You frowned. All that inhibition was going to make it really difficult to pull anything out of him. You weren't sure if he was new to gambling, new to betting so much at once, or maybe just incredibly shy with a single dealer, but he was going to be a bad investment for the casino.
You noticed the pai gow tables, unlike most of the others, had a table cloth concealing the bottom of the table, and you felt a smile pulling at your lips. You were <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>. You had a great number of ways to get someone to relax, when you wanted to. It wouldn't take you very long to help him 'blow off some stress' once you got under the table.
On the other hand, the casino was more than able to handle a few less-than-energetic clients. You wouldn't get as much from this one in particular, but the improvements you were planning to make today would probably have a much better long-term effect. Did you dare take the time just for one single customer?
@@.choice;
[[Indulge In Some Customer Service|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 3]]
[[Stick To Supervising|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 4>><<npc "fnpc1" "Bored Gambler" "How much longer are we planning to stay? Weren't we going to go take in a movie?">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Excited Gambler" "We can't leave now, we're all on hot streaks! I promise, we'll still catch the movie soon, but give us a little while to enjoy it. Aren't you up today too?">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Bored Gambler" "A little, but it's just money. It's not //that// exciting. Fine, I'll hang around a little longer, but I'm holding you to that movie.">>
You turned to look at a bank of slot machines behind you. A blonde woman was sitting at one of the machines, watching an older man walk away. She looked down at the machine's display, and listlessly tapped the 'spin' button a few more times. Then she sighed.
You watched her closely, trying not to be obvious about it. You saw her win and you saw her lose, but her expression didn't change. She didn't seem to care much one way or the other. Huh.
You'd upgraded the machines recently to give them some improved abilities. You were sure if you helped it, the machine might home on something that the woman found a little more...stimulating. On the other hand, you might be trying to squeeze water from a stone. Some people just weren't cut out for gambling, and you still had a lot of stuff on your list to do today. Maybe it would be best to leave it to automation.
@@.choice;
[[Tweak The Machine|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 4]]
[[Let The Standard Program Run|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 5>>There was a flutter of movement to your right, and you jerked your head out of the way just in time to avoid getting hit as something flew past you. You stumbled and had to catch your balance against a support pillar.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Panicked Gambler" "Oh! I'm so sorry! I totally flung that right-- I wasn't looking and I...I'm trying to quit, and I should have walked over to the can!">>
You looked up to find a well-padded woman in front of you. She was in her early thirties with a wealth of red hair tied into a ponytail running down her back. She had raised both her hands and was wringing them in obvious agitation. You followed the line of her gaze, turning to find one of the casino's many trach cans just past you. Lying at the top of the pile was a half empty pack of cigarettes.
<<nm $phYou "It's no problem. I would recommend throwing things away from a little closer next time, but if that's what you have to do to break the habit, I totally get it.">>
<<npc "fnpc3" "Panicked Gambler" "If only it was that easy. I've quit lots of times, but there's always something. I'm really so sorry. I promise I'll be more careful. Thank you, and good luck at the tables!">>
The woman, her face still red, turned and hurried back to one of the slot machines. You watched her go, then glanced down at the cigarette box still resting atop the garbage.
So, she had tried to quit in the past and failed, eh? She wasn't one of yours, you didn't think she was nearly ready to sell her soul to rid herself of a habit...but you //were// pretty sure she'd be excited if she could. You could do that for her. You'd upgraded your slot machines with a lot of new functions. All you'd have to do is help her replace the addiction with something considerably more...entertaining.
On the other hand, you still had a lot of improvements you were hoping to put in today. Pausing to help a single customer would be fun, but you knew that you'd gain more energy in the long run by sticking to your original plan. Did you leave it to the tower's regular processes or step in personally on this one?
@@.choice;
[[Kick The Habit|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 5]]
[[Just Walk The Floor|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 6>>The Casino seemed to be running smooth as silk today -- and the thought of exotic fabric brought to mind an equally exotic fox. You wandered towards the Corner Pocket to see whether the dynamic duo might need some assistance... only to slow your step as you noticed Sara was laser focused on a rather distinguished-looking gentleman who was, himself, focused on a young woman perhaps ten years his junior.
Or rather, //Kayo// was. Your demonic eyes could see the swish of her vulpine tail as it flicked back and forth, and even the perk of her high, triangular ears as she cleaned some glasses while keeping an eye on the pair. Something was definitely up.
You moved closer, trying hard to be unobtrusive. No one seemed to notice you -- although you did notice a foxfire ear twitch in your direction -- and soon you were close enough to join in the observation. Except, there didn't seem to //be// anything to observe.
They were still far enough away that you couldn't pick up the words, but the older man and his feminine companion seemed to be smiling, nodding, and engaged in animated, friendly conversation. She looked relaxed and at ease; he seemed genuinely interested, and neither leered at her nor seemed to be aiming for any inappropriate touches. They stood close enough and way they held eye contact certainly suggested it was more than 'just' friendly conversation. Maybe it was something in what they were talking about that had Kayo's interest? But if so, what could it be?
You were torn between meandering closer still or just chalking up to Kayo's mysterious ways and heading off, when you noticed it. The gentleman upnodded towards something off on the Casino floor; the woman's head automatically turned toward whatever had caught his attention. In the space of half a second, his palm passed over the top of her open drink, and you were almost positive you saw him drop something into it.
He was spiking her drink.
Or, you //thought// he was. From this far away, it was hard to tell. Kayo, though, was right there, and doubtlessly had a much better view. You knew Sara's desires had been to protected others from the bullies in life -- a goal the kitsune shared. If he really had doctored her drink, you had no doubt Kayo was a few seconds from teaching the man a valuable lesson.
Part of you was incredibly curious to see your bartender in action, and see just what that 'lesson' might entail. On the other hand, you had actual //work// to do, and if all she did was toss him out or called Security on him, you would have wasted all that time just to watch a very mundane resolution.
Decisions, decisions.
@@.choice;
[[Hang Around and Watch|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 6]]
[[Get Back to Work|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 7>><<nm $phSara "Wait, I think I see- Yes! Here are those chips!">>
You looked over to see Sara, in her full magician costume, doing the rounds. She was leaning over towards a gambler, pulling the old 'coin behind the ear' trick. You couldn't help but notice //her// trick ended with her dumping several entire stacks of small denomination chips into the startled, but excited, man's lap. You wondered if she was using her actual magic, or was just now genuinely that good at sleight of hand.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Unimpressed Watcher" "Ugh. We're not here for the party clown routine, we're here to gamble.">>
You looked over and saw a young but pinch-faced woman sitting a nearby table. She was still laying bills on the table and hadn't even gotten her chips yet, but it seemed she didn't appreciate the free show. Judging from the smug grin on her face, you didn't think she appreciated much of anything.
Sara turned, her smile wide and unperturbed, at least to the casual observer. //You// could see the slight tension at her jawline as she moved across the room to the other woman.
<<nm $phSara "Ah! A woman of refined taste and culture, I see. Well, as it happens, I may have a trick that will satisfy even you. In fact, I'm willing to bet it will. What do you say?">>
She made a 'flicking' motion with her hand and, despite the fact it had been empty a moment before, a chip spun in the air and then landed in her hand. The woman scoffed...until Sara turned the chip enough to show that '500$' was printed on the label. Then the woman's eyes narrowed with contemplation.
Oh, this was going to be good. You could absolutely stick around to catch the show and you had every confidence it would be worth it. On the other hand, you'd come here to get some work done. Taking in a show was going to set you back on time. Maybe you should trust that Sara could handle it and get back to work.
@@.choice;
[[Take In The Show|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 7]]
[[Let Sara Handle It|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 9>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Casino')>><<nm $phSara "Everyone give a hand to my brave volunteer, while you can see her!">>
You paused, following the sound of the familiar voice to a knot of people near the front of the Casino. Sara you were expecting, her tuxedo like costume resplendant as she raised her hands and played to the crowd. What you weren't expecting to see was the woman beside her. Brown-haired and tanned-skinned, as she had once been, and holding a large black blanket was...
<<nm $phNadia "Thank you, folks! See you again soon!">>
She waves cheerfully to the crowd, then passed the blanket over her head. It didn't even cover her all the way, leaving most of her legs from the calves down exposed. That didn't stop Sara from strutting up in front of her, theatrically placing a hand on the center of the cloaked forehead.
<<nm $phSara "Now watch closely! You won't want to miss this!">>
She turned back to the cloaked figure, squared off with some wholly spurious magical gestures with her free hand, and abruptly pushed downward. Nadia's head moved down to the floor...
...and vanished into it! The black cloth flat against the carpet! There was a gasp from the crowd, and an instant thunder of applause. The clapping only grew louder as Sara whipped the cloth off the floor, showing a complete lack of trap doors and escape tunnels below their feet!
You smiled as you watched the magician collecting her admiration. It was good to see your employees getting along, and it made total sense to see the two magic users hamming it up together. It made you curious just how close their friendship had gotten. Maybe you should drop in on them and check once the performance wrapped up...
@@.choice;
[[Catch The Aftershow|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9]]
[[Let Them Enjoy Each Other Undisturbed|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if _random is 10>><<run $phWaitUltimate.pushUnique('Casino2')>>You paused and had to rub your eyes. You were just passing through when you noticed the bar was...different. That wasn't that unusual, the tower changed all the time, but you could have sworn when you started your circuit it had been normal. Now, though, the sign was covered in cartoony clouds and the name had changed from //Corner Pocket// to //7th Heaven//.
Even as you watched, a steady stream of customers were emptying out the door. All of them seemed to have some new need to get back to the tables, and not a one seemed to notice that they were leaving in a veritable stampede.
Curioser and curioser. This you had to see. You swam up stream for a moment and finally made it to the bar entrance just as the last human guest left. You peeked inside.
<<nm $phKayo "I never doubted your //strength//, young one. I was merely pointing out that experience has a power all its own.">>
<<nm $phNadia "We are sure it does, but it only evens the playing field //so// much. You can be the most experienced player in the world, but you'll still probably lose if the other one at the table has ten times your chips. Besides, we know $phYou.firstname helped you, just like they did us. How much more experience could you have?">>
You saw the pair at the bar. Nadia was sitting on one of the barstools, her wings openly displayed (though you doubted anyone saw them who didn't know about them already). Sara, her eyes bright and ancient, leaned across the bar with a confident, toothy smile on her face.
Nadia clearly didn't know that Sara wasn't //just// Sara. She had a very real, very old Kitsune spirit accompanying her. You suspected that the angel was about to get a crash course in respecting one's elders. That was awfully tempting to see, especially since Nadia had cleared out the bar in an apparent demonstration of her gifts.
On the other hand, you weren't sure you wanted to draw Kayo's attention toward //you//. Was it worth the risk?
@@.choice;
[[Stay For The Lesson|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10]]
[[Keep To Your Own Business|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'CasinoWait']]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>It took you a few minutes to get everything you needed together, but luckily enough the situation hadn't changed when you returned to the pair. You tapped the dealer lightly on the shoulder and she smoothly extended her hands over the table, smiled one last time at the couple, and slipped away into the back. The man made a disappointed sound.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Teasing Gambler" "Awww, that's a shame. She's really been treating us right so far!">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'll do my best to keep that up. In fact, I'm off to a good start. It's time to start a new promotion. Every blackjack will come with one of these, worth a nice little prize. They might just get you something you want.">>
You lifted up a set of new chips. The labels didn't feature denominations, but instead one featured an hourglass on a pink background, while the other featured a rooster on a blue chip. The thin woman studied them with interest.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Thin Gambler" "Oh my! Our luck really is changing! Let's play a few more hands, Jake. Do we just take them up to the cashier to get our prizes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't leave without getting what you need.">>
You shot the pair your best winning smile, picked up the deck of cards from the autoshuffler, and started to deal. Both the gamblers shrugged as they sat forward and looked down at their cards.
From there, it was remarkably simple.
The first time the woman caught a blackjack, she squealed with delight and you added a pink chip to her pile. She picked it up to examine it, and you saw the pink color of the chip flash in her eyes. She inhaled sharply, putting a sudden pressure on the front of her blouse. In fact, it was considerably //more// pressure than there had been a moment ago.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Thin Gambler" "It's so pretty! And it feels warm, too! I might have to try to make a little collection!">>
Two hands later, a king and an ace fell before the man and he clapped his hands together in glee. You pushed him one of the blue chips with his stack and he pulled it back to his pile. You saw the flash of blue in his eyes as he suddenly shifted in his seat. He reached down to adjust his pants, as if they had suddenly gotten less comfortable.
<<npc "mnpc1" "Teasing Gambler" "Alright, one and one! I might never catch up to you in the money, but I bet I can have more of these at the end of the night!">>
She caught the next one. Then he got two more. Then she got a third. Each chip was fawned over, and every one cause the same flash of light in their eyes. You saw her starting to drag her hand down over her blouse between every deal, her perky c-cups pushing out hard against the fabric. Her nipples stood out so prominently you knew she hadn't bothered to wear a bra.
Meanwhile, he was fidgetting like a school kid. You could see a bulge running down his thigh, tenting his pants beautifully despite his best efforts to find an angle to stop it. He was breathing hard and paying less and less attention to the game as time went on.
Finally, she stood up suddenly, her face flushed and her eyes shifting down below his waist.
<<npc "fnpc3" "'Thin Gambler'" "M-Maybe we should get back to the room! I think...I think I could use a little, um...recharge!">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Teasing Gambler" "Right! That's what we need, a recharge! Ah- Thank you so much! You've been good to us!">>
<<nm $phYou "My pleasure! Here, a little going away gift. You two were such good sports and you seemed to like the new chips. Take a couple on the house!">>
You picked up five chips of each color and held them out. Automatically, they extended their palms up and you dropped the chips in. The moment they hit, you saw their eyes flash like lanterns....
...and you felt two shirt buttons and what felt like a piece of a leather belt bounce off your chest. Both of them doubled over, arched their backs...and let out perfectly synchronized moans. Then they looked at each other with almost feral lust and both turned and hurried away from the table, stuffing chips into their pockets rather than bothering to cash them out.
You grinned to yourself. @@.choice;[[Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 2>><<set $phTime += 1>>Paul was having a field day.
Casinos usually weren't great places to hit. They had cameras everywhere, a mountain of security guards on site, and the employees always had a lot more training than those that worked anywhere else. This one, though, was a cake walk. The cameras looked more for show than any real coverage, the dealers barely paid attention to what was happening at their tables, and all of the customers seemed to be far too focused on the games to care about him. He already had a stack of chips in his pocket, and he wasn't anywhere close to being made.
Then he saw it. Over at the edge of one of the tables, a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>man<<else>>woman<</if>> in a suit, probably a manager type, was fishing around down at floor level. He saw $pher come up with a huge stack of chips in both hands, placing them down on the empty black jack table at the end of the row and separating them out into small piles to count. $pShe twisted too much, though, and one of the piles fell off the side of the table and sent a scatter of chips rolling through the pit. Several of the dealers quickly bent down to help scoop them up, and the manager suddenly had $pher back turned to the larger stacks still on the table.
Paul was moving almost before he was aware of it. He kept his pace brisk and his face forward, though his eyes never actually left the manager as he neared. $pShe didn't look his way as $pshe bent down to help gather up the fallen chips. No one was watching the table.
It was like taking candy from a baby. He simply walked past, let his hand extend out, and smoothly palmed an entire stack of chips. He felt an electric thrill go through him as he tucked the chips away in his pocket and kept walking, his heart pounding. No one seemed to notice. No one called out after him. There was no sudden rush of security guards from a hidden door. He simply walked away.
Another unknown donation to his new car fund. Paul liked to encourage generosity whenever he could. He could still feel the chips in his pocket, and the thrum of excitement running through his body. He had pulled it off again.
He changed direction toward the bar. That had been a pretty big move. Better that he lay low for a little while. He crossed through the beaded curtain separating the bar area from the rest of the casino, and felt his high heels clack against the ground when he changed from carpet to tile.
He stepped up to the bar, absently dragging one ankle over the back of his fishnets. Damn these were itchy, but if you had legs it was important to share them with everyone...wasn't it? Something about that thought seemed wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe once the excitement of the score wore off, it would come to him.
He ordered a drink and leaned down to wait. He saw one of the patrons checking out his ass and instinctively hiked himself up a little to make it more prominent. It didn't need much help, the perfect heart shake enclosed in the black leotard that was almost painted on his body. It wasn't always the most comfortable thing, but he wanted to be giving with what he had. He always tried to give as much as he got.
The bartender returned, setting down a tray of glasses and gruffly pointed him toward the blackjack tables. Paul blinked down at the drinks in confusion for a moment, but dutifully picked up the tray. It wasn't easy. The sheer top plunged so deep into his cleavage that leaning too far forward would spill his double-ds out for everyone to see. That wouldn't be //that// bad, but he preferred to suggest more than reveal...at least until he was off work.
He made his way back out, holding the drink tray perfectly steady as he tried to shake out a persistent itch on the top of his head. His beautiful red hair curled around his face, framed by the bunny ears he was wearing, and he smiled, popping his plush lips. He could taste the makeup, and knew without looking that it was perfectly applied. It was important to him to always look his best for work, to be sure everyone who saw him had desires. Desires he could fulfill.
After all, Pauline was a //very// generous girl!
She made her way back to the blackjack tables, and brightened immediately as she spotted $pMs $phYou.firstname. She straightened her back to make herself more appealing, set down the drink in front of the boss, and saw $pher smile. That made Pauline's heart almost stop! She'd been noticed!
Something jangled in her pocket and she blinked downward, pulling out a small pile of chips. Where had she gotten these? Hadn't her shift just started? She offered them over to the boss, but $pMs $phYou.firstname just extended a hand and closed Pauline's fingers around the chips.
<<nm $phYou "...Mmm, why don't you keep those as a tip, dear? I know you'll pay it all back with hard work. Let's give our customers a wonderful day, okay? Isn't that what we're here for?">>
Pauline @@.choice;[[Couldn't Agree More!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 3>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phYou "Hello, sir. How are we feeling today?">>
You leaned over the table and flashed your best winning smile. Despite that, the young man dropped the stack of chips he was holding and jumped halfway out of his seat. He craned his neck to look up at you and <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>you saw his gaze track across your chiseled jaw and piercing eyes.<<else>>you saw his gaze track across your chest and get stuck there as if they had been dipped in cement.<</if>> He drew in a deep breath and his cheeks darkened several degrees. Good, he was going to be receptive.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Nervous Gambler" "Ah! N-No...That is- Ah! I'm fine, I'm fine. Sorry, I'm- I'm trying to remember everything I read in the books, but it's all so exciting here.">>
<<nm $phYou "We get that a lot. Fortunately, we've gotten quite good at helping our guests relax. You just stay right there and keep playing, okay, sir?">>
He gave you a blank, confused look and you dazzled him with your grin again. Then, as smoothly as you could, you leaned down, picked up the edge of the table curtain, and slipped beneath the table.
It was hot underneath the curtain, but more spacious than you were anticipating. The supports for the table were thin and spindly, giving you a lot of room to maneuver. You suspected that was the tower's work, and you shot a brief grateful thought toward the place. Your attention, however, was elsewhere.
You could dimly hear the young man make a muffled sound of surprise as you got beneath the table. That startled sound repeated as you lifted up the curtain along the front of the table to pull it up across his lap. His chair squeaked as he started to pull back, but you reached down with one hand to grab the chair leg and arrest the movement, leaving him locked in place.
You heard cards slapping against the tabletop as the dealer began to deal again, as casually as if nothing at all unusual were happening. The young man was sputtering, still trying to form the words to ask what was going on...but that ended in an abrupt little squeak as you used your other hand to ease the zipper of his pants downward. Your hand slipped inside the zipper, wrapped around his length, and pulled him out.
He was actually quite reasonably sized, more than filling your palm as you wrapped your hand around him and gave him a few experimental pumps. You could feel his entire body go rigid and his hands gripped the edge of the table, but he wasn't making any attempt to pull back now. You grinned and leaned forward, wrapping your lips around the tip.
You could already taste the precum on him, and your lips smacked wetly as you stroked him across your tongue. You heard him moan, trying frantically to play the game in front of him, though his words hitched every couple of seconds as you toyed your tongue tip across his shaft. You were going to make it very difficult very quickly.
You began to bob your head, listening to the rhythmic smacking in the tiny space beneath the table. You felt his cock jump and bob in your mouth with every new inch you took into yourself, and you rubbed your hands up and down his legs comfortingly. Soon, you had him all the way to the back of your throat and had to take care not to bang your head on the bottom of the table as you worked him.
He did not last long. The combination of the setting, the surprise, and your skill with your mouth was too much. You felt him tense again, his hips lifting off the chair as he pushed into you. Even over the din of the casino, you could hear him moan as he came, filling your mouth with sticky white cum.
You swallowed, eagerly, waiting until he was completely spent before pulling away and wiping your mouth. You gingerly tucked him back into his pants and even did up the zipper for him before wiggling out from underneath the tablecloth.
He gave you a glassy-eyed look, half-hunched over the table and panting hard, and you beamed cheerfully at him.
<<nm $phYou "Happy to help, sir! Enjoy your game!">>
You turned away and, humming to yourself, walked toward the backrooms. You weren't entirely sure that had been the best use of your time, you had to admit, but there was one thing you were very certain of.
He was going to be a @@.choice;[[Lot More Relaxed!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 4>><<set $phTime += 1>>It took you a few minutes to step into the back, carefully think of the adjustments you wanted to make, and then get back out onto the floor. Fortunately, the unhappy-looking woman was still where you left her. You noticed her balance was up slightly on the machine she was playing, but her expression was still completely disinterested.
You expected that to change soon.
A sudden change in the lights and sound pulled the woman's attention back to the machine. The words 'Stimulation Bonus Mode' were flying across the screen, and the plain letters and symbols on the slot wheel had been replaced with playfully suggestive bits of anatomy. You saw the woman blush a bit, and take a quick look around.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Bored Gambler" "God! I didn't know it was //that// type of game! Is this a bonus mode?">>
She frowned at the screen for a moment, and you smiled to yourself. The bonus modes on digital slot machines were the most lucrative for the players, and she knew it. She might be surprised by the imagery, but she didn't move away. After a few seconds, she touched the 'spin' button. The machine whirled, and then landed with a woman's chest (modestly covered in a bra of course) on all three sliders.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Bored Gambler" "How //lewd//! They can't just spring this on you out of nowhere. I ought to--">>
Her voice cut off suddenly and her eyes bulged, forcing you to hide your smile behind your hand. Her back arched and her knees came together as she clutched suddenly for her breasts. You could imagine. Even as the game added credits to her account, you knew it was adding something else. Every possible act that would be done to a beautiful set of tits was being simulated at the same moment. It would feel like they were being massaged, licked, suckled, twisted, teased, and pumped all the same time. She'd feel cocks in her cleavage, hands cupping her, and lips at her nipples. That would distract //anyone//.
The woman moaned, unable to process, and fell forward, catching herself on the machine to keep herself upright. It just so happened her right hand fell across the //spin// button again, and the machine happily began to hum to life once more.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Not-So-Bored Gambler" "W-Wait! I didn't mean to! I didn't-- Ahhhhh!">>
She let out a cry as the machine stopped with all three bars showing a shapely rear. You didn't know exactly what she felt, but it seemed to pick her up out of the chair and jerk her hips forward. Her jaw fell open and she moaned, long and loud. It was lost beneath the din of the machine, though, and no one around her even glanced her way as she feebly clung to the machine's front.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Bored Gambler" "Wait...Wait wait wait, what is--">>
And then the machine began to spin again, flashing the word //'Autoplay: 25 Free Spins Remaining'!//. You saw her eyes bulge and her jaw dropped. She knew what was coming now.
Somewhere around the sixth, she stopped fighting it. She was always a winner. Sometimes it was focused all in one place. Sometimes the images showed multiple part of her body. She wiggled and groaned and bucked her hips, clinging hard to the front of the machine.
Finally, with a last bleep and bloop, the slot machine flashed a waving hand and the sexualized images faded. Her hair plastered to her head and her chest heaving, the woman leaned back and stared with incomprehension at the screen.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Excited Gambler" "There you are! We're just about ready to leave. Did you manage to have some fun?">>
You grinned to yourself and turned away, walking toward the back of the casino. That one had required some special care, but the end results had certainly been worth it. One thing was for sure.
She had definitely @@.choice;[[Not Been Bored!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 5>><<set $phTime += 1>>The wheels spun on the digital slot machine, showing three matching cherries, but Lindsey hardly noticed. She was already starting to fidget, and stabbed the spin button one more time, more in need of distraction than anything else.
That would be just like her, wouldn't it? Nearly bounce her cigarette pack off someone's forehead trying to throw it away, then be back on the bandwagon after thirty minutes. She sighed and reached into her pocket to take out one of the baby carrots she carried there. Something to do with her hands, a way of tricking the body into thinking its craving was partially satisfied. It never really worked, but she kept trying.
The slot machine bleeped with the results of the spin, but she barely noticed, just tapping at the button to keep it moving. The lights were actually kind of soothing, in a strange way. The screen flashed with colors, and Lindsey felt herself relax a little bit. Still, it wasn't helping the hunger. She had to face it. She could really use a cock right now.
...Wait. No. Cigarette. She could use a //cigarette// right now.
She giggled suddenly and shook her head, pressing the button again and sending another cascade of light across the screen. She was losing it, clearly, though she had to admit it was a fun thought. There were all sorts of joke about 'oral fixations' being involved in both smoking and the bedroom, but she'd never found that to be the case. It would sure be worth it, though, to have a habit that didn't hurt anyone.
Fuck, she was going to need a smoke soon. She could envision it in her mind, despite her best efforts. She could feel the muscle memory of pulling a fresh cigarette from a packet and tucking it between her lips to hold while she got her lighter. Sometimes, she would bounce the end with her tongue as she dug, the beautiful salty taste stroking across her. She'd be on her knees, bobbing her head up and down on it until finally she got the fix she was really after!
...Wait, that wasn't a cigarette either!
Lindsey blinked drowsily and giggled again. Maybe that was the secret. Honestly, for some reason, a cigarette didn't sound very good to her. The tar on her tongue wasn't what she wanted compared to finding some sweet guy she could sneak off with. He would blush and fidget as she got on her knees and slipping his boxers down off his hips, freeing her prize. She's tease him, gently, letting her tongue wash over his shaft for several minutes before she finally began to suckle him.
Mmmm. That sounded...//really// good all of the sudden. She stabbed the 'spin' button once more, not even noticing the colors shifting into greater intensity.
A good boy would be wonderful, but maybe she'd find a bad boy instead. He'd be a little crueler, teasing her with his dick and ask what she would do for a taste. The moment he opened his fly she would be his. When he finally took her, he would hold her head in his hands and thrust his hips, fucking her face. She'd feel his cock working down the back of her throat, powerless to do anything but kneel there and take it, until he unloaded himself into her.
She was breathing hard, her eyes glazed over. They both sounded really good. Really, //really// good. She could barely remember what else she'd been thinking about, but it didn't really matter. She knew what she needed tonight. It had been...how long had it been? She needed her //fix//.
She stabbed the button to cash out her winnings and stood, absently smacking her lips and running her tongue across them. She had to get busy if she was going to catch someone tonight! As she turned and began walking hurriedly toward the exit, she laughed one more time.
Maybe she had a fixation, but wasn't it nice to have a @@.choice;[[Fun One?|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 6>><<set $phTime += 1>>Curiosity killed the cat.
The man still had his eyes on his younger brunette companion, and //he// didn't notice when the bartender reached out and, to your surprise, swiftly and discreetly added //something else// to the woman's drink as well.
What the Hell?
You shot a concerned look at Kayo, who caught your eyes long enough to give a smirk and a subtle shake of her head. Then, words unspoken, she tilted her head back at the pair, inviting you to watch.
By the time she was half-way through her drink, the woman certainly seemed more flirtatious, relaxed, and outgoing. She leaned a little closer to him, her eyes traveling up and down his expensive suit, smiling and holding eye contact. For his part, the older gentleman seemed to be half-patiently biding his time with smiles in return and occasional, 'casual' hand on her elbow, hip, or thigh.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "So...">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "...so?">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "Why don't we get out of here?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "Fantastic idea. I have--">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "My room.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "Ah-- well, certainly. I just need--">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "I'll take care of it. I have my travel case with me. Condoms, lube, and toys.">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "...beg pardon?">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "Mm. You weren't flirting with me all evening just to leave me hanging, were you?">>
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "I... no, but--">>
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "Good boy. Or good //man//. God, I love you older gents. There's nothing hotter than a silver fox on the begging end of getting pegged.">>
He blinked, totally taken aback by the change in her demeanor. No doubt he had been envisioning taking advantage of a demure and disoriented damsel... not a dominatrix!
<<npc "mnpc1" "Gentleman" "...pegged?">>
She laughed, low and husky, as she reached out to take his silk tie between her fingers and trail it suggestively over them.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Younger Woman" "Don't worry about it, handsome. We're going to have a night you'll never forget. I'll show you the ropes. And handcuffs. And blindfolds.">>
She finally let the tie fall back against his chest, and reached out to take his hand instead. The man tried to stammer out a response as she led him towards the elevator to, no doubt, go somewhere a lot more private. You watched them go until they disappeared from sight, and then turned your amused gaze on the kitsune bartender instead.
<<nm $phYou "...what was //that//?">>
<<nm $phKayo "Giving him what he wanted.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think getting a dildo up his ass was his aim when he dropped that in her drink.">>
<<nm $phKayo "Then he should be more careful what he wishes for. The young woman is typically far more shy about introducing her interests on a first date, but he wanted uninhibited sex, and a memorable night without need for the complications of 'consent' and 'consequences'. I think once he has experienced them, he will be less eager in the future.">>
Well...you couldn't argue that. And, you hoped, the tower would ensure that whatever the pair got up to later wouldn't be //traumatic//.
Remembering his half-anxious expression, you weren't sure whether he was going to have a good night or a bad one... but memorable?
@@.choice;
[[Oh, Definitely!|Casino]]@@
<<set $phEnergy += 20>>@@.narrative;Sara's shenanigans earned you 20 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 7>><<set $phTime += 1>>Like you were ever going to turn down a show like this!
Sara moved up to the woman, pressing her empty hands together. When she opened them, a perfect fan of cards appeared, as if by magic, between her fingers. She extended them with a grin. The woman gave her another dismissive look.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Unimpressed Watcher" "A card trick? Really?">>
<<nm $phSara "Indulge me. I promise, if you aren't satisfied with the trick, I'll give you the chip.">>
The woman relented, picking one of the cards out of the fan and cupping her hand protectively around it, glancing at the face but clearly trying to watch for any shenanigans that Sara might try to pull.
<<npc "fnpc2" "Unimpressed Watcher" "I suppose you want to 'shuffle' it back in the deck now?">>
<<nm $phSara "No, why don't you take care of it. In fact, why don't you put it in your pocket?">>
The magician stepped back, tucking the remainder of the cards together and, with a flick of her hand, making them vanish. The other gamblers watching all clapped, though the woman at the center of the trick just glowered and tucked the card into her pocket. She didn't withdraw her hand, instead resting it atop the card.
Sara just smiled and leaned forward. Her hat rolled off her head, down her arm, and into her hand, and she flourished it to another round of applause. She beamed and did a slow circle.
<<nm $phSara "Well, ladies and gentlemen. You see she picked a card and put it in her pocket. In fact, she's still holding onto it. Let's see what I can do about that with the aid of my magic hat, alright?">>
The woman scoffed and nearly folded her arms, though she remembered at the last moment to put her hand back in her pocket. Sara winked at her, holding the other with one hand and stretching the other out. She extended her index and middle fingers together. She lowered them to the rim of the hat, letting them extend just far enough done to brush the darkness within...
...And the woman gasped.
You saw her eyes shoot open and her legs instantly cross. She looked down, but didn't see anything at all below her. You didn't think anyone else saw it. They were watching Sarah, after all. She looked up at the magician, and you saw her eyes widen with astonished alarm.
...and then Sarah stuck her hand into the hat, all the way down to the elbow.
The woman's eyes went saucer wide and then glazed over. She squirmed and began to writhe in her chair, breathing quickly as Sara made some show of digging around in her hat, her arm getting deeper and deeper into the blackness, far past what could actually fit into the tiny hat. The audience was //ooh//ing and //aah//ing over this apparent optical illusion, and not a one of them were paying the slightest bit of attention to the fact that the audience member looked like she might cum on the spot.
Sara didn't let up. She milked the joke for all it was worth, turning the hat this way and that with it nearly up to her shoulder, raking in the applauce even as the woman actually began to bounce in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs. She seemed about to speak a few times, but whatever she was going to say hitched in her throat. Her eyes bulged, her body arched...and she let out a soft, orgasmic whimper, as quietly as she could.
Sara beamed at her, finally pulling her hand free. You thought you saw a little moisture on the tips of her fingers...which were now clutched around a new prize.
<<nm $phSara "Is //this// your card?">>
The woman didn't she speak. She probably wouldn't be able to for a while. @@.choice;[[She Just Nodded, Breathlessly|Casino]]@@
<<set $phEnergy += 20>>@@.narrative;Sara's shenanigans earned you 20 Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9>><<nm $phSara "Well done! Did you hear that applause? They loved you!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Thank you, Mistress Sara. You are too kind.">>
Sara's stage was lit with three large spotlights, but the audience seats were empty. It was still a little while until the next scheduled showing. Time enough for you to drop in and talk for a bit.
<<nm $phYou "I caught the preshow. It was very impressive!">>
<<nm $phNadia "$pMistress! I'm so glad you were pleased. Mistress Sara has a talent for showmanship and magic both.">>
<<nm $phSara "And this one is a pretty hot hand with her own brand. Honestly, we're having a hell of a lot of fun.">>
You studied each of them, subtly. Both were still riding high from the performance. You wondered if you could turn that adrenaline into an opportunity...
<<nm $phYou "I should have known you'd get along well. You're Paradise's resident spellslinging squad. I'm not even sure which of you is the stronger one, if it came down to it.">>
<<nm $phSara "Well, I think that's pretty obvious, isn't it? One of us is calling the other Mistress and one of us isn't.">>
Nadia's brow furrowed, and she turned to the well-dressed performer, crossing her arms across her chest.
<<nm $phNadia "Forgive me, Mistress Sara, but that's not really the case. You are very strong, but I'm not even human anymore. I'm playing with the bigger stack.">>
<<nm $phSara "Is this so? You think it would be just a matter of heritage, huh?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes. If $pMistress $phYou.firstname were to command me to use my powers against you, I have no doubt they would succeed.">>
<<nm $phSara "//That// sounds an awful lot like a challenge to me. Well now, you know I can't resist a curiosity. Why don't you let your pet off the leash, Aladdin? Let's say, first one to get zapped has to put up with whatever until it's showtime.">>
<<nm $phNadia "If that's what you want to do, I would happily present you as a gift to $pMistress.">>
You fought to hide a grin behind a concerned expression, even as Sara turned and pulled her tiny magic wand out of thin air. Nadia didn't move from her spot, her arms folded together, but she did glance in your direction.
<<nm $phYou "I suppose if this is something you two have to do. Nadia, you have my permission.">>
...It was virtually too fast to see. Sara let out a triumphant cry and pointed her wand at the blue-skinned woman. You caught a glimpse of Nadia drawing herself up like a thunder cloud, the gold of her wrist bands shining in the darkness. The air around them crackled with fire and smoke and lightning that flitted and danced. A thunderous sound resounded throughout the theatre and nearly blew your suit off of your body!
And when the smoke cleared, you know @@.choice;[[Exactly Who Had Won|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.1>>As it turned out, the winner was you!
The smoke and light cleared, and the thundering crashing sound faded away to nothing. As the mist cleared, you saw two shapes appear within. The first to resolve itself was Sara. She was hugging herself and shivering, as if a sudden cold snap had passed over her, but looked otherwise intact. You cocked your head.
<<nm $phYou "...Sara? You alright?">>
<<nm $phSara "Ah! I...I think I...wait! Wait wait!">>
Too late. You'd already extended a hand to touch her shoulder. The moment your palm made contact, you saw the magician's eyes cross. Her thighs slammed together and her voice rose in bliss. A shudder passed over her and then another as she dropped down onto her knees, only able to quake and quiver instead of speak.
You grinned. Paused. Then poked her shoulder again. This time, it was even more dramatic. The magician screamed and fall onto her hands and knees, all but humping herself up against the ground as the sensation tore through her body. You cocked your head again.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my. Sara. I don't know if you know this, but you seem to be cumming every time I touch you. A little...uh...sensitive, after the duel, huh? What do you think about that, Nadi-...uh?">>
...Nadia was not Nadia anymore. Where the genie had been, there was nothing by a small platform, maybe a foot wide and a little less than that tall. It was flat along the ground, but formed a sort of semi circle upward, almost like a tiny barn. Along the top of the machine was a pliable ridge of silicone with tiny protruding bumps. Even as you watched, that ridge suddenly purred and hummed with vibration. Twice in short motions, and then one long, low sound. You could //swear// you heard an indignant noise in the sound.
You covered your mouth with your hand. Sara had turned Nadia into a Sybian machine.
<<nm $phYou "Oh my. Oh my, Oh my. Now that is beautiful. I didn't even know you could turn her into something...inanimate. You really out did yourself, Sara.">>
The poor Magician was panting hard. She was recovering, but it was clear the wave of sensation was difficult to best. She was all but sprawled out on the floor, hiked up on her elbows and knees to keep her sensitive bits from rubbing against the floor.
<<nm $phSara "Still...Still think I...ah!...I won! I've still got...arms and legs!">>
The sybian hummed, menacingly. You laughed and strolled over to Sara, reaching down to grasp her by the shoulders and guide her to her feet. Even that touch all but crossed her eyes and made her fight to hold herself back from another quaking climax.
<<nm $phYou "Nadia is right. I don't think the duel is quite done yet...and that gives me all sorts of wicked ideas.">>
<<nm $phSara "W-Wait! $phYou.firstname! You can't be serious!">>
You frog-marched Sara over to the machine, until she was standing across the thing. As the sybian that had been Nadia buzzed below you, you could feel the faint hum in the air. And judging by Sara's quick gasp, even the vibration through the //air// was intense for her.
<<nm $phSara "Wait! Wait! I surrender, I surrender!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh good. I guess we don't have to continue the duel then...now all you have to do is pay the forfeit.">>
You gave her just enough time to register your implication before you put your hands on her hips and //shoved// her down, moaning, @@.choice;[[Onto The Toy!|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 9.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 9.2>>Nadia's lips were still silicone, and she extended her tongue every few seconds to nudge against the inhuman material. Sara was right there next to her, disheveled and twitching. Both of them had their free hands between their legs, rubbing furiously.
You glanced at your watch. It had only taken forty-five minutes for their respective curses to begin wearing off. Though poor Nadia had still had to deal with a good five or ten minutes of being straddled until you'd finally pulled Sara off her. The magician was in good shape and had been able to go a surprisingly long time.
<<nm $phYou "Well. I'm not certain we got an answer to who is //stronger// in the end, but I'd say we all learned some valuable lessons here today.">>
You leaned in and kissed the top of Sara's head. The poor Magician was //still// awfully sensitive, and her entire body seemed to surge up against you. She barely managed to gasp out the words and, when she did, her tone was breathy and high-pitched.
<<nm $phSara "T-Thanks for...for keeping an...ah!...eye on us! W-We won't fight anymore. P-Promise!">>
Nadia squirmed in her seat. When she spoke, there was still a slight tremor to her speech, as if her tongue had not quite settled out from being a vibrating seat.
<<nm $phNadia "Yes, Mistress! Ah! We'll...We'll play nice from now on! Sorry I turned you into a pleasure slave, Mistress Sara!">>
<<nm $phSara "Sorry I made you a sex toy, Nadia!">>
<<nm $phYou "Good girls. Although...">>
You leaned in to kiss Nadia as well, but this time you went straight for the lips. They felt very strange against you, slightly inflated and plasticky, and you could feel the vibration continuing from within. Judging by Nadia's flushed and twitching expression, though, she was just as vulnerable as Sara.
<<nm $phYou "...Now that I think about it, just one more request. Nadia, dear, I wish you'd erase Sara's memory of this incident, and then your own. The next time I question who is strong, I want you both to put on another show.">>
You turned your back on them, leaving both girls to mewl in protest even as another wave of magic swept across them both. You could hear their voices rising in a twin chorus of orgasmic bliss, and you strolled you way out of the theatre humming a little tune to yourself.
Nothing like a little friendly competition to @@.choice;[[Brighten Your Day!|Casino]]@@
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;Both Of Your Girls Enjoyed Themselves! You Gained 30 Additional Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10>><<nm $phNadia "So? What do you think, $phYou.firstname? Strength or experience?">>
You'd joined the pair at the bar, enjoying the relative quiet. No one had stepped inside to interrupt you yet, so you suspected whatever Nadia was doing it was long lasting. You held up your hands.
<<nm $phYou "I don't think I'm qualified on that front. I'm still learning something new every day.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh c'mon! We are infused with the ability to rewrite the world. What possible weakness would there be in that?">>
<<nm $phKayo "That is an immense power, young one, but all things have their weaknesses. Strengths may be turned against the strong. Should that allowed, then the strength itself becomes a weakness.">>
<<nm $phNadia "...Sara. Everything we want, we get. It's that simple. There isn't much to turn against us.">>
<<nm $phKayo "Ah, but you said it yourself. What you want, you get. That could be used by a clever opponent. For example...">>
You didn't see the kitsune spirit move. There was a hint of a blur in the air, and she simple //appeared// behind Nadia. Her slender hands came around, one of them gripping Nadia's chest through her top. The other stroked across her thigh. The angelic woman's eyes shot open.
<<nm $phNadia "Wha- Hey!">>
<<nm $phKayo "Forgive my directness. It is necessary in this moment. I can see your body is remarkably sensitive...and why would it not be? You do not need to feel pain, and you wish to feel pleasure. Why would you not increase that pleasure, if you could? Make it even...greater.">>
The kitsune purred the words against Nadia's ear even as her hand shifted up the woman's leg, two fingers firmly stroking across the white strips of fabric that made up her outfit. You could see just hard far her fingers were sinking into the cloth. She was not being delicate with either of her hands.
<<nm $phNadia "But-.">>
<<nm $phKayo "And that is the weakness. What you want, you obtain. So were I to speak of you, glowingly, of the virtues of...how would you say it in your language? 'Nipple Clamps', I believe? Hmm. Regardless, if I were to describe for you in detail a set of golden weights that I had once owned, and how wonderful they felt. They affixed right to the tip of each breast. Three links on a small chain, leading to a little firm weight.<br><br>Oh Nadia, I can hardly do them justice. Every time the wearer would move, those weights would move. Back and forth. Pulling. Tugging. Teasing. It was like the caress of a love, constantly, unceasingly at your most sensitive points. Minute by minute, your arousal would grow and grow and grow. By the time you'd worn them for an hour, you would find yourself panting, and that would only make them better. The bouncing you see. As you tried to draw in breath, the motion would bounce those little weights, and it was like the fingers pulling at your were getting more demanding. More forceful. More-.">>
Nadia cried out. Her body jerked forward, even as Kayo took her hand away from the angel's chest. You saw a pair of hard bumps appear inside the white cloth. Suspiciously chain and weight shaped bumps. You couldn't help but grin.
Nadia had wanted to feel it...and she always got everything she wanted.
<<nm $phKayo "Oh! You found them! Are they not wonderful? Are they not everything I described? Of course, they were only one piece of a set. Let me tell you about a piercing I once saw, with a pair of magical, vibrating stones set into either side of the bar. I bet you can imagine where it went...">>
You grinned and settled back. It was fairly clear Kayo had this in hand...and Nadia was about to @@.choice;[[Want A Lot Of Things!|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.1>>You moaned, working your hips hard and driving <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the thick toy deep into Nadia's sex, your hips slapping against her now much larger ass. Every time you thrust, a jolt of pleasure seemed to run directly into your sex and from there straight to your brain. You were already feeling light-headed.
<<nm $phKayo "Is it not as I said it would be? A sympathetic linking of your spirits in the act of love making. That is no mere toy $phYou.firstname is wearing. It was worn by the empress when she greeted each of her new concubines, such that they may feel as she felt, and they would long to feel it again. Through pleasure, their loyalty would be assured.">>
<<else>>your cock deep into Nadia's sex, your hips slapping against her now much larger ass. Every time you thrust, the small golden ring that had been fitting down to the base of your cock pierced into the angelic woman, and a new blast of pleasure rolled through your body. You were already feeling light-headed.
<<nm $phKayo "Is it not as I said it would be? A sympathetic linking of your spirits in the act of love making. That is no mere ring that $phYou.firstname has around $pher cock. No, that once belong to the emperor, to be used each time he greeted a new concubine. They would feel the pleasure he felt, and they would long to feel it again. Their loyalty would be assured through that pleasure.">>
<</if>>Nadia squealed, her hands working in the fancy bindings that held her arms to the small of her back. The golden nipple clumps were swinging wildly beneath her with every thrust of your hips, and a golden tiara was afixed to her forehead, one that promised to 'take things to new heights'. Judging by the glazed look in her eyes and the way her pussy clamped down hard on you every couple of seconds with a fresh orgasm, it was doing its job.
<<nm $phKayo "Mmm. I am not certain you can even hear me anymore, with all you're wearing, but I trust you are satisfied that my stories are accurate. How do you feel?">>
Nadia didn't answer. You had to agree, you didn't think she was processing very much at all. It was all you could do to keep thrusting into her and you were only affected by //one// of the items she'd summoned onto herself.
You couldn't help yourself. You sped up your movements again, driving into her hard and fast, your breathing emerging as rapid-fire pants. When you came, it was hard, bending you across Nadia's back, her fingers clutching helplessly at your stomach as <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy buzzed and vibrated at your sex<<else>>you filled her with your seed!<</if>>
Kayo still hadn't undressed, and she'd barely touched either of you. The kitsune smiled in that enigmatic way, her many tails twitching behind her as she walked up slowly to the pair of you, all but laying in a heap. One hand came down, stroking a finger over Nadia's side. The poor angel was so over sensitized even that made her jerk in place and clamp down again around <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the toy<<else>>your shaft<</if>>.
<<nm $phKayo "Very good. Very very good. A fine start, but if you truly wish to temper your strength with knowledge, there is more yet that you must learn. Fortunately, I am happy to teach.">>
One hand rose, taking gentle hold of her kimono, beginning to languidly peel it open at the front. Even panting, you had to smile, looking down at Nadia's exhausted, disbelieving expression.
This...This @@.choice;[[Might Take A While!|CasinoWaitScenes][$phWaitScene to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phWaitScene is 10.2>><<nm $phKayo "There now. I'm sure you can now appreciate how a powerful strength might be made a weakness, especially where you own powers are concerned.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Uh-huh.">>
<<nm $phKayo "You will have to take care with them in the future. When your gifts are so extrinsically tied to your desire, you must be certain to keep your desires focused upon your //greatest// designs. You cannot afford to get lost in casual whims.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Uh-huh.">>
<<nm $phKayo "But all is not lost. You conducted yourself very well, and I have obtained a number of relcs that were thought to be lost. You were very kind to help me.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Uh-huh.">>
Nadia wasn't really listening. Her head was still wobbling back and forth as she struggled to focus on Kayo, her demeanor very nearly drunk. The kitsune chuckled, smoothing out the angel's hair and then fixing the front of her outfit like a mother ensuring their child was ready for a family photo.
<<nm $phKayo "Well, I suppose that is enough excitement for one day. Were there any lessons //you// needed, $phYou.firstname? I have certain thoughts about weaknesses in your powers as well.">>
<<nm $phYou "No, that's alright. I'll go ahead and find those out the old-fashioned way. It was nice of you to ask, though.">>
The kitsune grinned at you, then picked up a small carboard box now laden with gold and jewels in many remarkable arrangements. Everything Nadia had summoned up. It was //quite// the haul.
<<nm $phKayo "Very well. Be well, both of you. I think I have a few people to pay a visit to. I know of at least one who would //greatly// enjoy seeing my new collection.">>
She turned and strode out of the bar, never looking behind her. You laughed and stood, straightening your tie as you looked back at the drowsing Nadia.
<<nm $phYou "You going to be alright. Going to keep the bar off limits until you wake up?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Uh-huh.">>
You grinned and patted her lightly on the cheek. Then you, too, turned and walked for the door. Nadia was probably one of your more powerful creations, and you had no doubt she would find a way to get one up on anyone she cared to.
But every so often it was a good reminder that @@.choice;[[There Was Always A Bigger Fish!|Casino]]@@
<<set $phEnergy += 30>>@@.narrative;Both Of Your Girls Enjoyed Themselves! You Gained 30 Additional Energy! (Total: $phEnergy)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Casino'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<nobr>>
<<include "EnergyCalc">>
<<GetBuildings>>
<<GetAchievements>>
<<set _tempcount to 0>>
<<if _buildingsBuilt.includes("Floor2")>><<set _tempcount +=1>><</if>>
<<if _buildingsBuilt.includes("Casino")>><<set _tempcount +=1>><</if>>
<<run _buildingsBuilt.delete("Floor2","Casino")>>
<<set _chapter to Math.trunc($phStoryProgression)>>
<<if $phStoryProgression < 2>><<set _reason to "Lazren Returns in $phLazDays day(s)">><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression == 2>><<set _reason to "Avery Arrives in $phLazDays day(s)">><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression == 3>><<set _reason to "Avery is Here!">><</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression is 3.1) and ($phChastity.post_talk is 3)>><<set _reason to "Wait for Chastity to Call">><</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 3.2>><<set _reason to "Deal with Nadia">><</if>>
<<if ndef _reason>><<set _reason to "None">><</if>>
<</nobr>>@@#tablet;
<div class="content"><div class="terminal"><h2>M.A.S.O.N Remote Statistics Screen (RSS)</h2>
<center><<button "Advanced View">>
<<toggleclass ".content" "invisible">>
<<toggleclass ".content-adv" "invisible">>
<</button>></center>
<<nobr>><center>
<<termtext "yellow" "<h2>Hello, $phYou.firstname!</h2>">><<termtext "white" "<h3>Your Reminders</h3>">></center>
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• Days Employed:">> <<print ($phGameDays-3)>> (Chapter _chapter)@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• Current Deadline:">> _reason@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• Buildings Built:">> <<print _buildingsBuilt.length+_tempcount>> out of <<print (_buildingsBuilt.length+_buildingsAvailable.length+2)>> (<<print (_buildingsBuilt.length+_buildingsAvailable.length)>> manageable)@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• Achievements:">> _achieved.length out of <<print (_achieved.length+_unachieved.length)>>@@
<<if ($phStoryProgression >= 3) and ($phAvery.debt > 0)>>@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• Remaining Debt to Avery:">> $phAvery.debt@@<</if>>
<<if $phBankDays === 0>>@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "• You have an investment ready at the bank.">>@@<</if>><hr/>
<<for _c to 0; _c < _buildingsBuilt.length; _c++>>
<<set _name to _buildingsBuilt[_c]>>
<<set _phBT to $phLocations[_name]>>
<<include "Modes">>
<<termtext "white" "<h2>$phLocations[_name].name (Level $phLocations[_name].level)</h2>">>
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Base Energy:">> <<print Math.round(($phLocations[_name].epdBase + $phLocations[_name].epdBonus) * $phLocations[_name].level)>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Modifier:">> <<print Math.round(($phLocations[_name].manageMod + .75) * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Recent Visitors:">> $phLocations[_name].visitor@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Visitors To Next Level:">> <<print Math.round((($phLocations[_name].visitorCap) * (1 - $phGlobal.visitorCapMod)) - $phLocations[_name].visitor)>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "yellow" "Mode:">> <<print _mode>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "Net Energy:">> $phLocations[_name].epd@@
<hr>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</div></div><div class="content-adv invisible"><div class="terminal"><h2>Advanced Statistics Screen (RSS)</h2>
<center><<button "Basic View">>
<<toggleclass ".content" "invisible">>
<<toggleclass ".content-adv" "invisible">>
<</button>></center>
<<termtext "white" "<h2>Global Energy Modifiers</h2>">>@@.narrative;Statistics that affect overall energy levels, independent of specific building performance/efficiency.@@
<<nobr>>
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Energy Per Day Modifier:">> <<print Math.round($phGlobal.epdMod * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy from Sex (General):">> $phGlobal.sexBonus@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy Capacity Modifier:">><<print Math.round($phGlobal.energyCapMod * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy from Sex (Dominant):">> $phGlobal.sexBonusDom@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy from Working:">> $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy from Sex (Submissive):">> $phGlobal.sexBonusSub@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Banked Energy Bonus:">> <<print Math.round($phGlobal.bankedEnergyBonus * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Current Vault Capacity:">> <<print (Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod)))>> Energy
<</nobr>>
<hr/>
<<termtext "white" "<h2>Global Building Modifiers</h2>">>@@.narrative;Statistics that affect overall building construction, upgrades, and performance.@@
<<nobr>>
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Construction Cost Reduction:">> <<print ($phGlobal.buildingCostMod * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Bonus (MB) Modifier:">>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>>+<<print Math.round(($phGlobal.manageAdd + (0.02 * $phLocations['Elysium'].level)) * 100)>>%<<else>><<print ($phGlobal.manageAdd * 100)>>%<</if>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Modifier Loss:">> -<<if $phGlobal.manageDecay lt 0.2>><<print Math.round((0.2 - $phGlobal.manageDecay) * 100)>>% Daily<<else>>0%<</if>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Upgrade Cost Reduction:">> <<print Math.round($phGlobal.upgradeCostMod * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Bonus (MB) Minimum Modifier:">> +<<print Math.round($phGlobal.manageMin * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Focus Cost (Base):">> $phFocusCost@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Add'l Visitors Per Day (All Locations):">> +$phGlobal.visitorMinMax Daily@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Minimum Visitor Bonus:">> +$phGlobal.visitorMin@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Maximum Visitor Bonus:">> +$phGlobal.visitorMax@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Visitors Required For Level:">> -<<print Math.round($phGlobal.visitorCapMod * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Energy from Working:">> $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Extra Visitors from Working:">> $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus@@
<</nobr>>
<hr/>
<<nobr>>
<<for _c to 0; _c < _buildingsBuilt.length; _c++>>
<<set _name to _buildingsBuilt[_c]>>
<<set _phBT to $phLocations[_name]>>
<<include "Modes">>
<<termtext "white" "<h2>$phLocations[_name].name (Level $phLocations[_name].level)</h2>">>
<<if $phLocations[_name].visitor >= $phLocations[_name].visitorCap>> <<termtext "yellow" "<h3>Ready To Level!</h3>">><</if>>
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Base Energy:">> <<print Math.round(($phLocations[_name].epdBase + $phLocations[_name].epdBonus) * $phLocations[_name].level)>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Modifier:">> <<print Math.round(($phLocations[_name].manageMod + .75) * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Minimum:">> <<print Math.round (($phLocations[_name].manageMin + $phGlobal.manageMin + .75) * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Management Maximum:">> <<print Math.round (($phLocations[_name].manageMax + $phGlobal.manageMax + 1.5) * 100)>>%@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Recent Visitors:">> $phLocations[_name].visitor@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "blue" "Visitors To Next Level:">> <<print Math.round((($phLocations[_name].visitorCap) * (1 - $phGlobal.visitorCapMod)) - $phLocations[_name].visitor)>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "yellow" "Mode:">> <<print _mode>>@@
@@.pdastat;<<termtext "red" "Net Energy:">> $phLocations[_name].epd@@
<hr>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</div></div>@@
@@.choice;
<<link "Close">>
<<set _rewind to lastVisited($phReturn)>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.rewind = -Math.abs(State.temporary.rewind);
Engine.go(State.temporary.rewind);
<</script>><</link>>
@@<<nobr>>
<<run _pda_pulse to recall('pda_pulse')>>
<<if _pda_pulse>><<run forget('pda_pulse')>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<set $phCharacters = [$phSamantha,$phDamien,$phCassandra,$phJolie,$phXavier]>>
<<BuildEmployeeMenu>>
@@.choice;
<<link "Close">>
<<set _rewind to lastVisited($phReturn)>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.rewind = -Math.abs(State.temporary.rewind);
Engine.go(State.temporary.rewind);
<</script>><</link>>@@
<<nobr>>
<<run _characters_pulse to recall('characters_pulse')>>
<<if _characters_pulse>><<run forget('characters_pulse')>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if def $phOldCC>><<unset $phOldCC>><</if>><<if ($phGenderChanged is 'Gender Only') or ($phGenderChanged is 'Gender Color') or ($phGenderChanged is 'Color Only') or (def $phDresserChange)>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Gender Only'>>You liked how you looked... for the most part. There were just a few //minor// anatomical details to changed. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Your breasts slowly flattened and shrank beneath your shirt -- which, somehow, seemed to effortlessly adjust to your new masculine chest. It was a good thing your pants were just as 'responsive', since there was definitely a bit of new heft there, as well.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>The way the bulge in your pants slowly dwindled away was subtle but mesmerizing, all the more so because you could feel how the sack below first drew taut, then //separated//, forming two very feminine folds instead. The tip of what had been your cock withdrew until it was a fraction of its previous size...but was just as sensitive. Nestled into your new sex, it was now your clit.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>The best thing about being able to change yourself was that you were no longer limited to simply being 'a man' or 'a woman'. Signing away your soul had opened your eyes to so many opportunities -- including having the best of //both// worlds. With a grin on your lips, your will resculpted your body, pairing soft, feminine curves and swells with a shaft between your thighs that was anything but soft. You were sure there were at least a few people out there who wouldn't mind... maybe more than a few!<</if>>
It didn't take long, and soon you nodded in satisfaction. Maybe you'd try out a new hair color another day, but for now, this was perfect.<<set $phGenderChanged to true>><<BreakAchievement "phGenderAchieve">><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<</if>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Gender Color'>>If you were going to make some changes, you might as well make some significant ones. <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>Your breasts slowly flattened and shrank beneath your shirt -- which, somehow, seemed to effortlessly adjust to your new masculine chest. It was a good thing your pants were just as 'responsive', since there was definitely a bit of new heft there, as well.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>The way the bulge in your pants slowly dwindled away was subtle but mesmerizing, all the more so because you could feel how the sack below first drew taut, then //separated//, forming two very feminine folds instead. The tip of what had been your cock withdrew until it was a fraction of its previous size...but was just as sensitive. Nestled into your new sex, it was now your clit.<</if>><<if $phYou.form == 'futa'>>The best thing about being able to change yourself was that you were no longer limited to simply being 'a man' or 'a woman'. Signing away your soul had opened your eyes to so many opportunities -- including having the best of //both// worlds. With a grin on your lips, your will resculpted your body, pairing soft, feminine curves and swells with a shaft between your thighs that was anything but soft. You were sure there were at least a few people out there who wouldn't mind... maybe more than a few!<</if>>
Once your body was settled, you turned your attention to more colorful things. In comparison to the anatomical changes, it was child's play -- although it was still surreal to watch as the hues changed. It looked almost like CGI from a science fiction film with how smoothly the colors shifted and spread until, at the end, it seemed as natural as if you were born that way.
Actually, maybe 'natural' wasn't the best word for demonic dye-jobs, but it'd do for now.<<set $phGenderChanged to true>><<BreakAchievement "phGenderAchieve">><<GenderFlip $phYou.form>>
<</if>><<if $phGenderChanged is 'Color Only'>>While you were happy with your physical form, your color palette could use some tweaking. You concentrated and tried to imagine what you'd look like a little differently: $phYou.skin skin, $phYou.hair hair, $phYou.eyes eyes, <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>with lips the perfect shade of $phYou.lips.<<else>>and a jacket a rich shade of $phYou.lips.<</if>> It was still surreal to watch as the hues changed. It looked almost like CGI from a science fiction film with how smoothly the colors shifted and spread until, at the end, it seemed as natural as if you were born that way.
Actually, maybe 'natural' wasn't the best word for demonic dye-jobs, but it'd do for now.<<set $phGenderChanged to false>>
<</if>><<if def $phDresserChange>>You looked down at the necklace hanging around your neck. It was so light that you often forgot it was there unless something brought it to mind, but the <<if $phYou.necklace == "bottom">>ruby jewel still shone to signify to your employees that the boss was not the trifled with. That could be a good thing, but honestly you felt like it could be time for a change. Easy enough to do. You fiddled with the necklace, turning the jewel within its casing until the green side faced outward.
There. That should let your friends and workers know they had little to fear from you if they wanted to enjoy some more 'hands-on' time with the boss.<<else>>emerald jewel faced the world, showing everyone that it was alright to take a firmer hand with you. That could be a good thing, but you felt like your employees might enjoy a reminder of who held the power within your home. Easy enough to supply. You adjusted your necklace, spinning the jewel around until its red side turned outward.
Perfect. You knew the ruby would make it immediately clear that your mood had shifted. You looked forward to seeing a new level of respect from those who served under you. <</if>><<BreakAchievement "phNeckAchieve">>
<<unset $phDresserChange>>
<</if>><hr>
<br><</if>>
<<CC_Mirror>>
<div id="CC_Under">You pulled out your cell phone and flipped open the camera. The 'selfie' mode was just as good as a mirror, and perfect for getting a glimpse of yourself when you felt like making a quick 'adjustment'.
<<if def $phUnlockedCC>>Hmm... $phYou.skin skin, $phYou.hair hair, $phYou.eyes eyes, and <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>a $phYou.lips jacket<<else>>$phYou.lips lipstick<</if>>... not bad, not bad. It might not hurt to try something else. And, of course, if you //wanted//, you could even make some adjustments below the belt.
<</if>>The necklace hanging around your neck was currently turned so that the <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>@@.gemred;''red''@@ side is facing outward, indicating you'd like to remain on top for now.<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>@@.gemgreen;''green''@@ side is facing out, encouraging your employees not to fear enjoying you.<</if>> A quick flick of your fingers would be enough to turn the jewel around.
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if def $phUnlockedCC>>
<<link "I need a change.">><<removeclass "#phCCRadioWrapper" "invisible">>
<<set $phOldCC to $phYou.cc_code>><<script>>document.getElementById("cc_mirror_wrapper").scrollIntoView();<</script>>
<<addclass "#CC_Under" "invisible">>
<</link>> There's always room for improvement!
<<else>>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[I need a change.|MobileMirror][$phDresserChange to 'bottom']] I'll turn the necklace to @@.gemgreen;green@@.<<else>>[[I need a change.|MobileMirror][$phDresserChange to 'top']] I'll turn the necklace to @@.gemred;red@@.<</if>><</if>>
<br /><<if def $phReturn2>><<set $phReturn to $phReturn2>><<unset $phReturn2>><</if>><<if (previous() is 'SeleneAdventure') and ($phSeleneTimer is 2) and ($phSelene.post_talk is 0)>>[[Actually, Everything Is Fine|$phReturn][$phSeleneTimer to 0]]<<elseif (previous() is 'Bedroom') and ($phAvery.post_talk is 0) and ($phStoryProgression is 3) and ($phLazDays is 5)>>[[Actually, Everything is Fine|$phReturn][$phAvery.post_talk to 0, $phStoryProgression to 2, $phLazDays to 0]]
<<else>>[[Actually, Everything Is Fine|$phReturn]]<</if>><</nobr>>@@ </div>
<<nobr>>
<<run _mirror_pulse to recall('mirror_pulse')>>
<<if _mirror_pulse>><<run forget('mirror_pulse')>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<GetAchievements>><h1><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i>Character Achievements<i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i></h1>
<<nobr>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phCassandraHentai")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Cassandra (AI)<span id='phCassandraHentai' class='invisible'>Transform Cassandra into a sexy AI<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassyFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCassandraHentai" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Cassandra (AI)<span id='phCassandraHentai' class='invisible'>Transform Cassandra into a sexy AI</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCassandraHentai" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phCassandraPunk")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Cassandra (Punk)<span id='phCassandraPunk' class='invisible'>Transform Cassandra into no-nonsense bitch<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCassandraPunk" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Cassandra (Punk)<span id='phCassandraPunk' class='invisible'>Transform Cassandra into no-nonsense bitch</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCassandraPunk" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phDamienBull")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Damien (Bull)<span id='phDamienBull' class='invisible'>Transform Damien into a stable stud<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBullFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phDamienBull" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Damien (Bull)<span id='phDamienBull' class='invisible'>Transform Damien into a stable stud</span>">><<toggleclass "#phDamienBull" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phDamienSissy")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Damien (Sissy)<span id='phDamienSissy' class='invisible'>Transform Damien into a flirtatious sissy<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DanaFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phDamienSissy" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Damien (Sissy)<span id='phDamienSissy' class='invisible'>Transform Damien into a flirtatious sissy</span>">><<toggleclass "#phDamienSissy" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phJolieCowgirl")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Jolie (Hucow)<span id='phJolieCowgirl' class='invisible'>Transform Jolie into a simple-minded milk maid<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCowFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phJolieCowgirl" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Jolie (Hucow)<span id='phJolieCowgirl' class='invisible'>Transform Jolie into a simple-minded milk maid</span>">><<toggleclass "#phJolieCowgirl" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phJoliePornstar")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Jolie (Pornstar)<span id='phJoliePornstar' class='invisible'>Transform Jolie into a woman for any fantasy<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieBaseFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phJoliePornstar" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Jolie (Pornstar)<span id='phJoliePornstar' class='invisible'>Transform Jolie into a woman for any fantasy</span>">><<toggleclass "#phJoliePornstar" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phMasonDom")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Mason (Dominant)<span id='phMasonDom' class='invisible'>Inflame your four-armed foreman.<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonDomFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phMasonDom" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Mason (Dominant)<span id='phMasonDom' class='invisible'>Inflame your four-armed foreman.</span>">><<toggleclass "#phMasonDom" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phMasonSub")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Mason (Submissive)<span id='phMasonSub' class='invisible'>Teach Mason true discipline.<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonSubFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phMasonSub" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Mason (Submissive)<span id='phMasonSub' class='invisible'>Teach Mason true discipline.</span>">><<toggleclass "#phMasonSub" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phNadiaGenie")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Nadia (Genie)<span id='phNadiaGenie' class='invisible'>Your wish her is command!<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenieFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phNadiaGenie" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Nadia (Genie)<span id='phNadiaGenie' class='invisible'>Your wish is her command!</span>">><<toggleclass "#phNadiaGenie" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phNadiaAngel")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Nadia (Angel)<span id='phNadiaAngel' class='invisible'>Gain access to her Pearly Gates.<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngelFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phNadiaAngel" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Nadia (Angel)<span id='phNadiaAngel' class='invisible'>Gain access to her Pearly Gates.</span>">><<toggleclass "#phNadiaAngel" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phPetraDrow")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Petra (Dark Elf)<span id='phPetraDrow' class='invisible'>Transform Petra into a femdom dark elf<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/DrowFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPetraDrow" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Petra (Dark Elf)<span id='phPetraDrow' class='invisible'>Transform Petra into a femdom dark elf</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPetraDrow" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phPetraSiren")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Petra (Siren)<span id='phPetraSiren' class='invisible'>Transform Petra into a silver-tongued siren<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/SirenFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPetraSiren" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Petra (Siren)<span id='phPetraSiren' class='invisible'>Transform Petra into a silver-tongued siren</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPetraSiren" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSamanthaBimbo")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Samantha (Bimbo)<span id='phSamanthaBimbo' class='invisible'>Transform Samantha into your personal sex-- er, secretary<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SammyFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSamanthaBimbo" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Samantha (Bimbo)<span id='phSamanthaBimbo' class='invisible'>Transform Samantha into your personal sex-- er, secretary</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSamanthaBimbo" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSamanthaFuta")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Samantha (Futa)<span id='phSamanthaFuta' class='invisible'>Transform Samantha into a well-equipped partner<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSamanthaFuta" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Samantha (Futa)<span id='phSamanthaFuta' class='invisible'>Transform Samantha into a well-equipped partner</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSamanthaFuta" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSaraKitsune")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Sara (Kitsune)<span id='phSaraKitsune' class='invisible'>Transform Sara into a Japanese foxwife<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsuneFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSaraKitsune" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Sara (Kitsune)<span id='phSaraKitsune' class='invisible'>Transform Sara into a Japanese foxwife</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSaraKitsune" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSaraMagician")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Sara (Magician)<span id='phSaraMagician' class='invisible'>Transform Sara into an arcane enchantress<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagicianFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSaraMagician" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Sara (Magician)<span id='phSaraMagician' class='invisible'>Transform Sara into an arcane enchantress</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSaraMagician" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSeleneBig")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Selene (Giantess)<span id='phSeleneBig' class='invisible'>Transform Selene into a //very// big girl<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneBigFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSeleneBig" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Selene (Giantess)<span id='phSeleneBig' class='invisible'>Transform Selene into a //very// big girl</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSeleneBig" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phSeleneClone")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Selene (Clone)<span id='phSeleneClone' class='invisible'>Transform Selene into double the pleasure and double the fun<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneTwinFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSeleneClone" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Selene (Clone)<span id='phSeleneClone' class='invisible'>Transform Selene into double the pleasure and double the fun</span>">><<toggleclass "#phSeleneClone" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phXavierVampire")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Xavier (Vampire)<span id='phXavierVampire' class='invisible'>Transform Xavier into a creature of the night<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XavierFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phXavierVampire" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Xavier (Vampire)<span id='phXavierVampire' class='invisible'>Transform Xavier into a creature of the night</span>">><<toggleclass "#phXavierVampire" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phXavierDryad")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Xavier (Dryad)<span id='phXavierDryad' class='invisible'>Transform Xavier into a spirit of the forest<br>
[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XunFancy.png]]</span>">><<toggleclass "#phXavierDryad" "invisible">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Xavier (Dryad)<span id='phXavierDryad' class='invisible'>Transform Xavier into a spirit of the forest</span>">><<toggleclass "#phXavierDryad" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<h1><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i>Building Achievements<i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i></h1>
<<nobr>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildBank")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Bank">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Bank">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildCasino")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Casino">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Casino">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildInferno")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build Club Inferno">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build Club Inferno">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildComp")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Computer Café">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Computer Café">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildElysium")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build Elysium">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build Elysium">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildGym")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Gym">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Gym">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildFloor2")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Second Floor Expansion">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Second Floor Expansion">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildSecurity")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build the Security Office">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build the Security Office">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBuildShake")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Build Shakes 'n' Sundaes">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Build Shakes 'n' Sundaes">><</button>></span><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<h1><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i>Game Achievements<i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i></h1>
<<nobr>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phCollector")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Collector<span id='phCollector'>Unlock each and every transformation available (two per character)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Collector<span id='phCollector' class='invisible'>Unlock each and every transformation available (two per character)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCollector" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phCatchXavier")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Devil's Own Luck<span id='phCatchXavier'>Catch the intruder on your very first attempt</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Devil's Own Luck<span id='phCatchXavier' class='invisible'>Catch the intruder on your very first attempt</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCatchXavier" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phDressToImpress")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Dress to Impress<span id='phDressToImpress'>Exceed Avery's lofty expectations</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Dress to Impress<span id='phDressToImpress' class='invisible'>Exceed Avery's lofty expectation</span>">><<toggleclass "#phDressToImpress" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phCatchCultist")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Elementary, My Dear<span id='phCatchCultist'>Solve the Matron's mystery without Mason's help</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Elementary, My Dear<span id='phCatchCultist' class='invisible'>Solve the Matron's mystery without Mason's help</span>">><<toggleclass "#phCatchCultist" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phEmployeeExcellence")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Employee Excellence<span id='phEmployeeExcellence'>Get rave reviews on your first employee evaluation</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Employee Excellence<span id='phEmployeeExcellence' class='invisible'>Get rave reviews on your first employee evaluation</span>">><<toggleclass "#phEmployeeExcellence" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phGenderBender")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Gender Bender<span id='phGenderBender'>Have sex as each of the three available genders</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Gender Bender<span id='phGenderBender' class='invisible'>Have sex as each of the three available genders</span>">><<toggleclass "#phGenderBender" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phHugeTracks")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Huge Tracks of Land<span id='phHugeTracks'>Maximize the Vault's expansion capabilities</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Huge Tracks of Land<span id='phHugeTracks' class='invisible'>Maximize the Vault's expansion capabilities</span>">><<toggleclass "#phHugeTracks" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phInfernalArchitect")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Infernal Architect<span id='phInfernalArchitect'>Obtain all available building achievements, and raise all buildings to level 5</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Infernal Architect<span id='phInfernalArchitect' class='invisible'>Obtain all available building achievements, and raise all buildings to level 5</span>">><<toggleclass "#phInfernalArchitect" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phOhNo")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Oh No! Anyways.<span id='phOhNo'>Get a 'bad end'</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Oh No! Anyways.<span id='phOhNo' class='invisible'>Get a 'bad end'</span>">><<toggleclass "#phOhNo" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBlueprints")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Oneprints, Twoprints, Redprints, Blueprints<span id='phBlueprints'>Construct all available buildings</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Oneprints, Twoprints, Redprints, Blueprints<span id='phBlueprints' class='invisible'>Construct all available buildings</span>">><<toggleclass "#phBlueprints" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phPerfectionist")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Perfectionist<span id='phPerfectionist'>Get ALL achievements currently available in the game</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Perfectionist<span id='phPerfectionist' class='invisible'>Get ALL achievements currently available in the game</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPerfectionist" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<if _achieved.includesAny("phCheaters")>><h1><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i>Hidden Achievements<i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i></h1>
Well. Aren't you a resourceful $pgirl?
<<nobr>><<if _achieved.includes("phCheaters")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Cheaters Sometimes Win<span id='phCheaters'>Successfully use the hidden cheat pane to grant yourself an achievement</span>">><</button>></span><</if>>
<</nobr>><br><br><</if>>
<h1><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i>Future Achievements<i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'></i></h1>
You can't get these yet, but some day...
<<nobr>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phBoyToy")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Boy Toy<span id='phBoyToy'>Play as male through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Boy Toy<span id='phBoyToy' class='invisible'>Play as male through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phBoyToy" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phGalPal")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Gal Pal<span id='phGalPal'>Play as female through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Gal Pal<span id='phGalPal' class='invisible'>Play as female through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phGalPal" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phPackageSmuggler")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>Package Smuggler<span id='phPackageSmuggler'>Play as futa through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>Package Smuggler<span id='phPackageSmuggler' class='invisible'>Play as futa through an entire playthrough (starting at your demonic transformation)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phPackageSmuggler" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phAllDom")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>All About the D<span id='phAllDom'>Play as Dominant/Top through an entire playthrough (i.e. keep your necklace red)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>All About the D<span id='phAllDom' class='invisible'>Play as Dominant/Top through an entire playthrough (i.e. keep your necklace red)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phAllDom" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<<if _achieved.includes("phAllSub")>><span class="achieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock-open' aria-hidden='true' title='Achievement Unlocked!'></i>S is the Best<span id='phAllSub'>Play as submissive/bottom through an entire playthrough (i.e. keep your necklace green)</span>">><</button>></span><<else>><span class="unachieved"><<button "<i class='fa-solid fa-lock' aria-hidden='true' title='Locked!'></i>S is the Best<span id='phAllSub' class='invisible'>Play as submissive/bottom through an entire playthrough (i.e. keep your necklace green)</span>">><<toggleclass "#phAllSub" "invisible">><</button>></span><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<center><<button "Clear Achievements">>
<<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confirm Clear?");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("confirm_clear_achievements").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>
<</button>></center>
@@.choice;
<<link "Close">>
<<set _rewind to lastVisited($phReturn)>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.rewind = -Math.abs(State.temporary.rewind);
Engine.go(State.temporary.rewind);
<</script>><</link>>@@
<<nobr>>
<<run _achievements_pulse to recall('achievements_pulse')>>
<<if _achievements_pulse>><<run forget('achievements_pulse')>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<include "VaultTriggers">><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>>'The Vault' was actually a comfortable and spacious suite down the hall from your own, though the decor was very different. Rather than the ultra modern furnishings, the vault leaned heavily in the direction of curtains and cushions. It was hardly afraid of technology, however, and one wall was dominated by a massive, wall-mounted television. The suite had a comfortable air about it, and the lack of standing furniture left it feeling cool and open.
You knew that looks could be deceiving, however. There were runes, barely visible, across the ceiling and walls that were serving as conduits for the tower's energy. You were still unclear on exactly how they pulled energy from your patrons and brought it all here, but you knew this was ultimately where it all lived until you could use it up. Within this room, and specifically within your Naga employee.
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>><<set _random to random(1,5)>>Selene was home. Er... the...//Selenes// were home. <<if _random is 1>>One of them was spawled on the couch in front of the television, while the other was coiled up on the floor leaning back against the sofa, engrossed in the book in her hand.<</if>><<if _random is 2>>They were practicing some sort of 'naga yoga', it seemed, as one of them helped balance her sister, who wavered unsteadily in the world's most odd-looking handstand.<</if>><<if _random is 3>>They were in the midst of an intense and animated conversation as they both slithered out of the bedroom. One gestured excited with her hands, while her sister nodded in agreement.<</if>><<if _random is 4>>You could see two shadows moving along the walls of the kitchen. Judging from the clattering and crashing and occasional apologies, two cooks might not be better than one!<</if>><<if _random is 5>>They were both curled -- coiled -- up on the couch, intertwined so thoroughly that you had trouble telling where one sister stopped and the next sister started. It certainly looked cozy!<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Selene About Something|SeleneClone]]
[[Gather The Twins For Some Fun|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 0.2]]
<<if $phEnergyCap lt 204800>>[[Expand The Vault|VaultUpgrade]]<</if>>
[[Return To The Office|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>>Selene was home, <<set _random to random(1,5)>><<if _random is 1>>lounging on her back on the massive cushion in front of the television, idly plucking grapes from a bunch in her hand.<</if>><<if _random is 2>>apparently doing some variety of naga yoga, if the way she balances on her hands and lifts as much of her tail as she can off the ground is any indication.<</if>><<if _random is 3>>her head propped up against the side of the couch as she flips through a book, her tail sprawled across the floor.<</if>><<if _random is 4>>judging from the clattering and crashing from the kitchen. Either that or she was starting the world's worst percussion band...you weren't sure which one.<</if>><<if _random is 5>>smoking from a vape pen the size of brick. Every time she exhaled toward the ceiling, it was a cloud so thick you would have worried about the tower's fire alarms if you hadn't known better.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Selene About Something|SeleneBig]]
[[Enjoy Some Plus-Sized Pleasure|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 0]]
<<if $phEnergyCap lt 204800>>[[Expand The Vault|VaultUpgrade]]<</if>>
[[Return To The Office|Office]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.transform is not 'clone') and ($phSelene.transform is not 'big')>>Selene was here, <<set _random to random(1,5)>><<if _random is 1>>reclining in a pile of pillows with a leather bound book in her hands.<</if>><<if _random is 2>>slicing a pear with a small paring knife as a sports game played in the background.<</if>><<if _random is 3>>sitting up and staring at the television as she held a game controller in her hands.<</if>><<if _random is 4>>curled in a tight coil over the pillow pile, absently breathing in from a vape pen and exhaling toward the ceiling.<</if>><<if _random is 5>>watching the massive television as a pair of melodramatic actors confessed their love for one another.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Selene About Something|TalkToSelene]]
<<if $phEnergyCap < 204800>><<if ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 1)>>[[Expand The Vault|VaultUpgrade]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;Perhaps You Should Wait On Expanding The Vault...@@<</if>><</if>>
[[Return To The Office|Office]]@@<</if>><<if $phLocation is not 'Sleep'>><<set $phLocation to 'Vault'>>
<<if $phSelene.focus_vault is 0>><<goto 'SeleneIntro'>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'SeleneIntro'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "It was nice to meet you, Selene. You'll let me know if you need anything?">><br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "Of course! And, um, I know you're busy but feel free to drop in any time! I've got a lot of board games for a couple of players, but I still need to find some friends to play with.">><br><br>
You couldn't help but smile at that. Board games with a Naga...One more thing to check off the bucket list!<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'VaultUpgradeDecline'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "We'll wait on the expansion, I think, but I'll keep you posted.">><br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "I'll be here! I'm sort of always here, but you drop in when everything is ready!">>
<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'FirstUpgradeDecline'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Hmm. Let me think about it for a while, okay? I want you to be happy with it.">><br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, I understand! Maybe the extra time will help me decide. Let me know when you're ready to expand. If I haven't chosen by then, I'll ask for your advice again!">>
<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ExpansionNoSex'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I'm glad that it went well. I don't think I should linger for too long, though. You enjoy yourself, okay?">><br><br>
Selene looked visibly disappointed, but she recovered herself quickly. She leaned forward to give you a hug and a squeeze, then let you go.<br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "I understand! You enjoy yourself out there, okay, $phYou.firstname?">>
<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'SeleneExpansionSex'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>>You both took a few minutes to clean yourselves up and get yourselves presentable again. Selene smiled, broadly, and put a hand on your arm.<br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "That was wonderful, $phYou.firstname. Please don't be a stranger, okay? I'd love to see you back here whenever you'd like to relax a while.">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "How could I turn that down? Don't worry, I'll be back soon enough. Take care, Selene.">><br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ExpansionNoSexBig'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "Oh, I enjoyed the show, don't you worry. Unfortunately, I think we'll have to hold off on anything else. Duty calls.">><br><br>
Selene looked visibly disappointed, but she shifted position and let you slide off of her lengthened tail without protest.<br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "Okay...but if you change your mind later, you know where I am! I'll save at least an encore for you, alright?">><br><br>
<<nm $phYou "Deal!">><br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ExpansionNoSexTwin'>><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><<nm $phYou "I have absolutely no doubt you could, given the time. Unfortunately, I don't have as much of it as I'd like today.">><br><br>
<<nm $phSelene "Awww. That's okay. We'll find some way to keep ourselves entertained.">><br><br>
<<nm $phSelclone "You know. Without you.">><br><br>
The two naga looped arms around one another, put on their best haughty expressions, and went back to what they were doing before. You were pretty sure that was mostly just for your benefit, but you couldn't help but wonder what they //did// get up to when you weren't here.<br><br>
Thoughts for another day!<br><hr><br><br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is not 'Sleep') and ($phTime > 2)>><<goto Sleep>><</if>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault is 0>>You weren't entirely sure what you were expecting. Possibly a security room made of shiny metal, lined with motion sensors and lasers alert for intruders. Perhaps instead a room sized bank vault, with a door that took fifteen minutes to unlock and open. Perhaps even a security desk with a team of heavily armed security guards checking your ID.
You were definitely //not// expecting a simple carpeted suite.
You stopped in the doorway and let your eyes sweep from left to right. It was large and spacious, for a suite, and if not for the one you were currently staying in, you would say it was the largest you'd ever seen. There was a full living room you could have fit a small apartment into. The floor was glossy wood, the furnishings were red cherry, and the walls were a bright orangish hue. It was, for lack of a better term, cozy.
You actually took a step back and checked the sign on the front of the door, but you hadn't been mistaken. 'Vault' was printed in careful, monospace lettering on the door plaque. You were in the right place, even if didn't seem like it.
<<nm $phYou "Hello?">>
Your voice echoed in the quiet room for a moment, but it didn't go unnoticed. There was a massive thump from a room beyond the living room and soon the curtain divider between the two rooms parted slightly. A woman stuck her head through.
She was pretty, with bronzed skin and dark hair pulled back beneath a teal head piece of some variety. She blinked for several seconds, and then smiled and spoke. Her voice had a pleasant lilt to the words, a slight alteration of the vowels that you wouldn't quite quantify as an accent but that nonetheless was pleasing to the ear.
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Selene') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Selena')>><<if $phGameDays > 5>><<nm $phSelene "Oh! I was starting to think you would never come by! I keep hearing about '$phYou.firstname', '$phYou.firstname', '$phYou.firstname' -- it was starting to get confusing!">><<else>><<nm $phSelene "Oh! I-- I wasn't expecting you to come by so soon! You're-- you're $phYou.firstname, aren't you? Sorry, that's still so strange to say!">><</if>><<else>><<if $phGameDays > 5>><<nm $phSelene "Oh! I was starting to think you were never going to come by. You're $phYou.firstname, aren't you?">><<else>><<nm $phSelene "Oh! Sorry, I wasn't expecting you to come by so soon! You're $phYou.firstname, aren't you?">><</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phYou.firstname is 'Selene') or ($phYou.firstname is 'Selena')>><<nm $phYou "... that's me, yes. <<if $phGameDays > 5>>My name is confusing?<<else>>My name is strange to say?<</if>>">>
<<nm $phSelene "Only because it's my name, too! I'm Selene!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Well, nice to meet you, Selene. I was looking for the vault?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "That's me, yes. I'm sorry, I'm looking for the vault?">><</if>>
<<nm $phSelene "And you have found her!">>
The woman flashed a beaming smile at you, parting the curtains with a flourish and then stepping fully into the living room...except she didn't actually step.
She @@.choice;[[Slithered!|SeleneIntro][$phSelene.focus_vault to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene.png]]</picture>@@
The woman that entered the room had a bright smile and a sunny expression. Her dark ebony hair was long and poured down her back in a wave. Her outfit seemed made of up mostly from a length of teal ribbon, matched with golden jewelry adorning her arms, neck, and lengthy, elfin ears. The outfit showed a lot of trim, bronzed flesh, though she was more lithe than curvaceous. Other than the ears, everything above the waist could easily have been human.
The waist down was another matter entirely. Her hips were covered with a loose skirt clipped to her belt. What emerged beneath it was not a pair of legs but instead an enormous snake's tail. The scales were a reddish gold, broken up here and there with darker diamond patterns. It was at least eight feet long, curling behind her in a zig-zag bend. She leaned back against the coils the same way that a woman might recline against a large sitting pillow.
You brought your attention back to her face just in time to see her doing the same to you, both of you realizing you were staring at the exact same moment. The woman swayed from side to side, her expression somewhat bashful.
<<nm $phSelene "Wow...you're, uh, really a demon, huh?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, that's me. Does that surprise you? And what do you mean I 'found her'?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! That's exactly what I mean. <<if ($phYou.firstname != 'Selene') and ($phYou.firstname != 'Selena')>>I'm Selene, and <</if>>I'm your vault. Here, watch!">>
She closed her eyes and leaned backward, tilting her head up toward the ceiling. She inhaled, deeply, and as she did small designs that had previously been invisible across the surface above you suddenly flared to life. Runic signs you couldn't identify, running up, down, and side to side across every inch of the suite's ceiling, all glowed with a faintly greenish energy. As she sucked in a breath, three or four little wisps of light floated down from above, spiraling through the air until they were down between her lips like a ship being swallowed by a whirlpool.
Selene opened her eyes, the irises glowing the same faint green for a heartbeat before they faded back to the original brown. She let a self-conscious kind of giggle and patted her belly.
<<nm $phSelene "See? That's all the energy from this morning, safe and sound. All that juice is alive, so you can't just keep it in a building. That's where I come in. I'm a Naga, and my people are very good at storing that sort of thing. In fact, we're almost as good as dragons!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh...Then, why don't we have a dragon?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Ah. Well...because a dragon isn't going to give the energy //back//?">>
Good reason. You tried to get your mental feet beneath you, though you felt like that was something of a hopeless task. The vault wasn't a room, it was a person, and she actually drank in the energy you were siphoning off from your guests while you were doing it.
One more surprise to add to the list!<<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
@@.choice;
[[Ask About Selene's History|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ1 to 1]]
[[You're Not Stuck Here...Are You?|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
<<if $phEnergyCap is 200>>[[Ask About Expansions|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]<<else>>[[Ask About Selene's 'Expansion'|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]<</if>>
[[Enough For Now|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneIntro']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneQ1 is 0) and ($phSeleneQ2 is 0) and ($phSeleneQ3 is 0) and (($phSeleneQ4 is 0) or ($phEnergyCap gte 200))>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if $phSelene.chapter_talk is 2>><<nm $phSelene "Oh oh oh! I was hoping you would stop by! Wait right there!">>
Selene scurried in a way you had never seen before. The naga flexed her tail in wider arcs and made surprisingly fast progress into the kitchen. After perhaps a minute, she emerged with a chocolate cake held between her arms. Small firecrackers burned on either side of a pair of candlelit digits. '1' and '0'.
<<nm $phSelene "Congratulations! I heard your mother dropped in. You must have done well, because you're still here! I wanted to celebrate with you!">>
She held up the cake. Obligingly, you leaned forward and exhaled sharply, blowing out the candles. You nodded at the cake.
<<nm $phYou "What's the 10 for?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Huh?">>
You gestured toward the candles still buried in the frosting, before reaching over and plucking the sparklers out of the sides. Selene blinked, looked down at the cake and then back up at you. Her expression was crestfallen.
<<nm $phSelene "Did I not do it right? We never had cake back in the nest. We're not really as built for sweets as you are. I looked up an online video to get all the decorations right for a celebration.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Was it possible the celebration was a ten-year old's birthday party?">>
Selene looked at you for a long time. Then, all at once, she seemed to deflate.
<<nm $phSelene "...Poop.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry! I love it. It's a very nice gesture, and some cake is more than welcome. The fact that you looked online to find a way to celebrate with me means a lot. Would you join me for a slice?">>
The naga swayed back and forth, cleared her throat, and looked freshly embarrassed.
<<nm $phSelene "Well...remember when I said we don't have cakes much back home? I kind of had to do a lot of sampling to get it right, and it took way more tries than I anticipated. I was still putting the finishing touches on things today and--">>
You laughed and nodded, cutting her off with an open gesture of your hands.
<<nm $phYou "I understand. I'll take it back with me and have it tonight.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Good! Good! And next time, I'll get the symbols right! In the meantime, is there anything you wanted to chat about?">>
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to 3.9>>You noticed something different about your naga employee before you had fully crossed the floor over to her. She was wearing a racer's headband and looked sweaty and tired, even at rest. You cocked your head.
<<nm $phYou "Getting some exercise in?">>
Selene's head snapped up and she all but broke the sound barrier getting over to you.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! I wasn't expecting to see you here! I thought you'd be busy getting ready!">>
<<nm $phYou "Ready?">>
<<nm $phSelene "For everything! Mason told us about what they want for you! They want you to become a Sin! We all have to up our game to not ruin things for you. One of my Matrons always said you could hold more energy if you were in shape, so I thought I would try a few things. It's been a little bit too long, and I was really starting to hurt, but I didn't want to give up and--">>
You reached out and, gently, took the naga by the shoulders, pausing the rush of words. You squeezed her shoulders, briefly, and then let her go.
<<nm $phYou "Breathe, Selene. It's alright. No one is going to screw anything up. You're running the vault as well as it can be run. Deep breath, okay?">>
She actually took one, inhaling sharply and letting the breath out slower. After two more of those, she flushed deeply and began to look sheepish.
<<nm $phSelene "Okay, maybe I was a little excited, I was just so happy for you. No one deserves it more. You've done so well, and I'm glad they're recognizing that.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's a flattering offer, but it's also a big one. I'm still thinking about exactly how I want to handle it.">>
Selene blinked. She didn't quite cock her head in confusion, but rather lowered it slightly and then turned her head from side to side as if disbelieving what she was hearing.
<<nm $phSelene "...Didn't you already make that decision, $phYou.firstname? You went to work for Lazren. To help people as much as you can, and to enjoy all the power that came with it, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...Yes. And I did agree to take it, it's just.. //how// to do it. This is a lot more complicated than just 'help people out'!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Is it?">>
It certainly //seemed// so to you, though right at that moment you couldn't entirely articulate why. True, you were being asked to do more or less what you already did, but there would be a lot more consequences if you screwed something up.
Selene seemed to read your hesitation, and she smiled broadly. The naga reached and snapped her hairband lightly against her forehead.
<<nm $phSelene "See? Easy choice. So we have to make sure you're ready. Don't worry. I don't know if being fit will have any real effect on the vault, but I'm certainly going to try. It won't hurt, at the very least. Oh! Did you come down to talk about something?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Hey Selene. Do you have a second to talk?">>
The naga woman looked up and smiled, extracting herself from what she was doing and moving over to you. It was a smooth motion, her tail gliding straight forward across the carpeted floor. You could just barely see the muscles of her lower belly flex with the locomotion.
<<nm $phSelene "Of course! This job doesn't really take a lot of attention, and we've got a while before I need to take in the next wave. Believe me, I'll take all the distraction I can get!">>
Once she neared you, her tail pulled up after her and she leaned back, her upper torso all but reclined against her lower half. Her bright smile suggested she really was happy to have a visitor.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'm glad I can provide that much. How are we doing today?">>
<<if ($phEnergy <= ($phEnergyCap / 4))>>Selene frowned and touched her belly, her head cocked slightly to one side.
<<nm $phSelene "Not too bad, but feels like we've done a lot of spending. There isn't as much in the tank right now. Um. I could use a snack, if I'm being honest, but I know we'll get there. What did you want to talk about?">>
<</if>><<if ($phEnergy gt ($phEnergyCap / 4)) and ($phEnergy lt ($phEnergyCap * .75))>>Selene patted her stomach with self-satisfied sort of expression, then gave you a shy smile as if suddenly realizing you were watching.
<<nm $phSelene "We're doing pretty alright! There's a lot of fuel left in the tank, though I could fit a little more pretty easily. What did you want to talk about?">>
<</if>><<if ($phEnergy >= ($phEnergyCap * .75))>>Selene put a hand on her stomach and blew out a deep breath.
<<nm $phSelene "Um. Wow. I can't remember the last time I was this full! Maybe if you've got more energy than you know what to do with, we could talk about letting me snack on a little for an expansion? Either way, what did you want to talk about?">>
<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phSeleneQ1 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I'd like to get to know you a little better. Where you came from, how you met Lazren...I'm honestly very new to this whole thing. I don't even know if you were human or...?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! No, no. I'm all natural! I'm from the big den up in Oregon!">>
<<nm $phYou "...Oregon? The Naga live in Oregon? Really?">>
Selene flashed her shy smile and twisted a little in place.
<<nm $phSelene "It's not that weird. Humans like to think they're everywhere on the planet, but there is a //lot// of empty space in the world for all sorts of things to be...and the humans who lived near us mostly stayed away. The closest we have to trouble is having to gently prod people away who are looking for a place to set up their own utopian compound thing, and that was mostly only the older matrons. It's actually really pretty up there...or were you surprised because of the outfit?">>
The Naga looked down at the ribbons and golden bracelets adorning her body, then up around the room. She giggled and shook her head.
<<nm $phSelene "...I admit, we don't get to mingle much with people and we live a long time, so a lot of our culture come from the matrons who still remember sailing here in the first place. We can't really go out for a stroll through town and, um, getting ahold of the kind of magic you'd need to disguise yourself usually means making a deal with someone, which is its own basket of snakes...and that's why I'm here!">>
<<nm $phYou "Because you made a de- Oh! With Lazren?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes, exactly! I get to live rent free for a while and get used to channeling all that energy you've got back and forth. Eventually, when I've learned how to handle it, she's going to teach me how to use that energy to actually go out into the world, whenever I want! It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.">>
Honestly, it wasn't //that// different from the deal you were under. Actually, you'd never thought about what happens to you if the tower is ever finished. That //might// be a useful thing to bring up, at some point...
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "You're not...//stuck// here all the time, are you?">>
Selene blinked at you, seeming genuinely surprised. Then she raised her hand in front of her mouth and giggled, merrily.
<<nm $phSelene "You were human, weren't you? Before you were a demon?">>
Despite yourself, you felt your cheeks heating. It wasn't like it was a shameful thing, really, but you just felt like you'd made some kind of faux pas.
<<nm $phYou "Is it that obvious?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Only because I'm kind of out of my depth too! Okay, okay, let me explain it like the matrons explained it to me. Humans don't know that most other species exist. There's a lot of reasons for that, but mostly because once that secret is out it's out for good and that could be pretty not-great. So unless you're a type that can look totally human, you tend to spend a lot of your time bottled up.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...alright, that makes sense, but that still doesn't mean you want to be stuck in one suite forever!">>
Selene smiled, warmly, and extended a hand to cup your cheek. Her skin was very warm, almost hot, beneath your chin. So much for cold-blooded!
<<nm $phSelene "Of course. Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. My species sleeps a lot more than humans do, for one thing. Probably one of the reasons your, um, boss has always been so fond of us. I also only need to drink the energy in once every few hours to stay ahead of it, so it's not very constant work. I can wander around after closing time, too! Sometimes, I even make myself some snacks in the food court. I just have to make it a midnight snack, not a lunch.">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay, but-.">>
<<nm $phSelene "It's alright. It's part of the contract. Every couple of weeks I get a day off. Your science guy with the four arms, Mason? He sets something up that can handle things for a day and I get a quick jaunt back home to see my sisters. Other than that, yeah, I do need to stick around most of the time...but every job has a downside. I knew that going into it, don't worry! I've got games, books, and the TV, so I'm pretty set. Though if you want to drop in every so often to talk, I wouldn't mind that either.">>
You weren't entirely sure your fears were assuaged, but she certainly didn't seem to be distressed about it. You privately had to admit your old self would have been equally happy to take a job like hers, at least for a couple of years.
<<nm $phYou "You //will// tell me if it ever gets too much?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Cross my heart!">>
Fair enough.
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So, what happens when we need to keep more energy than you can handle? Do I need to bring in some sisters for you? That might be a lot of suites!">>
Selene shuddered and made a quick waving motion with both hands as she recoiled back a half pace.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, no no no, you don't want to do that at all! Naga get territorial when it comes to an energy fountain. We'd have to work out a schedule as to who gets what energy when and whether it was more or less than the other one got...it'd be a mad house! Even if you stuck to the same brood, it'd be just nothing but bitc- Ah...arguing! No, no, no, stick to the other way!">>
<<nm $phYou "The other way?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, right! You're new, too! Well, back in the olden days, they say it was pretty rough staying fed. We do eat normal food too, but to grow we need the type of energy you're collecting, and that got a little hairy. There's a reason a lot of the stories started out as spooky tales to tell around the fire. I won't go into too many details, but the way we're set up here, I don't have to take so much from any one person. We're taking a little from a lot of people instead, and that's just better for everyone. I don't want to hurt anybody!">>
<<nm $phYou "So you...eat the energy? But-.">>
<<nm $phSelene "What good am I as a vault if I'm eating everything? No, don't worry, I'm just holding onto it. It's not perfect. I //do// have to live and thrive and stuff, but I'm pretty sure Mason has worked that into his numbers already. He did a lot of tests on me when I first arrived as to how much I could hold and how long it stayed. Was honestly a little weird...Um! The point is, I'm not actually consuming it...until you want me to, of course.">>
You gave her a curious look. You had a feeling you knew where this was going, but you asked anyway.
<<nm $phYou "Why would I want you to do that?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Well...because that's how we grow. If you need more space, all you need to do is tell me to eat up and use it on myself. I can make my 'stomach' bigger...metaphorically speaking. Of course, that means you'll have to build things up again. That's why I'm not going to do it until you tell me to...just don't take //too// long, okay? It's not the comfiest to be full to the brim all the time, you know?">>
You didn't, but you could imagine. Okay, so your Naga could use some of her energy to increase the amount of energy she could hold. Honestly, it wasn't //that// different from using it to remodel or expand a physical vault. Really, there was nothing strange about that at all...
...and if you kept repeating that to yourself, you might just begin to believe it!
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ4 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you feeling about your, ah...new additions?">>
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>>Selene looking down at herself quickly, her expanded bustline still very obviously in view with her sheer and ribbon like outfit. Her cheeks darkened a fraction, but she gave a little bounce to send a jiggle through the new flesh.
<<nm $phSelene "Pretty good so far, actually. Uh...It's a lot easier to get people's attention, for one thing, though they aren't always listening to what I actually //say//.">>
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh.">>
You couched the reply in a distracted monotone, your eyes riveted to her collarbone. Selene blinked at you, then leaned over and slapped you on the arm, playfully. You laughed and held up both of your hands in surrender.
<<nm $phYou "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! They are very lovely, yes, but mostly I want to make sure you didn't have any regrets.">>
<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>>Selene's cheeks flared just a bit and her 'hips' swayed from side to side. She was still covered in a loosely tied skirt that could not, under any circumstances, have hidden her new lengths. You cocked your head curiously.
<<nm $phSelene "They're, uh...inside. They only come out when it's time to use them. And no, it's good, even if it's been a little strange, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? How so?">>
The Naga flushed a little more and leaned in to whisper to you conspiratorially.
<<nm $phSelene "Well, like...I always thought other girls were pretty, but I didn't //see// them the same way. I was passing through the office when $phSamantha.name happened to be leaning over her desk to pick up a pencil and, uh....I sort had to run back here. Very very fast.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Yeah, that I can understand. I guess there are a couple of breeding instincts that go along with the equipment. But still, you don't have any regrets?">>
<</if>><<nm $phSelene "I really don't. <<if hasVisited('SeleneSex')>>If I had any, you definitely helped put them away. I really enjoyed, uh...well, you know. That whole thing. It's been good, really!<<else>> It's different, but it's good. It's sort of nice to finally grow up and get a little more adult, you know? It's been good, really!<</if>>">>
You nodded with a smile. She didn't seem to be holding back on you, so you guessed the side effects of expanding the vault were appreciated. That was good. It wasn't just good business to keep the people working with you happy, it was important to you as well.
With that assuaged, you turned your attention to the next part of the conversation.
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About Selene's History|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[You Aren't Stuck Here, Are You?|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if ($phSeleneQ3 is 0) and ($phEnergyCap is 200)>>[[Ask About Expansions|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if (($phSeleneQ4 is 0) and ($phEnergyCap gt 200))>>[[Ask About Selene's 'Expansion'|TalkToSelene][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1) or ($phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1)>>[[Expand The Vault|VaultUpgrade]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;Perhaps You Should Wait On Expanding The Vault...<</if>>
[[Enough For Now|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneIntro']]@@<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>><<nm $phYou "So...I think we may need to do more.">>
She blinked, looked at you, looked down at herself, over to her doppelganger, then back up at you.
<<nm $phSelclone "...do... do you mean //bigger//, or--">>
<<nm $phSelene "Do you mean //more//?">>
<<nm $phYou "Is 'both' not an option? I was thinking 'more'. Maybe if things keep going well, I could have my own harem of sexy naga named Selene!">>
The one nearest you narrowed her eyes in a playful glare and reached out to swat your arm. The other rolled her eyes and tried not to grin.
<<nm $phSelene "You're awful! And, I don't think it would work -- the 'more', I mean. It took //so// much energy just to make this possible, and I honestly don't know if it would work again. Even Matron Ira had never heard of something like this in all of our history!">>
<<nm $phYou "Damn. There go my dreams of waking up in my own personal mating ball.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "You poor thing, having to make due with 'just' a threesome!">>
<<nm $phYou "But in all seriousness: the Vault does need a //little// more room. Is that something we can do?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes. Probably yes. It's sort of the same thing it's always been. I don't think it will actually be all that dramatic. One of us, or both of us, might get a little bigger, but with everything split between the two of us, it would take a //lot// of energy before you'd be able to notice.">>
You put on a face of being terribly disappointed, and the other one slapped lightly at your arm. You could see them both flush just a little bit, and you had to admit you //were// a tiny bit genuinely sorry that you couldn't work up to a private harem of exotic snake girls. ...from Sisters, Oregon. Well, non-exotic snake girls, then.
<<nm $phYou "Even so, we might still need the size increase for business reasons, if nothing else.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "I mean, we're certainly not going to talk you out of it. Do you want us to try it?">>
<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>><<nm $phYou "So...I think we may need to do more.">>
Selene's jaw dropped. She blinked, looked at you, looked down at herself, then back up at you. You felt her coils roll beneath you, making you bob like a ship on an uncertain sea.
<<nm $phSelene "...//Bigger//? If you make me any bigger, I'm not going to be able to fit inside the tower any more.">>
You chuckled at that, giving a long, slow appraisel until she blushed. Then you reached down to pat her gently across the smooth scales you were sitting on.
<<nm $phYou "I'm not suggesting we double again or anything, but the vault needs a little more room. Is that still something we can do?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes. Probably yes. I was mostly teasing you. It's sort of the same thing it's always been. I don't think it will actually be all that dramatic. I'll be //bigger// but at this point it would take a //lot// of energy before you'd even notice.">>
You put on a face of being terribly disappointed, and she slapped lightly at your arm. You could see her flush just a little bit, though, and you had to admit you //were// a tiny bit genuinely sorry it wouldn't be more...sizable. Just to see what happened.
<<nm $phYou "Even so, we might still need the size increase for business reasons, if nothing else.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I mean, I'm certainly not going to talk you out of it. Do you want me to try it?">>
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.transform is 'clone') or ($phSelene.transform is 'big')>>@@.choice;
<<if $phEnergy >= ($phEnergyCap * .5)>>[[Double Energy Capacity|VaultUpgradeFinish]] - <<print Math.round($phEnergyCap * .5)>> Energy <<else>>@@.unavailable; Double Energy Capacity - <<print Math.round($phEnergyCap * .5)>> Energy (Not Enough Energy)<</if>>
[[No Upgrade Right Now|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'VaultUpgradeDecline']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.transform is not 'clone') and ($phSelene.transform is not 'big')>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault is 2>><<nm $phYou "Hey Selene. Have you given any more thought to what you'd do if I let you expand the vault?">>
Selene squirmed a little, anxiously, idly playing with one of her bracelets in an awkward manner.
<<nm $phSelene "I keep going back and forth, to be honest. I mean, a lot of guys and girls out there enjoy a top heavy lady. Could be a lot of fun to really wow people, you know? On the other hand, using the energy the other way really sounds like fun, you know?">>
Right. The 'other way' involving Selene growing the required number of manhoods to be a breeder in her species, which just so happened to be twice as many as humans needed.
<<nm $phYou "Can you not do both? Best of both worlds?">>
<<nm $phSelene "I-- well, yes, but... no. Expansion takes a lot of energy, and your body has to really adapt and focus on what you're asking it to do, which is why it takes more energy each time: you're asking more and more of your body! I hear it's kind of like human puberty that way: once you pick one, you're locked in for a while.">>
'Once you pick one'. If only human puberty came with an actual choice -- but now wasn't the time to correct that notion!
<<nm $phSelene "So if I had a //lot// of energy, and my body was completely adapted to it, I might be able to? I've heard stories of matrons who could, but I don't know if they're true!">>
<<nm $phYou "Okay... well, we'll cross that bridge when and if we come to it, then. You're sure you want me to pick one?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Please! I could use someone being a tiebreaker. If you have a thought, I'd really love to hear it!">>
Sounded like a yes. Of course, that begged the question of whether //you// could decide!
<</if>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault is 1>><<set $phSelene.focus_vault to 2>><<nm $phYou "Alright, let's talk about expanding. I think we're going to need the extra room before too long. What would we need to do? Is there a process?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Ah. Well. Not a process //exactly//.">>
The Naga woman squirmed a little and, as you looked up at her, you found that her cheeks were flushed, and she was avoiding your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "What does 'not a process exactly' mean?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Well...It's not really anything special. You just have to tell me I can eat it, and I will. It'll happen almost immediately, but all that energy kinda has to go someplace? I need to actually get physically bigger to hold more. Some of the matrons tell stories about women who were giants because they fed so much.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're going to become a giant?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! No no no no. I wouldn't do that! I have a hard enough time getting through human doors as it is. I might get a little bigger overall, but mostly I'll need to focus it somewhere. For most of us, that's one of two places. Either...ah...">>
She made a rounding gesture in front of her chest. You had noticed the Naga woman was relatively modest when it came to her bust, with even her skin-revealing outfit not actually able to generate much cleavage. You guessed that might change.
<<nm $phYou "...putting it on top. I can see what that option might be fairly appealing. What's the other option?">>
You leaned slightly, unable to help yourself from peering around her back. Your guess would have been the backside, but Selene didn't have one. Everything below the waist was snake scale. The Naga managed to blush even harder as she cleared her throat.
<<nm $phSelene "Well...ah...Naga are kinda a mono-gender species? We all start as female, but certain ones of us use the energy they eat to grow the extra parts needed to mate. Usually, you wait for that until you're ready to settle down, but I've always been curious...">>
<<nm $phYou "Sorry for being direct but...are you saying you might like to grow a cock if I let you expand?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Huh? No no no no no! That would be silly. What would you do with just one? I wouldn't want things to get weird. You need the full two!">>
She smiled at you with a nod...and then paused. You could see the question forming in her head<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>.<<else>> as she glanced down, just for a second, between your legs.<</if>>
<<nm $phSelene "Do humans really only have...?">>
<<nm $phYou "Anyway! I understand the options. Which were you thinking?">>
<<nm $phSelene "...I was kinda hoping you could help me decide? I've only been away from the den for a little while, and I have no idea what I should be doing. I figure if nothing else, it would help ensure you come by to talk a little more often?">>
Oh My.
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.focus_vault is 1) or ($phSelene.focus_vault is 2)>>@@.choice;
<<if $phEnergy >= 100>>[[100 Energy|VaultUpgradeFinish][$phSelene.transform to 'tits']] - Tell Selene You Enjoy Top Heavy Girls
[[100 Energy|VaultUpgradeFinish][$phSelene.transform to 'futa']] - Tell Selene Two Cocks Is Double The Fun<<else>>@@.unavailable;Not Enough Energy - Expand The Vault (And Selene)@@<</if>>
[[Think About It Some More|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'FirstUpgradeDecline']]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault gt 2>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<nm $phYou "I've been thinking we might still need a little room to grow. How are you feeling?">>
<<if $phEnergyCap is 400>>Selene perked up, visibly. The Naga woman glanced down at her chest, raising two hands to gently cup the lovely C-cups.
<<nm $phSelene "Uh...Well, I wouldn't mind. A lot of the matrons are kind of...large, back home. I admit, I've always been kind of curious. I could add a little more, if you'd like?">>
<<nm $phYou "I think I'd be a pretty bad <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> if I turned you down, don't you think?">>
She giggled with just a hint of girlish shyness, but her eyes were bright with anticipation as she shifted a little closer to you. You could see the hope written all over her face.
<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>>Selene looked surprised, glancing down at the swell of her new, impressive bust. She bounced, slightly, on her coils, making the DD-cups jiggle just a bit within their teal ribbon prison. A dark blush spread across her cheeks.
<<nm $phSelene "M-More? I...well, I //could//, of course, and I understand the tower is really starting to pull in a lot of energy. I never thought I'd get that big, but it would be an experience...">>
Her tone was hesitant, but you could see the way she squirmed back and forth that she was enjoying the thought. The flush in her cheeks was not entirely caused by embarrassment, and her look up at you was all but begging.
<<nm $phYou "Experiences make the world go round, don't they?">>
<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap >= 1600>><<nm $phSelene "More? $phYou.firstname, you can't be serious!">>
She leaned back slightly to look down at herself, and the ribbons keeping her chest in very nearly gave way entirely. Her huge, glorious tits were straining against the material so hard that she was spilling out on all sides.
<<nm $phYou "I thought you liked getting bigger?">>
<<nm $phSelene "I //do// but I wouldn't be able to stand up straight! I'm sorry. I think I'd have to put that energy into growing my tail out instead. I don't have to go very far, but I do still need to be able to move!">>
You laughed at that. The image of a Naga immobilized by her own chest was a pleasant one, but you couldn't blame her for drawing the line somewhere.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, alright. No more cup sizes. But you could still do it, right?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phYou "So, I was thinking it might be time for another expansion soon. How would you feel about that?">>
<<if $phEnergyCap is 400>><<nm $phSelene "Oh! Uh...Well, you want more?">>
She moved over to you curiously, one of her hands dropping down to lightly brush at the hem of her teal skirt. Her expression was shy.
<<nm $phYou "...You don't?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! No, nothing like that. I'm still getting used to having them at all, but...I wouldn't mind just a little bit bigger. If we need the energy space.">>
Her tone was casual, but you saw the way her 'hips' were swaying back and forth in eager anticipation. She wanted to be larger, alright, but she was playing it cool.
<<nm $phYou "I always appreciate you being so willing to help. It'd be possible then?">>
<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>><<nm $phSelene "B-Bigger? But-!">>
She cut herself off, blushing furiously. Both her hands dropped down to her hips, playing with the hem of her teal skirt.
<<nm $phYou "Something wrong?">>
<<nm $phSelene "No, no, no. Nothing wrong. It's just that I'm already kind of big. I'm having a little trouble keeping them...concealed right now. It might start to get pretty obvious if I get much bigger, but...if we need to, I wouldn't mind trying it.">>
<<nm $phYou "I always know I can count on you. If you'd be alright with it, it's something we should really think about.">>
<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap >= 1600>><<nm $phSelene "M-More! You can't be serious!">>
Selene gasped and arched very slightly in place. You swore you saw the center of her skirt lift, just a little. Even with her more internal storage solution, she was clearly having trouble keeping herself restrained.
<<nm $phYou "Is that a problem?">>
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! If I ever want to be with someone, it will be. I want to make my partners happy, not split them in half! I'm sorry, I think I'm as big as I can be, there. If we expand again, I'll need to add it to my tail or something instead.">>
You laughed, but you could understand it. As much as certain cartoons like to depict oversized manhoods, there was a point where things just got cumbersome. You couldn't blame her for drawing a line.
<<nm $phYou "Okay, okay, no more inches. You could still expand the vault, though?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if ($phEnergy >= ($phEnergyCap * .5)) and ($phSelene.focus_vault gt 2)>><<nm $phSelene "Well, we have enough energy gathered, I think. So I can be ready any time you say the word. All you have to do is let me know, okay?">>
Any time you said the word, huh? Well, wasn't //that// tempting.<<else>><<nm $phSelene "Well, I don't think we have quite enough in the tank right now, so it'll have to be some other day. When we're ready, though, you can say the word.">><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phEnergy >= ($phEnergyCap * .5)>>[[Double Energy Capacity|VaultUpgradeFinish]] - <<print Math.round($phEnergyCap * .5)>> Energy <<else>>@@.unavailable; Double Energy Capacity - <<print Math.round($phEnergyCap * .5)>> Energy (Not Enough Energy)<</if>>
[[No Upgrade Right Now|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'VaultUpgradeDecline']]@@<</if>><</if>><div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phDamien.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DanaFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienBullFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phDamien.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Damien/DamienPreFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phDamien.name</div></div></div><<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>When I met Damien at the shake shop, he wasn't that much to look at. He wasn't soft, but it was hard to look all that intimidating when you're hanging at 5'7" and slim. Despite that, he had a history of putting himself on the line without a second thought, and I liked that. I decided to give him the body to back it up. These days he's got to duck down a fair bit to ease himself through doorways and he manhandles shipping crates like they're made of cotton candy. He's still got the same attitude, though, it's just that now it comes with some 'aw shucks' cowboy boots.
Damien takes care of the girls for me. I'm still not entirely clear where exactly Mason sources the cowgirls from, but we've got a steady stream of top-heavy women passing through the back rooms every day. They talk about Damien in whispered tones and giggle over his gentlemanly manner, though 'gentlemanly' in cowgirl-talk apparently includes a fair bit of hands-on direction. Once he begins, he doesn't stop until they're mooing, empty, and satisfied, and that's good for our business.<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>> He doesn't play favorites, but I know he's got a soft spot for JJ. I think the last customer who called her a rude name got tossed out the door so fast he was in danger of entering orbit.<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.date gt 1>>Not too long ago, we hit the wide-open road on a little excursion. I have to admit, it was pretty great getting out of the tower for a while, and Damien is about as relaxed a copilot as you can get. <<if $phDamien.date gt 2>>Our big boy has been hiding a few things, though. Seems the horns and the muscles came with a few instincts that are screaming at him to start a proper family, and none of the cowgirls seem set up for that right at the moment. It's something I'm going to need to put some thought into...<<else>>He got a little twitchy right when we were coming back, though. Something's bothering him, and that's not really in character for him. I'll have to keep my eye out...<</if>><</if>><<else>>Dana's come a long way. When I met him, he was running himself ragged down at the gym what seemed like every day of the week. Turned out, he's got a couple of half-brothers who lean far more in the 'Conan' direction when it comes to physique and masculinity, and his dad didn't give him much of those genes. A little prodding revealed he didn't necessarily want the //muscle// so much as to finally be happy with himself. We definitely solved that problem. Dana was born that day, a sweet, sexy little sissy who is more than happy to show everyone at the gym just //how// happy he is these days.
Working out is all about motivation, and no one is better at encouraging a little extra effort than Dana. I was a bit worried he might to run into too many people not yet ready for a man like him, but that's turned out to be virtually nonexistent. Either the Kinsey Scales turned out to be a little pessimistic or the tower is helping him find the willing, but he has no problem attracting attention. Men and women both just seem to want to get him into a back room to burn some extra calories, and he is more than happy to go. Fortunately, he's always got the time for me when I need a little more levity in my life. I don't think I've seen him frown for a second since the changeover.
<<if $phDamien.date lt 4>><<if $phDamien.date gt 1>>Had a bit of an adventure in the tower the other day, and Dana and I decided to hit the town for a while. I'm not all that sure he could sit still for long enough to finish a movie these days, so I decided to find an ice rink. Music, skating, and treats on the ice was just about worth all the times I fell down trying to figure out my new center of balance. <<if $phDamien.date gt 2>>Things got a little serious during the couple's skate, though. Dana's more than happy to be with me, but he seem to think I can't afford to be tied down right now, and he wants a relationship that tends toward the 'lifestyle' end of the scale. I'm not sure I can even disagree, but it's certainly something I'm thinking about. Very hard.<<else>> A couple of bruises and a little loss of dignity was a small price to pay, though. Still, I can't help but feel like there's something he's not telling me. Maybe I can get it out of him on our next visit.<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 9>>I'm not sure Dana could feel //lonely// exactly, but he definitely had a bit of an itch. When we talked, he told me he was looking for something serious...something I wouldn't be able to give him. Just a little while later, Samantha lets it slip she's looking for a permanent sub to call her own. Call it serendipity. All I had to do was put the two together, and Dana's never been happier! They go at it like two kids in love and I hope they never stop.<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phSamantha.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SammyFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaPreFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phSamantha.name</div></div></div>$phSamantha.name was my very first. She was the one who started all of this, making the call that offered me the interview with Lazren. I'd barely come to grips with my new form when Lazren brought the secretary in and made her confess. $phSamantha.name had a desire. She wanted to be someone's wet dream. She wanted to conform to their inner most desires, and to change without even knowing what she would end up as. Lazren guided me, but in truth, I knew what would indulge my basest instincts.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>Sammy is the heart of our operation. She's bubbly, outgoing, and generous, particularly with herself. Whatever hang-ups she might have had about sex are gone, and she's fully content to spread her legs for every cute boy or girl that crosses her path. I've still got a special place in her heart, though, and hearing her squeal with joy every time I take her somewhere is wonderful, even when it's just down the hall to the supply closet. Despite all the distractions and the airhead demeanor, she can be shockingly smart. She keeps this place running like a well-oiled machine. It just so happens she likes to keep herself well-oiled as well.
<<if $phSamantha.date gt 1>>Recently, I figured that Sammy could use a bit of time in the world again. She's way too delightful to keep all to myself, as much as I might want to. I decided we should visit an old 50s style diner I remembered from my human days. Sammy adored it. She got herself a milkshake, a nice song on the jukebox, and a little bit of time under the table. I think it was a success. <<if $phSamantha.date gt 2>>She did seem to be worried about someone, though. Specifically: me! Sammy seems to think I'm working too hard, and invited me to join her to stroll the street as an airheaded sex fiend. The idea is almost tempting, but I think the tower may have to slow way down before I'd ever have the time. Still, I should keep an eye out for some way to make her happy...<</if>><</if>><<else>>Samantha is the whip that keeps things running smoothly here. In addition to a few cup sizes and a bulge most dude bros would envy, Samantha's gained a complete confidence in herself and her abilities. I know she's got a few projects of her own on the side, but she's always ready to jump in as soon as I need her. For the most part, she's the liaison between me and anything I need to know about. She deals with the vendors and store owners, and makes sure I can keep all my focus on hunting down the soulgems I was sent here for in the first place.
<<if $phSamantha.date lt 5.9>><<if $phSamantha.date gt 1>>I trust her so much I decided to take her on a 'business lunch' recently. She actually seemed surprised I wanted to talk more about her than work. Despite all we've been through, I think she was more comfortable picking up the bus boy than having a serious conversation with me. <<if $phSamantha.date gt 2>>He wasn't there on our second visit, however. I could tell Samantha was disappointed by that. She admitted she'd been struggling with her own feelings in a way. Samantha was happy to work for me, but she was a Dominant. She wanted a live-in, someone who would be really owned by her, and she knew I couldn't be that for her. I had to keep running the tower. Even so, it gave me an idea...<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Samantha")>>It took me longer than I should have to realize what was hidden right under my nose. She's an amazing woman. //My// perfect woman. That was the whole point of Lazren giving me the ability to shape her. I went to her with an idea to use the same crystals Mason had been messing with to make myself her sub. I knew it was a dangerous offer to make, but I didn't care. She said no to the crystals...and yes to me. We're dating now, and there's no one else I can imagine being so close to.<</if>><<if $phDamien.date is 9>>Whatever lingering problems Sam may have had are solved. She wanted a full time submissive who appreciated her for who she was. Dana fit in the bill in spades. They're perfect for each other. To be honest, Samantha's workflow has slowed down just a tiny bit since Dana started dropping in once or twice a day but...office morale has never been higher!<</if>><<if $phMason.date is 9>>Sometimes, it's the people who have known you the longest who underestimate you. Samantha wanted a permanent sub, someone she could take in hand and be her own. Mason, freshly freed of his crystal addiction, wanted guidance in rejoining the world. It was a match made in heaven...or hell, perhaps, given my affiliation. Either way, they seemed to be off to a wonderful start, and I couldn't be more thrilled.<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phCassandra.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassyFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Cassandra/CassandraPreFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phCassandra.name</div></div></div><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>I ran into Cass at the gym, and I do mean that literally. I wasn't watching where I was going and just about knocked her on her ass. I didn't know then that she was going to become one of the most valuable, and vulgar, members of my organization. She used to be a shy, stammering young woman who wouldn't even walk on the grass without permission. These days, with the help of a few special cigarettes, she's liable to walk right over the top of anyone who gets in her way and have a few choice expletives to throw in as a bonus.
Her job title has always been a little fluid. Mason just went ahead and wrote down what she told him when he asked her what it should be, and I've never been able to come up with a better one. Cass might put a lot of work into her uncaring persona, but I know she's got a soft spot for other people who remind her of her old self. A few second hand puffs from her cigarette and the strong leadership of a queen bee figure, and she's got them falling in behind her like an army. I think a lot of people wish that they could cast off all the things in life that piss them off. Cass says 'What the hell are you waiting for?'.
<<if $phCassandra.date gt 1>>Maybe it wasn't my most creative idea, but when I wanted to get out of the tower with Cass, I decided to check out some of our local skate parks. I found an amazing one housed inside a converted parking garage and covered with so much spray paint I knew she'd love it. She told me I was a dumbass, but that's just Cass speak for 'Thank you'. <<if $phCassandra.date gt 2>>There was a hitch, though. A motorcycle went by us and Cass suddenly seemed mortal again, however much she tried to hide it. She'd let an old girlfriend leave, back in the day, instead of flipping her mother the bird and hopping on the bike. Even as happy as she is now, she still thinks about the one that got away. I'm trying to think of some want to make her feel better about that...<</if>><</if>><<else>>The CASSY operating system didn't get installed by Mason or Lazren. In fact, when I met her, she was human. Cassandra was your perfect Hollywood nerd. She played DnD online, spent ages agonizing over her campaign, and had trouble talking to anyone for longer than sixty seconds. One fully body conversion later and she's our wild computer AI, bouncing in and out of every system she can get her hands on. I'm pretty sure I've seen her snooping around my phone once or twice, but as long as she doesn't drain the battery I guess there's no harm.
Having a living employee possessing our mainframe has some serious benefits. Our advertising game is second to none with tailored lures set out for anyone who seems to be having trouble finding their heart's desire. I get notified of problems within our various stores essentially as fast as they happen, and Cassy is always on top of the latest development in technology we might be able to copy or steal. Cassy herself can be a little on the flighty side, and she's a lot more prone to getting lost in some side project than most of my employees, but I still think we're damn lucky to have her.
<<if $phCassandra.date lt 4>><<if $phCassandra.date gt 1>>Even she must want to go outside once in a while though. That's why I got a couple of AR glasses and went traipsing off to the park. It wasn't perfect, but she was over the moon! I think it's the first time she's been anywhere close to wilderness since she transformed. We had an absolutely fantastic time. <<if $phCassandra.date gt 2>>It was so fantastic, she decided to return the favor. The next time I wanted to go out, she had a van with a full VR rig built into the back, and I got to have a great afternoon running around an alien planet. There were limits though. No matter how good the VR is, you can't really touch. Cassy is happy, but it's lonely in the machine. I need to think of a way to give her a little more contact...<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phYou.romance.includes("Cassy")>>Things have been a little exciting with my favorite AI, of late. It all started when I noticed Cassy seemed happy, but definitely missed being able to interact with the real world as a part of it. I solved it the way I do most of my intractable problems...I threw a boatload of energy at Mason and told him to find me a solution. He came up with a way for me to travel into cyberspace myself. Surprised the hell out of Cassy. Surprised her even more when I told her I loved her. Fortunately for me, she felt the same way. Now we meet up in cyberspace as often as we can...I wonder if I might just retire there. Do they do white picket fences in the internet? I suppose it has to be -someone's- fetish!<</if>><<if $phYou.bff.includes("Cassy")>>Things have been a little exciting with my favorite AI, of late. It all started when I noticed Cassy seemed happy, but definitely missed being able to interact with the real world as a part of it. I solved it the way I do most of my intractable problems...I threw a boatload of energy at Mason and told him to find me a solution. He came up with a way for me to travel into cyberspace myself. Surprised the hell out of Cassy. I think it's been a long time since anyone made a gesture like that for her. I told her she was my best friend, and now I'm helping to test the game she's making. When we're not distracted with the 'benefits' of friendship!<</if>><<if $phCassandra.date is 9>>I noticed Cassy had been a bit down in the dumps. Not unhappy, but she definitely missed interacting with the real world as a part of it. Then I hear that Jolie regretted not being able to perform for a real crowd, and my mind got to working. Long, strange story short, Cassy is running around in Jolie's body half the time, and Jolie is performing on every video site you could care to mention. They've gotten awfully close as a result. A win-win, if there ever was one!<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phJolie.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieCowFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Jolie/JolieBaseFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phJolie.name</div></div></div><<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>JJ has always been sweet. When I met her, she was a struggling actress looking for work, so I offered to help by letting her headline a marketing campaign for the food court's new treats. She was game, but a little leery of being judged solely by her cup size. After some time with a very special self-help tape, she doesn't mind nearly so much. Jolie became JJ, the happiest and bustiest pet I could imagine, and she's never looked back.
JJ is still working in the food court. Ostensibly, she's a simple cashier, and she truly does do a lot of that. Really, though, she's there to draw people in. She has a simple, happy aura around her that just makes people fall in love. When she suggests something for someone, they don't think it's a cynical marketing ploy or a pre-scripted upsell. They think JJ is really trying to help them, and she is! She's better at getting people to accept what they really want than maybe any employee (other than me)!
<<if $phJolie.date gt 1>>I genuinely don't know what possessed me to try my hand at horse riding, but I knew JJ would love the country experience. We rented ourselves some horses, alright, and I'm still thinking of turning mine into glue. Animals don't seem to like me, since the change. I might have to talk to Lazren to see whether that's coincidence or something about the new form. <<if $phJolie.date gt 2>>Surprisingly, the last time we went riding, JJ had an actual request. That's something she hasn't had for me in a long time. She sees herself as a simple pet, and she likes it that way. She gets to go along with the flow and not have to pull herself out of her blissful mental haze very often. Most of the other employees are less willing to treat her that way, though. I never imagined I'd be trying to think of a way to help an employee be //more// objectified, but I guess I live a pretty strange life...<</if>><</if>><<else>>Jolie is hard to describe, because there's so many ways she can be. She was an actress when I first met her, but one who was struggling in a local play. Fundamentally, there was still too much of 'her' inside of her roles, and she wished she could inhabit them more completely. A certain demonic entity was happy to gift her with a mask to do just that, and the new Jolie was born. One who could be anyone, really anyone, at the drop of a hat.
It's equally hard to describe what it is she does, because there's so much! Some days, she mimics a security guard to give some well-timed directions to a struggling customer. Sometimes she's a kindly old lady who reminds a patron of their own grandmother. Sometimes, she's a much more risqué vixen who proves to be easy game for a college student trying to find a date. She is anything that we need, any time we need it: the ultimate jack (or jill!) of all trades. I'm not sure we'd manage half as well doing anything if we didn't have her.
<<if $phJolie.date lt 4>><<if $phJolie.date gt 1>>I wanted to return the favor, so I decided to take Jolie out on the town. In this case, that meant a visit to our local media museum. It had been a while since Jolie had gone anywhere as herself, and I was a little worried she might have forgotten how, but she got into the spirit of things immediately. I honestly think she would live there if she didn't have to come back to work on occasion <<if $phJolie.date gt 2>>It wasn't until the second visit that we hit a snag. We got swept up in a fake 'life of a star' event and it stirred something in Jolie. Ironically enough, she was now able to inhabit any role she wanted but had never lived the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. She's more than happy with her lot, but that doesn't mean I can't try to come up with a way to make it even better...<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phJolie.date is 9>>Turns out, the work isn't done after you take someone's soulgem. Jolie had no regrets about what she'd become, but she did regret a few things she'd never had the chance to do. She's an actress at heart, and she never //really// got the chance to perform. Fortunately, I knew someone who could help connect her with an audience: Cassy. One quick meeting later, and Cassy is running around in Jolie's body, and Jolie is strolling across the internet. I hear those two have their heads together all the time now. Maybe they'll rub off on one another...in more ways than one!<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phLazren.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;[img[Assets/Characters/Lazren/LazrenFancy.png]]@@
<div class="caption">$phLazren.name</div></div></div>It's a little funny. There's probably no one that has changed my life more, and yet I know very little about her. Lazren claims to be the incarnation of one of the seven sins, Sloth, and judging from the comfort level of the bed she gave me, I'm inclined to agree. She's purple, sleepy, hung, and able to pick me up with her mind without much trying. Despite that, she seems more inclined to work through intermediaries than do things herself. I'm not sure whether that's just a demon thing in general or if that might be the ultimate expression of her sin. I might well never know.
<<if $phStoryProgression gt 1>>I survived her first 'performance review'. I'm not sure if she actually would have canned me if I hadn't hit my numbers, but I'd rather not find out. She taught me a few more things about how I work and put me in contact with a couple of 'personal trainers' who could help me get my gifts under control. Then she vanished. Again. <<if ($phLazrenPlan gt 0) and ($phStoryProgression lt 3)>>She left me with a few new answers, though. I don't think she was expecting me to use my gift to ask about her plans, but it seems she thinks this world is not going to last much longer. She wants to use the tower to create something new and escape through to the other side. I can't help but think she's not telling me everything, but there's not much I can do about that just yet...<</if>><</if>>
<<if ($phStoryProgression gte 3) and ($phAvery.post_talk is 7)>>Her brother showed up recently. Avery, a.k.a. Avarice: Greed Himself. Lazren had made a deal with him to 'borrow' some energy to help her plans for the Tower, and Avery came to collect. <<if $phLazrenPlans gt 0>>The answers I'd gotten from her about the Tower, about her plan to use it to make a 'new world', turned out to only be part of the truth. She //does// want on using it for that, but it's strictly Plan B in case her main goal falls through. <</if>>It turns out there's a //lot// more to it than that. Lazren and Avery have a sister, Cara, the demon of Desire. She's sick, terminally so, and Lazren thinks I'd be a good replacement. If I can convince Chastity, Cara's counterpart virtue, to vouch for me... I might be the next Noble Sin!<</if>>
</div>
<div style="float:right;"><span id="cheatpane">[[CheatPane]]</span></div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phMason.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phMason.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonDomFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonSubFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phMason.name</div></div></div>The four-armed foreman. Mason has been with me from the very start. Lazren assigned him to help me build the tower, and I probably would have floundered for weeks without him. He's an expert in what he does, which is just barely reason enough to put up with his sass. For an incubus, he's got a decidedly stuffy way of talking and he'll never pass up an opportunity to use eight words where one will do. Despite all that, he keeps the place running smoothly and he solves dozens of problems before they even hit my desk. I'm lucky to have him.
<<if ($phMason.post_talk gt 1) and ($phMason.transform is 'pre')>>Surprisingly enough, I got some details out of him after Lazren's performance review with me. Turns out, Mason is not quite as much a lone wolf as I thought he was. He used to be a human like me who, along with his girlfriend, accepted Lazren's gift. Only, in this case, something went wrong. They both got what they wanted: He got intellect, and she got freedom from her anxieties, but it also meant they were no longer right for each other. So he got the brains, but lost his love. Lazren has always seemed pretty strong on making sure everyone gets what they need, so I can't help but think she had a plan in mind when she put Mason with me...<</if>><<if $phMason.transform != 'pre'>>I got some details out of him after Lazren's performance review with me. Turns out, Mason is not quite as much a lone wolf as I thought he was. He used to be a human like me who, along with his girlfriend, accepted Lazren's gift. Only, in this case, something went wrong. They both got what they wanted: He got intellect, and she got freedom from her anxieties, but it also meant they were no longer right for each other. So he got the brains, but lost his love.
Lazren has always seemed pretty strong on making sure everyone gets what they need, and it turns out she actually gave him //back// his soulgem, considering her promise of 'eternal happines' to be unfulfilled. He still had it, and, of course, Mason being Mason, figured out a way to re-engineer it. He was using it to deaden his emotional response -- pleasure and pain both -- so that he could work more 'effectively'. Or, in other words: like a robot.
Not anymore, though! I can call it a 'happy accident' now. An unintentional 'resonance event', as he put it, made our crystal interact and, long story short, made us both realize that there was potential for a lot more. <</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>It turns out that Mason has a submissive side that's //almost// as big as his intellect -- and just as fun to play with. We have a 'private' arrangement now, and he's more than willing to kneel at my feet when it's afterhours or there's no one around.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>It turns out that Mason has a dominant side that's as big as his intellect -- and a dick to match! We have a 'private' arrangement now, and I even wear a collar around my neck. Somehow, it's invisible to everyone else, but he isn't shy about hooking his fingers through it when he decides I've done enough bossing around.<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>We decided to take it slow, though. Rather than taking advantage of him, I helped him realize he had to reenter the world and feel again. He seems to be taking to it alright.<<if $phMason.date is 9>>Of course, that probably has a lot to do with Samantha. I knew my secretary was in need of a permanent sub she could guide and mold...and if anyone needed the help, it was Mason. The two of them seem to be hitting it off wonderfully, and it warms my heart.<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phMammon.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;[img[Assets/Characters/Mammon/MammonFancy.png]]@@
<div class="caption">$phMammon.name</div></div></div>Mammon is a bit of a unique case. She's already steeped in the strange world, but she didn't come to me from Lazren -- she came from Lazren's brother, Avery. Judging from the stories she tells, she's been doing this for a very long time. Like maybe 'kings and peasants' long time! She also doesn't seem to work quite the same way that I do, which I guess is a reflection of the differences between Avery and Lazren. <<if $phStoryProgression lt 3>>He seems to be running something more akin to a pyramid scheme where his converts are expected to get out there and enrich themselves, allowing him to siphon off a percentage. No idea what he does with those who don't produce enough, but then again I'm not sure what Lazren does with her lesser servants either. I'm hoping I never find out!<<else>>Avery is the demon of Greed, and he seems to run his life -- and those of his employees -- on a purely 'for profit' basis. Mammon has definitely followed in his footsteps!<</if>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 2.5>>While Avery's visiting the Tower, Mammon's been temporarily evicted from her normal office and has been hanging out in the Casino. She hasn't seemed very happy about the 'vacation'; I guess I'm not the only one who has mixed feelings about the boss coming to town!<</if>><<if $phStoryProfession gte 3>>During Avery's visit, she was temporarily evicted from her normal office, but now that he's left she'd reclaimed her normal 'throne', and business is back to normal.
Or... as normal as business around here ever gets!<</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phPetra.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phPetra.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/PetraInitialFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/DrowFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Petra/SirenFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phPetra.name</div></div></div><<if $phPetra.transform is 'pre'>>Petra's our new security officer, and she'll be keeping watch on the cameras for the foreseeable future. It is a little dicey having a full human poking around the place, but $phSamantha.name assures me Petra has worked with Lazren's properties before and knows when //not// to ask questions. She definitely seems to respect the chain of command, even if some of her comments are a trifle teasing of her new superior officer. As long as she does good work, I can't complain!<</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>Petra's come a long way since we met. I liked her right from the start when we brought her in to monitor our security cameras and catch a certain snooping reporter. She succeeded, with aplomb, and we got to know one another over the days that followed. She trusted me enough to come to me when her brother got into trouble, and I was able to work my magic. Now, as the Siren of Paradise, her voice is a pleasant addition to the regular sounds of commerce. She's cast off the defensive edge she once had and embraced allowing others to help her out of affection rather than intimidation.
Security has always been something of a problem. The tower doesn't think of things the way we do, and it's more likely to allow a thief to get away than catch one, if it makes the thief happier than it makes the victim to see them caught. That sort of thing has an impact in the long run, though. Petra's new form manages that easily. All she has to do is ask people to behave and they almost always do, of their own free will. In the long run, I think it's actually helped both sides of that equation be happier, so even the tower is likely to cooperate now. She is our eye in the sky and our voice over the radio, and seems completely fulfilled to be doing it.
<<if $phPetra.date gt 1>>She's now got an obvious connection with all things aquatic, so when I wanted to take her on a trip outside the tower, I knew where we should go. The aquarium was a great deal of fun. After spending so long immersed in the world of demons and magic that no one knows about, it was refreshing to realize there are other worlds out there that are just as mysterious. I wonder how many sea monsters might actually be real, hidden away down there? <<if $phPetra.date gt 2>>Petra was anxious, though. Apparently her brother has been pushing to see her. While she could explain most things about herself pretty easily, her brother isn't a complete buffoon, and he'd quickly realize something was up with our whole operation. She's been keeping him at arm's length, but I'm still figuring out a way we can sneak something in...<</if>>//<</if>><</if>><<if $phPetra.transform is 'drow'>>Security is something of a necessary evil for an organization as large as ours. People are always going to be a little wicked (which is good, since otherwise I'd be out of a job!) and it takes a firm hand to make sure things don't escalate too far. There's no hand firmer than Petra's. After she caught our snooping reporter, I gave her what she most craved in the world: authority. She's wasted no time at all in using it.
Petra runs a tight ship these days. She's got trainees aplenty and all of them held somewhere between terror and awe of the elven woman. She keeps a sharp eye on the monitors and notices every blip that passes over the screen. We get our share of troublemakers, of course. Pickpockets, shoplifters, and even the occasional attempted mugging. One thing is shared between all the criminals we get: they never attempt it twice!
<<if $phPetra.date gt 1>>Even the toughest of us needs to rest every so often. When I heard that a carnival was passing through town, I figured she'd enjoy the air -- and that the strangeness would help conceal any of her non-human features that might pop out. She put on a good show of being indifferent, but I know she appreciated the good time. I can tell she is looking forward to the next one! <<if $phPetra.date gt 2>>But... I couldn't help but notice she was a little more dour than usual the next time we went out. Turns out, her brother has been reaching out to her. She has to keep him at arm's length, what with the new look, but she really does miss the family ties. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for some way to solve that problem...<</if>><</if>>
<</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phXavier.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XavierFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Xavier/XunFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phXavier.name</div></div></div><<if $phXavier.transform is 'dryad'>>Xun had one of the more unique paths towards being my employee. She'd seen me before I ever saw her, sneaking around the tower after hours trying to land the scoop of the century. She was a reporter, and she knew there was something that didn't add up about our little establishment, but she had no idea what she was getting into. It wasn't until after Petra nabbed her that I learned the reason why she pushed so hard. She was dying, and wanted to leave her mark in the world. A new gender, a new body, and a new outlook later, and she's been given a second chance.
These days, Xun watches over Elysium as a kind of quasi- 'nature spirit'. That entails a lot of the mundane aspects that you'd expect like tending the flowers and trees, pruning the bushes, and monitoring our new growths. More importantly, though, her presence subtly adjusts the feeling of the place. There is a calming aura in the park that sharpens the mind and reduces the blaring distractions of modern life, and I think a lot of that comes out of our resident dryad. The modern world has a lot going for it but, in some circumstances, still can't fight against the old ways.
<<if $phXavier.date gt 1>>I wanted to share some of those old ways with her, so we took a walk together in a park well outside of the tower walls. As nice as Elysium is, it's still ultimately a fishbowl in the middle of an office building. Xun seemed to enjoy being able to walk around trees that have stood for longer than a year, and see a wealth of animal life we just can't afford to mimic in our little slice of nature. <<if $phXavier.date gt 2>>All was not calm with the green mother, however. She's been given a new lease on life, but she's also been cut off from her previous one. She can't exactly explain to her parents what she's become and how much she's changed. For the moment, it's still just a brief period of non-communication, but she can't stall forever. We're going to have to come up with some way to help her reconnect with what she's lost...<</if>>//<</if>><<else>>I suppose it was only a matter of time before the tower had its own creature of the night. Xavier has always had the role, but it was a little less amicable right at first. He snuck around afterhours looking to break the story of the century and trying in vain to make the puzzle pieces add up. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but a terminal illness made him need to leave his mark. A brief jaunt into a coffin has put him far beyond the reach of diseases of any kind, and given Paradise one hell of a night owl.
Maybe it's cliché, but putting the vampire in charge of the nightclub seemed like a no-brainer. He's good at it too. Some of our clients are just here to dance, drink, and have a good time. Others are a lot more attracted to the more 'adult' parties going on in the back rooms. Xavier keeps the two groups separated and happy, and anyone in need of spicing up their life will quickly find tall, dark, and handsome dropping in on them. Judging from how many young men and women dutifully arrive each and every weekend for his attention, I'm not entirely sure whether Xavier is the hunter or the prey!
<<if $phXavier.date gt 1>>I wanted to take him somewhere outside of the tower, which did prove to be a challenge. Vampires are not overly fond of the outdoors, but going clubbing with him seemed too much like his 'day' job. I settled for hitting up the park for a long walk and a good conversation. It may not have been the most exciting, but I think he appreciated just a little bit of quiet in his day. <<if $phXavier.date gt 2>>Not everything was a party for our gothic wet dream, however. He'd been freed of the doom that hung over him, but he's also been cut off from his previous life. He can't exactly explain to his parents what he's become and how much he's changed. For the moment, it's still just a brief period of non-communication, but he can't stall forever. We're going to have to come up with some way to help him reconnect with what he's lost...<</if>><</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phSara.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phSara.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraBJFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'magician'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraMagicianFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'kitsune'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Sara/SaraKitsuneFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phSara.name</div></div></div><<if $phSara.transform is 'pre'>>Sara is a recent hire. Mammon saw something in her and brought her on board, and I immediately saw the glow of someone in need. Unfortunately, she's also pretty sharp. For the moment, she hasn't caught onto the fact she's the only real employee working the place, but that can't last forever. I should catch her when she's slinging cards at the table or when she's having an after-work drink at the bar and find out what it is she desires most. Otherwise, this whole house of cards we built might just be on shaky ground!<</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'magician'>>I can't take a lot of credit for finding Sara. She more or less just fell into my lap! Mammon hired her to deal cards in the casino after seeing how sharp the woman's perceptions were, and I had to race to find her desire before she figured out none of the simulacra were real. Fortunately, I was able to beat that clock, and Sara the Magician was born. She wanted to see her name in lights, and now she has a theatre all of her own.
Sara is our headlining act at the casino, and I think she's starting to get even more popular than the tables. Her show is a mixture of professional sleight of hand and real, genuine magic, all blended together so well that even I can't tell the difference most of the time. Even if the audience thinks it's all fake, it still instills a sense of wonder about the world that is hard to mimic anywhere else. They believe, just for a while, that anything is possible, and that excitement follows them wherever they go next. It's like a force multiplier for the soul!<</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'kitsune'>>Sara was something of a lucky find. Mammon saw an opportunity and hired her to work the tables in the casino, and soon enough we were sharing stories over drinks in the bar. She was sharp enough to all but read minds, but that didn't help her protect other people from blindly walking into things. She wanted to be their defender, and as it happened Mason had a debt to pay to a Japanese fox spirit looking for a host. Three problems solved with one stone.
These days, Sara runs the bar herself. She's warm, encouraging, and gives great advice to the patrons who walk through her door, and she will also come down with the wrath of the heavens if anyone dares try to take advantage of one of her customers. It took a little while for her and Kayo, the spirit, to find their happy medium, but it's now hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. That sense of protection seems to pervade the place, and it's rapidly becoming a popular destination. Under Sara's watchful gaze, people get to let down their hair and feel free to be themselves without fear. That is very good for them, very good for her, and very good for me! Win, Win, Win!
<</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<<nobr>><<if def $phBT>><<set _phBT to $phLocations[$phBT]>>
<<else>>
<<set _phBT to $phLocations[$phLocation]>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phGoodbye is 'ModeChange') or ($phGoodbye is 'Upgrade')>><<include "ModeChange">><<set $phGoodbye to 'none'>><</if>><<include "EnergyCalc">>
<<set _neededVisitors to (Math.round((_phBT.visitorCap) * (1 - $phGlobal.visitorCapMod)) - _phBT.visitor)>>
<<set _baseenergy to Math.round((_phBT.epdBase + _phBT.epdBonus) * _phBT.level)>>
<<set _managepercent to Math.round((_phBT.manageMod + .75) * 100)>>
<<set _Min to (_phBT.visitorMin + $phGlobal.visitorMinMax + $phGlobal.visitorMin)>>
<<set _Max to (_phBT.visitorMax + $phGlobal.visitorMinMax + $phGlobal.visitorMax)>>
<<set _upgradeCost to Math.round(((3 * _phBT.epdBase) * (_phBT.level * _phBT.level)) * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<include "Modes">>
<</nobr>>@@.fakeMenu;
<<fakeMenu>>@@ @@.terminal;
<center>Main Construction Screen<br /><<termtext "white" "_phBT.name (Level _phBT.level)">></center>
<<termtext "blue" "• Special Visitors: _phBT.visitor (<<if _neededVisitors is 0>>Ready To Level!<<else>>_neededVisitors visitor(s) needed to level up!<</if>>)">>
<<termtext "blue" "• Special Visitors Expected Today: _Min - _Max ">>
<<termtext "yellow" "• Base Energy Gain: _baseenergy unit(s)">>
<<termtext "yellow" "• Management Modifier: _managepercent%">>
<<termtext "yellow" "• Expected Energy: _phBT.epd unit(s)">>
<<termtext "red" "• Building Mode: _mode">>
<<termtext "red" "(_modedesc)">>
Enter Command: [img[Assets/Console/Cursor.gif]]@@
<<if $phLocation is "R&D">>The console hummed to life, a grid map of the tower appearing on the screen beside the text. You recognized the floor plan, the shops, and the little green dots that must have been people walking to and fro. However, the building was awash with tiny streams and eddies of fuzzy multicolored light, all of it flowing in strange directions to a logic you didn't immediately understand. The areas where the energy pooled were flashing white, suggesting they were kept empty and awaiting your command.<<else>>You were in one of the back rooms, away from the prying eyes of any customer. You were fairly certain there hadn't been a console here the last time you visited, but the tower was nothing if not accomodating and most of all to you. You scrolled through the data readout on this location's operations, and pondered the changes you might wish to make...<</if>>
<<include "ModeOptions">><<if _neededVisitors is 0>><br><<if $phEnergy >= _upgradeCost>>@@.choice;
[[Ready To Upgrade!|LocationManagement][$phEnergy -= _upgradeCost;$phGoodbye to 'Upgrade']] - _upgradeCost Energy@@<<else>>@@.unavailable;Ready To Upgrade - _upgradeCost Energy@@<</if>><<if $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod gt 0>> (<<print Math.round(100 * $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod)>>% discount applied)<</if>><</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if def $phBT>>
[[Manage Another Building|R&DManagementScreen]]<br>
[[Switch To Construction Console|Build Screen]]<br>
[[Turn The Console Off|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]
<<else>>
<<if $phLocation is 'Gym'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Gym][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'CompCafe'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Computer Cafe][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'ShakeShack'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Shakes 'n Sundaes][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'Inferno'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Inferno][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'Elysium'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Elysium][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'Security'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Security Office][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>>
<<if $phLocation is 'Bank'>>[[Turn The Console Off|Bank][$phGoodbye to 'ManageScreen']]<</if>><</if>>
@@<</nobr>><<set $phLocation = "Trainer">><<if $phMunokho.post_talk is 0>><<set $phTrainersQ1 to 0>><<set $phTrainersQ2 to 0>><<set $phTrainersQ3 to 0>><<set $phKagar.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP WHAP
As you stepped out into the office, you heard a strange, rhythmic sound. It was an echoing kind of thudding noise, repeating in seemingly random patterns. One moment, it would be five or six resounding impacts in as many seconds, and then it would pause and slow for several more booming variations.
You looked around the office. $phSamantha.name wasn't at her desk, so she either wasn't up yet or (more likely) was busy handling something downstairs. Apparently, you were on your own for this one. You looked into the hallway, following the sound.
There was a door at the end of the hall, just past Selene's apartment and the supply closet. That wouldn't have been that shocking in a hallway except you were //quite// sure there hadn't been a door there when you'd gone to bed the previous morning.
The door was also //open//.
You frowned, but only for a moment. If anyone could walk around their home without worrying, it was you. The tower literally responded to your whims and you doubted very much there was anything physical to worry about. You took the last three steps boldly to the door and stepped inside...
...into a small, well-lit gym.
<<if ($phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1)>>It wasn't nearly as large as the gym down in the mall, leaning a lot more toward 'private training ground' than 'commercial enterprise'.<<else>>It wasn't the size of a commercial space, like the gym you'd been considering for the main floor of the tower. This one leaned a lot more toward 'private training ground' than 'commercial enterprise'.<</if>> The room was about the size of a loft apartment, tiled along one side but padded through the remaining two-thirds. A red and black design crawled across the flooring, and the lockers along the back wall were an equally dark black. A trio of punching bags hung down from supports in the center of the room, and at those punching bags stood a pair of figures.
One of them, a man, was holding onto the back of a bag while the other, a woman, pounded her fists rhytmically into the canvas. Sometimes her strikes were short clusters of impacts, and other times she drove her fist solidly enough into the material that it forced the man to shift his balance to keep the bag locked in place.
He noticed you first, grinning and slapping his palm against the side of the bag to get her attention. A second later, she turned toward the door and spotted you even as he came around to stand beside her.
By now, you weren't even surprised that they @@.choice;[[Were Clearly Not Human!|TrainersIntro][$phMunokho.post_talk to 0.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMunokho.post_talk is 0.1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Munokho/Mobile/Trainers.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Munokho/Trainers.png]]</picture>@@
They were orcs. Tall, green-skinned, and thoroughly muscled orcs. He was easily pushing six and a half feet tall, and every inch of his exposed skin was fit and taut. There was a lot of exposed skin, as he was wearing a furred cloaked across his shoulders, a sash around his waist, simple black pants, and very little else. His head was shaved except for a topknot across the center of his head and a tribal pattern across either side of his face. His expression was jovial, his arms opening wide to greet you as he came forward.
//Her// expression was less welcoming. The woman stood with her powerful arms crossed, her biceps as thick as soda liters. She was even more exposed to the elements than her companion, wearing a dark green loincloth and bikini top that looked like it might be made out of genuine hide. Her hair was also shaved along the sides, but the top was wild and flowed around her face as she glowered at you. Her tattoos were a dull scarlet, looping around her arms and forearms, across her collar, and marking a sunburst just above her brow.
<<nm $phMunokho "Ha ha! Well, well, well. Our trainee shows themselves at last!">>
The male was grinning broadly, showing his teeth as he waved you forward. The woman scoffed, giving you a slow, appraising look up and down.
<<nm $phKagar "...Scrawny. Underfed. Inert. Not Easy.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Trainee?">>
The big man threw back his head and laughed. He had a deep and booming laugh, the kind of jovial sound you might expect from a male Santa or, less encouragingly, from a video game villain. He gestured to encompass both of them.
<<nm $phMunokho "The Lady of the Hearth brought us in, to teach you. I am Munokho. This is Kagar. She is mine and I am hers.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Lady of the Hearth? You mean Lazren?">>
He made a vague waving motion with his right hand, as if he were shooing away a bothersome sort of insect.
<<nm $phMunokho "All the same, yes. What is, is. What has always been, always has been. I can't be expected to keep up with the names. We will be teaching you how to make use of what you have. To turn the souls you collect into something more useful.">>
<<nm $phKagar "...Not easy. Still young and weak.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "If <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>he wasn't<<else>>she weren't<</if>>, we wouldn't be getting a reward, would we?">>
Kagar grunted in acknowledgement. She was walking around you now, still evaluating you from head to toe like a predator. You had to throttle the animal brain part of you that screamed you should be running away as fast as your legs could take you. You were the boss; it was important you assert yourself at least a little bit.
You straightened your shoulders.
@@.choice;
[[Tell Me About Yourselves|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ1 to 1]]
[[How Do I Train?|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ2 to 1]]
[[How Is Lazren Paying You?|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ3 to 1]]
[[I Think I've Got The Picture|TrainersIntro][$phMunokho.post_talk to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMunokho.post_talk is 1>><<nm $phYou "Alright, I think I've got the gist. Lazren sent you to help me learn how to do what I need to do.">>
Kagar sighed, giving you another appraising look. Her pursed lips were unconvinced.
<<nm $phKagar "We should manage. And maybe make you less of a twig to boot.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Ha ha! Yes, well, we'll see what the new days brings. Just come here whenever you collect a new soul and we will beat the power into you...Not literally though.">>
<<nm $phKagar "...Mostly.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Mostly not literally. Good enough?">>
He extended one of his ham hock hands out to you. You considered it only for a few seconds before reaching out and giving it a quick shake. A lot of things in your life had gotten stranger and stranger since the day you'd accepted this job.
@@.choice;
[[Why Not One More?|TrainingRoom]]
@@
<</if>><<nobr>>
<<set $phEPD to 0>>
<<GetBuildings>>
<<run _buildingsBuilt.delete("Floor2")>>
<<for _c to 0; _c < _buildingsBuilt.length; _c++>>
<<set _name to _buildingsBuilt[_c]>>
<<if ($phLocations[_name].manageMod + .75) gt (1.5 + $phGlobal.manageMax + $phLocations[_name].manageMax)>>
<<set $phLocations[_name].manageMod to (.75 + $phGlobal.manageMax + $phLocations[_name].manageMax)>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations[_name].manageMod lt ($phLocations[_name].manageMin + $phGlobal.manageMin)>>
<<set $phLocations[_name].manageMod to ($phLocations[_name].manageMin + $phGlobal.manageMin)>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phLocations[_name].visitorCap * (1 - $phGlobal.visitorCapMod)) - $phLocations[_name].visitor lt 0>><<set $phLocations[_name].visitor to ($phLocations[_name].visitorCap * (1 - $phGlobal.visitorCapMod))>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations[_name].epd to Math.round((($phLocations[_name].epdBase + $phLocations[_name].epdBonus) * $phLocations[_name].level) * (.75 + $phLocations[_name].manageMod))>>
<<set $phEPD += $phLocations[_name].epd>>
<</for>><<if $phEnergy >= Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>><<set $phEnergy to Math.round($phEnergyCap * (1 + $phGlobal.energyCapMod))>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<unset $phBT>>The Management console was a dizzying array of numbers and diagrams. Mason's programming seemed to capture just about everything that happened anywhere within the tower, and this was where that data was assembled and reviewed. You couldn't even imagine what looking at the raw data would be like, given how complicated even the summarized data was.
Each of your constructed buildings appeared on the map as shining dots, and you knew a simple touch of the screen would start scrolling out everything you could want to know for that location.
<<GetBuildings>><<run _buildingsBuilt.delete("Floor2","Casino")>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<for _c to 0; _c < _buildingsBuilt.length; _c++>>
<<set _name to _buildingsBuilt[_c]>>
<<capture _name>>
<<print "[[$phLocations[_name].name|LocationManagement][$phBT to _name]]">><br>
<</capture>>
<</for>><</nobr>>
[[Switch To The Construction Console|Build Screen]]
[[Turn Off The Console|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'build']]@@<<if _phBT.mode is 'base'>>
<<set _mode to "Basic Management">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'runnershigh'>>
<<set _mode to "Runner's High">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase Maximum Management Cap In All Locations By 10% Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'personalmagnetism'>>
<<set _mode to "Personal Magnetism">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase The Management Modifier By An Additional 2% Per Building Level When Working At Any Location">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'bigbreederenergy'>>
<<set _mode to "Big Breeder Energy">>
<<set _modedesc to "Receive A Bonus Of 4 Energy Per Building Level Each Time You Have Dominant Sex">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'capacitytanks'>>
<<set _mode to "Capacity Tanks">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase The Tower's Maximum Banked Energy By 10% Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'viralmarketing'>>
<<set _mode to "Viral Marketing">>
<<set _modedesc to "Attract 1 Additional Daily Visitor Per Building Level In All Locations">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'overclocking'>>
<<set _mode to "Overclocking">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase The Minimum Management Cap In All Locations By 5% Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'eyeinthesky'>>
<<set _mode to "Eye in the Sky">>
<<set _modedesc to "Reduce Daily Management Modifier Decay By 2% Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'informationbooths'>>
<<set _mode to "Information Booths">>
<<set _modedesc to "Raise Maximum Daily Visitors In All Locations By 2 Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'hedonism'>>
<<set _mode to "Hedonism">>
<<set _modedesc to "Gain An Additional 4 Energy Each Time You Have Submissive Sex">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'vipparties'>>
<<set _mode to "VIP Parties">>
<<set _modedesc to "Gain 3 Additional Visitors Whenever You Work In Any Location">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'dividends'>>
<<set _mode to "Dividends">>
<<set _modedesc to "Gain 0.5% Of Your Banked Energy As Additional Energy Each Morning">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'investmentbanking'>>
<<set _mode to "Investment Banking">>
<<set _modedesc to "Increase Return On Bank Investments by 25% Per Building Level. Must Be In This Mode For The Duration Of The Investment.">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'balance'>>
<<set _mode to "Balance">>
<<set _modedesc to "When Distracted At Work, Gain An Additional 2% Management Modifier Per Building Level. When Focused, Gain 1 Visitor Per Building Level">>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT.mode is 'reciprocity'>>
<<set _mode to "Reciprocity">>
<<set _modedesc to "Gain 3 Bonus Energy Per Building Level Whenever You Work In Any Location">>
<</if>><<if _phBT is $phLocations['Gym']>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;<br>
[[Change to 'Personal Magnetism'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'personalmagnetism']] - Increase The <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier</span> By An Additional 2% Per Building Level When Working At Any Location<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier:</b> Each constructed location has a management modifier that acts as a multiplier for the location's base energy output. A modifier of less than 100% will result in getting less energy per day than the output, while a modifier greater than 100% results in additional energy. By default, this modifier ranges from a minimum of 75% to a maximum of 175%. It can raised by choosing to work at a location, or by recruiting an employee at that location (which raises both the minimum and maximum modifier by 25%). If above the minimum modifier, the modifier will decay each day until it reach the minimum value.</div></div><br>
[[Change To 'Runner's High'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'runnershigh']] - Increase <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Maximum Management Cap</span> In All Locations By 10% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Maximum Management Cap:</b> The maximum value for the management modifier in a location. By default, the maximum value is 150%; this can be raised by special abilities or certain building modes. This can also be raised for an individual location by recruiting an employee there, which raises the minimum AND maximum values by 25%.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'runnershigh'>>
@@.choice;<br>
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Personal Magnetism'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'personalmagnetism']] - Increase The <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier</span> By An Additional 2% Per Building Level When Working At Any Location<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier:</b> Each constructed location has a management modifier that acts as a multiplier for the location's base energy output. A modifier of less than 100% will result in getting less energy per day than the output, while a modifier greater than 100% results in additional energy. By default, this modifier ranges from a minimum of 75% to a maximum of 175%. It can raised by choosing to work at a location, or by recruiting an employee at that location (which raises both the minimum and maximum modifier by 25%). If above the minimum modifier, the modifier will decay each day until it reach the minimum value.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'personalmagnetism'>>
@@.choice;<br>
[[Change to 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Runner's High'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'runnershigh']] - Increase the <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Maximum Management Cap</span> In All Locations By 10% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Maximum Management Cap:</b> The maximum value for the management modifier in a location. By default, the maximum value is 150%; this can be raised by special abilities or certain building modes. This can also be raised for an individual location by recruiting an employee there, which raises the minimum AND maximum values by 25%.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['CompCafe']>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Overclocking'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'overclocking']] - Increase The <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Minimum Management Cap</span> In All Locations By 5% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Minimum Management Cap:</b> The minimum value for the management modifier in a location. By default, the minimum value is 75%; this can be raised by special abilities or certain building modes. This can also be raised for an individual location by recruiting an employee there, which raises the minimum AND maximum values by 25%.</div></div><br>
[[Change to 'Viral Marketing'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'viralmarketing']] - Attract 1 Additional Visitor Per Building Level In All <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Non-Special Venues</span><div class='tiptext'><div><b>Non-Special Venues:</b> Special venus are locations which use alternate mechanics, <i>e.g.</i> the Casino. The Casino makes use of games of chance to determine energy gain/loss, as opposed to the usual modifiers, visitor count, etc. </div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'overclocking'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Viral Marketing'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'viralmarketing']] - Attract 1 Additional Visitor Per Building Level In All <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Non-Special Venues</span><div class='tiptext'><div><b>Non-Special Venues:</b> Special venus are locations which use alternate mechanics, <i>e.g.</i> the Casino. The Casino makes use of games of chance to determine energy gain/loss, as opposed to the usual modifiers, visitor count, etc. </div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'viralmarketing'>>
@@.choice;<br>
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Overclocking'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'overclocking']] - Increase The <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Minimum Management Cap</span> In All Locations By 5% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Minimum Management Cap:</b> The minimum value for the management modifier in a location. By default, the minimum value is 75%; this can be raised by special abilities or certain building modes. This can also be raised for an individual location by recruiting an employee there, which raises the minimum AND maximum values by 25%.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['ShakeShack']>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Big Breeder Energy'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'bigbreederenergy']] - Receive A Bonus Of 4 Energy Per Building Level Each Time You Have Dominant Sex<br>
[[Change to 'Capacity Tanks'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'capacitytanks']] - Increase The Tower's <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Maximum Banked Energy</span> By 10% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Maximum Banked Energy:</b> Essentially, your energy cap / Vault maximum. This allows you to increase your limit of how much energy you can store.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'bigbreederenergy'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Capacity Tanks'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'capacitytanks']] - Increase The Tower's <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Maximum Banked Energy</span> By 10% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Maximum Banked Energy:</b> Essentially, your energy cap / Vault maximum. This allows you to increase your limit of how much energy you can store.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'capacitytanks'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Big Breeder Energy'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'bigbreederenergy']] - Receive A Bonus Of 4 Energy Per Building Level Each Time You Have Dominant Sex<br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Security']>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Eye In The Sky'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'eyeinthesky']] - Reduce Daily <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier Decay</span> By 2% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier Decay:</b> The rate at which the management modifier in each location is reduced. By default, each location will decay at a rate of 20% per day until it reaches the minimum value.</div></div><br>
[[Change to 'Information Booths'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'informationbooths']] - Raise Maximum Daily Visitors In All Locations By 2 Per Building Level<br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'eyeinthesky'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Information Booths'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'informationbooths']] - Raise Maximum Daily Visitors In All Locations By 2 Per Building Level<br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'informationbooths'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Eye In The Sky'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'eyeinthesky']] - Reduce Daily <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier Decay</span> By 2% Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier Decay:</b> The rate at which the management modifier in each location is reduced. By default, each location will decay at a rate of 20% per day until it reaches the minimum value.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Inferno']>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Hedonism'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'hedonism']] - Gain An Additional 4 Energy Each Time You Have Submissive Sex<br>
[[Change to 'VIP Parties'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'vipparties']] - Gain 3 Additional Visitors Whenever You Work In Any Location<br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'hedonism'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'VIP Parties'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'vipparties']] - Gain 3 Additional Visitors Whenever You Work In Any Location<br>@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'vipparties'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Hedonism'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'hedonism']] - Gain An Additional 4 Energy Each Time You Have Submissive Sex<br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Elysium']>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Balance'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'balance']] - When Distracted At Work, Gain An Additional 2% <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier</span> Per Building Level. When Focused, Gain 1 Visitor Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier:</b> Each constructed location has a management modifier that acts as a multiplier for the location's base energy output. A modifier of less than 100% will result in getting less energy per day than the output, while a modifier greater than 100% results in additional energy. By default, this modifier ranges from a minimum of 75% to a maximum of 175%. It can raised by choosing to work at a location, or by recruiting an employee at that location (which raises both the minimum and maximum modifier by 25%). If above the minimum modifier, the modifier will decay each day until it reach the minimum value.</div></div><br>
[[Change to 'Reciprocity'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'reciprocity']] - Gain 3 Bonus Energy Per Building Level Whenever You Work In Any Location<br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Reciprocity'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'reciprocity']] - Gain 3 Bonus Energy Per Building Level Whenever You Work In Any Location<br>@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'reciprocity'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Balance'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'balance']] - When Distracted At Work, Gain An Additional 2% <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Management Modifier</span> Per Building Level. When Focused, Gain 1 Visitor Per Building Level<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Management Modifier:</b> Each constructed location has a management modifier that acts as a multiplier for the location's base energy output. A modifier of less than 100% will result in getting less energy per day than the output, while a modifier greater than 100% results in additional energy. By default, this modifier ranges from a minimum of 75% to a maximum of 175%. It can raised by choosing to work at a location, or by recruiting an employee at that location (which raises both the minimum and maximum modifier by 25%). If above the minimum modifier, the modifier will decay each day until it reach the minimum value.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>><</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Bank']>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'base'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Dividends'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'dividends']] - Gain 0.5% Of Your <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Banked Energy</span> As Additional Energy Each Morning<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Banked Energy:</b> The amount of energy you currently have available, as shown in the sidebar.</div></div><br>
[[Change to 'Investment Banking'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'investmentbanking']] - Increase Return On Bank Investments by 25% Per Building Level. Must Be In This Mode For The Duration Of The Investment.<br>
@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'dividends'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change to 'Investment Banking'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'investmentbanking']] - Increase Return On Bank Investments by 25% Per Building Level. Must Be In This Mode For The Duration Of The Investment.<br>@@<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking'>>
@@.choice;
[[Change To 'Basic Management'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'base']] - Increase This Location's Base Energy By 2 Per Building Level<br>
[[Change To 'Dividends'|LocationManagement][$phGoodbye to 'ModeChange';$phModeChange to 'dividends']] - Gain 0.5% Of Your <span class='hovertip' title='Click for Details'>Banked Energy</span> As Additional Energy Each Morning<div class='tiptext'><div><b>Banked Energy:</b> The amount of energy you currently have available, as shown in the sidebar.</div></div><br>
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>>It took you only seconds to adjust the proper parameters and adapt the tower to your needs. Over the next few hours, you knew that walls would be moved, advertisements would be adjusted, and simulacra would be redesigned. Soon, it would be as if there had never been a change at all.<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is ('ModeChange') or ('Upgrade')>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Gym']>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'runnershigh'>><<set $phGlobal.manageMax -= (0.1 * $phLocations['Gym'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'personalmagnetism'>><<set $phGlobal.manageAdd -= (0.02 * $phLocations['Gym'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['Gym'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBonus += 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'runnershigh'>><<set $phGlobal.manageMax += (0.1 * $phLocations['Gym'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Gym'].mode is 'personalmagnetism'>><<set $phGlobal.manageAdd += (0.02 * $phLocations['Gym'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['CompCafe']>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'overclocking'>><<set $phGlobal.manageMin -= (0.05 * $phLocations['CompCafe'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'viralmarketing'>><<set $phGlobal.visitorMinMax -= (1 * $phLocations['CompCafe'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBonus to 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'overclocking'>><<set $phGlobal.manageMin += (0.05 * $phLocations['CompCafe'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode is 'viralmarketing'>><<set $phGlobal.visitorMinMax += (1 * $phLocations['CompCafe'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['ShakeShack']>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'bigbreederenergy'>><<set $phGlobal.sexBonusDom -= (4 * $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'capacitytanks'>><<set $phGlobal.energyCapMod -= (0.1 * $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBonus to 2>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'bigbreederenergy'>><<set $phGlobal.sexBonusDom += (4 * $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode is 'capacitytanks'>><<set $phGlobal.energyCapMod += (0.1 * $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Security']>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'eyeinthesky'>><<set $phGlobal.manageDecay -= (0.02 * $phLocations['Security'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'informationbooths'>><<set $phGlobal.visitorMax -= (2 * $phLocations['Security'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['Security'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['Security'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['Security'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['Security'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['Security'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Security'].epdBonus to 2>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'eyeinthesky'>><<set $phGlobal.manageDecay += (0.02 * $phLocations['Security'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Security'].mode is 'informationbooths'>><<set $phGlobal.visitorMax += (2 * $phLocations['Security'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Inferno']>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'hedonism'>><<set $phGlobal.sexBonusSub -= (4 * $phLocations['Inferno'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'vipparties'>><<set $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus -= (2 * $phLocations['Inferno'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['Inferno'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Inferno'].epdBonus to 2>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'hedonism'>><<set $phGlobal.sexBonusSub += (4 * $phLocations['Inferno'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Inferno'].mode is 'vipparties'>><<set $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus += (2 * $phLocations['Inferno'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Elysium']>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'reciprocity'>><<set $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus -= (3 * $phLocations['Elysium'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['Elysium'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Elysium'].epdBonus to 2>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'reciprocity'>><<set $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus += (3 * $phLocations['Elysium'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _phBT is $phLocations['Bank']>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBonus to 0>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'dividends'>><<set $phGlobal.bankedEnergyBonus -= (0.005 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonus -= (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitor to 0>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorCap += (2 * $phLocations['Bank'].visitorCap)>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].level += 1>><</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'ModeChange'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].mode to $phModeChange>>
<<unset $phModeChange>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'base'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBonus to 2>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'dividends'>><<set $phGlobal.bankedEnergyBonus += (0.005 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)>><</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking'>><<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonus += (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phGoodbye is 'Upgrade'>>You were ready. You instructed the tower to take what it had learned from the incoming customers and reform itself to better suit their needs. It would take energy, but you knew it would serve you well in the long run.<br><br>
It didn't take long. Walls shifted, simulacra were upgraded, and new designs were integrated into the location, all without any of the people //in// the location even noticing. Things were new, improved, and ready to go!<br><br>
@@.narrative;_phBT.name upgraded to level _phBT.level!<br>
Base Energy increased by _phBT.epdBase!<br>
_phBT.visitorCap visitors needed to level!@@<br><hr><br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>><<if (_rewardType is 'SoloWork') or (_rewardType is 'DuoWork') or (_rewardType is 'UltWork')>>
<<set _random to random(2,6)>>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>><<set $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod += (0.02 * $phLocations['Elysium'].level)>><</if>><<set $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod += $phGlobal.manageAdd>>
<<if _rewardType is 'DuoWork'>><<set $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod += .05>><</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'UltWork'>><<set $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod += .1>><<set $phLocations[$phLocation].visitor += 5>><</if>>
<<if $phSpecialAbilities["U25"].bought == 1>><<set _random += 15>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations[$phLocation].visitor += (_random + $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus)>>
<<include "EnergyCalc">>
<<if _rewardType is 'SoloWork'>><<set _manageadd to Math.round($phGlobal.manageAdd * 100)>><</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'DuoWork'>><<set _manageadd to Math.round(($phGlobal.manageAdd + .05) * 100)>><</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'UltWork'>><<set _manageadd to Math.round(($phGlobal.manageAdd + .1) * 100)>><</if>>
<<set _managepercent to (($phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod + 1) * 100)>>
<<set _visitordisplay to (_random + $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus)>>
<<if _rewardType is 'UltWork'>><<set _visitordisplay += 5>><</if>>
<br>@@.narrative;<<if _rewardType is 'SoloWork'>>You spent some time managing, even if you got distracted, and increased your management multiplier by _manageadd%<</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'DuoWork'>> Your 'encouragement' inspired your manager to new heights, increasing your management multiplier by _manageadd%!<</if>><<if _rewardType is 'UltWork'>>Your attention inspired more teamwork from your managers, boosting them to new heights and increasing your management multiplier by _manageadd%!<</if>><<if ($phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod + .75) gt (1.5 + $phGlobal.manageMax + $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMax)>> This is your maximum modifier!<</if>><br>
Your extra effort drew in some additional visitors (_visitordisplay additional visitors!)<<if $phLocations[$phLocation].visitor >= $phLocations[$phLocation].visitorCap>> This location is ready to level!<</if>><br>
<<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>><br>Despite getting distracted, you feel yourself in tune with the world, and gain an additional <<print Math.round(2 * $phLocations['Elysium'].level)>>% for your management modifier.<<if ($phLocations[$phLocation].manageMod + .75) gt (1.5 + $phGlobal.manageMax + $phLocations[$phLocation].manageMax)>> This is your maximum modifier!<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus gt 0>>@@.narrative;You're now skilled enough to pull in a little extra energy yourself when you work! You gained $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus additional energy!@@<<set $phEnergy += $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ((_rewardType is 'Sex') or (def _sex))>><<if def $phGenderBender>>
<<run $phGenderBender.pushUnique($phYou.form)>><</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Abstinence'>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'AbstinenceBroken'>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if ((_rewardType is 'Sex') or (def _sex)) and ($phGlobal.sexBonus gt 0)>>@@.narrative;<<set $phEnergy += $phGlobal.sexBonus>><br>Your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> body is feeling energized from your 'encounter'! You gained $phGlobal.sexBonus additional energy!@@<br>
<</if>>
<<if (_sex is 'dom') and ($phGlobal.sexBonusDom gt 0)>>@@.narrative;<<set $phEnergy += $phGlobal.sexBonusDom>>The exhilaration of dominance fills you, and you gain $phGlobal.sexBonusDom additional energy!@@<br>
<</if>>
<<if (_sex is 'sub') and ($phGlobal.sexBonusSub gt 0)>>@@.narrative;<<set $phEnergy += $phGlobal.sexBonusSub>>The glory of submission fills you, and you gain $phGlobal.sexBonusSub additional energy!@@<br>
<</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'Manage'>><<set $phLocations[_manageloc].manageMod += ($phGlobal.manageAdd + .1)>><<if $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus gt 0>><<set $phLocations[_manageloc].visitor += $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>><<set $phLocations[_manageloc].visitor += $phLocations['Elysium'].level>><</if>>
<<include "EnergyCalc">>
<<set _manageadd to Math.round(($phGlobal.manageAdd + .1) * 100)>>
<<set _managepercent to Math.round(($phLocations[_manageloc].manageMod + 0.3) * 100)>>
@@.narrative;You managed for a while and remained on task, increasing the management modifier by _manageadd%!<<if ($phLocations[_manageloc].manageMod + .75) gt (1.5 + $phGlobal.manageMax + $phLocations[_manageloc].manageMax)>> This is your maximum modifier!<</if>><br>
<<if $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus gt 0>>Your efforts were so skilled you managed to draw in $phGlobal.workVisitorBonus additional visitors!<</if>><<if $phLocations['Elysium'].mode is 'balance'>> Despite your focus, you maintained the balance and also attracted $phLocations['Elysium'].level additional <<if $phLocations['Elysium'].level is 1>>visitor<<else>>visitors<</if>>!<<if $phLocations[_manageloc].visitor >= $phLocations[_manageloc].visitorCap>> This location is ready to level!<</if>><</if>><br>
<<if $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus gt 0>>@@.narrative;You're now skilled enough to pull in a little extra energy yourself when you work! You gained $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus additional energy!@@<<set $phEnergy += $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus>><</if>>
<</if>>
<<if _rewardType is 'Casino'>><<set $phCasinoWorkCounter += 1>><br>
@@.narrative;Your work in the Casino certainly stirred the pot, but you wouldn't find out if that was good or bad until tonight! Roll those dice!<</if>><div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phMunokho.name</h1><div class="item righttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;[img[Assets/Characters/Munokho/MunokhoFancy.png]]@@
<div class="caption">$phMunokho.name</div></div></div>I haven’t known Munokho long, but he’s certainly made his presence felt. Munokho is an orc, though I have no idea how much of our legends and media is actually true and how much is complete nonsense. We at least got the look right. Munokho is green, built like a brickhouse, and seems completely immune to things other people have to struggle with, like ‘pain’ or ‘being tired’. He talks a lot more than his ‘mate’, Kagar, but that isn’t saying much, if you'll pardon the pun. I have to admit, after having Mason on the team for so long, it //is// kind of nice to have someone who actually just says what they mean. I suppose we’ll have to see where it goes from there.
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phKagar.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;[img[Assets/Characters/Kagar/KagarFancy.png]]@@
<div class="caption">$phKagar.name</div></div></div>Kagar came in with Munokho, her mate, when Lazren ‘hired’ them to be my personal trainers. Her biceps are credential enough, and she looks like she could crack me in half if she ever had a mind to. Still, the revealing outfits and muscles are certainly pleasant to have around during workouts. She doesn’t seem to mind the attention, nor does her mate, though she absolutely //will// kick my ass into gear if I let it distract me. Not much of a talker; she mostly seems to cut out any part of the sentence that isn’t absolutely vital. I suppose there are worse sins in the world. If nothing else, you know where you stand!
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phSelene.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneBigFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneTwinFancy.png]]<</if>><<if ($phSelene != "big") and ($phSelene != "clone")>> [img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phSelene.name</div></div></div>Selene is a Naga, but she’s also our Vault. Honestly, between the two, it’s the second one that I find weirder. Given all the strange employees we have running around, a half-human half-snake is far from out of the ordinary, but someone functioning almost like storehouse is another matter. From what I can gather, the room is custom made to feed her the energy that we siphon off from our customers, and she holds it inside herself until we need it. I think some of it gets eaten, but Mason already seems to have factored that into the numbers that I see. Otherwise, she waits for the all clear before she actually chows down on what she’s got. Apparently that’s the reason why we have a Naga and don’t have a Dragon!
<<if ($phSelene.transform != 'clone') and ($phSelene.transform != 'big')>>Of course, with all the energy we have coming in, we do need a bigger storehouse. Surprisingly enough, Selene //can// grow herself to take in more energy at a cost, but it turns out that has a bit of a dramatic effect on the rest of her.<<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>> Each time I expand the vault, she's going to get a little bustier. I'm not sure how far she can go, but she does seem pretty eager to find out!<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>> The first time I expanded the vault, she grew a pair of twin cocks. Every time I make the vault bigger from here, they're going to get bigger too. I don't know exactly how big she can get, but I think she's excited to find out!<</if>><<else>>Of course, with all the energy we had coming in, we needed a bigger storehouse. It turns out Selene //could// grow herself to take in more energy, but.... it also turns out that that has some interesting side effects! <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>She has a rack to die for now, and I'm not entirely sure whether there's a limit on how big her 'girls' can get!<<else>>She might keep them 'tucked inside', but her cocks -- she has two of them -- are enormous, and I'm not sure that they're done growing just yet!<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>>That's just one Selene, though. Thanks to some over-achieving (and underwhelming) cultists trying to kidnap her, Selene absorbed //too// much energy in her attempt to escape. That old adage that energy can't be created or destroyed, it can only change shape? It changed her, alright! It was so much that it created a //second// Selene, a clone of her, with all the same memories and personality. It's almost like she has an identical twin now... and I'd be lying if I didn't have //occasional// thoughts about threesomes.<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>>I certainly hope that //Selene// is done growing, though! Thanks to some over-achieving (and underwhelming) cultists trying to kidnap her, Selene absorbed //too// much energy in her attempt to escape. That old adage that energy can't be created or destroyed, it can only change shape? It changed her, alright! It was so much that it expanded //all// of her, all at once. She's twice the naga she used to be -- maybe three times as much! It's hard to even guess how tall she is now, and you never ask a woman's weight, but let's just say that there is a lot, lot more of her to love!<</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<<nobr>><<set _error to "">>
<<switch $phSpecialAbilities[_i].tier>>
<<case 1>>
<<set _cost = Math.round(100 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<case 2>>
<<set _cost = Math.round(250 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<if (_t1Count >= ((_t2Count + 1) * 2)) is false>>
<<set _tiererror to true>>
<<set _error += "You must purchase two (2) Tier 1 abilities before each Tier 2!<br>">>
<</if>>
<<case 3>>
<<set _cost = Math.round(500 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<if (_t2Count >= ((_t3Count + 1) * 2)) is false>>
<<set _tiererror to true>>
<<set _error += "You must purchase two (2) Tier 2 abilities before each Tier 3!<br>">>
<</if>>
<</switch>>
<center>Confirm purchase of this ability? (_name.name)<br>
<em>_name.desc</em><br><br>
Cost: _cost Energy + 1 soulgem<br><br>
<<if (_upgradesBought.length >= $phSoulCount) or ($phEnergy < _cost) or (_tiererror)>>
<<if (_upgradesBought.length >= $phSoulCount)>><<set _error += "Insufficient Soul Gems!<br>">><</if>>
<<if $phEnergy < _cost>><<set _error += "Insufficient Energy!<br>">><</if>>
@@.narrative;_error@@<br>
<<else>><<button "Yes">>
<<switch $phSpecialAbilities[_i].tier>>
<<case 1>><<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(100 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<case 2>><<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(250 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<<case 3>><<set $phEnergy -= Math.round(500 * (1 - $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod))>>
<</switch>>
<<set $phSpecialAbilities[_i].bought to 2>>
<<script>>
Engine.play("SpecialAbilitiesFinish",true);
Dialog.close();
<</script>>
<</button>>
<</if>>
<<button "No">>
<<unset _tiererror>>
<<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>>
<</button>>
</center>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>><center>
Clicking 'Yes' will erase ''ALL'' your achievements,<br> not just the ones you earned in this session!<br><br>''ALL OF THEM!''<br><br>
<<button "Yes">>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $phAchievements.length; _i++>>
<<run forget($phAchievements[_i])>>
<</for>>
<<script>>
Engine.play("Achievements",true);
Dialog.close();
<</script>>
<</button>>
<<button "No">>
<<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>>
<</button>>
</center>
<</nobr>>
<<set $phEnergy -= ($phEnergyCap * .5)>><<set $phEnergyCap += $phEnergyCap>><<if $phEnergyCap is 204800>><<SetAchievement "phHugeTracks">><</if>><<if $phSelene.focus_vault lt 3>><<set $phSelene.focus_vault to 3>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>><<nm $phYou "The more the merrier. Let's do it!">>
Both Selenes beamed you a smile, and each kissed you on the cheek in turn before stepping away and linking their hands together. They both closed their eyes and drew in a deep breath, tilting their chins up towards the ceiling and the runes there.
<<nm $phSelene "I was hoping you'd say that. Just because the change won't be very noticaeable doesn't mean it's not enjoyable!">>
Before when Selene had expanded the vault capacity, you hadn't felt anything yourself. This time you definitely did. Maybe you were standing closer, or maybe it was because //both// women had started to shine with that familiar yellow glow. You could feel a sudden wash of heat roll off their bodies, hot enough that for a second even your demonic tolerance didn't prevent your discomfort. You could see through the glow that their skin was shining, the fingers of their clasped hands were interlinked, and they'd pulled each other in closer. Their chests squished up against each other, and their shimmering tails coiled around each other in what you could only describe as an intimate embrace.
<<nm $phSelclone "Oh, $phYou.firstname. I wish I could share exactly how good this feels. If you were one of us, I'd let you feel this with me. I'd just want to see you going through this sensation over and over again. I never realized it was better when shared!">>
You almost found yourself blushing. For Selene, that was //very// direct, but you didn't think she really even knew what she was saying. She seemed far too engrossed in the sensation of other hands, other bodies, and as you watched the twins went from 'linking hands' to 'roaming' ones, and almost unconsciously began stroking each other's sides and stomachs. One of them was twisting in place and gasping; the other ran her tongue over her lips as she stared lustfully at her opposite. Those questing fingers rose up to caress her chest through the scant fabric of her top, and when she squeezed her nipples it brought a moan from them both.
It was hard to tell. Between the shining light, Selene's gyrations, and the way her twin's fingers were squeezing and massaging her chest, it was hard to tell where one body ended and the next one began. Still, despite that, you would have sworn there was a half-second where her chest seemed to push out against her sister's hands, and the twin cocks that were peeking out and pressing against the wrapped skirt seemed to tent it just a little more. Their tails flexed and writhed together -- were they both just a little thicker now? A little longer?
And then it was done. The glow receeded, and both Selenes was left panting in place. In unison their eyes popped open. They stared at each other, and for the moment you knew that any thought of awkwardness of Selene touching //herself// was very far away.
Finally they tore their eyes off each other, and both of them turned to spear you with a smoldering, needful look.
<<nm $phSelene "Well, I'm sorry it's not as much of a show now but... we could make it up to you?">>
@@.choice;
[[Let Them 'Make It Up To You'|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 0.1]]
[[Not Today! Two's Company - Three's a Crowd.|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'ExpansionNoSexTwin']]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>><<nm $phYou "Bigger is better. Let's do it!">>
Selene beamed at you and straightened up. The naga cloased her eyes and focused herself, her hands lowering to rest on your hips.
<<nm $phSelene "I was hoping you'd say that. Just because the change won't be very noticaeable doesn't mean it's not enjoyable!">>
When Selene had grown the vault before, you'd never actually been in physical contact with her. That was very different this time. You felt a sudden wave of heat run down her body and between your legs, hot enough that even you felt a moment of discomfort. The familiar yellow glow began to shine in the air, shining through her skin as though she were becoming partially translucent.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, $phYou.firstname. I wish I could share exactly how good this feels. If you were one of us, I wouldn't even mind sharing the fountain with you. I'd just want to see you going through this sensation over and over again. We'd get so big...">>
You almost found yourself blushing. For Selene, that was //very// direct, but you didn't think she really even knew what she was saying. The massive woman was twisting and gasping in place, her tongue running luxuriously along her lips as she surrendered to the bliss of it. Both of her hands came back, caressing her chest through the gown she was wearing.
It was hard to tell. Between the shining light, Selene's gyrations, and the way her fingers were squeezing and massaging her chest, getting a lock on her exact proportions was difficult. Still, despite that, you would have sworn there was a half second her her chest seemed to push out against her cupping hands, and her head elevated just a fraction of an inch higher off the ground. The tail beneath you flexed, and you felt just a hint of movement as the scales stretched.
And then it was done. The glow receeded, and Selene was left panting in place. Her eyes popped open, and they were all but smoldering with need. She swallowed hard and speared you with a hopeful look.
<<nm $phSelene "Well, I'm sorry it's not as much of a show now but...I could make it up to you?">>
@@.choice;
[[Let Her 'Make It Up To You'|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 3]]
[[Not This Time|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'ExpansionNoSexBig']]
@@
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.transform is not 'clone') and ($phSelene.transform is not 'big')>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<if $phEnergyCap is 400>><<nm $phYou "I think the tower could use a little more room, and I admit, I wouldn't mind seeing you as big as the matrons you mentioned.">>
Selene giggled, shooting you a look that was half -shy and half-mischievous. She sucked in a deep breath and arched her back as if presenting, even if there was very little there to see.
<<nm $phSelene "Is that so? Well, I don't think I'm going to get //that// big in one go but...you really don't mind if I eat some to get a little more full-figured?">>
<<nm $phYou "Let's do it. Would you prefer that I leave?">>
Selene was already closing her eyes before you could finish. Her expression tensed with concentration and her lips pursed. She didn't answer, instead drawing in a couple of deep breaths with all the ritual slowness of a mantra recitation.
You saw the glow at her hips, first: a gentle, yellowish illumination as though an unseen lamp had been lit inside her belly. The light quickly spread and intensified, until the Naga's entire body was shining from the tip of her tail to the top of her head.
Selene made a low, soft sound in the back of her throat. A groan of deep hunger being satisfied at last. Right in the middle of that noise, however, the tone and volume suddenly shifted upward, morphing into a //far// more sexual moan. Her head tilted back, and her eyes opened wide, shining with yellow light.
You saw it happen. One moment, her body was writhing in obvious bliss, her pretty but modest chest barely moving beneath the teal ribbons. Then, suddenly, there was significantly more jiggle to that area. The ribbon across her chest curved with the sudden shifting of flesh beneath, and second by second a valley of cleavage formed between the two growing cups.
Selene groaned again, her eyes fluttering as her hands came up to grip herself. Her new tits pushed back against her palms and her fingers sank gently into the soft flesh. Her voice rose with another cry of bliss.
Then, with a contented sigh, it was over. The light faded first to a dull glow and then vanished into nothingness, leaving the Naga panting and gasping for air. It took her a few seconds to focus again, her expression dazed and euphoric. When she realized where she was, she dropped her chin to look down at herself...
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-Tits1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-Tits1.png]]</picture>@@
...and her new, perfectly formed C-cups. Her breasts curved the front of her outfit nicely, the nipples visible as little points in the material. She seemed stunned, running a finger down the center of her cleavage with awe in her eyes.
Then she giggled.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh wow! That was...um...a real rush! And look at me! That's bigger, alright! Thank you, thank you, thank you! That was amazing!">>
She surged forward, wrapping her arms around you and leaning up to press a kiss against your lips. You made a startled sound, your hands falling automatically to her sides as she pressed against you. Her skin was hot against your own, especially around her new adornments, and you held her close until she finally pulled her head away, blushing.
<<nm $phSelene "Sorry, sorry! Um...I got a little excited. Thank you, I...well, uh, I enjoy the change. I'll be ready to take more energy any time you'd like. I bet I can fit twice as much now. I better let you get back to work, unless...">>
She pursed her lips and batted her eyelashes at you. 'Unless' had a pretty clear meaning in this case. You could stay to help her enjoy her new improvements, or leave her be to explore on her own.<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>><<nm $phYou "Alright, I think we're ready for another expansion. Think you can manage?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Can I ever! I mean...well, uh, if you'd like me to, I can certainly try. Wait right there, let's see how this goes.">>
She grinned; her expression giddy as she once again closed her eyes. Her expression focused with concentration. It seemed to take her a little longer this time, her breathing becoming more tense as she did whatever she needed to do to consume the energy inside of her.
When the light came, it was //sudden//. One second, she was standing in front of you, and the next there was an almost blinding glow. Selene's moan was completely uninhibited, and it reverberated off the walls in a sound of pure bliss.
The Naga's body rolled. From her 'hips' all the way to her head, her body writhed up and down in short waves. Dimly, in the midst of all that light, you saw her shifting and twisting her shoulders as if they were suddenly uncomfortable. Her breathing grew even more labored and choked, as if she were straining to force something out of herself.
Then a sharp gasp split the air, joined by the popping sound of straining cloth. You saw the ribbons containing her chest swell outward, abruptly forced to handle much more than before. You thought the poor teal ribbons were going to separate entirely, but they somehow they managed to hold firm even as Selene's chest grew and grew. By the time the light began to fade, her breasts were spilling out the side of each ribbon, showing a beautiful amount of side and underboob to go with her now greatly increased cleavage.
@@.image;<picture><<if settings.phTheme is "Light">><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-TitsAnimatedLight.gif">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-TitsAnimatedLight.gif]]<<else>><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-TitsAnimatedDark.gif">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-TitsAnimatedDark.gif]]<</if>></picture>@@
<<nm $phSelene "Oh wow! Oh wow, wow, wow! Look at these! I'm //huge//!">>
The Naga let out a timid laugh as she stared down at her brand-new tits. They were beautiful and large, easily pushing into the upper regions of double Ds. She reached up with both hands to take hold of the tops of the ribbon-like outfit, pulling the material up and down and making her new breasts bounce and jiggle in their tight confinement.
<<nm $phYou "You look amazing, Selene. They're very, very nice.">>
<<nm $phSelene "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>I always knew you were a guy who enjoyed the nice things in life, $phYou.firstname!<<else>>I'm even bigger than //you// and your tits are-- Ah, sorry, $phYou.firstname! Didn't mean it that way.<</if>> I can't believe it! I feel like I'm going to fall over any second now.">>
She bounced her chest around for a few more seconds, then finally seemed to come back into herself. The look she gave you all but smoldered.
<<nm $phSelene "Thank you, $phYou.firstname. Do you...uh...have to get back to work, or...?">>
That sounded like an invitation to you, if you cared to take it.<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 1600>><<nm $phYou "Well, we're really pulling the energy in now. I think we can afford to do another expansion. What do you say?">>
Selene let out a squeal of delight, bouncing up and down on her coils. She certainly had a lot more to bounce with these days. She looked down at herself with only a hint of the shy trepidation she'd had during the first go-round.
<<nm $phSelene "Really? Ah, well...alright! These girls have been good to me, but a little bit bigger wouldn't hurt, right? You won't mind?">>
<<nm $phYou "I assure you, I will not.">>
Selene wasn't listening, though. The moment you'd given her the go ahead, she had shut her eyes and started to focus. Once again, it seemed to take her longer to build up to the change, and her face was set in pure concentration. You reached into your jacket pocket, withdrew a pair of sunglasses, and settled them into place. This time, you were prepared!
It was a good thing too. This time, when Selene moaned and the light began, it was as if a miniature sun had ignited in the room. Even with the sunglasses, you found yourself squinting and struggling to keep focus on the bucking Naga woman and she cried out in pleasure and satisfaction.
There was absolutely no way that Selene's top was going to hold on this time, though it tried mightily. The now familiar sound of straining cloth echoed through the room as Selene's tits pressed out against the material. For a split second, you saw the tiny tear appear in the teal material at Selene's shoulder...and then the whole top gave way in a sudden explosion of movement, sending shreds of cloth in all directions!
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-Tits3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-Tits3.png]]</picture>@@
As the light faded and Selene's gasping moans slowed, her new breasts were revealed in all their glory. Huge and tear-drop shaped, they were at least H-cups but hung perfectly on her body without any sag or apparent strain. The nipples were prominent and perky, and she had enough cleavage to hide a full notepad in. She panted hard, her eyes glazed and unseeing while her hands roamed the new curves, pinching lightly at the skin. You coughed, softly.
<<nm $phYou "Selene?">>
She focused on you with an obvious effort, pulling her hands away from herself and letting her tongue extend to wet her lips. She looked you up and down, chest heaving in the aftermath of her transformation.
<<nm $phSelene "Good. Good good good. I feel...Mmm! Are you staying?">>
Always the question, wasn't it?<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>><<if $phEnergyCap is 400>><<nm $phYou "I think we're ready. As for where to put it...well, I've never had a problem with a lady packing a little extra. I think you'll enjoy the experience.<<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>> I know I have.<</if>>">>
Selene giggled nervously and nodded. You were just about to ask if she'd rather do this on her own, but before you could she closed her eyes and tilted her head forward. You saw her brow furrow with evident concentration, and she sucked her lower lip between her teeth.
You saw the glow at her hips, first: a gentle, yellowish illumination as though an unseen lamp had been lit inside her belly. The light quickly spread and intensified, until the Naga's entire body was shining from the tip of her tail to the top of her head.
Selene made a low, soft sound in the back of her throat. A groan of deep hunger being satisfied at last. Right in the middle of that noise, however, the tone and volume suddenly shifted upward, morphing into a //far// more sexual moan. Her head tilted back, and her eyes opened wide, shining with yellow light.
The light didn't stay there for long though. As quickly as it had spread, it began to contract, rushing back down her body and focusing at her hips. Her body jerked forward. Once. Twice. And three times, each time punctuated by a high-pitched gasp. On the third, //they// arrived.
Selene's skirt was tied loosely around here, knotted at the front, and you saw the teal material tent in a sudden, explosive movement. Her body jerked again, and the cause of that tenting was clear as Selene's twin cocks slipped from beneath the material and bobbed into view. The last of the yellow light glimmering briefly across their length before disappearing entirely and leaving her gasping.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-Dick1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-Dick1.png]]</picture>@@
You both stared downward. They were about six inches long, mostly side by side though one did seem to tuck in just above the other as well. They weren't far from human, although the skin was a light purple rather than peach, and the heads of each shaft were flatter and longer than that you might have expecting, sloping back from the tip in a sort of gentle flare.
Selene bit her lip again, catching her breath. Timidly, she reached down with one hand and touched a finger lightly to the back of one cock. It jumped between her fingers and she let out a shocked gasp, then laughed nervously.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh wow...That's...That worked! That really worked!">>
<<nm $phYou "It certainly did. Should I get back to work and leave you three alone?">>
She laughed at the unexpected levity and clapped her hand across her mouth. Then she blew out a breath.
<<nm $phSelene "If you have to, I understand. If you'd rather stick around...">>
She trailed off, leaving the words unspoken. The offer was clear all the same. You could get back to work... or you could help break in the new equipment.
Tempting offer!<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>><<nm $phYou "I think the energy is starting to come in fast and furious. Let's do it.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh wow. So soon...alright! Alright, yes, I'm ready. Let's get started!">>
Her tone was excited, but you knew there was trepidation there too. The Naga woman had only just started getting used to having the additional equipment. A few extra inches had to be both appealing and a little terrifying.
She slithered forward to you and closed her eyes. She began to breath deep and slow, even as that look of intense concentration crossed her face again. You couldn't imagine what it would be like to have a stomach that didn't 'eat' until you told it to. Apparently, it took a little getting used to.
The yellow glow was brighter this time. If the first had been a lamp, this was closer to a spotlight. You had to shield your eyes against the shine, even as Selene's moan echoed off the walls. She tilted her head back and rolled her body in sudden spasm. Her 'hips' swayed side to side as if she were trying to wiggle out of her skin.
You saw the slit appear, just below the line where her skin became scales. It widened by the second until, with a gasp, those six-inch lengths slid into view. Except they weren't six inches anymore. They throbbed and pulsed, and every twitch seemed to make them surge a little bigger. Seven inches, then eight, then nine! Selene cried out as the glow pulsed down her body and gathered around those thickening lengths.
@@.image;<picture><<if settings.phTheme is "Light">><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-DickAnimatedLight.gif">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-DickAnimatedLight.gif]]<<else>><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-DickAnimatedDark.gif">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-DickAnimatedDark.gif]]<</if>></picture>@@
When it faded, she was left gasping and panting, staring down at a pair of twin, ten-inch monsters that swayed and bobbed in front of her. She let out a soft little laugh, swallowing hard and extending her hand, only to stop just shy of touching the flesh. You could see the muscles of her belly working, her cocks jumping each time an aftershock of pleasure coursed through her.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh...Oh my! I'm...//enormous!// Look at these! They're tingling and aching and...">>
She cut herself off, sucking in another deep breath and smoothing her hair behind her ear, visibly trying to get control of herself again. The look she turned toward you was all but begging.
<<nm $phSelene "Do you have to go back to work or...?">>
'Or' indeed!<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 1600>><<nm $phYou "We've done pretty well. The vault is holding an awful lot. But I think it's time to make things even bigger. Let's do it.">>
You let your voice lower a fraction, the husky tone making it quite clear exactly //what// you wanted to enlarge. Selene's cheeks flushed cherry red, but she nodded.
<<nm $phSelene "Alright! Well, you're the boss! I'll just...ah...do that now, okay?">>
She swallowed hard and closed her eyes. You understood her trepidation. She was already packing a pair of monster cocks. Exactly what was another round of expansion going to look like? You were both about to find out.
You reached into your jacket pocket, withdrew a pair of sunglasses, and settled them into place. You were prepared this time, and it was a good thing that you were! The light, when it came, was stronger than any change so far. Even with the sunglasses, you had to squint your eyes against the glare and raise up a hand to block out some of the glow. You didn't look away, though. //This//, you wanted to see!
Selene body bucked and rolled. A wave passed through her, from the coils on the ground beneath her all the way up through her torso. Her moans were loud and long, full-throated without even a hint of holding back. You saw the light beginning to coalesce, running toward her hips...
...and then the now familiar shape of her twin cocks burst forward in a sudden motion beneath the skirt. The heads were a deeper purple than usual, pulsing with need and desire, and they bounced and throbbed in the air as the glow ran across them. You saw them thicken and surge, gaining inch after inch until Selene finally cried out and fell backward into her coils in a sudden last burst of light.
She lay there for several seconds, panting hard as she fought to get her breath back. She lay against her own looped tail as if it were a bed, one hand coming up to run through her hair. Then she looked down...
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/Selene-Dick3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/Selene-Dick3.png]]</picture>@@
...and saw the massive, foot-and-a-half lengths bobbing below her. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. She seemed to be in disbelief, afraid to move for fear of breaking the illusion. You couldn't help but laugh.
<<nm $phYou "Need a moment?">>
Selene's head snapped back up toward you as if she had forgotten you were there. Almost immediately, her cocks bounced with a sudden flex of muscle.
<<nm $phSelene "No! I need-...uh...well, if you aren't doing anything, do you want to hang around for a little while? We could...try things out?">>
Well now. You had expected the invitation. Seeing those monsters was something else, though. You were pretty sure Selene wasn't going to care about which side of your necklace was showing. She would need to //use// the equipment she's got.
So the only question was: could you take <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>as good as you gave<<else>>it<</if>>?<</if>><</if>><<if $phEnergyCap gt 1600>><<nm $phYou "Okay, let's do it!">>
Selene beamed at you and closed her eyes. The now familiar look of concentration came over her expression, and the roll of light ran from the tip of her tail all the way up to her face.
It was less explosive this time. She stretched her tail out, her breathing quickening as there seemed to be a little more tail //to// stretch. She worked it back and forth as the light brightened and brightened until finally, with a gasping sigh, she let it drop and the light fade. She ran a hand across her brow.
<<nm $phSelene "There we go! Not so bad! It might not be quite as noticeable this time, but that did make it a little bit easier. Sorry if it wasn't quite as exciting.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'll live. The important thing is that you're feeling alright. I will sort of miss the after show, though.">>
Selene giggled at you, then took a conspiratorial look left and right. She bent over slightly and dropped her voice.
<<nm $phSelene "...We could always pretend. If you liked the last time...maybe we do it again?">>
Well...//that// was an offer!<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Enjoy Some Time With Selene|SeleneSex]]
[[Let Selene Explore Herself Alone For A While|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'ExpansionNoSex']]
<</if>><<if $phTrainersQ1 is 1>><<set $phTrainersQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I'd like to know more about you both. Could you tell me about yourselves?">>
Kagar laughed, softly. You kind of expected her to have a booming, reverberating laugh the same as Munokho did, but actually it was a surprisingly soft and high-pitched chuckle.
<<nm $phKagar "We're here. We're good at what we do. We are mated. What more is there to say?">>
<<nm $phYou "...I think most people would think there were a //few// more details that were important.">>
<<nm $phKagar "Most people talk too much. If your words are true, your action should show it. If it doesn't, then the air is wasted.">>
You snorted and shook your head, once.
<<nm $phYou "You keep spreading ideas like that around and you'll put me out of a job. There are other details, though. You're both not human now. Were you human when you met Lazren?">>
Now it was Munokho's turn to laugh, tossing his head back and giving you another taste of the deep-throated merriment.
<<nm $phMunokho "Our kind were walking here when yours were still wriggling through the oceans, demonic one. We were born as we are, of course.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh...Then why haven't you ever been seen? Do your people hide out or...was there some kind of disaster to reduce your numbers?">>
The two orcs exchanged long looks, and Munokho's broad grin returned. He shook his head.
<<nm $phMunokho "We are as strong as we ever were. We just went someplace else. Maybe your people will follow someday. Or they will not. Either way, not my concern or yours.">>
<<nm $phYou "I can't argue with that. You said you're...mated? How did that happen?">>
<<nm $phMunokho "There was a feast.">>
<<nm $phKagar "And a fight.">>
You waited. They waited. The silence stretched on for several seconds before you realized they didn't intend to say any more. You had gotten so used to Mason's long-winded explanations that brevity seemed suddenly like a foreign language, and you blurted the first thing that came to your mind.
<<nm $phYou "Who won the fight?">>
They both grinned. Kagar reached out and gave Munokho's bicep a squeeze that probably would have broken a lesser man's arm. He responded by resting his hand on the back of her flank. It was Munokho that spoke first, but the answer was the same from both.
<<nm $phMunokho "We did.">>
So it seemed!
<</if>><<if $phTrainersQ2 is 1>><<set $phTrainersQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "What do you mean by training, exactly? When Lazren taught me something, it just kind of...happened.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Do not be surprised that the slothful one's efforts //appear// to be without effort at all. She is very old and very experienced. You are neither of those things. So...it is for us to push you to that peak. Think, demonic one. You have handled the soul power before. Has she not explained what it is?">>
You thought about that for a second, but it was fairly clear. Lazren had mentioned the same things both times she'd explained the rules to you.
<<nm $phYou "Change. She said it is change.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Yes. It is change. And when do people change?">>
<<nm $phYou "When...they want to?">>
<<nm $phMunokho "When they //have// to. They want change because they're in pain. Lots of pain, lots of different types, but its all the same thing. Body, spirit, or mind. They hurt, they change, they hurt less. Or they can't change, they give the power to one of you, and //you// change them. Same thing.">>
<<nm $phKagar "Some get better. Some worse. Either way, dulls the pain.">>
You looked between the two orcs. You had expected a lot of things, but getting a lesson in emotional and psychological pain had not been high on your list. However, you were //also// looking toward them because there was a real implication to what they were saying you didn't like at all.
<<nm $phYou "Pain...So you're saying I'm going to need pain if I'm going to use those gems?">>
<<nm $phKagar "Yes.">>
Kagar shrugged her broad shoulders, casually, and you sucked in air to respond. Munokho quickly raised his hand to cut you off.
<<nm $phMunokho "To an extent. Your body is enhanced. One day, you will learn to push it to its limit, but you cannot now. You will always stop before the ledge. We will push you forward. You will ache, and you will gasp, but you will, above all, want to finish. Then, you will be able to bond with the souls you have, and turn them to whatever you wish. I promise we will not enjoy it.">>
<<nm $phKagar "...Too much.">>
Great. Just great. How comforting.
<</if>><<if $phTrainersQ3 is 1>><<set $phTrainersQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "You said something about Lazren paying you? What exactly? Souls? Some kind of transformation?">>
<<nm $phKagar "Introduction.">>
Kagar grunted the one word simply and stopped, clearly content that the question was answered. You cocked your head.
<<nm $phYou "...What kind of introduction?">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Your lady has many relatives. We need the favor of one in the near future. She is much beloved by her family and can get us the ear we need. Simple.">>
<<nm $phYou "I...guess I see, but why not just try to earn the favor directly with her relative?">>
<<nm $phKagar "They don't need trainers. She does.">>
It tracked, even if you still felt like you were missing something. You rolled that around in your head for a long moment, still looking between the two massive figures.
<<nm $phYou "Alright...do you want to tell me which relative you need the favor from?">>
<<nm $phKagar "No.">>
Another beat of silence. Clearly, talking with the woman was like careening from iceberg to iceberg. The conversational stops were so sudden and jarring you couldn't help but be thrown off your feet. Munokho shrugged his shoulders.
<<nm $phMunokho "If it becomes important, you will know. Until then, it's not a concern of yours. The important thing is we are paid well enough to do our work well, and we intend to do so. We will train you, until you no longer need us, and then we will collect our reward.">>
Kagar grunted her agreement and both of them crossed their arms. You guessed that conversation was over.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phTrainersQ1 is 0>>[[Tell Me About Yourselves|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phTrainersQ2 is 0>>[[How Do I Train?|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phTrainersQ3 is 0>>[[How Is Lazren Paying You?|TalkToTrainers][$phTrainersQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>
@@ @@.choice;
[[I Think I've Got The Picture|TrainersIntro][$phMunokho.post_talk to 1]]@@<<nobr>>
<<GetAchievements>>
<<set _collector = ["phCassandraHentai","phCassandraPunk","phDamienBull","phDamienSissy","phJolieCowgirl","phJoliePornstar","phPetraDrow","phPetraSiren","phXavierVampire","phXavierDryad","phSamanthaBimbo","phSamanthaFuta","phSaraKitsune","phSaraMagician","phSeleneClone","phSeleneBig","phNadiaGenie","phNadiaAngel"]>>
<<set _blueprints = ["phBuildGym","phBuildShake","phBuildComp","phBuildFloor2","phBuildBank","phBuildSecurity","phBuildInferno","phBuildElysium","phBuildCasino"]>>
<<set _currentrelease = ["phCollector","phInfernalArchitect","phGenderBender","phEmployeeExcellence","phHugeTracks","phOhNo","phCatchXavier","phCatchCultist","phDressToImpress"]>>
/* Collector - All Characters */
<<if _achieved.includesAll(_collector) and _unachieved.includes("phCollector")>>
<<SetAchievement "phCollector">>
<<elseif (_achieved.includes("phCollector")) and (_achieved.includesAll(_collector) is false)>>
<<run forget('phCollector')>>
<</if>>
/* BluePrints - Construct All Buildings */
<<if _achieved.includesAll(_blueprints) and _unachieved.includes("phBlueprints")>>
<<SetAchievement "phBlueprints">>
<<elseif (_achieved.includes("phBlueprints")) and (_achieved.includesAll(_blueprints) is false)>>
<<run forget('phBlueprints')>>
<</if>>
/* Infernal Architect - BluePrints + upgrade all to level 5 */
<<if _achieved.includes("phBlueprints")>>
<<GetBuildings>>
<<run _buildingsBuilt.delete("Casino","Floor2")>>
<<for _i to 0; _i < _buildingsBuilt.length; _i++>>
<<if $phLocations[_buildingsBuilt[_i]].level >= 5>>
<<set _IA to true>>
<<else>>
<<set _IA to false>>
<<break>>
<</if>>
<</for>>
<<if (_unachieved.includes("phInfernalArchitect")) and (_IA is true)>>
<<SetAchievement "phInfernalArchitect">>
<</if>>
<</if>>
/* Gender Bender - Sex as All Three Genders */
<<if _unachieved.includes("phGenderBender")>>
<<if $phGenderBender.includesAll("male","female","futa")>>
<<SetAchievement "phGenderBender">>
<<unset $phGenderBender>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
/* Gender Achievements - Currently Inoperative */
<<if ($phStoryProgression is "end")>>
<<set _gender to recall(phGenderAchieve, "null")>>
<<switch _gender>>
<<case "phBoyToy">>
<<SetAchievement "phBoyToy">>
<<run forget(phGenderAchieve)>>
<<case "phGalPal">>
<<SetAchievement "phGalPal">>
<<run forget(phGenderAchieve)>>
<<case "phPackageSmuggler">>
<<SetAchievement "phPackageSmuggler">>
<<run forget(phGenderAchieve)>>
<<default>>
<</switch>>
<</if>>
/* Necklace/Topping Achievements - Currently Inoperative */
<<if ($phStoryProgression is "end")>>
<<set _necklace to recall(phNeckAchieve, "null")>>
<<switch _necklace>>
<<case "phAllDom">>
<<SetAchievement "phAllDom">>
<<run forget(phNeckAchieve)>>
<<case "phAllSub">>
<<SetAchievement "phAllSub">>
<<run forget(phNeckAchieve)>>
<<default>>
<</switch>>
<</if>>
/* Perfectionist - All Available Achievements */
<<if _achieved.includesAll(_currentrelease) and _unachieved.includes("phPerfectionist")>>
<<SetAchievement "phPerfectionist">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<set $phLocation = "Trainer">><<if ($phMunokho.post_talk is 1) and ($phKagar.post_talk is 0)>><<set $phKagar.post_talk to 1>><<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><<set $phTrainersStance to 'DuoBags'>><</if>><<if ndef $phTrainersStance>><<set $phWhoTrains = ["DuoBags", "Munokho", "Kagar","DuoSpar"]>><<set $phTrainersStance = $phWhoTrains.random()>><</if>>The training hall was about the size of a cafeteria, with tile floor along the far wall near the windows and dense pads for the remaining two-thirds of the room. The padding was done in a simple red and black pattern shaped into huge blocks of color. Fluorescent lights shone from overhead, making certain that the room was completely and evenly lit no matter the time of day.
There were numerous activities available. It was more than long enough to serve for running or sprinting; there was sufficient clear space for sparring; and a trio of punching bags hung down from the ceiling. A couple of lockers arranged at the back of the room held significantly breezier outfits for you to change into before sweating.
<<if ($phKagar.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phKagar.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>
<<if ($phKagar.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phKagar.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phKagar.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phMunokho "Ho! Approaches the future <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>king<<else>>queen<</if>>!">>
Munokho and Kagar were both in the Gym today. For once, they seemed to be engaged in a bit of maintenance. Munokho was hanging a new sparring bag up from the ceiling, giving the chain a shake to make sure it was solidly in place. That wouldn't be so remarkable, except that he was using Kagar's shoulders as footholds rather than using a ladder.
<<nm $phYou "Not sure I know about any crowns that I inherited recently. The title sounds good though.">>
Kagar snorted and rolled her eyes. Munokho was not a light man, but she still held him aloft with only a little strain showing in the rock-solid muscles of her neck, back, and shoulders.
<<nm $phKagar "Funny. The Lady of the Hearth offers you position as her kin. Royal enough. How many do you think there are?">>
<<nm $phYou "...Seven?">>
She rolled her eyes again, but you couldn't tell if it was because of your limited understanding or because you'd gotten it right. You'd never actually asked Lazren how many Sins there were. Seven was traditional, but if you'd learned anything so far it was that the real supernatural world didn't always reflect the popular culture.
<<nm $phYou "...I'm glad Mason told you both. Honestly, I'm not really sure what I'm expected to do with all that. Whether or not I can take over properly. It's a pretty heavy load, you know?">>
Kagar shrugged, even as Munokho put the final fasteners in place, stepped off her shoulders, and came to land on the mat like a meteor coming to earth.
<<nm $phKagar "Get stronger.">>
<<nm $phMunokho "Quickly.">>
They both nodded, their expression equally self-satisfied with that advice. Apparently, as far as they were concerned, that was enough. Maybe it was.
<<nm $phKagar "...Well?">>
<</if>><<else>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'DuoBags'>>Both Munokho and Kagar were here today. Munokho was holding onto the back of one of the punching bags, and Kagar was laying into it with a vengeance. Every so often, he would call something out in a harsh language you did not understand, and she would juke out of the way of a phantom counterattack, then return to work. The training hall resounded with the sounds of her hands against the bag, over and over again.
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'Munokho'>>Munokho seemed to be here alone today. He was laying on his back on one of the weight benches with a truly preposterous mass of weight on both ends. Despite that, he was pumping the iron as though this were merely light exercise. The veins in his arms stood out strongly as he lowered the bar to his chest and, with seemingly little effort, pushed it back up again with a mighty, echoing breath.
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'Kagar'>>Kagar seemed to be here alone today. You expected her to be doing some kind of grueling exercise but were surprised to find her standing on one leg near the window, her hands crossed in front of her. As you watched, she silently leaned forward and stretched out her leg for several long breaths, then pulled it back, switched feet, and repeated the motion on the other side. You wouldn't have taken the orc for a yoga fan, but here you were!
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'DuoSpar'>>Both Munokho and Kagar were here today. They faced off across the training mat, their fists raised in guard as they cautiously circled each other. When they finally came together, it was with such a savage series of punches, kicks, claws, headbutts, and grapples that you wondered if they genuinely //intended// to kill each other. Each time one of them was brought down to the mat, with a grumbled word you didn't recognize but could guess the meaning of, they both seperated and returned to their feet to do the dance again. Work hard, play hard, you supposed.
<</if>><</if>>@@.choice;
<<if $phTrainersRecharge is 0>>[[Infuse Yourself With A Special Ability|SpecialAbilities]]<<else>>@@.unavailable;You're Too Exhausted To Train!@@<</if>>
[[Return To The Office|Office]]@@Your trainers were more than happy to relay a number of options to you that you could pursue. Unsurprisingly, there seemed to be a wealth of ways you could alter yourself and your influence on the tower's energy generation. Each would cost some energy and, more importantly, would require you to commit one of your soulgems to the cause. You knew they'd still count for Lazren's tasks, as she would get her 'cut' no matter what you did, but once you locked in one something it would be impossible to extract the gem's potential back out of yourself.
Some of the techniques they could teach you would be more advanced than others. You wouldn't be able to jump straight to the powerful stuff without getting your feet wet first. According to what you'd been told, the powers you could select had been divided into tiers. For each tier, you'd first need two powers of the lower tier to support it. You didn't think it mattered //what// you supported the powers with, only that you learned how to manage your own magics before you tried anything too complicated.
<<if $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod gt 0>>You'd spent some of your gems already to attune yourself to the magic of the tower. You knew that would make it a lot easier to get your new abilities to stick, which ought to reduce the amount of energy you needed for the process quite substantially. <</if>>The only question remaining was what you wanted to learn.
<<nobr>><hr>
<<GetUpgrades>>
<<if _upgradesBought.length > 0>>
@@.narrative;You have trained _upgradesBought.length special <<if _upgradesBought.length == 1>>ability<<else>>abilities<</if>>, and have <<= ($phSoulCount)-(_upgradesBought.length)>> soulgem<<if (($phSoulCount)-(_upgradesBought.length)) > 1>>s<</if>> that can still be used. Check the [[Glossary|Help]] for explanations of specific mechanics!<br><br>
<<for _c, _short range _upgradesBought>>
<<capture _short>>
* ''$phSpecialAbilities[_short].name'' ($phSpecialAbilities[_short].desc)<br>
<</capture>>
<</for>>@@
<<else>>@@.narrative;You have not trained any special abilities! You have <<= ($phSoulCount)-(_upgradesBought.length)>> soulgem<<if (($phSoulCount)-(_upgradesBought.length)) > 1>>s<</if>> that can still be used.@@<</if>><</nobr>>
<center>
<<set _count to 0>><<set _tempcount to 0>>
<<nobr>>
<<for _i, _name range $phSpecialAbilities>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.maxlength = Object.keys(State.variables.phSpecialAbilities).length;
if (State.temporary.count < State.temporary.maxlength-1) {
State.temporary.prevtier = State.variables.phSpecialAbilities[Object.keys(State.variables.phSpecialAbilities)[State.temporary.count]]['tier'];
State.temporary.count++;
State.temporary.currenttier = State.variables.phSpecialAbilities[Object.keys(State.variables.phSpecialAbilities)[State.temporary.count]]['tier'];
}
<</script>>
<<capture _i, _name.tier>>
<<switch _name.tier>>
<<case 1>><<if _tempcount is 8>><h2>Tier 1 Abilities</h2><</if>><<if _name.bought == 1>>@@.trainers.tier1.bought;<<button "_name.name">><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>>
<<else>>@@.trainers.tier1;<<button "_name.name">><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confirm Purchase");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("confirm_upgrade").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>><</if>>
<<case 2>><<if _tempcount is 3>><h2>Tier 2 Abilities</h2><</if>><<if _name.bought == 1>>@@.trainers.tier2.bought;<<button "_name.name">><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>>
<<else>>@@.trainers.tier2;<<button "_name.name">><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confirm Purchase");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("confirm_upgrade").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>><</if>>
<<case 3>><<if _tempcount is 0>><h2>Tier 3 Abilities</h2><</if>>
<<if _name.bought == 1>>@@.trainers.tier3.bought;<<button "_name.name">><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>>
<<else>>@@.trainers.tier3;<<button "_name.name">><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confirm Purchase");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("confirm_upgrade").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</button>>@@<<if _currenttier != _prevtier>><br><br><</if>><</if>>
<</switch>>
<</capture>>
<<set _tempcount++>>
<</for>>
<</nobr>>
</center>
@@.choice;
[[Close|TrainingRoom]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<if $phEnergyCap is 400>><<nm $phSelene "Ah! Mmm! Be careful with them, please! Just...ah...not too careful!">>
<<nm $phYou "A little sensitive, are we?">>
It hadn't taken very much. The invitation had been clear, and Selene had soon lead you from the living room into her...well, you'd normally say 'bedroom' but there wasn't actually a bed in it. You guessed hauling a tail that large up and onto a mattress held up off the floor would have been less than comfortable. Instead, Selene's quarters featured a massive floor pillow that took up a good half of the room and was festooned with smaller pillows and blankets in a seemingly random way.
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>Those had not been the pillows you were interested in when you stepped across her tail, wrapping both arms around her from behind, and squeezed your hands across her brand-new chest. Selene's voice had gone immediately breathy and high-pitched, rising with every word she spoke.<<else>>Those had not been the pillows that Selene wanted you to see. She had leaned her back against you, raised her arms, and quietly asked how you liked her new additions. You had an easy answer for that when you stepped across her tail, wrapping both arms around her from behind, and squeezed your hands across her brand-new chest. Selene's voice had gone immediately breathy and high-pitched, rising with every word she spoke.<</if>>
<<nm $phSelene "A...A little! I...they're tingling, and your hands are so- Ah! $phYou.firstname!">>
You'd seized the top of the ribbons binding her chest and tugged them down sharply. The Naga's expanded bust bounced into view, her nipples already hard and slightly darker than the rest of her skin. Her hips swayed and her tail writhed a bit against your shins and knees as you straddled it.
<<nm $phYou "I don't think it's uncommon. I know when I was transformed, my whole body lit up like a Christmas tree. Only makes sense they'd be a little more attentive right now. I wonder just how much, though?">>
You gave both her nipples a gentle tug, and the Naga's eyes all but popped out. She squealed, her entire body jerking forward as if you had yanked on a leash with all your strength. You kneaded the flesh in your hands, and you were quite certain that Selene would have fallen to her knees, if she'd had them.
<<nm $phSelene "Please! Please don't stop! I...oooh! It feels SO GOOD!">>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<nm $phYou "You know, as much as you're moaning, I wonder if I'm going to need to touch you anywhere else, hmmm? Would you like that, Selene? Are you going to be a good girl and cum for me? Just from having your big tits squeezed?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. I'll keep squeezing for as long as you want, Selene. You just tell me when you're ready to cum, okay?">><</if>>
The Naga's eyes fluttered, her head tilted back, and her cheeks went bright bright red at the suggestion. You felt her tense beneath you...and you gave her one more little push. You grasped each nipple with between you thumb and forefingers, and gave her just a little twist!
It was like flipped a switch. Her answering moan was immediate and full-throated, and her entire body thrashed beneath you. She cried out in bliss and began to shake, her torso bouncing up and down on her coils so hard it very nearly pulled her tits out of your hand. You kept ahold, though, as she squealed and bucked and came, until the last aftershocks finally passed and she was all but hanging against your hands. Only then did you carefully disentangle yourself from her and cross around to her side, kissing her on the cheek. She gave you a somewhat glassy-eyed smile.
<<nm $phSelene "...Okay...That was definitely worth it.">>
You couldn't help @@.choice;[[But Agree!|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<else>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><</if>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>><<nm $phYou "Mmm. Was this about what you had in mind when you invited me back here?">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phSelene "Mmmm! Mmmhmmmnnn! Mmm!">>
You laughed softly and worked your hips a little more. Selene's voice was hard to understand...but that was mostly just because she was laying on her back beneath you, and you had your thighs clamped around the sides of her head. Her tongue worked against your sex with enthusiasm, if not a great degree of skill. You had an easy way to reinforce good behavior though.
<<nm $phYou "That's wonderful, dear. A little bit harder...here, like this!">>
You leaned forward and seized her expanded tits in both hands, giving the mounds a firm squeeze. Selene let out a muffled squeal beneath you, and her tongue was suddenly working double time against your body. You laughed, kneading the flesh and running your hands across each of her nipples.
It was strange just how ordinary it felt. If not for the shiny, scaled tail curling and thudding onto the ground just beyond the swell of Selene's tits, this could have been any of your female employees. Well, in fairness, very few of them were as sensitive in the chest as Selene was now. <<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>JJ could probably give her a run for the money, but that was pretty much the only one.<</if>>
You began to bounce your hips against her face, feeling the pleasure rising in you. She was learning where to put her tongue for maximum effect, licking up and down your slit and plunging deep every few seconds. You groaned low in your throat and rewarded her with another twist and squeeze of her expanded breasts.
<<nm $phYou "V-Very, very good! You keep this up and-!">>
Your voice ended in a squeak. Selene had raised her hands, unexpectedly, sneaking them between your thighs and curling two fingers up and into you, all the while frantically flicking her tongue across your clit. You bucked and thrust down hard, fucking her fingers as your pleasure spiked. You leaned down, trusting in the flexibility of your succubus form as you squeezed her tits and pulled them upward. You wrapped your lips around one teat, letting your own tongue dance against her the way hers teased against your sex.
It was too much, for both of you. She came first, her careful movements becoming almost random as her body spasming beneath you. You had only a few seconds to feel smug before your own passion ignited, fireworks going off in your mind as you slammed your hips down against her face, your fingers pawing at her chest as the orgasm ripped through you like a forest fire.
When it was finished, you lay down again her, your head rested on one smooth-scaled hip. You could feel the heat of her, several degrees hotter than your average lover, but you were a literal demon. All it made you want to do is curl up and cuddle.
Carefully, you eased your hips up and over to free her, and half turned to look at her face. Her lips were a mess, her hair was mussed, and her eyes showed she still had gotten her mental feat under her. Every few seconds, a powerful aftershock crossed across her form and you saw her twitch and gasp with the pleasure of it. You extended one hand to pat her belly.
<<nm $phYou "...You know, I think I //like// this way of remodeling. Do you think more of my employees could be persuaded to renovate like this?">>
Selene stared at you for several uncomprehending seconds. Then she tossed back her head @@.choice;[[And Laughed!|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansion']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<<else>><<nm $phSelene "Well, maybe I had an inkling...You don't mind?">>
You laughed, outright, and put your hand lightly on the top of Selene's head. The Naga blushed, rocking her body up and down a little more, drawing a moan out of you. She had pulled the straining ribbons covering her chest to one side, freeing her now heavy breasts, and she had your cock nestled perfectly between the two beautiful mounds.
<<nm $phYou "Selene, dear. I don't think there's a person alive who would complain about this.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I just...I've never been big enough to even think about doing it!">>
She raised her hands, cupping her chest and pressing the soft flesh around your cock. You could tell by the way her eyes fluttered that her chest was still far more sensitive than most. You ran your thumb against her forehead and began to slowly rock your hips, enjoying the sensation of your cock sliding along the smooth flesh.
<<nm $phYou "Well, you're more than big enough now. In fact...mmm...I'd say you're just right for it.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Are you sure? Wouldn't it be better with a little...bigger?">>
<<nm $phYou "Keep this up and I'm going to think you're addicted!">>
Selene giggled self-consciously and lowered her head with serpentine grace. As you thrust your cock up through her tits, she wrapped her lips around the tip of it, swirling her tongue across the sensitive head. You enjoyed it for a few seconds, then pumped your hips again. It came free from her lips with a wet noise, then pushed back in almost as fast.
You wanted to last longer, but the sheer pleasure on her face was too much. You thought she might be enjoying the feel of your shaft across her tits just as much as you were, and that mutual pleasure was rising in a way you couldn't resist. You leaned forward, half over her, and began to fuck her chest in earnest. The room was soon full of the mixed sounds of your panted breaths, her soft moans, and the wet noise of skin on skin.
When you came, you came hard. The first jet of cum caught her across the forehead and cheek and she gave a shocked gasp. The gasp became a moan as a second jet painted her chin and neck. You pulled back, popping free of her voluminous bust and worked your hand against your shaft, firing off several more spurts across her tits as she held them together for your enjoyment.
When you were finally spent, Selene giggled and dipped two fingers into her cleavage, her fingertips coming up white and sticky. She ran her tongue across the digits the clean them, then flicked her eyes upward to look at you hopefully.
<<nm $phSelene "Good?">>
You pat her lightly on the forehead and shook your head. That hadn't been good.
That had been @@.choice;[[Great!|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phEnergyCap gt 800>><<nm $phYou "So...Those finally big enough for you?">>
<<nm $phSelene "I think so. I wouldn't turn down a second opinion though.">>
Selene turned toward you, cupping her bust with both hands. She lifted them slightly, not that they really needed the support. You knew at that size they should be drooping and unmanageable, but the Naga didn't seem to have any trouble with that. Each breast was topped with a dark nipple, and her fingers sank slightly into the supple flesh.
<<nm $phYou "I think you already know my opinion. I- Hey!">>
While you were distracted with the remarkable view, Selene had slipped quietly forward until you were almost touching. Then, all at once and faster than you thought she could, she //moved//. Her body rotated and her tail swung forward like a heavy whip. It hit just below your right shoulder and curled around you before you could even blink, running across your back, your left elbow and then down across your front to your hip.
Almost immediately, the coils went taut, and Selene tugged you forward, bringing you down to your knees with your hands pinned at your sides. You felt the scales flex against your body as she worked you into an even tighter restraint.
<<nm $phYou "Selene? What are you d-mmmphh!">>
The surprised question ended in a less than dignified way as Selene arched her back and pulled you down into space between her breasts. Her tits closed in around your head, heading enough to press in around your ears. It formed a tight enough seal you actually had to tilt your head up to suck in a breath. You found Selene beaming down at you.
<<nm $phSelene "Just letting you get a close look! You don't mind, do you? Let's see...Oh, yes, I can tell that you don't!">>
You moaned against her flesh as Selene extended a hand down and slide her fingers up between your legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>She pressed two fingers firmly at the cleft between your legs, beginning to stroke powerfully through the material of your pants.<<else>>She wrapped her fingers around your confined length and began to jerk you, up and down, through the cloth.<</if>> Her coils tightened another fraction, keeping both of your arms pinned in place.
<<nm $phSelene "Just relax and enjoy it, okay? Don't tell me you didn't think about this when you saw how big they were, hmm?">>
You did what you were told. After all, what other choice did you have? You couldn't even speak with your face fully enclosed by her massive tits, and your body was borne down by the heavy weight of the massive tail. You just nodded your head, rubbing your cheeks up against her cleavage, and thrust your hips forward.
It didn't take long. Selene's fingers were irresistible, and the sensation of her coils and her breasts pressed up against you was more than exciting. Soon, you began to cry out, thrusting your hips forward frantically. Selene responded, her fingers picking up the pace as she milked the orgasm out of your helpless form. You screamed directly into her chest and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>soaked your panties through as you came<<else>>soaked the front of your pants through as you came into the material<</if>>!
Selene let you down gently, finally allowing you to pull away from her chest as she lowered you to the ground. Your hair was frazzled, and your skin reddened from the heat of her body, and she gently smoothed her hand across your scalp as she settled you down onto the massive pillow she used as a bed. After a second, her body seemed to flex and her coils pulled away from you enough to allow you to slip your arms out from underneath. Her expression was a little shame faced.
<<nm $phSelene "Sorry...I...uh...got a little carried away. Did you enjoy yourself?">>
In answer, you leaned forward, kissed her on the lips, and then thrust your head @@.choice;[[Right Back Into Her Cleavage!|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>><<if $phEnergyCap is 400>><<nm $phSelene "Ah! B-But - $phYou.firstname!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, don't mind me. Just admiring the additions.">>
It hadn't taken very much. The invitation had been clear, and Selene had soon led you from the living room into her...well, you'd normally say 'bedroom' but there wasn't actually a bed in it. You guessed hauling a tail that large up and onto a mattress held up off the floor would have been less than comfortable. Instead, Selene's quarters featured a massive floor pillow that took up a good half of the room and was festooned with smaller pillows and blankets in a seemingly random way.
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>Of course, the moment she had slithered inside you'd stepped over her tail, wrapped your arms around her from behind, and got a solid grip on both of her newfound shafts. Judging by the way her hips //instantly// bucked in your hand, you guessed they were more than a little sensitive.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! I-...I've never //had//..! They're-!">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't you worry, love. You just be a good girl for me, and I'll do all the work, okay?">>
<<else>>Of course, you hadn't gotten very far into the room before Selene had leaned back against you and guided your hands down to her hips and those brand-new waiting shafts. Judging from the way her hips bucked //instantly// when you gripped them and the gasp that she'd let out, they were awfully sensitive to your touch.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, $phYou.firstname! Don't stop, please! I've never //had//...! They're-!">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, ma'am. I'll take //good// care of you. You just relax and let me please you, okay?">>
<</if>>You worked your hands across both her shafts at once, feeling them flex beneath your touch. Already, Selene's body was beginning to shudder, and she was leaking precum like a faucet, making your palms slick and your motions glide.
Selene's cocks weren't far from human, but they weren't exactly the same either. Her skin had a slightly slicker, rubbery quality to it compared to a human shaft, as if it were an expensive toy rather than flesh and blood. Your attempts to stroke your finger down the bottom of the shaft below the head, where it would be most sensitive on one of your other partners, elicited only a soft groan. It wasn't until you ran your thumb along the ridged rim of her length cockhead that she jumped and her moans hit the walls.
You smiled to yourself as you tucked your head in against her neck, kissing along the skin. You kept jerking her, faster and faster, but you made a point to let your thumb stroke up and down across that sensitive demarcation.
You were nothing if not adaptable.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! Ah! I can't- I can't! Please please please!">>
<<nm $phYou "That's just fine, Selene. Why don't you just c-">>
You didn't even get the word out. Selene's body jerked forward, her moan suddenly cut off in mid-breath, and her head tilted back hard enough to hit the back of her head against your shoulder. Her entire body rose a foot into the air, pushing off her coiled tail beneath her and nearly ripping her out of your hands. You held on tight, though, your fingers blurring across her cock...
...and with a final shudder, she //came//! It was thick and came free of her like a pistol shot, landing across a pillow at least five feet in front of you. Her hips rocked hard, jerking in and out of your hands as she went off again and again, each of her shafts contracting at the exact same moment of bliss.
And then she was finally spent, laying back against you and struggling to catch her breath. You released her, gingerly, putting both hands on her belly and holding her to you to keep her body steady and upright.
After a few seconds, she was still glassy-eyed, but her breathing had returned to something approaching normal. She tilted her head to look over her shoulder at you and whispered in a breathy voice.
<<nm $phSelene "...Best. Job. Ever.">>
Who said it was hard to keep up @@.choice;[[Office Morale?|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<else>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><</if>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phEnergyCap is 800>>Selene led you back to her bedroom with that slight air of anticipation crackling around you both. You both knew what you were coming here to do.
The moment you were inside the door shut behind you, Selene turned to you with trepidation in her eyes. Her cocks were still hanging in the open air beneath her skirt. She seemed to alternate between being eager to show them to you, or even flaunting them, and shyly turning away or trying to place her hands where they would be less obvious. She wasn't having a lot of luck with the latter, given the size. You wondered if she'd be able to even hide them when she wasn't excited, even with her 'internal storage'.
<<nm $phSelene "Tell me the truth...you don't think it's too much?">>
<<nm $phYou "I think you're just fine, Selene. Do //you// like them?">>
<<nm $phSelene "I do! They're //really// nice, but I know if they get too big it'll be - $phYou.firstname!">>
Her voice ended in a high-pitched squeak as you dropped onto your knees on front of the Naga woman. You reached up and wrapped both of your hands comfortably around her twin shafts. Selene's eyes fluttered and her jaw dropped, a full shiver seeming to pass all the way through her from head to the tip of her tail.
You didn't blame her. You remember how your body had felt after Lazren had converted you. You imagined all of that tingling 'too new' sensation concentrated in not one but two brand new cocks, and you were honestly impressed she was remaining upright at all.
<<nm $phYou "Believe me, Selene. Big or small, if your partner is into it, they'll find a way.">>
You leaned forward and extended your head, letting your tongue swirl across the long, smooth cockhead, enjoying her moaning above you as you did. Selene's cock had an unusual but not at all unpleasant taste. It was deep and musky, like a savory snack.
Selene continued to try and protest, but it became weaker and weaker -- and her sentences increasinly less coherent -- as her body began to rock against you. Her other cock brushed against your cheek; you smiled and began to jerk your hand across it to make sure it didn't feel left out, all the while pushing your head down her shaft. Inch after inch disappeared into you, and by the time her cockhead bumped against the back of your throat and began to work downward, Selene wasn't complaining any more.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! Oh oh oh! Please don't stop! It's so good! You're so good! Ahhh!">>
The poor Naga covered her face with both hands, her cheeks dark through the fingers as she watched you service her shafts. You winked at her and began to bob your head up and down. It was easy to do. Selene's smooth skin made it glide in and out of your throat as if it were made for just that. You could taste her precum now and knew the source of that strange flavor. Her seed wasn't salty, but sat on your tongue like a rich, sticky honey.
You popped off her shaft, only to trade to the other and work it into your throat in a few quick bobs. Your hand blurred across the first, the saliva making it quick and easy, and you felt Selene beginning to sway back and forth like a snake before a charmer. You guessed you //were// blowing on a flute to make her dance, in a strange way, but it had a slightly different method than the traditional-
You weren't expecting it when Selene reached down and clamped both hands across your head, jamming you down hard until your lips were touching the base of her shaft. She cried out, and her cock twitched within your lips. You barely had time to brace yourself before she came, and came hard!
The first jet of cum hit the back of your throat with much more force than a human. You coughed and might have gagged if Lazren hadn't essentially insured that particular reflex was gone for good. Her second cock, still held in your hand, shot its load straight up into the air and over you, falling somewhere in the mass of pillows. You pulled back a notch, angling that shaft downward even as she twitched and moaned and came again!
The second jet filled your mouth to the limit. Despite your best efforts, you felt some of the sticky stuff slipping out from between your lips and running across your chin. Her other cock contracted in your hand and, now angled differently, splashed the warm seed across your chest. Selene's body tilted so far back she was almost laying against her coils rather than standing upright.
The third and the fourth jets were gentle, more or less dribbling across her cockhead and over your hand. You swallowed, felt the sticky mess settling into your stomach, and swept your tongue around the head a few times to make sure you hadn't missed anything. Then you pulled away with an exaggerated pop and licked your lips.
<<nm $phYou "See? No problem!">>
You didn't think she was in @@.choice;[[Any Position To Argue!|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<else>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><</if>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phEnergyCap gt 800>>THUMP
You'd barely stepped into Selene's bedroom when she was suddenly pressing against your back, the weight of her pushing you down onto your hands and knees across the huge pillow that served as her mattress. You laughed at her enthusiasm, looking over your shoulder at the Naga woman.
<<nm $phYou "Hey now. Isn't it polite to ask fir-!">>
You barely got the words out when Selene //moved//, faster than you ever thought she could. Her tail lashed out beneath you, striking you on the belly and looping over the back of your thigh before falling beneath you again somewhere near your ankles. The smooth scales flexed, and your legs came together with a sharp click, dumping you face first onto the pillow as your knees were pulled away from you.
Then she was on your back, her fingers struggling to ease your pants downward without letting you loose from the coiled grip of her tail. You laughed, wiggling as much as you could to look over your shoulder at her. Her eyes were wild with need and anticipation, and you reached back with one hand to lay it against her side.
<<nm $phYou "Easy, Easy, big girl. I'm not going anywhere. You're fine. Just...let's be careful with those things, okay?">>
Selene blinked at you, then barked out a briefly, surprised laughed. She leaned in and kissed the back of your neck apologetically, her hands slowing and becoming steadier on your body as she worked your pants down over the swell of your backside.
<<nm $phSelene "Sorry...They're just so- Mmm! They're aching for you, $phYou.firstname!">>
She shifted forward against you, and you felt her dual lengths bump against your thighs. An anticipatory shiver ran across your spine. You'd known she was big, but that was understating the case significantly. The Naga woman's shafts were at least fourteen inches and throbbing with her need, but she waited for you to nod before she positioned herself.
The woman's unique anatomy helped immensely. The flared cockhead swept back and made it easier for her to push inside, and her skin had a slick feel to it that made it glide easily and resist friction. She kept it slow, pushing her hips forward inch by inch and giving you plenty of time to get used to the sensation.
There //were// limits, though. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Her twin cocks were spreading your ass and your pussy at the same time and doing so admirably. You felt your eyes rolling back in your head as she filled you more and more and more without any sign of being hilted. A human would probably be begging her to slow down, but you were far from human. Your moans of ecstasy at the sensation began to fill the room.<<else>>She had used her hand to guide her cockhead to your ass, spreading you wider and wider by the second. The other she settled atop it, gliding across the cleft of your rear all the way to your lower back as she filled you more and more without any sign of being hilted. A human would probably be begging her to slow down, but you were far from human. Your low groans of ecstasy at the sensation began to fill the room.<</if>>
Selene began to work her hips before she was even halfway in, groaning softly as she fucked you into the mattress. You squirmed and writhed in her grip but was helpless to remove yourself from her restraining coils. You could imagine a similar predicament with even your hands pinned to your sides, and you doubted you would ever be able to resist.
As she began to rock forward, you began to push back against her, forcing her a little deeper inside of you with every motion. When you felt her scales finally pressing against your backside, it was with a mixture of relief and disappointment. You felt so full you wondered if her shaft would pop through your mouth if you opened it too wide. You bucked and pushed back against her, your movements wild and unfocused.
It didn't take long. The sensation of your body squeezing around her shafts was far too much for the Naga. She folded herself against your back, wrapping both arms around your middle as she made several more powerful thrusts and, with a cry, began to cum. Her seed was hot and sticky inside of you, but more importantly, it erupted with //force//. You found yourself squealing at the unexpected sensation, and the addition was like a match set into gunpowder. You screamed, your hands clawing at the pillow as a shattering orgasm swept through you. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your pussy and cock //squeezed// across those twin shafts and you thrust your head down into the sheet, muffling your cries as bliss overwhelmed you.<<else>>Your cock erupted beneath you, but you only dimly cared. The sensation coming from your ass was far more intense and real, and everything else faded away into the pure haze of bliss.<</if>>
When you came back to yourself, you were still in Selene's arms. The Naga was breathing slow and deep, so it had likely been at least a few minutes since you'd cum. You nuzzled back against her on reflex even as her softening manhood slipped free of you. You could feel the drip of her seed running down your thigh, and you blew out a breath as you settled back into place on the pillows beneath you. You listened to her breath above as she held you.
You'd have to do this again. After all, Selene spent a lot of her time being nearly full to the brim for the tower. Why shouldn't @@.choice;[[You Do The Same?|Vault][$phGoodbye to 'SeleneExpansionSex']]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phLocations['Gym']['built'] is 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBase to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].epdBonus to 2>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].mode to 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorMin to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorMax to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].visitorCap to 150>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 2>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].level to 3>><<else>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].level to 2>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageDecay to 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] is 1>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBase to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].epdBonus to 2>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].mode to 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorMin to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorMax to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].visitorCap to 150>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 2>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level to 3>><<else>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].level to 2>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageDecay to 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] is 1>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBase to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].epdBonus to 2>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].mode to 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorMin to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorMax to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].visitorCap to 150>>
<<if $phStoryProgression is 2>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].level to 3>><<else>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].level to 2>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageDecay to 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Bank']['built'] is 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBase to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].epdBonus to 2>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].mode to 'base'>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorMin to 5>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorMax to 10>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].visitorCap to 100>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].level to 3>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageMin to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageMax to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].manageDecay to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonus to 0>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>>
<<set $phCasinoPayoutOdds to .5>>
<<set $phCasinoWorkCounter to 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax += .25>><</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax += .25>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax += .25>><</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['CompCafe'].manageMax += .25>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'sissy'>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['Gym'].manageMax += .25>><</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMin += .25>><<set $phLocations['ShakeShack'].manageMax += .25>><</if>><<nobr>>
<<GetUpgrades>>
<<if def _target>>
<<set $phSpecialAbilities[_target].bought = 1>>
<<set _justbought to _target>>
<<GetUpgrades>>
<</if>>
<<switch _justbought>>
<<case "U31">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageMax += .5>><<set $phGlobal.manageAdd += .25>>
<<case "U32">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageMin += .5>><<set $phGlobal.energyCapMod += .5>>
<<case "U33">>
<<set $phGlobal.buildingCostMod += .5>><<set $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod += .5>><<set $phGlobal.visitorMinMax += 10>>
<<case "U21">>
<<set $phGlobal.epdMod += .05>>
<<case "U22">>
<<set $phGlobal.sexBonusDom += 20>>
<<case "U23">>
<<set $phGlobal.sexBonusSub += 20>>
<<case "U24">>
<<set $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus += 10>>
<<case "U12">>
<<set $phGlobal.buildingCostMod += .3>>
<<case "U13">>
<<set $phGlobal.upgradeCostMod += .3>>
<<case "U14">>
<<set $phGlobal.visitorMinMax += 5>>
<<case "U15">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageAdd += .1>>
<<case "U16">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageMax += .5>>
<<case "U17">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageMin += .25>>
<<case "U18">>
<<set $phGlobal.manageDecay += .1>>
<<case "U19">>
<<set $phGlobal.energyCapMod += .5>>
<<case "U110">>
<<set $phGlobal.sexBonus += 5>>
<</switch>>
<</nobr>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'DuoBags'>><<nm $phMunokho "You're flagging! Come on! You know the routine, don't let it drag now! Pull those fists back, keep the rhythm going!">>
You gasped, but nodded, unleashing another barrage of punches at the thick bag that Munokho held for you. He was completely unyielding behind the canvas shield. When this had started, you hadn't been very worried about it. The body Lazren had crafted you was faster //and// stronger than you could have dreamed. That, it turned out, was easy to solve. They simply never gave you a moment to rest. Even now, Kagar was circling around you slowly, waiting for the perfect time to--
<<nm $phKagar "Right side high!">>
You spun around from the bag to face the muscular woman and the thick red pads she was wearing on each upraised hand. You fired off another flurry of strikes into the pads. Every fourth or fifth impact, she would swing her arm around to force you to duck beneath the blow and continue striking. Your belly ached and threatened to cramp every time you were forced to duck, and you wheezed like a poorly maintained car engine. You just had to push a little farther and then you would be done! Just a little farther and--
WHAP
You ducked under Kagar's swing, only for the woman to immediately pull the same thing again. You were beyond tired and barely had the presence of mind to twitch before her padded hand slammed against the back of your head and sent you briefly off balance. You staggered to one side, anger suddenly flooding your mind. When you swung again, your vision was so filled with red that you were no longer sure whether you were swinging at the //pad// or at //her//.
You felt your fist slam into the sweaty material of the combat pad. The dull give of the material assured you that you hadn't gone too far. The hit seemed far, far stronger than it had before, and it sent the brick wall that was Kagar staggering back a step. There was light in the room. A shining, greenish light that you realized, suddenly was pouring off of //you//. You felt...stronger. The cramps in your belly were gone and the ache that had grown in your fists faded to nothingness.
Kagar winced, tucking her pad beneath her armpit and extracting her hand from it. She shook out her fingers and then gave you a self-satisfied kind of look.
<<nm $phKagar "Good. Was starting to think we would be here all night. You shouldn't hold back. Makes it take longer.">>
Munokho came around from behind the punching bag and clapped you on the back hard enough to nearly knock //you// off balance. His grin was broad.
<<nm $phMunokho "Knew you would get there! A little pain, a little gain! All part of the plan. Shower off, trainee. We're done for today.">>
You gave a short laugh, dropping your fists and sucking in a deep breath. You felt better, but you were still dripping with sweat from the effort it had taken you to focus the soulgem's energy. You were also still glowing //green//, though it was fading by the second.
<<nm $phYou "You sure? I was just getting started!">>
<<nm $phKagar "We could do more. Without the pads this time?">>
Kagar raised her bare fists with an oh-too-wide grin and cocked her head, expectantly. On further reflection, maybe showering off would be the better call after all.
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'Munokho'>><<nm $phMunokho "That's twenty-two! Give me three more! Three more, right here!">>
You groaned deep in your soul. Your arms were already on fire as you struggled to push the barbell upward. You knew that actual weight training was more about repetition than ridiculous weight numbers, but that wasn't what you were doing. Munokho had carefully added another huge weight to both ends of the barbell every single time you had finished a set of 25 with your demonically enhanced muscles, then demanded that you repeat the process.
By now, you were wheezing with the effort and the barbell was starting the develop a slight U shape that you were more than a little worried about. Munokho, however, was not, and 'spotted' you with one hand lightly touching the bottom of the bar in a grip you doubted would accomplish //anything// if you were to actually drop the stupid thing.
<<nm $phYou "I...hate you!">>
<<nm $phMunokho "If you've got time to hate, you've got time to lift! Come on! Just for that, let's run the count back to twenty. Five more! Five more right here!">>
You snarled something less than polite at him and //pushed// upward as hard as you could. You were startled when the movement was not only not as difficult as it should be, but //easy//, your hands snapping up to full extension in a split second. You realized your skin was glowing the gentle green of the soulgem only when you saw the light reflecting from Munokho's broad, toothy grin.
Unfortunately, pushing that much weight that //fast// was an awful lot of momentum, especially when you didn't expect to do it. The barbell tore itself out of your hands and traveled straight up, the weights very nearly brushing the fluorescent lights above before reversing course and beginning to travel downward toward you again.
Very, very fast.
Oh //fuck//.
You barely had enough time to curl both arms protectively around your head before the weights struck. Or, at least, until they should have struck. Munokho reached out with both hands and caught the center of the bar deftly as it came back down, bringing it to a stop as easily as one might catch a cereal box tumbling from a shelf. Utterly ignoring the hundreds of pounds it was laden with, he settled the bar back onto the steel supports, leaving you gasping with a mixture of exertion and released tension.
<<nm $phMunokho "Ah ha! Now we have it! We just have to get you to //hate//. Hate is very powerful. Clearly, if I were less charismatic you would be done in half the time! Hit the showers! You have hated enough for one day.">>
He reached down and patted you firmly on the belly, nearly knocking the wind out of you entirely. He started to move away...then paused and returned to the head of the machine. He reached out with one hand and lifted the barbell again, carrying it with him the way you might carry a bag of groceries.
<<nm $phMunokho "I'll take this with me! We'll keep it to light training today. Wouldn't want to bulk up too much! Ha!">>
You wheezed out something rude and let your head drop back down to the weight bench's padding. If hate was going to make you train faster, then you were going to set a speed run next time.
For now, though, a shower suddenly sounded very, very good!
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'Kagar'>><<nm $phYou "Ow! Hell! I don't bend like that!">>
<<nm $phKagar "Obviously. That is why we're doing it. The whining will not help. Now, three deep breaths.">>
You winced and tried to keep your attention on your breathing as Kagar all but folded you into a compact pretzel. You had scoffed a little at a yoga exercise being the thing that 'pushed you to the limit' and made it possible to attune to your soul gem -- but the first time that Kagar had tried to tuck your ankles behind your ears had removed that skepticism.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure that doesn't ben- ah!">>
<<nm $phKagar "See? It worked!">>
You groaned deep in your throat, but it didn't come out very loudly since you could barely draw a breath. You were standing on your hands, arms shaking, with one foot curled up across your back to your shoulder and the other held straight out. Everything ached. Muscles you didn't even know //existed// ached.
<<nm $phYou "K-Kagar!">>
<<nm $phKagar "Stop squirming. We're almost there.">>
The big woman reached out, caught the ankle behind your head in one firm hand, and tugged sharply. You felt something go pop in your hip and you yowled in protest, squeezing your eyes shut against the coming pain. It wasn't for several seconds that you realized the pain didn't come. In fact, the pain you had //already// been feeling seemed strangely silent. Cautiously, you opened your eyes.
The first thing you saw was your foot, just past your left ear. It was glowing faintly, the same greenish hue of the soul gems. You wiggled your toes and stretched your leg out slightly farther, and nothing protested your motion. Surprised, you looked up at the big orc.
Kagar's arms were crossed disapprovingly, but she was smiling to herself. As you looked up at her, she lifted your leg and released it, allowing you to collapse back into a heap of something vaguely human shaped again. Her chuckle was satisfied.
<<nm $phKagar "Good. Good. That is enough. You have broken through. Took you more time than it should but you are not an orc. It is expected.">>
She nodded once to herself, then turned and began striding toward the back rooms. Just before she hit the door, she called out without turning or breaking stride.
<<nm $phKagar "Next time we start the advanced forms.">>
You laid your head down into the floor padding and closed your eyes.
Oh //good//. You had //that// to look forward to now!
<</if>><<if $phTrainersStance is 'DuoSpar'>>You were breathing hard and fast by now, running a hand across your face to sweep the sweat out of your eyes. Infuriatingly, Kagar looked entirely at ease and relaxed. She looked like she had just stepped into the gym for the first time, not been sparring with you for well over an hour now.
You set yourself carefully and inched forward, both of your arms held up to guard your face. She had already proven that she //would// punish you if you let your guard drop. The green-skinned woman watched you with a grin, her own fists barely lifted above her hips in an apparently negligent stance.
Nothing for it but to try. You moved forward in a blur. The body Lazren had given you was stronger //and// faster than you had ever been as a human, possessed of an inhuman stamina and effortless grace. Unfortunately for you, Kagar was just as supernaturally strong and much, much more experienced. You were wearing small training pads on your fists and they filled the air with dull impacts as Kagar blocked or deflected every punch you threw. Your frustration grew with every intercepted blow until you finally couldn't take it anymore.
You spun around on your heel and lifted your leg in a powerful arcing kick. It was showy, dramatic, and no doubt looked amazing. It was also an incredibly bad idea. Kagar had more than enough time to reach up and seize your ankle. Before you could do anything about it, she simply //lifted// you, swung you over her head by the leg, and slammed you back into the ground hard enough to knock the wind out of you.
She was on you within a second. Her rump slammed down on your back to pin you into the mat as she bent your leg back at a painful angle. You slapped at the mat in frustration and she half-turned from her perch.
<<nm $phKagar "You want me off? Make me! You're a demon. You're stronger this then! //Make me!//">>
You growled and tried to straighten your leg, to no avail. She was simply too big and strong for you to budge without leverage. She continued to bend you leg back...and something in you seemed to heat. You dug both hands into the mat and //pushed//.
This time, your leg //did// straighten. Fast. So fast that Kagar, who was still holding on in a death grip, was lifted straight off the top of you and flung back behind you like a bullet. You blinked, several times, noticing for the first time how your skin was beginning to shine with the greenish glow of the soulgems.
<<nm $phYou "...Hell! Kagar! Kagar are you-?!">>
<<nm $phKagar "I'm fine! I'm fine! I know how to take a fall, trainee! You could learn.">>
You rolled over and looked behind you in time to see Munokho helped the woman up. The big man laughed and slapped her on the back hard enough for the training hall to resound with the impact.
<<nm $phMunokho "Ha ha! Now //that// is a throw! I haven't seen Kagar fly like that since we killed that dragon back in-- Huh. When was that?">>
<<nm $phKagar "Ten years, at least. Good fight. Good scars. I remember.">>
Kagar beamed a bit and her tone lowered, wrapping an arm around the massive orc and drawing him down for a kiss so firm their tusks clicked against one another. Munokho looked surprised at first, and then a shit-eating grin spread across his face. His hand slipped down her back and slapped at her flank with a noise like a backpack hitting a brick wall.
<<nm $phMunokho "Nothing like a good fight to get the blood pumping! Go shower up, $phYou.firstname! All done for today. We've got work to do!">>
The pair moved toward the back rooms. Kagar pulling Munokho along by his cloak. The moment the office door shut, there was a resounding crash. It sounded like someone had been hurled against the wall hard enough to crack cement. You were pretty sure you saw a bit of plaster fall from the ceiling.
Well, you were never going to judge someone's foreplay. Groaning, you pulled yourself back to your feet. You suspected you weren't going to get their attention again any time soon.
<</if>>@@.narrative;As the pain fades, a new power flows through you! You just unlocked "$phSpecialAbilities[_justbought].name"! ($phSpecialAbilities[_justbought].desc)@@
<<set $phTrainersRecharge to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phTime gt 2>>@@.choice;
[[Shower Off And Rest|Sleep]]@@<<else>>@@.choice;
[[Shower Off and Return To Work|TrainingRoom]]@@<</if>><<GetAchievements>>Enter name of achievement to grant: <<textbox "_myachieve" "">>
<<nobr>>
<div id="cheatconfirm" class="invisible">What's the password? <<textbox "_mypass" "">>
</div>
<</nobr>>
<div id="grantit"><<button "Grant it!">>
<<toggleclass "#cheatconfirm" "invisible">>
<<toggleclass "#cheatsure" "invisible">>
<<toggleclass "#grantit" "invisible">>
<</button>></div>
<div id="cheatsure" class="invisible"><<button "I'm Sure!">>
<<if (_mypass is "sloth") and (_unachieved.includes(_myachieve))>>
<<SetAchievement _myachieve>>
<<SetAchievement "phCheaters">>
<<script>>
Engine.play("Achievements",true);
<</script>>
<<else>>
<<script>>UI.alert("Darling, darling, darling...<br>And then there were none.");<</script>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $phAchievements.length; _i++>>
<<run forget($phAchievements[_i])>>
<</for>>
<<script>>
Engine.play("Achievements",true);
<</script>>
<</if>>
<</button>></div>
@@.choice;
<<link "Close">>
<<set _rewind to lastVisited($phReturn)>>
<<script>>
State.temporary.rewind = -Math.abs(State.temporary.rewind);
Engine.go(State.temporary.rewind);
<</script>><</link>>@@ <center>
You've unlocked a new achievement!
@@.achieve;<<switch $args[0]>>
<<case "phCassandraHentai">>Cassandra (AI)
<<case "phCassandraPunk">>Cassandra (Punk)
<<case "phDamienBull">>Damien (Bull)
<<case "phDamienSissy">>Damien (Sissy)
<<case "phJolieCowgirl">>Jolie (Hucow)
<<case "phJoliePornstar">>Jolie (Pornstar)
<<case "phPetraDrow">>Petra (Dark Elf)
<<case "phPetraSiren">>Petra (Siren)
<<case "phSamanthaBimbo">>Samantha (Bimbo)
<<case "phSamanthaFuta">>Samantha (Futa)
<<case "phSaraKitsune">>Sara (Kitsune)
<<case "phSaraMagician">>Sara (Magician)
<<case "phXavierDryad">>Xavier (Dryad)
<<case "phXavierVampire">>Xavier (Vampire)
<<case "phMasonDom">>Mason (Dominant)
<<case "phMasonSub">>Mason (Submissive)
<<case "phNadiaGenie">>Nadia (Genie)
<<case "phNadiaAngel">>Nadia (Angel)
<<case "phSeleneClone">>Selene (Clone)
<<case "phSeleneBig">>Selene (Giantess)
<<case "phCollector">>Collector
<<case "phBuildGym">>Build the Gym
<<case "phBuildShake">>Build Shakes 'n' Sundaes
<<case "phBuildComp">>Build the Computer Cafe
<<case "phBuildFloor2">>Build the Second Floor
<<case "phBuildBank">>Build the Bank
<<case "phBuildSecurity">>Build the Security Office
<<case "phBuildInferno">>Build Inferno
<<case "phBuildElysium">>Build Elysium
<<case "phBuildCasino">>Build the Casino
<<case "phBlueprints">>Oneprints, Twoprints, Redprints, Blueprints
<<case "phInfernalArchitect">>Infernal Architect
<<case "phGenderBender">>Gender Bender
<<case "phBoyToy">>Boy Toy
<<case "phGalPal">>Gal Pal
<<case "phPackageSmuggler">>Package Smuggler
<<case "phAllDom">>All About the D
<<case "phAllSub">>S is the Best
<<case "phPrickPicker">>Prick Picker
<<case "phCunnyCon">>Cunny Connaisseur
<<case "phEmployeeExcellence">>Employee Excellence
<<case "phHugeTracks">>Huge Tracks of Land
<<case "phOhNo">>Oh No! Anyways.
<<case "phCatchXavier">>Devil's Own Luck
<<case "phCatchCultist">>Elementary, My Dear!
<<case "phPerfectionist">>Perfectionist
<<case "phCheaters">>Cheaters Sometimes Win
<<case "phDressToImpress">>Dress To Impress
<</switch>>
@@
<<button "OK">>
<<script>>
Dialog.close();
<</script>>
<</button>>
</center>
<center>
Oh no! You've broken the following achievement(s)!
You can no longer earn it in this playthrough!
<<nobr>>
<<switch $args[0]>>
<<case "phGenderAchieve">>@@.achieve;Boy Toy@@<br>
@@.achieve;Gal Pal@@<br>
@@.achieve;Package Smuggler@@
<<case "phNeckAchieve">>@@.achieve;All About the D@@<br>
@@.achieve;S is the Best@@
<<case "phPrickPicker">>@@.achieve;Prick Picker@@
<<case "phCunnyCon">>@@.achieve;Cunny Connaisseur@@
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>
<<button "OK">>
<<script>>
Dialog.close();
<</script>>
<</button>>
</center>
<<if $phMason.post_talk is 2>>It was the quiet you noticed.
You never really knew what you were going to get when you entered R&D. Mason's experimentation always yielded good results, but the steps were often bewildering. Each time you opened the door, you might be greeted by anything between an ear-splitting cacophony of light and sound to the soft hum of mathematical formulas scrolling with pale green glow across a dozen computer monitors.
What it //never// was, was //quiet//.
Yet, as you stepped into R&D, there was nothing. The computer consoles were shut down and the ever-present background hum of electronics was silent. You heard no banging or buzzing power-tool sounds coming from the back office. If not for the faint background noise of the office still audible through the door behind you, you might have worried that you were losing your hearing.
<<nm $phYou "...Mason?">>
Your voice echoed unnaturally in the empty space. It seemed incredibly loud, despite the fact that you were more or less whispering. You hadn't really enjoyed the noisy encounters you'd had in this room, but you found the silence that had replaced it unnerving. You turned slowly in place, but nothing you saw explained it. Was your builder taking a vacation? No. Even if he //were// the sort to take R&R, he'd never do it without making sure everyone necessary -- including his boss -- was aware and informed.
The door to Mason's office was just slightly ajar, resting against the frame rather than tightly closed. You frowned as you carefully navigated around the idle instruments to approach it. You put your hand against it and gave it a gentle push inward, trying to ignore how many horror movies started out this way.
Fortunately, what awaited you on the other side wasn't a horror, even if //did// @@.choice;[[Make You Gasp!|MasonFirstCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 2.1>>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonCrystal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonCrystal.png]]</picture>@@
Mason //was// at one of his work benches... but he wasn't working. Instead he sat on the edge of the stainless steel, his chin and head tilted. Though his eyes were open, they didn't move to focus on you, or even blink when you entered the room. They were fixated on the slow, bobbing movements of a crystal that hovered in the air just in front of his face. The gem was about the size of his fist, shaped like an elongated diamond, and shone with a bright silver light. It spilled over his face and highlighted the red irises of his eyes.
That was remarkable enough, but farther down was something even more striking. Two of Mason's hands braced him against the table, but his other two were occupied //below// his waist. One hand gripped at his stomach beneath the lower him of jis jacket; the other rapidly stroked at the bulge in the front of his slacks, jacking himself off straight through his clothes.
You were far from a prude, especially given your recent 'escapades', but it still took your breath away. You didn't know he even //had// a sex drive.
<<nm $phYou "//Mason?!//">>
For a moment you weren't sure whether he'd heard you at all. Then his hand slowed and his eyes fluttered. The silver light of the crystal dimmed; the gem wobbled and shook in front of him several seconds before whatever force held it up finally broke, and it dropped out of the air like the stone it was. It didn't make it far before Mason nimbly snatched it out of the air and looked around, his expression dazed. It took him a good five or six seconds to realize he wasn't alone.
Then you saw another new expression cross his face: pure //anger//. His expression twisted with livid rage.
<<nm $phMason "I would have assumed the sanctity of a //locked door// would simple enough for even //you// to grasp, but it would seem I was mistaken!">>
He surged fully up to his feet, his eyes blazing with indignation. The unexpected lash of his tone actually made you take a step back. You raised both of your hands in front of you.
<<nm $phYou "Mason, I--">>
<<nm $phMason "Was my endless servitude and patience with your inane questions not enough? Should all of my hours be spent prostrate before your throne? Is the very //idea// that I should have time to myself too much for you to endure?!">>
His voice rose in volume with every sentence. Despite his rage, his vocabulary remained as impressive as ever, and fury and spite in his words took you aback. You blinked, thrown off balance by the sudden flurry of accusation.
<<nm $phYou "...Mason, the--">>
<<nm $phMason "And what, pray tell, is so urgent as to demand you wait not even a single hour for satisfaction? Am I to arrange a singing choir in your honor? A new way to slice bread?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mason, the door wasn't locked! It wasn't even closed!">>
Mason glared at you for several seconds. Then his eyes tracked over to the doorway. You could all but see the gears slowly turning in his head, even as an unprecedented flush spread over his cheeks. He turned and leaned over his desk with all four hands flat against the steel. He stood like that for nearly two full minutes before blowing out a long, frustrated breath.
Then he straightened up once more, and @@.choice;[[Turned To Face You.|MasonFirstCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 3>><<set $phMasonTimer to 4>><<set $phMason.recharge to 1>><<nm $phMason "I...apologize for my reaction. Quite clearly that was both unprofessional and uncalled for.">>
You frowned. Mason seemed to be in control of himself again, but beneath the tight control and perfect diction lay a still-roiling storm cloud. After a moment, you inclined your head.
<<nm $phYou "No harm done. What was it you were doing, exactly?">>
<<nm $phMason "None of your--">>
The incubus cut himself off, tilting his head to look up at the ceiling for several seconds. Then he looked back down at you and started again, more calmly.
<<nm $phMason "If you must know. I occasionally employ a particular...focusing technique. It utilizes a crystal not unlike the one that is embedded in your necklace to encourage particular thought patterns.">>
You looked down at the red and green gem around your neck, running your hand lightly across the chain.
<<nm $phYou "...Like mine? I suppose then I know what the red and green colors mean. What does a white one encourage?">>
<<nm $phMason "Nothing whatsoever. Scientifically speaking, the color is all colors, but more colloquially it is absence. The blank page. The starting point. As a result, it cultivates a mindset free of distractions and the issues they bring. This brings a greater sense of focus to the work.">>
<<nm $phYou "Focus?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes. Focus. By providing a certain amount of distance from negative or unhelpful thoughts, it mitigates the distraction and consequently enhances productivity.">>
You stared at him for several seconds, processing that. He met your gaze, his eyes still hard. You frowned, again.
<<nm $phYou "You mean it numbs things?">>
<<nm $phMason "If you prefer to think of it that way. I find the benefits to efficiency outweigh any disadvantages. Now then. I've apologized, and you have your explanation. Perhaps it would be best if you left me to my work, and we will pretend this incident never took place.">>
He turned away from you and settled himself behind his workbench again, this time turning to the more conventional practice of picking up a tool. You studied him carefully. You'd never really pulled rank with Mason before. You needed him, and you both knew it, so you let his occasional condescension slide. This, though, wasn't idle snark. This was something more.
It was your turn to take a deep breath and let it out. No, not yet. Not even Mason was immune to being embarrassed. You'd give him a few days to calm down, then see what you could pry out of him. You wondered if the story he'd told you of becoming an incubus and losing the love of his life was somehow involved. Maybe, in that situation, you'd be just as eager to dull the emotional edge.
<<nm $phYou "We'll do that. For now. Sorry for the interruption.">>
You turned away from the desk and toward the door. Before you reached it, however, Mason spoke again. The words were polite, but you could still feel the razor-sharp meaning beneath them.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address? Should you ever encounter that situation again, I would ask that you not disturb me. A resonance between the crystal you wear and my own would be...problematic. I trust I can count on you to keep your distance.">>
It was all you could do not to snort. //Resonance//. You knew exactly why he didn't want you to disturb him, and it had nothing to do with resonance.
Ignoring the comment, you swept from the room. You'd come back @@.choice;[[Some Other Day|Research and Development]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 3) and ($phMason.transform is 'pre')>>The quiet struck you again.
The moment you stepped into R&D, you knew what was going on. The still air and the idling machines announced it louder than words ever could. You stopped in your tracks, frowned, and breathed out in exasperation.
<<nm $phYou "...Mason.">>
It had only been a few days. You hadn't even had the chance to talk to him about this crystal thing and he was already doing it again? You'd assumed he'd clear the air and maybe explain things a little better before that!
Your frown deepened. You weren't really sure //why// you were so bothered, but the man's demeanor had put you on edge. You didn't know half as much about magic or the tower or souls as Mason did, but you could tell when someone was lashing out. He'd shown more emotion in that minute of argument than he had in the entire time you'd worked with him. That sort of anger didn't come out of being interrupted -- not unless he was doing something he knew he shouldn't.
Maybe that was the reason you headed straight to the door to Mason's office. It //was// closed this time, but it wasn't locked, and the knob turned easily to admit you.
It was deja vu. Mason once again leaned back against the side of one of the many workbenches, and the crystal hovered above a few inches above his head. With his jaw slightly slack and his eyes unfocused, he seemed even //more// drowsy than before. His upper hands stroked across his chest as he stared up at the silver gem. Both of his lower hands were fastened around his knees, and his expression suggested that if they hadn't been occupied, they would be working to free his bulging erection from the cage of his pants.
You narrowed your eyes and watched him for a few seconds, but he didn't even blink. He didn't notice or acknowledge you at all; he just stared at the floating crystal while feeling himself up. You let out a slow breath, counted to ten, and took a few cautious steps in his direction.
<<nm $phYou "Mason? It's me. Look, I'm sorry, but we need to talk about thi--">>
A sudden crack in the air cut you off. The hairs on the back of your neck leapt upright. There was a shift in the air, an abrupt surge of dangerous energy, and the crystal in front of Mason's eyes flared with light and threw harsh shadows across the room.
It wasn't alone. A tingle across your collarbone made you look down, and you saw the necklace around your throat had pulled itself up out of the collar of your shirt in defiance of gravity. It stretched out in front of you, towards Mason... and towards the other crystal. In the same second that tiny electric sparks began to flash across its surface, you remembered Mason's warning about a 'resonance' between one type of crystal and the other.
Oh no.
<<nm $phYou "Mason! I--">>
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[Boom.|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.transform to 'tempsub']]<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>[[Boom.|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.transform to 'tempdom']]<</if>>@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 3) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempdom')>><<set $phMason.portrait to 'MasonDom'>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<set $phMason.you to 'fuck-boy'>><<else>><<set $phMason.you to 'whore'>><</if>>The brightness of the explosion whited out the room and left you blinking green afterimages out of your eyes. The world swayed drunkenly in your vision and your stomach nearly rebelled in protest. You found yourself knocked on your ass with your legs stretched out in front of you. Thin white wisps of smoke rose from several sections of your suit jacket, but the material itself seemed unharmed.
Huh.
You felt... strange. Light-headed, and oddly calm considering a bomb had basically just gone off in your face. Your thoughts swam, but there was a kind of euphoric warmth that ran through you from head to toe. The world seemed ever so slightly tinged with a lovely green overlay that made you feel happy.
<<nm $phMason "Was I //unclear// about your instructions, or were they simply too complicated for you?">>
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonDomMid.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonDomMid.png]]</picture>@@
Your eyes snapped up at the voice, and you had to catch your breath. Mason was right where he had been, but his eyes were both focused and glowing with a faint red light. His clothes smoldered in places, just like yours, but his seemed to have taken considerably more damage from the blast. Rips and singed edges were splattered across his jacket and pants; his hair was in ruffled disarray. It was the first time you had ever seen in it anything less than perfectly in place.
That //wasn't// what caught your eye, however. Below the hair, and the glowing eyes, and the torn shirt was something else. His pants were unzipped, and he held his cock in one lower hand. Your eyes fastened there, and you felt your breathing quicken sharply.
//Come on. It's not like you haven't seen a cock before!//
//It's not A cock. It's HIS cock!//
He caught you looking. Oh, he //knew// you would be looking. You could see it in the slight curl of his lip when you managed to tear your eyes away for a split second. His hips tilted to thrust his erection at you. You didn't realize he'd pulled his belt off until you likewise realized he'd wrapped it around his fist and pulled it taut.
<<nm $phMason "Oh. I see. I was clear. But you're such a little $phMason.you that you just can't help it, can you? You can't listen to //anything// without there being a chance to <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>spread your legs<<else>>get your dick wet<</if>>, can you? Well, if //that's// the way that you learn...">>
@@.choice;
[[Oh Yes Please!|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 3.1) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempdom')>>The incubus strode forward with surprising speed and strength. He caught you by the neck, hauled you to your feet, and flung you face first against the wall all in a single fluid motion. You managed to get your hands up in time to catch yourself before your forehead slammed into the metal wall, but before you could do anything else, you felt his hands on yours and the weight of his body against your back.
<<nm $phMason "There we are. Is this a little closer to the work that you're accustomed to? Here, let me make sure you're listening.">>
You had forgotten Mason could pin you with two hands and still have two left to work with, right up until his belt passed between your face and the wall, and then pulled taut across your neck. Your back arched, but he kept your arms pinned and your body pressed flat against the wall even as he applied enough pressure to your throat to silence your words.
//Oh Fuck. Harder. Do it harder and I'm yours!//
//But...This is //Mason//! He doesn't--//
<<nm $phMason "Do I have your attention now, $phMason.you? Let me use short, //simple// words. It is high time there was a brain in charge of this operation, and that means you report to //me//. Or maybe you report to my cock. That seems a little more your preference. Would you like that? You can play secretary for me, and get what I know you //need//.">>
His tone was dripping with enough condescension to set your cheeks afire and make your head swim. You fought to speak and jerked your head back and forth until the belt loosened around your neck... but the moment you felt the shape of his cock pressing against your backside, you knew the correct answer.
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Please, Master! Own me! Make me your secretary toy, just fuck me hard, please!">>
You //heard// him suck in a breath of anticipation. The belt quivered against your neck as his hands shook. You tilted your head back, barely able to your moan from escaping your lips. You knew what was about to happen. He was going to fuck you and erase your mind and make you his slave! You were <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>rock hard<<else>>soaking wet<</if>> just thinking about it!
Only...
...he didn't.
Nothing happened for a long moment. Then, slowly, Mason raised the belt off of your neck and slid it out from between you and the wall. All that remained was a faint burning sensation from the pressure he'd exerted with the flat leather; the tingling prickle of it made you clear your throat. When he released your hands, you turned and bit your lip in what you hoped was an inviting way.
<<nm $phYou "Master?">>
<<nm $phMason "Go to your room. Don't speak to anyone on the way. Lock the door and stay there until I come for you.">>
His tone brooked no argument but coming so close to your prize and then suddenly losing it was more than you could bear.
<<nm $phYou "But! Master, I can--">>
<<nm $phMason "Go! Now!">>
His voice cracked like a whip. You had @@.choice;[[No Choice|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 4) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempdom')>><<set $phMason.portrait to 'Mason'>><<set $phMason.recharge to 1>><<set $phMasonTimer to 9>><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>>It was a long couple of hours.
You sat on the bed for the first twenty minutes, wondering what you had done wrong and what you might do to make it up to him. You'd changed into <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>some tight pants that framed your package beautifully<<else>>an almost see-through t-shirt that showed off your tits wonderfully<</if>> and snapped a couple of pictures on your phone. You were too afraid to send them, though. What if you made him so angry by not understanding that he didn't come up to see you at all?
So you pouted and waited, stroking between your legs and keeping yourself edged on the very cusp of orgasm. He hadn't given you permission to cum, and you weren't going to make him any more upset. You were going to be good. You were going to prove it to him.
After two hours, you were very much //not// good. You'd cum three times and weren't even sorry about it. You couldn't keep your hands off yourself, and you paced around the space in agitation between bouts of masturbation. Your tail lashed behind you angrily. Whatever you had done, it didn't excuse this! You were-- You were the boss, really! At least on paper! He should come apologize...and maybe show you how sincere he was by railing you into your bed. That sounded pretty good. More than 'pretty good' - it sounded literally fucking fantastic.
When the phone rang close to three hours after you'd locked your door, the fog was beginning to lift. You still felt a faint thrill across your spine as you picked up the receiver, but you squelched it and tapped into your growing anger.
<<nm $phYou "Just what the Hell was //that//?!">>
There was silence on the line. You waited, trying not to imagine the kind of crow you'd have to eat if it were $phSamantha.name calling to ask you out for drinks.
Fortunately, it wasn't.
<<nm $phMason "A resonance event, $phMason.address. I believe I mentioned the possibility.">>
<<nm $phYou "You mentioned the possibility, but you didn't tell me there going to be an explosion, and you didn't tell me that I would be- be--! Explain, Mason.">>
There was another long stretch of silence. That was somewhat unusual. Mason was verbose, but the words typically tripped off his tongue with only a moment's thought. You wondered if he might still be feeling the same effects you were. Despite your best efforts, the fire had gone out of your voice almost immediately.
<<nm $phMason "...To summarize the key points quickly... The blank crystal takes a considerable amount of energy to function. You are, after all, engaging nothingness. Getting it to do anything you want it to is difficult. When a more primed and specific vessel came into range, the energy found an easier outlet and jumped proverbial ship.">>
<<nm $phYou "My necklace?">>
You asked it grudgingly. You were starting to see where this was going.
<<nm $phMason "Correct. Energized that way, the necklace did exactly what it always does, only with exponential magnitude. A shove instead of a nudge, as it were. So instead of being slightly more open to the will of your partners, you--">>
<<nm $phYou "I think I get the picture. So...What happens now?">>
<<nm $phMason "I would like to speak to you. I expect there is a great deal for us to talk about. However, I would ask that we wait until tomorrow.<<if $phTime is 3>> It is already well past closing time, and I would prefer that we both be entirely free of any outside influence when we discuss it.<<else>> You have already lost much of your day due to me, and I would prefer that we both be entirely free of any outside influence when we discuss it.<</if>>">>
You sucked in a deep breath and let it out, but he was right. Somewhere deep in your gut, you knew you'd still be willing to forgive him and spread on his workbench if he asked for it. A few hours clearly was not enough to clear the crystal's effects from your mind.
<<if $phTime gt 2>><<nm $phYou "Alright. I'm going to bed, then. We'll talk about this tomorrow, okay? And Mason?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "What if I need you? You can't just back out of your work.">>
<<nm $phMason "I would not be in any state to give good advice today, and I would prefer to avoid manufacturing anything unless it is a dire need. If an emergency demands it... I //am// a professional. Rest assured, if any of your employees need additional care, I will still provide it. I trust we can pretend things are normal for a single day.">>
You nodded, even though he couldn't see it. That was probably the best you were going to get.
<<nm $phYou "I understand. We'll talk tomorrow. And Mason?">><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "Yes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Leave the crystal at home.">>
You thought you heard a laugh. A soft one, but a real one nonetheless. @@.choice;[[Then He Hung Up|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 3) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempsub')>><<set $phMason.portrait to 'MasonSub'>>The brightness of the explosion whited out the room and left your vision swimming and your ears with a high-pitched ring. The world slowly gained focus again, and you found yourself leaning with your back braced against a nearby wall, watching thin white wisps of smoke rose from several sections of your suit jacket. Fortunately, the material itself seemed intact and unharmed.
Huh.
You felt... good, actually. Oddly good. A low thrum of excited energy throbbed in your chest, no doubt from the adrenaline of the blast. The fight-or-flight response had left you feeling //powerful//, like you could break down any wall, or climb any mountain. A slight red haze overlayed your vision. For a second you feared it was blood, but it didn't obscure your sight. It made everything sharper, clearer -- as if you were an eagle scouting for prey from high above.
And speaking of prey...
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonSubMid.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonSubMid.png]]</picture>@@
Mason was on his knees, staring up at you. His clothes did not seem to have the same supernatural hardiness that yours did, and his outfit was torn and burned in several places. He didn't seem to notice. All he could notice was //you//, and his expression was one of purest awe as he beheld your glory. His eyes were verdant green; you were pretty sure they'd been red before, but at the moment you had very different things on your mind.
//Take him. Own him. Make him yours. Make him <u>beg</u>.//
<<nm $phMason "...$phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh no. Oh no no no. It's //$pMistress// to //you//. What were you doing, hmm? Were you rubbing yourself thinking of me again?">>
You reached down and seized him by the front of his shirt with both hands, lifting him effortlessly with your enhanced strength. You swung him bodily around and pushed him against the wall hard, allowing him to feel your strength as you weighed his body down with yours.
He didn't complain. The only fear in his expression was at the idea of displeasing you. //Just like it should be...//
<<nm $phMason "M-$pMistress! I'm sorry, I was--">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, you aren't sorry yet, but I can change that. You worried me, you know. But it's all better now that I'm taking control.">>
You smiled at the look of pure and utter bliss that washed over Mason's face. You couldn't blame him. The chance to be in your presence was enough to offer up almost anything. Once you were done reshaping him, he'd never be disobedient again. That was your right. Your //privilege//.
@@.choice;
[[...Wasn't it?|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 3.1) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempsub')>><<nm $phMason "Please, $pMistress! I'm sorry! I'll do anything. Punish me. Take me. Use me, please!">>
Mason's voice had a desperate tone to it you'd never heard. You tightened your grip on his shirt and pressed him harder against the wall to stifle his begging words. Something about them didn't seem quite right, but you couldn't put your finger on //why//.
He was yours, wasn't he?
//Own him. Collar him. Abuse him. Make him writhe!//
You reached between his legs and seized his cock, giving it a firm squeeze. The poor boy bucked so hard you thought he might erupt at the first touch, but he was better trained than that. His voice rose in a high-pitched moan as you gripped him just a little too tight.
<<nm $phYou "Making me worry so much about my property. Like this here. This is mine, isn't it? Say it! Say this is //my// cock.">>
<<nm $phMason "It's...It's yours, $pMistress! Oh please, please, please!">>
<<nm $phYou "Please //what//? You're begging an awful lot for someone who is in trouble, slave.">>
<<nm $phMason "I'm sorry! I can't help myself! I need it, I need it so bad!">>
//Can't help myself...//
Why did that sound so wrong? It was Mason. When had he ever...?
He writhed in your grip and you squeezed harder. This was all feeling weird. You were about to claim him. Collar him. Make him your slave from now until the end of time, and he was clearly into it. Ever since the explosion, he was...
Wait. The //explosion//.
Your back stiffened and you yanked yourself away from him. He was so surprised at the abrupt loss of support that his knees buckled and he slid down the wall onto his knees. His expression teetered somewhere between hurt and raw confusion as he looked up at you.
<<nm $phMason "$pMistress? Did I do something wrong? I'll do better! Please, just let me--">>
<<nm $phYou "Shut up!">>
The words exploded out of you like a cannon shot and Mason immediately went silent, his green-glowing eyes wide. You took a deep breath, clenching your fist. You wanted him. You wanted to take him right now. Peel his clothes off, throw him up against the workbench and...
<<nm $phYou "Stay here. Lock the door. I'll call you when I'm ready. You don't answer the phone for anyone else, understand? Only me. You don't leave, you don't talk to anyone until you get my call. Got it?">>
Mason whimpered. It was an oddly animalistic sound, like a cowed puppy might emit. He nodded, afraid to violate your previous order. You couldn't help but smile at his sudden obsequiousness. That was good. Maybe there was still time to have some fun? You could--
No.
<<nm $phYou "Good. Sit. Stay.">>
You patted him once on the head, turned on your heels, and stomped [[Back To Your Room|MasonSecondCrystal][$phMason.post_talk to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 4) and ($phMason.transform is 'tempsub')>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set $phTime +=1>><<set $phMasonTimer to 9>><<set $phMason.recharge to 1>><<set $phMason.portrait to 'Mason'>>It was a long couple of hours.
You stomped around your suite in agitation. Several times, you'd walked to the door intent on grabbing the first employee you could find and dragging them bodily back to your bedroom, but you knew the urge wasn't your own thought. The explosion had done //something// to you. You and Mason both, and you'd be damned if you were letting some mystical nonsense affect the relationships you'd worked so hard on.
But //fuck// you were horny.
You laid back on the bed and tried not to think about all the ways you could make Mason moan, or put $phSamantha.name to work between your legs, or pick up the phone and have one --or more! -- of your many employees here to serve your needs inside of a few seconds. They'd all do it happily for you, and you //were// the boss.
But you didn't. You growled and stalked the room and walked up and down the stairs in your suite and took about a dozen cold showers. As the hours passed, the heat began to fade. Slowly, but steadily, it became easier to resist the urge to bend someone to your will, and the little voice screaming in your head went silent.
When it had finally faded down to a dull ache, you reached over and finally keyed in the contact on your phone.
<<nm $phMason "M-...Ah. $phYou.firstname?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. Start talking. Now. What the Hell just happened?">>
Silence for several long seconds. You ground your teeth together and resisted the urge to demand he speak faster. You needed to understand what was going on.
<<nm $phMason "A resonance event, $phMason.address. I believe I mentioned the possibility.">>
<<nm $phYou "You mentioned the possibility, yes. You //didn't// mention that getting close to you would cause a fucking explosion, and you //sure// didn't mention it would make the two of us suddenly start play-acting scenes from a porno! Explain it to me slowly, Mason.">>
There was another long stretch of silence. That was somewhat unusual. Mason was verbose, but the words typically tripped off his tongue with only a moment's thought. You wondered if he might still be feeling the same effects you were. Despite your best efforts, you were having trouble keeping yourself back from biting his head off.
<<nm $phMason "...To summarize the key points quickly... The blank crystal takes a considerable amount of energy to function. You are, after all, engaging nothingness. Getting it to do anything you want it to is difficult. When a more primed and specific vessel came into range, the energy found an easier outlet and jumped proverbial ship.">>
<<nm $phYou "Let me guess. It jumped to my necklace?">>
You asked it grudgingly. You were starting to see where this was going.
<<nm $phMason "Correct. Energized that way, the necklace did exactly what it always does, only with exponential magnitude. A shove instead of a nudge, as it were. So instead of being slightly more forward and confident with your partners you--">>
<<nm $phYou "Were ready to turn you into my personal fuck doll. I get it. So...What happens now?">>
<<if $phTime is 3>><<nm $phMason "I would like to speak to you. I expect there is a great deal for us to talk about. However, I would ask that we wait until tomorrow. It is already well past closing time, and I would prefer that we both be entirely free of any outside influence when we discuss it.">>
<<else>><<nm $phMason "I would like to speak to you. I expect there is a great deal for us to talk about. However, I would ask that we wait until tomorrow. You have already lost much of your day due to me, and I would prefer that we both be entirely free of any outside influence when we discuss it.">><</if>>
You sucked in a deep breath and let it out, but he was right. Deep inside, you knew if you marched down to see him right now you would be tearing him out of his clothes and spanking his ass red inside of a few minutes. A few hours clearly was not enough to clear the crystal's effects from your mind.
<<if $phTime gt 2>><<nm $phYou "Alright then, I'm going to crash. You bet your ass that we're going to talk about this tomorrow. At length. And Mason?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "And what if I need you? You think you get to duck out on me that easily?">>
<<nm $phMason "I would not be in any state to give good advice today, and I would prefer to avoid manufacturing anything unless there is an urgent need. Yet, if an emergency demands it... I am a professional. Rest assured, if any of your employees need additional care, I will still provide it. I trust we can pretend things are normal for a single day.">>
You nodded, even though he couldn't see it. That was probably the best you were going to get.
<<nm $phYou "Fine. We'll hash it out tomorrow. At length. And Mason?">><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "Yes?">>
<<nm $phYou "Leave the damned crystal at home!">>
@@.choice;
[[You Hung Up. Hard.|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 4>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>>R&D was quiet, but not silent. You weren't sure that you could properly articulate the difference, but there was a subtle difference in the way the 'quiet' felt. Things were idling in a state of readiness, instead of simply shut down. Computers and electronics gave off a low, steady hum, and the dull clank of some unknown automaton tool sounded from a back closet every seven seconds on the dot.
Idly, you wondered if Mason shared a connection to his workshop the way you did to the tower. It would make a lot of sense, and it would explain why the place felt different when Mason was using the crystal and not all 'there'.
You didn't have time to run down that particular rabbit hole though. You were here for a reason. You crossed the quiet space and arrived at Mason's door. You rapped your knuckles against it, received a muffled affirmation in response, and turned the handle to step inside.
Mason had changed out of his burnt and torn outfit into a fresh one that was, as far as you could tell, identical. You briefly considered teasing him about a closet full of carbon-copy outfits, but given your //own// wardrobe, maybe it'd be wiser not to throw stones from inside glass houses.
He was seated in front of a small table on wheels you would guess usually served place for tools, not a place for chatting, but he had two stools pulled up beside it. On the center of the table was a small but intricate looking jewelry chest, about the size of an apple. It was made with some sort of purple metal and lined with pure, perfectly polished silver.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mason. How are you feeling?">>
He didn't answer right away, his eyes trailing away from you as he considered. Finally, he folded his upper hands together and gave you a wry smile that set you back a bit. He was not one express his feelings, even in a muted way. Well... //usually// not.
<<nm $phMason "...Introspective, I should say. Oh, don't worry, the resonance event has passed. Fundamentally speaking, the necklace you wear is not intended to incite permanent changes in anyone, even when the power is increased. Still, such an episode brings with it the opportunity for re-evaluation.">>
You nodded along, even though you didn't have much idea what he was driving at. Still, this was obviously important to him, and if this job had taught you anything it was to let people talk when they wanted to talk.
<<nm $phYou "I can understand that. And what has your re-evaluation concluded?">>
<<nm $phMason "That I have not been fully honest. Neither with you nor with myself, and it is time to correct that. If you'll allow me?">>
He raised his eyebrows questioningly, his lower hands reaching for the purple box on the table. You nodded, and he carefully cracked it open. The room was immediately awash in a pale green light as the small purple cushion within was revealed... along with the glowing ember of a soul gem that rested atop it. You blinked.
<<nm $phYou "...Whose is this?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mine.">>
@@.choice;[[Huh?|MasonConfession][$phMason.post_talk to 4.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 4.1>><<nm $phYou "What do you mean it's //yours//?">>
Mason studied the glowing green gem for a few seconds, the corner of his mouth curling upward ever so slightly. He settled himself thoughtfully, took a deep breath, and began.
<<nm $phMason "I trust you remember the story of my past and how I came to have this form?">>
<<nm $phYou "I do. You made a deal with Lazren and got what you wanted but...the things //you// wanted and the things that your lover wanted didn't align. Is that right?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite so, yes. Lazren is...many things. I'm not going to get into any arguments about morality, as she is quite literally demonic, but she is, unexpectedly, a stickler for the //spirit// of the law rather than the letter. Though she granted me what I wished for, she did not feel that her end of the bargain was upheld, and thus she returned my payment to me.">>
You stared at the gem, surprised. In every story you'd ever read, demons were quite famous for twisting deals to suit their purpose. Lazren would have been entitled to take her money and run. And yet, she hadn't.
<<nm $phYou "That's...generous of her. I suppose I can understand it. But why wouldn't she return you to your previous form? Are you telling me she can't put it back once she takes it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not at all. That is, in fact, what she was offering. All I would need to do would be to imbibe the gem again and I would be returned to my previous form and faculties, with my ability to change and grow fully intact. It is rare, but as I am sure you have noticed: precious few things are //impossible//. Of course, you needn't worry about any of //your// conquests demanding a refund, I expect. They're all...distressingly pleased with their situations.">>
There was a note in his voice you'd not heard before. Jealousy?
<<nm $phYou "...But you still have it, so clearly that's not what you did.">>
<<nm $phMason "How would it improve my situation? I would be returned to the mind and body I had before, but the injury was done. Forcing my previous love to give up //her// paradise was equally unthinkable. So either way I was alone. In this form, in this place, I could at least busy myself with some task. Does that make sense?">>
You thought about it. That was a bind. Lazren had returned the gem because her intervention had made him less, not more, happy. Or maybe she had no choice. If he was not blissfully at peace with the decision, would absorbing the soul gem even work? Maybe it had been practicality as much as generosity.
Either way, it was beyond her power to fix. His love was gone, whether he was Mason or whatever he had been before. You could only imagine what it must be like to trade your soul and find yourself worse off than before.
<<nm $phYou "...I do. I'm sorry. So you went to work for Lazren anyway, and you've kept it all this time?">>
<<nm $phMason "I have. It seemed the thing to do, for lack of a better reason. Something to occupy my hours. The gem itself also proved useful. With certain adjustments, it could be used for a variety of purposes.">>
Suddenly, you understood.
<<nm $phYou "The crystal. The one that deadens things for you. It was your soulgem, wasn't it?">>
That earned an inclination of Mason's head. He actually looked impressed.
<<nm $phMason "You're learning. Yes. It was mine. Lazren took it in payment, then returned it. I have kept it by my side in the years since, never too far away...and now I am giving it to you.">>
@@.choice;[[Double Huh?|MasonConfession][$phMason.post_talk to 4.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 4.2>><<nm $phYou "//Why?//">>
<<nm $phMason "Because you need it. Because I believe in the work you do. I think you are making things better. These are all valid reasons.">>
<<nm $phYou "'Valid reason' doesn't necessarily mean the //real// reason.">>
Mason smirked, just a little, and gave one of his little nods as if he were acknowledging a strike from a dueling opponent. He pushed himself away from his seat and moved to one of the work benches, one of his lower hands brushing fondly along the wooden edge.
<<nm $phMason "...Perhaps. I may not know for sure if those //are// the real reasons, but I //do// know why I kept you at arm's length for so long. Lazren's duties were not strenuous. I dare say I enjoyed the work and it afforded me a great deal of solitude, with her need to hibernate much of the time. I thought I could set things up the same way here, but you are far more...active than I anticipated. Well done.">>
You couldn't help but chuckle and shake your head. He was getting to something, but he was taking an awfully long way around.
<<nm $phYou "We're getting to the part where I accidentally caused an explosion and why you're giving me a gift afterward?">>
He laughed, genuinely. It wasn't the first time you'd heard it, but it still startled you. He turned back to smirk in your direction.
<<nm $phMason "Because, whatever else that explosion might have been, it is the first time that I felt //anything// in quite some time. I was under the belief that giving into that part of myself again would break me. As you can see, I was clearly mistaken. It was...pleasant, in its own way. You truly do remind me of her, and I am inspired in a way I have not been for many years.<br><br>But injuries do not heal overnight. Inspiration will have its moments of despair, and it will likely take some time for me to experience the full spectrum of life once again. Yet I am determined to persist. It is time to find more than purpose. Yet, I do not fully trust myself not to fall back into old habits. Therefore...">>
He gestured to the treasure, and things suddenly snapped into place for you. You looked down at the green gem.
<<nm $phYou "You aren't giving me this as a reward. You're giving it away because you don't want to misuse it.">>
<<nm $phMason "Correct. I think your hands are a safer place for it. Rather than keeping my options open, I think perhaps it is time I find more for myself than merely a purpose. I can think of no one more deserving.">>
@@.choice;[[Once Again: Huh?|MasonConfession][$phMason.post_talk to 4.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 4.3>><<nm $phYou "But...Lazren told me that souls are change. Or...potential change. Won't you need this if you're trying to turn over a new leaf?">>
Mason smiled at you again, his expression indulgent, if slightly condescending. Typical Mason, in other words.
<<nm $phMason "That's more or less correct, but slightly overstated. All things change, over time. If they could not, your employees would be unable to form new memories or even adjust their schedules. The //fundamentals// will not change. They will always be what they are, but they could still adjust their technique to suit their current situation. I sought to change myself before, $phMason.address. Now, I will be recovering from those alterations. It will be a slow process without external help, but a worthy one. Who knows - perhaps I will discover my true outlook on the world.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'tempdom'>><<nm $phYou "'True outlook' like whether you want me to flip green side out so you can throw me against the wall and tell me it's time to 'put a brain in charge'?">>
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'tempsub'>><<nm $phYou "'True outlook' like whether or not you want me to turn red side out to claim you as my own? You seemed pretty into the idea, you know.">>
<</if>>Mason's back straightened, just a bit. He did not look //exactly// guilty, but there was an air of embarrassment around him.
<<nm $phMason "We were both affected by the...resonance of the crystal. That jolt was remarkably cathartic and likely assisted my return a great deal already. However, after so long, I am afraid I will not respond so easily. Your necklace, in its base state, has no effect on me, and I'm certainly not likely to be able to muster the //passion// required without some external help.">>
You guessed that made sense. You didn't understand magic, at least not nearly as well as he did, but he was implying he'd been using the gem to dull his senses for years. That probably explained why your gem facing didn't make one iota of difference in how he treated you.
But you couldn't help but notice the phrase //in its base state//. You looked at the chest on the table, and the gem still glowing atop its cushion.
<<nm $phYou "...And if we were to supercharge it again? Would that help you to shake off the dulling effect more quickly?">>
This time it was Mason's turn to give you the bewildered look. His eyes follow yours to the gem, and he was actually speechless for a few seconds. When he found his voice again, there was a quaver in it you were certain he did not intend.
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps it might. Almost certainly it would. But, $phMason.address, you must understand that such intensity would not be so easily shaken off. It would not be a matter of simply flipping your necklace to follow your whims. Being exposed to that power more than once would likely forge a sympathetic connection between the two of us. It would make falling into those habits far easier than normal...and might even persist for months, if not years, once it was established.">>
That made you think. So it wouldn't be flipping the necklace around to see the other side of Mason. If you juiced things up enough to affect him, you might be looking at that side of him for a long time. And you wouldn't be immune either. You dimly remembered the rush of sensation that had come over you and brought out some fairly deep emotions of your own. It wouldn't be a passing indulgence. It would be creating something you might not be able to turn off.
Part of you was more than a little concerned about the idea... while certain other parts of you were very, very interested.
<<nm $phYou "I see. Potential drawbacks, to be sure. But knowing what you know, would you do it?">>
<<nm $phMason "...$phMason.Address, I would never ask you to--">>
<<nm $phYou "Mason. If it were up to you, //would you do it//?">>
The incubus was silent. His eyes tracked down to the table and then over to the gem. You saw the greenish glow reflecting dimly in his eyes. He wet his lips and crossed the short distance back to the table. He settled himself across from you, brushed off the front of his jacket with two hands while the other two came to rest on the table, and took a deep breath.
<<nm $phMason "Yes. If it were up to me, I would. Having experienced a moment of it...I had forgotten what I have lost. Now I remember. I want it... but that is not a cost I can pay on my own. It is not a change, nor a risk, that is confined only to myself.<br><br>So, $phMason.address, I must ask you. If it were up to you, would //you// do it?">>
Well, wasn't //that// the question. Given enough time, Mason would eventually recover on his own. He might awaken whatever emotional range he had lost, even if it took as many years to get back as it had taken to lose it. Or you could help him. You could get him over that hump immediately and help him to reach what he wanted, just like you did with everyone else. This time, though, there was a catch. You'd experienced what a jolt that strong was like. You'd be sealing the two of you together without any way to separate yourselves again.
It wouldn't be a game. It would be your life.
You didn't have to think about it long. You knew the options. You knew Mason. There was really only one answer.
@@.choice;
<<if $phMason.transform is 'tempdom'>>[[I Want You To Make Me Yours, Just Like Before!|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5]] @@.narrative;Exclusive@@
[[We're Doing It, But I'm Making You Mine This Time!|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.1]] @@.narrative;Exclusive@@
[[I'll Support You Recovering...Naturally. No Gems.|MasonConfession][$phMason.post_talk to 5]]
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'tempsub'>>[[I Want To Own You, For Real This Time|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5]] @@.narrative; Exclusive@@
[[We'll Do It, But This Time I Call You Master|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.1]] @@.narrative;Exclusive@@
[[I'll Support You Recovering...Naturally. No Gems.|MasonConfession][$phMason.post_talk to 5]]
<</if>>@@<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5>><<nm $phYou "Mason... I want to help you, but I can't do it like that. I know -- //fuck//, do I know! -- how powerful that was. But going from zero to one hundred like that... it can't be healthy.">>
<<nm $phMason "I see.">>
You saw the flicker of disappointment in his eyes and the tell-tale straightening of his spine that all but broadcast his withdraw, and you hurried to continue.
<<nm $phYou "It wasn't //me// that inspired your passion; it was just the gem. If it had been $phSamantha.name or anyone else wearing it, you'd be talking to them. I //want// to help you. I want to see that look in your eyes again, but I want to see it because it's part of //you//, not because it's being forced out. I just want to do this the right way.">>
He was silent for a long while -- long enough that you were afraid that in your desire not to fuck things up, you'd done exactly that. Eventually, though, the incubus let out a sigh and nodded, and his posture lost some of its steel.
<<nm $phMason "... and this, $phYou.firstname, is exactly why I trust you with the gem. Alone, I would tempted either to push things too far, too quickly, to re-seize the passion I felt; or, worse, shut it out completely and return to old and familiar habits. You are right, of course: the best way to accomplish something is rarely the fastest way. How, then, do you suggest we approach my 'rehabilitation'?">>
That was a good question, and one you weren't sure you had an answer to. You weren't a psychologist, and you didn't have one on staff. The tower was excellent at fulfilling desires, but not exactly erudite when it came to telling 'should' apart from 'could'. Your eyes went to the gem again. It looked so... normal, as far as 'expensive gemstones in designer boxes' went. Mundane. Not like a soul, or the lack of one; not like desire or apathy, the potential to be your wildest, most deeply-held dream. Or like the regret that, for Mason, came with getting it.
He trusted you. Whether or not there was anything romantic between you -- now or in the future -- you //were// the $pMistress of the Tower. You were the one that Lazren had entrusted this to, and the one that Mason entrusted his soul to. No, you weren't transforming him into anything... but you //were// making him happy. Or, rather, you could, if you accepted that responsibility.
That, at least, was an easy choice.
You reached out and rested your fingertips against the lid of the jewelry box, and then a moment later, pushed it closed. Mason's left eyebrow arched; his right eyebrow followed suit when you scooped up the box in your fist.
<<nm $phYou "I don't know exactly - but we'll figure it out. You're the brightest mind in the Tower and you trust me, so I can't think of a better vote of confidence. What I //do// know is that we can't let you go back to just numbing yourself and shutting out the world. You deserve passion and joy as much as anyone else, so... first, I'll be keeping this.">>
His lips tightened slightly as he watched you move, but you'd at least figured out enough of his mannerisms by now that you could tell it was more nerves than displeasure. Despite his confidence in you, you were taking possession of his //soul//... and, at the same time, taking away his safety net. Without his gem, there would be no going back to the greyscale world of logic and reason he'd crafted for himself.
<<nm $phMason "Very well. And second?">>
<<nm $phYou "And second -- well, for now, just be honest with me. And patient. I think we both know this isn't going to be a magical overnight thing. Rome wasn't built in a day.">>
<<nm $phMason "But it was sacked in one: August 24th in the year 410, to be precise. But I do understand your meaning, $phYou.firstname. What has taken time to damage will take time to repair.">>
Of //course// he knew that. Still, at least he understood the analogy.
<<nm $phYou "Right. Exactly. So we'll find ways to work on things, but I think as a first step, just not being able to turn yourself off might be a bigger adjustment than you realize right away.">>
<<nm $phMason "I suspect I agree. As tantalizing at the prospect of unbridled passion may be, it has been... a long time. There are other apropos folk-sayings that come to mind: walking before you run, not jumping into the deep end, and so forth. I will-- well, I will have no choice but to face the world unaltered, so to speak, and to experience its joys and frustrations in their entirety. I suspect it will be a humbling experience.">>
You nodded. Hell, you didn't even have a numbing gem, and you certainly found enough frustration and joy in the world as it was. Mason was going to have his eyes (re-)opened in a major way.
<<nm $phYou "That's it, for now. I guess, just let's try not to make things awkward. We still have to work together. I'll check in on your once in a while. And if you need any kind of advice, or to vent, or whatever -- feel free to come to me, okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $pmaam. Please have no fear of any awkwardness on my part. Whatever else I may be, or may become, I am still a professional.">>
You tilted your head, fixing him with your best expectant look.
<<nm $phMason "...am I no longer to address you as '$pmaam'?">>
<<nm $phYou "You can -- but don't hide behind the formality. Considering you just offered <<if $phMason.transform is 'tempsub'>>to let me put a collar around your neck<<else>>to put a collar around my neck<</if>>, I think it's safe to say you can just call me $phYou.firstname once in a while.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phYou.firstname.">>
...
Well. Baby steps.
@@.choice;
[[Back to the Office!|Office][$phMason.transform to 'post';$phMason.post_talk to 6]]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<set $phFocusCost -= 50>>@@.narrative;Friendzoned! But Mason's Enthusiasm Has Been Renewed! Focus Cost Reduced By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 5) or ($phMason.post_talk is 5.1)>><<nm $phMason "Are you certain I was clear, $phMason.address? I told you, if we utilize the gems again, it may affect us even more strongly and, if we indulge it, it may not wear off as quickly as the first occurrence did. It is even possible it may not wear off at all.">>
<<nm $phYou "You also told me it would help you. I have standards; everyone who has given me a gem has gotten what they need in return. I'm not going to break that streak now. Besides...">>
You stood from your chair, drawing yourself up to your full height as you strode around the workbench. You stopped halfway, though, and took a seat on a new part of the stainless steel desk -- and then, lifting your knee, rested your foot lightly against Mason's belly.
<<if $phMason.post_talk is 5>><<nm $phYou "You've already tasted my control. You know exactly what you're getting into when you say 'yes'. I liked the look I saw in your eyes, and I wouldn't mind seeing it more often.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "It was fun seeing you in command. You're good at it...but if we're going to go long term, I have a different position in mind. Either way should help you as long as you're suitable...stimulated, no?">><</if>>
Mason's breath caught at the press of your <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>leather Oxford<<else>>designer heel<</if>> against his chest. The incubus stared up at you looming over him. He seemed briefly speechless, wetting his lips carefully before taking a calming breath. When he spoke again, his voice was firm even if you could still sense the roil of emotion beneath it.
<<nm $phMason "Rules.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What rules?">>
<<nm $phMason "There should be rules. It's a contract. We should...think our way through it before we do anything hasty.">>
You worked the flat of your foot against his belly for a few seconds before lifting your shoe free and wriggling your rear until you were seated directly in front of him rather than to the side.
<<nm $phYou "Fair enough. If I'm going to be the one in charge, I'm pretty sure I can take care of my own needs. What rules did you have in mind?">>
He met your gaze for a second, then looked away. You could all but see the gears turning frantically in his head. You smiled... but gave him the chance to think. Coming in strong was hot, but the whole exercise was meant to get him what he really needed.
It took him a moment, but when he looked up again, he was more settled, and more determined. He swallowed hard and leaned forward.
<<nm $phMason "First, I would like to keep this between you and I. I am going to have difficulty enough breaking out of old habits. If I am to fully indulge myself, I would prefer not to have to worry about how I am perceived. I am knowledgeable about the forms your new employees take, and many of them come to me with questions. That is easier when I am seen as dispassionate.">>
Mason was taking consultations? That was news to you, although not unwelcome. You wondered if he had had a softer interior hidden in there all along.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, I think a little privacy is fair. One exception. $phSamantha.name is //literally// between our two offices, and <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>she's not dumb<<else>>she's smarter than she seems<</if>>. If we tried to sneak back and forth, she'd notice.">>
Mason grimaced but nodded his head along with your logic. His stool squeaked as he settled himself on it again, then he blew out a breath.
<<nm $phMason "Secondly, my position is important to me. I need to be able to advise you freely, as I always have, and I need to be able to work. If you keep me away from what I do, I think I would very quickly lose my way.">>
<<nm $phYou "Keep things professional in the workplace and don't keep you away from the office too long. Simple enough.">>
Another nod. Another resettling in the stool. Another moment's thought before meeting your gaze again.
<<nm $phMason "...Finally, if we are going to do this, it is important you are as pleased with the outcome as I am. I am giving you my gemstone, and you are helping me feel, but this is not to be an act. If you embark on this, I would expect you to treat me as you desire, within the guidelines we've laid out. I am also one of Lazren's creations. I am stronger than I look, and perfectly capable of speaking up when I need to. If I find that you are censoring yourself for the sake of my mental health, then our contract will be null and void.">>
That one made you pause. You understood it well enough: he didn't want to worry that you were acting a role just to keep him happy. He wanted you to indulge your most dominant nature on him and play with him as you would any other submissive. You felt a prickling along your spine.
You knew you would. If you used the gem, you'd hardly be able to help yourself, at least until the effect faded. You understood Mason enough by now to know who and what he was. Were you really confident that you had what he needed?
@@.choice;
[[You Were Certain.|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.2]]
[[No - Better End This Now|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 9>>The more you came to realize that this wasn't just going to be some hot, kinky fun, but a possible lifetime responsibility -- an //infernally long// lifetime responsibility -- the less certain you were that it was the right thing to do. Sure, you were... ah, enthusiastic. But you were also brand new to all of this, and Mason wasn't exactly in, uh, the healthiest place in life. Was it really a good idea to chain -- or leash -- yourself to someone, when you were only a month into your new life? To enter into that kind of agreement with someone who obviously had some personal issues to come to grips with, himself?
The sinking feeling in your stomach gave you your answer, and you pulled in a deep breath as you direct your gaze back on the incubus in front of you. And then you shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "... I can't. I'm sorry, Mason, but-- They're good rules, but... they drive home the point that this isn't just a 'fun in the bedroom' thing. I want to help you, but I want to actually //help// you, not make it worse. A month ago, I was the world's biggest loser. I might be learning fast, but I'm still barely on my feet.">>
He listened, and as he listened his lips creased into frown. By the time you finished speaking, though, it'd settled into a thoughtful, if thin, line. As you fell silent, he gave a small nod.
<<nm $phMason "You aren't wrong. While I //do// admire the progress you have made, and perhaps envy your success in your persona life... it is a worthwhile reminder that are you, if you'll pardon the expression, still wet behind the ears. I suspect, as entrancing as the gemstone's potential promises to be, that sooner rather than later, we would encounter... difficulties.">>
That was one way to put it. You were grateful for the lingering effects of the crystal, even so. 'Normal' Mason probably wouldn't have been so considerate in his phrasing of your inexperience.
<<nm $phMason "Nonetheless, this is a path I desire to take. That I feel I //must// take. If not with you, then without you. The genie has been freed of its lamp, and I've no desire to re-imprison it.">>
<<nm $phYou "And I don't think you should. I still want to help you, Mason. I'll still hold on your soulgem -- if you still want me to. I don't want you to lose that passion I saw. Seeing you smile, seeing you happy... I still want to see that. It will come, but if we do this the right way, it will take time. Rome wasn't built in a day.">>
<<nm $phMason "But it was sacked in one: August 24th in the year 410, to be precise. But I do understand your meaning, $phYou.firstname. What has taken time to damage will take time to repair.">>
Of //course// he knew that. Still, at least he understood the analogy.
<<nm $phYou "Right. Exactly. So we'll find ways to work on things, but I think as a first step, just not being able to turn yourself off might be a bigger adjustment than you realize.">>
<<nm $phMason "I suspect I agree. As tantalizing at the prospect of unbridled passion may be, it has been... a long time. There are other apropos folk-sayings that come to mind: walking before you run, not jumping into the deep end, and so forth. I will-- well, I will have no choice but to face the world unaltered, so to speak, and to experience its joys and frustrations in their entirety. I suspect it will be a humbling experience.">>
You nodded. Hell, you didn't even have a numbing gem, and you certainly found enough frustration and joy in the world as it was. Mason was going to have his eyes (re-)opened in a major way.
<<nm $phYou "At least we're on the same page. I'm sorry, Mason. I want to -- I //really// want to -- but it's more important for me to make sure this is best in the long term, not just best in the bedroom. I guess... well, we still have to work together. This isn't going to be awkward, is it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course not, $pmaam. Please have no fear of any awkwardness on my part. Whatever else I may be, or may become, I am still a professional.">>
You tilted your head, fixing him with your best expectant look.
<<nm $phMason "...am I no longer to address you as '$pmaam'?">>
<<nm $phYou "You can -- but don't hide behind the formality. Considering you just offered to let me put a collar around your neck, I think it's safe to say you can just call me $phYou.firstname once in a while. How about I check in on your once in a while, and if you need any kind of advice, or to vent, or whatever -- feel free to come to me, okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phYou.firstname.">>
... Well. Baby steps. You sighed and offered him a rueful smile -- and then actually reached forward to wrap him up in a hug.
<<nm $phYou "We've both got things to think about. Thank you for understanding, Mason.">>
To your surprise, you felt all four of his arms wrap around you and squeeze you back.
<<nm $phMason "Thank //you//, $phYou.firstname. You have opened my eyes. It may be a painful adjustment to the light, but I am looking forward to the things I will see.">>
You nodded as you disengaged, and, before you could change your mind and give into temptation, took your leave. As disappointing as it was to give up the opportunity to have him kneeling at your feet, you knew you were doing what was best for you both.
@@.choice;
[[Back to the Office!|Office][$phMason.transform to 'post']]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<set $phFocusCost -= 50>>@@.narrative;Friendzoned! But Mason's Enthusiasm Has Been Renewed! Focus Cost Reduced By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.2>><<set $phYou.exclusive to true>>You found yourself smiling as you looked down at the incubus. Oh, you were confident alright. You were everything he needed to return to the world. And you knew exactly how to give it to him.
<<nm $phYou "Well, all of those sound //wonderful//, Mason. Just as thoughtful as I would expect from you. But I suppose we ought to talk about my rules at the same time, shouldn't we? We //are// making a contract.">>
Mason blinked, once. Uncertainty flickered across his face. He had the expression of someone who had just realized they'd walked into a trap, but still had no idea what was about to happen.
<<nm $phMason "That...seems reasonable, yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad that you agree.">>
You flashed your most predatory grin, came off the bench, and straddled the man in an instant. He made a sound somewhere between a cough and a squeak as you landed firmly in his lap. You could feel his cock rubbing up against you<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>rs<</if>> through the fabric separating you. That would have surprised you once, but you knew better now.
He had it within him. You just needed to bring it out.
<<nm $phYou "Well, well, well, I can see you're //eager// to hear them. First and foremost, fair warning: if we're going to do this, I want to be sure you remember who your $pMistress is throughout the day. Even when we're being professional, you should feel my presence. From time to time, I'll hand out a few... requirements for you, and I expect those to be obeyed to the best of your ability. I'm sure you won't disappoint.">>
<<nm $phMason "What...kind of requirements?">>
<<nm $phYou "I have no idea. Whatever will make you squirm so wonderfully you can barely stand it... while still coloring inside the lines you just laid down. I'm not a monster, after all. The point is, if I'm not holding back, you're signing on for whatever depraved thing might cross my mind. Can you do that for your $pMistress, mm?">>
The word hit him hard, just as you intended it to. It made it real, and you saw the evaluation in his eyes. Talking was one thing. Action was quite another, and this wasn't something you were running into lightly.
<<nm $phMason "...Yes. Yes I can.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Secondly, you //have// seen me work. Lazren may claim to be Sloth, but there's certainly a lot of //Lust// in my nature, too. This is not going to be platonic. If you're with me, then I'm going to use your body as my personal stress toy. However and wherever I like. Can you do //that// for $pMistress?">>
You felt his cock twitch past the barrier of pant fabric, and something flashed across his face that you could quite identify. It was gone as quickly as it had appeared, though when he spoke again, his voice was at least a few notches higher on the scale.
<<nm $phMason "I will do my utmost, yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't give yourself enough credit. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Now, last one, and it's the big one. I need to know you're being straight with me. I'm not going to stop and ask you questions every five feet. I'm not going to ask your permission every time I want something, but you //always// have the right to speak. That's true in the office, but it's true in the bedroom too. When you like it, tell me you like it. When you don't, tell me you don't.">>
You brushed your hand across his ear, pushing back some of his hair behind it. You leaned in close, eye to eye.
<<nm $phYou "...Those are the rules, Mason. You've got me right here in your lap. I'm real, I'm ready, and I'm offering you the leash. Are we putting it on or not?">>
He stared at you, so close that his eyes tracked back and forth as he looked between both of yours. He sucked in a long, deep breath, but when he spoke there was no doubt in it any longer.
<<nm $phMason "We are.">>
@@.choice;[[That's What You Thought|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.3>>You let out a breath that you hadn't realized you were holding. This hadn't been what you were expecting when you'd come to see Mason...but that didn't mean it wasn't a good thing. You looked down at him with satisfaction.
<<nm $phYou "Okay...So how do we do this? Give you the kick that you need?">>
<<nm $phMason "The soul gem still bears the residual effect of the treatment. As they get closer, the energy will begin to manifest so long as there is no barrier between them. You should ensure the necklace facing is the one that you prefer.">>
You looked back over your shoulder and reached for the gem, holding it inside of your closed fist. It felt slightly warm but didn't exhibit any other strange behavior as you held it in front of you. Using your other hand, you looped your thumb below the necklace's chain and held the gemstone up.
<<nm $phYou "Shouldn't it be the other way? If the gemstone is out, won't that be the side that you get?">>
<<nm $phMason "It would not appear to be so, judging from recent events. Either the necklace is capable of interpreting the wishes on its own, which would not be unlikely, or Lazren simply reversed the effects of the gem with the culturally appropriate coloration. If red induced submissive encouragement and green encouraged dominance in those that viewed it, that would function essentially the same as intended. That sort of simple but effective solution is well within her wheelhouse.">>
That //would// make a sort of sense. You couldn't help but realize how many things in your life operated by rules you didn't directly understand: the tower, the necklace, your powers and heritage. You made a mental note to start learning more.
<<nm $phYou "They just have to be close without my hand in the way?">>
<<nm $phMason "Correct. However, I would not recommend actually touching the gemstones, as that proximity could--">>
//Clink.//
The two gemstones resounded together with a soft tinkle and hum, not unlike a wind chime. Mason had just enough time for his jaw to drop before there was a crack in the air. Your necklace thudded back against your collarbone like the kick of a mule, and everything seemed to vanish in a haze of red.
//...
Pretty...
...
...
Encouraging...
...
...
Invigorating...
...
...//
@@.choice;[[Red|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.4>><<set $phTime += 1>><<Transform $phMason "sub">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonSub.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonSub.png]]</picture>@@
You ran the lipstick tube carefully across the man's exposed chest, enjoying the smooth contours of his skin. He was virtually hairless and more pleasantly muscled than you would have expected. You indulged yourself by running your fingers across one of his nipples and listening to him inhale sharply. Then you finished the 'E' at the end of the word 'MINE' and stepped back to admire your handiwork.
The word looked good, drawn in the smeared lipstick. Of course, it helped that Mason was on his knees and all four of his hands were bound. The lower set was tied against his body, while the upper set was held above his head and tied off at the work bench.
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<nm $phYou "There we are. Just a little reminder for you. I thought it might help, with this being so new and all. Tell me again why you just happened to have this around?">>
<<nm $phMason "...Supplies, $pmaam. I never know exactly what I will need for a focus.">>
<<nm $phYou "Damn. I was hoping for something a little more exciting. Don't worry, if I decide to put you in panties, I'll only put the lipstick on behind closed doors.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "You know, this looks pretty good on you. I'm not sure if it's the rope or the lipstick. You ever worn lipstick the right way?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $pmaam.">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe we'll try it. Don't worry -- only behind closed doors.">><</if>>
<<nm $phMason "If it makes you happy, I could learn.">>
You beamed at him, reaching a hand down to brush your fingers across his cheek. He leaned instinctively into your hand and closed his eyes. You held your palm against his face for several few seconds before you pulled away from him. Your hand brushed across his neck, and the new necklace hanging there. It was an awful lot like your own, with one exception.
The whole gem was green. You //still// weren't sure where it had come from. Had the tower made it, or had you ordered Mason to build it while you were both recovering? It didn't really matter. You had it now. Good thing Mason tended toward high collars or the secrecy thing wouldn't last five minutes.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. We'll talk about it. I'm still deciding on my plans for you. We might have to try a couple of different ways before we find the right one, but I'm sure you'll enjoy the process, won't you?">>
He writhed against his bonds, just a bit. His breath caught in his throat -- maybe from imagining exactly how many different ways you could treat him to find the 'right' one. Or, it might have been because your hands had fallen to the button of your pants, and you were slowly peeling the zipper open.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pmaam.">>
<<nm $phYou "//Very// good boy. But I didn't tie you up just to draw on you. There are a few other ways to make sure you remember who you belong to. I thought we might try just a few of them. Just an appetizer...because soon I'm going to come into your office, shut the door behind me, and tell you how it's going to be. Won't that be nice?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $pmaam.">>
You paused in your unzipping, one of your eyebrows elevating. Mason's gaze swept upward slowly, savoring every inch of you until he finally met your gaze. You could see the slight flush to his cheeks, and the tiniest playful smile on his face.
<<nm $phMason "//That// will be //wonderful//.">>
You grinned, and reward with him a slow nod. Then you reached down, gripped his hair tightly, and pulled his head up between your legs. You loved the way he had with words.
But today, you needed his <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>tongue<<else>>mouth<</if>> for @@.choice;[[Other Things|MasonTopAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 6>>It was... considerably later by the time you stepped out of R&D. First dates were very important, after all. You were quite confident that your newest acquisition was not going to forget who he belonged to any time soon.
You tapped your suit, just above your heart. You could still feel the warmth of the soul gem there. Once Mason had given in, it had acted just like any other and joined with you. The man's happiness had been somewhat delayed, it was true, but you were pleased you had been able to satisfy the contract in the end. You had no doubt that Lazren would be pleased.
$phSamantha.name was at her desk, tapping away at her keyboard as she handled some administrative task or other. She glanced up with the briefest of nods, and then did a double take. Her eyebrows rose.
You smirked. Your clothes told the story of what you had been up to and, even if they hadn't, the confident grin and the strut would have told her everything she needed to know. You really didn't mind.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Someone looks like they had a good day. Anyone I know?">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh God! You look yummy! Were you having fun with someone today?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Do me a favor, dear? If anyone calls for Mason, tell them he's taking the rest of the day off. He's had a very //active// <<if $phTime is 1>>morning<<else>>afternoon<</if>>.">>
Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. For once, she didn't seem to know what to say. You reached over and plucked one of the candies off her desk, unwrapped the little treat, and popped it into your mouth.
<<nm $phYou "You can ask him about it when you see him. Tell him $pMistress says you get all the details. I need a shower.">>
You brushed past her and into your suite. She was just beginning to stammer something when you shut the door behind you and leaned back against it, grinning to yourself.
You felt //amazing//. You felt strong. And his training had only just begun. Still, as tempting as it would be, you couldn't spend all your time with your new pet. You'd have to get back to work for a while, if you wanted to stay where you were.
But soon. @@.choice;[[Very, Very Soon.|Bedroom]]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<set $phFocusCost -= 50>>@@.narrative;You've Collared Mason!
The Tower Responds To Mason's Refocused Will! Focus Cost Reduced By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 5) or ($phMason.post_talk is 5.1)>><<nm $phMason "...$phYou.firstname, you can't be serious. I've told you it might be extreme //and// it might be long lasting, and you're still willing?">>
<<nm $phYou "You //also// told me it would help you. Every time I've gotten a gem out of someone, I've delivered what they needed in return. I'm not about to break that streak now. Besides...">>
You stood up from your chair and circled around to his side of the work bench. You leaned back against it and extended your hand, flat against his chest. You leaned in and lowered your voice to a husky purr.
<<if $phMason.post_talk is 5>><<nm $phYou "We already got to see what you're like with leash in hand, and we both liked it. I want to see that look in your eyes a whole Hell of a lot more.">><</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.1>><<nm $phYou "I already got to see what you were like at my service. When it comes to the long term, I want to see what you're like with the leash in your hand. I think it'll suit you. It'll certainly suit me.">><</if>>
Your seduction routine was normally wasted on Mason, but you saw immediately that that was going to change. The incubus sucked in a deep breath and had to visibly resettle himself. When his head tilted back to look up at you, you saw a hot flash of //need// run across his face. It was unfamiliar and wholly out of place on him -- and that just made you enjoy it more.
<<nm $phMason "...Rules.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm sorry?">>
<<nm $phMason "This might be the last time you get to dictate anything in our relationship. You would be wise to set down any restrictions to my control, while you still can.">>
He met your eyes boldly. Combined with the suddenly authoritative tone in his voice, the look sent a shiver down your spine and made you look away. Your face flushed. This was not going to be a simple playdate. You thought quickly, extending three fingers in front of you, ticking them off one by one.
<<nm $phYou "Three rules. First, secrecy. This is our business, but I still need to be able to run the tower. In front of anyone else, our relationship is the same as it's always been. Second, we're still professionals. When I need a focus, it's because someone else's dream is about to come true. I still choose what's best for them, and what I am to you doesn't mean that //they// serve you.">>
You paused, one finger still outstretched as you waited for any objections. Mason pondered it, his expression going distant. Then his gaze returned to yours.
<<nm $phMason "Acceptable, with one adjustment: $phSamantha.name. I am not going to sneak in and out of your suite like a common thief. <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>If you doubt she can maintain respect for you while you are at my feet, then we have no business doing this.<<else>>If you do not think she can keep her mouth shut, then you will have to find a way to reign her in.<</if>>">>
//That// sent another shiver through you. You knew $phSamantha.name would be accepting enough, but having her see you 'working' was still going to be something. You couldn't argue, though. She'd find out, one way or another. You gave him a slow, accepting nod, which he returned.
<<nm $phMason "Very well. You said there were three rules?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. Third rule: no holding back. Not with me. I don't want your impression of what you //think// a Dominant is. I don't want you play-acting. This whole exercise is to help you remember who you are. I'm a big <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>boy<<else>>girl<</if>>, I can take it. If we're doing this, we're doing it all the way.">>
He studied you for several seconds, silently. His gaze was almost reptilian in its steadiness, and you couldn't read his expression at all. Finally, he smiled at you. It was a thin, but genuine smile, even if there was something new in his eyes.
When he stood, it was sudden. You had a split second to blink at him before one of his hand was on your chest, pushing you down flat against the workbench.
<<nm $phMason "Very well. If that is all for your requirements, I believe that I have some of my own that you should be aware of.">>
@@.choice;
[[Uh oh.|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.2>>You stared up at the four-armed man. You would never really have described him as particularly imposing, but he was tall and lean and you knew from experienced just how strong each of those four arms could be. His hand on your chest was light, with just enough pressure to convey that he expected you to remain in place.
He didn't need the force. It was his eyes that were arresting. He pinned you in place with the weight of his gaze. His demeanor suggested that the idea of needing to get physical was foreign to him...because the concept of being disobeyed was //also// foreign to him.
You caught your breath. You hadn't even done anything with the crystals yet. Was //this// within your lecturing mechanic all this time?
<<nm $phMason "I prefer to keep my rules simple so that they are easy to keep in mind. Rule one...this body is mine, $phYou.firstname. It is loaned to you, at my discretion. As such, when I ask who it belongs to, I expect to be answered correctly. Understood?">>
His hands were suddenly on you, fastening and squeezing. Oh, nowhere particularly sensitive, but rather your lower thigh, your side, your shoulder, and cupping against your cheek. You were surrounded in him without him actually stimulating you at all. Your mouth suddenly felt dry and you had to swallow hard.
<<nm $phYou "I understand.">>
<<nm $phMason "Very good. Rule two: Truth. You are here of your own volition. The idea of wasting time wrangling you to do what we both know you //wish// to do anyway is wearisome. Speak honestly, and I will take your objections into consideration, but I expect only truthful objection. If you waste my time with playfighting, it will not go well for you. Understood?">>
Some Dominants rather enjoyed the games. They enjoyed putting a submissive in their place, even if both participants knew where a scene was going long before it got there. Mason, it would seem, was not one of them. You'd have to be forthright about what you wanted, without hiding behind the facade of him forcing you. You swallowed again. How long had he been thinking about this?
<<nm $phYou "I understand.">>
Mason's answering smile was thin, but his hand on your cheek moved, cupping your chin in a warmer gesture than you would have expected. His hand on your side lifted and reached for the box. Gingerly, he gathered up the gem that had once been his own.
<<nm $phMason "Very good. You are doing quite well. As you had three rules, I believe I will limit myself to the same. Third, then, is 'obedience'. I will not order you to debase yourself in front of your other employees, save for $phSamantha.name. I will maintain our present relationship in all public affairs, and I will ensure you are still able to fulfill the duties required of you.">>
He leaned in close, his eyes boring into yours and his hands tightening across your body.
<<nm $phMason "In all other matters, my word is law. I will have that right, and that responsibility. I will consider your opinions and objections, and then I will make my decision. Is that understood?">>
The entire package. A promise to do whatever he asked whenever he asked. He hadn't bothered giving you examples. You wouldn't know until the words came out of his mouth.
<<nm $phYou "I understand.">>
The tall man inhaled slowly and let it out just as slow. He stared down at you for a long time, then nodded to himself. He brought the hand with the gemstone up to your neck, but the gem itself was turned away. He laid the back of his hand against your necklace, the two gems separated by the meat of his hand. Even so, you could feel a hum in the room as the two energy sources got closer to one another.
<<nm $phMason "Very well. Then do you, $phYou.firstname, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> of Lazren and ruler of the Paradise Tower, accept this contract?">>
Last chance to get off, in other words. The terms were spelled out, yours and his. Was this really what you wanted?
@@.choice;
[[You Wanted It All And More|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.3]]
[[Actually, Time To Get Off|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 9]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 9>>The more you came to realize that this wasn't just going to be some hot, kinky fun, but a possible lifetime responsibility -- an //infernally long// lifetime responsibility -- the less certain you were that it was the right thing to do. Sure, you were... ah, enthusiastic. But you were also brand new to all of this, and Mason wasn't exactly in, uh, the healthiest place in life. Was it really a good idea to chain -- or leash -- yourself to someone, when you were only a month into your new life? To enter into that kind of agreement with someone who obviously had some personal issues to come to grips with, himself?
The sinking feeling in your stomach gave you your answer, and you pulled in a deep breath as you direct your gaze back on the incubus in front of you. And then you shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "... I can't. I'm sorry, Mason, but-- They're good rules, but... they drive home the point that this isn't just a 'fun in the bedroom' thing. I want to help you, but I want to actually //help// you, not make it worse. A month ago I was the world's biggest loser. I might be learning fast, but I'm still barely on my feet.">>
He listened, and as he listened his lips creased into deep frown. By the time you finished speaking, though, it'd settled into a thoughtful, if thin, line. As you fell silent, he gave a small nod.
<<nm $phMason "While I //do// admire the progress you have made, and perhaps envy your success in your personal life... it is a worthwhile reminder that are you, if you'll pardon the expression, still wet behind the ears. I suspect, as entrancing as the gemstone's potential promises to be, that sooner rather than later, we would encounter... difficulties.">>
That was one way to put it. You were grateful for the lingering effects of the crystal, even so. 'Normal' Mason probably wouldn't have been so considerate in his phrasing of your inexperience.
<<nm $phMason "Nonetheless, this is a path I desire to take. That I feel I //must// take. If not with you, then without you. The genie has been freed of its lamp, and I've no desire to re-imprison it.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think you should. I still want to help you, Mason -- if you still want me to. I don't want you to lose that passion I saw. Seeing you smile, seeing you happy... I still want to see that. It will come, but if we do this the right way, it will take time. Rome wasn't built in a day.">>
<<nm $phMason "But it was sacked in one: August 24th in the year 410, to be precise. But I do understand your meaning, $phYou.firstname. What has taken time to damage will take time to repair.">>
Of //course// he knew that. At least he understood the analogy. You licked your lips, still nervous at the possibility of his displeasure.
<<nm $phYou "Exactly. We'll find ways to work on things, but as a first step... I would still like -- I would still be honored -- to hold on to your gem, if you'll let me. Just not being able to turn yourself off might be a bigger adjustment than you realize.">>
<<nm $phMason "I suspect I agree. As tantalizing at the prospect of unbridled passion may be, it has been... a long time. There are other apropos folk-sayings that come to mind: walking before you run, not jumping into the deep end, and so forth. I will-- well, I will have no choice but to face the world unaltered, so to speak, and to experience its joys and frustrations in their entirety. I suspect it will be a humbling experience.">>
You nodded. Hell, you didn't even have a numbing gem, and you certainly found enough frustration and joy in the world as it was. Mason was going to have his eyes (re-)opened in a major way.
<<nm $phYou "At least we're on the same page now. I'm sorry, Mason. I want to -- I //really// want to -- but it's more important for me to make sure this is best in the long term, not just best in the bedroom. I guess... well, we still have to work together. This isn't going to be awkward, is it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course not, $phYou.firstname. Please have no fear of any awkwardness on my part. Whatever else I may be, or may become, I am still a professional.">>
You tilted your head, giving him a curious look.
<<nm $phMason "... I will address you 'properly' once our conversation is done. Unless you are so very eager to no longer hear your name from my lips.">>
<<nm $phYou "No! No, no, I-- I like it, obviously. A lot. Just-- well, how about I check in on your once in a while, and if you need any kind of advice, or to vent, or whatever -- feel free to come to me, okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phYou.firstname.">>
You sighed and offered him a rueful smile -- and then actually reached forward to wrap him up in a hug.
<<nm $phYou "We've both got things to think about. Thank you for understanding, Mason.">>
To your surprise, you felt all four of his arms wrap around you and squeeze you back.
<<nm $phMason "Thank //you//, $phYou.firstname. You have opened my eyes. It may be a painful adjustment to the light, but I am looking forward to the things I will see.">>
You nodded as you disengaged, and, before you could change your mind and give into temptation, took your leave. As disappointing as it was to give up the opportunity to be on all fours at his feet, you knew you were doing what was best for you both.
@@.choice;
[[Back to the Office!|Office][$phMason.transform to 'post']]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<set $phFocusCost -= 50>>@@.narrative;Friendzoned! But Mason's Enthusiasm Has Been Renewed! Focus Cost Reduced By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.3>><<set $phYou.exclusive to true>><<nm $phYou "I understand, and I accept. I want this.">>
You raised a hand, resting your fingers lightly on his wrist as he cupped your chin.
<<nm $phMason "Thank you, $phYou.firstname. Sincerely. Now...let's begin.">>
He smiled down at you again, and abruptly turned his hand, pressing the gemstone down firmly against the front of your necklace. There was a sudden scent of ozone in the air, something kicked your chest like the hooves of a mule, and everything disappeared into a sudden flash of green.
//Soothing...
...
...
...Beautiful...
...
...
...Comforting...
...
...
@@.choice;[[Green|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 5.4]]@@//
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 5.4>><<Transform $phMason "dom">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Mason/Mobile/MasonDom.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Mason/MasonDom.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phMason "Coming around again, are we?">>
You had no idea how long it had been. The green had held you in its embrace, and you surrendered to it even long after the light had faded. Time simply hadn't mattered. Your thoughts hadn't mattered. Something else was taking all of your attention.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm? Mmm mmmmhmm mmmm!">>
<<nm $phMason "...Try with your mouth empty, $phMason.you. That might help.">>
You leaned back and popped your lips off his shaft, running your tongue along them to gather up the last taste of him. He was well-endowed, that much was certain. Long and thin, with the slight bump of a vein just below the head of his shaft. You forced yourself to look up at meet his eyes.
<<nm $phYou "I said 'I think so'. That was...intense. I'm still kind of reeling.">>
<<nm $phMason "I should expect so. I'm glad that you're aware. I have something for you, pet. Here, lift your chin.">>
He ran one hand lightly across your jawline and you lifted your head obligingly. You realized for the first time that his hands weren't empty. In one hand, he was holding a half-drained glass that you vaguely remembered being asked to pour from a small bottle hidden in a drawer. In the other...
A collar. It was made of a slightly reddish leather in the style of a dog collar and was connected to a long, thin silver chain that was draped loosely across his fingers. Your eyed widened a fraction. That was a //leash//.
<<nm $phYou "Is that...?">>
<<nm $phMason "A gift, from the tower. Either that, or I made it while I was just as insensate as you were. Either way, it will suit you, $phMason.you.">>
He didn't wait. His dexterous hands moved forward, wrapping the leather loosely around your neck. There was a clasp at the back where the two pieces joined in a finely made ratchet, and he fiddled with the fit until he was content. It was slightly warmer against your neck than you were expecting, and as you experimentally tilted your head, it pulled only a little.
<<nm $phYou "But--!">>
<<nm $phMason "Calm yourself. I am well aware of our rules.">>
He rubbed his thumb against the front of the collar, and a sudden burst of additional warmth ran across the length. You looked down, but of course you couldn't see something wrapped around your own neck. You were just looking up at him when he reached over you to the workbench and produced a small, polished metal plate of some kind. It wasn't exactly a hand mirror, but as he held it up, it did the job.
The collar was gone. You still felt it, cooling against your skin, but your neck appeared to be entirely bare save for the chain of your necklace.
<<nm $phMason "There we are. Enough to maintain your dignity, but we both know you're still my $phMason.you, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, sir. But no one else will know.">>
Mason grinned at you, and you blinked, realizing what he had called you...and realizing there had been absolutely no twitch in your mind at the word. Every word that rolled off his tongue was like silk, however it described you, and you agreed with it instinctively.
<<nm $phYou "...$phMason.You?">>
Mason laughed, ruffling your hair and chuckling low in his throat. His eyes were bright and posessive as he toyed one finger against your cheek.
<<nm $phMason "What? Why '$phMason.you'? Two reasons. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Firstly, because it described you well. You are both the slave of my cock and possessing of one for my pleasure. It was not uncommon in certain older eras for men of a certain predilection to have a manservant with them. So you shall be for me.<<else>>It was not always an insult: a millenium ago, in the Proto-European language, its ancestor-word meant someone who was desired or beloved, and some Italic languages still maintain it thus. I call you '$phMason.you' not because I intend to compensate you for your services, but because it entertains me to call you something that so reddens your cheeks but which you and I -- and only you and I -- know has a deeper, more ancient meaning.<</if>><br><br>As for the second reason...">>
He stood, suddenly, nearly sending you onto your back from surprise alone. Then he pointed at the workbench.
<<nm $phMason "Over the top, ass in the air, $phMason.you. Now. And thank me for the privilege.">>
There was only one thing you could do. You moved like lightning, popping to your feet, putting both hands on the countertop and lifting your hips. You stared at him over your shoulder, feeling the collar pull at your neck from the extreme angle. You felt new words bubbling out from deep inside of you, but they felt too right to ignore.
You didn't even want to try.
@@.choice;
[[Fuck Me, Master!|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 6;$phMason.him to 'master';$phMason.Him to 'Master']]
[[Fuck Me, Daddy!|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 6;$phMason.him to 'daddy';$phMason.Him to 'Daddy']]
[[Fuck Me, Sir!|MasonBottomAcceptance][$phMason.post_talk to 6;$phMason.him to 'sir';$phMason.Him to 'Sir']]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.post_talk is 6>><<nm $phMason "...$phMason.Him? Oh, I like that. Let me show you in how many ways.">>
The tall man reached down and seized the back of your collar in one hand, pulling and forcing your back to bend. His other hands were on your hips, deftly unzipping your suit pants and pushing them down your legs.
<<nm $phMason "Let's see how loudly you can scream for $phMason.Him. Starting now.">>
As it turned out: pretty loud.
<hr>
It was considerably later when you wobbled your way back to the office. You were walking more than a little funny, with Mason's cum leaking down your inner thigh. It had been the first time you could think clearly since the crystal had gone off in your face.
Only...you didn't. There was nothing that needed evaluation. You had known what you were getting, and you had gotten every inch of it. Repeatedly. The only thing you felt is satisfaction...and a faint but growing hunger to do it all again.
$phSamantha.name was at her desk, tapping away at her keyboard. She glanced up briefly as you approached, only to do a double take when she realized how you were moving. You were dressed again, but the wrinkled askewness of your suit probably still screamed that you had just been railed.
<<if $phSamantha.form is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "...Tough day, boss? You look like you were just run over.">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Gosh, boss! You look exhausted! Did Miss Lazren stop by for a visit?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Nothing like that. Mason just fucked me straight into the floor, that's all. I'm going to have to get used to it if he's going to make a habit of it. Can I borrow some painkillers? He spanked me red along the way.">>
You reached across her desk to where you knew she kept a small bottle and stole one of the little oval pills. You always enjoyed the way her jaw dropped. You thought her eyes might just bug out of her skull entirely, the way they were popping. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "You can ask Mason about it when you see him. I need to take a shower.">>
You brushed past her before she could get the words together to object, shutting the door to your suite behind you and leaning back against it. Your hands came up on reflex, rubbing against the warm leather of the collar against your skin. It had cooled since it had first changed appearance, but it was still warm enough for you to feel. You wondered if you'd ever stop feeling it, in time -- if it would just fade into the background until someone called attention to it.
You hoped not.
You walked up the stairs toward your bedroom. You needed a shower, a change of clothes, and a few minutes to collect yourself. It had been an...eventful day, but you were going to have to get back to running the tower again. There were still people who needed you to be strong, and to show them the path to their happiness.
At least until $phMason.Him @@.choice;[[Called You Over|Bedroom]]@@
<<set $phSoulCount +=1>><<set $phFocusCost -= 50>>@@.narrative;Mason Collared You!
The Tower Awakens To Mason's Will! Focus Cost Reduced By 50!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if ($phMasonQ1 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ2 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ3 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ9 is not 1)>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>><<if ($phMason.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phMason.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phMason.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phMason "$pMistress! Congratulations!">>
Mason appeared from behind his workbench with a bottle of wine in his hand and a tall, poured glass. You accepted and sipped, then took a surprised look at the drink. That was...not just good. That was excellent!
<<nm $phYou "What is this?">>
<<nm $phMason "In my job, it is necessary to collect objects of certain metaphysical significance. When creating foci, part of the process is utilizing materials that have a similar resonant--">>
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him. What is it?">>
<<nm $phMason "It was one of several bottles hastily purchased by ground crew in the wake of the success of the Apollo 11 moon landings.">>
You blinked. Blinked again. Then looked again at the glass in your hand. When you sipped once more, you were far more delicate about it.
<<nm $phYou "...You think my promotion is that significant?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, $pMistress...I think it might be //more// so. Certainly that event left an indelible mark on a generation. However, if what Miss Lazren says is true, if Desire really is sick, and if that is leading to much of what has become unwound in the human world...this could be a far greater achievement.">>
You studied the crimson liquid for a long time. Finally, you stretched out a hand and lightly scratched the back of Mason's neck, not unlike you would for a pet.
<<nm $phYou "You really think I'm up for it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress. I do.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Truly?">>
<<nm $phMason "With all my heart.">>
You petted him again and smiled to yourself as you sipped once more. You'd hoped for a little more advice than encouragement, but you knew he would have led with that if he had any. Still, whether it was the wine or the sentiment, you couldn't help but feel a growing warmth in your belly.
Sometimes, a little encouragement helped a lot.
<<nm $phMason "How may I serve you, $pMistress?">>
<</if>><<else>>You frowned, leaning back against one of the workbenches and waiting, your expression expectant. It didn't take very long for Mason to notice, and he straightened his spine quickly.
<<nm $phMason "Can I get you something, $pMistress?">>
<<nm $phYou "First, a drink.">>
You kept the command curt. You enjoyed watching him jump a bit when he realized that was all you were going to say. He all but leapt into action, moving over to a small collection of small bottles in a chest up against the far wall.
You weren't sure exactly what he made you, but it was tasty and surprisingly fruity. Cranberry, perhaps, but you couldn't be sure. You sipped thoughtfully, then finally graced the poor man with a smile.
<<nm $phYou "Not bad. Second, a little conversation. Is there anything you need to ask $pMistress?">>
He thought about it. His demeanor was different. He didn't exactly fidget, but his movements were far looser and more frequent than they had been before. He straightened his sleeve cuffs, dusted invisible lint off the front of his shirt, and finally shook his head,
<<nm $phMason "No, $pMistress. I think I have everything I need to know. Is there something //you// would like to talk about?">>
You swirled the drink before taking another sip. Good question.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you doing, Mason? And tell the truth. That's a command.">>
Mason blinked, and then a slow smile spread across his face. It threatened to widen into an actual grin, until your elevated eyebrow //strongly// suggested he should rein in his 'amusement' at your authority.
<<nm $phMason "Sorry, $pMistress. I did not mean-- I was merely gratified by your concern. I am doing so well in so many ways that I am not certain I can describe it properly. When I wake in the morning, I have a purpose. When I lay down at night, my mind is filled with hopes and desires for the next day.">>
<<nm $phYou "And do those desires come to pass?">>
The incubus smiled again and inclined his head, shrugging his shoulders.
<<nm $phMason "More than a few, yes. But even on those days when work crowds into the time we had hoped to take, it is //still// better than waking in the emptiness that was. It always took me some time to sleep, and I did it as little as possible. When there was nothing to distract, even the numbness of the crystal could only do so much. //Now// I have trouble sleeping because there is so much to look forward to. It is quite a difference.">>
You grinned at him in return and extended your hand. Immediately, he leaned down into it and touched his cheek to your palm. You curled your fingers against his jawline.
<<nm $phYou "...And us? No regrets?">>
<<nm $phMason "None, $pMistress. Not even one. I worried, a little, as to what it would be like...but I will serve you forever, if you will let me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Forever is a long time, but...we'll see.">>
Oh, you would see.
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "And how are things at work? Noticed any change?">>
Mason took a quick look around, and one of his hands dropped down to caress a side table. The look on his face was an affection you hadn't seen directed at anyone but you.
<<nm $phMason "Remarkable, $pMistress. I confess, I should have seen it before, but the genus loci is a relatively new addition to Lazren's operational toolbox, and the effects of denying the emotional wavelengths that it utilizes hadn't--">>
You held up a hand and the scientist stopped talking immediately. You rewarded him with an indulgent smile, and raised your eyebrows.
<<nm $phYou "Try again, pet. Slower. Remember, I'm still new to this whole world you have going.">>
He nodded and took a long, slow breath, settling himself. When he spoke again, his tone shifted from engineering ramble to tutoring explanation.
<<nm $phMason "The tower operates via desire, as you already know. It's not mind-reading, //per se//. The tower might be capable of that in time, but it can't interpret what it reads without //your// mind behind it. Still, take what it can pluck and combine it with more traditional physical readings like heartrate and eye-tracking and it will be in the ballpark for most basic needs and wishes.">>
<<nm $phYou "Right. That's how it handles the day-to-day customers and I worry about the tough ones. What does that have to do with you?">>
<<nm $phMason "Very simple, I'm afraid, even though it eluded me all these weeks. By damping down my own emotional resonances, I denied the tower much of that information, both physical and emotional. Without it, it could only anticipate my desires so much. Being returned to the world...well, I find new tools almost every day. Items are where I need them to be, even if I hadn't left them there, and I am receiving a great deal of assistance in my work. This should save us a great deal of energy when it comes to making foci. And one more reason why I should be grateful to you, $pMistress.">>
That made sense. Mason had dulled himself down to the point the tower could no longer 'see' him. Now that it could, it was treating him like any other employee. Idly, you wondered if you should keep this in mind. Someday, it might be useful if you ever had to sneak around without the tower catching wind.
That, however, was an opportunity for another day.
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ9 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ9 to 0>><<nm $phYou "I think that's enough for now. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with too much to remember.">>
Mason drew himself up, a hint of that old condescension creeping into his tone as he tilted his head at you.
<<nm $phMason "Too much to remember? I assure you that I can remember--">>
His voice ended in a squeak as you reached across, tucked your hand between his legs, and squeezed him. Hard. His entire body went stiff, and he gave a long, slow shudder.
<<nm $phYou "After all, you spend so much time enamored of me, it's a wonder you can think about anything else, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Y...Yes, $pMistress! A wonder! Ah! Is there anything else?">>
You grinned, squeezed him again, and finally released him. He slumped back down a little, letting out a breath that eased the tension in his back. He fidgeted from side to side and tried to resettle himself within his pants as you contemplated the question...
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Mason How He's Doing|MasonSubTalk][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Mason About R&D|MasonSubTalk][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<</nobr>>
[[Give Mason Some Commands|MasonSubInstructions]]
[[Enough Talk, Time For Something More 'Fun'|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 2]]
[[Ask About a Focus|MasonFoci]]
[[Back To Work|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'MasonSubTalk']]@@<<if ndef $phMasonCommand>><<if $phMason.commands.length == 0>><<nm $phYou "Hmm. You're a very good boy, pet, but I don't think I give you enough opportunities to prove it. I haven't given you any commands, have I?">>
Mason drew himself up and straightened his back as he folded all four hands in front him. He gave a quick shake of his head.
<<nm $phMason "No. Not yet. I stand ready if there is anything you would ask of me.">>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "I'm thinking of changing things up, pet. Remind me, what are my current commands to you?">>
Mason drew himself up and straightened his back, folding all four hands in front of him. He bowed his head low and recited them from memory.
<<nm $phMason "I obey your commands, $pMistress. I keep things secret from other employees, save for $phSamantha.name. I continue to do the work of designing and creating foci.<<if $phMason.commands.includes('Breakfast')>> I am to wake you each morning in your suite with breakfast prepared and oral sex.<</if>><<if $phMason.commands.includes('Panties')>> I am forbidden from masculine underwear and required to wear feminine lingerie in their place.<</if>><<if $phMason.commands.includes('Masturbate')>> I am to relieve myself sexually each evening, and continue to do so if you call from your suite.<</if>><<if $phMason.commands.includes('Samantha')>> I am to report to $phSamantha.name every few days around lunch time to be used sexually.<</if>> Those are my current commands.">>
You nodded along with the recitation, tapping your chin. <</if>>You mulled over the possibilities, for a while. Mason was at your beck and call, but what exactly did you expect of him?
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'BreakfastSet'>><<set $phMason.commands.push("Breakfast")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "I'd like to see more of you away from prying eyes, and I really should be better about getting the most important meal of the day. I should wake up to breakfast in bed, don't you think?">>
Mason colored, just a little bit. Despite all the work you'd done on him, he was still a bit of a prim and proper man, and the prospect of entering your bedroom every morning clearly had an effect on him.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress. I have learned to cook, in the past. I can learn again. Just breakfast?">>
You waved a hand vaguely and couched your words into a casual tone, even as you leaned in with a glint in your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "That should usually do it, but if find yourself struggling to be so close to me in the mornings, you have my permission to use your mouth to wake me up. I imagine that cumming <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>all over your face<<else>>down your throat<</if>> might be just the kick-start I need to help get me started every so often. If nothing else, it should be memorable.">>
The flush got a lot deeper. Mason didn't trust himself to speak, either to ask for clarification as to how often you wanted his mouth or how he would get the tower to let him in. Good. He was a smart boy. He'd figure it out.
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'BreakfastUnset'>><<set $phMason.commands.delete("Breakfast")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "I think I'm longing for my beauty sleep again. Let's stop with the breakfast in bed. Your mouth is wonderful, but Lazren's influence is strong.">>
Mason wilted, just a little, but nodded his agreement quickly. He cocked his head to one side, a touch of worry running across his features.
<<nm $phMason "I was not...unsatisfactory?">>
You smiled at him and extended a hand to cup his cheek. You saw him relax almost instantly the moment your palm touched his skin.
<<nm $phYou "If you're ever unsatisfactory, $phMason.him, you'll hear about it. Don't worry, but let me snooze for a while. I'll tell you when I'm ready to resume things.">>
He nodded quickly and straightened himself up even further, like a soldier on a parade ground.
<<nm $phMason "Understood, $pMistress. Anything else?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'PantiesSet'>><<set $phMason.commands.push("Panties")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "I think you're in danger of falling back into some of your old ways. You're a little too comfortable here in your lab. You might need something to remind you whom you belong to.">>
Mason sucked in a breath, and you saw that he was preparing to object. The look you gave him brought him up short, however, and he let the breath out just as quickly. You were looking for an excuse, and it would go a lot smoother if he accepted the fiction.
<<nm $phMason "I'm sorry, $pMistress. I haven't meant to backslide into anything. What sort of reminder did you have in mind?">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Do you have lingerie in here somewhere?">>
The incubus blinked. He tossed a guilty look in the direction of one of the wall cabinets and you followed the line of his gaze. Two steps took you over to the wall and you pulled hard at the handle, looking inside.
Dozens of lacey garments of all shapes, sizes, and colors greeted your eyes. You found your grin growing even wider. Mason coughed and his cheeks darkened, noticeably.
<<nm $phMason "Many foci require a certain infusion of sexuality, and garments like these--">>
<<nm $phYou "Hush. Here is your command. I forbid you to wear male underwear at any time for any reason. Everything you wear beneath your suit is going to be made of lace and frills for the immediate future, understand? I want to know your cock is straining against them just about every hour of the day. It will remind you of the way I own you, won't it?">>
The dark color of his cheeks got even darker, and his breath quickened more than a little. He stared into your eyes for a moment, but you didn't break the gaze. After a long second, he looked away.
<<nm $phMason "Understood, $pMistress. I'll change immediately. Is there anything else you would like?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'PantiesUnset'>><<set $phMason.commands.delete("Panties")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "I've been thinking. You're cute in panties, but I'm pretty sure you've been well-reminded of your status by now. What do you think?">>
Mason cocked his head to the side, studying you as if searching for some kind of trap. He licked his lips and spoke carefully.
<<nm $phMason "I would say I am now very aware that I am yours, $pMistress. However you wish me to be. The...reminder has been useful in some regards. It can be very exciting, though the specific garments are not always the most comfortable for daily wear when performing work that requires significant physical activity.">>
You couldn't help but laugh at the long-winded response.
<<nm $phYou "Mason, are you trying to tell me you're getting your panties in a twist?">>
His cheeks colored and he cleared his throat diplomatically.
<<nm $phMason "I wouldn't use //quite// those words, but more or less yes, $pmaam. However, if it is something you desire, I would--">>
<<nm $phYou "I know, I know. It's alright. I release you from that command. You can change back into your boxers, if you wish.">>
The relief was palpable as Mason let out a long breath. You weren't entirely sure if there might have been a note of disappointment in it or not. Even after all this time, you couldn't always read him.
<<nm $phMason "Thank you, $pMistress. Is there anything else you wish?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'MasturbateSet'>><<set $phMason.commands.push("Masturbate")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "Well, I think you've come a long way, but if we're going to rejoin you to your emotions, I think you might need some new...'experiences'.">>
Mason's eyes tracked yours with a hint of suspicion, but he still inclined his head in respect.
<<nm $phMason "What sort of experiences did you have in mind?">>
You grinned at him and stepped close, running your hand down across his shirt and then over his chest. You felt his breath catch; his heart began hammering against your hand almost immediately. You leaned in to whisper against his ear.
<<nm $phYou "The sexual kind, $phMason.him, the ones you've resisted for so long. I want you to get back in touch with them...by which I mean I want you specifically to get in touch with that cock of yours. Every evening. Right here in the office. You stroke and dream and imagine until you cum in this room for $pMistress, understand?">>
He shuddered against you, and you swear you saw the pupils in his eyes dilate, just a little. The green shade seemed particularly in evidence now. You ran your hand down your chest to his belly, letting the silken flow of words continue.
<<nm $phYou "You can lock the door, if you like. Nice private time with you and your thoughts...Well, mostly. $pMistress may call from time to time. I promise I'll be in my suite, where no one can overhear, but you're just going to have to keep rubbing one out as you answer the phone, okay? I'll help guide you through it. Not every day, of course. Only when the whim takes me. But imagining whether I'm going to call while you have your hands working your cock should be a nice bit of fuel for the fire, hmm?">>
Mason didn't say anything for several seconds. He just breathed hard and wiggled his hips slightly from side to side. You had the distinct impression his pants were suddenly feeling a lot tighter. Finally, he spoke, and his voice was just a touch higher pitched.
<<nm $phMason "Y-Yes, $pMistress. I'm to masturbate in this office each evening, and if you call from your suite I should answer without...interrupting my activities.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy.">>
You kissed him lightly on the cheek, patted his stomach, and stepped away. He swallowed hard, adjusting his shirt and <<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>panties<<else>>boxers<</if>> before clearing his throat and trying to recover his balance.
<<nm $phMason "Is there anything else you would like?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'MasturbateUnset'>><<set $phMason.commands.delete("Masturbate")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<nm $phYou "Mmm. Has my little command for your evenings impacted your work at all?">>
Mason hesitated for a long moment. You could all but read him. The impulse, if not need, to be truthful with you against the desire to please you and tell you wanted to hear. Finally, he raised one of his lower hands and waggled it in front of him.
<<nm $phMason "Modestly, $pMistress. I can typically schedule around it, but some days are busier than others. Your commands are sacrosanct, however, so it is some other duty that has to give. If you wished me to continue, I--">>
<<nm $phYou "I know I know. You could and you would. That's alright. I think you're very in touch with your sexual nature these days. Besides, if I wanted to get in touch with that side of you, I can do so in a more...personal manner. You may consider the order rescinded.">>
Mason flushed, darkly. He shifted guiltily in place for a moment, and then risked a peek at your face.
<<nm $phMason "Rescinded...but not forbidden, correct?">>
//That// made you laugh. You shot him an impressed look and spread your hands.
<<nm $phYou "Enjoy your body as you like, just make sure it can always perform for //me//, pet. Otherwise, your time is your own.">>
He let out a long breath in relief and his shoulders sagged, very slightly. He nodded once, straightened up again, and folded his hands together.
<<nm $phMason "Understood. Any other modifications to my commandments you would like to give?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'SamanthaSet'>><<set $phMason.commands.push("Samantha")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<set $phMasonTimer to 2>><<nm $phYou "You know, you've been such a good boy, I would hate to keep you //all// to myself. That would hardly be fair, given how much you've grown.">>
You saw Mason's eyes widen and his body stiffened up. He turned toward you sharply, but controlled himself before he spoke, his tone uncertain.
<<nm $phMason "But...$pMistress...I thought we agreed we should keep things secret while I'm learning. I don't know if I'm ready for things to escalate to the entire tower.">>
You chuckled in a low voice, letting him squirm for a few moments as he watched your smile spread. You pretend to consider his words for a long moment, then snapped your fingers in mock epiphany.
<<nm $phYou "Oh riiggght. That's a shame, I guess the only employee I could give you to would be $phSamantha.name, wouldn't it? Do you think she would enjoy having you at her beck and call?">>
Mason paled a little, but he knew he was caught. Your agreement had specifically excluded $phSamantha.name from the requirement of secrecy, so she was absolutely fair game for fun.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phMason "I am...ah...not certain she would be used to having someone at her call, but I have a feeling it would not take her long to grasp the concept. It may be more difficult to make sure she still gets her work done.">><<else>><<nm $phMason "I suspect she is quite used to collecting service. It may be a more difficult trick to convince her to release me back at the end.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Ah, very true. Tell you what, we'll limit it just a bit. Why don't you drop in on her every few days around lunch time? Heck, I may even drop by the office to see if you two are getting along. How does that sound?">>
Mason was a wise man. He knew when he was defeated. He let out a long breath and nodded his head.
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $pMistress. Is there anything else?">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'SamanthaUnset'>><<set $phMason.commands.delete("Samantha")>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<unset $phMasonTimer>><<nm $phYou "You know, sharing you is an awful lot of fun, but I think $phSamantha.name has gotten her fair share. You're welcome to drop by the office when you want, but you don't have to show up for lunch anymore.">>
Mason hesitated. You could see relief warring with something that looked an awful lot like disappointment across his face. He ran his tongue across his lips.
<<nm $phMason "I confess, it's not always easy to find the time in the day, but things were not...unpleasant. You're certain?">>
You chuckled and extended your hand for his cheek, letting it warm the skin for a moment before you looked him in the eyes. Your smile was fond.
<<nm $phYou "Indulge me. Sometimes I want you all to myself for a little while. I'll let you know when it's time to share again...though I may let you know by knocking on your door with $phSamantha.name right beside me.">>
His cheek heated against your fingers, and the tall man coughed and resettled himself awkwardly. He nodded, once, and drew himself up straight again.
<<nm $phMason "Understood. Anything else today?">>
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Breakfast")>>[[Stop Breakfast In Bed|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'BreakfastUnset']]<<else>>[[Wake Me Up With Breakfast...Or Oral Sex|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'BreakfastSet']]<</if>>
<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>[[You Can Wear Male Underwear Again|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'PantiesUnset']]<<else>>[[I Want You In Panties From Now On|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'PantiesSet']]<</if>>
<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Masturbate")>>[[You Don't Have To Masturbate Every Day|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'MasturbateUnset']]<<else>>[[I Want You To Masturbate To Me Every Evening|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'MasturbateSet']]<</if>>
<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Samantha")>>[[You Can Steer Clear Of My Secretary For A While|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'SamanthaUnset']]<<else>>[[Serve My Secretary Too|MasonSubInstructions][$phMasonCommand to 'SamanthaSet']]<</if>>
[[You Have Your Orders|MasonSubTalk][$phMasonQ9 to 1]]@@<<if $phMason.sex is 1>>You stretched languidly, rolling your hips against the bed and patting your stomach. You were now full of delicious food, and feeling much more awake because of it. Your eyes tracked Mason's movements as he cleaned up the tray and crockery. You felt a smile tugging at your lips.
It //was// a wonderful way to wake up, but it wasn't enough this morning.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him. Come here.">>
Mason blinked and turned back toward you with his brow knit in confusion. For a moment, you saw him scanning the bed and the table beside it, trying to determine if he'd forgotten some knife or fork. Then he took in your expression, and he knew he hadn't. His lower lip caught briefly between his teeth, and he took several long steps back toward you.
You waited until he got into range, then gently extended a hand and took the tray from him. It made a solid clink as you settled it on the table beside your bed. Then you reached up with your other hand to work your fingers into the fabric of Mason's shirt and pulled him down close to you.
<<nm $phYou "...I think I need a little more.">>
Mason swallowed, but you saw the sudden flush of color spread over his cheeks as you ran your finger up and down the seam of his black top. You rested on your other elbow and gave him another tug forward, until he had to extend one of his many hands to balance himself against the mattress.
<<nm $phMason "I am at your service, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, I know you are, and I can't tell you how much that pleases me.">>
You could, however, @@.choice;[[Show Him!|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 1.1>><<nm $phMason "M-$pMistress!">>
Mason sounded just a touch uncertain. That probably had a lot to do with the fact you'd just handcuffed him to the bedpost. Twice.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry, pet. You just relax. You already served me this morning, so $pMistress is going to take good care of you.">>
With all four arms bound, you couldn't do much more than open the front of his jumpsuit top, but that did let you run your hands across his chest from behind. You could feel his heart beat against your palm as you pressed flat against the skin, resting your chin on his shoulder. Your hips shifted, pressing <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your massive silicone cock<<else>>your cock<</if>> against the small of his back.
You know, actually, maybe //that// was what was making him uncertain. Huh. You slipped your hand down between his legs and into his pants, gripping at his cock tightly.<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>> His silken panties stroked wonderfully against the back of your hand. You had to imagine the fabric was driving him nuts through most of the day.<</if>> You felt him stiffen back against you and his cuffs rattled again on the bedpost.
<<nm $phMason "$pMistress, are you sure? I-.">>
<<nm $phYou "Who does this cock belong to, $phMason.him?">>
You squeezed him again, firmly, and bobbed your hand up and down a few times<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>, enjoying the feeling of his silken lingerie on your fingers<</if>>. The incubus gasped and arched his back, his head tilted up toward the ceiling. His voice came out in a shaky whisper.
<<nm $phMason "Y-You do, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "I do. And who owns your pretty ass, hmm?">>
<<nm $phMason "You do.">>
<<nm $phYou "I do, good boy.">>
You worked your hand until the button of his pants popped open, then worked them down. The moment you let go of his, his cock popped into full view. He was erect, breathing hard, and his eyes were shut tight. Oh yes, he wanted this. You swept a finger from the base of his shaft to the top, gathering up a little hint of precum on the tip of your finger. You carried it upward, pressing it between the man's lips and chuckling into his ear.
Your other hand was working too. A couple of squirts from a small bottle near the bed and you were able to stroke lube all across <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>the thick dildo<<else>>your cock<</if>>. You could feel Mason shuddering at each wet sound of your hand against the stiff <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>toy<<else>>shaft<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "And if I want to //fuck// the ass that I own, $phMason.him? Can I do that?">>
<<nm $phMason "Y-Yes $pMistress! Yes please!">>
Such a good boy. You gathered his earlobe between your teeth, nipping playfully, lined yourself up...@@.choice;[[And Thrust In Hard!|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 1.2>>Thump Thump Thump.
Mason squealed, your little boy toy bouncing up and down on the shaft driving into him. Part of you wanted to get a recording of that sound to play back for him later, but a much larger part of you was far more concerned with exactly how wonderfully his ass was <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pushing your strap-on back into your sex<<else>>squeezing around your cock<</if>>. Teasing could wait.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good boy. Are you enjoying $pMistress's cock, hmm? Do you want it harder?">>
Mason tried to respond. What emerged was less of a word and more of a high-pitched gasp. You laughed and decided to interpret that as a yes. You began to roll your hips harder, leaning over Mason until your chest brushed against his back. In that position, it was easy for you to work into him even more quickly.
<<nm $phYou "Is this what you had in mind when you agreed to kneel down? Were you hoping I would take you like this, over and over again? Were you dreaming of me owning you, body and soul, for as long as I cared to? Did you get hard thinking of me stretching you wide?">>
Mason swallowed hard. You could see him trying to work his way up into speech, but it was a losing battle. Every couple of second, another paroxysm of pleasure would cross his face and anything he attempted to say would slide into another moan or cry or scream. You reached around him, spreading your hand across his neck, your fingers stroking across the collar there.
Your other hand was stroking too, but in that case, it was sliding around his hips and spreading across his bounce cock. Every time you thrust forward, it shifted him enough to push your fingers down the base of his shaft. Likewise, every time you pulled back, his hips followed yours and dragged your grip up to the head. With every impact of your hips against him, you were fucking him in two ways at once.
<<nm $phYou "Are you a good boy, $phMason.him? Going to cum for $pMistress? Going to blow your load all over $pher bed because it just feels too good to resist? Going to worship <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>her toy<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>her cock<</if>><<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>his cock<</if>> like it's the nectar of the gods?">>
He wanted panting now. His chest was heaving, his face was flushed, and you were quite certain his wasn't seeing anything in front of him. His entire being seemed to be focused on pushing back against you. You laughed, and began to jack him off even more quickly as he quivered in your hand. You felt your own pleasure rising with every motion, but you kept your voice steady.
<<nm $phYou "Can you feel it, $phMason.him? It's getting hard to hold back. $pMistress is fucking you deep and long. You can't hold back. You've got to cum, soon. You've got to-.">>
Whatever else he had to do, he never got to hear. Mason cried out, his head tossed back, all four of his hands gripping at the bedpost as his hips jerked suddenly forward. His cock jumped in your hand and began to deposit strings of pearl seed across your sheets.
You grinned with satisfaction, and picking up the pace, fucking him //frantically// while he came. It didn't take long. Without a few seconds you could feel yourself cresting, and your gripped onto him hard as the orgasm ripped through you, dragging him back against your front. You held him tight, only allowing him to twitch and shake gently in your grip as the pleasure rolled through you both.
When it was done, you lay there for a few second, catching your breath and enjoying his glassy-eyed look. When you pulled your hips back far enough to leave him, the incubus let out a whimper of mixed relief and disappointment. You kissed the back of his neck.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Now...wash the sheets before I get back, okay?">>
You chuckled and hopped to the side of the bed, plucked the handcuff key off the nightstand, and tossed it to him. The chain rattled as he scrambled with it, but you turned away before making sure he caught it.
//Now// you were ready to @@.choice;[[Start Your Day!|Bedroom]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2>><<nm $phYou "You know, it is always wonderful to see you, $phMason.him, but I think I'm in the mood for something a little more...substantial today.">>
Mason watched you curiously as you turned and walked to the office door. When you turned the deadbolt firmly and it sounded against the doorjam, you saw color rise to his cheeks. He looked away from you, and his voice abruptly had a quiver in it.
<<nm $phMason "A-Anything you wish, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good $phMason.him. That's the right answer.">>
You walked back over to him slowly, giving him time to watch and sweat your approach. As you neared, you extended a hand and ran it from his shoulder down across his chest. You didn't give him any warning before you gripped onto his shirt and pulled him hard into a savage kiss.
Mason returned the motion eagerly, if awkwardly. All four hands spread out to your sides, as if afraid to touch you without explicit permission. His mouth opened, and you obligingly teased your tongue across his lips. You stood to your full height, forcing him to tilt his head back slightly as you pulled him in. Only when you were starting to run out of breath did you finally let the kiss break. Then you shifted up to his ear, whispering in a low voice.
<<nm $phYou "Get down on your knees, $phMason.him.">>
The tall incubus sucked in a deep breath but nodded his head. His knees struck the thin carpet with a pair of muffled thumps, and he looked up at you with wide eyes, waiting for your next commandment. You traced his jawline with a finger, pushing his hair back with his other hand.
<<nm $phYou "Such a good boy. You want to please $pMistress, don't you? You know I'm going to use you, and you don't care. You're just a toy for me to get off with, aren't you?">>
Every fresh volley seemed to send a new shudder through his body. The way your hands stroked his face was warm and loving, even <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>paternal<<else>>maternal<</if>>, but your words were savage. The mixture seemed to keep him off balance, but you could tell by the way his cheeks reddened that it was not unwelcome.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes //what//, $phMason.him?">>
<<nm $phMason "...I am a toy for you. I am a device to help you get off. I want to please you, and I don't care how I'm used to do it.">>
<<nm $phYou "//Very// good boy.">>
You raised your leg, put your shoe on the center of Mason's chest, and pushed. He went over backward and barely caught himself on his lower hands. Even so, you heard the faint thump of his head hitting the carpet. You stepped over him quickly, your feet coming to rest on either side of his head. You saw confusion in his eyes as he looked up at you.
Confusion that rapidly vanished as your hands @@.choice;[[Unbuttoned Your Pants!|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2.1>>You let your pants drop, not even bothering to kick them to the side. You just let the fabric fall and puddle loosely across Mason's neck, before you knelt and straddled his head. Your hands went immediately into his hair, seizing a handful and tugging him up to meet your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Are you going to be my good <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy licker<<else>>cock sucker<</if>>, $phMason.him? Hmm?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress! Please...Please use me!">>
He was nearly begging for it. His face was flushed pink and his eyes were shining with adoration. You studied him for a few seconds, just drinking in the expression. He meant every word of it. He was at your beck and call, to be used as you saw fit.
And you knew exactly how you planned to use him.
You pulled on his hair suddenly, driving his face up between your legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You spread your knees and drove your hips forward, jamming your pussy against his lips. Almost immediately his tongue extended and teased at your sex, but you pulled back almost immediately. You weren't in the mood for teasing. You weren't in the mood for gentle. You //thrust// hard against his face, working your hips from side to side.<<else>>You guided the tip of your cock between his lip, and he immediately extended his tongue to tease along the underside. You shook your head quickly and got a firmer grip on his head. You weren't in the mood for teasing. You weren't in the mood for gentle. You thrust forward and filled his throat with your cock in a single motion.<</if>> You were going to use him to get off, no more and no less.
Mason made a muffled sound against you. It might have been words, but you weren't going to let him speak. Your moan echoed off the walls as you rocked your hips quick and hard. Every motion <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pressed your sex up against his face in a new way. A little more or less of his chin, lips, or cheeks. Every time you thrust, it was a new sensation.<<else>>drove your cock a little deeper down his throat. He relaxed, tilting his head as best he could, as if performing as a sword swallower. In a sense, he was.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Fuck but you're good at this, $phMason.him. We should have done t his long ago. If I'd have known I could be down here riding you every day of the week and you'd be begging me for more, I would have done it sooner!">>
You reached back with one hand and grabbed at his cock. No surprise, it was straining against his pants<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>> and the silken panties within<</if>>, just begging for release. You didn't bother unzipping his pants, you just grabbed hold and began to jack him off straight through the fabric.
Soon he was twisting and moaning underneath you, even as you drove against him harder. You wanted to tease him even more, but he really //was// good at this. It was all you could do to hold back to tease him just a little more.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe I'll make this your job. You'd like that, wouldn't you? You could follow me around, watch me work, watch me talk to people, watch me fuck the new employees. You could make sure I always had any details I wanted nearby...and the moment I snapped my fingers, you'd be on your knees, wouldn't you? Head tilted up, ready for me?">>
You jammed your hips against him and felt his body shudder beneath you. A great wave seemed to pass over him, and his cock jumped in your hand. You watched a dark spot spread across the tip of his bulge, and you couldn't help but grin.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Time for your reward.">>
@@.choice;[[Then You Gave It To Him|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2.2>><<set $phTime += 1>>Mason leaned over the sink, splashing a bit more warm water onto his face. He groped for the towel and you smirked, pushing it closer to his seeking hand even as you rebuttoned your pants. He made a grateful sound and patted his face down with the small square.
<<nm $phYou "Next time, you may want to shut your eyes, $phMason.him. We'll work on it.">>
The incubus snorted, lowering the towel and checking the mirror briefly. He looked more or less put together, and you doubted anyone would suspect what he had been doing in his off time.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress. I will work on it. And...thank you, for...ah...">>
You grinned at the man, stepping close and hip checking him firmly enough that he had to catch himself on the edge of the sink. You turned to the small bathroom's door, waving one hand absently behind you.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty sure I already got my thanks but...you're welcome, $phMason.him. I'll give you some time to clean up. I suppose we'd better both get back to work.">>
You opened the door but paused before going out. You looked back over your shoulder and flashed your best wolfish grin.
<<nm $phYou "Don't worry. I'll make sure you have the practice you need. Soon.">>
You winked, walked out, and left him to @@.choice;[[Think About That For A While!|Research and Development]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 5>><<set $phMason.recharge to 1>><<set _random to random(1,3)>><<if _random is 1>>It took only a single ring.
<<nm $phMason "Hello M-$pMistress?">>
Mason's voice was shaky. You could hear a steady, rhythmic thumping in the background, and almost immediately you felt a smile cross your face. You lowered your voice to a purr.
<<nm $phYou "Good evening, $phMason.him. Are you being a good boy? Is that your hand on your cock I hear?">>
There was a pause over the line, but the thumping only increased in tempo. Every few seconds a little, pleasured gasp would escape him. You listened with amusement, running a hand lightly over your own belly.
<<nm $phMason "Y-Yes, $pMistress! As you...ah...commanded!">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Are you thinking of me, hmm? Imagining it was my hand stroking you up and down? You know it sort of is, don't you? After all, you belong to me. When I order you to jack yourself off<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>> right into your pretty panties<</if>>, it's just the same as if I were making you cum myself.">>
The thumping grew even more rapid. Mason's voice became more of a moan than speech, the words barely discernable through the pleasure.
<<nm $phMason "Oh $pMistress! Oh $pMistress, yes! Yes! Ahhhh!">>
The phone suddenly gave a series of muffled, scrambled sounds. Mason actually cursed, briefly, in the distance, and you had to stifle a laugh. Poor boy had dropped the phone at the moment of truth.
When he finally came back on, he was breathless, and the thumping in the background had gone still.
<<nm $phMason "I...ah...have obeyed, $pMistress.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Clean yourself up, I'll talk to you soon.">>
You hung up before he had a chance to answer, returning the phone to your suit pocket. It was nice to see your lessons were helping.
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<nm $phMason "$pMistress! I...Hello!">>
Mason's voice came over the line a little too quickly. He was startled, but he wasn't out of breath or fighting off pleasure. You cocked your head to the side, even though he couldn't see it.
<<nm $phYou "Are you being a good boy?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes $pMistress. Or...I am trying to be. I am in the workshop and ready, but...">>
<<nm $phYou "But...?">>
<<nm $phMason "I am having difficulty putting myself in the right frame of mind, and that is...making things physically problematic.">>
You chuckled to yourself. So he //was// trying to do what you asked, but he wasn't in the mindset to perform. You were pretty sure you could solve that. You sucked in a deep breath, and let your voice drop to a lower register.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him...Imagine if you will, that Lazren is throwing a party. There's a long row of seats, each one with a son or daughter of hers in it. All these gorgeous incubi and succubi, and each of them with a beautiful servant chained to their chair...the same way that you're chained to mine.<br><br>It's a big, long heavy chain. No subtlety at all. You can feel it pulling at your neck every time you move. You're being shown off, of course. <<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>You've been all dolled up for me. Makeup, eyeliner, the works. Of course, your cock is stretching out a set of pretty pink panties to the breaking point.<<else>>You're shirtless, and you know you're being admired. That cock of yours is straining against your boxers.<</if>> That and the collar the only thing I gave you permission to wear.<br><br>Lazren is making a speech at the head of the table, but my attention is waning. I start by toying with the chain, but that only gets my attention for so long. Instead, I slip my foot out of my shoes and press it between your legs. I'm not even looking at you as I work you up and down with my heel. There's no table to hide behind. Everyone can look right at you and know that you're being pleasured by your $pMistress.">>
Silence. Pure and utter silence on the other end of the line. Then a sudden gasp that suggested renewed...enthusiasm.
<<nm $phYou "I trust you can take the fantasy from there?">>
<<nm $phMason "Y-Yes, $pMistress! Thank you! I...believe I can!">>
You laughed, and hung up the phone. All he had needed was a good push.
<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<nm $phYou "Good evening, $phMason.him. Are you being a good boy?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmm!">>
You frowned. Mason's answer was...significantly less verbose than usual. It was muffled and unintelligible, even if the desperation in it still came across quite well. Why..? Oh, yes.
<<nm $phYou "Did the ball gag I ordered for you arrive?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmmhmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "And you thought you would try it out to see how it felt as you got yourself off?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmmmmn! Mmmnnmmm mmmnn!">>
<<nm $phYou "And you want $pMistress to hear you cum while you're gagged, since $pshe seemed to like hearing it so much?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmmmm! Mmmmmm mmmmmmm mmmmmm! Mmmhhmmm mmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "And you're cumming right now?">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!">>
There was a thump over the receiver. It sounded an awful lot like Mason falling against the wall and sliding bonelessly down to the floor. You chuckled, quietly.
<<nm $phYou "Good talking with you, $phMason.him.">>
<</if>>
@@.choice;[[Such A Good Boy|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 60>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Mmm! Oh God, you are like...super good at pussy licking! You should totally have told me this earlier!">>
You didn't bother hiding your smirk as you carefully and silently cracked the supply closet door to peek in. Sammy was up on the counter, her thighs wrapped around the side of Mason's head. Her fingers were laced through his hair and she was holding him tightly to her body.
<<nm $phMason "Mmmmmmm?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Silly! You can't talk with you're down there! I forget that all the time! When I'm busy <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>licking the boss's pretty cunny<<else>>sucking the boss's yummy cock<</if>> they can never understand what I'm saying!">>
You grinned and opened the door wide, strutting into the surprisingly roomy space. Both of your employees looked up, although with very different reactions. Mason, his cheeks and lip wet, saw who it was and immediately went scarlet, ducking his head. Sammy, though, lit up like a child opening a Christmas present. She let out a resounding squeal of delight that threatened to split eardrums.
<<nm $phSamantha "$phSamantha.Address! Hi Hi! Look! Mason is being so //nice// to me!">>
<<nm $phYou "I can see that. You've been a very good girl, Sammy, I thought you deserved a treat, and our wayward scientist could use spending a little more time on his knees. Did you know he hadn't licked out a girl in //years//?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "//Years//? That's like...were there too many yummy cocks to suck instead? It's often a lot easier to get guys to take me into the back!">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think he was sucking many cocks either, love.">>
Sammy's gasp was positively scandalized. Her jaw dropped, her eyes bulged, and she looked down between her legs in stunned disbelief. Mason reddened further, ducking his head, clearly realizing the weight of his sins.
<<nm $phMason "I...well...you see, there were-.">>
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him...I don't think either of us gave you permission to stop, did we?">>
You smiled indulgently as you stepped close to the couple, your expression warm and adoring. You kept that expression exactly the same as you reached down, grabbed him by the back of the head, and @@.choice;[[Pushed Him Back Into Place!|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 61]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phMason "Ahhh! Miss Samantha!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That's a good boy. Just try to relax. I'm all lubed up nice and slick for you. I'm not going to rush. I know you can take it like a nice eager slut, can't you?">>
You smiled, listening briefly at the door before you carefully slid it open a crack and peeked inside. Samantha had not wasted any time. She had poor Mason folded over the counter. The incubus's pants were around his ankles, his ass was in the air, and his lower lip was caught between his teeth.
Samantha stood right behind him, rocking her hips against his with her skirt pulled up to her belly. She had one hand lightly holding the front of his neck, and the other was petting down his side. She was whispering into his ear, but the stage whisper was easily enough to pick up.
<<nm $phSamantha "That's a very good boy. I'm so glad that the boss sent you down to take care of me. Can you feel how hard you're making me? You wonderful little toy. If you'd told me what you needed before, I would have filled you up so round with my cum you'd have to find a different uniform...">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. I //thought// you'd enjoy yourself.">>
You announced yourself as you stepped through the door and shut it hard behind you. Both of your employees looked up in surprise. Samantha recovered first, though, and even as Mason opened his mouth to say something, she thrust her hips forward with a wet sound. Whatever the incubus was going to say was lost in a sudden incoherent moan at the ceiling.
The secretary's expression twitched a bit with pleasure, but she kept it out of her voice as she grinned over his shoulder at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Wonderful timing as always, boss. I knew he could take me if he just stopped thinking about it for a moment. How's that feel, boy toy?">>
<<nm $phMason "Nnnnn...">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I thought so. Dropping in to see how he's doing, boss?">>
She pulled him up suddenly, turning him to face you and pulling back on his arms so that his body was forced to bow slightly. You took advantage of the position to run your hand across his chest.
<<nm $phYou "Very good! You're taking //all// of Miss Samantha's nice cock, hmm? That's not easy to do. Now is the fun part...Oh, except one thing.">>
You leaned forward and tilted your head to his ear. You and Samantha were so close you might have kissed over his shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "You can't cum until //she// does, $phMason.him. Those are the rules. Not even if I do //this//.">>
Then you reached down, seized his cock, and began to pump. Hard.
@@.choice;[[Nothing Like A Challenge To Bring Out His Best!|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 65]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 61>><<nm $phSamantha "Ooooh! $phSamantha.address! He's //so// deep!">>
You laughed outright. He //was// going deep...mostly because you had a hand pressed to the back of his head and was forcing him between the bimbo's legs. You crouched down, pressing your chest against his back.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. You know you were made for this. Service. Feel it in your body. Every twitch and quake through her body is because of you. Every time she squeaks or moans, it's because of you. That's your lifeblood, isn't it?">>
You felt Mason shudder underneath you...and judging by the way Sammy's eyes shot open and her hips suddenly jerked forward, he had redoubled his efforts. You rewarded him by reaching around him and getting a firm grip on his manhood through his pants. Unsurprisingly, he was achingly hard beneath your palm.
<<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>><<nm $phYou "Yes, I can tell you know it. Your cock is just about to burst your little pink panties...Oh, did I tell you, Sammy? I decided my $phMason.him here would look just wonderful is something a lot more lacey and sheer than he was used to.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That's so hot! I want to see! I want to see his panties!">>
You laughed again and shifted your hand, unzipping him without giving him any time to protest. He didn't disappoint. Today's underwear was lacey, almost see-through, and it was entirely pink. Sammy's eyes saucered as she looked down, finally catching a glimpse around Mason's body.
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Yes, I can tell you know it. Your cock is so hard, $phMason.him. Serving my beautiful bimbo secretary is about to make you explode, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I wanna see! I wanna see his cock! I wanna see how hard he is from making me squirmy!">>
You laughed again and shifted your hand, unzipping him without giving him any time to protest. He didn't disappoint. His cock slipped out of the flap of his boxers into your hand, filling it more than adequately. Sammy's squirmed back and forth to try and see around Mason's body, and then her eyes saucered.
<</if>><<nm $phSamantha "That's //soooooo// fucking hot! I...oh gosh, I'm gonna...I'm gonna cum!">>
She squealed abruptly and pulled Mason hard against her once more, her voice rising in a scream of bliss. You responded quickly, wrapping your hand firmly around Mason's shaft and pumping it hard. It didn't take much. He was so turned out that a half dozen motions sent a muffled moan up from between Sammy's thighs, and he <<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>shot his load directly onto the pink fabric<<else>>shot his load onto the carpeted floor beneath you.<</if>>
When they were both spent, gasping and groaning against one another, you chuckled and took a step back to admire your handiwork. Sammy chest was bouncing with every rise and fall, and Mason's face was glistening in several places from her excitement. You nodded your head in satisfaction.
<<nm $phYou "I'm glad you two are getting along so well. Don't forget to clean up on your way out, okay?">>
You winked and turned your way toward the door. Mason started to stand open, but Sammy caught him before he was all the way. She giggled in his ear, her eyes bright.
<<nm $phSamantha "She, like, said we should clean up before we left. She didn't say we had to leave //now//. Let's see what else that cock can do!">>
You sniggered and shook your head, closing the supply closet door behind you. One thing was for sure. Sammy was definitely @@.choice;[[Enjoying The New Arrangement!|Office]]@@
<<set $phMasonTimer to 3>><<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 65>><<nm $phSamantha "You are so //tight// you sweet little thing.">>
Samantha was moaning openly as she railed Mason from behind. Her hands were on his hips, drawing him back toward her firmly enough that her hips slapped against his ass every time she drove inside of him.
Meanwhile, you'd gone down onto your knees and gotten a firm grip on Mason's manhood. You barely even had to pump him. Every time Samantha pulled him back or thrust him forward, it stroked his cock through the ring of your hand. <<if $phMason.commands.includes("Panties")>>You plucked at the fabric pooled around his ankles with one hand, smiling up.
<<nm $phYou "I'm a little disappointed that I missed you seeing him in proper underwear. Isn't he cute when he's straining against the silk?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. Very. Have you ever considered putting him in a full skirt? That way I could just flip it up when I wanted to have some fun.">>
<<else>>You ran your free hand lightly up Mason's thigh, smirking upward.
<<nm $phYou "I trust you approve of the adjustments to our chief scientist?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh yes, very very much. Is there any chance you could send him home with me once in a while? I could get awfully addicted to this.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Hey now. He's just on loan, you know.">>
Samantha laughed and press Mason down with one hand. He was all but bent over the top of you, and you heard their mixed moans increased as the slapping sound of impact redoubled itself. You ran your tongue across your lips and met Mason's eyes from below.
<<nm $phYou "You're twitching, $phMason.him. Trying hard not to cum before she does? You know I'll have to punish you if you do. Right here in front of her. I'm not even sure what I'm going to do...but I'll think of something.">>
Precum was leaking around your hand and making your palm slick as you jerked him up and down. You could feel the quivering //need// running through him. Behind him, Samantha had stopped talking, clearly putting all her effort into driving into him as quickly as possible.
You stood, slowly, your hand still pumping away at him. You used the other to touch his cheek and draw him in, your lips so close they brushed his as you spoke.
<<nm $phYou "Going to be a good boy, hmm? You only have to hold out a few more seconds. Just a few more tiny seconds. But you was to do good for $pMistress. You want to do good for Miss Samantha, don't you? All you have to do is hold out...a....few...more....">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ahhh!">>
Samantha's voice rose in a sudden loud scream of bliss as she hilted herself deep in your incubus, her head tilted back toward the ceiling. Almost immediately, Mason began to spasm. His cock jumped in your hand and he came, hard, onto the carpet below your feet. The incubus staggered, and nearly fell if your secretary hadn't been impaling him and keeping him upright.
You chuckled and straightened up, releasing him as you went. You raised your hand and dragged the milky white seed across Mason's lips, winking broadly.
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Glad you two are getting along so well. Don't forget to clean up after yourselves before you go back to work.">>
You blew him a kiss and stepped away, turning back toward the door. Mason started to speak, moving as if to step away himself, but Samantha dragged him back in. Her voice was a purr.
<<nm $phSamantha "You didn't think you were done, did you? You avoided your punishment...so now you get your //reward//.">>
You smirked as you shut the door tight behind you, not waiting for Mason's reaction. One thing was for sure. Samantha was certainly @@.choice;[[Enjoying The New Arrangement!|Office]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phMasonTimer to 3>>
<</if>><<if ($phMasonQ1 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ2 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ3 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ9 is not 1)>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>><<if ($phMason.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phMason.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phMason.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! I wanted to--">>
You hadn't even completed your greeting when the tall man turned, seized you by the scruff of the neck, and pulled you forward. You stumbled off-balance as he yanked you a few steps across the hall and then bent you down at a 90 degree angle over the work bench.
THWAP.
His hand came down hard against your backside, then stroked lovingly across the skin. You found yourself wiggling your hips despite your surprise, drinking in the touch.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.You...Well done. Few would get an opportunity like this. I'm very proud of you.">>
<<nm $phYou "P-Proud? But...the spanking--">>
THWAP
You could feel your eyes bulge. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Instantly, you felt yourself growing wet and heated for him, and you figured your panties might be a complete loss.<<else>>Instantly, you felt yourself growing hard and stretching out the front of your pants.<</if>> How could he always do this to you so //fast//?
<<nm $phMason "Hmm? Oh, don't worry. It's not a punishment. Like I said, I'm quite pleased with you. That's why I'm rewarding you with something you like. You //do// like it, don't you?">>
THWAP
Your thighs pressed together and you had to hold back from cumming on the spot. You nodded frantically in place, tilting your head back to look up at him with hope.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him! Thank you, $phMason.Him!">>
<<nm $phMason "You're very welcome.">>
He pulled back on your neck to haul you up again... and then casually turned back to his desk and picked up one of his tools. It left you heated and off-balance all the more.
<<nm $phMason "Sadly, I can offer little more guidance. Be cautious, $phMason.you. I'll be very disappointed if anything happens to my property. Other than that, what did you need?">>
Your mouth opened and closed, silently. He couldn't just...wind you up and //leave// you like this, could he? The slight smile on his face said that he could.
Fuck. You were going to have to spend a //long// time in the shower tonight.
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "I was actually hoping we could talk for a bit.">>
<<nm $phMason "Say my name.">>
The commandment was teasing, the last syllable drawn out for an extra second. Your cheeks colored, and you looked over your shoulder at the door. Of course, you were alone. This was always a private space. You swallowed, hard.
<<nm $phYou "Can we talk, $phMason.Him?">>
Mason smiled and turned toward you more fully, rewarding you with his attention. You felt a thrill run through you and found yourself standing up a little straighter as if presenting yourself to him.
Alright, fuck it. You //were// presenting yourself to him, but you also had questions to ask.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you feeling? Any side effects?">>
Mason smiled and sucked in a deep breath. He let it out lazily, his head tilting up as he mulled over his answer. Finally, he shook his head.
<<nm $phMason "Strong, but strong isn't quite the right word. I feel...centered. Stable. As if all the things I wondered or worried about are no longer a cause for concern. My memories no longer haunt me. I know who I am. I know //what// I am. I am more than up to any task. As for side effects...">>
His eyes tracked to you, and his grin turned just a little sharper. He took a step forward and ran a hand down your side.
<<nm $phMason "Every time I see you, I want to claim you anew. I want to push you up against the nearest wall, bury myself inside of you, and not let you cum until you've begged me for the privilege. I want to //possess// you in a way that I never have before. To mark you in ways I never contemplated.">>
You felt your breath quicken. You swallowed hard and tilted your chin up.
<<nm $phYou "You know, you could--">>
<<nm $phMason "When the time is right.">>
Damn.
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How have things been here in the office? Have you noticed any change?">>
<<nm $phMason "Other than having an attractive submissive who can't keep $pher eyes off my crotch, you mean?">>
You jerked your eyes upward, feeling your cheeks heat. Mason shot you a smug expression, then turned his attention toward the question. He nodded his head, his four hands steepling carefully.
<<nm $phMason "Actually, a significant amount. I thought at first that having ownership of you was merely improving my mood and raising my efficiency, but that is not the case. Oh, it //is// true, $phMason.you, don't worry, but it was not the entire explanation. Now that I am clear-headed, the true answer is obvious.">>
<<nm $phYou "It is?">>
Mason's expression turned to one of embattled patience. He took a breath, blew it out, and nodded as he stepped closer to you.
<<nm $phMason "I forget, sometimes, that you are new to the world you have been caught up in, pet. Think for a moment. You know the tower picks up on desires. It cannot actually read minds, or at least it can't interpret what it reads unless it has you with it, but with a mixture of psychic and physical data it makes reasonably accurate estimates. Accurate enough for day-to-day operations.">>
<<nm $phYou "I get that. That's why it handles most of the humans, and I handle the hard cases.">>
<<nm $phMason "Exactly. However, because I was dampening exactly that part of myself, there was very little for it to read and understand. I may not have been invisible, but it was much less receptive to my needs. Now that I have returned to the world, the tower is almost as eager to please me as you are. Tools appear where I need them most and brand-new treatises drop into my lap almost every day. I can create a new focus for a fraction of what it would have cost us before.">>
That was good news! The tower served Mason, just like you did, and that was bound to have an impact over time. Idly, you wondered if you should file this story away somewhere. Knowing how to move around the tower without being 'seen' struck you as information that might be useful, some day.
But not just yet. You should pull back to the conversation at hand before $phMason.Him got upset with you for wasting his time.
<</if>><<if $phMasonQ9 is 1>><<set $phMasonQ9 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Actually, I was hoping to do a little more than talk, maybe?">>
Mason grinned at you. He came closer, running his hand down from your shoulder and across your chest.<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>> His fingers played with your bicep, tracing the line of muscle around and down to your side.<<else>> He cupped at your breast, squeezing firmly enough that you had to stifle a gasp.<</if>> The tall man leaned down to look you eye to eye.
<<nm $phMason "Hmmm? Oh, do you need $phMason.Him to take you roughly by the back of the neck? To bend you over and make you squirm and beg as $phMason.Him unzips and rubs his cock along your backside? Need to feel the pleasure of finally having all of $phMason.Him's attention to yourself?">>
It was like fire. His touch, his gaze, the words that spilled across your ear... you had heard words like that before, but somehow when he spoke them it was like a ritual that burned to your core.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him. I need you, $phMason.Him...">>
<<nm $phMason "I am sure you do...but you'll need me just as much when I'm ready.">>
He stepped away from you, returning to his workbench. You felt as if you'd taken an extra step at the end of a stairway, your body reeling for a moment before you got your physical and mental feet under you.
<<nm $phYou "...Ah?">>
<<nm $phMason "Let me be clear, my $phMason.you. You serve //me//. Your body is a toy for my pleasure when the mood strikes me. Rest assured, on those occasions, I will call...and //you// will //come//. That is the arrangement.">>
You whimpered softly in the back of your throat. The sound slipped out without conscious thought, and Mason rolled his eyes with exaggerated exasperation.
<<nm $phMason "Oh don't look at me like that. You are <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>; it will not be a //long// wait. When you serve me, you will please me, and when you please me, you will stir me. From time to time, I will give you tasks. Obey, and you will have your reward in the end.">>
You couldn't help yourself. You had the distinct impression he //wanted// you to ask.
<<nm $phYou "And if I fail?">>
Mason's answering smile was far, far too excited at the prospect. His eyes lidded, and he just stared at you for several seconds before he answered.
<<nm $phMason "A bit of constructive admonishment never hurt anyone. I will be sure to make the punishment suitably...memorable for you.">>
Gulp.
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Mason How He's Feeling|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Mason About R&D|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ9 is 0>><br>[[Ask If He'd Like To Use You|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ9 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<br>[[Ask About A Focus|MasonFoci]]<br>
[[No More Questions|Research and Development][$phGoodbye to 'MasonDomTalk']]<</nobr>>@@<<if ($phMason.transform is 'post')>><<set $phMason.post_talk to 12>>R&D was alive again. The low hum of machinery whirred and hummed again; an old dot matrix printer chittered out lines of coded reports; LEDs blinked and flashed like tiny electric fireflies. Even the lights in the ceiling up above seemed to shine just a little bit brighter. You stopped just inside the doorway, gazing around with a mixture of amusement and wonder. It was a subtle change, and a small one, but your new demonic powers -- not to mention the necessity of your new career -- had made you more apt than most at reading between the lines. If the research lab really was connected to Mason in the same way the Tower as a whole was to //you//, then one thing was clear:
Change was afoot.
You allowed yourself a small, satisfied smile as you crossed the space to the door to Mason's office. It was slightly ajar, and this time, in deference to past mistakes, you rapped your knuckles against it before peeking around the edge.
<<nm $phYou "Mason? You home?">>
You saw the answer before you heard it: Mason's black-clad form stooped over a workbench, occasional small sparks launching through the air in front of him like miniature fireworks. They stopped the moment you announced yourself, and the fizz-sizzling sound of welding stopped as he turned the soldering tool off with two of his hands and reached up to raise his goggles with the other two. He turned to face you, and then a small, fond smile curved the corner of his lips.
<<nm $phMason "$phYou.firstname. May I help you with something?">>
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. Mostly just checking on you at the moment.">>
The incubus glanced over his shoulder at ... well, whatever he was working on. You still couldn't see exactly what it was.
<<nm $phMason "Checking on me? While I do appreciate the concern, I assure you that I am fine.">>
<<nm $phYou "Humor me. I know you're a big boy who can take care of himself, but... well, you know. Given 'things' and what we talked about. The lab looks like it's doing pretty good, so I'm guessing you're doing pretty good, too.">>
<<nm $phMason "Indeed. It has been an adjustment, as I expected. Thus far, though, it has erred more on the side of 'energy' than 'ennui'.">>
<<nm $phYou "No regrets?">>
<<nm $phMason "Minor. Occasional wistfulness that I will not feel the intensity that the gemstone malfunction granted so spectacularly.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not //yet//. You've still got a lot of life in front of you; never say never.">>
The engineer quirked a faint smile in your direction.
<<nm $phMason "True. One day at a time, I suppose. ">>
It was a good attitude to have, and you both had a lot of new things to look forward to in your new lives.
He glanced back to his project again, and then lifted an eyebrow as he returned his gaze to you.
<<nm $phMason "That said, I //am// in the middle of something important...">>
Oh. Right.
@@.choice;
[[Ask About A Focus|MasonFoci]]
[[He's Busy; You'll Come Back Later|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 'MasonPostQuick']]@@<</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<set $phMason.commands.push("Sub","Call","Abstinence","Samantha")>><<set $phMasonTimer to 2>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ9 to 0>><<set $phMason.post_talk to 7>>R&D was a whirl of activity. Where before it had been unsettlingly quiet, it was now thrumming with potential. Every computer hummed and clicked as chattered with calculations and reports; a heavy machine thumped a bass beat somewhere in a back closet; and even the lights above seemed to be shining brighter. If the research lab really was connected to Mason like the Tower as a whole was to you, then one thing was clear:
The master had returned.
You moved to the office door, feeling your heart pounding in your chest. You raised your hand but halted before you actually knocked. You could hear the activity all around you. What if he were finally getting to work at full speed? Maybe you should come back later to--
<<nm $phMason "Come.">>
The voice was low and, even through the door, sent a shiver down your spine. You felt your cheek heat at being 'caught', and you swallowed hard. Then you opened the door, stepped into the office, and shut it carefully behind you.
Mason stood over one of the work benches, bent over and carefully examining something. As you drew closer, you realized it was a large glass bottle with a half-constructed toy galleon on the inside. Mason was holding a pair of long, thin implements in his hand and carefully assembling the ship within the bottle.
He looked up as you approached, gingerly sat down the delicate tools, and turned to face you. He was as put together as ever, but there was something different in his demeanor. He had always been as stiff as a board, but now he leaned back freely against the countertop. His four hands were bare, without his normal gloves, and the top button of his coat was popped.
He gestured in front of him with one hand. It took you a few seconds, but you understood. You closed the remaining distance between you, dropped to your knees, and tilted your head to look up at him. He traced his index finger from the edge of your jaw, down across your neck, and over the top of the invisible collar still closed around your throat. The corner of his mouth curled as he waited.
<<nm $phYou "...Hello, $phMason.Him.">>
<<nm $phMason "Good $pgirl. How is my $phMason.you today?">>
He extended a hand to help you up again and you flushed, looking at him questioningly as you rose back to your feet.
<<nm $phYou "Good. Very good, actually. Did I do something...?">>
<<nm $phMason "No, pet. You are just fine. We will want to keep things professional here, for the most part. This is a place of work. I just wanted to be sure you understood, and you do. I am certain you have questions. You may ask.">>
@@.choice;
[[Ask Mason How He's Feeling|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask Mason About R&D|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]
[[Ask About A Focus|MasonFoci]]
[[Ask If He'd Like To Use You|MasonDomTalk][$phMasonQ9 to 1]]
[[No Questions Needed|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 'MasonDomQuick']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phMason.post_talk is 6)>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ9 to 0>>R&D was a whirl of activity. Where before it had been unsettlingly quiet, it was now thrumming with potential. Every computer hummed and clicked as chattered with calculations and reports; a heavy machine thumped a bass beat somewhere in a back closet; and even the lights above seemed to be shining brighter. If the research lab really was connected to Mason like the Tower as a whole was to you, then one thing was clear:
The joy had come back.
You grinned to yourself and let a bit of a strut come into your step as you crossed the space to the door to Mason's office. You breezed through it without even pausing, letting your voice echo off the walls.
<<nm $phYou "And where is my subby slut?!">>
Mason jumped from where he was leaning over a computer chip, having to grab several times for the tiny soldering tool he was using. Only his impressive dexterity and additional hands kept him from either dropping it on his foot or grabbing the wrong end and having a very unpleasant day. He swiftly set it down and turned towards you.
<<nm $phMason "$pMistress! Welcome! I...wasn't sure when you would be coming by.">>
You stepped close to the lanky man and tugged his hips in against you. He stood awkwardly for a moment, but soon shifted his lower hands to your hips and the upper set to your back, embracing you. You leaned in to look him eye to eye.
<<nm $phYou "I can't stay away for very long. There's something about 'complete and total control over a wonderful little pet' that is intoxicating, for some reason.">>
Mason's cheeks flushed in a way that would have been unthinkable just a few days earlier. He squeezed himself against your front... and you could feel him stirring in his pants. Oh, he liked the sound of that. You'd have to keep hitting that note every chance you got.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $phMason.address...or...$pMistress...or...I actually wanted to ask you. How should I address you? When there's no one nearby?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. '$pMistress' does just fine. There's a bit of tradition in it, I think. But that does make me think. You deserve some kind of title, don't you? Something to let you know when it's time to serve me //beyond// just running this place? The word you'll hear when I'm groaning in your ear so wonderfully. Now, let me think...">>
You raised a hand to trace through his hair, watching with delight as nervous anticipation spread across his face. There were a lot of different ways you could go here, but you knew the sort of tone you wanted.
You leaned in over his shoulder, brushed your lips against his ear, and whispered in your best sultry voice...
@@.choice;
[[Your Service Begins Now, Slave|MasonFinal][$phMason.post_talk to 7; $phMason.Him to 'Slave';$phMason.him to 'slave']]
[[I'm Going To Enjoy Playing With You, Toy|MasonFinal][$phMason.post_talk to 7; $phMason.Him to 'Toy';$phMason.him to 'toy']]
[[I'll Take Care Of You, Pet|MasonFinal][$phMason.post_talk to 7; $phMason.Him to 'Pet';$phMason.him to 'pet']]
[[You're Adorable When You Blush, Kitten|MasonFinal][$phMason.post_talk to 7; $phMason.Him to 'Kitten';$phMason.him to 'kitten']]
[[I Know What You Need, Cumslut|MasonFinal][$phMason.post_talk to 7; $phMason.Him to 'Cumslut';$phMason.him to 'cumslut']]@@
<</if>><<if ($phMason.post_talk is 7) and ($phMason.transform is 'sub')>>The incubus shuddered against you as the words rolled over your tongue. His eyes widened, just a fraction, and he swallowed so hard you could hear it.
<<nm $phMason "...$phMason.Him?">>
<<switch $phMason.Him>><<case "Cumslut">><<nm $phYou "Because you should never forget what you are, deep down. You held it back for so long, but the dam is broken. You would serve me for hours for the taste of my cum on your tongue. Isn't that right?">>
<<case "Kitten">><<nm $phYou "Because you're cute and wonderful and utterly harmless. I'll be keeping you safe from the world now. Isn't that right?">>
<<case 'Pet'>><<nm $phYou "Because I get to keep you close to me. You'll get to sleep in my bed and sometimes I'll fetch a leash for your collar and take you on walkies. Isn't that right?">>
<<case 'Slave'>><<nm $phYou "Because you won't be forgetting who owns you. You gave yourself to me, body and soul. Isn't that right?">>
<<case "Toy">><<nm $phYou "Because we are going to have more fun than you can possibly imagine, and I am going to play with you every way a man can be played with. Isn't that right?">>
<</switch>>
Mason shuddered again and his breathing quickened. You saw his eyes flutter, and any semblance of his previous self-assuredness seemed to run out of him with his breath.
<<nm $phMason "Yes, $pMistress. That's exactly right.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good boy. Now, is there anything else we ought to talk about?">>
Mason considered it for a few seconds. You let him think, stepping away from him and leaning back against one of his work benches. You liked to tease him, but if there was anything on his mind you wanted to know about it...even if only to understand better how to push his buttons.
<<nm $phMason "...No, $pMistress, I can't think of anything. I think I know everything that I need to. I stand ready and...well, willing. Is there anything that you would like to talk about? Or is there anything I should be doing to please you?">>
Good question. It wasn't all that easy to think. The energy of the necklace was still within you, and it made you wanted to hold him up against the wall and tease him until he begged for mercy instead.
Or, maybe, that was just because it would be fun!
@@.choice;
[[Ask Mason How He's Doing|MasonSubTalk][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]
[[Ask About R&D|MasonSubTalk][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]
[[Give Mason Some Commands|MasonSubInstructions]]
[[Enough Talk, Time For Something More 'Fun'|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 2]]
[[Ask About a Focus|MasonFoci]]
[[Back To Work|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 'MasonSubQuick']]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nobr>>
<<if ($phLocation is 'Sleep') and ($phMasonCommand is 'Call')>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'CallBroken'>><</if>>
<<if ($phLocation is 'Sleep') and ($phMasonCommand is 'CallObey')>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'Call'>><</if>>
<<if (ndef $phMasonCommand) and ($phMasonTimer lt 1) and ($phTime lt 3)>><<set $phMasonTimer -= 1>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phMasonTimer lt -8>><<nobr>><<if $phMason.commands.length == 0>><<set $phMason.commands = ["Call","Sub","Abstinence","Samantha"]>><</if>>
<<if ndef $phMasonCommand>><<set $phMasonCommand to $phMason.commands.pluck()>><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if (($phMasonCommand is 'Abstinence') or ($phMasonCommand is 'Sub') or ($phMasonCommand is 'Call')) and ($phLocation is not 'Bedroom') and ($phXavierHunt is not 9)>><<set _interrupt to 1>>You were just stepping back outside when your phone buzzed in your pocket. Your spine stiffened and your mouth went dry. The ringtone hummed out the melody for the second movement of Beethoven's //Moonlight Sonata//, a song that only played for one person in your contact list.
Mason.
You held the phone to your ear and turned away from the crowd to give yourself a little privacy.
<<nm $phYou "Hello?">>
<<nm $phMason "My office. Now.">>
The line clicked and went dead. No greeting. No explanation. No exit. He had spoken just long enough to deliver his order. You took a deep breath and changed direction, your previous task all but forgotten.
$phMason.Him had called. You would answer.
@@.choice;
[[Return To Mason's Office|MasonDomTasks]]@@<</if>>
<<if $phMasonCommand is 'Samantha'>><<set $phMasonTimer to 2>><</if>><</if>><<if ($phTime is 3) and ($phLocation is 'Sleep') and (def $phMasonCommand) and ($phMasonTimer is 0) and ($phMasonCommand is not 'Samantha')>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set $phSleepCount to 1>><<set _interrupt to 'DomTaskCompletion'>>You shut the door behind you and let out a long breath. Your work certainly had a vast number of perks, but it was still occasionally draining. You spent a healthy portion of most days on your feet, and you were always searching for new ways to maximize. You wondered if that made you a good or poor servant for Sloth to have.
You pulled at your tie until the fabric loosened enough to pass over your neck, even with Mason's collar still gripping around you there. It felt a little warmer than usual tonight, but you couldn't tell if that was genuine or just exhaustion. You tossed the tie down on an end-table near the door, then slipped out of your coat and hung it up on a peg.
It felt good to be done. You briefly contemplated a drink or a snack before bed, but the siren song was just too strong. You'd fit in a nice hot shower, but that was about all the time you could bring yourself to take. You ascended the stairs, already unbuttoning your shirt from top to bottom as you went.
You were most of the way up when the click of the front door opening sounded behind you. You froze in place, one foot still hovering above the last stair. There were very few people who would dare barge into your suite, even in an emergency. Lazren would not have had to use the door at all, and $phSamantha.name certainly would have knocked.
Which meant...
<<nm $phMason "Hello, pet. I seem to recall setting you a task not too long ago. Shall we see how well you've listened?">>
You turned to find Mason standing at the foot of the steps, looking up at you. His black jumpsuit was as unbuttoned as your own shirt, exposing his chest all the way down to his belt line, and his expression was one of cool self-assuredness. His lower hands were folded behind his back, while his upper ones were tucked casually into the loop of his belt.
It didn't matter whether you had passed your test, you knew one thing for certain. [[You Wouldn't Be Having That Shower Any Time Soon!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 0]]
<</if>><<if ($phLocation is 'Bedroom') and ($phTime gt 0) and ($phMasonCommand is 'Samantha') and ($phMasonTimer is 0)>><<set _interrupt to 'Samantha'>>You stepped into your suite, stretching as you did. Running the Paradise tower had a lot of perks, but it did come with its share of work as well. You had to admit you were strongly tempted by the thought of a short nap before you faced the rest of your day. Then again, once you laid down in the Sloth infused bed, you weren't certain you would be able to get up again before the morning. A short shower and a half hour to yourself browsing around on your phone might be a little less destructive to your productivity.
You never got the chance to find out.
You had just reached the bottom of the stairs when you realized you weren't alone. Your bedroom door was open and standing at the top step, resplendent in his polished and pressed uniform, was Mason. The four-armed incubus had his left hands on the stair railing, with a drink in one of his right.
<<nm $phMason "Welcome home, $phMason.you. Did you miss me? I realized I haven't been giving you very much attention lately. I hope you don't mind, but I decided to bring a friend.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Hi $pMistress! Master Mason told me if I was a good girl he'd let us //both// have fun!">>
You spun around to find Sammy coming out of one of the ground floor rooms, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She caught your elbow on her hand and tugged you excitedly upward. You found your feet moving despite yourself, rising up toward your owner.
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Well, hello there, boss. Sorry for the interruption, but Mason promised to share if I went along with things. That was an offer I just couldn't refuse, could I?">>
You spun around to find Samantha strutting out of one of the ground floor rooms, a dangerous smirk on her face. She took your elbow in hers, as if she were chaperoning you to a dance, and began to tug you up the staircase. You found your feet moving despite yourself, rising up toward you owner.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "M-Mason! S-$phSamantha.name! You--">>
<<nm $phMason "Come now. You were needing to relax, weren't you? I am fairly certain that we can help with that. Considerably.">>
You arrived beside him and he took your other arm in his, the pair all but carrying you through to the bedroom. You weren't even sure your feet were touching the floor as you were swept inside.
Then the door shut and locked behind you, @@.choice;[[Sealing Your Fate!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 50]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phLocation is 'Office') and ($phMason.transform is 'dom') and ($phMasonCommand is 'Samantha') and ($phMasonTimer is 0) and ($phXavierHunt is not 9) and ($phTime gt 0) and ($phTime lt 3)>><<set _interrupt to 'SamanthaOfficeDom'>>Paradise's main office was quiet and out of the way of the daily business, but there was still an electric charge of energy running through the air. It was a circular room with a door on every point of the compass. Across from your room was the elevator down to the rest of the tower and the shopping center. To your left was a door marked as ''Supplies'' and the door to the right was ''Research and Development''.
Oddly, you noticed that $phSamantha.name wasn't at her desk. That was pretty unusual for your secretary. She might have her share of distractions, but she ran a tight ship for you. You wondered if she was grabbing a meal, or maybe just taking a few minutes of the day to relax.
That honestly sounded like a pretty good plan. Maybe this would be a good day to pop into your room and unwind for an hour before heading back to work...
@@.choice;
[[Just For A Few Minutes...|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<set $phLocation to "Mason">>You hurried as best as you could without being obvious about it. The path to R&D was more than familiar to you, but this time you barely noticed the individual steps. You just knew your feet brought you, inevitably, to him.
Mason was standing with his back to you when you entered, but his mood was obvious even so. He was shirtless, and you could see the muscles working beneath his skin as he carefully adjusted some sort of gear mechanism with a screwdriver and wrench. You waited silently as he worked, until he finally set the thing down and turned toward you.
His expression was calm, as always, but there was something almost animalistic in the sweep of his eyes over you. The light played off the smooth muscles of his chest as he took two steps to stand directly before you. Wordlessly, he gestured as his feet. You sank obediently to your knees, resting your hands on your calves and tilting your head to look up at him. You saw a satisfied smile play across his face as he extended his hand and ran a finger over your cheek.
<<nm $phMason "I have decided you need an opportunity to show what a good $phMason.you you are, pet. It pleases me when you obey me... do you want to please me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him.">>
The words slipped effortlessly from your tongue, and you felt your heartbeat pound against the hidden collar around your neck. During much of the day, you could forget about it. You were the boss, the ultimate decision maker, and the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> of the tower. You could almost forget who owned you.
Almost.
Mason chuckled as he tilted your head up before stroking his hand along your cheek. He gave you an appreciative nod and ran his tongue across his lips. <<if $phMasonCommand is 'Abstinence'>><<set $phMasonTimer to 1>>
<<nm $phMason "Mmm. I have a task for you then. I don't mind that you share the wealth of your new body with others, pet, but I enjoy knowing that who, or what, has access to you is my decision. Your body is //mine//, to be doled to whoever I choose... or forbidden from whomever I chose. For the next two days, I am forbidding it.">>
You sucked in a deep breath. You might have been a <<if $phYou.form == 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> of Sloth, not Lust, but sexuality had become a part of your routine. Two //days//?
<<nm $phYou "...$phMason.Him, when I manage each location, sometimes--">>
<<nm $phMason "Then you had better remained focused and avoid distractions then, shouldn't you? I have every faith you can hold yourself back for two whole days. Tell $phMason.Him you understand, pet.">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Sub'>><<set $phMasonTimer to 2>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>><<set $phYou.necklace to 'bottom'>><<BreakAchievement "phNeckAchieve">>He lowered his hand to your necklace, rubbing his thumb lightly over the red gemstone facing.
<<nm $phMason "I don't mind when you strut your stuff for the other employees. They don't know what I know. They don't know the core of you the way that I do. Nonetheless, I would like to show them just a tiny little piece. I'm switching your necklace, pet, and it's going to stay that way for three days. You are not going to have so much as a dominant thought until I permit it again.">>
<<nm $phYou "But...$phMason.Him, won't they notice the change?">>
<<nm $phMason "I certainly hope so. And you'll lick, fuck, beg, bow, scrape, and serve their every whim until I tell you otherwise. You can still do whatever you need to do when you manage the stores, but you'll be keeping this green side out for the immediate future. Tell $phMason.Him you understand, pet.">>
<<else>>He ran his thumb over the green facing of your necklace, a fond smile coming to his lips.
<<nm $phMason "My subby little $phMason.you. Have you been whimpering and waiting to be used? This one should be easy for you then. I'd like to share just a taste of what you are with everyone else. We'll be keeping your gemstone on this facing for three days, pet. You're going to forget that the ruby side even exists that long.">>
<<nm $phYou "I...Yes, $phMason.Him, but when I manage, sometimes I need to--">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, yes, you can play whatever side you need to for the humans. But for employees you'll lick, fuck, beg, bow, scrape, and serve their every whim until I tell you otherwise. That's what you really want anyway, isn't it? Tell $phMason.Him you understand, pet.">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Call'>><<set $phMasonTimer to 2>>
<<nm $phMason "I want to be sure you are in touch with who you are, my sweet little $phMason.you. To that end, I want you to take some time each evening for the next three days. You are to go to your suite, lay on your mattress, and call me from the landline beside your bed.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Call you, $phMason.Him?">>
<<nm $phMason "Yes, call me. Then you're going to get yourself off, and you're going to talk to me the entire time, however long or short a time as that is. I want to hear about the pleasure your owner is giving you, and I want to hear your thanks as you cum all over yourself. Every evening, from your suite, no exceptions. Tell $phMason.Him you understand, pet.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "I understand, $phMason.Him. And if I'm good...?">>
He chuckled, quietly, and leaned down to look you directly in the eyes. You saw the edge of his lips curl upward in an indulgent smile.
<<nm $phMason "Then I will reward you by fucking you long, and deep, and hard in whatever way pleases me to do so, pet. You will have earned it. Of course, should you fail, I'll know. Then, when I visit, it will not be for a reward. I will have to engage some... corrective measures to get you back on track as a proper pet. Understood?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him! I understand!">>
<<nm $phMason "Good. You may return to your day then. I will see you soon. Very soon.">>
He made a dismissive gesture with one hand and strolled back to his workbench, resuming whatever fiddling he had been doing when you arrived. You bowed your head down in respectful reverence, got to your feet, and turned to the door.
One way or another, it appeared the next few days would be @@.choice;[[Exciting!|Research and Development]]@@<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phLocation is 'Bedroom') and ($phMason.commands.includes("Breakfast")) and (previous() == "Sleep") and ($phLazDays gt 0)>><<set _interrupt to 'MasonSubBreakfast'>><<set _random to random(1,3)>><<if _random is 1>>The scent of coffee and chocolate pulled you out of the doze. It took you a few seconds to process the scent, but you were soon grinning. You made a pleased sound in the back of your throat and pushed yourself up onto your arms.
<<nm $phYou "...Good morning, $phMason.him.">>
<<nm $phMason "Good morning, $pMistress. Would you like some waffles? Brussels style, specifically, with a chocolate sauce. I have also prepared some Colombian Coffee, if you would care for a mug.">>
<<nm $phYou "I would kill for a mug of that right now.">>
Mason chuckled, settling down the tray near your bed. The plate had been artfully arranged with a trio of waffle wedges surrounded by strawberries. There was a tiny pot of chocolate ready for dipping and, oh yes, the steaming mug of coffee.
It was good to be the $pMistress.
<</if>><<if _random is 2>><<nm $phMason "$pMistress?">>
You groaned, nuzzling hard into your pillow. The scent of eggs, however, did pull you out of the comfort of the bed. You heaved a sigh and then cracked your eye reluctantly. Mason was standing beside the bed, a tray in hand.
<<nm $phMason "Good morning, $pMistress. If you would care to wake, I've prepared a 'breakfast burrito'. Eggs, bacon, hash browns. If you would prefer something sweeter, I have also brought a strawberry smoothie.">>
You wanted to be grumpy, but sometimes you just couldn't.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Give me some of that.">>
<</if>><<if _random is 3>>The haze of dreams receded slowly. You weren't sure what the dream had been precisely, but you could guess the type. Your body was still tingling with the memory of pleasure, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>and your sex was wet and tingling with the memory of a tongue gently caressing your clit, driving you on toward orgasm.<<else>>and your cock was still hard, flexing and bouncing between your legs with the memory of a mouth wrapped greedily around the tip, driving you on toward orgasm.<</if>> In fact, you could almost swear you //still// felt-
<<nm $phYou "Ahhhh!">>
You came awake and set up, both hands reaching up to grip Mason by the hair as he brought you off. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>His tongue plunged deep, stroking you expertly and keeping his mouth in place until you had finally dropped back down into the sheets, gasping. <<else>>The incubus leaned forward, taking you to the hilt and working you down his throat even as you began to cum. His throat worked against your shaft, swallowing and swallowing until you were finally spent. Only then did he pull back.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "Good morning, $pMistress. You were difficult to rouse this morning, but I am glad you are awake. Would you like breakfast?">>
You couldn't help but laugh, reaching down to run a hand through Mason's hair. That was one way to start your day.
A way you could get used to.
<</if>>Start The Morning @@.choice;[[With Your Sub|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 1]]@@
I want to make some @@.choice;[[Wardrobe Adjustments.|Dresser]]@@<<if $phLazDays gt 0>>
<<if $phMammon.focus_bank is 2>>Maybe it would be wise to @@.choice;[[Check Your Investments.|InvestmentScreenBedroom]]@@
<</if>>Enough for today. Time to @@.choice;[[Sleep.|Sleep]]@@<</if>>
<<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phMason.commands.includes("Masturbate")) and ($phTime is 2) and ($phMason.recharge is 0)>>@@.choice;[[Call Mason To Check On His 'Enjoyment'|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 5]]@@
<</if>>Head to the @@.choice;[[Office.|Office]]@@<<if _random is 3>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is 'sub') and ($phLocation is 'Office') and ($phTime is 1) and ($phMason.commands.includes("Samantha")) and ($phMasonTimer is 0)>><<set _interrupt to 'MasonSubSamantha'>>You were passing through the office when you noticed that not all was how you had left it. $phSamantha.name's desk was empty, but she hadn't put up the cute little sign she usually did when she was running out to get lunch.
You paused, frowning at the empty desk. That wasn't really like her. $phSamantha.name was prone to getting distracted at times, but she ran an awfully tight ship here in the office. In fact, just about the only thing that would lure her away in the middle of the day was--
The moan that echoed out of the storage closet was masculine, high-pitched, and very familiar, even through the muffling effect of the door. Mason was very clearly having a delightful time and, judging by the feminine giggle and the sound of a healthy spank that followed, so was $phSamantha.name.
You grinned. Good to see he was obeying his commandments. You could leave them to it. You didn't want to visit R&D just in time to see Mason do the walk of shame, but you were sure they'd be done by the next time you passed through. Of course, you //could// drop in for a little company, instead. You happened to know that supply closet didn't have a lock on it.
Decisions Decisions.
@@.choice;
[[Go For 'Supplies'|MasonSubSex][$phMason.sex to 60]]
[[Bedroom]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if (def $phMasonCommand) and ($phMason.sex is 0)>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'AbstinenceBroken'>>Mason's eyes locked into yours as he began to walk forward, mounting the steps toward you with regal slowness. His expression grew stony, and he cocked his head with an expectant look.
<<nm $phMason "...Two days, $phMason.you. You were incapable of waiting just two days to get yourself off, hmm?">>
Your cheeks heated instantly at the admonishment in his tone. Your mouth went dry, and you found yourself fidgeting at the top of the stairs as he ascended them.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him, how--?">>
<<nm $phMason "Do you think I would set you a task and not have some way to verify it? Do you think that I would not know when my toys were being used by someone else? No, pet. I'm very aware of what you've been up to, despite some very //clear// instructions.">>
He had reached you now. The incubus seemed to loom over your despite the fact you were nearly the same height. You found yourself resisting the urge to step backward.
<<nm $phYou "But-!">>
<<nm $phMason "Don't agitate yourself, pet. I understand. You are a $phMason.you after all. It would go against your nature to resist offering yourself up to anyone who passes. Part of my job as your owner is to train you to withstand such hardships more easily.">>
Your mouth felt like a desert. He wasn't red-faced or violent. He hadn't even raised his voice. He was just //looking// at you with a steady, eager smirk that promised oh-so-many things.
<<nm $phYou "T-Training?">>
<<nm $phMason "Training, yes. I would be derelict in my duties if I allowed an offense to pass. Do not fear, pet. By the end of this evening, I assure you that you will be very contrite.">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Abstinence'>>Mason smiled as he began to ascend the staircase toward you. His expression was pleased, but there was a note of teasing in the warmth of his words.
<<nm $phMason "Two days, pet. Well done. I trust it was not too much of a challenge to hold yourself back for that long?">>
You felt your cheeks heating as Mason approached, step by step. You allowed a little steel to enter your spine as you looked down at him.
<<nm $phYou "I haven't been <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>> for that long, you know. It's not too difficult to remember a time when getting out of my clothes wasn't involved in my workday.">>
Mason's chuckle was indulgent, and he spread two of his hands wide. His smiling expression didn't change one iota at a little bit of back talk.
<<nm $phMason "Of this I am certain. Still, your new role asks much of you, pet, and your $phMason.Him is so far away. Tell me the truth. Is your body already aching to be touched after so long?">>
You felt your breath catch in your throat. You looked away, but the way that you squirmed in sudden discomfort announced the truth more loudly than your words ever could. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You felt a sudden wet heat growing between your legs.<<else>>You felt a sudden stirring between your legs.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...Yes, $phMason.Him.">>
He reached the end of the stairs and stopped in front of you. You were nearly the same height, but his presence seemed to loom over you. You found yourself tilting your head to look up at him, your knees weak.
<<nm $phMason "Good $pgirl. You have passed my task. You have remained obedient and true. I imagine you know what that means, don't you?">>
You did.<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'CallBroken'>>Mason's eyebrow quirked as he began to ascend the stairs toward you. He cocked his head to one side and spoke with exaggerated confusion.
<<nm $phMason "Do we need to replace the landline in your suite, pet? It would be somewhat unusual. The tower typically does maintenance itself without the need for outside intervention. But that is the only explanation I can think of for why I waited for your call the other evening, only to find my phone mysteriously silent.">>
You swallowed hard enough for the motion to make an audible gulp in the air. Mason cocked his head the other way, his brow furrowing in mock consternation.
<<nm $phMason "Though I suppose you would have tried my cellphone in such a case, like a good $phMason.you. Perhaps you were not able to get through? No, that can't be it either. My phone was still receiving messages all throughout the evening. It was only my pet that did not seem to get through.">>
He was halfway up the stairs now, his demeanor still puzzled but his eyes were hard. You backed up a pace or two from the last step on the staircase.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him, I--">>
<<nm $phMason "Certainly I know it could //not// have been willful disobedience on the part of my $phMason.you. After all, that would force me to use a certain measure of //discipline// to remind my pet that obedience is not optional, and I am sure my pet is not <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>hard<<else>>wet<</if>> at the very prospect of that, is $pshe?">>
You felt your face grow hot as you twisted uncomfortably at the top of the stairs. Mason reached you with a few more steps and, despite your similar heights, the man seemed to loom over you. His eyes bored into your as though they were reading your mind.
<<nm $phYou "I...well...">>
<<nm $phMason "Ah. 'Well.' That makes me feel somewhat better. I suppose I am forced to treat the infraction as deliberate. It settles my mind to know you may enjoy some aspects of the punishment, even if it is wrongly applied. Don't worry, pet. I promise I will not hold back. I will give you every inch of the punishment exactly as though you really //had// wanted to disobey me.">>
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Call'>>Mason smiled up at you as he slowly began to ascend the stairs toward you. He extended one hand to let it trail across the railing as he did, his eyes finding yours at the top of the staircase.
<<nm $phMason "I must say, I have very much enjoyed my evening entertainment over the last couple of weeks. Even though I was not the one directly receiving pleasure, I think I may have gotten the better end of the deal. Listening to you beg and plead to cum was...stirring, to say the least.">>
Your felt a rush of embarassment was over you, but it was mixed with a certain sense of pride. You had done exactly what he asked, and it was clear from the smile on his face that he had enjoyed it. You ran you tongue across your suddenly dry lips.
<<nm $phYou "Did it please you, $phMason.Him?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes. $phMason.Him was very pleased, pet. Good $pgirl.">>
His tempo increased, taking the steps two at a time now until he stood in front of you. You caught your breath as he abruptly reached out with two hands to pull you against his chest. His chuckle was low and husky against your temple.
<<nm $phMason "I confess: though the audio only experience was pleasing enough, it did instill a certain need to see the show in all its glory. I'm sure you wouldn't mind company for this evening's entertainment, would you?">>
You shuddered against him, feeling the heat of him up against you. Like you, he seemed to burn a little hotter than one would expect. It felt entirely right as you pressed in against his body.
<<nm $phYou "...Would it please you even more, $phMason.Him?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes. It would please me very, very much, pet, and it would only be right that I please you in return, wouldn't it?">>
You couldn't argue with that.<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'SubBroken'>>Mason made a clucking sound in the back of his throat and shook his head back and forth. He breathed out a long sigh that seemed to utterly //radiate// disappointment.
<<nm $phMason "I confess, pet, I thought I was giving you an easy one. I believed you'd fully accepted your true status as my little $phMason.you, and that ordering you to keep your necklace on the proper side was as much of a free reward as I could possibly provide. It would appear I was wrong.">>
There was a flat tone to his voice, and the look he sent up the stairs as he started to ascend was equally flat. He didn't raise his voice, his face didn't redden, and he gave little outward sign of his annoyance, but you could tell by the way he mounted the steps that he was not pleased to have been disobeyed. You tried an awkward chuckle.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him...You see, I--">>
<<nm $phMason "I believe I explained things sufficiently, pet. Your body is mine, to be doled out where and how I choose. If, tomorrow, I wish for you to be strutting your stuff with the ruby side out, then that is what you will do. If the next day I want you locked in a public restroom with your ass sticking through a wall, then //that// is what you will do. Is that clear, $phMason.you?">>
He was taking the steps two at a time now, his voice low but the tempo of his words quickening. When he arrived at the top of the stairs, you found yourself trembling. There was an...aura around him. A crackle of carefully controlled energy. He was a tightly leashed tiger that you had just poked with a stick.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! There was--">>
That was as far as you made it. One of Mason's hands shot out, seizing you by the slave collar around your neck and hauling you to the side. You felt the small of your back bounce against the railing beside the stair, and then you found yourself tipped back over it as Mason bore down on you. You had to reach back with both hands to catch yourself and keep from toppling down to the first floor.
<<nm $phMason "I can only //conclude// that you must be eager for punishment. Very well. If my $phMason.you needs a reminder of $pherhis status, I am happy to provide one. I trust this will be a reminder you will not soon forget.">>
He held you against the railing for a moment, then abruptly stepped back and jerked you upright again by the collar. You looked up into his smoldering red eyes, and had to catch your breath.
<</if>><<if $phMasonCommand is 'Sub'>>Mason flashed you a proud smile, not speaking at all as he ascended the stairs toward you. When he arrived, he reached out with both hands to take yours, inclining his head very slightly toward you.
<<nm $phMason "And how was a few days getting more in touch with the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>insatiable incubus<<else>>submissive succubus<</if>> you are?">>
Your cheeks heated and your fingers closed around his, automatically. You were nearly the same height, but every time he stood in front of you it felt like you had to tilt your head to look up at him. You felt a hot tingle running through your body as he neared.
<<nm $phYou "...It was lovely, $phMason.Him. Different, in a way. Knowing that it was not my own choice.">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmm. And did that make you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>wet<<else>>hard<</if>>, knowing that $phMason.Him determined how you would given yourself to others?">>
He reached up and brushed a hand across the side of your neck, his fingers finding and toying with the contours of the collar as though he could still see it perfectly. Perhaps he could.
You nodded, slowly, struggling to find the words. You looked down for a long moment, then risked a peek up into his eyes. He quirked an eyebrow expectantly at you.
<<nm $phYou "So...I did good?">>
That provoked a soft laugh. You saw the subtlest shift run across his face. The indulgence and warmth was still there, but that tiny edge of anticipation and posessive need had joined it. He leaned in, his red eyes smoldering.
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes. You did good. I'm very pleased with you. And I'm going to spend the rest of this evening showing you just how much.">>
You tone of his voice sent shivers across your spine, and you sucked in a deep breath.<</if>><<if ($phMasonCommand is 'SubBroken') or ($phMasonCommand is 'CallBroken') or ($phMasonCommand is 'AbstinenceBroken')>><<unset $phMasonCommand>>@@.choice;
[[You Knew That Was True|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if (($phMasonCommand is 'Sub') or ($phMasonCommand is 'Call') or ($phMasonCommand is 'Abstinence')) and ($phMason.sex is not 99)>><<unset $phMasonCommand>>It was time for your reward. You opened your mouth with a plea that seemed to come from the deepest part of you.
@@.choice;
[[Fuck Me Like You Love Me|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 1]]
[[Fuck Me Like You Hate Me|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 1>>As soon as you said the words, Mason moved. You found yourself lifted off of your feet and went to reflexively wrap your arms around his neck. His four arms made the motion unnecessary. He had an arm beneath your shoulders, the small of your back, your thighs, and your knees, keeping you aloft as easily as if you had been laid out on a table.
You didn't struggle. You laid your head down against his chest and felt his heart beat through the padding of his jumpsuit. He carried you through the doors at the top of the staircase and into your bedroom, not giving the slightest impression it was any effort at all.
<<nm $phMason "Well, how could I refuse that? After all, you've been such a good pet, haven't you?">>
His hand at your shoulders shifted; his fingers curled and pressed against the back of your neck, massaging gently. You laughed, and tilted your head back into the petting, letting out a slow sigh.
<<nm $phYou "...Our little secret.">>
<<nm $phMason "For now.">>
You arrived at your bed, and he settled you down onto the sheets with care. His movement were careful, never applying any more force than necessary, but precise enough to never be left wanting.
His hands set to work. All four of them moved in concert, allowing him to cup your cheek with one, undo the buttons of your shirt with another, and still have two left to slide your belt off. He studied the leather for a brief moment, his lip curling.
<<nm $phMason "Put your hands against the headboard, pet.">>
You didn't hesitate. You lifted both of your hands and folded them together, touching them to one of the posts at the head of the mattress. Mason made a soft sound of approval and leaned forward. Two of his hands spread across your chest, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>running across the defined muscles of your front and toying playfully with your nipples<<else>>carefully cupping your breasts and teasing at your nipples<</if>>. His other two raised the belt, looped it around the post and across your wrists, and then cinched it tight. As he let go, you pulled at the binding, but it held fast. Perhaps if you truly fought, you could free yourself. You'd never know.
<<nm $phMason "Now, then. Let's see what you have for $phMason.Him.">>
He leaned down across you, one of his hands holding his weight off the mattress as he kissed lightly across your temple to your jaw, and from there down to your neck and shoulder. He worked his way down your body, his hands caressing skin a second before his tongue followed behind. His lips and tongue were hot against your chest and belly, and you rolled your body up against him.
Soon enough, his mouth reached your pants. Your breath quickened as he ran his tongue across your belly, where skin met the fabric. His hands worked at your zipper, and as it came loose you lifted your hips to help him slide you free. He put his hands to your knees, forcing you to bring your legs up and spread them.
Then you were bare before him, bound to the bed and exposed. You were laying in your open shirt, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>your muscular chest exposed, your hard cock bobbing freely, and your ass in full view as he lifted your legs up.<<else>>your breasts trembling with every quivering breath and your sex glistening in the dim light as you opened your legs for him.<</if>> It was more than you could bear.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, $phMason.Him, please!">>
<<nm $phMason "Please? Please what, pet?">>
<<nm $phYou "Please fuck me!">>
<<nm $phMason "Mmm. Again, pet. Louder.">>
<<nm $phYou "Please! Please fuck me, $phMason.Him!">>
He stared down at you, drinking in your supine form for so long that you almost screamed. Your hands flexed within your bindings and your hips rolled up and down. Then you heard Mason take a deep breath...
...and his hands @@.choice;[[Went To His Own Belt|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 1.1>>It took only moments. Even as he peeled the jumpsuit away from his chest and tossed it beside the bed, his lower hands were working at his belt. He eased his pants down to his thighs, and you were again startled as his shaft bobbed into view. If anything, he seemed even bigger tonight, and you felt a certain prideful thrill work through you.
You had made $phMason.Him hard. You had made him want you. You were a good pet.
<<nm $phMason "And why are you smiling?">>
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him is about to fuck me. Why wouldn't I smile?">>
Mason chuckled. He leaned over you, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>resting his chest against the curve of your tits<<else>>fingers curling around your cock as he positioned himself<</if>>. His lips found yours and drew you into a soft, slow kiss that only broke when he finally rocked his hips and forced you to cry out.
He was huge. His cock wasn't just long, but //thick// and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>spread your sex wide as he pushed into you. You squeezed around him, your voice rising with a girlish squeal even as his lips fought to regain yours. You tried to hold the kiss, but every new inch of his shaft sent another gasp and moan echoing off the walls.<<else>>bumped firmly against your ass before inexorably spreading you wide. Your breath caught as he filled you, his lips trying to reclaim yours only to break the kiss when every new inch of him drew another moan from you to echo off the bedroom walls.<</if>>
Soon, his hips were moving in rhythm, setting the pace. It was neither fast nor slow, hard nor soft. It was simply exactly what you needed, and you found yourself writhing with pleasure. Mason's cock stretched and filled your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>sex<<else>>ass<</if>>, but you didn't mind. You just wanted more. You wanted him deeper. You wanted more.
He seemed to know it. Just when you thought you might go crazy if he teased you any longer, his movements quickened. Soon, his hips were slapping against your skin as he drove himself into you to the hilt. You bit your lower lip and tilted your head back with an open-mouthed moan as he filled you over and over again. Your hands worked helplessly against the leather belt, but it was no use. Every time a coherent thought rose to the top of your mind, a wave of pleasure drowned it out.
<<nm $phYou "Please! Please give it to me, $phMason.Him!">>
He did. His body repositioned over you, and he was soon slamming his hips home as hard as he could. With four arms, he could brace himself with two and hold you steady with the pair, ensuring you took it and took it hard. You squealed with bliss as your hands clutched at the belt that bound your wrists. You couldn't help yourself. You felt your pleasure rising and rising until you opened your mouth to scream your bliss...
...and found your mouth covered in his. He kissed you, his tongue slipping into your mouth and stifling your scream before you made it, and left you shuddering as the bliss of orgasm rolled over you. You felt his cock twitch inside of you. He came, and each hot jet of cum filled what little space his cock did not, until you dripped seed around the base of his shaft. Only then did he finally pull away and allow you a few seconds to catch your breath.
You lay there for a long time, your mind a blank. The world consisted of his still hard cock inside of you, the slippery sensation of his escaping seed, and the beat of his heart against your chest. Finally, you raised your eyes and forced yourself to focus.
He was smiling at you. Actually smiling. One of his hands rose to brush across your hair.
<<nm $phMason "Again?">>
Oh Lazren yes. @@.choice;[[Again And Again!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 1.2>><<set $phMasonTimer to 5>>//Much Later...//
The hot water ran over your scalp and you leaned into it, breathing out a long sigh. Mason's hands trailed over your stomach, obstensibly brushing off the last of the suds, but you were long since clean. You sighed, yawned, and reached for the faucet.
<<nm $phYou "I could have showered by myself.">>
<<nm $phMason "I'm sure that's true, pet.">>
Mason chuckled and stepped out of the shower ahead of you, picking up a pair of towels from a rack. You took a moment to admire his lean, fit form. You so rarely got to see him out of his office clothes that it always surprised you, but it seemed Lazren had a thing for a nice body. Especially if you didn't actually have to work to maintain it.
The tall man stepped forward and brushed the towel playfully across your front and back, then wrapped it tightly around your body, pinning your arms inside the burrito. Only then did he affix the other towel to his own waist.
You briefly considered freeing yourself and pulling his towel loose. Maybe you could provoke another encore...but to be honest, you already ached in a number of places, and you were yawning more and more as the minutes passed. It was all you could do to stay on your feet as he walked you to the bed.
<<nm $phMason "You need your rest. No <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> of Lazren is going to burn the midnight oil.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's not fair. You're at least as much her child as I am. Why aren't you falling over?">>
<<nm $phMason "I am, and I'm also the older one. I have lived with it a great deal longer. Now shush and get under the covers.">>
He pushed you down onto the bed, still cocooned inside your fluffy towel. He didn't unpin you, but pulled the bed sheets up and over your, tucking them in around your neck. His finger brushed the leather of your collar, lightly, as he did.
<<nm $phYou "...You can't stay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not yet. We both have places we need to be, and things we need to do. I doubt we would start on any of that before noon, if we indulged ourselves too much. Rest now, pet; you've earned it.">>
You started to object, but another yawn cut you off. You found yourself sinking back into the sheet, the bed seeming to enfold you as you began to drift. The last thing you heard was the faint click off the light as Mason slipped out of the room.
Then, you had no choice but to @@.choice;[[Sleep]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2>>//Squeak!//
You didn't even get through the last word before Mason moved. His hand moved like lightning and wrapped around your neck over the collar; his light but firm squeeze around your throat ended the sentence with that inarticulate squeak instead. He pushed you forward, his straight arm carrying you back against the wall beside your bedroom door. You hit it solidly, and the wall vibrated beneath the impact.
<<nm $phMason "I see. My pet was good, so now $pshe needed to be fucked into the ground like the $phMason.you $pshe is? Is that right?">>
//SLAP//
The impact against your cheek wasn't all that hard. It was swift and let out a satisfying crack ofsound, but there was no follow through to the blow. It still widened your eyes and forced the words out of you, though.
<<nm $phYou "Ah!...Y-Yes $phMason.Him!">>
<<nm $phMason "You need my cock drilling into you, making you scream. You need $phMason.Him to fuck you right through the floor and see to it that you don't walk straight for a week, is that it?">>
//SLAP//
The second strike startled you, because it was across your other cheek, but he hadn't loosened his grip on your neck. Of course, he had //two// hands on that side to use: a fact he reminded you of again by seizing the front of your shirt and pulling hard.
Some of the buttons popped. In other places, the fabric just ripped free. He was stronger than he looked, and it took all of his weight against your neck to keep your pressed against the wall. Your voice, when you spoke, was several notches higher from the constriction.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, $phMason.Him, please give it to me! I--...$phMason.Him! M-My clothes!">>
//SLAP//
<<nm $phMason "You can have an entire closet full whenever you want, $phMason.you. When I want to see you, I see you. If I want you walking around naked, the only question you ask me is how far you ought to bend over for the delivery boys.">>
He pulled again, chunks of your shirt in his hand, finally tearing it away from your body. He tossed them aside contemptously, three hands spreading across your front. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>They traced the lines of your muscles down across your belly, toying with your belt. You felt your cock hardening and your pants abruptly felt two sizes too small.<<else>>He squeezed and kneaded at your breasts and tugged hard at each nipple; you half-whimpered and half-squealed, and thrust your chest forward against his bracing hand just to ease the pressure across your tits.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "That's a good $pgirl. Who's my $phMason.you? Who's my filthy, horny, subby $phMason.you?">>
<<nm $phYou "I am!">>
<<nm $phMason "And who needs to be fucked hard, hmm? Who needs $phMason.Him's cock stretching $pherhis <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt<<else>>ass<</if>>?">>
<<nm $phYou "I do! I do $phMason.Him! Please!">>
He smiled at you. It was not a warm expression. It was a //satisfied// smile. A possessive leer. It promised all that you could handle and more. Then the tall man leaned down, wrapped his lower arms around your thighs...
...and just @@.choice;[[Picked You Up!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2.1>>It was effortless. Mason didn't let out so much of a grunt of effort as he picked you up, your feet kicking automatically as they left the floor, and slammed your back into the wall.
You were gaining appreciation for Mason's multi-armed form. Even with one hand pressed into your neck and two around your thighs to keep you supported, he had one hand entirely free to dip down between your legs and start pulling against your pants. He didn't bother undoing your belt or buttons, but just seized your waistline and yanked it downwards. You had no choice but to wriggle back and forth, gaining an inch or two with every motion, until the fabric was past your hips. He shuffled you from hand to hand, gripping your exposed ass until you were free, and then contemptously tossed your slacks, belt, and underwear down on the floor in a single heap.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him, please! I need-ah!">>
Your voice ended in another squeak as Mason tightened his grip around your neck. It forced you to lift your chin and fight to suck in a breath. The incubus's eyes were bright as he leaned in. He kept your back pressed against the wall while pulling your hips forward.
<<nm $phMason "I know exactly what you need, $phMason.you. And I know exactly what you're going to get.">>
You hadn't realized that he had unzipped his pants and freed himself, not until that thick cock was pressing hard against your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>sex. You were already wet -- a very good thing, because he did not give you time to adjust. He thrust his hips, and was most of the way inside of you in a single, savage motion that drove what little air you had out of your lungs.<<else>>ass. He did not give you time to adjust, and was half way inside of you in a single, savage thrust that spread you to your limits.<</if>> You rolled your hips, and the sounds of your whimpers echoed off the wall as you alternated between moaning and panting for oxygen.
Mason began to move. Each impact of his hips against your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cunt<<else>>ass<</if>> sent vibrations up the wall. He was thick, and long, and perfect, filling you to your absolute core. You felt as though you were melting, that he could pour you into any mold he wanted and shape you however he pleased. You couldn't fight. You couldn't even hold onto him. He held you where he wanted and fucked you like a toy.
And that just made it hotter.
<<nm $phMason "That's a good $pgirl. You just stay there and take it. $phMason.Him is going to fuck you until you break and fill you with cum. You're going to be dripping with it, gasping, begging me to do whatever I want to you.">>
His words hissed in your ear. You tried to respond, but nothing came out. His hand had tightened again, and this time there was no air at all. You felt your face heat and a wave of dizzying tingles pass across your body as he closed off the airway. Your head tilted back, and Mason kissed you, savagely, as he pressed in close.
As the tingling grew, every sensation seemed heightened. You could feel every twitch and bob of his cock as he filled you, over and over and over and over and over again. Black began to creep in the edge of your vision, but you felt like you could feel every contour of his dick, every spiral fingerprint that his thumb pressed beneath your jaw, and every beat of his heart against your skin.
It was too much. Your body began to shake and jerk as instinct kicked in. All at once, his fingers loosened and you sucked in a rush of oxygen that made your head spin. It was like fire. The sudden rush of air washed over you and turned the burn of your lust into a raging inferno. You squealed and thrashed, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your pussy clamping down hard across his shaft as he began to fill you.<<else>>your cock shooting uselessly against your own belly as he filled your ass with his seed.<</if>>
It was the last coherent thing you remembered for quite some time. At some point he must have dropped you, because you found yourself sitting against the wall. Warm cum was puddled between your legs and your head hung low as you struggled for your breath. When you could finally move again, you slowly lifted your head to look up at him...
...and found his balls resting against the center of your forehead. You couldn't see his face, but your heard the dangerous chuckle in his words.
<<nm $phMason "Did you think you were //done//, $phMason.you?">>
@@.choice;
[[Obviously Not!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 2.2>><<set $phMasonTimer to 5>>//Much Later//
You jerked awake from a sudden wash of warm water. You sputtered and twitched, gasping and choking for a moment before you got your head out from under the stream; it took another few seconds after that before you got your bearings. Your feet kicked against the tile, and you realized you were in the shower. //Your// shower. Mason was holding you beneath the water like a rescued kitten.
<<nm $phYou "...$phMason.Him?">>
<<nm $phMason "Hush.">>
He pushed you back beneath the fountain, and you felt the hot water rush over you. You needed it. You ached everywhere, which for your new body was no small feat in itself. The taste of cum was on your tongue, and you felt the half-dried, sticky remnants splashed over your skin and face.
How many times had you pleased him? Five? Six? More? You didn't know. After the first, it had simply been a haze. Your only thought was making him cum. Your only use was his pleasure. You felt a warm rush of pride roll through you again. You had been a good pet.
He washed you. It wasn't quite rough, but it certainly wasn't gentle. It was simply efficient. His four hands felt more like sixteen, as he caressed, squeezed, and scrubbed almost your entire body at once. Not to mention holding you up. Your knees were shaking so badly that you weren't sure you could stand under your own power at all, even if you had wanted to.
All too soon, it was done. Mason shut the water off and dragged you out to the bathroom proper. A pair of towels rolled across your body, and then you were stumbling through the bedroom. He didn't lay you out on the bed so much as he did toss you atop the sheets.
<<nm $phMason "Sleep. You're going to need an entire night's rest to recover from that. If I hear about you doing anything before nine o'clock tomorrow morning, I'm going to give every customer a turn with you by noon.">>
His words were steel, but he reached over, grabbed the covers, and folded them across you with care. You sank down into the sheets, your head on the pillow, and blinked up at him. Your vision was swimming, and this time it had nothing to do with being denied oxygen.
<<nm $phYou "I...did good?">>
He snorted, derisive, tucking the sheets in carefully beneath you. Then he leaned in, eye to eye, and hissed out the words.
<<nm $phMason "You were my good $phMason.you, yes. A filthy plaything. Now go to sleep. I'll come for you again when I'm ready.">>
He might have said more, but you would never know. That was as far as he got before exhaustion overtook you.
@@.choice;
[[You Slept|Sleep]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 3>>Fifteen minutes later, you were really starting to question the wisdom of disobedience.
You were naked, sitting on the loveseat in the living room. Your hands were bound behind your back with a length of black cord, and each of your feet had been tied to one of the legs. You wriggled occasionally, but all you ever managed to do was rattle the cords against the chair legs. You could probably stand if you really tried, but unless you planned to take the entire chair with you, it wasn't going to do much good.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him?">>
The tall man came into view around the edge of the love seat. He was carrying a small black case, which he settled down beside your feet. He knelt down and popped open the top the way you would open a doctor's bag. What he withdrew was not medical equipment, however.
You couldn't immediately tell //what// it was. It was a black harness, that much was obvious. A pair of long wires extended from it, but each one ended in a small amber crystal rather than a diode. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The harness had a pair of small amber crystals as well, both protruding slightly inward. You had a sinking suspicion you knew exactly where they would go, but you couldn't imagine why.<<else>>The harness featured another pair of amber crystals, but one of them was a large ring, and the other protruded very slightly inward. You had a sinking suspicion you knew where they would go, but you couldn't imagine why.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "I'm sure I've given you the impression that Lazren's gift has made my work effortless. Fortunately, it has not. I could imagine nothing more dull than guaranteed success. However, that does mean there is the occasional failure to contend with. This was one such failed experiment, though it is always wise to keep things around. You never know when you might need it.">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>He moved to you, his fingers moving deftly. He wrapped the harness around your hips, the simple black material wound into buckles and then cinched tight, like a strap-on. You gasped, and a shiver ran up your spine as the two tiny crystals pressed home. Neither of them were //large//, but they were both sufficient to nestle inside your ass and pussy without much issue.<<else>>He moved to you, his fingers moving deftly. The harness was wrapped carefully around your hips, the simple black material wound into buckles and then cinched tight, like a strap-on. You groaned softly as the small crystal was pressed against your ass. It wasn't large, but it went deep enough to be held tightly once it slipped inside. The he raised the amber ring and slipped your cock through the hole. It was snug, but you weren't surprised to find that you fit almost perfectly as he worked it down to the base.<</if>>
The incubus leaned back, admiring you for a moment, then reached down to lift the wires upward. He pressed the two crystals on the end directly to your nipples, pausing to <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>caress your pecs<<else>>cup your tits<</if>> in the process. He ran a last cord around your back and then connected it back to the wires so that it held them in place across your chest.
<<nm $phYou "But...what is it supposed to do?">>
<<nm $phMason "Sexuality is a powerful motivator. I may not have fully understood it before now, but I recognized its efficacy. I also understood that it is largely a matter of physical stimulation and reception. Not entirely, of course. Arousal is deeply personal. However, once the lock is opened, it is simply a chemical reaction. Stimulus and response...or so I believed at the time. I thought I could provide sexual gratification more cleanly than any of Lazren's other servants and, thus, open up the customer base to pursuing higher interests.">>
He reached down into his bag again and pulled out a small, flat remote. You might have expected something elaborate with a big red button under a glass cover, but it might as well have been the remote for a stereo for all the flash it had. He studied you carefully for a moment, then thumbed a small switch.
You //felt// the harness come to life. There was a hum in the air, and the tiniest of shudders through the crystals connected to your skin. It was pleasant, but there had to be something else to this 'harness'. If the crystals were just fancy-looking vibrators, it wouldn't have been a Mason invention.
<<nm $phYou "What...happened instead? Why didn't it work?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh it worked. Actually a little too well. In hindsight, I think I was perhaps too focused on the goal and not the process. You see--">>
//Click//
There was no warning. Midspeech, Mason thumbed a button on the front of the remote, and your entire body arced in sudden sensation. The amber crystals glowed against you, but you barely noticed. You screamed -- as much in surprise as in anything else -- as a wave of pure bliss washed across your body. Dimly, you felt <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your pussy clamp down on the tiny crystal<<else>>your cock jerk and splatter cum against your belly<</if>> as you quaked and came on the spot!
You dropped down into your seat, shaking, as the pleasure passed as quickly as it had come. It was as if every single nerve in your body had been wired for pleasure for that exact split second: just enough to push you over the edge, only to vanish completely in the next blink of an eye. You let out a long huff of a breath, panting, and tried to get your equilibrium back.
<<nm $phYou "That...That felt...good! But...$phMason.Him...Aren't I being punished?">>
You heard his chuckle above you, and he extended one hand to lift your chin gingerly to meet his eyes. He made a soft sound in the back of his throat and shook his head.
<<nm $phMason "Oh, my little $phMason.you. Shall we see how many it takes for you to understand?">>
//@@.choice;
[[CLICK|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 3.1>>//CLICK//
Your body jerked straight up off the cushions, quivering there for a half second as the rush of sensation and pleasure rolled over you. You dropped back down almost instantly, gasping to get your breath back. You nearly sat on your hands, still bound behind your back, but you managed to remember at the last minute and twist away. You felt your body still shuddering with the aftershocks, and-
//CLICK//
Your scream echoed off the walls as your hips lifted again. The moment Mason's finger touched the button, you were cumming again, even though the aftershocks of the first several hadn't yet faded. The amber light from the crystals was starting to grow more brightly, and it pushed you over that edge even harder this time. You sat back hard as the feelings rushed out of you once more, your head hitting the back of the chair. You needed-
//CLICK//
//CLICK//
//CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK//
You lost track of the individuals orgasms. Sometimes they were so close together they almost overlapped. You kicked your feet against your restraints, bounced up and down on the chair, and cried out at the ceiling. There wasn't any gap time anymore. You came, you came, and you came, and the aftershocks blended together until it felt like your entire body was vibrating itself apart.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! $phMason.Him Please! Oh $phMason.Him!">>
<<nm $phMason "Something wrong? This seems very efficient. Skipping to the goal without all that mucking around in the process.">>
//CLICK CLICK CLICK//
You howled and bucked hard against the chair. You couldn't help yourself. Your body was moving without your input. A particularly forceful jerk actually stood you up from the cushion, but the moment you tried to take a step the cord around your ankles brought you up short. You toppled forward, turning your face to avoid landing on your chin. Your ass was in the air and your fingers clenched into fists repeatedly behind your back.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! I...ahh! Ah!- I'm s-s-sorry!">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh? Twenty-seven was all it took? That's a little surprising. When I was doing initial testing even humans could usually last through a dozen. I thought you would be made of sterner stuff.">>
//CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK//
You screamed aloud, shuddering and thrashing as a calvacade of sensation washed over you. Every time he pressed the button, your nerves grew tauter still. You could feel every errant breeze on your skin like a lover's hand. You were wet with sweat, and your face felt impossibly hot. The amber light was enough to cast long shadows on the wall that danced as you bucked and writhed. You felt like the bedrock of //you// was eroding beneath the waves of pleasure. It was difficult to think, difficult to breathe, difficult to even get a grip on your surroundings.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! Sorry! So- ahhh! Oh fuck, oh fuck! Please, please, please!">>
<<nm $phMason "Are you going to be a good $pgirl next time and listen to what $phMason.Him tells you?">>
//CLICK CLICK CLICK//
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Yes! Ahhhh! Ooohhh, please, yes!">>
<<nm $phMason "Are you going to be my $phMason.you, whenever I want you?">>
//CLICK CLICK CLICK//
<<nm $phYou "Ahhhhhhhhh! Yes! YesYesYesYesYes!">>
You thrashed against your bonds, and actually felt one of the cords go slack around your ankle as one of the chair's legs snapped off. You twisted on reflex, turning yourself around, and landed on your back on the floor. Then you were bouncing up and down like a beached fish, your vision blurring as you body spasmed without your control.
You didn't immediately realize when the clicking stopped. The aftermath of the dozens of orgasms was strong enough to keep you moving for a while, twitching and shuddering with overwhelming bliss. It was only when the sensations finally began to dim that you realized the wave had ended. Notch by notch, you felt your movements subside, until you were finally left laying on your back, one foot still tied to the chair, your chest heaving as you struggled to catch your breath. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your thighs were sticky all the way down to your knees from your own satisfaction<<else>>Your thighs and belly were sticky with your own cum, your cock twitching between your legs with nothing more to give<</if>>, and you could feel your heart hammering in your throat.
A shadow fell across your face as Mason stepped over you, his expensive shoes on either side of your face. You looked blearily up to see him smirking down at you. You hadn't even touched him, but the satisfaction of seeing you sprawl at his feet seemed to bring him more satisfaction than all of the orgasms you'd had put together.
<<nm $phMason "Next time, I'll show you the high power setting.">>
@@.choice;
[[CLICK|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 3.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 3.2>><<set $phMasonTimer to 5>>Cold.
You blinked awake, rubbing your finger against your eyes...and found yourself in your bathtub. The level was only half full, just barely covering your waist, but your hair was wet enough to suggest you'd washed more thoroughly than that. The water was lukewarm, just this side of chilly, but you suspected it had been hotter not so long ago. There were still a few spots of steam on the mirror.
You couldn't remember any of it. Had Mason put you in the tub? Had you crawled there? The water level suggested the former, since he might have wanted to punish you but he certainly didn't want you to drown when you fell asleep. You also weren't sure you could have managed the walk anyway.
You tensed your muscles, preparing to stand, and let out a deep groan. Yep, that ruled out moving under your own power. If you were //still// this sore with your healing rate, you doubted you could have stood on your own two feet fifteen minutes ago.
Laborously, you dragged yourself up and out of the tub. The water dripped off your skin, but you were too tired to bother fetching a towel. You'd worry about the puddles tomorrow, as well as emptying the tub. Right now, that was a movement you didn't care to make.
You were just stumbling past the mirror when a flash of gold caught your eye. You paused, peered at the counter...and spotted a single piece of paper propped up against the hand soap. It was beautiful paper, the kind of material that rich CEOs make their business cards out of, and the writing was gold-embossed and shining in the dim light. It only spelled out a single word. '$phMason.You'.
And next to the card was a single aspirin.
You snorted, but reached for the pill anyway. You didn't bother with water; you just tossed it in your mouth and swallowed. It was another twenty painful steps to the bed, and you felt every single one of them individually.
You'd learned a lesson, alright. Mason didn't get //angry//, but he did certainly know how to put you in your place. Of course, it hadn't exactly be the //worst// experience. Maybe you'd have to disobey again at some point in the future, just to keep him on his toes.
But not right now. Right now, you only needed one thing. You didn't bother to lift the covers, but simply let gravity carry your body down and onto the mattress.
You were asleep before @@.choice;[[You Even Touched The Pillow|Sleep]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 50>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>>You were drawn into the bedroom step by step, Samantha's hands deftly working at your buttons and buckles. You left a series of garments in your wake, forming a breadcrumb trail back to the door. You somehow doubted you were going to have the opportunity to retrace your steps.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him...I thought we were keeping things...?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quiet? Well, she already knew. Besides, look at her. Keeping a magnificent creature like her caged near your door is cruelty. You ought to make servicing her a more frequent part of your routine...">>
You looked back over your shoulder...and caught your breath. Samantha had lifted her skirt to expose her length. She stroked it in long slow motions as it thickened up to its full size, and her expression when she looked at you showed exactly what she planned to do with it.
<<nm $phYou "Ah...I'm still //your// boss, you know.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, of course you are. Could you help me with that, '$phMason.Him'?">>
<<nm $phMason "Certainly. $phYou.firstname, would you please order dear Samantha here to rail you hard and treat you like a $phMason.you?">>
The incubus gave you an infurtiatingly smug smile as he casually opened the flap of his uniform shirt and peeled it off his shoulders. You got briefly distracted watching the flex of his muscles beneath his skin. It was easy to forget his body was as highly tuned as your own, for similar reasons. Slowly, you turned back to your secretary.
<<nm $phYou "...Samantha. I'd like you to fuck me hard today. Don't worry about our relative rank, today I am just a $phMason.you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Well, if that's what you //really// want!">>
Samantha grinned and put a hand on the back of your neck, pushing you down and forward with startling strength. Her hands shifted downward to grasp your hips, but were soon replaced by another set. A pair of shiny black shoes filled your vision, and you looked up to find you couldn't see Mason's face past the bulge in front of you...and his second set of hands gingerly working down the zipper.
<<nm $phMason "Good $pgirl. Let's show our compatriot who you really are, shall we?">>
As Samantha pulled her hips back and positioned herself, you guessed you @@.choice;[[Didn't Have Much Choice!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 51]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Yay! Okay, do we get to have that contest now, $phMason.him?">>
You looked sharply at Sammy, but she was too focused on Mason to notice. The little bimbo was practically bouncing from foot to foot, each movement making her tits jiggle enticingly in her tight top.
<<nm $phYou "...What contest?">>
<<nm $phMason "The lovely Sammy here was just talking to me about her skillset. I believe she was claiming she gave...how did she put it? 'The Most Yummy Blowjobs Ever'.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh! I'm //really// good at them. I try to, like, practice as often as I can! But then Mr. Mason said he wasn't as sure, because //your// blowjobs might be better! That's not fair!">>
<<nm $phMason "Precisely. I suggested the only way to know for sure was to do a comparison test. I do believe in being thorough about such important things.">>
You had a sinking feeling you knew exactly where this was going, one that only solidified as Mason sat himself down on your bed, spreading his knees slightly, and began to unzip himself. You felt your mouth going suddenly dry as his cock popped into view. Embarassingly, you heard Sammy gasp beside you and realized you were probably wearing the exact same hungry expression that //she// was.
<<nm $phYou "I'm...I'm <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>! I shouldn't need to prove myself.">>
<<nm $phMason "Then you should have no trouble carrying victory, correct? I should think that-.">>
Whatever he was going to say, he never quite managed to get out. Sammy let out a squeal and abruptly //dived// forward. She hit her knees so quickly she actually skidded forward and extra inch or so between Mason's legs, and popped her lips over the top of his cock with an audible sound. Mason shuddered, leaning back on his lower hands and thrusting his hips upward. Sammy gave a satisfied sort of sound, and mumbled something against his shaft.
You couldn't tell, but it sounded a little like 'see?'.
<<nm $phMason "Ah! And...I would say you appear to be off to something of a slow start, pet.">>
You bite your lip for a half second of hesitation, but there really was no point in trying to hide it. You belonged to Mason and that meant his cock belonged, first and foremost, to //you//. You weren't about to get shown up by your own secretary.
So you swallowed your pride, darted forward, and @@.choice;[[Slid In Right Beside Her!|MasonDomSex][$phMason.sex to 52]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 51>><<nm $phSamantha "Oooh, $pshe's so good! I could get used to this!">>
<<nm $phMason "That's alright...ah...all you have to do is ask. Isn't that correct, $phMason.you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Mhmmm!">>
Your answer was a little muffled, but you didn't think he cared much considering that it was muffled with his thick cock. You bobbed your head up and down as much as you could with him holding you place, working the shaft across the back of your throat. It wasn't easy. Every few seconds, Samantha would drive a little deeper into your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>sex<<else>>ass<</if>> and all but make you forget what you were doing.
<<nm $phSamantha "Are you - Ah! - sure? I'd never want to - Ah! - Intrude on your time together!">>
<<nm $phMason "Absolutely! You are one of the tower's oldest employees. If this $phMason.you can - Mmmm - please you, then I insist!">>
Samantha's hips slammed hard against your backside, forcing your forward. Mason's cock slipped even deeper into you, forcing you down to the base of his shaft. His hand tightened on your hair as his cock throbbed in his throat, holding you place and forcing you to hold your breath for a moment as he enjoyed you.
SLAP
Samantha's hand came down firmly on your ass and you squealed against $phMason.Him's shaft. The incubus ran his thumb along your brow, pushing your hair fondly to one side...just before he began to thrust hard, fucking your face savagely.
<<nm $phMason "Why don't we have a meal after this and - Mmm - we can talk about it? I have meant to spent more time with you anyway.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That's so - Ah! - kind of you! Just one second, let me finish with $pher!">>
Her hips slapped against you rapidly, building up until she tilted her head back and cried out. You could feel her cock twitching inside of you, filling you with a sudden burst of heat. Mason was not far behind. He drove himself into you a few more times, then pulled himself back, holding himself an inch of two from your face. When he came, he came all over you, forcing you to close your eyes as he covered you with his cum.
When they were both spent and you were dripping on either end, Mason patted you lightly on the back of the neck, zipping himself back up. He picked up his top from the ground, and extended his arm to Samantha. She took it with exaggerated nobility.
<<nm $phMason "Shall we? I think $pshe is going to be needing a long shower, so we have the time. I would enjoy discussing a few ideas for next time.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mason, it would be my pleasure.">>
Samantha looked over her shoulder, shot you a wink, and allowed Mason to escort her down to the door as she pulled her skirt back down into place. You slowly let yourself sit down on the carpet, leaning your head back against the bed. You ran your tongue lightly across your lips, Mason's taste still heavy on your tongue.
You needed a shower, both to wash off and calm down. You hadn't expected the two of them to get along quite so //well//. You weren't sure about much of what they would talk about while they ate, but you were certain about one thing.
@@.choice;
[[You Could Hardly Wait To See What They Came Up With!|Bedroom]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<set $phMasonTimer to 4>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 52>><<nm $phSamantha "Not fair! $pShe's been sucking forever!">>
Samantha nudged up against your shoulder, but you held on tight, bobbing your head up and down Mason's thick shaft. It wasn't until Mason chuckled and reached down, pushing lightly against the side of your head, that you relented and pulled off the wet cock. Almost immediately, Sammy replaced you, taking him in one gulp and bobbing her head just as quickly.
<<nm $phYou "You can't be pushy when you're giving a blowjob. That should be a deduction.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmmnnmmm!">>
You leaned in and kisses down the edge of the shaft, just below where Sammy was pumping. She was good, but she forgot there was so much more to pleasing $phMason.him. You raised one hand to cup his balls, rolling them on your palm and feeling the solid weight against you.
Mason's smile was infuriatingly indulgent. He rolled his hips slowly, occasionally command one or the other to let the other one have a turn, but he never said anything that could be interpreted as a support. He just moaned quietly and enjoy the attention of the two submissive sluts before him. You nuzzled into the side of his shaft, determined not to be forgotten.
<<nm $phYou "My turn?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "MmmNmmm!">>
<<nm $phYou "It is too! You've been going as long as I had!">>
You shoulder checked her hard enough to pull her from the shaft, but before you could get your face into position, she checked you back. Instead of taking him in, you instead found your mouth and cheek pressed up against the side of his shaft.
<<nm $phSamantha "It's not my fault you, like, took a long time to start sucking! You need to be ready to any time!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's about foreplay! You can't skip right to the main event!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "The sucking //is// the foreplay! Then you look up and bat your eyes and get them to fuck you against the counter top!">>
Samantha pressed herself into his other side, dragging her lips up and down the edge of his cock. You growled and did the same on your side, letting your tongue lap agaainst the flesh. At times, you were almost kissing around him, though he was so thick you couldn't quite connect even if you had wanted to.
You were just about to let loose with another complaint when Mason's hand clamped around the back of your head and pulled you forward. You saw he was doing the same with Sammy, pulling you both off and pressing you together, cheek to cheek, in front of him.
<<nm $phMason "Ahh!">>
Mason's cock twitched in front of you, and the first jet of cum caught you across the cheek. The second splattered against Sammy's chin. Again and again, he shot his load all over the two of you until you were both dripping wet. Only when he finally began to slow and gasp for air did he loosen his grip and allow the pair of you two move apart.
<<nm $phYou "...Well? Who won?">>
<<nm $phMason "Now now. One test is not enough for a study. I think I'm going to have to repeat this experiment frequently if I'm going to be able to tell for sure.">>
<<nm $phYou "But-!">>
You didn't get to finish. Sammy leaned over and caught you in a wet kiss, Mason's cum still on her tongue as she pressed into you. Her hand rubbed up and down your side for several long seconds before she finally pulled away. She gave you a wink.
<<nm $phSamantha "Like, we'll just have to keep practicing for next time, right? I'm sure $phMason.Him won't mind...now matter how long it takes!">>
She popped to her feet, blew a kiss to Mason, and flounced her way to the door. You guessed she'd get all the way back to her desk before she realized she was still covered in cum, but it wouldn't surprise anyone who knew her. You shot Mason an annoyed look.
<<nm $phYou "Repeat the experiment?">>
<<nm $phMason "...The scientific process. My hands are tied.">>
@@.choice;
[[Sure They Were!|Bedroom]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><<unset $phMasonCommand>><<set $phMasonTimer to 4>>
<</if>><<if $phMason.sex is 99>><<set $phMasonCommand to 'CallObey'>><<set _random to random(1,3)>><<if _random is 1>>You lay back on the bed, your heart thumping in your chest. It took you a few moments to remember how to even dial Mason through the landline on the nightstand, but soon enough the connection clicked through.
<<nm $phMason "Hello, $phMason.you.">>
His voice was warm, low, and inviting. You bit your lip as you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>ran your fingers lightly over your slit<<else>>stroked your fingers lightly over your still-limp shaft<</if>>. You felt a little awkward about 'performing' on command, but a greeting like that certainly helped set the mood. You felt the first <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>hint of slick wetness greets<<else>>You felt the first stirrings of stiffness beneath<</if>> your roaming fingertips.
<<nm $phYou "Hello, $phMason.him.">>
<<nm $phMason "What are you doing?">>
<<nm $phYou "Thinking of you.">>
Maybe it was the small, breathy note to your voice that made him pause. He held his silence for a long moment as you held the phone against your cheek with one hand and slowly pleasured yourself with the other. Your initial hesitation was fading quickly as your body responded, and as you listened to //him// listening. Despite the paucity of words, you knew you were the sole focus of his attention.
<<nm $phMason "Good $pgirl. Tell me exactly what you're thinking about me. Tell me what you're doing.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm-- I'm imagining it's your hand <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>between my legs<<else>>around my cock<</if>>, that you're leaning over me in bed, staring down at me... that you're smirking at me while you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>play with my clit<<else>>rub your thumb over the tip<</if>>. That you know exactly what you want to do with me, and that I have to be a good little slave and not cum without permission.">>
You heard the incubus suck in a breath through the phone connection. Oh, you //definitely// had his full attention. You swore -- though maybe it was just wishful thinking -- that you heard the low, slow grind of him pulling down his zipper on the other end.
<<nm $phMason "That's right, $phMason.you. Your body is mine. //You// are mine.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm yours. Every inch of me. My mouth, my tongue... <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>my breasts, my stomach. My pussy.<<else>>my abs, my ass. My cock.<</if>>.">>
<<nm $phMason "Go faster. You know how I like to treat my toy.">>
You nodded, even knowing he couldn't see it. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Your fingers quickened as your rubbed over your folds, then between them, circling, dipping a knuckle into your channel before smearing the nectar back up to your clit again.<<else>>Your fingers curled properly around your now-stiff shaft and began a firmer, longer stroke, dragging the soft skin up to your cockhead and then back down again.<</if>> You held your breath almost without meaning to. It was too easy to imagine he had one white-gloved hand in your hair, another around your throat, the third holding your legs spread open while the fourth forced you towards climax.
<<nm $phMason "//Harder//, $phMason.you. Your pleasure and your pain are //mine//. I want to hear you gasping, pleading, and thanking me for every stroke.">>
<<nm $phYou "Y-yes, $phMason.Him! Harder! Harder for-- for you!">>
The motion of your hand became a blur as you obeyed, and soon the phone fell away from your cheek as your brought your other hand to bear. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You drove two fingers deep inside; your other hand flicked fingertips over the swollen pearl above.<<else>>You gripped your dick and bounced your fist from balls to tip; your other hand dragged your nails over your clenched stomach up above.<</if>> You imagined it was him. //He// had you on your back, bound and restrained, so that you couldn't close your legs. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>//He// was fucking you like you deserved to be fucked.<<else>>//He// was edging you closer, using your cock like his personal playtoy.<</if>> You bit back a groan and writhed on the mattress. Each burst of pleasure drew your muscles taut and made your motions all the more frantic.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him! $phMason.Him! P-please! Fuck me! Please!">>
<<nm $phMason "Cum for me. Cum for your $phMason.him, $phYou.firstname. Scream it! Now!">>
Your legs locked; your back arched. You howled his name so loud it echoed off the walls. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The inner walls of your sex clenched around your fingers; your hips bucked every time your fingers hit your clit. Each and every jerk bumped it anew, and a new jolt of ecstacy lit up your nerves with the contact.<<else>>Your shaft spasmed; a rope of thick white seed launched through the air and splattered across your <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>tits<<else>>pecs<</if>>. The next rope made it as far as your stomach as you pumped and squeezed and milked yourself dry.<</if>> When the tide finally subsided, it left you shivering and breathless.
<<nm $phMason "$phYou.firstname?">>
He had to repeat your name three times before you realized the faint voice was his. You scrambled to retrieve the phone from where it had landed in the plush blankets, and pressed it back to your ear again.
<<nm $phYou "$phMason.Him?">>
<<nm $phMason "There you are. Good $pgirl. That was... inspiring.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, $phMason.him.">>
The call ended with a dual //beep-beep//, and you let out another shivering breath as you let the phone fall from weak fingers. You weren't sure whether you had 'inspired' him to take care of himself the same way, or 'inspired' him to come up to your room and finish the job.
You fell asleep before you could imagine too much about either possibility.<</if>>
<<if _random is 2>>There was nothing wrong with getting 'warmed up' before you called him, you figured. You lay in bed that night and teased yourself, enjoying the slow warmth and even laziness of it as your hand traced swirls over your lower stomach and inner thighs. After a long day at work, the last thing you wanted was to make getting off a job of its own.
You were just starting to //really// get into things by the time you picked up your phone and pressed in Mason's number. It meant giving up <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>that delicious slickness that coated your fingers<<else>>the fantastic firmness between your fingers<</if>>, but it was only a momentary sacrifice.
<<nm $phMason "Hello, $phYou.firstname. How is my $phMason.you toni-- ah. I see. $pShe's doing very well, it seems.">>
He chuckled over the sound of your panting breath and a small, muffled groan as you tucked the phone between your cheek and shoulder, and let your hands get back to work.
<<nm $phYou "//Very// well, $phMason.him.">>
<<nm $phMason "Good. I was considering giving you some... instructions, to help you get in the mood, but since you don't need any assistance...">>
You didn't //need// the assistance, but hearing his voice tell you exactly what he wanted you to do would definitely be a welcome spice. It didn't meant for a heartbeat that you were going to slow down the quick <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>curled-finger flick across your clit<<else>>vertical beat of your palm sliding over your shaft<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "Tell me, please? Order me. Command me. I'll do anything you say.">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course you will. Well then. Tell me what you're doing now. Describe it to me.">>
<<nm $phYou "<<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>I'm running my fingers over my clit. Playing with it. You'd love how wet I am, $phMason.him... Sometimes I tease myself with the tip of my finger; sometimes I circle around it. One side is more sensitive than the other.<<else>>I have my thumb and my middle finger curled in a ring, and I'm stroking it up and down my shaft. You wouldn't believe how hard I am, $phMason.him... When I get to the top, I tighten just a little, and tug right over the ridge, then over the most sensitive spot of all.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phMason "Which is..?">>
<<nm $phYou "Guess.">>
You breathed the word out with a bratty smile that colored your voice. Dangerous, you knew, but... well. Resisting temptation had never been your strong point.
<<nm $phMason "Hmm. Perhaps I will simply need to discover it through experimentation. Very //thorough// experimentation.">>
<<nm $phYou "I think I'd like that.">>
<<nm $phMason "Do you? Anything for the good of science?">>
There were a lot of times when that calm, slightly arch tone would set off warning bells that the incubus was plotting something wicked, but you were fairly sure -- fairly -- that he was playing along for real this time. You fingers were getting faster, and <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>the slippery friction as your circled your clit was starting to spike into genuine need<<else>>the ring of thumb and finger soon wasn't enough. You gripped yourself with your whole hand instead.<</if>> You blew out a hot and heavy breath as you squirmed on the bed to better spread your legs as you imagined how your $phMason.him might 'examine' you.
<<nm $phYou "Mmm-hmmm. Anything for //you//.">>
<<nm $phMason "I would need to control for variables, of course. Bind your ankles to the bedframe. Tie your wrists. Lock you down so you couldn't 'accidentally' buck or twist and ruin the data.">>
Oh. Oh my.
<<nm $phYou "But-- but how would I--">>
<<nm $phMason "You? //You// wouldn't do anything, my beautiful little $phMason.you. You would lay there and endure, over and over and over again, unable to thrash or writhe or do anything but plead for release, while I tested each and every millimeter of your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>sex<<else>>member<</if>> for which part made you scream the loudest.">>
You knew which part it was, and your touch focused there more and more as you listed to him plot how he'd torture you in such delightful ways. You could //imagine// it, perfectly. The tension of not being able to move; the helplessness as he <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>fingered you and rubbed your clit, hard one time, soft the next, flicking or circling, testing whether you screamed the prettiest underneath his fingers, his lips, or his tongue...<<else>>jacked you off with his ever-present white gloves, going slow and firm one time, quick and light the next, cupping your balls or maybe only -- only! -- toying with the very tip. Maybe he'd test whether you screamed yourself more hoarse when he used his hand or his lips...<</if>>
//Oh!// It hit out of nowhere, and unexpectedly sharp. You let out a strangled whine of purest pleasure as <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>your juices drenched your fingers and trickled between your folds<<else>>your shot a rope of sticky cum straight up in the air. It landed in pearlescent ribbons across your thighs, and then oozed<</if>> down to the bedsheets beneath you.
Against your ear, you heard Mason's smug, oh-so-satisfied voice.
<<nm $phMason "I never imagined you such a devotee of scientific rigour, $phYou.firstname. I'll order the equipment... and select a suitable assistant. Goodnight, pet.">>
You nodded, only half-listening over the thunder of your heart.
<<nm $phYou "Goodnight, $phMason.him. Thank you.">>
Wow. What a--
Wait. Equipment? //Assistant?//
It was too late. The call was already dead.<</if>><<if _random is 3>><<nm $phMason "$phYou.firstname....">>
You'd called him, as commanded, about ten minutes earlier, when you'd first starting getting comfortable on your mattress. With his voice in your ear, murmuring delightful promises about what he would do to you, it was easy to find the motivation to 'perform'. Now you were //in media res//, panting and writhing as you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pumped your middle two fingers into your dripping pussy<<else>>jerked your fist over your engorged shaft<</if>> in frantic tempo. The sound of your name on his lips //almost// bumped you over the edge. Almost. You were almost there!
<<nm $phYou "Y-yes, $phMason.him?">>
<<nm $phMason "No hands.">>
<<nm $phYou "No..? Wh- what?">>
<<nm $phMason "Stop touching yourself. Now.">>
It took you a moment to register what he meant, and another moment past that to realize his iron tone was deadly serious. You jerked your fingers away from yourself and slapped your palm down on the mattress as your eyes flew open and you stared up at the perfectly painted ceiling of your bedroom suite. Was he really going to make you stop when you were //that// close?
<<nm $phMason "I still want you to cum, $phMason.you.">>
<<nm $phYou "But-- but how--!">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh, come now. Surely you're a bright enough $pgirl to think of something.">>
Of course he was serious. He was an evil, evil sadist, and you loved him for it. You //groaned// with frustration and flipped yourself over onto your stomach, where you could at least try to eke out that last little bit of friction to get the climax your body desperately wanted. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your cock was rock-hard and pressed into the pillow-top mattress; as you began rubbing yourself against it and humping it with all your might, you had a lightning-flash curiosity of whether you might actually wear a hole into it.<<else>>You were soaking wet; you began twisting your legs and bunching the blankets between them to rub yourself against the bulky mass. The uneven ridges, lumps, and swells were just enough resistance to make do.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "You had better have obeyed me, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "I did! I am!">>
<<nm $phMason "What are you doing, then?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm-- I'm on my stomach and- and I'm rubbing-- I'm fucking the- the mattress and--">>
<<nm $phMason "...I can't hear you.">>
You peeled your mouth away from the sheets and practically yelled your answer as you ground yourself against the bed.
<<nm $phYou "I'm humping the mattress!">>
<<nm $phMason "Good. Face down, then, I imagine -- like a good $phMason.you should be. Just like you'll be when I am on your back with my cock up your <<if $phYou.form == 'female'>>cunt<<else>>ass<</if>>, making you take as much of me as hard and fast as I want you to.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes! Yes, please! Like that! Fuck me like that, please $phMason.him, please!">>
<<nm $phMason "Only if you can cum for me with no hands. If you //really// want it that badly, you can do it. I believe in you. My little $phMason.you can do anything $pshe lets $pherhis mind to, can't $pshe?">>
You whimpered, but any attempt to answer was muffled by the mouthful of over-plush blankets your face was buried against. All you could do was grind yourself, thrusting, twisting, clenching your thighs and stomach and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy<<else>>ass<</if>> before releasing again, as you fought to keep the sensation arcing towards a beautiful, final high.
It took you another minute or two, but as it turned out: Mason's belief your ability was very well-founded, after all.
Your scream of bliss echoed off the walls. Dimly, you heard Mason chuckle, but you didn't care.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Time To Catch Your Breath|Bedroom][$phMason.sex to 0]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if ($phMasonQ1 is not 1) and ($phMasonQ2 is not 1)>><<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>><<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>><<if $phMason.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phMason.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phMason.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phMason.chapter_talk to 3.9>>Mason was leaning forward at his work bench, resting his weight on his lower arms while his upper ones worked. Surprisingly, it wasn't a piece of equipment before him but a weathered and yellow-looking scroll. He was examining the writing with a jewelers' lens in one eye, but you didn't recognize the script.
<<nm $phYou "...Light reading?">>
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps. There have been more cultures and civilizations than history could record on this world. I am searching every archive I can find for information on the Sin of Desire.">>
You looked down with new respect. Funny how 'ancient scroll from a long-vanished civilization' had a tendancy to increase your engagement.
<<nm $phYou "Any luck?">>
<<nm $phMason "Little, I'm afraid. The perils of researching something that is very much part of the human condition. The scroll speaks largely of rushing waters, warning that it is a powerful force of momentum... when it is carrying you to the destination you have selected. If it is not, then you will quickly find yourself far from any lands you know.">>
<<nm $phYou "Poetic. Not much help, but poetic.">>
Mason pushed back from his table, took out the eyeglass, and turned to face you. His expression was grave.
<<nm $phMason "I suspect there is very little I can tell you that will not be in a similar vein. Lazren has always been straightforward with me, so far as I know. When she manipulated me, putting me with you in the hopes that you would aid me, it was to my benefit. That is a mark in her favor. Just remember that we are demons. Some amount of deception is probably to be expected.">>
He offered you a sudden wry smile. It looked out of place and yet somehow very natural on his face.
<<nm $phMason "Unless, of course, I am lying about that.">>
Humor? From Mason? That was a good sign. Sadly, it didn't seem like your expert had a lot to add about your coming conflict with Lazren's sister.
Maybe when this was over, you'd have to write your own scroll on the topic.
<<nm $phMason "What else can I do for you?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Can we talk for a bit?">>
<<nm $phMason "Hmm? Oh yes, of course. Please.">>
He gestured you toward a small stool and rested his elbow on workbench. It was a far more relaxed pose than he had ever displayed in the weeks you'd first known him. His expression, too, lacked the stiff wariness you'd come to associate with the man. Now he could have been any husband at work in a home garage.
<<nm $phMason "...Why the smile?">>
You blinked. You hadn't realized it, but your approval was clearly showing through. You shook your head and waved one hand vaguely.
<<nm $phYou "Nothing, sorry. It has been a good day.">>
He gave you a suspicious look, but apparently decided to let it go. He gestured at you politely.
<<nm $phMason "What did you want to talk about?">><</if>><</if>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 1>><<nm $phYou "How are you doing? I know that whole incident with the crystal had to be fairly disruptive to your routine.">>
Mason didn't answer immediately. He looked off into the middle distance for so long you began to worry if you'd offended him. Finally, though, he huffed out a breath and offered a strangly wry smile.
<<nm $phMason "That is...a difficult question. It is somewhat akin to having been smothered under a dozen blankets on a winter's day. Getting out was the best thing to do, but it is still a cold day. It will take some time to adjust.">>
<<nm $phYou "Any regrets?">>
The incubus laughed and quickly shook his head, pulling his attention back to you. He spread his upper hands, palm up.
<<nm $phMason "Not really. It was...easier the other way. I very seldom gave myself enough time to think. This way, I have to actually contemplate what it is I want to do. Yet, that contemplation is rewarding in its own way. No. No regrets.">>
You reached over and patted him lightly on the back of his hand, flashing him a smile.
<<nm $phYou "Good. You ever need anyone, I'm always a phone call away. You know that, right?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $phMason.address. I will not hesitate to use it when needed. So far, though? So far so good.">>
That was the best you could hope for.<</if>><<if $phMasonQ2 is 1>><<nm $phYou "How has work been? I'm not pulling you away from anything, am I?">>
<<nm $phMason "Quite well, $phMason.address. Actually, if anything it is going much better than before.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Why's that?">>
Mason shook his head quickly and tilted his head to take in the office with its myriad of boxes, parts, and tools. His brow furrowed, if only by a fraction.
<<nm $phMason "It is hard to ascertain exactly, but there are at least two things at play. The first is a substantial reduction in the number of projects I am working on simply in order to keep myself occupied. I have to confess that when I reevaluated my daily schedule, there was quite a bit more of that than needed. Running a weekly inventory when I am the only one present to //use// that inventory might have soothed my tensions, but it was not an efficient use of time.">>
You couldn't argue with that one. You could understand the impulse. Sometimes, keeping your hands and mind off an uncomfortable subject felt like the most urgent thing in the world. You guessed even with his soul crystal dampening things, he couldn't quite evade it entirely.
<<nm $phYou "And the second?">>
<<nm $phMason "Ah, yes. Speaking of inventories. I do believe I've had more occasions where a tool or a schematic or a need item simply...materializes when most needed. At first, I thought it merely a psychological effect, but I can say with confidence some of the things I've integrated into my work recently were not brought into my office by me. My efficiency is being aided.">>
<<nm $phYou "But...isn't that what the tower has always done? It wants to please, and it reacts to any desire it- Ah.">>
You got it, all at once. Mason nodded at you, his expression pleased at your realization. His sigh was rueful.
<<nm $phMason "Just so. All that effort spent to dampen my desires made me essentially invisible to the tower, which wanted only to help me. It may not always be effective with its assistance, but it has been more than enough to compensate for any distraction.">>
Well, that was good. Mason and the tower were now working in concert, and it sounded like that arrangement was bearing fruit. You didn't doubt Mason was going to be a lot more effective in his work from here on end.
Good for him, and good for you!<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phMasonQ1 is 0>>[[Ask How He's Doing|MasonPostTalk][$phMasonQ1 to 1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if $phMasonQ2 is 0>>[[Ask About R&D|MasonPostTalk][$phMasonQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
[[Ask About A Focus|MasonFoci]]<br>
[[Enough For Now|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 'PostTalkQuick']]
<</nobr>>@@<<script>>Save.autosave.save();<</script>>
<<if $phSelene.post_talk is 0>>You yawned and leaned back in your chair. You had a few more reports to check over, but the numbers and letters were starting the blur together into meaningless mush in your mind. It had been a good day, but the tedium of paperwork was stronger even than the seven sins.
Enough for one day. You pushed back from your seat and stretched your arms up over your head. You'd been productive enough. You could //find// things to do, if you really wanted to, but you didn't think Lazren would approve. It was time to start winding down for the day.
You were just cleaning things up when a quiet knock at your door caught your attention. You frowned and glanced back towards the staircase that led down to the lower level -- and the front door. It wasn't that uncommon that you had an employee drop in, but Mason <<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>treated your suite as if he owned it<<else>>tended to reply on digital communications<</if>> and most of the others tended to see you during working hours. You weren't sure who it could be.
Only one way to find out. You hurried down the steps and to the door, tossing it open just after the second knock.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! You //are// here! Fantastic!">>
Selene gave you a shy grin and tucked her hands together in front of herself. You didn't reply immediately. By reflex, your eyes tracked down <<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>>across her much-expanded bosom<<else>>to her hips and the much-expanded lengths you knew were hidden there<</if>>... and then continued further, to instead focus on the length of pale //leg// emerging out of the bottom of her skirt, with nary a scale in sight!
<<nm $phYou "Selene? You-?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Isn't it wonderful? I wanted to show off! I've finally gathered enough energy here to learn how to do it properly!">>
She lifted her newfound leg and and twisted it so you could get a better view. She practically beamed with joy, and //you// enjoyed that view. Her bronzed skin was just as smooth as the rest of her, ending in a small, delicate slipper.
<<nm $phYou "Impressive!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Isn't it? It's not //real// yet, but as long as I don't-- woah!">>
She tilted her body back a fraction too far...and promptly lost her balance and fell backward. About halfway to the ground she came to an abrupt stop, and those long legs disappeared in small puffs of greenish energy. She was once again resting on her coiled tail, looking somewhat shame-faced. You shot her an amused look.
<<nm $phYou "As long as you don't...?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh hush! You've had years to figure out how to do that. We were lucky if we managed to talk our matron into a trip to town once a year! Just enough to keep people from asking questions!">>
@@.choice;
[[Fair Enough!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 1>><<nm $phYou "Your matron? I think you might have mentioned her before. She's your mother, isn't she? She can disguise herself?">>
Selene pushed herself back to her upright position, her cheeks faintly tinged with her embarrassment. She seemed eager to cooperate with the change of subject.
<<nm $phSelene "Sort of. It's a little hard to say. Every nest has a generation of matrons, and a clutch can have multiple parents. They tend to claim a favorite and raise it, whether it's //directly// related to them or not. She //can// disguise herself, and she can even extend it to us from time to time. It's a little too involved for casual strolls, but it let us walk around town occasionally and kept people from asking too many questions.">>
You frowned, your mind snagging on something.
<<nm $phYou "But wasn't the whole reason you're here about learning how to do it? If //she// can do it--">>
<<nm $phSelene "Then why the whole job thing? It's not quite that easy. Everybody does things a slightly different way. There's no guarantee I could do it the same way she does and, even if I could, I'd have to use the use the brood's energy to do it. That'd be fine if I planned to stay at the nest for the rest of my life, but...">>
<<nm $phYou "But you wanted to see more of the world than that, and a certain purple demoness promised to make your dreams come true.">>
Selene's smile was easy as she spread her hands out wide.
<<nm $phSelene "I guess I'm a simple girl at heart. This has worked out, better than I ever dreamed, really. I've got you to thank for a lot of that...but that's not why I came down! Actually, I wanted to tell you that I'll be out for a couple of days!">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? Back home to the nest?">>
<<nm $phSelene "You got it. It's been a little while, and they'll like to see me, I'm sure.">>
<<nm $phYou "...and you want to show off your skills to all your sisters?">>
She colored a little deeper and twisted around, shyly. You were quite sure you'd hit the nail on the head.
<<nm $phSelene "...Anyway! Mason has set up the usual temporary arrangements. I don't plan to be gone very long, so they ought to hold just fine until I can get back. I just wanted to check in and make sure you didn't worry.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's very kind of you, Selene. You have fun. Try to relax and not to worry about us back here, okay?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, absolutely! I am going to buy //so// many skirts, you have no idea. I //never// got to go shopping in town. Take care of the place, and I'll be back before you know it!">>
She turned, and slithered toward the door. About halfway there, you called out after her.
<<nm $phYou "Oh! Selene!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Hmm?">>
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<nm $phYou "Don't forget, you're a little //bigger// than you were. You might want to work that into the disguise...or be ready to explain about plastic surgery.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I know you're excited to show off all your new features...but maybe don't sire a clutch while you're there. The tower isn't really set up for a family just yet.">><</if>>
Selene blinked over her shoulder at you for several seconds, then looked down at herself. Her cheeks flared to their brightest color yet.<<set $phSleepCount to 2>><<set $phSeleneTimer to 2>>
@@.choice;
[[Then She Fled!|Sleep][$phSelene.post_talk to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 2>>//Clocks chime, the humans file out, and another day comes to a close. The tower slumbers and awaits a new dawn and a new array of guests.//
You yawned and padded toward the bed. By now, you'd long become accustomed to the tower conforming itself to your will, so you barely noticed the way that the lights dimmed and finally extinguished themselves as you reached the blessed comfort. You slid your legs beneath the sheets and sank down against the mattress, reveling again as the cushion conformed itself against your back.
For a child of sloth, you still worked awfully hard. Maybe that would get a little better over time. Once you had the tower set up, maybe all you'd be required to do is tour the facilities from time to time and enjoy all of your employees. That was a pleasant thought...
When sleep took you, you didn't even know it. The bed was as comfortable as it was possible to be, and drew you down and down and down into your deep, comfortable sleep...
Until the hard, frantic knock at the door @@.choice;[[Pulled You From The Dream!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 3]]@@
<<include "NewDayTriggers">><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 3>>You were out of the bed in an instant, feeling around in the darkness. It took your eyes a few seconds to settle enough to look at the clock. Still several hours before your alarm would have gone off. What on Earth did someone want at this hour?
The knock came again. Hard, rattling the suite door in the frame. It was the sound of someone who had knocked more softly before and hadn't gotten a response. Yet, they'd stayed at the door and kept trying until they were all but slamming into it.
Bad sign.
You were halfway across the room before you realized you were still groping in the dark. Even in the confusion of the night, that made you pause. You tilted your head up toward the ceiling.
<<nm $phYou "Lights, please?">>
There was nothing for a few seconds. Then, finally, your bedroom lights flicked on. That wouldn't have been unusual...except that tower always adapted to your needs. You didn't like the fact it was suddenly doing that a //lot// slower.
You now had a good idea of who was at the door, and you hurried down the steps. You threw open the door to reveal Mason on the other side. Your chief builder had his back straight, but the grim expression on his face was obvious even in the dimness.
<<if ($phMason.transform is not 'dom') and ($phMason.transform is not 'sub')>><<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address. I apologize for interrupting you at this time of the morning--">>
<<nm $phYou "Enough. Come in. I know something is wrong. Tell me what's happening.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phMason "$pMistress. I'm terribly sorry for coming unbidden, but--">>
<<nm $phYou "It's okay. Come in. It's work time, and $pMistress needs to know what is going on.">><</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>><<nm $phMason "This isn't a social visit, pet. We need to talk business.">>
<<nm $phYou "I understand. Come in. I need to know what's happening.">><</if>>
Mason stepped inside quickly and you shut the door firmly behind him. He drew in a deep breath, tucked his lower arms behind his back, and turned toward you.
<<nm $phMason "I just finished a call with Matron Ira, out of Oregon. She informed me that Selene journeyed into town early yesterday afternoon to run an errand, and has not been seen since.">>
That stopped you in your tracks. Your brow furrowed, and you stared at the tall man in disbelief.
<<nm $phYou "What do you //mean// she hasn't been seen?">>
<<nm $phMason "Precisely that. The Matron informed me that Selene went into the local town to purchase some clothing items. I gather that the prospect of being able to disguise herself sufficiently for the journey pleased her a great deal, and that she wanted to experiment. She was supposed to be gone an hour. When she had not returned after four, they began to worry.">>
You sucked your lower lip between your teeth and began to pace. You could still feel the fatigue of the early morning dragging you down, but you did your best to ignore it. Bit by bit, your faculties were starting to return, and you didn't like the picture they were painting.
<<nm $phYou "Lazren taught her how to disguise herself. That was the price for her service. You don't think...?">>
<<nm $phMason "Unfortunately, it is worse than that. When Selene did not return, Ira and some of the other matrons began to make inquiries. They involved the local mundane constabulary, and they inquired around town themselves. They did not find her, but they found something else: a ritual site in the woods, one with a symbol carved into a nearby tree.">>
The tall man extended his phone, the screen already illuminated. You looked down. The first picture showed the stump of some ancient old growth, at least two feet wide and cut around waist height. A number of cheap candles appeared to have burned into puddles along the top of the tree.
The second was a close-up a tree trunk. The wood had been clumsily carved out with a small knife. The shape was crude, and it took you a few seconds to realize what it was supposed to be. A bulbous top tapering down into a tiny waist before flaring out again at the base. A chalice.
<<nm $phYou "...What does this mean?">>
<<nm $phMason "It is an emblem, $phMason.address. One I recognize. The Hellsing Society.">>
The @@.choice;[[What?|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 4>><<nm $phYou "The //what//?!">>
Mason sucked in a deep breath and folded his upper arms behind his back to join the lower ones. He contemplated his words carefully, and you had to bite back the urge to tell him to spit it out. <<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>You knew you'd pay for such impertinence later, and you had more important things to worry about.<</if>>
<<nm $phMason "They are a...secret society, but I assure you that dramatically over-romanticizes their nature. As you know, the world is far more complicated than most human beings believe. The supernatural world is very select, and it prefers - for a myriad of reasons - to go unnoticed. Yet, there are exceptions. Many recruit amongst the ranks of humanity, as Lazren does. Other times there are mistakes. People find out things they shouldn't.">>
<<nm $phYou "So...what, there's a secret council that keeps the lid on everything?">>
<<nm $phMason "Nothing so grand. Individual steps may be taken, but frankly, humans are both more curious and more eager to avoid embarrassment than people admit. Trying to convince others of what they saw is a daunting task, even if they're certain of it themselves. The vast majority of the time, they simply become...aware. Some become allies of various forces. Others keep things to themselves for fear of being ridiculed. Some try to go public, and //are// ridiculed. The world continues to spin.<br><br>Some few, however, react with all the negative stereotypes that humanity have earned. In the internet age, it is easier for these people to find one another and become far more dangerous as a group than individually. The Hellsing Society is one of these. They're not as violent as the name implies, but they //do// believe that imbibing the blood of various 'monsters' will grant them the powers of the supernatural.">>
<<nm $phYou "Will it?">>
<<nm $phMason "Not even a little. This isn't a storybook, after all. Usually their ill-won gain is the taste of pennies for a few days. If they are particularly unlucky, they'll discover that some beings have interesting and often toxic substances, instead of blood. Regardless, they persist. They swap stories, largely inaccurate, and try to pick off isolated members of the supernatural community wherever they can.">>
<<nm $phYou "And you think they took her?">>
<<nm $phMason "The preponderance of evidence points in that direction. A ritual suggests a number of participants. The naga have been a part of the local town for many years; no doubt someone discovered something they should not have and began gathering help. Perhaps they knew Selene. Perhaps she was merely the first naga to leave the compound. It is difficult to say.">>
Your head spun. This was a lot to take in. You'd went to bed last night with no inkling of anything being wrong, and now a cult had kidnapped one of your people. You took a deep, calming breath and looked up at the incubus.
<<nm $phYou "Mason...How bad is this?">>
Mason's red eyes shifted away rather than meet yours, and you felt the pit of your stomach dropping out. If //Mason// was afraid to deliver the news...
<<nm $phMason "Tomorrow's moon is full, and human rituals of this kind frequently take place on the night of the full moon. The Hellsing Society rituals call for small amounts of blood to be drawn, but when those do not work it is not unheard of for a chapter to demand...somewhat more. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that she will not survive. That would have grave implications.">>
<<nm $phYou "Implications?">>
Your voice was steadier than you could believe. You could feel a fire rising up in your chest, though. It took you a little while to recognize the feeling, after so long running your own personal paradise. You were //angry//.
<<nm $phMason "The loss would be personally tragic, $phMason.address, but I am obliged also to point out that the young lady personified the repository of the tower's energy stores. While she is away, we are holding that energy using temporary methods. I have placed the tower into a... let us call it a 'low power mode'. This will hinder its operation but buy us time to act. Perhaps a few days, though at an increasingly impaired level of operation. After that, we would be forced to shut down.">>
<<nm $phYou "We'd lose the energy we have?">>
<<nm $phMason "...No, $phMason.address. Conservation of energy dictates that it cannot be lost, only converted into other forms. We could use some of that energy ourselves, and convert it, with difficulty, into worthless effort. The vast majority would decay on its own, rapidly breaking down into simpler elemental forms. Light, heat, and pressure, specifically. A very considerable quantity of each.">>
@@.choice;
[[Oh|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 5>><<set $phLocation to "R&D">><<nm $phYou "Okay. How are we doing this?">>
You straightened your tie and walked down the hall. The duffle bag that Mason had given you bounced across your shoulder as you moved, and the tall man had to lengthen his gait to keep up with your pace.
<<nm $phMason "We can ill-afford the travel time to get you there in a mundane fashion. Fortunately, we still have enough stable energy to transport you just outside of the town. You must return to that spot and call when you're ready to come home, and we will pull you both back, with any luck. A car should be waiting for you.">>
<<nm $phYou "You sent a car through a portal?">>
Mason actually chuckled at that. He hurried forward a step, opened the door to R&D for you; you swept into the laboratory without breaking stride. You could feel the hum in the air the moment you did. A doorway to one of the side rooms caught your eye. It shone with a vibrant emerald light.
You went that way. It seemed like a 'strange glowing room in R&D' sort of day.
<<nm $phMason "Not at all. I ordered a car, had it driven to the location, and deposited there. A moderately unusual request as far as delivery, but 'unusual' does little more than increase the price, and green slips of paper remain easy to manifest. Now, the full moon occurs //tonight//, so you must search with all haste. I suggest you start by meeting Matron Ira. I have marked the location of the nest on your map. Beyond that...follow your instincts. You have a talent for drawing out the truth. It may not be as potent as when backed by the Tower, but you have learned and grown a great deal in your tenure here. This will simply be a new opportunity to utilize it.">>
As you neared the doorway, you paused. The far wall of the room beyond glowed with a six-foot-tall oval of swirling green energy. It seemed to bend inward in a sort of concave, and your eyes didn't seem to be able to fasten at the edge. Light and shadow seemed to swirl around one another into the impossible distance. Many of the fantastical things you had used and seen turned out to be more mundane than you had expected, but this was everything that pop culture had prepared you for.
You pulled your eyes away, with effort, and turned back to your incubus.
<<nm $phYou "If we don't have much time, maybe I should bring help. My employees would jump at the chance. Several of them would probably be better at it than me.">>
<<nm $phMason "Unfortunately, the tower's stability will rapidly deteriorate. Sending you there and maintaining your disguise at a distance may be as much as it can handle in its present state, particularly when we must still return the both of you when things are done. We cannot risk that you be revealed as a demon whilst stranded in a small town in the middle of nowhere.<br><br>Besides, I suspect your employees will not be idle here. It will be a very strange day, and the stores are likely to operate poorly. Without the tower's assistance, we will have to compensate as best we can with mundane muscle and charm. You may need them //here// even more than there. Do not worry. I will do my utmost to find a way to assist, should the worst happen.">>
You sighed, but you didn't push back. Somehow, you knew you were going to have to take care of this yourself. You were the boss, after all. 'Heavy weighs the crown' and all that. You resettled the duffle bag around your shoulders and turned toward the humming portal. Just before you stepped through, a thought occurred to you.
<<nm $phYou "Wait...the town. What's its name?">>
<<nm $phMason "The nest is located just outside the town of Sisters, Oregon.">>
You shot him a long look over your shoulder, your eyebrows raised. He returned your gaze impassively, his eyes reflecting the green light of the portal before you.
<<nm $phYou "...The naga den is in a place called 'Sisters'? Really?">>
<<nm $phMason "Fate is...whimsical, on occasion, $phMason.address.">>
You couldn't argue with that. You turned back around to face the glowing energy...
...@@.choice;[[And Stepped Through!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 6]]@@<<GetAchievements>><<if _achieved.includesAny("phSeleneClone","phSeleneBig")>>
[[(Or...Haven't I done this before?)|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 99]]
<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 6>><<set $phLocation to "SAClearing">>You wouldn't recommend it as a way to travel.
Your foot had barely crossed the threshold before a strong tingle spread through it -- and then your entire body was //sucked// forward into the swirling green energy. The tingling numbness radiated through your entire body, and you realized you could no longer see or hear anything. You tried to shout... in vain. No voice, no movement, no acknowledgement that your thought had any effect at all. It was as if the wiring of your mind had simply been snipped off.
And then, all at once, reality rushed back in. The world resolved itself into a wild mess of color, and sensation flooded back into your body on the back of a quick, gasping breath. You had just enough time, barely, to get your bearings before you landed in the dirt...
...on your face.
You lay there for a time, breathing in the scent of raw earth and listening to the chirps of crickets, birds, and other nocturnal critters all trying to find their last meals before retiring before the dawn. You counted slowly to ten, then finally propped yourself up on one arm and muttered darkly to yourself.
<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>><<nm $phYou "I am going to bend him over my desk and fuck him until he cries for mercy.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I am going to get him back, one day. I don't know how. I don't know when. But I will.">><</if>>
You pushed yourself back to your feet, dusted yourself off, and looked around. You stood beside a dirt road, one that sliced between a scattered copse of thick-trunked trees. The moon was already descending towards the distant mountaintops, and the silver light poured through the branches overhead. Every few seconds, a gust of wind blew through and the light would waver and wobble with the leaves. The portal still glowed behind you, but it had shrunk to about a foot from top to bottom. Even as you watched, it dwindled away to nothing and finally vanished with a faint //pop// displaced air.
The pre-dawn darkness closed in around you, but your eyes adjusted quickly. You weren't entirely alone. A small, silver car was parked beside the road about 50 yards further. You slung your bag over your shoulder and walked that way.
There was no one in the car, but the driver's side door popped open easily when you pulled the handle. A small white envelope rested on the dashboard; it jingled as you picked it up, and a key fob bounced against your palm as you up ended the envelope into your hand. Good, at least you weren't stranded. You weren't sure how exactly Mason had convinced someone to drive a rental car into the middle of nowhere at the crack dawn. Then again, he had a point: you could get away with a lot if you were willing to pay a lot, and money was no longer a scarce resource for you.
You stowed the duffle back in the passenger seat and unzipped it. It was... an eclectic mixture that Mason had prepared for you. Water bottles, a map, and hiking food bars made sense: you guessed you might end up trying to track someone down far from the town itself. A length of nylon cord and what looked to be a stun gun were stranger, but also made sense. The bag of zip ties and //four// changes of clothes made you wonder exactly what he expected you to do as you tried to find your missing Selene.
You took out the map and unfolded it on your lap. The road you were on had been helpfully marked with a small circle, but it took you a few minutes to get your bearings. The town was at least fifty miles away, and another helpful circle had been drawn in the outskirts with the word 'Nest' printed neatly beside it. So an hour //to// town, then across to the nest... the sun would probably be starting to rise by the time you arrived.
You set the map aside and stabbed at the ignition button on the dash. The engine purred smoothly to life and the headlights flicked on, painting the road in a wash of light. One thing was for certain. You weren't going to find her hanging around here.
@@.choice;
[[First Stop: The Matron|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 7]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 7>><<set $phLocation to 'SANest'>>The sun was indeed rising as you turned off the main road onto a winding, paved lane. You had never really tried to imagine where Selene had come from, but her references to staying hidden and away from the humans had led you to assume the nest would be in some kind of military compound with 'no trespassing' signs stapled to every wall in sight. Instead, what you'd found when you had turned into 'Fountain Farms' was row after row of neatly organized pear trees and, when you broke through the tree line, a neatly organized assemblance of large, white-painted buildings. It could have been plucked from any small town in America.
There //were// hints, though, if you knew where to look. Aside from the trees providing complete concealment from the road, you noticed all of the animal fences were higher than most, stretching up at least six feet and making it difficult to see more than shapes and shadows through the slats. Several of the closer buildings had covered connectors between them, making it possible to travel from one end of the main building to the others without ever being out of doors. It looked completely unassuming, but catching a glimpse of the occupants accidentally was just not going to happen.
You parked the rental car under a small canopy between a battered pickup truck and a small silver car. You realized, with mild surprise, that both were charging from a small, electric stand. Were they trying to minimize trips into town for gas? Or maybe you were thinking about it too much. Maybe even naga liked new toys.
You studied the farm for a few moments, but no one came to greet you. It was still dim enough, though, that you could see lights on in what you assumed was the main building. It was the only one that faced the entrance, at any rate.
No time to just sit and stare. If Mason was correct, and he was rarely wrong, then Selene only had the rest of the day before things might turn sideways. You needed to find something you could work with. Some kind of lead, and soon.
You stepped out of the car, pulling your suit jacket close to ward off the early morning chill. The air was a mixture of the sweet scent of the hanging pears and the earthy smell of animals and manure. You hurried toward the building. A single tug opened the door.
It would seem @@.choice;[[You Were Expected.|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 8>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<set _random to random(1,3)>><<if _random is 1>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sister'>><</if>><<if _random is 2>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sheriff'>><</if>><<if _random is 3>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'clerk'>><</if>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Ira/Mobile/MatronIra.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Ira/MatronIra.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phIra "Welcome, child of Sloth. You honor my home. I only wish it could have been under better circumstances.">>
The room you'd walked into was simple but professional, and more modern than you'd expected given the rustic exterior. An L-shaped front desk provided further guard against casual eyes, and the yellow walls were sunny and cheerful. Small potted plants added a splash of greenery and further freshness to the decor.
Matron Ira was unmistakable. She was slight and unassuming, true, but her large eyes seemed to draw you in immediately. She spoke softly, but the air around her radiated with gravitas. <<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>It reminded you of Petra, and you wondered if there was some supernatural amplication to her voice. If so, you'd have to watch out. You were fairly certain you were immune to such things, but better to be safe than to be sorry.<<else>>It reminded you a little of Lazren's quiet self-confidence. You didn't think she had power to rival Sloth herself but...maybe better safe than sorry.<</if>>
All that aside, though, you were more distracted by the rest of her. She had long, golden scales extending down from her waist...and was wearing absolutely nothing to cover them. If you looked hard enough -- and you were trying hard //not// to stare -- you could even see the slit where--
<<nm $phIra "...Is something wrong?">>
<<nm $phYou "No! No, I'm sorry. Other than Selene, I've never met another naga. I just wasn't ... expecting...">>
You trailed off awkwardly. The elder naga cocked her head at you, and then looked down at herself. Comprehension flooded into her expression, and her lips compressed slightly.
<<nm $phIra "Ah. No, forgive me. I am distracted. Humans so often make everything about sex, even when everything there is to see is on the inside. I had forgotten how new you were. I'm afraid my daughter's disappearance is making it...difficult to concentrate.">>
She offered a quick, forced smile, but it dropped off her face almost as quickly as it arrived. She was a well-kept woman. She could have been in her forties, her eighties, or even older for all you knew, with only a hint of crow's feet to set her apart. The dark bags beneath her eyes, however, you'd wager were new.
<<nm $phYou "...I understand. I'm going to do everything that I can to find her. I have one of my best people working on finding a way to help us, but in the meantime, I'd like to get a feel for what happened and where I should start looking.">>
<<nm $phIra "Of course. Ask me anything. If there is anything I can do to help you, then I will.">>
@@.choice;
[[Ask About The Last Time Selene Was Seen|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.1]]
[[Ask If She's Found Anything|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.2]]
[[Ask About The Naga|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 8.1>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "What can you tell me about the last time you saw Selene?">>
Ira's large eyes tracked back in time for a moment, and a faint smile touched her face. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the fondness in her expression was genuine, and it made her look far younger.
<<nm $phIra "She was excited. I can tell that you treat her well, child of Sloth. She was brimming with energy and with stories both. The moment she arrived, the others were all over her. She always had trouble making herself heard in the past; was nice to see her holding the spotlight for once.<br><br>She came to me yesterday morning. She need not obtain my blessing to leave, anymore, but it takes time to break old habits. She was excited to visit town. Clothes have always been important to the young ones.">>
Despite the seriousness of the situation, you couldn't help but ask the question.
<<nm $phYou "Why is that?">>
<<nm $phIra "You've not lived with your mothers and sisters, sharing whatever clothes we managed to make ourselves or buy in town. Many of the Matrons are swift with a needle, but the result is still crude. In generations past, this rarely mattered, but now there are televisions, cell phones, internet. The girls are bombarded with images of the outside world -- of things we cannot make for them. You can imagine.<br><br>Selene had money, and ability to disguise herself. She wanted to buy a scarf, I think: something colorful. I imagine she also wanted to try on pants and jeans while she had the legs for them, as the women in the advertisements. I worried about her maintaining her form, but it was the first time she would have ever made a purchase without having a Matron hanging over her shoulder. She went in the evening, just in case. I thought it would be safer then, but perhaps I should have...?">>
She trailed off as her voice quavered. A moment later she pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. You didn't press her. You could only imagine the pain of losing a child that close to your home. No one was prepared. Not even the naga.
@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About The Last Time Selene Was Seen|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[Ask If She's Found Anything|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.2]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[Ask About The Naga|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.3]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneQ1 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ2 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ3 is 2)>>[[That's Enough To Go On For Now|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.4]]
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 8.2>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Have you found anything else since you called Mason?">>
Ira nodded, settling herself back onto her coils as she thought about it. It was a motion you'd seen Selene perform so many times that it called her smiling face to to the forefront of your mind -- the smiling face that now, somewhere, was in danger. You felt the anger welling up in you again. You clamped it down. That would be for later, when you found the cult that had taken her.
<<nm $phIra "Not as much as we'd like. Only a few of us can travel away from the fountain for very long. Once the sun rises, we could not search anymore.">>
<<nm $phYou "The fountain?">>
<<nm $phIra "Of energy; not of water. In the old days, we hunted humans to consume their energy to sustain us, but no longer. Now, we find other sources. This nest was founded around an ancient stump, though not one of any tree any of us have seen. The magic in it is substantial. It sustains the nest and aids us in working our abilities... but it is not limitless. We are tied to it, and its bounty is divided among all those that reside here. Even the eldest cannot travel out for more than a day.">>
That explained why Selene had been so willing to find an energy fountain of her own. It sounded like home was starting to reach capacity.
<<nm $phIra "In addition to the clearing we found and the candles we shared with your 'Mason', we located the car she had used. It was one of ours, the small one. We use it for errands or small deliveries. It was parked behind a billboard on the <<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>>north<<else>>south<</if>> side, between us and the rest of town. It was almost all the way into the woods. Someone tried to hide it.">>
The possibility that this had been some sort of misunderstanding or funny coincidence -- however slim that possibility had been, with a cult operating in town -- evaporated. A chill ran down your spine.
<<nm $phYou "Was there anything in the car?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phIra "Not a thing. The trunk was empty, and there was nothing of interest in the back seat junk. I can tell that she was the last one to drive it, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? How can you tell that?">>
<<nm $phIra "We are not good with pedals, even those of us who can alter ourselves enough to fit the seat. It is simply not a motion we are skilled at. Our cars all feature a lever beside us. It allows us to control the vehicle mostly with our hands. Most of us will sit with the seat far back to allow us to ease the disguise on lonely stretches of road. I doubt anyone else would sit that far back.">>
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phIra "Bags, from the clothing store. She'd obviously made it there and started her return. Not all of it was for her, either. Clearly, she'd intended to give presents to the other girls. I also know she was the last one to drive the car.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? How can you tell that?">>
<<nm $phIra "We are not good with pedals, even those of us who can alter ourselves enough to fit the seat. It is simply not a motion we are very skilled at. Our cars all feature a lever beside us. It allows us to control the vehicle mostly with our hands. Most of us will sit with the seat far back to allow us to ease the disguise on lonely stretches of road. I doubt anyone else would sit that far back.">>
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phIra "Not a thing. The trunk was empty, and there was nothing of interest in the back seat. I can tell that someone else drove the car, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh? How can you tell that?">>
<<nm $phIra "We are not good with pedals, even those of us who can alter ourselves enough to fit the seat. It is simply not a motion we are very skilled at. Our cars all feature a lever beside us. It allows us to control the vehicle mostly with our hands. Most of us will sit with the seat far back to allow us to ease the disguise on lonely stretches of road. Her seat was pulled forward, and there was dirt on the pedals. Someone with natural feet drove to that final place.">>
<</if>>It wasn't much to go off, but it was something!
@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About The Last Time Selene Was Seen|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[Ask If She's Found Anything|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.2]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[Ask About The Naga|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.3]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneQ1 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ2 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ3 is 2)>>[[That's Enough To Go On For Now|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.4]]
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 8.3>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Can I ask how your people came to be here? Is there anyone in town who may suspect anything?">>
Ira thought about the question for a long moment. Finally, she sucked in a breath and let it out in a rush,.
<<nm $phIra "No, no one. I expected we are gossiped about often enough. There is little to do in a small town, and we keep to ourselves. The early years of the 2000s were difficult. Many of us are darker skinned, and an insular community of foreign-appearing women drew suspicion during those years. The storm passed, however, blessedly.<br><br>We make a great effort to be as friendly as we can. We use our powers to gift our daughters with temporary disguise, and take them into town so that the residents can see that they are healthy and happy. Fortunately, home schooling and a preference for privacy are not unknown in this area. In fact, we trade some of our pears each year with a compound to the west that cures venison. They are awaiting the end of the world -- again.">>
<<nm $phYou "Any allies? Anyone who knows what you are?">>
<<nm $phIra "No. We have learned the best way to keep a secret is not to share it. We do our best to keep ourselves //to// ourselves. We are cautious...but we've never had to be afraid, before now. <br><br>As for allies, I make it a point to keep relations with the city council. We contribute a healthy amount to the tax coffers for the county, so they mostly go out of their way not to disturb us.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait...You pay taxes?">>
Ira gave you a long, piercing look. Then she breathed out a sigh.
<<nm $phIra "We are a world of monsters, child of Sloth. In my long life, I have consorted with demons, dragons, spirits, fae, and things with older, forgotten names. And yet I tell you truly: the one I endeavor most not to anger is the IRS.">>
...Good point. Maybe you'd better ask Mason to look over the books when you got back.
@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ1 is 0>>[[Ask About The Last Time Selene Was Seen|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[Ask If She's Found Anything|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.2]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[Ask About The Naga|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.3]]
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneQ1 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ2 is 2) and ($phSeleneQ3 is 2)>>[[That's Enough To Go On For Now|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 8.4]]
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 8.4>><<nm $phYou "Okay. Thank you, Matron. I'm going to do my best to find out more before anything happens to Selene. Is there anything more you can tell me?">>
Ira slithered over to one corner of the room, where she plucked a small sticky note from the table. She jotted something on it and then handed you the paper. Her handwriting, even scribbling, was so beautiful and flowing it was nearly calligraphy.
<<nm $phIra "The first is the name of the store she was going to. 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'. Not the most original name, I know, but they might be able to tell you more. The second is the name of the local police lieutenant: David Kessler. I've spoken with the sheriff's office, and them I was just concerned she might have gotten mixed up with something. The county sheriff would like my support when reelection comes, so Kessler may be more cooperative with you than he would be otherwise.">>
<<nm $phYou "'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies' and 'Lieutenant Kessler'. I understand. What's this third name here? 'Naitee'?">>
<<nm $phIra "She is another of the young ones, also coming into her own. She and Selene were not close, but the two were together a great deal before Selene left. Naitee will likely make her own pilgrimage soon. She was asking Selene everything about the outside world. She may know something that I do not.">>
You gave the Matron a quizzical look.
<<nm $phYou "You haven't spoken with her?">>
She sighed and looked away. You thought you caught a flash of some helpless frustration in her eyes.
<<nm $phIra "I have, and I do not believe she would conceal anything of importance from me, but I am her elder. There are secrets children do not reveal to the Matrons, even when perhaps they should. You, however, she might talk to more openly. If you can spare the time, she might be useful. I believe today she'll likely be bottling most of the time. It's the building with the blue door frame.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you, Matron. I promise, I'll do my best to return Selene safe and sound. I'll start working on these immediately.">>
<<nm $phIra "I am sure you will. Oh, one more thing, Child of Sloth.">>
You had just turned to the door when the naga raised her enthralling voice to call you back. You turned...and found her warm eyes now hard. Though her voice remained soft, there was an steel underneath that made the hair on your arms prickle.
<<nm $phIra "Should my daughter remain missing, the negotiations with your Mistress for a replacement would be quite...complicated. I could not in good faith risk another of my people so soon. The complexity would not work in your favor...nor would the time it would take to resolve it.">>
...In other words, //find my daughter or don't bother coming back//. You debated pointing out that Selene hadn't gone missing while she was with //you//, but what would have been the point? Throwing a barb at someone who was clearly hurting, just for the fun of it?
You might have been a demon, but you weren't //that// kind.
<<nm $phYou "I understand, Matron.">>
You turned back to the door and finished your exit. The air was starting to warm now as you stepped outside. The sun had cleared the mountaintops, and the day had begun. When it set again, you would be out of time.
@@.choice;
[[Talk To Selene's Sister Naga, Naitee|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9]]
[[Talk To Lieutenant Kessler|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10]]
[[Visit 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 9>><<if $phSeleneTimer is not 0>><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<set $phSeleneTimer += 2>><<set $phLocation to 'SABottle'>>The more time you spent at the naga nest, the more you understood how they could have gone unnoticed for so long. The blanket of trees truly seemed to have been planted with cover in mind, and there didn't seem to be much activity even <<if $phTime is 0>>at this morning hour<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>>as the day stretched past noon<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>>as the day stretched on to evening<</if>>.
Ira had said Naitee would be found 'bottling' in the building with the blue door frame, and it didn't take you long to find it. You tried the door...and found it locked tight. You grimaced and gave a firm knock. Just your luck, she would have stepped away right when you needed to--
<<nm $phNaitee "I'm sorry! We only make sales at the front office! This area is a little dangerous, or I--">>
<<nm $phYou "My name is $phYou.firstname. I'm from the tower that Selene works in. It's okay.">>
There was silence on the other side of the door, then the clatter of a lock being undone. Finally the door cracked open, and a woman's face peered out at you.
Naitee was younger than Selene, but not by much. If she'd been human, you would have put her at about 19 or 20. Through the slim opening you could tell she had a slender figure. She wore something like a green tanktop, and there was a silver ring in her ear. Her scales below her waist were remarkably shiny and a dark, chocolate brown color. You couldn't tell if the shine was a testament to her youth or was just a personal feature.
Her eyes widened as she took you in, and she opened the door a little more to usher you inside.
<<nm $phNaitee "I'm so sorry! I thought...please, come in. Come in! You must be here to talk about Selene!">>
The young naga waved you inside and slid the door shut behind you, welcoming you into a fairly wide workspace. You were surprised to find the scent of alcohol strong in the air. A long table on the back wall was about half covered in small glass jugs, each of them sporting a single pear floating in a clear, if slightly cloudy, liquid.
<<nm $phYou "You make drinks?">>
<<nm $phNaitee "We do! Pear wine. Basically, just soaking the pears in alcohol for a while, but people seem to like it. The bottles travel a lot further than we do.">>
<<nm $phYou "How do you get the pears inside the bottles? Aren't they bigger than the opening?">>
<<nm $phNaitee "They are, yes. We actually hang the bottles from the fruit as they're growing. When it's time to harvest, the pear is already inside. It's pulled right from the tree inside the bottle. Then it gets washed out and the alcohol gets put in. I'm Naitee, by the way!">>
She extended her hand quickly, as if embarrassed she had forgotten the custom. You shook it, remembering those early days with Selene in the vault. The sheltered experience seemed to be universal.
<<nm $phYou "It's nice to meet you. Matron Ira said you'd talked to Selene when she first came back to town. I was hoping you might be able to tell me something that might help.">>
Naitee bit her lower lip. You noticed she had much more pronounced fangs than Selene did, extending a half inch past her lower lip. Again, you didn't know if that was a sign of age or just a difference between sisters.
<<nm $phNaitee "I'm not sure I know anything important, but I'll tell you everything that I can! Please, ask me anything!">>
@@.choice;
[[What Can You Tell Me About The Day Selene Disappeared?|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9.1]]
@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 9.1>><<nm $phYou "What do you remember about the day that Selene disappeared?">>
Naitee frowned and tilted her head back as she thought about it. You noticed she had a tendency to sway slightly above her coils, side to side, as she thought. It reminded you of the cartoons of snake charmers who played a flute to encourage a cobra from a basket.
<<nm $phNaitee "...I think she was a little overwhelmed. We don't get out very much, so everyone wanted to hear all the stories about where she was working and what she was doing. She told us a lot about you, and the others that work for you. It sounds like an amazing place! I think she really enjoyed telling the stories, but maybe it just all got a little too much for her. She's never been an extrovert.">>
<<nm $phYou "I've noticed that. She's getting better, though.">>
<<nm $phNaitee "Oh believe me, we noticed! She would have //never// been in the spotlight before she met you, not at all! I think that's why it started to tire her out. There's not much privacy here downstairs, so there's usually nowhere to go. She could get leggy though! She showed us! Said she wanted to go shopping. Some of the younger girls were really jealous.">>
<<nm $phYou "And you? Can you get 'leggy' yet?">>
Naitee flushed and looked down at her shiny scales, brushing a hand over them the way you might brush lint off the front of a skirt.
<<nm $phNaitee "Not yet. I'm like Selene, actually. I don't want to get tied down to the fountain here. I want to make my own way in the world, you know? I'd like to be the one coming back here to tell stories...">>
You could tell there was more to it. Naitee's eyes slid to one side and away, and she tucked her hand in front of her waist. You waited, keeping your face impassive. As the silence stretched out uncomfortably, you saw her grimace and suck in a breath.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phNaitee "I...asked her about your tower. You were growing so fast, I wondered if she could keep up. We got into a little bit of an argument about it. She said she'd only been there for a few months and she wasn't ready to share yet. Naga get a little...">><<else>><<nm $phNaitee "I...asked if she could introduce me to Sloth. You know, your mother? I hoped she might teach me the way that she taught Selene, but Selene thought I wanted to take her fountain. We got into a bit of an argument about it. Naga can be...">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Territorial, I know. Selene told me. How is it there are so many living here, then?">>
<<nm $phNaitee "It's a 'phase of life' thing. We can grow and get by on a little energy and some real food. Most of my sisters and I are like that. If you feed enough for long enough, you can grow into a matron. Then they start looking around for an area to start a nest of their own, and other Matrons to pair up with. They do fight among themselves, just a little bit, but that's kind of the way we are. Anyway...Selene has grown a lot, but she's still no matron. It was a stupid question for me to ask, I just got excited. And now I might never get a chance to tell her how sorry...">>
She lowered her eyes and bit her lip in that fangy way once more. You extended a hand and squeezed her shoulder, gently. She shuddered, beneath your touch, and a tiny gasp escaped her. She swallowed hard, closed her eyes, and visibly drew herself together.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phNaitee "I'm sorry. None of this is helpful. Anyway, we argued and she decided to drive to town. I saw her when she left. She had a dark top on, sort of like Ira likes to wear, and this wonderful blue scarf. She was hurrying a little. I think I upset her, so she wanted to get to the car. It's a little one, I've used it when we're moving crates over to the head office. She drove off toward town at maybe...five o' clock? The sun was still well up, so most of us were staying out of sight.">><<else>> <<nm $phNaitee "I'm sorry. None of this is helpful. Anyway, we argued and she decided to drive to town.<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>> There's a clothing shop in town, keeps sending us flyers. The girls all trade them around but none of the Matrons have been in a rush to go.<</if>> I saw her when she left. She had a dark top on, sort of like our Matron likes to wear. She was moving very fast and kept looking back at the farm. I think I upset her, and she just wanted to leave. She grabbed the keys from the office and took one of the cars. It's a little one, I've used it when we're moving crates over to the head office. She drove off toward town at maybe...five o' clock? The sun was still well up, so most of us were staying out of sight.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You don't come out during the day?">>
<<nm $phNaitee "Not much. We try our best to build the place to conceal us, but there have been some close calls. Better if we're all underground when the sun comes up.">>
You gave her an uncertain look. She smiled and slithered past you, to one corner of the room. Bending down, she pulled a large iron ring off the floor and tugged on it. After a second, the floorboard creaked and a five-foot square of the floor pulled upward. Through the hole you could see a smooth ramp leading down to a narrow corridor lined with faint lamps.
The true 'nest', it seemed, wasn't the farm. It was //underneath// the farm. Naitee chuckled and gently let the trapdoor slide back into place.
<<nm $phNaitee "Easier that way. Boring, but easier. Maybe when all this is over we can take you on a tour?">>
That did sound interesting. @@.choice;[[After Selene Was Safe.|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 9.2>>You spent a while longer talking with Naitee. She was young and seemed even more thirsty for knowledge of the outside than Selene had been, but it was quickly apparent she had little more to add to what she'd already told you. Selene had only been home for a short while and had spent most of that time telling stories about the tower to her sisters. No one had seen any trace of her since she'd gone to town.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. Thank you, Naitee. I think that's enough for now. I really appreciate you talking with me.">>
The young naga nodded her head and fidgeted in place for several seconds. You didn't have to prompt her this time. She looked up of her own accord and her expression wavered.
<<nm $phNaitee "Bring her home, please? You're a child of a demoness, so I know you've got to have some way to find her. If you do, I promise we'll do whatever we can to pay you back. We may fight sometimes, but we're still...">>
She didn't finish, and instead drew in a breath and turned away. You couldn't tell if there were tears on her cheeks or if she was fighting them off, but it was clear it was an effort either way. You squared your shoulders.
<<nm $phYou "I'm going to do my very best. If you see any of the other girls, will you tell them to stay safe? We don't know exactly what happened to her. I think it would be better for everyone to stay near the nest until we sort things out.">>
She made a somewhat choked noise that you took for an affirmative, but did not turn again. You straightened up and crossed to the door. As you stepped through, just before you closed it behind you, you heard her whisper.
<<nm $phNaitee "...Good luck...">>
You shut the door silently and spent a second pulling //yourself// together. You weren't a cop; you weren't trained for dealing with family members. You wondered if she'd opened up to you because she had to talk to //someone//, or if your demonic influence was at work even here.
Naitee had told you she and Selene had gotten into an argument. Was it possible the hostility had escalated more than Naitee was letting on? How did that factor in with the Hellsing Society? //Could// a naga even work with them? You weren't sure you had all the pieces yet.
<<if $phSeleneTimer is 9>>You weren't going to find any more, though. The moon was coming up, and the day was over. You needed to talk to Mason. It was time to decide what you were going to do.
@@.choice;
[[Regroup And Call Mason From Your Car|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12]]@@
<<else>>You needed to find more information. You still had some time left in the day. You just hoped it would be enough.
@@.choice;
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 7)>>[[Talk To Selene's Sister Naga, Naitee|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9]]<</if>>
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 6)>>[[Talk To Lieutenant Kessler|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10]]<</if>>
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 5)>>[[Visit 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11]]
<</if>>@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 10>><<if $phSeleneTimer is not 0>><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<set $phSeleneTimer += 3>><<set $phLocation to 'SASheriff'>>You weren't really sure what to expect as you turned off the highway and into a parking lot. You'd rarely been in small towns and never been keen to look up the local law enforcement. You wouldn't have been surprised to find a one-man office in the middle of nowhere, occupied by a balding man with a cowboy hat and a gun on his hip.
You weren't that far off about the building. It was a nice 'strip mall'-like office, sharing space with a veterinarian's office along the other side. A police car parked outside was emblazoned with the name of the town. The front facade looked more like a restaurant than a police station, with wooden doors decorated with glass panels. There was even a decorative barrel beside the door that added a bit of ambience.
You were... a lot further off on Kessler himself, you found, after you identified yourself to the receptionist and were ushered into an office. He was an Asian man with close-cropped black hair, wearing a polo shirt emblazoned with the sheriff's logo across his heart. He was only of average height, but his biceps strained the fabric of his shirt. He looked like the only bit of fat on his body would have come with his last meal.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>>He didn't offer you his hand, but the smile he shot you was quick and sincere, even if it didn't quite carry up into his eyes.<<else>>His handshake was firm and his smile was quick and sincere, even if it didn't quite carry up into his eyes.<</if>> He seemed a practiced hand at playing professional; you guessed the local office did as much community relations work as it did actual enforcement. He waved you over to sit in front of a generic grey metal desk that could have been in any office building.
Unlike the rest of the sparse furnishings, the photos along the walls were cluttered and almost overlapping. Most showed Kessler at various functions and events. Ribbon cuttings, mostly, though here and there you saw serious faces around a meeting table that could have been lifted straight from a political advertisement. The most prominent, behind his head, featured a man riding a bull that was in the process of heaving him through the air. The picture was captioned with the words //All's Well So Far!//.
<<nm $phKessler "<<if $phTime is 0>>Morning<<else>>Afternoon<</if>>, $pmaam. They told me you'd be stopping by, if you found the time.">>
His tone matched the rest of him. Friendly and welcoming, but every word was clipped precisely, and none were allowed to linger with any kind of drawl. You nodded, quickly.
<<nm $phYou "Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I promise I'm not here to complicate the investigation.">>
<<nm $phKessler "Not technically an investigation, just yet. Miss Ira's obviously worried about her daughter. She attends council meetings fairly often, so we all know of her. I agreed to look into things and see what I could find out: same thing we'd do for anyone else.">>
You weren't entirely sure that was true. From what Ira had said, she'd put a little pressure on the local sheriff -- Kessler's boss. Still, whether his arm was bent or not, he seemed to be taking it in stride, and that was enough for you.
@@.choice;
[[Ask Kessler What He's Found|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 10.1>><<nm $phYou "What can you tell me about how things are going?">>
Kessler folded his hands and leaned forward across his desk. It creaked, just a little, as his weight settled on it, and he hooked a foot absently across one table leg as if he were bracing it.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phKessler "We've got three deputies here, plus me. I've asked each of them to keep an eye out for Ira's daughter and to call if they see anything unusual. Last time she was seen, she was wearing a dark top and a blue scarf around her neck. Wasn't as certain on the pants, but Miss Ira said it was probably a skirt. I've also personally canvassed downtown and talked to just about anyone who might have seen here. I'm afraid no one remembers anything useful.">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you think people would remember her if they saw her?">>
<<else>><<nm $phKessler "We've got three deputies here, plus me. I've asked each of them to keep an eye out for Ira's daughter and to call if they see anything unusual. Last time she was seen, she was wearing a dark top. Wasn't as certain on the pants, but Miss Ira said it was probably a skirt. I've also personally canvassed downtown and talked to just about anyone who might have seen here. A bit of gossip, but nothing very useful.">>
<<nm $phYou "Gossip?">>
<</if>>Kessler shot you a quick smile, the first genuine one he'd shown. He took a deep breath and leaned back very slightly in his chair.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phKessler "Don't take this the wrong way. Sisters has always been very welcoming to me, my kids, and I'm sure Ira and hers too, but it is very small, and very white. Believe me, if I were walking around downtown, people would recognize me whether I was in uniform or not.<<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>>Add in that we're looking for a girl with...let's say more than average endowment, and I think I'd here about it.<</if>> No one saw here anywhere.">><<else>><<nm $phKessler "Don't take this the wrong way. Sisters has always been very welcoming to me, my kids, and I'm sure Ira and hers too, but it is very small, and very white. She was noticed downtown yesterday evening, but no one saw even a hint of anything suspicious.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I see. Is there anything else going on in town? Any trouble she could have gotten mixed up in?">>
Kessler didn't even think about it. He just shook his head and gestured to the pictures around his walls.
<<nm $phKessler "This is a small town. We get our share of nonsense, of course. We have drunks in bars, people pulling out weapons over property lines, and my //God// do the tourists piss us off, but it's really a quiet place. Closest thing we have to excitement lately are <<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>>hunters talking about a giant snake slithering around the woods. Big as a man, they say.<<else>>kids talking about monsters coming out after dark up north near the farms.<</if>>">>
You laughed, a little weakly and a lot later than you should. You saw one of the big man's eyebrows elevate, just a bit.
@@.choice;
[[Time To Go!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 10.2>><<nm $phYou "Thank you for your time, lieutenant. I really do appreciate it.">>
<<nm $phKessler "Of course. Please don't get the impression I'm not taking it seriously. Yes, the most likely explanation is the usual one: people get drunk, or get high. They get embarrassed. Sometimes they just don't communicate like they should. But if something happened, we'll find out about it. I plan to look until we find something.">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>>He didn't offer you his hand as he stood up, but gave you a respectful nod.<<else>>He offered you his hand as he stood from the desk, and you shook it quickly.<</if>> He gestured for you to move through the door and then followed you out into the lobby.
<<nm $phYou "That makes me feel a lot better. If you find out anything, do you think you could call Miss Ira?">>
<<nm $phKessler "Of course. I'm not expecting anything untoward, but if I can put someone's mind at ease, then that's what I'm going to do. You have a good day now, alright?">>
He moved up behind you and held the door open, allowing you to breeze through. The door slid shut behind you, and you were once again alone.
Hmm. Not a lot of actionable information. The local authorities certainly seemed to be doing all the right things but were coming up dry...or at least wanted to //appear// to be coming up dry. Mason had mentioned it was probably someone local who had first led the Hellsing Society to the sleepy little town. What better way to stay under the radar than running the local police?
But that wasn't proof. Kessler could be exactly what he appeared to be: professional, dedicated, and just a touch political. You sighed and tilted your head to look up at the sky. <<if $phSeleneTimer is 9>>You were out of time, and the fading sun proved it. You needed to talk to Mason. It was time to decide what you were going to do.
@@.choice;
[[Regroup And Call Mason From Your Car|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12]]@@
<<else>>The sun was still high, and you still had time to make another stop. You needed more information, and you needed it soon.
It was time to hit the road again.
@@.choice;
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 7)>>[[Talk To Selene's Sister Naga, Naitee|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9]]
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 6)>>[[Talk To Lieutenant Kessler|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10]]
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 5)>>[[Visit 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11]]
<</if>>@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 11>><<if $phSeleneTimer is 0>><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<set $phSeleneTimer += 4>><<set $phLocation to 'SACamping'>>You wouldn't exactly call Main Street 'bustling', but there were an awful lot of shops of every variety up and down that central lane. Judging from the number of signs advertising an upcoming annual rodeo and numerous other events, you got the distinct feeling that commerce followed a pattern of boom and bust: a crowd of tourists attending events, and otherwise more or less a ghost town.
On the bright side, that made it easy to find a spot to park outside of 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'. It was one of the larger shops. It took up the entirety of its building -- an island in the sea of parking spaces. The walls were covered with faux wood beams, and the windows were covered with professional looking ads for tents, coats, and food supplies. A mannequin cowboy stood near the door holding a chalk sign which, today, presented the instructions for paying for the firewood stacked up along the other side.
A small bell above the door jingled as you stepped through it. As soon as you did, a not-unpleasant mixture of the scents of woodsmoke and fresh vinyl washed over you. The store was wide open on the inside, with one giant space broken up only by support pillars decorated like stacked barrels and a square of the north corner clearly cut out for a storage room and office. You noticed it also seemed to be designed in layers. Everything close to the door was kitschy. Touristy shirts declaring you'd visited Sisters, small knick-knacks, toys, and other items perfect for souvenirs. As you got farther in, however, the offerings switched to tents, ordinary clothes, boots, and camping supplies that someone might actually need in their day-to-day life. Clearly a shop built with two types of clients in mind.
<<nm $phTanya "Hello! I'm Tanya, welcome to the shop! Have you been helped?">>
You turned to find a clerk leaning up against the small island cash register. She wore a classic red and white flannel top, with a white cowboy hat that looked too clean to be anything but part of the uniform. <<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>Honestly, if Damien was a 5'6" woman with an impressive chest instead of the slab of meat he was, you guessed he would look a lot like her. <</if>>She had a magazine open on the table in front of her, and you got the distinct feeling she'd been doing more reading than working today.
<<nm $phYou "Hello! No, not yet, but I'm afraid I'm not here to shop. Actually, if it's okay, I'd like to ask you some questions about someone who might have come to your store yesterday?">>
<<nm $phTanya "Oh wow! Yeah, I knew about that, but wasn't expecting anyone to drop in. Are you some kind of FBI agent?">>
You blinked, thrown off by the question. A quick glance down //did// show you looked the part. You doubted slick suits were the common attire for the locals. You cleared your throat and tried to couch your expression into what you hoped was an officious look.
<<nm $phYou "Just looking into things, for now. Have you talked to anyone else?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phTanya "Hmm? Oh no, no one's come to talk to anyone around here. Far as I know, you're the first. I just heard through the grapevine about it, you know? They said someone had gone missing and the council's office was asking about it. I didn't think anyone was going to come here. Who was it?">>
<<nm $phYou "Her name was Selene. She was about average height, with bronze skin. She would have come in the evening, probably close to sunset, and probably would have been looking at clothes.">>
<<nm $phTanya "Oh her! Yes, I was working that day, I remember seeing her!">>
<<else>><<nm $phTanya "Hmm? Oh sure, the sheriff's office stopped by a little earlier today. I don't know his name, but I've seen him around town. Big guy, lots of muscle? Anyway, he said they were looking into a missing person and asked me what I could remember. Took me a second, but I remember her coming in!">>
<</if>>You felt your heart rise just a little bit, though you kept it in check. At least someone had actually //seen// her that day. It wasn't much, but it was something.
@@.choice;
[[Ask The Clerk What She Remembers|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 11.1>><<nm $phYou "I'm glad you remember. What can you tell me about her?">>
Tanya considered the question for a long moment, her eyes drifting skywards as she searched her memory. You noticed she drummed her hands on the countertop as she thought, as if calling up the memories through force of percussion.
<<nm $phTanya "I don't know how much help I'll be, but I'll tell you everything I can. I remember she came in around five or six. It was still early in the shift, and I was kind of grumpy that I was working that late.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not your usual shift?">>
<<nm $phTanya "Not usually, but the evening girl never came in. Lot of people come and go in this job, and about half of them don't bother to tell you. So I stayed on. It's not //that// bad. The shifts overlap a bit, so it was only three hours or so after I would normally have gone home, but I was still grumbling about it.">>
<<nm $phYou "So Selene came in around five. Did you know who she was?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phTanya "Can't say that I recognized her. I'm pretty new to the city, so I don't really have that 'know everyone' thing going on yet, and the sheriff didn't say when he was here asking questions.">><<else>><<nm $phTanya "Oh sure! I've been here for a couple of years. One of the girls from up at the pear farm, I think. They make some really amazing pear wine bottles. We always sell them around rodeo time.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Do you remember anything strange about her?">>
<<nm $phTanya "...Not really? I mean, she seemed a little excitable. Asked if we had a changing room, so she could try things on, but this really isn't that type of store. Mostly people are just shopping for some odds and ends, and if the sizes are wrong we're pretty good about returns. She seemed nice enough, though. Asked me my name, how I was doing. We get that from time to time. Some people are here for clothes and some people want a little conversation.<br><br>She didn't take forever or anything, though. We chatted for about twenty minutes, and then she brought a few things up to the counter, paid cash, and left.">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you remember what she bought?">>
Tanya waggled her hand, a little uncertainly, and her brow knit with concentration. She drummed her hand harder on the countertop.
<<nm $phTanya "Vaguely. I think some jeans and a couple of tops. She didn't seem real sure about the size she wanted, but I think a lot of girls have trouble with that. Oh! I lied, I do remember she was really excited about a scarf. It's actually something we sell more of when people are outdoors for the rodeo, but we had some out. It was bright blue with a sort of Hawain design all around the outside. Nothing special, but she was thrilled to pieces with it. Wore it right out of the store.">>
<<nm $phYou "Did you see which way she went when she left?">>
Tanya's face scrunched up hard enough you could all but hear the cogs turning in her head. Finally, she pointed at the window.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phTanya "I can't //swear// to it, but I'm pretty sure she turned off the road there and went south. I lost sight of her pretty quick, though, I couldn't tell you how far she went.">>
South. That was away from the farm, rather than back to it. Interesting.
<<else>><<nm $phTanya "I'm not really that sure, but I'm pretty sure she turned north at the road there. I lost sight of her pretty quick, though, I couldn't tell you how far she went.">>
North. That would have been back toward the farm then. Interesting.
<</if>><<nm $phYou "I see. What'd you do after that?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phTanya "I got home pretty quick! All my friends said the cops were doing speed traps all day. Sometimes I drive pretty fast if I turn up the music, but I didn't want any of that!">><</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phTanya "I spent another hour packing up boxes, then went home. We've got an online store now. Barely gets any traffic, people mostly come in, but someone apparently wanted a bunch of pants and Snuggies, and didn't want to come in.">>
<<nm $phYou "Snuggies?">>
<<nm $phTanya "Oh! They're the blankets with sleeves? They're actually really nice when you're camping. I guess someone was planning a trip and didn't want to bother with Amazon.">><</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phTanya "I was here for another couple of hours after that. It wasn't very exciting.">>
<<nm $phYou "People shop that late?">>
<<nm $phTanya "Not really, but no way I'd want to close up shop early and risk the boss driving by. Believe me, it was all I could do to drag myself home.">>
Somehow, you weren't sure that //you// would hesitate all that much, in a quiet place like this. Then again, when Lazren had found you it had been right after getting let go from //another// job, so maybe your instincts were poor.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I bet! Can you remember anything else?">>
<<nm $phTanya "I'm sorry, I think that's everything I can think of.">>
Well, @@.choice;[[Dang.|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 11.2>><<nm $phYou "Thank you, Tanya. I really appreciate your help. Hopefully, we'll be able to find her.">>
The clerk nodded emphatically and heaved a slow sigh, her mouth pulling down into a pout.
<<nm $phTanya "I hope so too. She seemed really nice, and it's never easy on a family. I bet they're worried sick. Maybe I'll pass the word around? Families around here lookout for one another. Maybe we can bring a casserole or a pie up to the pear farm?">>
You froze, but only for a moment. You weren't sure exactly how the naga remained a secret, but you guessed they had found a way to deal with the occasional unexpected arrival. Still, maybe you should warn them.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure they'd appreciate it. Probably better give them a call first, though. I imagine they hope every knock is finally her.">>
<<nm $phTanya "Oooh, you're right! You're very right. Yeah, you bet. If I can get anything together, I'll find someone who has their number. Can't be that hard in this town. Is there anything else I can do for you?">>
<<nm $phYou "No, Tanya. You've been great. I hope the owner is able to hire someone new soon so you're not working the doubles.">>
She laughed, crossing her hand over her heart. Then she picked up her magazine again. You left the shop and returned to your car, pausing to look back at the store. It was a reasonable story. Honestly, you were pretty lucky to run into the same clerk that had met her the night before, but there wasn't really a lot to work off of. Selene had come, bought some clothes, and left, exactly as she was supposed to.
Assuming, of course, that the shop was everything it seemed to be. Tanya might come across as nothing special, but she //was// the last person who saw Selene before she disappeared. Or was that too paranoid?
You looked up at the sky. <<if $phSeleneTimer is 9>>The setting sun told you that you were out of time. Whatever was going to happen was going to happen as soon as the moon rose. You needed to call Mason and figure out what you were going to do.
@@.choice;
[[Regroup And Call Mason From Your Car|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12]]@@
<<else>>The sun was still bright, so you had some hours yet before things got dire. You still needed information, which meant you had at least another stop to make.
It was time to hit the road again.
@@.choice;
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 7)>>[[Talk To Selene's Sister Naga, Naitee|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 9]]<</if>>
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 4) or ($phSeleneTimer is 6)>>[[Talk To Lieutenant Kessler|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 10]]<</if>>
<<if ($phSeleneTimer is 2) or ($phSeleneTimer is 3) or ($phSeleneTimer is 5)>>[[Visit 'Sister's Clothing and Camping Supplies'|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 11]]<</if>>
@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12>><<set $phLocation to "SAParking">><<nm $phYou "How are you holding up?">>
You were sitting in a fast-food restaurant parking lot, watching the sun go down and the street lamps flicker on one after another. The rental car had an intercom, and Mason's voice came back, clipped and precise. You couldn't help but detect a note of exhaustion in it.
<<nm $phMason "Well enough. Things have been...challenging. Certain shops are not where they should be, and the tower's ability to influence attention away from those spots is also waning. We have been depending on our senior employees more and more...especially as the simulacra are becoming fewer and fewer in number.">>
That was bad news. The only reason the tower could operate as a regular mall is to have all of the ordinary positions filled by the tower's fake employees. If they disappeared, there wouldn't be enough to maintain the charade.
<<nm $phYou "How long can we keep it up?">>
A long silence over the line. Finally, Mason exhaled with a slow sigh.
<<nm $phMason "I think, $phMason.address, that if Selene is not back in place tonight, we shall be forced to fake some sort of drastic event. A gas leak, perhaps. That will buy us some time...but raise questions we would prefer not to answer. If we are forced to employ that sort of thing, we will surely suffer long-term effects. Did you speak to Matron Ira?">>
<<nm $phYou "I did. And she was explicitly cool on the idea of any sort of replacement. I believe she wants us motivated to find her daughter, and I can't blame her. I spent the day talking to people. I've got my suspicions, but nothing concrete. What do you have for me?">>
<<nm $phMason "I have spent as much time as possible investigating alternate possibilities. I attempted to contact Miss Lazren, but I have been unable to do so. That is not uncommon; she spends several days of each week asleep, as I understand it. I was able to run a simulation, however. Miss Selene is still steeped in the tower's energy, and we believe she is somewhere within the approximate range of the city. If we were to blanket the area with energy, we may be able to create a resonant effect.">>
Maybe you were getting used to him. You actually understood that one.
<<nm $phYou "You're saying the tower energy inside of her would react to what we put out, and we could follow the reaction to her? That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?">>
<<if $phEnergy lt 300>><<nm $phMason "The catch, I am afraid, is that we are in no position to enact the plan. By 'blanket', I do mean //blanket//. Given what we had left in the reserves when she went missing, I doubt we would be able to create a strong enough resonance to be detectable. I am sorry, $phMason.address. I am afraid we must rely on your instincts.">><<else>><<nm $phMason "The catch, I am afraid, is that I do mean 'blanket'. We would have to make the field as strong as possible in order to ensure we could follow the harmonics all the way to her. We would be able to preserve enough to maintain your disguise, and to open a portal to bring you and Selene home. Otherwise, we would be wholly dependent on you being able to return our vault to us. Every drop of energy in the coffers would be expended. You may prefer to follow your instincts.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "My instincts?">>
<<nm $phMason "We cannot account for every possibility. There may be players involved we do not know about, or they may have left the city. However, if so, there is little we can do about such matters, so we must ignore those paths. Assume, then, that the culprit is nearby, and is someone you have spoken to. <br><br>You are a demoness, and one specialized to the social world. Think about what you have been told. Lies beget lies. Does any claim of one suspect conflict with another's? Think about what they should each know, and if any of them have said more than they should. We suspect the ritual will be tonight. If you can tell who is involved, you should be able to follow them to where Selene is being kept.">>
You took a deep breath, trying to play back the meetings in your mind. You had gotten little niggles in your mind, but they slipped away whenever you tried to focus on them too hard. Could you really tell when someone was lying? Did you have the right to bet Selene's future, and your own, on it? <<if $phEnergy gt 299>>Could you survive expending literally everything you had to get her back?<</if>>
You knew it was your decision. No one else was going to make it for you. You had to decide now.
@@.choice;
[[Follow Naitee|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.1]] - It Had To Be Someone With Motive... A Jealous Sister!
[[Follow Kessler|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.2]] - It Had To Be Someone With The Means To Go Unnoticed... A Cop!
[[Follow Tanya|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.3]] - It Had To Be Someone With The Opportunity To Ambush Her... The Clerk!
[[Follow Ira|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.4]] - Someone Had Been Leading You By The Nose This Whole Time... The Matron Knows Something!
<<if $phEnergy gt 299>>
[[Blanket The City With Energy|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.5]] - It's Too Risky Just to Guess! @@.narrative;($phEnergy Energy!)@@<</if>>
@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.1>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sisterM'>><</if>>Naitee. Selene's sister naga.
There was something about the young woman that didn't sit right with you. She was cheerful and seemed innocent, but some of the things she said didn't add up. You couldn't help but think there was much more that she wasn't telling you.
That's why now sat in your car outside of the pear farm, headlights off, concealing yourself in a denser bit of the overgrowth. Naitee hadn't given you any indication that she could disguise herself the way that Selene could, and that meant she wasn't likely to venture outside until it was fully dark.
So you waited. And waited. And waited. You caught glimpses of movement in the direction of the pear farm, but the place was designed too well when it came to blocking casual observation. If what Naitee had told you was accurate, then many of the naga were nocturnal to minimize the chance of being spotted. You guessed they were starting to go about their 'day' now that the humans were all going to sleep.
The minutes ticked by, and the hours dragged on. You kept a close eye on the road, and the uncertainty was growing in your stomach. What if you were wrong? What if Naitee wasn't involved, and Selene was even now somewhere without your help? You pushed the thought away as best you could. Even if you were wrong, you were committed now. All you could do was wait.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterM'>>And then, suddenly, there she was, driving a small pickup truck down the lane. You lowered yourself down in your seat, but you need not have bothered. As the truck passed you, you could see her wriggling uncomfortably in the front seat as she tried to find room for her coils in the front. Even with the seat all the way back, it seemed less than easy. She didn't so much as glance at you as she turned the truck onto the main road and picked up speed.
You counted quietly to five, then turned your car on and eased out after her. You kept your headlights off, trying to ignore the thought of what would happen if there was a bend in the road that you couldn't see. The light of the full moon was helpful, and your eyes were sharp, but they weren't //that// sharp.
Fortunately, they were sharp enough. You didn't crash into anything as Naitee drove in the direction of town for several minutes, before she pulled off down a dirt road. You followed the truck at a distance, trying to just barely keep her in sight through the small wake of dust the pickup truck kicked up behind it.
The rough, unpaved road featured neither houses nor shops. It swung this way and that through the trees, until it abruptly ended at a dilapidated building. It had once been three stories, but the third floor seemed to have collapsed down onto the second at some point in the past, and it looked like it hadn't been lived in for years.
That is, until Naitee pulled up to the garage and gave the briefest of honks on the truck horn. It took a few seconds, but a burly man soon opened the garage from the inside. You couldn't get a good look at him from this distance, but you could see what he was wearing.
Robes. Robes with a golden chain holding the two pieces together. You could see a curve in the emblem, even from here, as though the clasps were shaped like tiny moons.
...or a chalice.
@@.choice;
[[Bingo!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 14]]@@
<<else>>...but it never came.
You sat there as the hours ticked up on your car dashboard, willing yourself to remain just a little while long. No one came out though. No cars sped past you, no cultists appeared from the trees, and no dark-scaled naga sped into the night.
As the sky began brighten with the return of dawn, you felt yourself deflate back into your seat. You had been wrong. It wasn't Naitree after all. You'd spent all night waiting to follow one of Selene's sisters, and she hadn't been anything more than she appeared to be.
Now you just had to hope you hadn't @@.choice;[[Wasted Your Chance...|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.6]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.2>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sheriffM'>><</if>>Kessler.
By all rights, if someone had gone missing, the police should be a remedy for the situation, but you weren't so sure. Something about the officer's too-professional demeanor had gotten under your skin. Pretending to lead a search while secretly holding Selene himself would be a perfect way for the culprit to go unfound.
So it was that you found yourself parked a few houses down on a residential street. The lieutenant had been shockingly easy to follow from the station. He drove //precisely// at the speed limit, heedless of the other cars choosing to pass him, and made no diversions or unusual turns along the way. When he'd pulled into what you assumed was his home -- a small but well-appointed single floor house on a newly paved road -- you'd simply eased to a stop to wait for him.
When a pair of children, a small boy and an older girl, boiled out of the house to jump into the man's muscular arms, you began to doubt. He hefted the boy over his shoulder, took the little girl by the hand, and disappeared inside without even glancing over his shoulder. The door shut behind him, firmly, and you watched the shadows dance in the blinds.
You waited. Quiet fell up and down the street, broken only by the gentle buzz of the street lights above you. Every so often, another car or truck would meander lazily down the street, but no one took any particular note of your car, nor its strange occupant. The minutes turned to hours as the full moon rose into the sky.
You waited. It was all you could do. Even if you wanted to follow someone else now, you had no idea where they would be. You had no choice but to sit tight and hope the officer would sneak off after his family was in bed. Doubt gnawed at your stomach, and you gripped the steering wheel tight lest you physically vent your frustration. You watched the garage like a hawk, willing him to emerge...
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffM'>>And then, just like that, he did.
The bottom of the garage door abruptly blazed with light from inside, and a minute later it crawled upwards to reveal the lieutenant's car, backing down the concrete driveway. You saw Kessler inside, looking over his shoulder as he pulled onto the street, now wearing a simple black t-shirt and equally dark jeans. The car slowed and straightened, then shifted out of reverse. You sank down as the headlights passed over you. Kessler didn't seem to notice, and he passed you without so much as a glance in your direction.
You counted quietly to five, then turned your car on and eased out after him. You kept your headlights off, hoping that wouldn't draw more attention than it avoided. It was a little after midnight, and there didn't seem to be another driver awake in the entire state as far as you could tell. The highways were lit enough for you not to be worried about crashing into anything as you followed from as far back as you dared.
Kessler drove for several minutes, working his way out beyond the city limits. Then, abruptly, he pulled off down a dirt road. You followed the car at a distance, trying to just barely keep him in sight through the small wake of dust the vehicle left behind.
The rough, unpaved road featured neither houses nor shops. It swung this way and that through the trees, until it abruptly ended at a dilapidated building. It had once been three stories, but the third floor seemed to have collapsed down onto the second at some point in the past, and it looked like it hadn't been lived in for years.
That is, until Kessler pulled up to the garage and gave the briefest of honks on the horn. It took a few seconds, but a burly man soon opened the garage from the inside. You couldn't get a good look at him from this distance, but you could see what he was wearing.
Robes. Robes with a golden chain holding the two pieces together. You could see a curve in the emblem, even from here, as though the clasps were shaped like tiny moons.
...or a chalice.
@@.choice;[[Bingo!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 14]]@@
<<else>>...but he never did.
The lights remained off. The garage remained closed. And as the seconds became minutes that dragged on into hours, you realized that you must have been wrong. Kessler was, at this moment, curled up next to his wife and completely oblivious to the suspicious <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>incubus<<else>>succubus<</if>> stalking him at a distance. He didn't emerge from the house, because he wasn't the one.
It hadn't been the lawman after all.
You hammered the steering wheel hard, frustration bleeding into the impact. You started the car, even as the sky above you began to lighten. If it hadn't been Kessler, it must have been someone else you'd talked to. You needed to regroup and find a place to collect your thoughts for a while.
You just had to hope you hadn't @@.choice;[[Wasted Your Chance...|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.6]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.3>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'clerkM'>><</if>>Tanya.
It all came back to her. She was the last one to see Selene. The little shop had been Selene's only stop on the trip. She'd come off as though she were a simple country girl with nothing to hide from anyone, but you simply didn't believe that anymore. Someone had to be lying, and you thought you knew who.
That's how you found yourself waiting outside the camping supply shop. The sign had been flipped over to 'Closed' a long time ago, but you could still see the clerk, Tanya, passing in front of the windows every so often. She seemed to be straightening the racks and restocking the shelves.
You couldn't be sure, but it seemed to you that she was in an awful hurry. Several of the shelves she restocked were askew, and she power walked wherever she went. Poor work ethic? Or a suggestion she had somewhere to be?
You'd find out soon enough.
Finally, the young woman exited the store, locked it up behind her, and walked to her car. She was driving a beat-up looking pickup truck that seemed almost as much rust as metal, and the engine complained mightily as she turned the key and revved it to get it going.
You lowered yourself in your seat as the headlights washed over you, but Tanya didn't seem to notice. She pulled onto the road and kicked the truck into high gear. You had to quickly pull out onto the road after her to not lose her completely, and you shut off your headlights as you did. There was hardly anyone on the road this late, and they'd almost certainly be an obvious give away for a tail.
Tanya's pickup wound this way and that, from one road to another. You followed along, your heart in your throat, trying to balance keeping her in sight with not giving yourself away. You were ready. You were doing this. You just had to hope she was leading you where you wanted to go...
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkM'>>...and she did.
Tanya's truck swerved suddenly, braking hard to in order to make the turn and pull off down a small dirt road. You managed not to slam on your own breaks, and took the turn more carefully once her taillights had moved a little farther down the road. You followed the truck at a distance, trying to just barely keep her in sight through the small wake of dust the pickup truck kicked up behind it.
The rough, unpaved road featured neither houses nor shops. It swung this way and that through the trees, until it abruptly ended at a dilapidated building. It had once been three stories, but the third floor seemed to have collapsed down onto the second at some point in the past, and it looked like it hadn't been lived in for years.
That is, until Tanya pulled up to the garage and gave the briefest of honks on the horn. It took a few seconds, but a burly man soon opened the garage from the inside. You couldn't get a good look at him from this distance, but you could see what he was wearing.
Robes. Robes with a golden chain holding the two pieces together. You could see a curve in the emblem, even from here, as though the clasps were shaped like tiny moons.
...or a chalice.
@@.choice;[[Bingo!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 14]]@@
<<else>>...but she did not.
You followed in her wake for stop after stop. A quick jump into a late night diner for dinner, then a walk across the street to a bar. You could hear western music pour out the door as she stepped inside. Part of you briefly considered whether or not it might be a front for the cult, but you just couldn't see it. There were people moving in and out of it at a healthy clip, and it would have been far too dangerous and exposed without magic like your tower.
When Tanya stumbled out, your heart fell. The woozy way she was walking and the guileless smile on her face wasn't something she was going to fake for your sake. It wasn't her. The only crime she had committed tonight was getting behind the wheel in the state she was in. You followed her anyway, hoping against hope, but the gently weaving car just travelled about five minutes up the road and turned into the driveway of a small duplex. Moments later, Tanya swayed and staggered her way up the stairs, into her house, and you were quite sure into bed.
You hammered the wheel with the heels of your hand in frustration. You had gotten something wrong -- but what had you missed? It had to have been someone else that was involved. That knowledge didn't help you, though. It was late, and you no longer knew where your other possible targets would be. You'd have to wait until tomorrow to regroup.
You just had to hope you hadn't @@.choice;[[Wasted Your Chance...|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.6]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.4>>Ira.
Why would anyone in this town have a grudge against Selene? She was never here! Ira, though, was part of this community. She'd been the one to call you, to establish Selene's last movements, and had threatened you if you hadn't gone along with things. None of that sat well with you. Your instincts said there was something more to it.
And that's what convinced you that it was the Matron that you needed to follow tonight. You'd parked a little way away from the farm and waited, trying to ignore the sensation that time was literally slipping through your fingers. The minutes ticked by, and you began to question the wisdom of your actions. What if you were wrong?
...Then headlights appeared on the farm, and you say up straight in your seat. There was a car coming down, one of the others from the parking area. You sank low in your seat as the car passed, but you needn't have bothered. The driver's face was set with anger, and she ddn't even glance at you parked beside the road.
It was her.
You let the car move a ways further down the road, then eased out behind them. You kept your headlights off and tried not to think about what would happen if there was a gap in the road you couldn't see. Your eyes were sharp, but they weren't that sharp.
Still, they were sharp enough. The light of the full moon cast enough for you to avoid smashing into anything, and you were able to stay on Ira's tail as she drove toward the city. About halfway, she suddenly pulled off the road beside a billboard. You had to ease to a stop, trying hard not to brake so hard that your tires would skid or kick up gravel. Then you quietly eased the driver's side door open and stepped outside.
It was quiet here, in the middle of the night. The only sounds were the faint rustling of wind in the trees, and the occasional crash of some startled creature in the underbrush. Up ahead, you could see Ira getting out of her car. There was another parked behind the billboard, and you remembered what the matron had said about finding Selene's car abandoned. A knot of uncertainty grew in your stomach.
It only got worse. A sudden flood of light made you squint your eyes. The Matron had produced a small, powerful flashlight from her trunk. The tall naga pulled open the door and began sweeping it left and right across the seats. You caught her expression in the backwash of the light.
Desperation.
She searched the car. Again and again and again, pulling the seats backward and forward, opening the trunk, and even briefly lowering herself to the ground to sweep the light across the undercarriage. When she finally stood, you saw her face was wet with tears, and she turned to the dark forest.
<<nm $phIra "//SELENE!//">>
Her voice echoed out into the empty night, and there was a rush of wings as several birds took flight in surprise. The naga matron stared out into the darkness, silent and unmoving for several seconds.
...and then she lowered herself onto the ground and began to weep.
You bit your lower lip. You wondered, briefly, whether you should interrupt her, but you knew you shouldn't. She was mourning, and that was a process you were not a part of. You turned and went back to your car, entering it again as delicately as you had exited... and then you hammered your fist down on the seat beside you.
You'd been wrong, you were sure of it now. Ira wasn't the one you were after. You'd just have to hope you hadn't @@.choice;[[Wasted Your Chance...|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 12.6]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.5>><<set $phEnergy to 0>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sisterA'>><</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sheriffA'>><</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'clerkA'>><</if>>@@.narrative;You dedicate all your energy to finding Selene! You are now zero'd out!@@
<<nm $phYou "Do it. Blanket the city.">>
<<nm $phMason "You are certain? Once I begin the process, I will not be able to stop it. All the energy we have accumulated will be gone. You may have trouble hitting your quota for Miss Lazren--">>
<<nm $phYou "Then we'll just have to work twice as hard once we have her back. Or maybe I'll fail, but if I do, at least I won't fail and have gotten someone I care about hurt. Hit the juice, Mason. Now.">>
<<nm $phMason "Understood. Remain on the line. I will engage things from here.">>
You waited, tilting your head to watch the full moon rising over the mountains. It was beautiful, in its own way. You were far enough away from the major cities that you could still see a shocking number of stars in the sky. Idly, you wondered if it was harder or easier for your kind before the modern age. People today didn't believe in magic, but they did believe in technology that they didn't understand, which was more or less the same thing. You wondered if you could operate more openly than any of your precedessors. Maybe-
The sky lit up -- not with moonlight or streetlamps or passing headlights, but a deep and undulating blue light. It shone from horizon to horizon like massive Northern Lights. It was the kind of display you'd expect to see in a planetarium, not in a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere. It took your breath away... and filled you with alarm.
<<nm $phYou "Mason! The sky! You can't--">>
<<nm $phMason "Do not worry. It will not be visible to most, I assure you. Some sensitives may experience an interesting night, but that is a problem for tomorrow. Look up, $phMason.address. Can you pinpoint a direction?">>
You frowned and stared at the light. Now that he mentioned it, you saw it wasn't static. It flowed across the sky, albeit very slowly, like clouds drifting on a windy day. Difficult to parse at a glance, but if you watched long enough...
<<nm $phYou "I see it. Northeast. Definitely northeast.">>
<<nm $phMason "Excellent. I suggest you head in that direction. The energy will not last forever, and it is vital that we identify the location before it is expended.">>
In other words, //hurry the hell up//. You pulled your seat belt on, stabbed the ignition button hard enough to make your finger ache, and pulled back onto the road. You turned in the direction of the flowing blue light.
<<nm $phYou "Hang on Selene. I'm coming.">>
Then you @@.choice;[[Hit The Gas!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 13]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 12.6>>Your head was buzzing as you stepped into the diner. The sun was just beginning to peek over the mountains, but the place was shockingly full. You guessed 'early to bed and early to rise' was the rule around here.
You weren't in a mood for proverbs, though. You felt like you'd been flattened by the world, in a way you hadn't since Lazren had gifted you in the first place. You'd made your best attempt and come up dry.
<<npc "fnpc1" "Waitress" "What can I get you, hun? You look like you've had a long night.">>
<<nm $phYou "Tell me about it. Coffee, please. Strong as you can. And whatever comes out of the kitchen fastest for breakfast.">>
She //tsked// a little at the vague order, but tucked her notepad back into apron and stepped away. You put both arms up on the countertop and sucked in a deep breath, trying your best to rally.
It wasn't over yet. Mason had said the society didn't usually kill the monsters they captured. The tower wasn't doing well, but surely it could survive one more day. Mason would come up with something; he always did. Or perhaps Lazren would be awake and have a solution for you. Surely there was more than one species that could act as vault, on a temporary basis.
You felt a little relaxation work into your tense muscles as you hooked onto the possibility. Yes, there were ways out of this. Ways to survive. Ways to thrive, even. And you could still find Selene. You'd learned a lot on Day One, with another day worth of investigation, you could--
The feminine scream echoed off the walls, and the sound of glass shattering pulled you out of your reverie. The waitress had come back from the kitchen, but she'd dropped the pot of coffee she'd been carrying. Even now the shattered remains were settling at her feet in a wash of the brown liquid, but she didn't seem to notice.
She was staring at you, her eyes agog. In fact, as the pit of your stomach dropped out, you realized that everyone in the small diner was. There was no more conversation. No more muted hum of activity. Just wide-eyed, disbelieving stares.
Slowly, you looked down at the countertop. It was shiny and looked like it was washed and polished regularly. It wasn't the best mirror, but it was enough for you to pick out the vague details of your face. And your horns. And the tail flicking in agitation behind you.
Oh.
You lifted your face to the waitress, blowing out a long, slow breath. You felt a kind of insane smile cross your face as you cocked your head at her.
<<nm $phYou "I think I'm going to have to get that order to go.">>
@@.narrative;ENDING 07 - Forget It, Jake. It's Oregon.
Game Over!@@<<SetAchievement "phOhNo">><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 13>>It was a nerve-wracking drive.
It wasn't that the energy was hard to follow. The movement was slow enough that you could only really register it with a hard stare, so you weren't in danger of being left behind. There were only a few cars on the road; none of them paid you any mind, nor seemed to register the psychadelic lightshow overhead.
Yet, you could feel your heart thudding in your chest. This was the last of your energy and, if you didn't retrieve Selene, might be the last you ever made. You wanted to get there, you wanted to find her, and every second of travel time felt like an eternity.
In truth, it was probably only a half an hour of following the light before you found your destination. As you neared, the blue river overhead began to sweep downward, more and more visibly, until it was finally swirling toward the earth in a twisting -- albeit slow -- vortex that reminded you of a bathtub drain.
You pulled off the highway and onto a dirt road. There were buildings along either side, but sparse and haphazard. A mechanics garage abutted what was clearly a residential house, then there were a handful of empty lots that stretched between that and the next. The blue light as all around you now, guiding you forward, until you finally arrived.
The building the light was swinging toward looked dilapidated and all but abandoned. It had once been three stories, but the third floor seemed to have collapsed down onto the second at some point in the past, and it looked like it hadn't been lived in for years.
At least until a man appeared at the front door. He paused at the end of the drive, tilting his head to look up at the sky. Your heart stopped for a moment, wondering if he was seeing the light, but he seemed completely oblivious even as the energy rolled past him. He raised both his hands up to his mouth, and a tiny spark ignited the end of his cigarette and gave you a glimpse of what he was wearing.
Robes. Robes with a golden chain holding the two pieces together. You could see a curve in the emblem, even from here, as though the clasps were shaped like tiny moons.
...or a chalice.
@@.choice;
[[Bingo!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 14]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 14>><<set $phLocations['SAClearing']['image'] to "SAClearingHouse.jpg">><<set $phLocation to "SAClearing">><<nm $phYou "Mason. I've found her.">>
<<nm $phMason "You have? Is she alright?">>
You could hear the relief even in the normally taciturn tones of your chief scientist. You weren't certain whether that relief was directed at the //vault// being found or //Selene// as a person, but either way, it was something.
<<nm $phYou "I don't know. I'm outside the house right now. I saw one of them. They actually had the full cult thing going: robes, golden chains, the whole nine yards. I don't know how many of them might be inside.">>
<<nm $phMason "Difficult to say, though I will tell you this society rarely gathers more than a dozen like-minded individuals together. Even in the age of digital communication, finding people willing to //act// remains as difficult as ever.">>
<<nm $phYou "What do you recommend?">>
There was a moment of silence across the phone. You studied the house in front of you. There were lights on the bottom floor, but little movement. Either people were being stationary, or the building had a basement. Given your luck, a creepy cultist cellar seemed like a good bet.
<<nm $phMason "I'm not certain that I understand the question, $phMason.address. I recommend you go in and retrieve our employee as quickly as possible. We have great need of her here.">>
<<nm $phYou "...It's not that easy. You just said there might be twelve people down there. I'm here alone, remember?">>
Again, there was silence over the line. You could still hear Mason breathing, but he seemed to be picking his words very carefully. When he came back, you could almost swear he was smiling.
<<nm $phMason "$phMason.Address...I recognize I have, on occasion, emphasized the breadth of things you have still to learn about the supernatural world. You deal with creatures and societies you have little familiarity with, on a near-daily basis, and I am certain you have felt that you are in over your head. However, do not lose sight of the fact you are no longer human. You are the offspring of Sloth, one of the Cardinal Sins. You have, in a very short time, built a facility that draws out the energy of humanity's needs and funnels it into tasks for you, personally. <<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffA')>>The power of that tower is, as we speak, in the air all around you.<<else>>That power is still yours, wherever you are, and it flows at your will.<</if>> If you will pardon my vulgarity, a bunch of poser would-be Illuminati being able to catch your vault by surprise is not the same thing as them being a threat to //you//. Ever.">>
You stared at the building for a long time, turning that over in your head. You hadn't really thought about it. Sure, you knew you were faster and stronger than you used to be, but you weren't a superhero.
Were you?
<<nm $phYou "So...What? I just march in there and get her?">>
<<nm $phMason "That would be my suggestion. Quickly, if at all possible. I will notify the nest as to your location, but I expect it will take some time. I would not wait.">>
Well...@@.choice;[[Simple Enough!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 15]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 15>><<set $phLocation to "SABasement">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Cultist/Mobile/Cultist.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Cultist/Cultist.png]]</picture>@@
The man who answered the door was in the full regalia. The robe was a deep purple, trimmed in gold down the button line and at the edges of the sleeve. The hood was pulled up over his face; the deep shadows it cast made it impossible to see his features. The robe was held together at the neck with two large clasps shaped into the same chalice design that Mason had showed you.
He was also absolutely enormous. He was at least half a foot taller than you, and his biceps stretched the material at his arms nearly to the breaking point. You couldn't resist.
<<nm $phYou "Candygram for Mongo!">>
There was a moment of stunned -- and very //confused// -- silence. You guessed whoever it was under the robe had little appreciation for the classics, which was typical. It could also have a lot to do with the fact you'd let your disguise down, and were now in all your demon glory. Either way, he recovered quickly. After a beat, you heard a growl from the hood's shadow and he extended one beefy hand to grab your shirt.
That was when you hit him.
You really hadn't had much opportunity to compare yourself to anyone since you had been inducted into Lazren's household. <<if visited("TrainingRoom")>>Anyone human, at least, and compared to Munokho and Khagar, you were still a runt. <</if>>You knew the body she'd given you was strong and fast, and you knew you had a lot more stamina than you used to have. You were still not prepared for the fact that the impact against the man's chest was enough to hurl him back as if he weighed no more than a pillow. It lifted him so far off his feet that his head struck the ceiling on the way back, twisting him in mid-air and sending him to a hard landing, face first, when he finally hit the carpet.
He stayed down.
You looked around the room in the stunned silence. There had been some effort to make the place comfortable, even with the crumbling walls and lack of anything even remotely like a modern conveniences. Lawnchairs had been scattered throughout the large room, and a folding poker table was loaded with fast food. There were three ash trays, none of which looked like they'd been emptied in the last fifty years. The whole place had the feel of a dingy fraternity house.
You were also not alone. There were three more robed figures in the room, sitting and standing at various points. Two of them had their hoods down, and you could see their agog expressions. They were both men, one of them older enough to have graying hair and the other barely past drinking age, but there was the same hungry look of dissatisfaction in both of them. The third, dressed in a too-large robe that hid even their gender, pointed at you in horror.
<<nm $phCultist "It's a demon!">>
<<nm $phYou "Evening. I think you have something of mine. I'm here to pick it up.">>
They looked at you. And then looked at each other. And then all three of them came at you at once.
It wasn't even close. You ducked beneath the clumsy swing of the first as easily as you would have avoided a gently lobbed baseball. You put your hand on his chest and sent him hurtling back to crash through the poker table and its array of snacks. The second stepped in with a hard, fast strike; you dodged just enough to let the punch slide past you, stuck out your foot against theirs, and let them stumble head first into the door frame. The third raised both hands in a boxing stance, squaring off in front of you...until you snaked your tail around his ankle, pulled hard, and deposited him down beside his friends on the carpet.
You bent down in front of him and leaned to look in him the eyes, keeping your voice low and even.
<<nm $phYou "Let's all just agree you're done, okay? Now...where's the naga?">>
He stared at you, and his skin whitened several shades as the blood ran out of his face. He raised a quivering hand and pointed to one of the doors. You gave him a sarcastic smile and crossed in that direction.
It wasn't hard to find. The door was halfway open, and you could hear the sound of chanting coming up from below. It seemed to be Latin, though even to your untrained ear you could tell that not everyone involved in the chant was pronouncing the words in exactly the same way.
You didn't like the sound of that. You hurried down the steps and, when you found the door at the bottom partially ajar, you went ahead and just kicked it with the heel of your foot. It flew open and made a satisfying crash against the wall beside the door.
The basement was large and unfinished. There were wooden beams outlining the walls, but they'd never been insulated or sealed. There were no subdivided rooms inside, just one massive space. A giant salt circle with some kind of pseudo pentagram was etched into the ground, and there were Yankee candles at each of the points. The scented oil made the room smell more like a Bed, Bath, & Beyond store than an evil lair.
You saw Selene, and the relief washed over you. She was alright, at least for now. She had been tied down to a folding table serving as an altar, and her eyes were wide with surprise. You assumed that was the same expression you'd find beneath the robes of the five figures standing around the pentagram.
The last figure's hood was down, but you would have recognized them regardless. They had spun toward the door, total surprise warring with fear and hatred on their face.
<<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterM')>><<nm $phYou "Naitee. You're awfully far from the farm, aren't you?">>
From the looks of things, @@.choice;[[She Didn't Appreciate The Joke!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 15.1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkM')>><<nm $phYou "Tanya? I was wondering. Know any good hiking trails around here? I was really thinking of sticking around a while.">>
From the looks of things, @@.choice;[[She Didn't Appreciate The Joke!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 15.2]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffM')>><<nm $phYou "Nice to see you're so punctual, lieutenant. I just found the kidnappers, and you're already here!">>
From the looks of things, @@.choice;[[He Didn't Appreciate The Joke!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 15.3]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 15.1>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterM'>><<SetAchievement "phCatchCultist">><</if>><<nm $phNaitee "How did you find me?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterA'>><<nm $phYou "You took my vault, Naitee. She holds on to all the energy my tower brings in. You don't think we could come up with a way to track that down?">>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Well, when we found the car, your mother said she could tell it was a naga driving it. And next time you're lying about not seeing your sister after she left, I wouldn't mention the scarf she bought //while// she was out.">>
<</if>>Naitee hissed at you, and it almost made you step back a pace. Her face was twisted with anger, and the sound that bubbled out of her lips was far more reptilian than human. She looked absolutely beside herself, staring at you and lashing her tail back and forth beneath the robe. The cultists in the circle were all nervously swaying in place, looking back and forth between you and Naitee...
...and not one of them looked at Selene. Your employee had her jaw set, and she was wriggling her tail back and forth. You could see the bindings beginning to slip downward as she pushed herself up. Her eyes were glowing in a way you had never seen before, growing more incensed by the second.
Looks like you needed to hold the spotlight for a while. You affected a lecturing tone that would have made even Mason proud, and paced slightly to one side. Every eye in the room followed you.
<<nm $phYou "What's the game here, exactly? No, wait, don't tell me. Let me guess: //they// can't actually absorb anything from Selene, but //you// can. You could take the power she's got and keep it for yourself. Maybe you got wind the Society was in town, or maybe they tried something with you. You played on their desires and convinced them you knew the ritual they needed. Were you going to try and find a way to //actually// use it for your cultist friends, or just feed off them too, to cover your tracks? Were you going to try to convince Ira to send you to me to replace your sister?">>
<<nm $phNaitee "It should have been me in the first place! The nest gets a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a Sin wants help because there's //too much// energy to hold! It's a fountain like no one's ever seen, and what do they do? Hold a contest? Cast votes? Let someone who wants to //earn// it strut their stuff? No. She was packed off and on her way before the rest of us even heard the story!">>
Selene's head and shoulders were off the edge of the table, and her tail had slipped out of one of the ties keeping her down. She nearly had enough slack to slip her arms up, and then she would be essentially free. Her eyes glowed brightly enough it was starting to compete with the candles. You raised your voice to try and keep the focus on you.
<<nm $phYou "So that's what this is about? You're going to gather a bunch of goons and disappear your sister? You grew up with her! All that for a little extra meal?">>
Naitee scoffed at you and shook her head in disbelief. As she pulled her lips back from her teeth, you saw that her incisors had grown. Her fangs were long, sharp, and definitely no longer 'cute'.
<<nm $phNaitee "You don't understand at all? Do you have any idea what it's like sharing one druidic circle from however many years ago with two dozen siblings and a bevy of fat Matrons? Knowing that the scraps you get there are all you're //ever// going to get? We can't hunt any more. Can't travel. Can't be open. So yeah: when I saw the opportunity to get out, I took it. I'll still take it, even if I have to go through you to do it!">>
She slithered forward, hissing viciously. The cultists around her moved far more uncertainly, but they began closing in on you as well. You braced yourself. You doubted the goons would put up much of a fight, but you weren't sure an angry naga would be as easy to deal with.
Fortunately, you didn't have to find out.
<<nm $phSelene "You want to go through someone? Try me!">>
Naitee spun around, but it was far too late. Selene has slithered her way off the table and was now standing on her coils again, her arms outstretched. You didn't know what she was doing, but you caught a split-second sensation of //suction//. <<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterA'>>The blue light that surrounded her from Mason's little trick seemed to fold in on her. An odd, hazy outline of each of the cultists drifted back towards her, and you heard them cry out in pain.<<else>>The strange, hazy outline of each cultist seemed to be pulled back toward the naga, and you heard them cry out in pain.<</if>> Selene's skin glowed as brilliantly as her eyes, and a loud hum abruptly filed the room.
Which was about the moment the entire place @@.choice;[[Exploded!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 16]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 15.2>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkM'>><<SetAchievement "phCatchCultist">><</if>><<nm $phTanya "You! How did you...?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkA'>><<nm $phYou "...find you? It wasn't that hard. You know the world is strange. You don't think we have ways of tracking down our people?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "...find you? It wasn't that hard. Next time you claim to not know who someone is, I would suggest you don't then suggest dropping in on the family. Finding the car in the opposite direction than you said it was going helped a little as well. Add in the fact the last person to drive the car was a human, not a naga, and I zeroed in on you right away.">><</if>>
Tanya's cheeks turned a little bit red. Her feet had separated beneath the robe into something like a boxer's stance, and she watched you with hatred in her eyes. She had been a pretty face and almost vacantly cheerful before, but now that she was dropping the disguise you could see the anger bubbling up from the inside. The other cultists in the circle were all nervously swaying in place, looking back and forth between you and Tanya...
...and not one of them looked at Selene. Your employee had her jaw set, and she was wriggling her tail back and forth. You could see the bindings beginning to slip downward as she pushed herself up. Her eyes were glowing in a way you had never seen before, growing more incensed by the second.
Looks like you needed to hold the spotlight for a while. You affected a lecturing tone that would have made even Mason proud, and paced slightly to one side. Every eye in the room followed you.
<<nm $phYou "They tell me you people try to track down 'monsters' and drink their blood. You don't think that actually works, do you? Even if it did, what exactly do you think you're gaining? Any creature stronger than you is going to beat you. If you're able to take them down, then how much power do you think they have?">>
Uncertain murmurs spread across the robed figures. Tanya growled, keeping her eyes on your as her voice cracked in the air like a whip.
<<nm $phTanya "You think we're going to believe //you//? You're literally a demon! A font of lies!">>
She had a point there. Then again, //you// had trusted a demon and it had worked out pretty well for you so far. Your ruse was working, though. Everyone was staring at you, and Selene's head and shoulders were off the edge of the table. Her tail had slipped out of one of the ties keeping her down and was now able to move more freely. She nearly had enough slack to slip her arms up, and then she would be loose. By now, her eyes glowed so brightly it was starting to compete with the candles. You raised your voice to try and keep the focus on you.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. But sooner or later you're going to have to make a deal with someone. If all you wanted was to be part of the clubhouse, there are a lot easier ways to do it than this. Is this really what you want to be? A bunch of kidnappers making the world a worse place?">>
<<nm $phTanya "Don't listen to it! $pShe's just trying to distract you! If we all take her at once, we can get her! Then we'll have two of them for the ritual!">>
Tanya began to move forward. The other cultists were a lot more uncertain, but they followed their leader. You set yourself and grimaced. You were pretty sure you could take all six without too much difficulty, but with Tanya leading them on, you weren't sure they were going to stay down as easily as the ones upstairs.
Fortunately, you didn't have to find out.
<<nm $phSelene "Hey! You want to fight someone, try me!">>
Tanya spun around, but it was far too late. Selene has slithered her way off the table and was now standing on her coils again, her arms outstretched. You didn't know what she was doing, but you caught a split-second sensation of //suction//. <<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkA'>>The blue light that surrounded her from Mason's little trick seemed to fold in on her. An odd, hazy outline of each of the cultists drifted back towards her, and you heard them cry out in pain.<<else>>The strange, hazy outline of each cultist seemed to be pulled back toward the naga, and you heard them cry out in pain.<</if>> Selene's skin glowed as brilliantly as her eyes, and a loud hum abruptly filed the room.
Which was about the moment the entire place @@.choice;[[Exploded!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 16]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 15.3>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffM'>><<SetAchievement "phCatchCultist">><</if>><<nm $phKessler "You! How did you...?">>
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffA'>><<nm $phYou "...find you? It wasn't that hard. You know the world is strange. You don't think we have ways of tracking down our people?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "...know it was you? It wasn't that hard, really. See, Selene's mother told me she was the one driving the car when it was parked. Which means someone had to get her to pull over. Add in that you //didn't// talk to the clerk who works at the last place she was seen, //and// you knew exactly which scarf she bought //that// day, and you talked yourself right into the picture.">><</if>>
Kessler's cheeks turned a little bit red. His feet were spread beneath the robe, and his biceps were stretching the fabric much like the man upstairs. Unlike most of his goons, Kessler had probably gotten in his share of scuffles through the course of his duties, and that was assuming he didn't have his gun on him now. The other cultists in the circle were all nervously swaying in place, looking back and forth between you and him...
...and not one of them was looking at Selene. Your employee had her jaw set, and she was wriggling her tail back and forth. You could see the bindings beginning to slip downward as she pushed herself up. Her eyes glowed in a way you had never seen before, growing more incensed by the second.
Looks like you needed to hold the spotlight for a while. You affected a lecturing tone that would have made even Mason proud, and paced slightly to one side. Every eye in the room followed you.
<<nm $phYou "They tell me you people try to track down 'monsters' and drink their blood. You don't think that actually works, do you? Even if it did, what exactly do you think you're gaining? Any creature stronger than you is going to beat you. If you're able to take them down, then how much power do you think they have?">>
Uncertain mumurs spread across the robed figures. Kessler's voice was low, even, and calm -- but even then it cut through the air without little effort.
<<nm $phKessler "Why should we believe you? You're a demon; that's not a creature known for telling the truth.">>
He had a point there. Then again, //you// had trusted a demon and it had worked out pretty well for you so far. Your ruse was working, though. Everyone was staring at you, and Selene's head and shoulders were off the edge of the table. Her tail had slipped out of one of the ties keeping her down and was now able to move more freely. She nearly had enough slack to slip her arms up, and then she would be loose. By now, her eyes glowed brightly enough it was starting to compete with the candles. You raised your voice to try and keep the focus on yourself.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe. But sooner or later you're going to have to make a deal with someone. If all you wanted was to be part of the clubhouse, there are a lot easier ways to do it than this. Is this really what you want to be? A bunch of kidnappers making the world a worse place?">>
<<nm $phKessler "Don't listen to it. $pShe's just trying to distract you. We'll rush $pher all at once! Then we'll have two creatures to work with in the ritual.">>
Kessler began to stride forward, cautious but confident. The other cultists were a lot more uncertain, but they followed their leader. You set yourself and grimaced. You were pretty sure you could take all six without too much difficulty, but with Kessler leading them, you weren't sure they were going to stay down as easily as the ones upstairs.
Fortunately, you didn't have to find out.
<<nm $phSelene "Hey! You want to fight someone, try me!">>
Kessler spun around, but it was far too late. Selene has slithered her way off the table and was now standing on her coils again, her arms outstretched. You didn't know what she was doing, but you caught a split-second sensation of //suction//. <<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffA'>>The blue light that surrounded her from Mason's little trick seemed to fold in on her. An odd, hazy outline of each of the cultists drifted back towards her, and you heard them cry out in pain.<<else>>The strange, hazy outline of each cultist seemed to be pulled back toward the naga, and you heard them cry out in pain.<</if>> Selene's skin glowed as brilliantly as her eyes, and a loud hum abruptly filed the room.
Which was about the moment the entire place @@.choice;[[Exploded!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 16]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 16>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'skip'>>You got it! Hang onto your butt, cause we're about to do the Time Warp!
<hr>
<<set $phEnergy to 0>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sister'>><</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sisterM')>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sister'>><</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerkM')>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'clerk'>><</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffA') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriffM')>><<set $phSeleneCulprit to 'sheriff'>><</if>>You know, for a building manager, you had been in or near an awful lot of explosions.
The light was blinding, and washed everything out in a sea of white even as the impact picked you up and flung you back into the wall. The room howled like the worst storm you had ever been in and you could feel the entire building shudder around you.
Fortunately, it was short lived. Like a flash of lightning, the light was brief, brilliant, and then gone. Less fortunately, your eyes were now filled with massive purple after-images, and only about two of the dinky candles looked to have survived the blast.
The room was in bad shape, but the boom had been more sound and fury than actual damage. The salt circle had been blown to Hell and every bit of furniture had been shoved up against the walls. Most of the cultists were flat on their backs, some of them groaning and all of them unlikely to continue the fight. All save one, that is.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>>Naitee hadn't stayed down. Instead, she was slithering for the door as fast as her coils could carry her. It was off its hinges; she just grabbed it and threw it out of her way before booking it up the staircase, hauling herself up hand over hand over the steps.<</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk')>>Tanya was crawling over the floor toward the door, which had been blown clean off its hinges. She grabbed it and threw it to the side with a savage cry, and then clattered up the stair as fast as her legs could carry her.<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>>Kessler was still on his feet, but barely. He stumbled, dazed, toward the door and grasped the knob, but when he pulled it the entire door came off its shattered hinges. He tossed the useless slab aside and began to clamber up the stairs.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Oh no you don't!">>
You jumped back up to your feet and prepared to give chase, when a feminine cry stopped you cold. You spun around and forced your eyes to focus through the aftereffects of the blinding flash. Selene was writhing on the concrete, her tail twisting underneath her. Her face was contorted with pain, and her eyes were still filled with light.
//Damn it!//
In the movies, this would be where the protagonist hesitated between the two needs, but you didn't need the time to think. You rushed over to Selene, going to your knees and sliding for the last two feet before pulling her head into your lap.
<<nm $phYou "Hey, hey, hey! Don't you go anywhere on me. I came all the way here to rescue you, you know!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Didn't...Didn't know if I could actually do it...">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, now you know. Next time, maybe lead with that. What's happening?">>
You raised a hand and brushed Selene's hair out of her eyes. Her skin wasn't just warm, it was //hot// against your skin. She was sweating, and even in your arms she couldn't seem to hold herself still. Her teeth ground together and she spasmed three times in short succession.
<<nm $phSelene "Fed...from them. All of them. So much energy. All at once. I...I don't know where to put it. I don't think I can handle it!">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes you can, I'm right here with you. We'll just make something bigger, right? Just like at home?">>
<<nm $phSelene "I...I can't! It's too much!">>
Her tail whipped around underneath you, and the glow of her eyes seemed to intensify. You had to tilt your head away to avoid being blinded, and two spotlights seemed to track her gaze across the ceiling. You tightened your grip on her.
<<nm $phYou "You can do this, Selene. I believe in you. We can handle this energy. You need to focus. You can feel the heat, right? I want you to imagine all that heat gathering inside of you, in one place. It's right in your stomach. It's like a ball of heat, all rushing into one place. Can you do this? Can you picture that for me, Selene? All that energy running together into one ball? Can you focus for me?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Hhnhhnnng!">>
Selene's face turned red, and every muscle went tense against your body. Yet, bit by bit, you saw the light in her eyes retreating. Her skin cooled against yours, and she bucked less and less. She still grit her teeth, and you could see the pain in her expression clearly. Her voice rasped out of her, tinged with desperation.
<<nm $phSelene "I...I've got it! I think...I think I've got a hold of it. What do I do? Tell me, please!">>
No time to debate the decision. You told Selene to...
@@.choice;
[[Hold Onto It. Make Everything Bigger!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 17]] <<FVText "Mini-Giantess, Coiling, Oversized Cock">>
[[Push It Out! Let It Go And Become Something New!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 18]] <<FVText "Twincest, Sexual Competition, Futanari/Breast Expansion">>
<<FVLinks>>@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 17>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<set $phSelene.preTransform to 'tits'>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>><<set $phSelene.preTranform to 'futa'>><</if>><<Transform $phSelene "big">><<nm $phYou "You can do this! If there's too much to put into //any// part of you, put it into //every// part of you!">>
Selene's glowing eyes shot up and focused on you for in disbelief. A second later the discomfort and pain lanced across her face again and she nodded, rapidly. She bit her lower lip and pushed herself back up straight again.
<<nm $phSelene "Okay! Okay, I can do this! I can do this!">>
You recognized the golden glow of her expansion, but this time it wasn't focused anywhere. Instead, her entire body seemed to shine from the inside out. From head to tail, she shone. Her body writhed and swayed back and forth as she tried to concentrate.
Then, without warning, the light went out.
Selene blinked and looked down at herself with obvious confusion. Nothing had changed as far as you could tell: she was the same naga she had always been. She frowned, shifting left and right on her coils to try and get a look at herself. There was nothing different.
<<nm $phYou "...Are you okay?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes. Yes, I think so. I don't feel it. But I don't understand. Why didn't --ahhhh!">>
Ah. //There// it was.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/SeleneBigMid.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneBigMid.png]]</picture>@@
Selene arched her body, her expression suddenly going tight with a mixture of pleasure and pain. Her outfit, which had previously held her snugly but not to tight, compressed into cords as her body surged out in all directions. You saw the skin of her arms and neck bulge around every piece of jewelry and cloth she was wearing, and the naga made a choked, uncomfortable sound as the loop around her throat was suddenly far too small to breath through.
You were just about to leap forward when the problem rather dramatically solved itself. With a dull pop, one of her arm bands snapped across the center and flew off of her like a rubber bend being snapped. One of her bracelets followed, then all the rest, a shower of jewelry falling to the floor in a cascade of metal clinking. The cloth top held on for dear life, but it was a lost cause. With a final tearing noise, it came off her completely.
...Which was about the time her head slammed into the ceiling.
Selene yelped and ducked down on reflex, raising a hand to brush the back of her head. When her hand //also// struck the ceiling, she realized what had struck her. You saw her expression fill with realization and shock as she looked down at you.
//Way// down at you. You had to admit, you were staring right back. Selene was, as far as you could tell, exactly the same in her shape. She was tanned and trimmed, and her scales glistened exactly the way they always had in the light. It was almost as if nothing had changed...if one could ignore the feet she was now at least nine feet tall, and her now bare breasts were the wonderfully round shape of basketballs.
<<if $phSelene.prevTransform is 'tits'>>You hadn't been sure how many times Selene was going to allow you to grow her chest. You guessed that wasn't going to be a problem any more.<<else>>Selene had always expressed a bit of disappointment with only growing below the waist. You guessed that wasn't going to be a problem any more.<</if>> You smiled up at the woman whose head, even bent over, was still at least two feet over yours. You tried to keep your voice as casual as you could, but you could keep the teasing tone out of it entirely.
<<nm $phYou "Well, take a few minutes to get used to things, okay? I'm going to make sure our cultist friends ran off...and try to find something to lube the door with.">>
You had to admit. You enjoyed her blush as you @@.choice;[[Hurried Up The Steps!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 19]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 18>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'tits'>><<set $phSelene.preTransform to 'tits'>><</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'futa'>><<set $phSelene.preTransform to 'futa'>><</if>><<Transform $phSelene "clone">><<nm $phYou "It's too much for you, and it's not worth hurting yourself for. Get ahold of it, Selene, and push it //out//!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Okay! Okay! I can do that!">>
Selene closed her eyes and her face went tight with concentration. She raised both of her hands, palms outward, as if she were literally pushing the energy away from her. You could see the effect instantly. A golden shine began to run across her front, from her forehead all the way down to her belly. Second by second, it seemed to intensify, until you could no longer even see her through it.
The light //seemed// to move forward, stretching away from Selene's front as she pushed it out of herself. You touched her back encouragingly, and her skin was hot even to you. You kept hold of your voice, pitching it as calm and cool as you could.
<<nm $phYou "That's it...You're doing it. Just a little more. Just a little more. Okay, one last push...right...//Now//!">>
Selene cried out, and the light blazed in tiny room like a miniature sun! You heard the sound of ripping cloth echo through the basement... but there was something strange about that cry. It sounded like an echo, as if it was coming from two different places at once...
...then the light went out, and you could see why.
@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/SeleneTwinMid.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneTwinMid.png]]</picture>@@
<<nm $phSelene "Ahhhhh!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Ahhhhh!">>
There were //two// women, now, but they were //both// Selene. Instead of one human torso extending from the top of her serpentine tail, there were now two torsos, two human bodies, connected belly-to-belly and staring at one another in amazement. Perfectly identical, their expressions could have been reflections in a mirror.
No, actually -- not identical. The sudden expansion of an entire other person from Selene's body had shredded everything she'd been wearing, and left both women completely nude. As your gaze traced downward, you saw that there was at least //one// difference between the pair. <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>'Your' Selene had been extremely well-endowed above the waist, and her heavy chest was bouncing even as she squirmed and pushed away from the other. Meanwhile, the copy was practically flat in comparison, and much closer to her original cup-size.<<else>>'Your' Selene was much as you remembered, with a perky chest that was more fit than fun, but the copy was far, far bigger. Her breasts threatened to spill out over her arm even as she tried to cover herself with one hand.<</if>>
You understood. And with that understanding came action.
<<nm $phYou "Don't stop! Keep pushing! Keep focus! Now, Selene, now!">>
Your voice brought both Selenes' eyes around to look at you. You saw panic and uncertainty in them, but they both seemed to gain resolve with your presence. Two brows knit, and both Selenes put their hands against the other's torso and pushed away, hard!
There was another brilliant flash of gold, this time focused below the waist, and both women fell backward and away from each other. Both caught themselves on their coils and came upright, alarm still deep in their expressions. You saw that your suspicion was correct. <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'futa'>>Your Selene still had the telltale slightly bulge at the connection between scale and skin that you knew housed those twin cocks of hers. The large-breasted one did not.<<else>>The new Selene retained her original smaller chest size, true, but you saw a small bulge at the connection between scale and skin. Knowing what Selene had been deciding between when the vault had been expanded, you knew what that meant.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Well, I... guess we were a little late. The energy had already become a part of you. I guess it was looking for what to become...and it found the path not taken.">>
Both of the naga looked at you, and then back at each other. You saw their eyes sweep downward, taking in their respective differences, and two sets of jaws dropped open.
<<nm $phYou "I can see you two are going to have a lot to talk about. Catch up for a minute, and I'll go make sure our cultist friends all ran off. Remember, no fighting!">>
You had to admit, you enjoyed Selene blushing in stereo as you @@.choice;[[Hurried Up The Steps!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 19]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 19>>You were still a little cautious as you crept up the stairs from the basement into the main house. You were now a great deal more confident in your own combat potential, but you still didn't want anyone leaping out at you while you tried to get Selene back to where she belonged.
You heard it before you saw it: someone's agonized breathing ahead, and the sort of dull thudding and shaking against the carpet. Then you heard that same person's breath leave in a wheeze, and a much heavier thump against the ground, as if someone had just dropped a sack of potatoes. You quickened your steps and peeked carefully around the corner.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>>Naitee was stretched out on the carpet on her back. Her face was red, and she had blood trickling out of her nose. Her eyes were closed and her body limp, but you could see from the slow rise and fall of her chest that she was still alive. Looming over her was a dark shadow...but a familiar one.<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>>Tanya was stretched out on the carpet on her back. Her face was red, and she had blood trickling out of her nose. Her eyes were closed and her body limp, but you could see from the slow rise and fall of her chest that she was still alive. Looming over her was a dark shadow...but a familiar one.<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>>Kessler was stretched out on the carpet on his back. His face was red, and he had blood trickling out of his nose. His eyes were closed and his body limp, but you could see from the slow rise and fall of his chest that he was still alive. Looming over him was a dark shadow...but a familiar one.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Matron. Wonderful to see you again.">>
Ira wasn't even breathing hard. You weren't entirely sure what naga matrons were capable of, though if what //Selene// had just done was any indication, you would be wise to be careful. The elderly matron had a scratch or two on her cheek, but otherwise looked none the worse for wear. She was also infuriatingly casual about your sudden appearance.
<<nm $phIra "Child of Sloth. I would agree, despite how unseemly the hour. Your man contacted me when you found the location. Fortunately, I was already away from the farm and not far away.">>
You tilted your head and looked down at the would-be ringleader still sprawled on the floor. Alive, yes, but you had no doubt that morning would come with a headache to rival all headaches.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phYou "...I'm sorry. It couldn't have been easy to realize who was behind it.">>
Ira's casual exterior demeanor fractured as she looked down at the dark scaled naga. Her lips parted, as if to speak, but whatever her first thoughts, they stayed silent. It was several second before she finally actually spoke.
<<nm $phIra "It...is. Naitee has always had ambitions, but I had no idea how far they had progressed. I have no idea how she convinced the Society to do her bidding rather than simply capturing her, but our young are far more adept on this 'internet' that the humans are so fond of. Something we shall have to be more cautious of in the future.">>
<<nm $phYou "What will you do with her?">>
<<nm $phIra "She will be taken home. All will know precisely what she did. She will be... well, the word does not have a good translation in English, or in the roles of humans, but you could say she will become a far lower caste. She will not be permitted to feed any longer upon the fountain. She will not die, but she will forever be weaker than her sisters, and made to give her service to the family. If she wishes, she can choose exile... but then she will have to answer to your mother for her actions. I do not believe she will choose that.">>
So functional imprisonment or explaining to a Sin how sorry you were for very nearly derailing their plan. You would probably pick the first option, too.<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phYou "It would seem the Society has been operating in secret for some time. I'm not sure if Tanya here is the ringleader or not, but she was almost certainly the one who did the deed. I have no idea how.">>
Ira bent down low, so low that she could extend a hand and put it flat on the carpet next to Tanya. She sniffed, deeply, and her nose wrinkled with distaste.
<<nm $phIra "Sandalwood. I can smell it on her. If one grinds the fruit of a true sandalwood tree into paste, it can induce a dreamless sleep in my kind. I had no idea the knowledge had spread. I believed we had tracked and destroyed all legend and myth that mentioned it.">>
//You// certainly hadn't heard of it, but the internet was a very wide, very weird place.
<<nm $phYou "What will you do with her?">>
<<nm $phIra "We will take her. Fear not: our people do not believe in killing. She will be made to serve. Seven sentences of one hundred and eight days. Then, she will be permitted to repent. We will discuss how best to aid her new life after that. If she prefers to take her chances, your mother was also aggrieved. She might prefer //her// justice... but I would not think so.">>
You did a quick calculation. That was just about two years, if your sloppy math was correct. You weren't sure where the number had come from, but it wasn't like you were going to take her into the local police station and accuse her of naga-napping. You supposed it was as fair as it was going to get. It was either that, or Tanya explaining to a Cardinal Sin how sorry she was for very nearly derailing their plan. You would probably pick the first option, too.<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phYou "It would seem the society has been operating here for some time. I'm not sure if he was the ultimate ringleader, but he was definitely calling the shots when Selene was taken. I don't know how he did it.">>
Ira bent down low, so low that she could extend a hand and put it flat on the carpet next to Kessler. She sniffed, deeply, and her nose wrinkled with distaste.
<<nm $phIra "Sandalwood. I can smell it on him. If one grinds the fruit of a true sandalwood tree into paste, it can induce a dreamless sleep in my kind. I had no idea the knowledge had spread. I believed we had tracked and destroyed all legend and myth that mentioned it.">>
//You// certainly hadn't heard of it, but the internet was a very wide, very weird place.
<<nm $phYou "What will you do with him?">>
<<nm $phIra "We will take him. We will explain his situation to him. Now that he knows of us, it would be better if he protected our secret...for his own sake. We will not harm him, but we do have ways of showing him what might happen if harm were to come to one of my daughters again. There is also the matter of your mother having a similar grievance. If he prefers to take his chances, he may do so. I do not think he will.">>
You didn't much like the idea of Kessler getting away essentially scot-free, but the look in Ira's eyes suggested it would not be a very easy conversation, nor an easy service. Still, if it was that or explaining to a Sin how sorry you were for very nearly derailing their plan... you would probably pick the first option, too.<</if>>
Ira turned back to you, braced herself, and asked the question she probably feared most.
<<nm $phIra "Selene. Is she alright?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes...and no. She did something I've never seen before. She lit up like a Christmas tree and...I swear I saw her sucking something out of the wanna-bes down below. Just for a second, before everything lit up.">>
Ira paled a bit, visibly, and her expression suddenly grew tense. She leaned forward, her voice urgent.
<<nm $phIra "She fed? From so many at once? A desperate act. The energy would have been more than most could bear. She was able to handle it?">>
<<nm $phYou "About that...">>
You turned, as the basement door opened again. <<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>>Selene slithered out. She was holding one of the cultists robes against her body; when she saw Ira, her eyes went wide, and she picked up the pace. Ira also moved forward, her tail actually jumping several times from the ground as she all but skipped forward, gathering Selene into her arms...
...and gasped in stunned surprise as a //second// Selene followed behind the first, and also jumped forward into the hug. You smiled, clearing your throat in the awkward silence.
<<nm $phYou "May I introduce your daughters, Matron? I hope you secretly always wanted twins!">>
<<else>>Selene's hand appeared around the edge of the door, and Ira let out a gasp. Immediately, the older naga was moving, her tail uncoiling so fast she was lifted off the ground for a brief beat of time. She rushed toward the door...
...and stopped, jaw dropping in astonishment as Selene came through. The now-massive woman had attempted to drape a cultist robe over her front, but the moment she saw Ira she cried out and swept her Matron forward into a clinging hug. Seen in a picture, you would be forgiven for thinking the massive Selene was the mother and the far-outsized Ira the child. You cleared your throat.
<<nm $phYou "May I introduce your daughter, Matron? All of her. As it turns out, there's a bit more of your daughter to love these days!">>
<</if>>It wasn't much of a joke, but you couldn't stop yourself from laughing at it. It was like a bottle of pure tension had finally been uncorked, and the knot in your stomach was finally allowed to loosen.
Selene was safe. Your vault was secure. It was finally @@.choice;[[Time To Go Home|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 20]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 20>><<set $phTime to 4>><<set $phLocation to "Vault">><<nm $phMason "I believe she will be alright, given some time to rest. Though she may be somewhat altered from the experience, you have a great deal of practice helping your people adapt to new situations.">>
The two of you were standing in the hall outside of Selene's room. It had taken a little while to explain all of the details to Ira, but she had a prisoner to take care of and she understood Selene was going to need some time to adjust. She had whispered some quiet words to her daughter, thanked you again, and allowed you to drive back to the spot you had arrived at. It'd only been a day ago, but it felt like forever.
One glowing green portal, and you were home. It //still// felt surreal, like the entire adventure hadn't really occurred.
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>><<nm $phYou "You think so? Everyone keeps mentioning how territorial Naga are, and now we have two.">>
<<nm $phMason "Only in a technical sense. Yes, there are two //bodies//, but it seems they continue to share a connection. I believe it would be inaccurate to say that they only have one mind, but there is at least some transference between the two. Of energy, if nothing else. That //should// keep disagreements to a minimum, though I do suggest keeping an eye on things.">>
<<else>><<nm $phYou "You think so? She's //huge//. It's not going to do her a lot of good to be able to disguise herself as human if she's that tall.">>
<<nm $phMason "That will indeed be a problem, but not one that is impossible to overcome. After all, her human disguise requires ridding herself of a great deal of tail mass...it would be substantially harder now, but not impossible. Given sufficient time and the continued flood of the tower's energy... she might yet be able to walk the streets again, at some point.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "And the tower?">>
<<nm $phMason "Within ordinary parameters. Your employees conducted themselves well. The tower was a great deal less effective than usual, and we influenced far fewer customers, but they were able to apply additional effort on those who were served and the end result was very nearly an ordinary day. It would not, of course, have been sustainable, but it has allowed us to bridge the gap. With our vault returned, that energy is now available to be claimed. Even if her distracted state, Selene was able to help us process what we needed.">>
<<nm $phYou "All's well that ends well, huh?">>
You yawned and swayed on your feet. Despite your best efforts, and the seriousness of the situation, you had been awake for around 24 hours now, and your body was calling it quits. You had often wondered to yourself how much Sloth influenced you. Now that the emergency was over, it was like you could feel your brain shutting down.
Mason noticed it too. <<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>The incubus straightened his back, narrowed his eyes, and assumed a haughty expression.
<<nm $phMason "Your task is complete, pet. You conducted yourself adequately; What you need now is rest. I believe your suite is that way. I will take over from here.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mason. I still need to--">>
The tall man stepped up close to you, eye to eye. He stood there, silent, until you finally looked away. Only then did he deign to speak.
<<nm $phMason "Go to bed. Now. All else can wait for the morning. Unless you like to express that I am not up to handling it?">>
You definitely knew you didn't want to go down //that// road, <</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>The tall man stepped a little closer, half-turned, and put his hand on the small of your back, giving you a little push.
<<nm $phMason "$pMistress...You've done enough. No one could do more. You need your rest. Go, and I will handle all that remains.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's nice of you, $phMason.him, but--">>
<<nm $phMason "Please?">>
His eyes were shining with sincerity, <</if>><<if ($phMason.transform is not 'sub') and ($phMason.transform is not 'dom')>>The incubus straightened his back and favored you with his most withering look.
<<nm $phMason "You need to rest. Your heritage is not one that grants you considerable strength after hours.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know, but I need to--">>
<<nm $phMason "Sleep. You need to sleep. I will handle what remains. Things will be better in the morning.">>
You really couldn't argue with that, <</if>>and you knew he was right. You sighed, nodded, and yawned again.
<<nm $phYou "Wake me if Selene calls?">>
<<nm $phMason "You have my word.">>
There wasn't much else to say. You nodded, threw one last look at Selene's door, and then managed to stagger your way down the hallway. You barely took in rooms you passed through them, except to notice the tower was once again lighting your way without you needing to reach for the switch.
The only thing that mattered to you was the bed. By the time you arrived at it, it filled your mind and your sight. You didn't even undress -- you just allowed yourself to fall straight down across the surface.
You were asleep before @@.choice;[[You Even Made Contact!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 21]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 21>><<set $phLocation to "Sleep">><<set $phSeleneTimer to 9>><<set $phLocations['SAClearing']['image'] to "SAClearing.jpg">>You fell into a deep, dreamless slumber. It could have lasted an hour or it could have lasted a day. All you knew was that you had a soft, warm blanket stretched over the top of you, cutting you off from a cruel world of sharp edges and busy days.
When you finally cracked your eyes open, the sun had been up for hours. In fact, when you rolled over to check the time, you found it was a lot closer to lunch than breakfast. You pushed yourself up onto your hands, and even at that hour you found yourself groggy. As it turned out, playing the superhero was hard work. There was no rest for the wicked though. You yawned and rolled yourself reluctantly off the side of the bed.
Sooner or later, it was always @@.choice;[[Time To Get Up!|Bedroom]]@@
@@.narrative; You Rescued Selene Successfully! Changes To Selene Will Help Her Process The Tower's Energy More Efficiently (Gain 10 Additional Energy Each Time You Work)!<<set $phGlobal.workEnergyBonus += 10>>
<<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>>Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun. Selene Is No Longer Alone In Her Vault!<<else>>Bigger Is Better! Selene Now Has Much More To Love!<</if>>@@
<<include "NewDayTriggers">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 99>>You know, maybe you're right. Seems to me you've gone on this adventure before and won through in the end, saving the girl and returning home victorious. I suppose it //would// be pretty Slothful to just go ahead and skip the repeat.
Of course, there's a cost to everything. You remember how Mason offers you the chance to pay all your energy to find Selene? We'll have to assume you did that, just to keep things fair, but I could skip you right to the big finale. No fuss, no muss.
What do you say?
@@.choice;
[[I'll Pay All My Energy. Let's Skip!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 16,$phSeleneCulprit to 'skip']]
[[Nah, I Want To See It Again!|SeleneAdventure][$phSelene.post_talk to 6]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 22>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to 3.9>><<nm $phYou "So it seems Desire is getting out of hand, and they want me to reign it in. Never mind exactly how I'm supposed to //do// that.">>
You hadn't really intended to get to talking about Lazren's offer, but the twins had been very persuasive soundboards. That probably had a great deal to do with the fact that you were stretched across a couch, with one cradling your head on her lap and the other sitting beside you and idly rubbing your knee.
<<nm $phSelclone "I'm sure if they want you to do it, it must be possible. Lazren put a lot of work into setting you up. From everything I've been told, 'a lot of work' isn't something she does often or casually.">>
<<nm $phSelene "And you agreed to take them up on it?">>
You spread your hands in the air, uncertainly. The Selene you were resting on worked her hands against your neck, massaging her thumbs into the knots at your shoulders. The massage would have gotten her hired in just about any spa you could imagine, whether it had 'happy endings' or not.
<<nm $phYou "I felt like I had to. I mean, how can I come this far and turn away at the last minute? But crossing a Sin seems pretty heavy... on the other hand, if I don't do it, I'm crossing //two// of them. Even if I change m ymind, who's to say they can't just make me, if they want to?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "...I'm not an expert, but if //you// can't force humans to change, doesn't that mean they probably can't force //you//?">>
<<nm $phSelene "That's right. They're giving you the choice. If they could just change you, wouldn't they lead with that?">>
You frowned at that and sat up, swinging your legs off the couch. Immediately, one Selene pushed in against your left side and one against your right. It was a sandwich you were perfectly happy to be a part of, but your mind was elsewhere.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe...I hadn't thought of that! I guess I just keep coming back to 'why me?' I thought I was just here to run the tower, but the more time goes by the more it looks like they've always had a plan. What is it about me that makes me so special?">>
Both of the Selenes shared a look between them, but both of their expressions were equally blank. Finally, one of them shrugged and squeezed in against you.
<<nm $phSelclone "That we don't know. I guess it might not matter. You may not know why you're special, but you are. I guess now it's just time to make sure you negotiate a salary that takes that specialness into account, you know?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Just...maybe make sure to catch Lazren in a good mood? They say she's pretty easy to deal with but...she //is// a Sin. And you're not, yet.">>
Good advice, that one.
<<nm $phSelclone "Well, if you ever need our help, you know where to find us.">>
<<nm $phSelene "And if you ever need to //not// think about things for a while, you know where to find us too! Is there anything else we can do?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Am I interrupting anything?">>
Both women's eyes snapped up to you at the sound of your voice, and a moment later you had a smiling woman on either side of you, each embracing you in a tight hug in turn.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! I wasn't sure you were going to drop in today.">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't stay away for too long. How are you two?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Not bad! The energy is flowing well. It's really exciting! I can't believe the place keeps growing every day!">>
They spoke taking turns, and you had to shift your attention from one side to the other as they did. Their voices were identical, and the only way you could reliably keep track of who said what was to face the speaker. Fortunately, the twins -- or clones -- weren't //physically// identical. <<if $phSelene.prevTransform is 'tits'>>Your original Selene was still set apart by her impressive bosom, while you knew her second self packed more of a punch downstairs.<<else>>The new sister had inherited a much more generous cup size up top, while your original Selene packed a massive -- if not always apparent -- package downstairs.<</if>> They'd also taken to wearing different outfits, and you made a mental note that one favored shades of blue, while the other favored green.
<<nm $phSelene "Just dropping in to say hi or did you have something in mind?">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ4 is 0>>[[What Exactly Happened To You When You Were Taken?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>>
[[Enjoy Some Two-on-One Fun|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 0]]
[[Return To Work|Office][$phGoodbye to 'twinselenetalk']]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 21>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<set $phSelene.post_talk to 22>><<set $phLocation to 'Vault'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/SeleneTwin.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneTwin.png]]</picture>@@
You knocked before you entered the Vault. Selene hadn't really minded you coming and going as you wanted to before, but you wouldn't blame her for being a little wary for the immediate future. Almost immediately, you heard her call for you to come in. Her voice echoed a little oddly through the door. You turned the handle and stepped inside...
....and stopped in your tracks, suddenly very aware that there were //two// sets of eyes on you. Selene stood, balanced on her tail next to the couch, <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>watching you and trying not to giggle... as //Selene// whispered in her ear and glanced conspiratorially in your direction<<else>>glancing in your direction and whispering in //Selene//'s ear while her other self tried not to giggle<</if>>.
Every teenage insecurity you'd ever had flooded back on reflex, and you blushed despite having nothing to blush //about//.
You'd met twins before -- identical ones, even -- so the sight itself of two Selenes side by side wasn't too far-fetched. They were even wearing different clothing, so at least you'd be able to tell them apart. But as the one kept whispering to the other, you couldn't help but notice that her lips all but brushed against her sister's ear, and that her hand rested lightly on her double's stomach, just above the edge of her skirt. Some part of your mind reminded you that these //weren't// sisters, or twins. They were clones. They were //both// Selene.
So how did //that// work?
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! Come in, come in! We were just talking about you!">>
Clearly!
You eased the door closed behind you as the two naga finally separated and slithered forward to greet you. The one in the blue top reached you first, wrapped you in her arms, and pressed a warm kiss to your lips. The green-clad woman laid a soft hand on your shoulder and slid it down your upper arm as she waited her turn, then greeted you with a kiss of her own.
<<nm $phSelene "I'm so glad to see you!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "//We're// so glad!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes! Both of us. We wanted to say 'thank you'.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "In all the chaos of things I didn't have the chance!">>
They both squeezed you tight once more, leaving you pressed between two very happy women for a blissful moment before they both withdrew. Selene moved a little to the side to let the other Selene move up beside her, and now they could both look at you face-to-face.
<<nm $phYou "Settling in?">>
<<nm $phSelene "It's good to be home. I'm sorry if I scared you. I still can't believe you came for me!">>
You flashed her a smile and looked from one to the other as you talked. This was going to take some getting used to. You hoped that neither of them would be offended if you accidentally gave one a little more attention than the other!
<<nm $phYou "You mean a lot to us here, Selene -- don't ever forget it. I know you'd do exactly the same if any of us had trouble.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "You're right, I--">>
//Both// of them had started talking at the same time, and that was when you realized the odd echo you'd heard when she'd called you in had actually been the two of them calling in unison. Great minds, it seems, think alike!
She glanced at herself -- her other self -- and frowned as a bit of red touched her cheeks.
<<nm $phSelene "...Sorry! Still getting used to this. We're getting better, but--">>
<<nm $phYou "It's fine -- more than fine! It's just an adjustment. But judging how you girls were whispering when I walked in, it sounds like you're getting along well?">>
She blushed, brightly. You took that as a yes. Maybe even an //enthusiastic// yes, and your mind bounced back to how one Selene had had her hand on the other's stomach. Hmm! Curiouser and curiouser...
Maybe you should satisfy some curiosity!
@@.choice;
[[What Exactly Happened To You?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>><<set _Seltits to $phSelene>><<set _Selcock to $phSelclone>><<else>><<set _Seltits to $phSelclone>><<set _Selcock to $phSelene>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 0.2>>You called over both of the naga 'sisters' and exchanged greetings. Both seemed quite pleased to see you, but both could also tell that you were up to something. You weren't exactly trying to hide it. Before you'd exchanged more than three or four sentences, you made a show of tapping your chin and putting on a thoughtful expression.
<<set $phSelene.sex to 0>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 0.1>>The two naga moved in on you quickly, both of them putting one hand on your chest while the other looped around your back. Both leaned in for a kiss at the same time, pressing against either side of your lips with a lingering passion. You hooked your hands around their smooth scales and drew them back in against you firmly. You could still feel the lingering heat of the magic they used to expand warming your skin.
In short, it was good to be you. You were pretty sure you knew how the 'show' could be worth your while.
<<set $phSelene.sex to 0>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 0>><<nm $phYou "You know, there's something I noticed, actually.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Oh? What's that?">>
<<nm $phYou "Even though you both Selene, you're not //exactly// alike.">>
Selene looked over at her sister, then down at herself. Even if they had been dressed identically, the differences were enough to tell them apart. One of them filled out her top much more dramatically than the other, while <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'futa'>>you knew from experience<<else>>you were pretty sure<</if>> that the other was packing some serious size 'downstairs'.
<<nm $phSelclone "... no, I guess we're not.">>
Her voice was curious, and both of them turned a faintly suspicious gaze on you, no doubt wondering what you were getting at. You tried, and failed, to keep a grin off your lips. Not that you were trying particularly hard!
<<nm $phYou "So which one of you is better in bed?">>
One Selene pursed her lips and furrowed her brow; the other raised her eyebrow in surprise. Then they looked at each other, instinctively sizing each other up. They were both the same woman, true, but they also //weren't//, and now that the question had been raised you could see it percolating in their minds. Of course, there was only one way to truly find out which one of them could claim the title of Sex Queen.
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>You were just about to open your mouth and suggest a contest of which naga was naughtier, when //both// of them suddenly shared an unspoken understanding, and //both// of them turned to face you again.... this time wearing very identical, very worrying grins.
<<nm $phSelene "Since you're volunteering...">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Yes, there's only one way to know.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Which end would you like, Selene?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Either is fine! Maybe we could swap half-way?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! Yes! Why didn't I think of that? Then we know we've had equal shares!">>
Wait, wait, wait. Which //end//? Swapping half-way? You were all for a bit of snakey threesome, but this was abruptly sounding like you would not be the one calling the shots!
<<nm $phYou "Uh-- well, I... what I //meant// was--">>
Both of the naga slithered towards you, and a moment later you had an exotic woman on either side of you. One Selene coo'd reassuringly in your ear as she ran her fingers down the front of your button-up <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>. The other pressed her impressive bosom against your bicep as she trailed a fingertip just under the curve of your ass in your business slacks.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, we know what you meant, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "We'll do all the work. All //you// have to do--">>
<<nm $phSelene "--is keep track of which one feels better.">>
You started to squeak out a reply, but the sensation of a slender hand slipping between your legs made it come out as a random stammer of sounds. You felt one of their tails start to coil around your calf and tighten; your top two buttons were already undone, and one of them was tugging your belt free of its buckle. Four hands and two tails between two nearly identical women...
Keeping track of who was who suddenly sounded @@.choice;[[Easier Said Than Done!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 1]]@@
<<else>><<nm $phYou "How about a little contest?">>
<<nm $phSelene "... a contest?">>
<<nm $phYou "A friendly one. We can see which one of you is better with your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>tongue<<else>>mouth<</if>>.">>
Selene -- both of them -- snorted, and the one in blue gave you a sly look.
<<nm $phSelene "But, $phYou.firstname, there's two of us and only one of you. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>And since humans only have //one//, ah, member...<<else>>We can't //both// fit between your legs.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "True... I guess we'll have to take turns.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Again, there's //two// of us. You'll have to work twice as hard.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Are you sure you have that kind of stamina, $phYou.firstname?">>
Oh, you knew that tone. That teasing, cajoling tone that promised you were in over your head. Selene knew you weren't just another human, but maybe she -- maybe //they// -- needed a reminder that as <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>an incubus<<else>>a succubus<</if>>, you were in a league of your own.
<<nm $phYou "Are you sure //you// do?">>
They exchanged coy glances, and then almost as if on some silent cue, both of them began to slither up to you. A moment later you had an exotic woman on either side of you. One Selene coo'd reassuringly in your ear as she ran her fingers down the front of your button-up <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>shirt<<else>>blouse<</if>>. The other pressed her impressive bosom against your bicep as she trailed a fingertip just under the curve of your ass in your business slacks.
<<nm $phSelene "Challenge accepted.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Hope you like losing, $phYou.firstname.">>
Losing? Hah. @@.choice;[[Challenge Accepted, Indeed!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1>>It was, in fact, much easier said than done, especially once the Selenes had shed their color-coordinated clothing. At that point it became a blur of skin and scales as they moved around you. One plucked at the buttons on your shirt as the other slid your jacket off your shoulders; her teeth nipped your ear as she pulled the fabric off you and tossed it aside. By that time the woman in front of you had unfastened the last of the small plastic buttons, and she reached a hand inside your waistband, her eyes never leaving yours, as she helped pull the tucked-in shirt free.
<<nm _Seltits "Mmm. You know, I never minded sharing you, but I never thought I'd be sharing you with myself!">>
She flattened her hands against your chest and splayed her fingers <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>across your pecs<<else>>over the swells of your breasts<</if>>, gently squeezing. Her sister had reached around from behind, and was now loosening your belt buckle as she murmured her agreement against your cheek. Her warm lips brushed against your skin as her fingers drew down your zipper. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>Your cock was already starting to stiffen as her palm squeezed inside and traveled over your length, pressing it more firmly against your skin. She laughed softly at seeing how fast your cock was exceeding the reach of her hand.
<<nm _Selcock "Let's just get this out of-- ah, //there// we go!">>
It sprang free the moment she was able to work your slacks down your hips, and actually bounced off the stomach of the sister in front of you. She giggled, but kept her touch focused on your <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>breasts as she traced the curves and swells, now and then dipping inwards to run the tip of her thumbs over your hardening nipples<<else>>exposed chest, lightly scratching the tips of her nails over your skin before lightly pinching your small nipples<</if>>. She leaned forward, swaying on her muscular tail like a cobra coming out of its basket, and soon was rubbing her own ample charms back and forth against your skin.<<else>>You could already feel the beginnings of arousal between your thighs as her palm squeezed inside and dipped further down, pressing her fingers along the subtle indentation in your panties where they outlined your folds. A few slow, teasing strokes had you biting your lip, and Selene laughed softly when she finally got what she was looking for.
<<nm _Selcock "//There// we go. Just a little bit wet, aren't you? Here soon we'll have soaking through your panties.">>
The front sister giggled, but kept her touch focused on your exposed breasts as she traced the curves and swells, now and then dipping inwards to run the tip of her thumbs over your hardening nipples. She leaned forward, swaying on her muscular tail like a cobra coming out of its basket, and soon was rubbing her own ample charms back and forth against your skin.<</if>>
<<nm _Seltits "Such a good $pgirl. What do you think, sister? Should we take $pher one at a time?">>
<<nm _Selcock "Oh, no, that would make it too easy!">>
You could take both; 'both' was good! Admittedly, you were getting more and more distracted from the idea of judging the contest, as one Selene pressed her tits up against you<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>rs<</if>> and the other one undulated against you from behind while she nibbled on your ear and <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>gave you a slow, luxurious reach-around, careful to ensure she didn't neglect a single inch of your shaft<<else>>continued that beautiful torture of stroke you through your increasingly damp underwear<</if>>. You shivered and almost lost your breath when the sister in front of you leaned in for a hot and hungry kiss... only for another hand to pull your chin to the side so that her twin could do the same!
<<if $phYou.form != 'female'>><<nm _Selcock "$pShe's //so// hard now. It's so different from ours! You should feel it.">>
<<nm _Seltits "I know what it feels like! I'm you, remember?">>
She reached out anyways, and you licked your lips and tried to keep from openly moaning as //both// naga ran their curled fingers along your shaft.<<else>><<nm _Selcock "$pShe's //so// wet now! I love that humans keep everything on the outside. It's so easy to play with!">>
She pulled her hand back far enough to work her fingers underneath the silk of your panties, and soon her touch spread your folds open and delved into the slick heat in between. The sister in front of you, not to be left out, tugged your slacks down a bit further to give herself room, and soon //both// of them were giggling and grinning as they explored that very human 'exterior', and made you shiver and squirm. Not //everything// was on the outside, though, and you bit your lip and tried to keep from moaning as one sister started to press the tip of her finger into you.<</if>>
It didn't work. The moment your lips parted, another pair found yours. Two //other// hands gripped and squeezed and fondled you<<if $phMason.transform != 'pre'>>, and you couldn't help but think of Mason's four skilled arms<</if>>. The sisters might be two different people now, but they still //moved// almost as if they shared a single mind -- and, right now, all that thought was aimed at getting you stripped out of your work clothes.
Soon you were completely naked, leaning back against the woman behind you for support as she <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>flicked her fingertip over your clit and left you quaking<<else>>worked your shaft with short, experienced tugs that left you squirming<</if>>. The duplicate in front of you took advantage of the position to finish peeling your pants off and tossing them aside.
<<nm _Seltits "Did you decide which end you wanted, sister?">>
Your eyes snapped back open.
<<nm _Selcock "Mmmm, I think so!">>
Right. You //had// made a quip about @@.choice;[[A Contest, Hadn't You? Uh Oh!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.1>><<nm _Selcock "I want //this// one!">>
She grabbed your ass in both hands and gave it a hearty squeeze, unable to hold back her excited smile. Her sister grinned and giggled, and seemed willing to yield the claim.
<<nm _Seltits "Then I'll keep //this// one.">>
She leaned in to kiss you as she <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>wrapped her fingers around your erect shaft and brushed her thumb over your tip<<else>>slid her fingers between your thighs and, without warning, slipped a finger inside<</if>>. Even that small gesture was enough to make you suck in a breath through you parted lips... a breath that was quickly followed by the warm, soft sensation of her tongue. The sister behind you ran her fingernails down the line of your spine. They hummed in stereo satisfaction as they looked you over and shared a conspiratory look over your shoulder.
<<nm _Selcock "... I think, Selene, that because $pshe's wearing the pretty green necklace, that we should be a //little// more forceful.">>
<<nm _Seltits "Oh, yes. Not really my style usually, but..">>
She curled <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>that one finger inside you, crooking it into a 'C' and hooking you like a fish -- and she //grinned// when you gasped a second time, louder, at the sensation of her using your sex, almost like rein and bit to tug and make you step forward.<<else>>her fingers tightly around your cock, her thumb still pressed against the blunt tip -- and she //grinned// when you gasped a second time, louder, when she used it almost like rein and bit to make you step forward.<</if>>
You blushed at how readily your body obeyed and started to stammer something about that being against the rules. It was interrupted when the Selene behind you placed her palms on your shoulders and gently but firmly pressed you towards the floor... while at the same time, her sister used the //intimate// grip on your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>lady<<else>>private<</if>> parts to make sure you went where you were 'told'.
Your knees hit the floor a moment later. One Selene ruffled her fingers through your hair and leaned in to breathe against your ear; the other coo'd soft praise as she finally released you.
<<nm _Selcock "Such a //very// good $pgirl.">>
The pure pleasure in her tone made you briefly wonder if you'd gotten in over your head, taking on the two of them, and as they, too, lowered themselves down to your level and began to coil their tails around your thighs and their hands and arms around your upper body, you found yourself already starting to pant in anticipation.
<<nm _Selcock "Don't get out of breath too quick, $phYou.firstname. We've barely gotten started, and I don't want you to lose already!">>
Oh no, you weren't losing. You were a demon now, and you'd also had a //lot// of sex while on this job, and that definitely counted toward cardio.
<<nm $phYou "I can keep up! I think!">>
As it turned out... @@.choice;[[Not So Much!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.2>><<nm $phYou "Mmmf! Mmm-hmnngff! Mm mm mm!">>
You weren't sure whether this had been your worst idea ever or your best one, but you were leaning towards the latter. Actually, you were leaning towards one of the Selenes. She was on her back, and her round, heavy breasts, pert as they were, were no match for the gravity that tugged the abundant curves towards her arms. You wouldn't have mind being suffocated in between them, and maybe later you'd have your chance. Right now, you were fighting for your breath with your face smothered against her stomach and the surprisingly subtle shift between skin and scale. This morning when you woke up the //last// thing you had on your mind was going down on a naga, but here you were.
It wasn't that different from a human, you'd been both pleased and surprised to discover. Not having her thighs locked around your ears was a refreshing change, though the throbbing coil of her tail looped just above your knees was an intense squeeze of its own. The small slit that hid her sex //did// have lips when she was aroused enough, just smaller, more subtle, and more delicate. Just as sensitive, though, and as far as you could tell with your nose mashed against her pussy and your tongue darting and lapping at her nectar, the internal parts were just the same as <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>yours<<else>>any woman's<</if>>.
<<nm _Seltits "Oh! Oh, yes! That's perfect! Don't stop!">>
'Stopping' wasn't an option, not with how she had a vice-like grip on your hair and how she writhed and twisted beneath you, shoving her cunt against your tongue with every motion. That you were being pounded from behind with just as much ferocity helped drive your tongue deeper still.
<<nm _Selcock "I won't! Oh, this is amazing! $pShe is so //tight//!">>
You were face down, ass up, with a naga at both ends. Selene, behind you, had your hips gripped tight, and had managed <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>somehow to fit one of her massive cocks inside your ass. It was a //very// tight fit, as large as she was, but the strange, smooth shape helped a lot. Now, as she worked it in and out of you, her second member rubbed up against your ass cheeks and the cleft between them, like a titjob in reverse.<<else>>to squeeze a massive cock into both of your holes at once. It was a //very// tight fit, but it felt extraordinary. You'd never had a lover fill you up that completely before, and every single muffled moan that her thrusts pushed from your chest, was a moan of absolute delight.<</if>>
Cool, smooth, flexible scales slide over your bare skin and wrapped around you. You'd long ago lost track of exactly which coil was whose, but it was a blissful confusion. The one around your knees kept your thighs anchored and squeezed together, which gave an even tighter embrace and more delicious friction for each push of the cock<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>s<</if>> inside you. Another tail looped around your waist, coil after heavy coil, from your hip all the way up to your <<if $phYou.form != 'male'>>breasts, where the thick snake flesh lifted and supported them<<else>>armpits, securing your entire torso<</if>> in a reptilian embrace. You were helpless. If they'd squeezed any tighter you'd be in serious danger, instead of just light-headed and delectably constricted. You couldn't move any part of yourself except your head -- and even then, Selene's two-handed grip made sure you stayed put where you were supposed to be.
<<nm _Seltits "Ah! Ooooh, $phYou.firstname! Please don't stop! Please don't stop!">>
She bucked her hips against you, smearing your face from forehead to chin with slick-sweet juices. As her body bucked and bounced, you took the opportunity to drag in a much-needed gasp of air. It was forced back out just as quickly by the <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>dual //thump-thump//<<else>>dull and wonderful impact<</if>> of Selene hilting into you from behind.
<<nm _Selcock "Ah-almost! I'm-- I'm almost-- Ooooh, yes, almost!">>
And then she wasn't 'almost'. She was //there//, and she squealed in ecstasy as she slammed her shaft<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>s<</if>> into you one last time. You felt the throb and pulse and then flood of liquid heat as the naga woman spilled her cum inside you.
<<nm _Seltits "I'm cumming! I'm cummm//mnnnngh//!">>
Her orgasm put an end to your ability to breathe. She grabbed your head and crammed it so hard against her pussy that there was no space at all for air. You kept lapping anyways, dimly aware that you weren't done until she was.
First, it was a nagging itch inside your lungs, then a fiery ache, and then a bubbly light-headedness as your body used every last atom of oxygen it had.
And then @@.choice;[[You Passed Out!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.3>>Not quite an hour later, you were upright and dressed again -- and most importantly, //conscious// again. As you finished tying your shoelaces and stood up, both of the naga women offered you a rosy-cheeked, very guilty smile.
<<nm $phSelene "Sorry again, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "That was fantastic, though.">>
<<nm $phSelene "We're really sorry we knocked you out.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "You won't hold it against us, will you?">>
You weren't sure exactly how long you'd been out, but it'd been long enough that when you came to, both of the girls had been hovering over you with worry in their eyes. For a moment you'd been very confused why you were seeing double, until memory returned and reminded you that 'twice as nice' and 'double trouble' were two sides of the same coin.
You eyed them and let them squirm a little bit under the focus of your attention. Truth be told, though, it was hard to be //that// upset at getting fucked so thoroughly even your demonic body couldn't keep up. It'd certainly been a Hell of a ride!
<<nm $phYou "Not //this// time. But I do think that renders the contest null and void!">>
Both Selenes' brows furrowed, and they shared a small, confused glance with each other before their eyes returned to you.
<<nm $phSelene "Cont--? Oh! The //contest!//">>
As soon as she remembered, the second Selene perked up as well. She gave a little bounce on her coiled, orange-bronze tail and clapped her hands together.
<<nm $phSelclone "Right! The contest! I'd forgotten, with all the excitement! But null and void? Does that mean neither of us win?">>
<<nm $phSelene "It means we'll have to do it over again!">>
Oh, the grin they shared at that, as you finished shrugging your jacket back onto your shoulders and took a moment to brush the wrinkles out of the expensive fabric. Once you were presentable and ready to go out into public again, both naga slithered up to you, one embracing you from each side.
<<nm $phSelclone "Thank you for coming over. I'm a little sorry we ruined the contest, but not at all sorry that we all had such an amazing time.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's fine. It //was// an amazing time, and I don't regret a second of it. We'll take a raincheck on the contest... and in the meantime, if you two do any 'one on one' practice with each other, be sure to send me a video or two.">>
Both sets of cheeks flared bright again with that blush, and it was your turn to grin. You'd be back, of course, but you might wait until you'd put in a little extra cardio with Munokho and Kagar... or maybe next time, you'd flip your necklace to red and see what kind of 'contest' happened then!
So many possibilities, @@.choice;[[So Little Time!|Office]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime += 1>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2>><<nm $phYou "Any //real// contest has to have rules. So: Rule Number One is that if you choose not to participate, at any point, you're disqualified.">>
The Selenes arched twin eyebrows at you, and the smaller-busted sister crossed her arms over her chest. Neither of them objected, though, so you raised the next finger on your hand and continued.
<<nm $phYou "Rule Two is that it's good to be the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>king<<else>>queen<</if>>: I'm the only and the final judge, so the contest isn't over until I say it is.">>
Now the other sister folded her arms as well, and they shared a smirk at your hubris as you 'laid down the law'. One nodded to the other, and suddenly they were on you in an instant, slithering forward and surrounding you with speed and grace befitting their serpentine nature.
<<nm $phSelclone "I think we can handle that, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Mmm-hmm! So why don't you just lay back and relax...">>
Four hands certainly moved more quickly than two! <<if $phMason.transform is not 'pre'>>You'd learned intimately from your encounters with Mason, and it certainly held true now. <</if>>The naga sisters splayed their fingers over your chest, plucking at buttons and slipping beneath the heavy fabric of your suit coat. Their tails made a soft reptilian rasping sound as they slid across the Vault floor, and then the tapered, flexible lengths began to coil around your lower leg. You actually jolted in pleasant surprise when the slender tip of one <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pressed up firmly between your legs and probed in very //interesting// ways against the fabric<<else>>slid up along your concealed member and tried in vain to encircle it<</if>>. <<if def $phTailMastery>>You'd experimented a bit with your own tail, but it was a very different shape and sensation than those of the naga.<</if>>
As one girl kissed along your neck and murmured sweet, wordless sounds against your skin, the other reached a hand behind her back and tugged free the knot that held her top secure. It slid off her impressive tits in beautiful slow-motion, as if loathe to let go of the silky curves. You couldn't blame it, and your eyes lingered on the exposed swells it left behind. They swayed back and forth as the twin slithered back up to you and then pressed the firm globes up against your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>chest<<else>>own<</if>>.
This was a //very// promising beginning...but 'lay back and relax' wasn't what you had in mind. Nor did you plan on being the center of attention the entire time.
After all, how many people had their own personal set of identical 'twins' @@.choice;[[To Play With?|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.1>>There were, you decided, few things in life better than twin pussies both at the same time.
The sisters lay atop each other, stomach to stomach, and that alone was a treat to see. They'd long forgotten the awkwardness of making out with 'yourself' and were taking advantage of knowing //exactly// what they liked. Their hands cupped and caressed and squeezed, pinching with just the right force in just the right places. Selene knew what she liked, after all, and was doing a damn good job of doing exactly that on the canvas of her clone's skin, judging from how they both moaned and whimpered. And judging from //wet// they both were.
<<nm $phYou "That's beautiful. You're both going to stay just like that until I'm done with you.">>
You knelt behind them both, straddling one of their tails while you had the other thrown up and over your shoulder like a gigantic scarf. It gave you access to their normally well-hidden slits, which now were engorged with lust and need, and were blush-red, plump, and waiting. You didn't keep them waiting long. <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>You pushed your hips forward and sank your shaft into one slick channel, all the way up to your hilt, then pulled out, let your cock dip downwards, and did the same to the next. It was sinfully delicious and somehow taboo, fucking them both while taking turns thrust by thrust.<<else>>You held your two middle fingers together and speared them deep into one slick channel, curling them inside and stroking the soft inner walls as you withdrew again... and then did the same to the glistening sex below. It was sinfully delicious and somehow taboo, finger-fucking them both and taking turns thrust by thrust.<</if>>
You reached up and took hold of a handful of black hair. Selene let out an ecstatic groan and bowed her back; the curve gave her sister easy access to her tits. The lower twin lifted herself up on her elbows to better fasten her lips around a dark and puckered nipple.
<<nm _Selcock "Oooh! Harder! Please, harder!">>
You stared in open hunger at the sight, and then <<if $phYou.form != 'female'>>began pistoning your hips with driven purpose. You weren't gentle. Each thrust bottomed you out inside a serpentine slit<<else>>stiffened your wrist and began driving your fingers forward with voracious intent. You weren't gentle. Each spear of your hand sank you up to your knuckles<</if>>; each time it pushed a gasp and a groan from the sister whose cunt you'd just claimed.
<<nm $phSelene "Yes, oh //yes//, $phYou.firstname, yes!">>
By this point you weren't even sure which Selene that was -- and it didn't really matter. Maybe it was your animal side, or maybe it was your demonic one, but you felt infused with heat and an almost vicious urge to make //both// of them //yours//. You wanted them to cum and cum hard while screaming your name and quaking.
Fortunately, your body was both willing and ready. You growled as you tightened your fist in her hair and begin fucking her like you //meant// it, and with your supernatural strength jolted and rocked her against her nude sister beneath her with each and every push.
<<nm _Seltits "Pinch me! Pull my hair, please!">>
Five <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>hard strokes of your fingers<<else>>deep thrusts of your cock<</if>> and you pulled out and speared into the other Selene instead. She let out a wail that was near-instantly muffled by her sister's lips against her own. It redoubled a moment later, actually escaping from the corner of her mouth, when Selene took hold of her heavy breasts and squeezed them tight. More and more as you used the twins from behind, they writhed and wriggled against each other, their cries steadily growing towards a fevered pitch.
<<nm $phYou "That's it! Take it! Make her scream!">>
She did. And she did. And you @@.choice;[[Loved It!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.2>>As much fun as it was to take turns on the girls from behind, their anatomy made the position less than comfortable. In your heightened state, though, you had the perfect solution for that.
<<nm $phYou "On your knees. Get on your knees! Face me!">>
Neither of them had knees, but they knew exactly what you meant. As you pulled out and away, both of the sisters immediately scrambled and slithered to bring themselves up from the lower base of their tail so that they hovered about waist-high to you, and stared up at you with adoring, red-flushed faces. Now that the both faced you, which one was which was blatantly obvious. One swayed from the effort of keeping upright with her massive tits trying to pull her down, and the slit where scales met skin was still very slightly agape and dripping with arousal. The other sported twin erections as big as yours -- <<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>maybe as big as Damien's<<else>>if not even larger<</if>> -- with a smaller hole, just as tight and wet as her twin's, just below them.
You reached out and grabbed one of them by the hair and pulled her forward, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>cramming her mouth against your own dripping sex. No sooner had her lips made contact with yours before you reached out to the sister with your other hand, and urged her forward as well.
<<nm $phYou "Lick me. Eat me out! You two are going to earn it tonight. I better feel a tongue on my clit or in my cunt every second until I cum all over your faces!">><<else>>shoving her down your still-engorged shaft. No sooner had her lips closed around your cock before you reached out to the sister with your other hand and urged her forward as well.
<<nm $phYou "Lick it! Suck it! You two are going to earn it tonight. I want a pair of lips around my dick every single second until I cum down both of your throats, do you understand?">><</if>>
<<nm _Seltits "Mmmmff!!">>
<<nm _Selcock "Mmm-hmmngh!">>
They went to work with an eagerness and dedication that would be the envy of any manager anywhere. It was //good// to be the boss, and the side-perk of getting to rail your employees into the ground and fuck them senseless was something no amount of money or stock options could replace.
The twins all but fought over which one had a turn <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>licking your clit<<else>>swallowing your cock<</if>>, and the desperate writhing and twisting as they tried their best to please you was its own sort of satisfaction. You 'helped' by <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>grinding her folds against whichever face was in front of you and bucking against her nose and chin, using her body for friction and heat as you bucked to get yourself off<<else>>thrusting your cock into the back of whichever mouth was front of you and burying yourself at the soft stop in the back of her throat, using her body as a sleeve as you worked to get yourself off<</if>>.
It didn't take long. With both of them at your feet jockeying for who would be the one to finally push you to the edge of climax, you were there quicker than you planned.
<<nm $phYou "Almost! Keep going! Don't you dare stop now, either of you!">>
They didn't, and finally you couldn't hold it back any more. You took hold of the sister in front of you and held her tight, her <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>face smeared with your juices<<else>>lips shoved all the way against your stomach<</if>>, and her eyes dazed with pleasure.
And then you came all over the @@.choice;[[Lucky Winner!|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.3>><<nm $phYou "That was very, //very// nice.">>
You smiled at Selene, and at Selene, as one of them coyly looked up at you while she finished buttoning your shirt and the other helped you slip your arms back into your jacket. Both of them still had that blushing, freshly-fucked look, despite having taken a shower together (and, if your ears hadn't deceived you, had a follow-up fling under the water). It was a look that you'd decided you rather liked.
<<nm $phSelene "It was. Thank you, $phYou.firstname. That was surprisingly intense!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "And not as awkward as I was afraid it would be!">>
<<nm $phYou "Awkward because it was a threesome, or..?">>
She pursed her lips, and that flush on her cheeks deepened.
<<nm $phSelclone "Well... it //was// my first threesome... but I also wasn't sure what it would feel like to... well, be with //me//, you know?">>
<<nm $phYou "Are you sure it was a threesome and not just fancy masturbation?">>
A scandalized look flashed over both their features, and half a second later you got two whacks on either arm.
<<nm $phSelene "It's not masturbation!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "It feels different!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Very different!">>
<<nm $phYou "...//really//? Could you, um, maybe explain how it //does// feel to have sex with yourself? How it feels to be touching your own body and hear your own voice when you moan? Preferably in as much details as you can.">>
This time the swats were harder; you grinned anyways. Maybe you'd deserved it, but it was worth it.
<<nm $phSelene "I think it's time that $phYou.firstname get back to work, don't you, Selene?">>
<<nm $phYou "Awww. You're right, I should, but I can still come by and visit later, can't I?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Maybe. If you're nice about it!">>
You chuckled and nodded, and then opened your arms to take both of the naga into a broad hug.
<<nm $phYou "I'll be nice, promise. Thank you both for indulging me; it was fantastic. Next time you feel like having a little sibling rivalry, just give me a call, okay?">>
With a kiss to each of their lips, and a spring in your step, you headed back to @@.choice;[[The Office|Office]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><<set $phTime +=1>><</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 22>><<set $phSeleneQ1 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt $phStoryProgression)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<if ($phSelene.chapter_talk gt 2) and ($phSelene.chapter_talk lt 3.9)>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to 3.9>>You lifted the cup to your lips and drank. The taste was a little strange. Definitely alcoholic, but there wasn't much of a burn to it. It did seem to warm you, though, and it had a sort of comforting effect.
<<nm $phYou "That's not bad at all. What is it?">>
Selene shifted a bit, rolling her coils beneath you. You were seated as you usually were, resting on her tail just below her hips so that you were at least a little bit closer to eye level. The naga smiled.
<<nm $phSelene "It's called 'lugdi'. Ira always said it's something we carried down with us from the mountains, but I think that was a story even when she was born.">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't know how old she is?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Would //you// ask her that?">>
Fair point. You contemplated the slightly yellow drink in your hands. It looked almost like a lemonade, but a great deal thicker. You sipped it again and breathed out.
<<nm $phYou "Anyway. That's the story. 'Desire' has gone crazy, and they want me to reign it in. To become a Sin. I didn't even know Sins were a thing a few months ago...at least the demonic ones. You know what I mean.">>
<<nm $phSelene "And you decided to take them up on it?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah. For now. I'm still wrestling with it a little. Probably going to talk people's ears off as I work my way through it. I thought I was only supposed to be in charge of the tower, but more and more it looks like I was chosen for some other reason. But... if I change my mind, could I really say no? You know how powerful they are.">>
Selene frowned and contemplated that for a time. You could feel the tail rise and fall slightly beneath your body. It wasn't her breathing, but there was a sort of pulse than ran from one end of her to the other every couple of seconds. You guessed it was as hard for her to hold perfectly still as anyone.
<<nm $phSelene "You're stronger than the humans you change, but they could still say no, right?">>
<<nm $phYou "That's different. I need them to want it. That's why I have to talk to them first, like--">>
<<nm $phSelene "Like they're doing to you? Convincing you to trust them to fulfill your wish?">>
Huh. You hadn't thought of it that way. The Sins might be powerful, but if they could have just zapped you into compliance, they might have done so. Lazren might want to treat you as a child, but you doubted Avery had any such compunctions.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe you're right. That's something to think on, at least.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Do that. And if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off of, you know that I'm here. I won't push you too hard, but after all you've done for me, it's the last I can do. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?">>
<</if>><<else>><<nm $phYou "Hello Hello! Got a sec?">>
Selene made a beeline straight for you. She seemed to be doing alright in her now much bigger apartment, but you had to imagine that a little company went a long way.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! I wasn't sure you were going to drop in today.">>
<<nm $phYou "Can't stay away for too long. How are you?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Not bad! The energy is flowing well. It's really exciting! I can't believe the place keeps growing every day!">>
The massive naga loomed up before you and took her now customary position, leaning back on her coils. You climbed up onto the looped part of her tail, bringing yourself at least close to eye to eye. She loosely rested her hands on your hips to keep you more or less stable and in place.
<<nm $phSelene "Just dropping in to say hi or did you have something in mind?">>
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ4 is 0>>[[What Exactly Happened To You When You Were Taken?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>>
[[Enjoy Some Fun With Selene|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 0.1]]
[[Return To Work|Office][$phGoodbye to 'bigselenetalk']]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.post_talk is 21>><<set $phSelene.chapter_talk to $phStoryProgression>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 0>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 0>><<set $phSelene.post_talk to 22>><<set $phLocation to 'Vault'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Selene/Mobile/SeleneBig.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Selene/SeleneBig.png]]</picture>@@
You knocked before you entered the Vault. Selene hadn't really minded you coming and going as you wanted to before, but you wouldn't blame her for being a little wary for the immediate future. Almost immediately, you heard her call you through, and you opened the door to step...
...and stopped in your tracks, craning your neck slightly. If you hadn't known better, you would have thought you had shrunk! The room was still decorated much the same, but the ceiling towered above you, more than 15 feet up. The side table against the wall reached up to your chest and the pillows in front of the TV had enlarged so much they came up to your waist. Even the door stretched high above you, and it had seemed perfectly ordinary from the outside!
Of course, the reason for that was clear. Selene was reclining on the one traditional couch against the wall in the living room...and by reclining you meant 'filling it to its capacity'. Her human half easily ran from one end of the couch to the other, allowing her tail to drop off the end and curl across the floor. She was wearing a new, more ballroom style dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating both the size and shape of her new figure. The moment she saw you, her face lit up, and she extended one hand in your direction.
<<nm $phSelene "$phYou.firstname! Come in, come in! Come here!">>
You obediently moved across the floor, and the naga came up off the couch to meet you, drawing you down into a hug that mashed your head deeply into her cleavage. You didn't really mind at all.
<<nm $phSelene "I'm so glad to see you! I don't think I ever said 'Thank you' but...Thank you.">>
She squeezed you for a moment, then loosened her arms to let you down, her expression slightly abashed. You took the opportunity to regain some semblance of your dignity as you looked her over.
You knew she'd gotten bigger, that much had been obvious. But in all the running around and excitement of getting her back home, you hadn't appreciated exactly how much she'd grown. The naga was just a little more than ten feet tall, and your head stopped right about the level of her collar bone. She was also a great deal thicker, and her hips were at least two inches wider than your shoulders on either side. Her tail extended about as far back as she was tall, and it didn't begin to substantially taper off until about halfway through its length.
In short, there was a lot more of her than there had been. Unsurprisingly, the tower had barely been phased. The room was well-suited to her new height, and the clothes she was wearing was of a similar cut to her old outfit, even if they consisted of much, much more fabric. You licked your lips.
<<nm $phYou "Settling in?">>
<<nm $phSelene "It's good to be home. I'm sorry if I scared you. I still can't believe you came for me!">>
You flashed her a smile and patting her on one large hip. It felt a little strange comforting a woman that much taller than you. It made you feel oddly childish.
<<nm $phYou "I'd do the same for anyone who worked for me. You mean a lot to us here, Selene. Don't you forget it.">>
She returned the smile and leaned back. You realized this was normally the posture she used to talk to you, resting slightly on her coils, but given the difference in heights it now angled her up to the ceiling above your head. She frowned, and a bit of red touched her cheeks.
<<nm $phSelene "...Sorry! Still getting used to this. Let me find a chair or something, and we can-.">>
You didn't wait. You just moved forward, climbing up onto her and straddling the thickest part of her coils just below the hips. Her scales were pleasantly warm and smooth against your thighs, and she didn't seem to have any difficulty holding you up. Her jaw //did// drop in surprise, however, and she leaned back even further on reflex...which rather nicely put you more or less eye to eye with the expanded woman.
<<nm $phYou "Better?">>
She blushed, brightly. You took that as a yes. You took that as comfortable enough to talk.
@@.choice;
[[What Exactly Happened To You?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 0>>You crossed across the room slowly, as if stalking your prey. Selene seemed to know something was up, but she didn't protest as you slipped into your now traditional position sitting on her coils to bring yourself more or less eye to eye.
<<nm $phSelene "Hello, $phYou.firstname. What brings you by today?">>
<<set $phSelene.sex to 0.1>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 0.1>>You tilted your head up to admire the very large, very plush, and very beautiful snake woman above you. A slow smile spread across your lips as you did. Selene had become a whole lot of woman, but she seemed as oblivious as ever to her charms.
<<nm $phYou "You know...there is something that I'm curious about, if you don't mind another question?">>
Selene blinked down at you; you could feel her coils shift a little beneath your thighs. One nice thing about riding her this way was that you didn't have to read her face to catch her emotions. Every flex of the muscle beneath you showed you she knew something was up.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh? What's that?">>
You leaned forward, so close that your chin almost brushed against her cleavage. It forced her to tilt her head almost all the way down to meet your eyes.
<<nm $phYou "As big as you are...do you think just anyone could handle you? Or would it have to be a demon like me?">>
<<nm $phSelene "H-Handle me?">>
You let your smile linger on your lips, meeting her eyes and silently counting until the silence became almost unbearable.
<<nm $phYou "...Handle you, yes. All of you. Intimately.">>
Selene stared down at you, and her cheeks flushed slightly. You saw it when she glanced down, following the line of your necklace to your chest. The tiny little flash of <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>green in her eyes was more than familiar to you by now, and you could see her shoulders relax.
<<nm $phSelene "I'm not very sure, to be honest. I think a full human would have a little trouble...You'd probably handle me a lot better, but I think you might have forgotten something.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what's that?">>
It was Selene's turn to meet you eyes, leaning forward with startling flexibility until she was almost level with you. Her grin was positively predatory.
<<nm $phSelene "Where you're sitting.">>
You didn't get the opportunity to ask her what she meant. The coils beneath you flexed and bucked upward like a kicking mule. Your knees and hands grabbed at the smooth scales, but you slid off and upward like water, thrown a foot into the air before beginning the journey downward.
You never made it to the floor. Before you were even halfway down, Selene was up and on you. Not with her human half, but with that long tail of hers. It snapped around you like a whip, hitting hard against your hip, and the heavy weight of it curled around you twice and trapped your arms at your sides. Then she drew you down against her and worked her body around you, until you were utterly pinned inside the coils of her smooth scales.
<<nm $phSelene "There. I think that's a //much// better position to see how much you can handle, don't you think?">>
All you could do @@.choice;[[Was Squeak!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>red in her eyes was more than familiar to you by now. It was matched by a scarlet across her face.
<<nm $phSelene "Well, I'm not sure... How would you, uh, handle me, exactly?">>
You reached up, allowing the back of your fingernails to brush along the top of her dress and across her collar bone. You hooked your hand against the back of her neck and drew her down to you, slowly. At the same time, you raised yourself up, clamping down tightly on her tail with your knees to give yourself leverage. It was just enough to bring you face to face.
<<nm $phYou "Firmly. Very firmly.">>
Judging from the look on her face, you were pretty sure @@.choice;[[She Was Just Fine With That!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1>>Selene's muscles //flexed//, and the constriction forced another squeak from your lungs. It was a strange sensation. You could feel the wave like motion roll down her hips and through the entire length of her tail, tightening the grip just a little bit.
<<nm $phSelene "Well, well, well...Look what I caught. Comfortable in there?">>
You grunted in response and pushed against those binding coils. You might have looked human a lot of the time, but you were faster and stronger than you had ever been before Lazren's gift. It was easy for your employees to forget that, but the occasional demonstration was a great reminder. You locked your body and //shoved// back hard...
...and basically nothing happened.
Oh, Selene's tail //bent// a little bit under the pressure, opening up a tiny gap, but that didn't give you the leverage to //go// anywhere. Her tail just tightened an equal amount across your back, and her other coils continued to squeeze you in place. The moment you released the pressure, her tail bounced back to its original position.
You wiggled back and forth and kicked out your legs as much as you could, but there nothing for you to push away from except Selene's body itself. Whatever gaps you opened up were quickly closed again with a quick flex of those coiling scales, putting you once again exactly back where you started.
<<nm $phYou "Hnng!">>
<<nm $phSelene "...Having some trouble there? Here, maybe if we got rid of some bulk, it would be easier...">>
The scales around your hip shifted up, gripping across your stomach and wrists instead and barring your waist. Selene giggled, softly, and leaned down, her hand extending between the two sections of her tail to rub her fingers up and down the side of your hip. You were startled by just how large, but soft, her fingers were. You hadn't quite appreciated what effect such an overall increase would have on all of her.
You were also not prepared for just how nimble those thick fingers were as they delicately worked at your belt. You yelped and tilted your head upward to find her grinning wolfishly down at you.
<<nm $phSelene "There now. Isn't that much easier? You know you don't really want to win. Why don't you just relax and let me do everything, okay?">>
ZZZZZZIIP!
Your pants bunched around your thighs just below where her tail held your hips. It was just enough space to let her to press two thick fingers between your legs. She ran her fingertips up your thighs and across <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your sex<<else>>your cock<</if>> drawing a soft gasp from your lips. You could see her smile grow even wider as you made the noise, unable to hide your pleasure from her probing fingers.
Oh well, it had been a @@.choice;[[Good Effort.|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.1>>Selene's huge fingers curled against your body, teasing between your legs. You whimpered, but that was about all you could do. Your hands were held tight against your body, and your ankles were mashed together. The big woman held you loosely enough that you could wiggle, but little more.
//She// was under no such restraint, of course, so she had absolutely no problem <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>working her entire palm against your folds. Her hand was at least eight or nine inches across, and it actually forced your thighs open a bit as she stroked you.<<else>>gripping your entire cock in her palm and stroking you hard. Her hand had to be at least eight or nine inches across, and only the tip of your shaft emerged past the skin of her fingers.<</if>> You groaned, softly, and looked up at her.
<<nm $phYou "This...isn't fair...!">>
<<nm $phSelene "What's so great about fair? This is more fun than that! Tell me you don't like getting bound up and fucked by your big, strong, servant?">>
<<nm $phYou "You can't make me say i-ooohhhhh!">>
Selene had shifted her hand, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pressing her wide thumnb up against your pussy. The thick digit almost seemed large enough to fill you on its own, but that wasn't what had sparked your reaction.<<else>>catching your cock gently between her thumb and the meat of her hand, but that wasn't what had sparked your reaction.<</if>> You'd broken into a moan when her other fingers had curled all the way underneath you. She spread your ass deftly with her ring and index fingers, which allowed her to press that middle digit directly across the rosebud between.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh? I can't, huh? You aren't going to say it no matter what I do?">>
<<nm $phYou "S-Selene! Ah!">>
She wiggled her finger against you, and you bit your lower lip. The tip of her finger felt like a wonderfully thick toy, only it was warm and flexible in all the ways that a toy never could be. You felt yourself tensing against that probing touch, but it remained delicate. She simple wriggled and flexed it against you in a slow rhythm.
Despite that, you knew the truth. You knew how strong she was. You knew she could split you at any moment, and that knowledge was intoxicating. You felt your face heat as you began to flush, and your breathing was starting to come faster and faster.
<<nm $phSelene "Are you //sure// you don't want to say it, hmm? Not even if I provide some //encouragement//?">>
You felt the movement in her coils first. It wasn't much, but a ripple of muscle went through the big naga, this time in the opposite direction from the very smallest end of her tail and up into her body. She was tightening her grip, holding you in place...and increasing her leverage.
You realized what that meant, just a second too late to react before she @@.choice;[[Speared You On Her Finger!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.2>><<nm $phYou "Selene! You're h-nnh!">>
<<nm $phSelene "I'm not //that// big. Try to relax.">>
The big naga drew you in against her, but you barely heard her words or registered the feel of her evening gown against your skin as she brought you in close. All of your attention was focused on that probing digit inside of you. It was only in to the first knuckle, but that was more than enough to force you to arch with pleasure.
That wasn't all, either. The naga had not forgotten the rest of you. Even as she pulled your head in against the curve of her breasts, she was still <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>allowing her palm to slide up and down across the front of your pussy so hard and fast it was driving you insane. Each pass made the next a little slicker, a little wetter, and a little more intense.<<else>>stroking back and forth with your cock held between her thumb and her hand. Precum was beginning to glisten on the back of her wrist as she milked you for all she was worth.<</if>>
<<nm $phSelene "Tell me the truth, and I'll give you even more.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah! S-Selene!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Tell me.">>
You shuddered, biting your lower lip as she wiggled her finger inside you and set off fireworks in your mind. You were putty in her hands, and you knew it. Every time her coils contracted around you, it was like every slutty thought you'd ever had was being squeezed out of you. You felt your jaw drop open.
<<nm $phYou "I l-like getting bound up and ffffuuuuuuuuuuuuh!">>
She didn't let you finish. Before you even got halfway through, Selene rewarded you with a firm push inward. Her finger stretched you out, and it was simply too much. You began to quake against her, shuddering and bucking, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>soaking her hand with your honey<<else>>shooting cum all over her fingers<</if>>. You felt your eyes roll back as you gave into the pleasure of it.
Selene held you until you finally stopped quaking. Only then did she gingerly pull her hand away from your ass and let you sink down in her coils, until your feet finally touched the floor. You let out a breath of relief as your weight rested on your own two feet again, and you tilted your head to look up at her, still dazed.
<<nm $phYou "That was...something.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, no. That was nice and all but...//this// is something.">>
Selene flexed her tail and rose up onto it. You found yourself staring up at her grinning face, barely able to see that smile past the curve of her mammoth breasts. You pushed against the binding coils on reflex, feeling confusion wash over you...
...until her twin cocks emerged from the tiny gap between the scales at her hips and slapped you hard in the face. <<if $phSelene.prevTransform is 'tits'>>You had just enough time to remember that //this// Selene was bigger in //every// way, before <<else>>You had just enough time to realize she was even bigger and thicker than she had been before, and then<</if>> she gripped the back of your head and pulled you forward hard!
@@.choice;[[Mmmph!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.3>><<nm $phYou "Hmmm! Nhmmgh! Glk!">>
You made wet sounds against her thrusting cock, and you heard the naga chuckling softly above you. She was thick enough to make your jaw ache, but the slightly tapered shape of her cockhead made it disturbingly easy for her to use your throat as well as your mouth. It was all you could do to tilt you face up and swallow her down.
<<nm $phSelene "Oh! $phYou.firstname! You're so tight!">>
You glared up at the naga, but she didn't even seem to notice. You had to admit, it was hard to command very much respect when your mouth was full of one cock and the other was resting on your forehead, mussing your hair every time she thrust forward. Besides, who were you fooling? Your tongue was swirling around that thick cock, and you were taking the length as deep as you could without complaint.
You were settling into a rhythm and feeling your pleasure starting to rise again when Selene abruptly pulled her hips back far enough to pop her cock from between your lips. You actually whimpered, eyes flashing open in confusion as you once more tilted your head upward.
<<nm $phYou "Wha-mmmph!">>
<<nm $phSelene "Mmmm! Sorry, $phYou.firstname! You're so good, I had to feel it on the other one too!">>
The naga jammed her upper cock deep into your mouth the same way she had the first, only this time the second shaft was beneath your chin, the wet skin slapping against the bottom of your jaw and throat. You wiggled, hard, working your right hand against your hip, and the big woman finally loosened enough to let you lift your arm out of the pin it had been in since this all began. Immediately, you wrapped your fingers around the now-dispossessed cock and began to pump hard.
<<nm $phSelene "Oooh...Mmm. I guess there //is// a reason to allow you to move, sometimes! Oh $phYou.firstname, you're so good! I don't know how long I can hold it!">>
You didn't need her to tell you. Her pleasure was writ large in every moan and quake of her body, and the way that her thrusts were getting harder and harder as she forgot herself and began using more of her strength. By now, the tip of her cock was pushing deep into your throat, and you could feel yourself starting to get dizzy from lack of oxygen. You weren't human, though, you were a <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>demon<<else>>demoness<</if>> and you weren't about to go down without a fight.
Figuratively speaking.
Your hand blurred on her shaft and you used what little leverage you had to tilt your head forward and back, adding just that little extra inch or two of sensation as she mercilessly fucked your throat. You saw her eyes roll back, and a fat dollop of precum rolled across the back of your hand. You could taste it in your mouth, that wonderful musky aroma that you knew so well, and it just drove you to work harder and faster.
She couldn't resist. Selene gave a howl above you and reaching down to grip your hand powerfully in her two thick hands. She slammed her hips into you hard and fast, nearly making you see stars as she used you. When she came, it was a fountain that spurted deep into your throat and filled your belly with hot, sticky warmth...
...and, of course, soaked the front of your shirt and pants with cum as her other cock exploded in @@.choice;[[Exactly The Same Way!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1.4]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phSelene.sex is 1.4) or ($phSelene.sex is 2.4)>><<nm $phSelene "Sorry again. Um! I think you're all clean now.">>
Selene reached down and carefully smoothed the lapels of your suit. You gave her an amused look. The naga was blushing terribly, as she had been ever since the afterglow of her orgasms had faded. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>Your necklace could encourage out the dominant fantasies of almost anyone, but that didn't mean it made them someone they weren't.<<else>>Either the effects of your dominant necklace weren't yet faded or she just had a true subby streak a mile wide.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you. Lucky for me you have a shower and my clothes are right across the hall -- though at this point, I wouldn't be that surprised if $phSamantha.name keeps a few sets at her desk just waiting for the phone. You were, ah... a little pent up?">>
The crimson in Selene's cheeks got a fair bit cheaper, and she squirmed, her voice rising half an octave in protest.
<<nm $phSelene "It's not //my// fault! This body is just... I shouldn't be this sensitive at this size! Seems like every time I brush against something, I get a little...um...">>
You grinned up at her and stood up on your tiptoes. You didn't even come close to rising up high enough, but Selene politely bent down to allow your lips to catch her in a soft but adoring kiss.
<<nm $phYou "Sort of comes with the territory, in my experience. Enjoy it. Just remind me to bring a towel and a change of clothes myself next time I stop by for fun and games, okay? The walk of shame is a little rough when you're literally //soaked// from your partner.">>
Selene slapped you lightly on the shoulder. Light for her, of course; it still very nearly sent you across the room. She cleared her throat and chose to ignore the last part of your teasing.
<<nm $phSelene "I'll remind you! Uh...Thank you, boss! That was a lot of fun!">>
She wiggled back and forth, still obviously embarrassed, but you patted her lightly on the back and turned back to the door. You were just about out into the hall when you heard her soft words behind you.
<<nm $phSelene "...Maybe next time we can try, um, both at once?">>
You let the door shut behind you and hurried toward the office. //That// was going to have to be a problem for @@.choice;[[Another Day!|Office]]@@<<set $phTime += 1>>
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<if $phSelene.sex is 1.4>><<set _sex to 'sub'>><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.4>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><</if>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2>>You held onto the back of her neck, keeping her slightly hunched over. Her pupils were wide and, from this distance, you could see they were slightly dilated. Her tongue emerged to wet her lips, and you saw her throat work as she swallowed.
In short, it was everything you could have asked for. You put on your most imperious expression and dropped your voice to a low whisper.
<<nm $phYou "Now, Selene. There's something very important I need you to understand. Since your transformation you have grown substantially. You are taller and stronger than I am. You could lay three of me, end to end, and you'd still be the bigger woman. After that little jaunt to Oregon and all of our expansions to the vault, you're positively brimming with energy, but all of that raises the question...">>
You let your voice trail off and simply waited, running your finger lightly up and down Selene's neck from her jaw to her shoulder. It didn't take very long. The naga's eyes were flicking in every direction, and you could feel her quivering beneath you as she fought to stay still. Finally, she had to ask.
<<nm $phSelene "...What question?">>
<<nm $phYou "Who owns you?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Who...what?">>
It was exactly the reaction you hoped for. You kept the smile on your face and kept gently petting her neck with your hand...but immediately used your //other// hand to seize her left breast. Selene's chest was //magnificent// and heavy, and her tit overflowed your fingers to a wonderful degree. Despite that, you gave it as hard a squeeze as you could manage, and drew a shocked squeal of more surprise than pain from the big woman. The material of her evening gown was thick, and it bunched between your fingers when you gave her a little twist.
<<nm $phYou "Who. Owns. You?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Ah! Y-You do!">>
<<nm $phYou "Good girl! So which of us is in charge here?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Y-...You are!">>
It was stammered, but much quicker than the first answer. You loosened your grip on her chest and turned the hard squeeze into a more lingering exploration. Then, casually, you swung your leg up and over the coil you were sitting on and dropped yourself back down to the floor, and onto your feet. Then you turned back to her, arched your eyebrows expectantly, and pointed at the ground in front of you.
It took a few seconds for her to get it. Once she did, her cheeks flushed pure crimson, and her coils began to slide around behind her. Carefully, she lowered herself until she was stretched out face down on the floor before you, prostrate. Even as low as she could go, she still came up to your waist. You reached out, and patted her lightly on the top of the head, holding your hand there in affirmation.
@@.choice;[[Fast Learner!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.1>><<nm $phYou "You know, I have to admit...I love you at this size.">>
You reached down and lifted her chin, allowing her to rise again, but only so far as your eye level on your own two feet. The moment she lifted her face, you stepped in and pressed your lips to hers. She made a muffled sound against you, but seconds later seemed to melt into the embrace.
You let her enjoy it. Your tongue extended to brush lightly against hers. Part of you expected her tongue to be forked, despite having seen her speak often enough, but it was as warm and wet as any other and she seemed eager to use it. While your mouth was busy above, you let your hands roam across the uncovered skin between the top of her dress and her face.
When you hooked your fingers into the straps at each shoulder and pushed them down her arms, Selene broke the kiss and sucked in a deep breath. You could see trepidation in her face as you peeled the dress down across her front. She was wearing a sturdy bra, though you had no idea where she had gone to purchase one in that size. It nestled each of her breasts in a tight layer of fabric that pushed them up and together. You doubted she //intended// the bra to accentuate her charms even further, but it certainly had that effect.
<<nm $phSelene "You...don't think I'm too big?">>
She batted her eyes at you and bit her lower lip. You fought back the urge to laugh, as that would certainly not have been the answer she needed. Instead, you let your hands answer, dropping her dress to ripple down her body while your hands again seized her chest and squeezed hard. The massive naga's body arched and quaked, pushing herself up into your hands.
<<nm $phYou "I think you are one of the sexiest creatures I have ever seen.">>
You said it, and you meant it. You saw the flush in Selene's cheeks working its way down her neck, and she wriggled herself against you. Her voice, when it came, was breathless.
<<nm $phSelene "Tell me how to please you, $pmaam.">>
You smiled and nodded. You squeezed her a few more times, enjoying the thick and marshmallow-soft feel of her tits as you toyed with them. Then you raised both your hands to her neck and coaxed her down once more while turning her head to the left. This time she understood quickly, the massive woman flipping over onto her back with an impact that sent shudders up through the soles of your feet.
Soon, she was laying on the floor in front of you, her chest rising and falling with every excited breath she took. Her eyes were shining with excitement, and you watched her waist rise and fall unconsciously as she remained unable to sit still.
<<nm $phYou "That's a good girl. Now, you're going to please me very well indeed. All you have to do is lay there and...do what comes naturally.">>
Whump. Your pants slid down to the ground beside Selene's head, and your underwear followed shortly thereafter. You kicked the garments to one side, then rested your hands on your hips, allowing Selene to admire <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your glistening sex. You stepped over her, your stance a little wider than you were used to. She was still a whole lot of woman.
<<nm $phYou "Let's put that tongue of yours to use, shall we?">>
<<else>>your firm, bobbing erection. You watched Selene's eyes following the tip of your cock as you stepped over her, your stance a little wider than you were used to. She was still a whole lot of woman.
<<nm $phYou "Let's put those beautiful tits of yours to use, shall we?">>
<</if>>You counted to three, giving just enough time for realization to flood into her eyes. Then you @@.choice;[[Sat Down|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.2>><<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phYou "Very good! Mmm. You must have done this before. All those lonely nights on the farm...did you have a secret crush you were visiting in town, hmm?">>
You clamped your thighs down tight against the side of Selene's head. Her answer was inarticulate, but that was because her tongue was currently buried inside your sex.
It was all you could do to act casual. Selene's tongue was as big as the rest of her, and you'd never had a toy or partner that was simultaneously that large, nimble, and wet. Selene was quickly learning which places inside of you provoked a reaction, and then she was poking and proding those points for all she was worth.
Soon you were rocking back and forth across her face, not even bothering to hide your escalating moans and groans. You were sure Selene's face must be wet and dripping by now, but you didn't care. Every flex and push of her tongue inside you set off another cascade of dopamine and adrenaline.
You didn't want to lose control //that// quickly, though.
<<nm $phYou "Mmmmm! That's wonderful, Selene! Ooooh! Tell me. They were smaller before, but did you girlfriend like these as much as I do?">>
You leaned forward and slipped your hands beneath the cups of the naga's bra. It wasn't easy, and you weren't sure there would have been space for you if she hadn't been laying on her back, but your slender fingers were able to wiggle in with only a moment's work.
Her nipples were like diamonds against the palm of your hands, and as you flexed your fingers against her, you got to enjoy a muffled cry from between your thighs. You massaged that curvaceous chest in wide, arcing circles, squeezing and pulling and gripping tight. You could feel her heart thundering against your skin, and her entire body began to writhe beneath you.
<<nm $phYou "Oooh! I think she likes it! Look at you go!">>
Selene was rocking and bucking //hard// beneath you now, and you thought you detected a little whimper, all but lost within the wash of wonderful sounds from between your legs. Her tongue was still at work, but she sounded like there was some genuine distress in her.
<<else>><<nm $phYou "Oh yes. Tell me the truth. You were always kind of hoping you'd get this big, weren't you? If it meant you could do things like this?">>
You reached out with both hands and took a firm hold of her chest, drawing out another deep-throated moan from beneath you. Proportionally, she was pushing into the cup sizes that required a specialty shop. Given the size of the //rest// of her, however, they seemed even bigger, spilling hopelessly around the edges of your hand. You pressed them together to form a beautiful valley of cleavage in front of you...then you thrust your hips forward and buried your cock in that wonderfully soft, velvety tit-flesh.
You were far from small, but even your sizeable shaft disappeared entirely between the twin mounds, and you began to buck your hips with increasing abandon as the pleasure began to rise. Soon you were rocking back and forth, not even bothering to stifle your moans and groans as you fucked your naga's tits. Each time your thighs slapped against her breasts, it drove another gasp and coo from Selene, and every pleasured sound she made set off another wave matching enjoyment within you.
You didn't want to lose control //that// quickly, though.
<<nm $phYou "That is //wonderful//, Selene. Tell me. They were small before, but has anyone ever enjoyed you as much I do right now?">>
You leaned forward and slipped your hands beneath the cups of the naga's bra. It wasn't easy, and you weren't sure there would have been space for you if she hadn't been laying on her back, but you were able to jerk the cups down hard and bare her breasts for your fingers to enjoy directly.
Her nipples were like diamonds against the palm of your hands, and as you flexed your fingers against her, you got to enjoy her muffled cries echoing up from behind you. You didn't let up, and massaged that curvaceous chest in wide, arcing circles. You could feel her heart thundering against your skin, and her entire body began to writhe beneath you.
<<nm $phYou "Oooh! I think she likes it! Look at you go!">>
Selene was rocking and writhing //hard// beneath you now, and you thought you detected a little whimper in the sound. You could hear the start of words in that noise, but every time you twisted or squeezed or massaged her tits it seemed to short circuit whatever she was trying to say.
<</if>>You were just about to lift yourself to let her up when the answer presented itself, rather spectacularly. Selene's hips suddenly jerked forward three times in quick succession, and you saw a bulge growing in the scale at her waist. There was a single split-second moment when you saw the slit just beneath her human half spread...and then her cocks burst into view.
They were //huge//. Even as tall as she was and, thus, how far away her lower body was from you, her thick cocks bobbed and bounced in front of your eyes. <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>She hadn't been sporting these packages before Oregon, but you had no doubt they would have been much smaller even if you encouraged her towards them before her visit.<<else>>She was even bigger than she had been before her visit back home. Only an inch or two longer, but as thick around now as a silver dollar.<</if>> There were two lengths, both of them with long, tapered heads that swept back almost a third of the way down her shaft.
You reached out before you even knew it and wrapped your fingers around the bottom cock. You heard Selene gasp below you, and her entire body jumped like you had connected her to a live wire. You smiled, then leaned forward and opened your mouth //wide//. Did she think you were going to miss this chance?
If she did, she had @@.choice;[[Another Thing Coming!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 2.3>>It was easier than you might have thought. The long taper made it surprisingly comfortable to work between your lips, and the smooth skin was almost pleasant against the back of your throat.
There were, however, limits. By the time the taper ended and she flared out to her full size, your jaw all but ached at being stuffed so much. When you began to bob your head, your lips only reached about the halfway point before you were forced to pull back again.
Still, it was very much having the desired effect.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phSelene "Oh, $phYou.firstname! I- mmmmmnnnn!">>
You cut off whatever she was going to say with a reminder that she currently had better ways to occupy her tongue. You ground your pussy down against her face; seconds later, she returned to work on you, and you were soon shimmying your sex against those beautifully flexible lips and tongue.
<<else>><<nm $phSelene "Oh, $phYou.firstname! Oh please, don't stop, don't stop! You're so good! I'll do anything!">>
Her voice was breathy, and you doubted she even registered the words she was saying. You couldn't help but smile...at least as much as it was possible with your lips forced so wide! You rewarded her by sliding forward another inch, and you felt a full body shudder work through here.
<</if>>You tasted it first. A slightly musky taste that spread across the back of your tongue. It was joined by a warm dot against your collarbone as her lower cock began to drip precum... slowly at first, but with ever increasing speed as her excitement grew. Soon, she was dripping like a faucet and making quite a mess of both you and her own dress.
You reached out, wrapped your fingers around her shaft, and gave her a few pumps. She rewarded you with another shot of precum that very nearly made you pull off her cock entirely. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>All the while, her tongue never ceased flicking against your clit and teasing every inch of you. You weren't going to be able to hold out for long.<<else>>All the while, you kept thrusting your cock between her breasts. Even without your hands holding them together, her size was more than enough to make a wonderful valley for you to use. You weren't going to be able to hold out for long.<</if>>
Still, you had to make sure she remembered who was in charge of this encounter. So, one hand still pumping on her cock, you lifted the other off her breast, flattened out your palm...
...and slapped her tit as firmly as you could.
<<nm $phSelene "Ah! Ah! Ahhhhhhhh!">>
The reaction was immediate. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>Selene screamed against your sex, and the sudden burst of vibration pushed you over the edge. You came, hard, and gushed across her face, leaning forward to gather as much of her cock as you could between your lips. <<else>>Selene screamed in utter, shocked bliss, and that wonderful sound pushed you over the edge. You came, hard, and filled her cleavage with sticky white cum. Your cock jump, coming free of the soft, marshmallowy prison, and sprayed across her shiny coils.<</if>>
You were //not// going to be the one making the largest mess, however. Selene //howled// beneath you, and her hips lifted three times in short staccato motions. Each movement jammed her cock deeper down your throat, and by the time the third thrust came she was filling your throat with hot and sticky seed. You swallowed, frantically, trying to keep up with the flow...
...which is about the moment her other cock, still held in your hand, @@.choice;[[Sprayed You Like A Firehose!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSelene.sex is 3>><<nm $phYou "I suppose I could spare a //little// bit of time, if the show were exciting enough.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Is that so? I suppose I'll have to make sure it's worthwhile then. I think I know exactly how to get some ideas for that.">>
Selene reached down. You thought for a moment she was about to caress your neck, but instead, she plucked your necklace off your chest and lifted it up. The naga bent down, pressed her lips briefly against the jewel, and then raised it to her forehead as if in reverent prayer.
You blinked. Sure, some of your employees knew what the jewel was, but none of them had ever treated it exactly like that. You were about to protest when you saw a flicker in the air...and <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>saw a green flash in Selene's eyes. It was gone in an instant, but in that split second it was as though she were looking at you with a pair of emeralds.
<<nm $phSelene "Oooohh, yes. See? I knew that would give me inspiration. Now I have all //sorts// of ideas, and I know you're going to just //love// them.">>
<<nm $phYou "What...kind of ideas, exactly?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, I don't know. How about I show you that you're my favorite...squeeze?">>
You didn't get the opportunity to ask her what she meant. The coils beneath you flexed and suddenly bucked upward like a kicking mule. Your knees and hands grabbed at the smooth scales, but you slid off and upward like water, thrown a foot into the air before beginning the journey back downward.
You never made it to the floor. Before you were even halfway down, Selene was up and on you. Not with her human half, but with that long tail of hers. It snapped around you like a whip, hitting hard against your hip, and the heavy weight of it curled around you twice and trapped your arms at your sides. Then she drew you down against her and worked her body around you, until you were utterly pinned inside her coils.
<<nm $phSelene "...How do you like this idea so far?">>
All you could do @@.choice;[[Was Squeak!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>saw a red flash in Selene's eyes. It was gone in an instant, but in that split second it was as though she were looking at you with a pair of rubies.
<<nm $phSelene "Ooooh. See? I knew this would help me along. I have so many ideas now, but...well, I don't know if it matters any more.">>
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Well...you're the one with ideas, aren't you? Ideas about all the things you could do to me...or have me do for you?">>
You couldn't help yourself from smiling. You reached up and wrapped one hand around the back of her neck, forcing her to bend downward until you were finally eye to eye. It had to be a little uncomfortable for her, but she didn't protest. She didn't even blink.
<<nm $phYou "You know, I couldn't agree more.">>
Your grin left absolutely no room for doubt. Selene was about to have a very, very @@.choice;[[Interesting Time!|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 2]]@@
<</if>><</if>><center>
@@.achieve;This looks familiar...@@
<<if $args[0] is 'Xavier'>>It looks like you've played this part before! You can skip the chase to hunt down the intruder -- if you want to!
<<button "Yes - Turn Xavier into a vampire!">>
<<Transform "Xavier" "vampire">>
((make sure to deduct focus cost and check it)
<</button>>
<<button "Yes - Turn Xavier into a dryad!">>
<<Transform "Xavier" "dryad">>
<</button>>
<<button "No - I want to play normally">>
<<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>>
<</button>><</if>><<if $args[0] is 'Selene'>>It looks like you've played this part before! You can skip the quest to save Selene -- if you want to!
<<button "Yes - Turn Selene into a clone!">>
<<Transform "Selene" "clone">>
<</button>>
<<button "Yes - Turn Selene into a giant!">>
<<Transform "Selene" "giant">>
<</button>>
<<button "No - I want to play normally">>
<<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>>
<</button>><</if>>
</center><<if $phSeleneQ4 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I was able to figure out a lot of it, but do you think you could tell me what happened to you, exactly?">>
Selene squirmed a little underneath you, her coils flexing against your legs uncomfortably. You were just about to assure her that she didn't have to answer if she didn't want to when she finally spoke.
<<nm $phSelene "I was...careless. I was so happy to be home and able to try out my new legs, the only thing I was worried about losing track of the spell while I was out and about. It didn't even occur to me to watch for anything else.">>
<<nm $phYou "In fairness, I don't think 'wannabe cult is trying to kidnap me' is a fear that //most// people indulge when going home to their family.">>
Selene smiled, but you could see the tightness of her eyes. She had always been so full of enthusiasm, so it was strange seeing her so subdued. Not that you could blame her.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phSelene "I went into town to buy some clothes. I was on my way back when I saw Naitee next to the road, waving me down. I couldn't believe it. She was at least two or three miles from the farm, and she was like I was. She still wanted to leave, so she hadn't attuned enough to disguise herself. I pulled over immediately, and she came up to the door. I was halfway through asking her what she was doing out there when she pushed a rag into my face. It was coated with Sandalwood. We sometimes use small amounts of it as a sleep aid, though I have no idea why it works on us. That much put me on my back immediately.">>
<<nm $phYou "Were you close to her?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Not as close as I thought I was, obviously. We were always similar, among our sisters. Never content to stay home. We talked a lot about finding a new fountain of our own, and what we would do. When Lazren allowed me to go to the tower, it put a dent in things. I could tell she was jealous, and I understood that. I never thought it would go //that// far, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "The Matron told me they wouldn't kill her, but she wouldn't be allowed near the fountain.">>
Selene shuddered, just a bit, her coils flexing beneath you as she sucked in a deep breath. Her expression was sad.
<<nm $phSelene "I can't argue with that. Naitee deserves it, but...I know what that will do. She'll be small and weak for as long as the Matrons choose to punish her, and everyone will know she deserves it. She'll be more servant than a sibling, and she'll need to rise early and stay up late just to avoid the others as much as possible. I'm sorry that happened to her.">>
<<nm $phYou "She did try to get you killed and replaced, you know.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I know. Like I said, I can't argue. But she's still my sister. Nothing changes that.">>
You could understand the sentiment. Perhaps it was better that her punishment wasn't in either of your hands. Either way, that was probably enough of that.
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phSelene "I went into town to buy some clothes. It was wonderful, and I lost track of time. It was already fairly dark by the time I started back. I was so happy that I'd managed to keep my legs intact I didn't even see the police car until the lights turned on. I was panicking just a little bit as he walked up to the car. I don't have an actual license or anything, you know? I thought mother was going to have to pull strings, and I didn't know if I could hold the illusion through a night in jail.<br><br>He made small talk pleasantly, though. I actually thought I was going to get away with a warning, but I think he was just making sure we were the only cars on the road. Then he pushed a rag into my face. It was coated in-.">>
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phSelene "I went into town to buy some clothes. It was wonderful. The clerk behind the counter insisted that I stay and continue trying things on and, I admit, I lost track of time. That's probably why she was doing it. By the time I realized how late it had gotten, the sun had gone down and most of the place was deserted. The bell at the door rang, and four of her people walked in. I had a bad feeling, but before I could //do// anything about it, the clerk thrust a rag in my face. It was coated in-.">>
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk')>>
<<nm $phYou "Sandalwood. The Matron told me that has an effect on your people.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I have no idea why, but it does. I was out cold. By the time I woke up, they had cuffs on me, and a bag over my head. I didn't see any of them until that night when the ritual started. There were so many of them. I knew if I tried to do anything they'd see it and stop me. I tried to talk to them, but they made it plain they weren't listening to anything that I said.">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you think they might have killed you?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Honestly? I don't know. They talked a lot about ritual this and power that. Actually, they spent more time arguing about the time than anything else. If they didn't have me locked up in their basement, I might have felt sorry for them. I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be around when they realized their whole thing wasn't going to work out.">>
She shifted with discomfort again, the tight skin of her scales flexing with the unconscious motion of her muscles. You guessed that was enough of that topic. She was back, and that was good enough for you.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you doing Selene? With everything that's happened?">>
Selene chuckled, her expression a little shame faced. You were pleasantly surprised to note the vibrations from her laughter travelled all the way down her mammoth chest and through the scales tucked between your thighs.
<<nm $phSelene "I'm doing alright! Honestly, better than I should be. I admit, I didn't really have a //plan// to get this big, but it sure makes getting things on the top shelf easy!">>
You looked her over, admiringly. You also may not have realized just how much more Selene you were creating when you advised her on how to use the energy, but you also couldn't argue with the results. She was not just taller, but larger all around in proportion. <<if $phSelene.prevTransform is 'tits'>>She was still about as expanded in the bustline as she had been, but the extra mass meant she was functionally twice the size. You also noticed a fairly noticeable bulge at the scales just beneath her hips that suggested that was not the only thing she had gained.<</if>><<if $phSelene.prevTransform is 'futa'>>With Selene bent back the way she was, you could see the familiar bulge in the scales just below her hips, and knew her twin manhoods had grown as much as the rest of her. You were pleased to see you had gotten the bustline thrown into the deal for free.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Among other advantages, yes.">>
She slapped your arm, lightly, but you could see from the way that she looked at you she wasn't really all that upset with your attention. She took a few deep breaths, mostly to watch your eyes go up and down.
<<nm $phSelene "Among other things. You don't have to worry. It was a pretty scary ride, but we're at the end of it now, you know? I'm just happy to be home, safe and sound.">>
You weren't entirely sure you believed her fully, but it was her call. You were glad, at least, she was enjoying the new her.
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are things here in the Vault now?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Super good! I thought after I became so big I'd need to start eating more energy, and that's //kinda// true, but I think I'm also a lot better at handling it. Mason came to see me and told me that the tower is getting more energy in the end than it used to so...I guess that's good for everyone!">>
You hadn't even thought of the effect that Selene's new size might have had on your energy collection. You let out a breath, glad that it was positive. You'd support your employees any way you could, but Lazren had set you some tight deadlines and you were finding more and more things requiring the energy you'd built up.
<<nm $phYou "That's good! I admit, I was more wondering how you were settling in. I feel like the deal kind of changed on you.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Changed? What do you mean?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...you were working with me so Lazren could teach you how to disguise yourself. Now you can't really do that, because you're still...you know?">>
Selene giggled, rolling her eyes indulgently. You felt like you'd asked a stupid question which, given your newness to this world, was not an uncommon feeling. Usually, it was followed by the feeling of //being// stupid.
<<nm $phSelene "It just means I have a reason to stay longer. After all, if she can teach me to give myself some legs and not have people tripping over an invisible tail, don't you think she could find a way for me to shrink down a little so I can walk around?">>
Oh. Yep, right on time, your cheeks colored a bit and you inclined your head in agreement.
<<nm $phYou "Fair...I guess I just thought once a demon makes an agreement, that's kind of it, you know. Buyer beware?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Is that how //you// operate?">>
She had a good point. Time to abandon this topic, you didn't think it was going to show off your competency very well.
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ4 is 0>>[[What Exactly Happened To You When You Were Taken?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneBigTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>>
[[Enjoy Some Fun With Selene|SeleneBigSex][$phSelene.sex to 0.1]]
[[Return To Work|Office][$phGoodbye to 'bigselenetalk']]@@<<if $phSeleneQ4 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I was able to figure out a lot of it, but do you think you could tell me what happened to you, exactly?">>
Selene squirmed a little and pulled back from you, slithering a few feet away from you as she looked to the floor. After an uncertain moment, the other Selene released your arm and followed her, then wrapped her clone in a reassuring embrace. You were just about to assure her that she didn't have to answer if she didn't want to, when she finally spoke.
<<nm $phSelene "I was...careless. I was so happy to be home and able to try out my new legs, the only thing I was worried about losing track of the spell while I was out and about. It didn't even occur to me to watch for anything else.">>
<<nm $phYou "In fairness, I don't think 'wannabe cult is trying to kidnap me' is a fear that //most// people indulge when going home to their family.">>
Selene smiled, but you could see the tightness of her eyes. She had always been so full of enthusiasm, so it was strange seeing her so subdued. Not that you could blame her. Her sister patted her arm and offered her a re-assuring smile of her own, before turning to continue the story.
<<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sister'>><<nm $phSelclone "I went into town to buy some clothes. I was on my way back when I saw Naitee next to the road, waving me down. I couldn't believe it. She was at least two or three miles from the farm. She still wanted to leave, so she hadn't attuned to the fountain enough to disguise herself. I pulled over immediately, and she came up to the door. I was halfway through asking her what she was doing out there when she pushed a rag into my face. It was coated with sandalwood. We sometimes use small amounts of it as a sleep aid... that much put me on my back immediately.">>
<<nm $phYou "... wait. How do //you// know what happened?">>
She blinked at you, then looked back at her clone, then back at you. After a moment the confusion that furrowed her brow cleared again. She gestured to her counterpart, and then to herself.
<<nm $phSelclone "I was there! We-- I //am// her, and she's me. I-- I guess it's hard to explain.">>
It did boggle the mind a little bit, but it also made a certain kind of sense. If Selene and... well, Selene, had both been the same person until she'd gotten free and fed on the cultists, then they must share all their memories up to that point. Did they still share that? Maybe later you could ask.
<<nm $phYou "Were you close to her? Naitee, I mean.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Not as close as I thought I was, obviously. We were always similar, and different from our other sisters. Never content to stay home. We talked a lot about finding a new fountain of our own, and what we would do when we did. When Lazren allowed me to go to the tower, it put a dent in things. I could tell she was jealous, and I understood that, but I never thought it would go //that// far.">>
<<nm $phYou "The Matron told me they wouldn't kill her, but she wouldn't be allowed near the fountain.">>
Selene -- the first one -- shuddered, just a bit. Her expression was sad.
<<nm $phSelene "I can't argue with that. Naitee deserves it, but...I know what that will do. She'll be small and weak for as long as the Matrons choose to punish her, and everyone will know she deserves it. She'll be more servant than a sibling, and she'll need to rise early and stay up late just to avoid the others as much as possible. I'm sorry that happened to her.">>
<<nm $phYou "She did try to get you killed and replaced, you know.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I know. Like I said, I can't argue. But she's still my sister. Nothing changes that.">>
You could understand the sentiment. Perhaps it was better that her punishment wasn't in either of your hands. Either way, that was probably enough of that.
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff'>><<nm $phSelclone "I went into town to buy some clothes. It was wonderful, and I lost track of time. It was already fairly dark by the time I started back. I was so happy that I'd managed to keep my legs intact I didn't even see the police car until the lights turned on. I was panicking just a little bit as he walked up to the car. I don't have an actual license or anything, you know? I thought mother was going to have to pull strings, and I didn't know if I could hold the illusion through a night in jail.<br><br>He made small talk pleasantly, though. I actually thought I was going to get away with a warning, but I think he was just making sure we were the only cars on the road. Then he pushed a rag into my face. It was coated in--">>
<</if>><<if $phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk'>><<nm $phSelclone "I went into town to buy some clothes. It was wonderful. The clerk behind the counter insisted that I stay and continue trying things on and, I admit, I lost track of time. That's probably why she was doing it. By the time I realized how late it had gotten, the sun had gone down and most of the place was deserted. The bell at the door rang, and four of her people walked in. I had a bad feeling, but before I could //do// anything about it, the clerk thrust a rag in my face. It was coated in--">>
<</if>><<if ($phSeleneCulprit is 'sheriff') or ($phSeleneCulprit is 'clerk')>>
<<nm $phYou "Sandalwood. The Matron told me that has an effect on your people.">>
<<nm $phSelene "I have no idea why, but it does. I was out cold. By the time I woke up, they had cuffs on me, and a bag over my head. I didn't see any of them until that night when the ritual started. There were so many of them. I knew if I tried to do anything they'd see it and stop me. I tried to talk to them, but they made it plain they weren't listening to anything that I said.">>
You nodded... and then realized something. It was Selene's //clone// still that was telling the story, so...
<<nm $phYou "...wait. What //you// said? But... how do //you// know what happened?">>
She blinked at you, then looked back at her clone, then back at you. After a moment the confusion that furrowed her brow cleared again. She gestured to her counterpart, and then to herself.
<<nm $phSelclone "I was there! We-- I //am// her, and she's me. I-- I guess it's hard to explain.">>
It did boggle the mind a little bit, but it also made a certain kind of sense. If Selene and... well, Selene, had both been the same person until she'd gotten free and fed on the cultists, then they must share all their memories up to that point. Did they still share that? Maybe later you could ask.
<<nm $phYou "Do you think they might have killed you?">>
This time Selene squeezed her sister's arm and took the reins of conversation. They both moved back over to you, seeking comfort in a familiar and safe presence.
<<nm $phSelene "Honestly? I don't know. They talked a lot about ritual this and power that. Actually, they spent more time arguing about the time than anything else. If they didn't have me locked up in their basement, I might have felt sorry for them. I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be around when they realized their whole thing wasn't going to work out.">>
She still looked uncomfortable -- both of them did, to be honest. You guessed that was enough of that topic. They were back, and that was good enough for you.
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you doing, Selene? With everything that's happened? And, uh... should I call one of you something different? Something to tell you apart?">>
Selene chuckled, her expression a touch amused and //be//mused as she glanced towards her clone.
<<nm $phSelene "I'm alright. Both of me, I suppose. It's //really// strange, because to me, I'm the original Selene. I remember getting hired here, I remember my interview with Sloth, I remember meeting //you// for the first time, and all the conversations we've had...">>
<<nm $phSelclone "...but so do I. I remember all of that. It was //me// that did it all. And I don't mean she's //not// me, or she's lying, but... it's weird to think that one of us //isn't// lying. Two people can't have the same experiences and memories, right?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Except we can, and we do.">>
You could see where that would be disorienting. You did have your suspicions about which one was the 'real' Selene -- <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>the one with the massive rack<<else>>the one with the cocks as long as your arm<</if>> -- but you also weren't positive that that was a wise thing to point out to the other one. You didn't want her to think you felt she was somehow 'fake' or an 'imposter', especially if she //also// felt like she was Selene... which she was.
So no new name, either, at least not right away. Selene was Selene, no matter how many of her there were. You glanced back over to her... and realized that both of them were smirking a little when you finally tore your eyes away from Selene's <<if $phSelene.preTransform is 'tits'>>impressive breasts<<else>>smoothly-scaled, lightly bulged 'crotch'<</if>>
<<if visited("SeleneSex")>><<nm $phYou "So you both remember the times we, uh.... you know. Got 'frisky'?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Yes!">>
<<nm $phSelclone "Uh-huh!">>
Great. Why did that suddenly make you so self-conscious?
<<else>><<nm $phYou "But you don't share memories now, right? Like, if I... pinch one of you, the other wouldn't feel it?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "I don't think so.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Why would you pinch me?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, you know. Just... physical sensation. Pinching, or other things.">>
The twins shared a suspicious look between them, before both turned to look at you again. Now they were both //openly// smirking.
Great. Why did that suddenly make you so self-conscious?
<</if>><<nm $phSelene "You don't have to worry about us, $phYou.firstname, honestly. We'll adjust to things and make it work. I'm just -- we're just -- happy to be home, safe and sound.">>
You weren't sure it would be as easy as she made it sound like, but it was her call. You were glad, at least, she was enjoying the new her.
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 1>><<set $phSeleneQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are things here in the Vault now? Not too cramped, I hope?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Oh, not at all! It's actually nice to have a bit of company. And now that there's two of us, it feels like there's less pressure to keep up with the influx. If I'm feeling a little full, she can take care of the next load.">>
<<nm $phSelclone "And Mason came to see me and told me that the tower is getting more energy in the end that it used to, so... I guess that's good for everyone!">>
You hadn't even thought of the effect that Selene's split might have had on your energy collection. You let out a breath, glad that it was positive. You'd support your employees any way you could, but Lazren had set you some tight deadlines and you were finding more and more things requiring the energy you'd built up.
<<nm $phYou "That's good! I admit, I was more wondering how you were adjusting to things. I feel like the deal kind of changed on you.">>
<<nm $phSelene "Changed? What do you mean?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...you were working with me so Lazren could teach you how to disguise yourself, but she made the deal with just one of you. What if she only fulfills it with one of you?">>
Selene giggled, rolling her eyes indulgently. You felt like you'd asked a stupid question which, given your newness to this world, was not an uncommon feeling. Usually, it was followed by the feeling of //being// stupid.
<<nm $phSelclone "But we're //both// me! If Sloth sticks to the letter of the arrangement -- teaching me how to disguise myself -- then she //has// to teach both of us!">>
Oh. Yep, right on time, your cheeks colored a bit and you inclined your head in agreement.
<<nm $phYou "Fair...I guess I just thought once a demon makes an agreement, that's kind of it, you know. Buyer beware?">>
<<nm $phSelene "Is that how //you// operate?">>
<<nm $phSelclone "The stories you've told me made her sound nicer than that.">>
She had a good point. Time to abandon this topic; it wasn't showing off your generosity very well!
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phSeleneQ4 is 0>>[[What Exactly Happened To You When You Were Taken?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ4 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ2 is 0>>[[How Are You Feeling?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phSeleneQ3 is 0>>[[How Are Things Now?|SeleneCloneTalk][$phSeleneQ3 to 1]]@@
<</if>>
[[Enjoy Some Two-on-One Fun|SeleneCloneSex][$phSelene.sex to 0]]
[[Return To Work|Office][$phGoodbye to 'twinselenetalk']]@@<<set $phLocation to 'Mammon'>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 0>><<GetAchievements>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Avery/Mobile/AveryLazren.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Avery/AveryLazren.png]]</picture>@@
Even knowing he -- //they// -- were here, you came to a full stop nearly as soon as you opened the door.
Part of it, granted, was seeing Lazren in that tight and form-fitting red dress, seated with her legs crossed on top of Mammon's desk. Your eyes hit her legs and instinctively followed them up, up, up over curves and valleys and delicious expanses in between, right up to the ample breasts that threatened to spill out the top. With as rarely as you saw your succubus supervisor, it was always a pleasant sight.
The other part of it was the man who stood behind her, leaning forward with his hands braced on the desk -- and staring at //you//. If Lazren had unintentionally taken the pose of a pinup, his was absolute power. He was an older man, with steel-colored hair flecked with ashen grey at his temples. Short, purposefully groomed facial hair, somewhere between 'stubble' and a thin beard, defined his cheeks and jaw. A dark charcoal suit, clearly tailored for his form, was paired with a white shirt and matte blue necktie.
Those were the mundane details. Less mundane were the ridged horns that closely followed his scalp: rich amber-brown with a slight iridescence, as if they'd been highlighted with gold. His eyes were such a vivid green that they almost seemed to glow even in the unforgivingly bright lights of the bank office. It picked up and accentuated the emerald ring that adorned his hand, and the smaller gems in his cufflinks.
<<nm $phAvery "Well? Are you coming in?">>
His words snapped you back to attention; you blinked, straightened your spine, and squared your shoulders. This was //your// Tower -- well, Lazren's, but she'd put //you// in charge! You stepped into the office and closed the door behind you.
<<nm $phYou "You must be Avery. I'm--">>
<<if _achieved.includes('phEmployeeExcellence')>><<nm $phAvery "$phYou.firstname. Yes, I know. My dear sister was just regaling me with endless stories of how exceptionally successful you've been since she hired you on.">><<else>><<nm $phAvery "$phYou.firstname. Yes, I know. My dear sister was just informing me that you've been performing well in your new position... by her standards.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You don't sound impressed.">>
Lazren cleared her throat softly, though the pointed look she gave both to you and her brother could have pierced steel. One of her slim fingernails tapped on the hardwood surface of the desk until you both fell silent, and only then did her raised, expectant eyebrows finally lower. She gave a small and elegant motion of her hand in your direction.
<<nm $phLazren "Avery, this is $phYou.firstname $phYou.surname, my most recent, and most successful, protogé: as clever and dedicated as $pshe is <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>handsome<<else>>beautiful<</if>>.">>
There was a small pause, and then that same hand motioned towards the grey-haired incubus beside her.
<<nm $phLazren "And this is my brother, Avarice, the demon of Greed and Covetousness, one of the Seven Noble Sins.">>
<<nm $phYou "Noble?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Not in all eyes, no, but who among us has not been judged harshly by those who don't appreciate our work?">>
He leaned forward across the desk and offered forth his hand. His suit, now that you were closer, wasn't the thousand-dollar fabric you'd assumed it'd be. You eyed it for a moment. You weren't a fashion expert, of course, but it looked nice, just not outrageously so. Silver cufflinks glinted at his wrists.
<<nm $phAvery "...clearance rack at Men's Warehouse. Excellent quality, minimal expense.">>
Huh.
<<if ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 0) or ($phSoulCount < 6)>>You took his hand and @@.choice;[[Shook It!|AveryBadEnd][$phAvery.post_talk to 10]]@@<<else>>You took his hand and @@.choice;[[Shook It!|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 1]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 1>><<if ($phSoulCount gte 7) and ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1)>><<SetAchievement "phDressToImpress">><<set $phAvery.debt to 5000>><<nm $phAvery "I never spend more than necessary -- and on the contrary: I //am// impressed. She's told me enough to convince me that you're a solid return on investment, and I can't help but bet on a winning horse. We've agreed to cut my initial dividend ask from ten thousand to five thousand energy, and give her an extension on the repayment deadline. I'll send details to your secretary.">>
Lazren beamed an //I told you so// smile at her older brother, before casting you a wink. You weren't quite as sure you shared her enthusiasm. You'd just been hit with a five thousand energy bill, and that was apparently the //good// result?
<<nm $phAvery "I'll support Lazren's idea with the other Sins, and tell them that this plan isn't as doomed and nonsensical as it sounds. Despite my dear sister's track record of brilliant ideas with zero follow-through... this one might just work.">><<elseif ($phSoulCount gt 5) and ($phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1)>><<set $phAverySabotage to 0>><<nm $phAvery "I never spend more than necessary -- and no, I'm not impressed. From what Lazren has told me, you're meeting the necessary numbers... and that's all. Bare minimum effort isn't a good return on investment.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Remember, brother dear: $phYou.firstname was human just a month ago. $pShe has learned and adapted very quickly!">>
<<nm $phAvery "Compared to your others, yes. This one at least is not a dismal failure.">>
<<nm $phLazren "$pShe can do it; I know $pshe can.">>
He straightened up and crossed his arms in front of him, studying you with years of expertise and authority at his command. His green eyes drifted down all the way to your freshly shined shoes and back up again before he gave a sigh.
<<nm $phAvery "Fine. I suppose 'bare minimum effort' //is// exactly your style, sister. I'll support your idea to the others, and tell them this plan might not be quite as doomed and nonsensical as it seems. It might -- //might// -- just work.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...what might work?">>
Avery blinked... and then turned a scathingly accusatory glare on his violet-skinned sister. Lazren help up a hand as soon as his eyes turned her way, already speaking in her own defense.
<<nm $phLazren "Of //course// I didn't tell $pher -- not everything. And if I //had//, you'd be glaring at me even more, so don't act like I've done something wrong.">>
He sighed and rolled his eyes instead as he sat back down in the luxury leather chair behind the desk.
<<nm $phAvery "Fair. Well - it is //your// idea. I'm merely the money. Go on; consider this a dry run for selling the rest of the family on your scheme.">>
He made small motion of his hand towards you, his emerald ring glinting in the overhead light.
Lazren's lips rounded in a little pout at his dismissive tone, but she didn't challenge his assessment. Instead, she pulled in a deep breath and turned the world's brightest smile your way.
<<nm $phLazren "This is going to require a bit of backstory. Just hear me out; I really do have //very// good intentions.">>
You nodded, unconsciously taking a deeper breath of your own. If you recalled the saying, the road to Hell was paved in those.
And then she told you [[The Truth.|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 2]]<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 2>><<nm $phLazren "Immortals... well, aren't. Demons, angels -- whatever you call us, we were all something else, first. People change, after all. You've seen it. You've done it! People evolve. They have natural tendancies that they evolve towards, those 'hidden selves' you've gotten so intimately acquainted with, but most of them get distracted along the way by other things.">>
Wait. They were //all// something else? Lazren included? And Avery? But Selene had definitely been born a naga, and your orcish trainers certainly implied they were a species both older than and separate from humanity...
Lazren's smile at you was gentle. She gave you a small wink, seeming to have read the question in your mind.
<<nm $phLazren "Maybe they are too afraid to realize their potential. Maybe they lack the confidence. Whatever the reason, most of humanity -- and the other races, mind you -- get 'stuck' somewhere. Incomplete, as it were.<br><br>But the thing with potential is that when you fulfill it, it stops being potential. You are, to borrow lingo, actualized. And when there's no more potential? There's no more growth. Oh, those last little sparks and dribbles might last a few hundred years, or a few thousand, but eventually you just run dry. You've seen some of that too. Ever notice that the Tower no longer gets energy from you? No, you have to go recruit others. You're actualized, sweetie. No more potential.... except.... well, let's come back to that.">>
Avery snorted at that. The elder incubus leaned back in the chair, the leather squeaking softly under his movements, and lifted his arms to fold his heads behind his head as he listened. Now and then you caught his nod from the periphery of your vision. Lazren reached out and patted the desk next to him as she continued.
<<nm $phLazren "All of us work a little differently. My darling brother doesn't get his jollies from fulfilling //wants//, but from increasing //wealth//. A green day on the stock market is like a five-round orgy for him. And I like sex, obviously, but it's a lot of work, and honestly, you're so productive sometimes that it just makes me cringe. I'm not leaving you flying solo entirely because of my confidence in you, darling... frankly, all that busy-ness makes me nauseous, and the less I'm around it the better.">>
The little knowing gleam in Avery's green eyes at the mention of the stock market almost made you chuckle.. and Lazren's apologetic, almost sheepish smile at the mention of your work ethic actually //did//. You kept it down to an inner mirth, though, since this seemed to be building up to something serious.
<<nm $phLazren "And here's the kicker. Maybe you've already figured it out: you aren't, strictly speaking, a child of Sloth. You're Desire. Or, you will be, we hope.">>
... wait. Desire? [['Will be'?|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 3]]<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 3>><<nm $phYou "Wait, wait. Desire? But if you're Sloth, and he's Greed.. do you mean //Lust//? Just wanting things isn't a Deadly Sin.">>
<<nm $phAvery "'Noble Sin'; don't be rude about it. And that depends entirely on what you want and how you want it. Lust is the most popular version, but //wanting//... even Acedia and I //want// things, and sex isn't even in the top ten. It's just the one aspect that, for some reason, a group of celibate priests decided to focus on.">>
Lazren nodded in agreement.
<<nm $phLazren "There's a lot more out there that people want than just sex; you know that. People want to be more confident; they want to be more protective; they want to stop worrying about what other people think; they want to be special. The sex? It's extra. They want, and you give them those secret, deep down wants.">>
You couldn't argue with that. No one you'd transformed just wanted to get bent over and railed. They all //enjoyed// it, but they'd all wanted something else, something much deeper and more fundamental.
<<nm $phLazren "But that rush you get when people change, that charge from fulfilling their desires: it changes you. It changes all of us, eventually, because we can't generate our own energy anymore. Think of us as a type of.... soul-energy vampire. We need people to feed off of, because our own batteries don't hold a charge anymore. And just like your physical body, if it's garbage in, it's garbage out.">>
<<nm $phYou "But if there's //Seven// De-- er, Noble Sins, and you want me to be Desire...">>
<<nm $phAvery "Oh, there is a Desire already. You've called her Ishtar and Aphrodite and Eve -- I think right now she's using 'Cara'. She's been around a very long time, and she's arguably the strongest of us all -- although my sister Sloth is a very close second. The only thing stronger than people's desire for things is their hatred of expending effort to get them, after all.">>
Lazren all but beamed at that one.
<<nm $phLazren "And things were fine until this whole 'Industrial Revolution' thing came along.... and worse, global communication. The internet. Social media. Suddenly people were surrounded, constantly, with visions of things they wanted. If they didn't want it, they were bombarded with advertisements to //convince// them to want it. You could see what people next door had, that you didn't -- and the door after that, and the door after that. You can see what millionaires in China are doing, and hippie yoga teachers in Hawaii. It's not enough to keep up with the Jones' anymore: you have to keep up with the entire world.">>
A nod from her brother, who seemed to be warming up to the topic.
<<nm $phAvery "People //wanted//. Exponentially. And, for a while, Cara kept up. But people stopped wanting things they could actually obtain. Their desire wasn't for money, a big family, or intangibles like health, or happiness, or even power. People wanted attention: constant, never-ending attention. One more 'like', one more upvote, one more comment, or award, or view, or retweet. Five wasn't enough. Fifty wasn't enough. Maybe 500? But then what about the next post or photograph? Zero. Start over again.">>
<<nm $phLazren "There wasn't a goal anymore. The cycle was never-ending, and people were never fulfilled. Desire became a hollow thing. An addiction. Empty, endless, and ravenous: attention, no matter what the cost.">>
That... @@.choice;[[Didn't Sound Good|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 4]]@@<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 4>><<set $phAveryQ1 to 0>><<set $phAveryQ2 to 0>><<set $phAveryQ3 to 0>><<set $phAveryQ4 to 0>><<set $phAveryQ5 to 0>><<nm $phYou "So...but if you're hoping I'll be Desire... shouldn't you //talk// to her first? No offense, but this is sounding a lot like an intervention. A family intervention. Why aren't you having this conversation with //her//?">>
Avery snorted again, his answer short and sour.
<<nm $phAvery "Cara doesn't care.">>
<<nm $phLazren "She //can't// care; that's the problem. She's been drinking from a poisoned well for so long that she's sick. Consent? Who cares? Ill-advised, illegal, immoral -- as long as it's an upvote, nothing else matters. In human terms: she has spiritual cancer, and is being eaten from the inside out. It's terminal.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wouldn't that happen to me, too? You said she was Ishtar? Aphrodite? If someone like that can't handle the pressure, how do you expect someone as new as me to?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Because you //are// new! You remember what it's like to have nothing. To want simple things, like a roof over your head, food on your plate, a good job, good friends, and a purpose in life. You know what it feels like, that thrill of making someone happy, //truly// happy, so that they can stop endlessly striving and just... be themselves! And be content in that.">>
That much was true. Sometimes it felt like a lot longer, but your old life was only a few months behind you. You rarely stopped to think about it, rarely had the free time to sit and reminisce, but when you did... well, those memories were very close at hand indeed.
You sighed and shook your head, then looked behind you long enough to find one of the guest chairs and pull it over to you. You sat down and tried to wrap your head around it all. The two demons let you have a moment, before Lazren slipped off the desk and to her feet. She laid a gentle hand on the top of your knee and crouched down next to you so that she could meet your eyes again.
<<nm $phLazren "...it won't be easy. Cara isn't going to just resign herself to being replaced. But I am saying that you could help more people than you could imagine, if you're willing to try.">>
If. A big if. Replacing Desire? //Becoming// Desire? Unseating a Deadly Sin and taking her place? Sure, you liked helping people, liked making them happy...
Boy did you have some questions!
@@.choice;
[[How Does Avery Fit Into This?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ1 to 1]]
[[What About the Other Sins?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ2 to 1]]
[[How Do You Convince Cara to Step Down?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ3 to 1]]
[[Wait. You're NOT a Child of Sloth?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ4 to 1]]
<<if $phLazrenPlan is 1>>[[What About Lazren's 'New World'?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ5 to 1]]<</if>>@@<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 6>>You hadn't come this far, and worked this hard, to just give up. Maybe it //wouldn't// be easy, but had any of it been? And you were already a demon: did it really matter what exactly kind you were? Demons hadn't exactly turned out to be the scary Hollywood monsters you'd grown up with in video games and horror movies. You had orcs running your gym and a<<if $phSelene.transform is 'big'>> giant<</if>><<if $phSelene.transform is 'clone'>> carbon-copied<</if>> snake-woman managing your Vault. //None// of this had been what you expected it to be, and frankly, you were fine with that.
<<nm $phYou "I have no idea how I'm going to do it, but... I'll do it. I imagine I'll need help. You've already put a lot of thought into this: what can you tell me about Cara and how to convince her?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Wonderful! And... not much that I haven't already. Cara isn't really the problem -- or rather, the solution. She //won't// step down lightly. Chastity is going to be the key to this; like I said, she knows Cara better than anyone else.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, then what can you tell me about Chastity?">>
<<nm $phLazren "...well, unfortunately, appealing to her 'innermost desires' and bending her over a chair isn't going to work. She doesn't //have// any desires. She is the very epitome of self-restraint.">>
<<nm $phYou "...then what am I supposed to do?">>
Avery chuckled, low and rich, smirking as he gave a small shake of his head.
<<nm $phAvery "When you are a hammer, everything looks like it should get nailed, doesn't it?">>
<<nm $phYou "What are //you// doing to do? You agreed to help Lazren, didn't you?">>
<<nm $phAvery "I did, I have, and I will. What //I// will do is keep the rest of the clan out of your way. Do you really think that even our family would allow an upstart mortal just to waltz in and depose one of our own, and embrace you with open arms? We are not, as a rule, a gentle and loving species.">>
You crossed your arms.
<<nm $phYou "Maybe if you were, Cara wouldn't be where she is right now.">>
<<nm $phLazren "Now, now<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>, boys<</if>>. We're not here for a <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>metaphorical <</if>>dick-measuring contest. Avery will go back to the other Sins and let them know what cards are on the table. At the least, like he said, they'll stay on the sidelines and watch while we sort this out, which is leagues better than any of them deciding to throw something to trip you up. At best, maybe a few of them will contribute some tricks and tips on how we reach the endgame.">>
The demon nodded, though his gaze slid back to you a moment later.
<<nm $phLazren "And as for me: I'll see if I can convince Chastity to at least hear us out. None of the Sins and Virtues get //along//, but I suspect I'm her least unfavorite of the extended family.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what should I do until then?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Pray?">>
Lazren actually swatted him for that one, a fairly sharp slap of the back of her fingers against his suit-clad arm.
<<nm $phLazren "//Practice//. I'd love to say that once we explain the plan to Chas that she's just going to say 'oh, of course' and play along, but... I imagine it will be just a little more challenging than that! If you're going to take over the throne, sweetheart, you'd best know how to rule your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>kingdom<<else>>queendom<</if>>.">>
Practice. Right.
You were definitely @@.choice;[[Going To Need It!|Shopping Center - Second Floor][$phAvery.post_talk to 7;$phGoodbye to 'AveryReveal']]@@<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><</if>><<if $phAveryQ1 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "...so...why did you need the 'loan' then? Why do you need Avery? What does Greed have to do with all this?">>
You tipped your chin up at Lazren's brother, and he took the opportunity to answer for himself.
<<nm $phAvery "I'm sure you've noticed that it takes capital to make capital -- or in our case, takes energy to gain energy. An investment, wisely made, yields rewards... but you still require the initial funds to invest. Building a training ground such as this tower is no small expenditure.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's what this is? A training ground? The tower?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Of a sort, love. I went through a lot of applicants before I found you: people who weren't dedicated enough, not motivated enough, or motivated for the wrong reasons. People who wanted nothing //but// endless sex, or people who cared more about what they wanted than what the humans did. And I couldn't just hire you on and then throw you into the deep end - I had to let you get your feet wet, first, and learn a little bit about how weird and wonderful the world really is.">>
<<nm $phYou "If Cara really is that sick, and the situation is that bad... why didn't you just front the money with no strings attached, if it's for such a good cause?">>
You aimed the question back at the man behind the desk, who snorted and rolled his emerald eyes.
<<nm $phAvery "I'm Greed, not Generosity.">>
Hard to argue with that.<</if>><<if $phAveryQ2 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "What about the other Sins? There's seven of you, right? Sloth, Greed, Lust, uh...">>
<<nm $phAvery "Pride, Wrath, Gluttony, and Envy.">>
<<nm $phYou "Right. So what about them? What do they think about all this?">>
<<nm $phAvery "They think it's ridiculous.">>
<<nm $phLazren "They //thought// it was ridiculous.">>
Lazren shot him a reproachful look as she corrected him, and after he sighed and inclined his head in acknowledgement, she continued.
<<nm $phLazren "They agree that Cara needs help, but they were a little less accepting of my idea to replace her with a human -- or former human. They didn't think that any human could possibly be up to the task, which is another reason my business-minded brother is here.">>
<<nm $phAvery "I know a good, or a bad, risk when I see one. I agreed to at least evaluate things, and they agreed that if Sloth could convince //me// that it might actually work, then the rest of them would be more open to persuasion.">>
<<nm $phYou "...am I going to have to go talk to each of //them// too?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, no, sweetheart, of course not. I wouldn't put that on you. You're going to have enough on your mind without having to deal with your future in-laws already.">>
That was for damn sure.<</if>><<if $phAveryQ3 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So how am I supposed to convince Desire to go to demonic rehab, if you guys haven't managed to?">>
Lazren wrinkled her nose a little, although you weren't sure whether it was at the question or the answer it brought.
<<nm $phLazren "...you don't, most likely. Like any addict, she's not convinced it's a //problem//, and she's not keen to hear talk of cutting off her supply. We'll need help, so you'll do what you've already proven you do so well: talk to people and get them on your side.">>
<<nm $phYou "Talk to the other Sins?">>
<<nm $phLazren "The Virtues. Chastity, in particular. She's Desire's counterpart.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait - Virtues? What are those? Angels or something?">>
A small chuckle from Avery.
<<nm $phAvery "You really didn't tell $pher anything, did you?">>
<<nm $phLazren "I can't teach $pher //everything// in such a short time! Yes, Virtues -- and yes, angels. Just as there's the Seven Noble Sins, there are also the Seven Heavenly Virtues. Think of them as the stuffy cousins you only see at family reunions, where you're both awkwardly polite until it's time to leave again.">>
<<nm $phYou "And why do we need their help then? And why Chastity in particular?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Because -- and I promise this will make sense someday -- Chastity and Cara are part of one another. Despite being complete opposites, they're connected, just like I am with Industry, and Avery is with Charity. You can't have one without the other... which means we //can't// replace Cara without Chastity agreeing to it.">>
Sins... and Virtues. Demons and angels. It raised a whole lot more questions, but you tried to put them out of your head for right now and just focus on the basics. As if anything about this was 'basic'!<</if>><<if $phAveryQ4 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "...so I'm //not// your, uh... 'child'? I'm not Sloth-ish?">>
Lazren laughed, bright and cheerful, and she reached out to pat your shoulder. She winked at you as she answered.
<<nm $phLazren "Ish, yes. Don't worry, sweetheart, you'll always have a little part of me inside you... or a big one, if you ask nicely enough! And, oh the strings I had to pull on this one! We're all in on it, at least a little, the six of us. I definitely couldn't have done it alone.">>
Avery inclined his head in recognition, and lifted one hand in a faux-toast with an invisible wine glass.
<<nm $phYou "But how--">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, that's //complicated//, darling. Maybe I'll explain someday, when you're able to understand it, but it wouldn't make any sense to you right now at all.">>
That seemed to be a running theme lately. Maybe someday -- maybe when you //were// a Noble Sin? -- you'd stop feeling like a toddler stumbling around in a large and confusing world.
<<nm $phYou "So all the sexiness... that's not from you?">>
Both of her eyebrows lifted, and you got the distinct sense that she was genuinely -- if mildly -- offended. Lazren leaned forward ever so slightly: a motion that automatically drew your eyes to her low-cut neckline, and from there down to how the slim red dress hugged the curves beneath, aaaaall the way down.
<<nm $phLazren "I'd certainly like to think a //little// bit of the sexiness is from me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ah...">>
<<nm $phAvery "Just say 'yes, ma'am'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, ma'am.">>
She smiled, just a tiny bit sharp -- and a big bit smug.
<<nm $phLazren "Good $pgirl. So - any other questions?">><</if>><<if $phAveryQ5 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ5 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How does the Tower fit into this? What you said about it waking up, and making a new world?">>
She exchanged glances with Avery, who merely spread his hands in a small //not my show// gesture.
<<nm $phLazren "That's... the backup plan, I suppose you'd say. Ideally, we're all rather fond of //this// world, but when things get out of balance it's a swift decline. And we'd -- I'd -- had so little luck finding promising candidates that it was looking less like a 'backup' and more like a 'necessity'. And then you answered my ad!">>
You hadn't even //seen// her ad, much less answered it -- as you recalled, Samantha had called you out of the blue.
<<nm $phYou "How many had you interviewed before I came along?">>
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, a few, here and there. No one really fabulous. A few who couldn't handle the infernal implications; one or two who just //insisted// on sharing things on social media that they shouldn't. Most were just greedy -- no offense.">>
<<nm $phAvery "None taken, of course.">>
<<nm $phLazren "It wasn't money they wanted, but more power. They insisted on stepping right up to the boundaries of what I'd dictated, and then tripping over the edge. You were much more... humble.">>
<<nm $phYou "What happened to them? The ones who didn't make it?">>
<<nm $phLazren "They're back in their old lives, doing what they've always done, with no memory of their brush with the extraordinary.">>
<<nm $phYou "You told me that if I failed, there'd be consequences. You didn't punish them?">>
The succubus flashed you a bright smile.
<<nm $phLazren "Not that //they// remember.">>
...ah.<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phAveryQ1 is 0>>[[How Does Avery Fit Into This?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phAveryQ2 is 0>>[[What About the Other Sins?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phAveryQ3 is 0>>[[How Do You Convince Cara to Step Down?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phAveryQ4 is 0>>[[Wait. I'm NOT a Child of Sloth?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ4 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if ($phLazrenPlan is 1) and ($phAveryQ5 is 0)>>[[What About Lazren's 'New World'?|AveryRevealQuestions][$phAveryQ5 to 1]]<br><</if>>@@<<if $phAveryQ3 is not 0>>
Well, you hadn't come this far to balk a challenge. @@.choice;[[Count Me In!|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 6]]<</if>>@@<<if $phAvery.post_talk is 0>><<set _interrupt to 'Avery'>><<set $phStoryProgression to 3>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set $phLazDays to 5>>Your alarm went off. The happily chiming bell roused you from sleep just enough to reach out and try to slap it to shut it up. After three slaps, each one more irritated than that last, you finally cracked open an eye to glare at the uncooperative electronics.
It wasn't your alarm. It was your phone.
//Oh!//
Well, that explained why slapping the clock hadn't turned it off. The numbers still showed pre-eight-o'-clock. Back in your mortal days, you'd be already at your desk by this point, after waking up two hours early to shower, get dressed, and spend fifteen minutes coaxing your rusted scrap-metal excuse for a 'car' to finally rumble and cough to life. The //extra// hour was in case it didn't -- which had been depressingly often -- and you had to backtrack to the bus stop instead.
Now, you had the luxury of waking up at 9am, clothes that appeared like magic freshly pressed in your closet, and all of a two minute 'commute' from your private penthouse to your office by simply walking down the stairs.
Which made it all the stranger that someone was calling you at this ungodly hour. You opened your other eye and scooped up your smartphone.
<<nm $phYou "Hello?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "Good morning, $pMistress. Sorry for the early wake-up call, but I wanted to catch you before you got dressed.">>
<<nm $phYou "If you wanted to catch me naked in bed, a phonecall seems the worst way to do it.">>
Your secretary chuckled knowingly on the other end of the line.
<<nm $phSamantha "Maybe tomorrow. Or tonight. Or... for lunch, maybe? But right now I'm being a //very// good girl and reminding you that you have a 9 o'clock with a special guest, so you might want to dress to impress -- more than you usually do.">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Good morning, $pMistress! I know it's //super// early, but I wanted to remind you about something!">>
<<nm $phYou "Alright. About what, $phSamantha.name?">>
There was a long, awkward silence, and for the moment you feared she'd forgotten //what// she meant to remind you about.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Right! Your meeting this morning!">>
<<nm $phYou "I have a meeting this morning?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh huh! It's at, uh... 9 o'clock!">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Wait. Why isn't this--?">>
You swung your legs out of bed and got to your feet, casting your gaze around for the tablet you used to check your email and investments. You flipped over to your calendar, and sure enough, it was there. Two simple, important words: //Avery Arrives//.
That was today!
<<nm $phYou "I'll meet you in the office in a few minutes. Get me some coffee ready to go.">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "But of course. Strong, hot, and full of cream, whenever you want it.">><<else>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Got it! Creamy and sweet, coming right up!">><</if>>
You clicked off the phone without confirming the order; $phSamantha.name knew your tastes well enough by now that you didn't need to. It was time to get dressed and make sure you looked the part of the new Tower manager, before meeting the man who was bankrolling it all. If you wanted to make any last-minute changes to your style, you'd better do it now!
@@.choice;
[[Get Yourself Made Up!|Dresser][$phAvery.post_talk to 1]]
[[Nope, No Time! To the Office!|AveryArrival][$phAvery.post_talk to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 1>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>>The main office was quiet. The air itself felt tense, as if the Tower was holding its breath in anticipation. Even the muted background clank, thunk, and click of the R&D office had fallen still. $phSamantha.name was at her desk; <<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>>she bounced to her feet the moment you appeared and hurried out from behind her desk, her lips momentary lacking their customary lollipop<<else>>she rose to her feet as your entered, and stepped out from around her desk with grace in her step, straightening her form-fitting skirt as she did<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "He is already in the Tower? Have you heard anything yet?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! And Miss Lazren, too!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "He is -- and so is Miss Lazren.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "...Lazren came by the office while I was asleep?">>
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "Oh, no! She's not //here//-here! But the <<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 0>>security lady<<else>>front desk<</if>> called and told me about a super hot woman who looked like she owned the place, and when she told me what she looked like, I was all like, 'She really //does// own the place!'">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "No such luck, boss. <<if $phPetra.focus_security gt 0>>Your watchdog<<else>>Front desk<</if>> gave me a heads-up that a devil in a red dress was strolling the halls, and it didn't take long to figure out who she meant.">><</if>>
Well, it made sense that Lazren would want to meet Avery here. Maybe that was a blessing: it meant you weren't going to have to go into this completely blind.
<<nm $phYou "So where are they now, then?">>
<<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "I think she said something about sluts?">>
<<nm $phYou "...sluts?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Uh-huh! Slut machines!">>
<<nm $phYou "... are you sure it wasn't 'slot machines'?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh! Right, slot machines!">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Mmm, I do recall mention of 'no limits' and 'high rollers'?">><</if>>
That sounded like the Casino. That made sense, too: you couldn't think of a place better suited for a visit from the personification of Greed.
<<else>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'bimbo'>><<nm $phSamantha "I looked away for one second and then there was, like, a whole conference room downstairs! Presto!">>
<<else>><<nm $phSamantha "I couldn't help but notice there's a brand-new conference room downstairs. I am guessing we know who that is for.">>
<</if>>The tower doing its thing again. You hoped it knew how to step up its game a bit. You could use every edge that you could get.
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "If you don't mind me saying, boss... things feel a little 'off' today. Maybe excited, maybe nervous, but just... off.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, I know the feeling; it's hard to miss.">>
$phSamantha.name offered you a smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good luck.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thanks. Hopefully I won't need it.">>
<</if>><<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 1>>Time to Find Avery in @@.choice;[[The Casino!|AveryArrival][$phAvery.post_talk to 2]]@@<<else>>Time to Find Avery and @@.choice;[[Meet Your Destiny!|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 0]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 2>><<set $phLocation to 'Casino'>>You didn't waste any time. Coffee in hand, you made a beeline for the elevator to head upstairs to the Casino. Everything else could wait.
Even though the Tower had only been open to the public for a few minutes, there were already people at the machines and tables. Only a few, this early: the bright-eyed, early-bird morning people who lived life to get the worm. A pair of middle-aged women stood laughing and talking near the complementary coffee; a few souls tapped buttons on the slot machines to change their bets and send the reels whirling. A lone man in an ill-fitting brown suit was putting his chips on Black and Even over at roulette, while Mammon sipped a mimosa nearby. You didn't see Lazren anywhere.
Wait. Mammon?
You made a sharp left, practically mid-step, and detoured over. If you'd just missed Lazren and Avery, maybe the demoness would know where they'd gone.
<<nm $phMammon "Ah, the prodigal child returns. I apologize; if you've come for investment advice, I'm a bit indiposed.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're hitting the booze a little early. Have you seen Lazren around? I'm supposed to meet her this morning.">>
The gray-haired demonness smirked at you as she raised her sparkling orange champagne class in mock-toast.
<<nm $phMammon "Oh, yes. You //just// missed her. She and my supervisor are getting reacquainted in my office.">>
<<nm $phYou "In your office?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Mmm. Where else would they go over the numbers? Which is precisely why I'm enjoying my brunch a bit earlier than normal, and why I'll be keeping a low profile throughout the visit. Believe me, hovering around while an audit is taking place never ends well.">>
You never thought someone could chase //Mammon// out of her office. She was a tough old bird if there ever was one.
<<nm $phYou "Not enough room for both of you in there?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Our particular branch of the 'family' isn't quite as generous and cozy as your side. We prefer to have our own personal space. So in short, no, not room enough for both of us.">>
Any other time, you would have found that mental image amusing. Right now, though, you were too preoccupied with the knot in your stomach at the realization that Avery and Lazren were practically around the corner. Mammon's keen eyes took note.
<<nm $phMammon "They're in there talking. About //you//.">>
You blinked and looked over at her.
<<nm $phYou "They are?">>
<<nm $phMammon "One of the grand things about investment is that you learn to listen to all of the little things around you: the tone of voice, the choice of word, the emotion on a face. Lazren's always had a poor poker face; she was already going on and on about you before I'd even made it down the hall. It seems she's very keen to impress upon Mr. Avery that your management tenure is thus far a successful one.">>
//You// thought it was pretty successful, especially considering you'd come into the position with zero leadership experience, and zero ideas that demons were real. The demon of Greed might have stricter standards for 'success', though.
<<nm $phMammon "I suggest, $phYou.firstname, that you take this very seriously... and that you //not// be late.">>
You sucked in a deep breath and nodded.
<<nm $phYou "Right. Thanks. Enjoy your, uh, orange juice.">>
Her objection that it was a cocktail, not an orange juice, fell on deaf ears. You were already half-way to the exit, and your long, purposeful strides took you out of the Casino and over to the bank in record time. The door to the office was closed, but you could see the vague outline of a person through the frosted glass, and hear the low, unintelligible murmur of muffled voices.
No time to wait. If you hesitated, you might chicken out completely.
You gave a quick, crisp knock before @@.choice;[[Opening the Door!|AveryReveal][$phAvery.post_talk to 0]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phAvery.post_talk is 7) and ($phLazDays is 0) and ($phStoryProgression is 3)>><<set _interrupt to 'Avery'>><<if $phAverySabotage is 0>>A knock on your door roused you from sleep. You grumbled, rubbed at your face, and dragged yourself to your feet, muttering curses all the while. It wasn't the first time business had come knocking on your door late at night (or early in the morning), but as you tied your robe around your waist and unfastened the lock, you were surprised to find it was //literally// Business that was knocking.
<<nm $phAvery "$pMs $phYou.surname. I hope this isn't too inconvenient an hour.">>
You blinked, blinked again, and then stammered something incomprehensible as you looked down at yourself in your pajamas. Avery, of course, was still clad in tailored perfection, and even still smelled of faint, delicious cologne.
<<nm $phYou "Ah... well, um, actually--">>
<<nm $phAvery "I'll only be a moment, I assure you. I have a proposition for you.">>
<<nm $phYou "... look, you're a dad I'd like to fuck, sure, but--">>
<<nm $phAvery "A //financial// proposition.">>
Oh.
//Ahem.//
There was an awkward silence as you tried to figure out how to play it off in some suave manner, perhaps with a knowing laugh or debonaire wink. In the end you just sighed and gave up. There wasn't any smooth recovery from that one. You stepped aside from the door and motioned him in.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, sure. Want some coffee? Water? Tea?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Tea, please, and thank you.">>
Ten minutes later, you will still in your pajamas, even though you were less bleary-eyed than before. You'd tolerate being dragged out of bed, if just barely, and only because Avery was a special guest at the Tower, but special guest or not, you weren't getting dressed up in business formal in the wee hours of the morning. Hell no.
Avery didn't seem to mind. He sipped on the jasmine-and-chamomile tea you'd found (and you were pretty sure had just suddenly manifested) in the kitchenette, and seemed to take no special notice of the fact you were wearing nothing more a loose robe and some fluffy slippers. Granted, houseshoes weren't the most erotic of apparel, but you were, if you were honest with yourself, just a tiny bit annoyed that he //wasn't// ogling you in any way at all.
<<nm $phAvery "I couldn't help but notice, while looking over your financial statements, that you... how to put this delicately... may have occasionally struggled to be as solvent as you'd like.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't know if I'd say that. I've managed. I've expanded the tower, crafted foci -- worked hard and still had time to play. Sure, maybe I'm not just rolling in money, or energy, like you probably are, but I'm //Sloth//, remember?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Part Sloth. And yes, you've managed, but can you say you've really thrived? Lazren owes me ten thousand souls -- and it's only so little because I waived charging interest as a favor to family. I do, however, expect dividends on this project. She said you'd pay me back, and I //do// expect to be paid back, in full. I don't think you're capable of it. Do you?">>
You pursed your lips and gave him a look of displeasure. You didn't think you'd been doing //that// badly, especially considering that a month ago you'd been counting pennies to try to figure out how to pay your electric bill.
<<nm $phYou "Well... I suppose that depends on when you expect to be paid back?">>
<<nm $phAvery "And I suppose that //that// depends on //you//.">>
What was that @@.choice;[[Supposed To Mean?|AverySabotage][$phAverySabotage to 0.1]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 10>><<nm $phAvery "I never spend more than necessary -- and no, I'm not impressed. I've reviewed the records; your resource management is atrocious, your management is uninspired, and your motivation non-existent.">>
Ouch!
<<nm $phLazren "Remember, brother dear: $phYou.firstname was human just a month ago. It takes--">>
He snorted and cut her off before Lazren could rise to your defense.
<<nm $phAvery "Effort? I fear, sister, that the $pgirl may have inherited a bit too much of your nature. This was no small investment, and no insignificant plan. I might have reluctantly supported this if $pshe had met at least the the bare //minimum// of my expectations, but...">>
The demon lifted his shoulders and let them fall in a dismissive shrug. You bit the inside of your lip and fought the urge to look down at your feet. You'd been struggling, yes. You //knew// that.
<<nm $phYou "I can make up for it. I //can// do it. If you give me just one more week, I can have <<if $phLocations['Casino']['built'] is 0>>the Casino built,<</if>><<if $phSoulCount < 6>>all the soul gems I need,<</if>> and show you I'm serious about this!">>
<<nm $phAvery "No. In case Lazren failed to inform you: I am //Greed// personified. I don't deal in second chances and IOUs. The deal is off.">>
He smoothed his suit as he stood and moved out from behind the desk. Lazren was only a split-second slower as she slid to her feet and reached for his arm.
<<nm $phLazren "Avery, //please//. We //have// to do something about Cara, you know we do. You deal in second chances when the price is right; and you //always// have a price.">>
That made him pause. The demon turned his head first, his green gaze lingering on his sister, until finally his body followed. Even then, he considered the words in silence. All you could do was wait with bated breath.
<<nm $phAvery "...alright. A second chance, for the appropriate price.">>
You felt your shoulders sag in relief and tension flood out of you. At least you hadn't messed things up so thoroughly that--
<<nm $phAvery "I'll take $phYou.firstname.">>
Wait.
<<nm $phLazren "Temporarily, or permanently?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Permanently, of course. A second chance is a permanent condition.">>
<<nm $phLazren "And you'll let me select another candidate and try again?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Of course. Same conditions, same term of contract. Just as before.">>
//What??//
<<nm $phLazren "Deal.">>
The word //echoed//, somehow, despite being spoken just as softly as any other. It reverberated with a finality that made you feel like a stone had settled in the pit of your stomach.
<<nm $phYou "Lazren, I--">>
You fell silent as she turned toward you, offered you an apologetic smile, and laid an elegant hand against your shoulder.
<<nm $phLazren "Don't worry, sweetheart. You'll still be //happy//. You'll still be gorgeous, successful, and rich.">>
<<nm $phAvery "Very successful, and very rich.">>
<<nm $phLazren "You'll still have everything you ever wanted... just not //here//.">>
<<nm $phYou "But-- Lazren--">>
The distress in your voice was impossible to disguise. Surely she wasn't just... just throwing you away! It was a job, she was your boss, but... it'd been more than that, at least for you.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, honey, it's nothing personal. Some things are bigger than just one person, and... well, this is one of them. You're wonderful, and you've made a lot of people very happy. I'm sure you still will. I'm sorry, $phYou.firstname, but I have to have someone who can get to the finish line.">>
She patted you reassuringly, but you were anything but reassured. As suddenly as this new life had been gifted to you, it seemed like it was being ripped away. The job, at least. It sounded like you'd keep your new body, and the powers you had. You weren't going to be sent back to the mortal world. You'd just have a //new// boss, and a new job.
You had a hundred questions -- a thousand of them! -- but all of them would have to wait. Avery had sat back down at the desk and produced pen and paper from somewhere in the massive drawers. He barely touched the paper, and words sprang up in a glow of iridescent green fire. A new contract, no doubt, for Lazren's second chance.
You were still trying to wrap your head around it all as she herded you [[Out The Door!|AveryBadEnd][$phAvery.post_talk to 11]]<</if>><<if $phAvery.post_talk is 11>>@@.narrative;Two years later...@@
<<nm $phLazren "Well! $pShe looks a little...different!">>
Avery smiled as he motioned you into the Bank office. It felt like forever since you'd been here, and a few things had changed. Mammon, the silver-haired succubus, was absent; instead, a young Black man sat behind the desk. To your eyes, his human disguise was sheer and see-through. You could see the bright white fangs as he smiled at you, the golden irises of his eyes, and the broad, reptilian scales that extended down either side of his neck. His immaculate silver suit stood in dramatic contrast to the <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>skin-tight pants you were wearing -- and the shirt that you //weren't// wearing, that left your bare torso exposed to any passing gaze<<else>>mini-skirt and midriff-baring top you were wearing, each barely big enough to cover the minimum of modesty<</if>>.
<<nm $phAvery "A bit, yes. Unfortunately, $pshe does much better on the 'Lust' side than the 'Greed' -- $pshe would have been an excellent Desire, had $pshe just a touch more motivation.">>
Lazren giggled as her eyes roamed over you, her smile widening in response.
<<nm $phLazren "Why, Avarice, are you saying you actually //enjoyed// sex with someone?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Please. I don't use $pher; I just rent $pher out. 'Never sample your own product' -- basic Business 101.">>
<<nm $phLazren "...I should have known.">>
<<nm $phAvery "You really should have. Is this the new Desire?">>
He extended a hand to the man behind the desk, who rose, took it, and gave a firm, confident shake.
<<nm $phLazren "Oh, no; this is Cameron. Cameron, this is Avarice, my brother, and my former protege, $phYou.firstname. Our new Desire is waiting for us in the main suite.">>
<<nm $phAvery "A pleasure, Cameron. Well, let's not keep him waiting; he paid in advance.">>
<<nm $phLazren "For...?">>
Your master motioned to you again without saying a word, and you offered Lazren a tentative smile.
<<nm $phYou "Me.">>
<<nm $phAvery "I believe the exact wording was 'a few rounds on the house'. I'm to deliver $phYou.firstname to the Casino VIP lounge and pick $pher up tomorrow at noon.">>
You pulled in a slow, deep breath, and tried to keep your smile in place. It wasn't that you didn't //enjoy// getting fucked, and it certainly wouldn't be the first time Avery had rented you out to a crowd. It'd certainly be something different, though, if any of your former employees were there. You weren't sure how you'd feel if $phSamantha.name, $phSara.name, or any of the others stopped by to see you get used by any passing patron.
You had a feeling you were going to find out.
@@.narrative;ENDING 08 - Negative Returns - Game Over@@
<<SetAchievement "phOhNo">><</if>><<set $phLocation to 'Mammon'>><<if ($phAveryQ1 is 0) and ($phAveryQ2 is 0) and ($phAveryQ3 is 0)>>The door to the Bank office was ajar, and you could see through the small opening that Mammon hadn't yet reclaimed her prior territory. Avery's broad figure sat at the expansive desk, a variety of papers and forms spread out in front of him.
You knocked lightly before side-stepping through the narrow entrance without waiting for permission. It was //your// Tower, and while he was a distinguished guest, he was still a guest. Once inside, you could see that the papers were various financial reports and disclosures: lithium mining companies, nanotech, automation, bioengineering. Nothing that bore Paradise's name, from what you could see. He had a cup of still-steaming coffee next to him, and paused from his research as you approached.
<<nm $phAvery "$phYou.firstname; pleasure to see you again. To what do I owe the honor?">>
<<nm $phYou "Good <<if $phTime is 0>>morning<</if>><<if $phTime is 1>>afternoon<</if>><<if $phTime is 2>>evening<</if>>, Avery. Nothing in particular; I'm just checking in on my guests. My job is making sure they're satisfied.">>
The demon smirked as he laid the paper he'd been perusing down on a stack of its fellows. Then he steepled his hands in front of himself, thumb to thumb and his index fingers touching at the tips. Combined with his greying hair and impressively curled horns, it was very much a devilish expression.
<<nm $phAvery "It seems you do a good job of it.">>
You tilted your chin up towards the collection of printouts and reports.
<<nm $phYou "Looking over our books?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Paradise doesn't have financials, //per se//, but like any workplace it has a thriving economy of talk and gossip. Word of mouth is the most powerful advertising -- and the most damning critique -- any business has. Your customers are just gushing with rave reviews. It bodes well for your future ambitions.">>
Well, that was good to hear. You knew you generally did a good job of keeping people happy, but it was a different kind of reassurance to hear the literal Demon of Greed praise your management skills. Although, then again, you knew plenty of Greedy bosses who hadn't given a damn about keeping people happy. If Avery got //too// excited about how you ran Paradise, that might not be a good thing after all!
<<nm $phAvery "Speaking of talk and gossip... You have that look on your face, $phYou.firstname. Something on your mind? Talk is cheap, but time is money, and I charge accordingly.">>
<</if>><<if $phAveryQ1 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "I was hoping to learn a little bit more about //you//, actually. Lazren's mentioned her family, but you're the first one I've actually met.">>
He let out a soft breath of mirth.
<<nm $phAvery "We won't be nearly as fascinating once the novelty has worn off. 'Family' is an interesting word. It implies blood bonds, or legal ones: birth, marriage, adoption. I suppose the latter might be technically accurate. You may have picked up on the fact that most of us came into our positions by ways other than noble birth. We are, to an extent, a meritocracy: we each have our specialty, our role, and either accepted or acquired it from someone before us.">>
<<nm $phYou "Even you and Lazren?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Even me and Lazren. There is //one// of us who has never exchanged their position. Can you guess who it is?">>
One of the Seven Sins had never changed? Ever? You thought back over what little you could remember about the demons, and kicked yourself for not having researched it already. It's just that life had been offering up much more //interesting// things, and you were pretty sure the Tower didn't have a library in it -- although now that you wished it did, it just might!
<<nm $phYou "... Cara?">>
<<nm $phAvery "No. She's one of the older of us, but just as you desire to take her place, she desired the position of the one before her.">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess that makes sense. But if Lazren also took someone else's place, how did that work? How do you out-Sloth Sloth?">>
Avery chuckled and leaned back in the leather chair, which crinkled and creaked faintly under his shifting weight.
<<nm $phAvery "You don't. Sloth, in that case, out-Sloths you. Acedia does //plan// things, and //do// things. She gets up and out of bed, and goes about her day. Eventually, she won't. Apathy, ennui, and inertia will overtake her; the end of Sloth is simply to cease to be, because life, if you haven't noticed, is //effort//.">>
You blinked a few times as you listened. The idea of Lazren just... 'giving up' wasn't the right word. Giving in, maybe. Giving in to her nature and not doing //anything// except waste away, because it was easier and demanded less energy... You weren't sure if it sounded like a peaceful end or a horrible one. Either way, you took some comfort in knowing, with how active Lazren was right now, that such things were a long, long time in the future.
<<nm $phYou "What about you? How did you become Greed?">>
<<nm $phAvery "I bought him out. Everyone has a price, $phYou.firstname: a magical number that brings the word 'yes' to their lips, no matter what the question.">>
<<nm $phYou "You //bought out// the demon of Greed? That must have cost a fortune!">>
<<nm $phAvery "Oh, it //did//. It cost me everything I had and a significant percentage of what I had yet to make -- but I considered the return worth the investment. And before you ask: given that you must take into account inflation, exchange rates, fluctuations in valuation of materials, //et cetera// -- no, I can't tell you the approximate dollar amount in today's terms.">>
Damn. That //was// going to be your next question. Time for a different one, then.
<</if>><<if $phAveryQ2 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So now that you've had a little time to look around: what do you think of the Tower?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Surprisingly innovative. I'm always surprised at how quickly Acedia adapts to changes in the world, even though I shouldn't be. Every invention man has ever made as been to make life easier in some way or another. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but if so, laziness is the father.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thinking of building a tower of your own? A luxury mall-slash-hotel-slash-casino sounds like it'd be right up your alley.">>
<<nm $phAvery "Perhaps. The proof-of-concept is impressive. If I did, I would prefer an experienced manager.">>
He gazed at you, faint smile playing across his stubbled face. You chuckled.
<<nm $phYou "Like me?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Like you. I know Acedia doesn't actually //pay// you. The benefits are nice, but they're not a substitute for cold hard cash. Once you leave the Tower? The magic only lasts so long, only reaches so far, and then it's gone again, and you're as ordinary and unremarkable as ever. A day outside these walls, and you wouldn't be able to afford the bus fare to come back.<br><br>I could make you a millionaire. Real wealth. Real estate. Cars, stocks, dividends. Things that will open doors for you that these little magical odds and ends never will. Things that will go anywhere in the world with you. If you give one of your manufactured magical dollars to someone, where does it go? It dissolves once its life has passed, and disappears into the ether it came from. //Real// money can be passed down to your children, your children's children. You could make the world a better place with your philanthropy, fund research, give to charity, and //still// afford the best life can offer.">>
You stood in stunned silence for a moment before clearing your throat. You hadn't meant the question to be taken so seriously -- much less to receive what certainly sounded like a job offer. He did have a point about leaving the Tower. Mason had already mentioned a time or two that you were on borrowed time outside the walls. Sure, you had anything you could want //inside// Paradise, but maybe it was a bit like a gilded cage. Would that chafe at you some day? Being essentially confined to a luxury prison?
<<nm $phYou "Are you serious?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Not yet. But if I were, would you accept?">>
Those green eyes pinned you in place. The temptation was real... but right now you had enough on your plate without agonizing over career options that didn't actually exist. Funny; a few months ago it felt like you couldn't get a job no matter how many applications you sent out. You hedged your answer, just in case.
<<nm $phYou "I'd have to think about it.">>
Maybe safer to change the subject for now!
<</if>><<if $phAveryQ3 is 1>><<set $phAveryQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So you're obviously a pretty business-savvy guy. Got any tips for a novice to the game?">>
Avery gave you a smug smile and moved some of his papers aside so that he could better rest his elbows on the glossy wood.
<<nm $phAvery "Tips on what, exactly? 'Business' is a wide and fascinating field.">>
<<nm $phYou "... uh... anything?">>
He chuckled and gave a small shake of his head before he leaned forward and crooked a beckoning finger. You leaned in as well.
<<nm $phAvery "How to make //money//. Is that what you want to know?">>
You didn't really need money anymore, but the intensity with which he uttered the word already had you nodding along.
<<nm $phAvery "Here's the thing about making money: you //chase// it. You don't launch something once a year, sit back, watch it, wait to see how it works out -- maybe if it breaks even or turns a profit, tweak and it fine tune it to see if you can play it a little more. No. Wealth is a marvelous, elusive beast, and you hunt it down. You get up and figure out any way you can to squeeze out one more penny today that doesn't lose you two tomorrow.">>
You'd never heard //anyone// speak with such absolute, soul-deep //passion// on a subject. It was the type of speech you'd expect to hear from the steps of some Roman-columned building, extolled by a priest or president or prime minister and broadcast around the world. Yet here you were, sitting in a bank office, staring eye to eye with a devilishly handsome businessman instead. You couldn't help the idle thought of what it might be like if that passion and determination translated from 'boardroom' to 'bedroom'.
He might have said more after that, but you didn't realize for several minutes more that he'd //stopped// talking, and was now just smiling at you from across the desk. A very knowing smile. You blinked and quickly straightened up again as you cleared your throat.
Uh... quick! Something else!<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<if $phAveryQ1 is 0>><<if $phEnergy >= 25>>[[Ask Avery About Himself and Lazren|AveryQuestions][$phAveryQ1 to 1, $phEnergy -= 25]] (25 Energy)<<else>>@@.unavailable;Ask Avery About Himself and Lazren (25 Energy)@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phAveryQ2 is 0>><<if $phEnergy >= 25>>[[What Does He Think About Paradise?|AveryQuestions][$phAveryQ2 to 1, $phEnergy -= 25]] (25 Energy)<<else>>@@.unavailable;What Does He Think About Paradise?@@<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phAveryQ3 is 0>><<if $phEnergy >= 25>>[[Get Some Business Advice|AveryQuestions][$phAveryQ3 to 1, $phEnergy -= 25]] (25 Energy)<<else>>@@.unavailable;Get Some Business Advice (25 Energy)@@<</if>><</if>>
[[Back To The Casino|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'AveryQuestion']]
[[Back To The Bank|Bank][$phGoodbye to 'AveryQuestion']]@@<<GetAchievements>><div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phAvery.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;[img[Assets/Characters/Avery/AveryFancy.png]]@@
<div class="caption">$phAvery.name</div></div></div>Avery is the 'human' name of Avarice: the Noble Sin of Greed. He's Lazren's older brother -- or one of them, I suppose. He's the one who financed Lazren's building of the tower, not with money but with the soul energy. <<if _achieved.includes('phDressToImpress')>>Fortunately not only did I meet his standards, I actually impressed him! So much so that he decided I was a good long-term investment, and cut Lazren's interest in half. We'll still have to pay him back, but only 5000 energy, and not until all this stuff with Chastity is over.<<else>>I managed to meet his standards, if just barely. He wasn't impressed with me at all, and told Lazren that 'bare minimum' wasn't going to make her plan a success.<</if>><<if (def $phAverySabotage) and ($phAverySabotage > 0)>>
Later, Avery came to my suite to offer me a deal. He'd looked at Paradise's 'books', and knew I'd stuggled a bit. He offered a partnership...just between him and me. Some monetary advice and a few a 'special perks' to help me make the most out of my work in the tower, in exchange for letting him call the shots in the end-game of Lazren's plan. <<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>Lazren's been great to me, but I had to admit that Avery's got a better head on his shoulders regarding business. I want Paradise -- and myself! -- to be a success. I said yes.<</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 2>>While Avery might be a better businessman than Lazren is, she's done too much for me to start making deals behind her back. I said no, and he wasn't happy. Now he's demanding full payment of the 10,000 energy... by the time Chastity shows up.<</if>><</if>>
I guess time will tell how all this with Avery works out, and how closely I work with him in the future. In the meantime, I suppose if I need investment advice, I can always go talk to his right-hand man -- er, woman! -- in the Bank.
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<<if $phAverySabotage is 0.1>><<nm $phYou "What do you mean?">>
The older demon steepled his fingers in front of him in that characteristic power triangle.
<<nm $phAvery "Work for me, instead.">>
<<nm $phYou "...//what//?">>
<<nm $phAvery "Work for me, instead. Acedia is very good at //complimenting// people, and not very good at //mentoring// them. I'm guess that once she had you settled in, she left you flying solo with no real training or direction, am I right?">>
He wasn't //wrong//, and it must have shown bright and clear on your face. He continued.
<<nm $phAvery "I have no plans to interrupt Lazren's little plan to overthrow Cara, but do any of us //really// believe someone like //you// is going to succeed in toppling Desire Herself? That's not a lack of belief in you, $phYou.firstname, but an acknowledgement of reality: you don't win gold at the Olympics a month after walking into a gym.<br><br>I think you have potential, and I'd like to talk investment once she has her little crusade out of her system. So: you agree to work for me, I'll ensure your energy returns get an appropriate boost, and I'll take a small cut of the profits to start paying down that loan.">>
<<nm $phYou "... and what if I don't? Hire thugs to come break my kneecaps?">>
He snorted.
<<nm $phAvery "Please. This isn't New York. If you'd rather work for the devil you know, then do so -- but I expect a certain consideration for my support, monetarily. Which gives you... oh... thirty days, give or take, to come up with ten thousand energy to spare.">>
Ten thousand energy in thirty days. That was a tall order. A //very// tall order. You could pull in that much, sure, but you still had expansions to do, buildings to manage, emergencies to handle...
You took in a deep breath to start asking some questions, but he cut you off with a wave of one hand as soon as you opened your mouth.
<<nm $phAvery "No, no. That's not how this works, $phYou.firstname. There will be no extensive interrogation as to 'why you' and 'why me' and the rigamarole you're used to spitting out each time Acedia wants something. I'm offering you a job: a one-time offer, good until I rise out of this chair. One-hundred-fifty percent return on my areas of interest, in exchange for a ten percent cut until the percentage I am owed is paid, and your agreement to work under my authority. Take it or leave it.">>
<<nm $phYou "You just want me to agree to it, right now, without any chance to think about it or researching anything.">>
<<nm $phAvery "I do, yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "That doesn't seem fair.">>
The corner of his mouth tilted up, tugging his stubbled cheek into a smirk, but he didn't defend against your accusation.
You had no doubt he was serious. You might barely know him, but Avery definitely struck you as the type who took business to the extreme. So if you //did// take him up on it... it'd definitely boost your energy production and returns, at least in the bank and the casino, and give you a much longer deadline to pay what he was demanding. And if you didn't... you'd be on your own as far making bank, and you'd have to pull a minor miracle out of your hat to pay back everything you were supposed to, //when// you were supposed to.
The question was, of course: would working for him mess up Lazren's plans? How would he take being rejected, if you said no? You couldn't make a decision without at least knowing //that// much.
<<nm $phYou "If I--">>
<<nm $phAvery "//Yes// or //no//, $phYou.firstname. Make your choice.">>
... except you were going to have to.
@@.choice;
[[Greed is Good|AverySabotage][$phAverySabotage to 1]] - Accept Avery's Offer
[[Stick With Sloth|AverySabotage][$phAverySabotage to 2]] - Why Mess With a Good Thing?
@@<</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>You chewed your lip as you debated. You knew a high-pressure sales pitch when you saw one -- you'd been on the receiving end of those often enough in the mortal world. Almost universally it meant there was a catch of some sort, and given you were talking to Greed Himself, you had no doubt that held true.
In this case, though, it might be worth it.
Lazren was great, but you //were// running a business, and Avery could probably ensure your success better than she could. She'd already admitted that you were literally so efficient it made her sick, and //she// was the one who'd gotten in so deep with Avery you needed a mountain of energy just to keep him on board. If you were going to make this place fly and really excel, you needed to pay that off quick... and partnering up with Avery sounded like the best way to do it.
<<nm $phYou "Let me repeat this back, just to make sure. I work for you; you help me maximize some of my investments and returns; you get a cut to help me pay back that ten thousand, but no hard deadline.">>
<<nm $phAvery "Correct, yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "And working for you isn't going to take me away from my work here; you won't pull me out of the tower or stop me from meeting with Chastity.">>
You were careful //not// to phrase it as a question, given how stridently he'd shut down any attempt at inquiry. He nodded in response.
<<nm $phAvery "Correct. Even with your thus-far mediocre management, the Tower clearly has potential. I'd like to see you improve it, not abandon it, and no amount of money would make me miss seeing how you and our dear divine cousin get along.">>
Yeah, that didn't sound bad. You got a bonus, an extra ally, and //didn't// have to sacrifice your current goals and friendships to do it.
<<nm $phYou "Alright; I'm in. You've got yourself a deal.">>
<<nm $phAvery "Wonderful! You won't regret it. I won't keep you any longer then, since our business is concluded. I have an early flight.">>
He was already setting his unfinished tea aside and getting to his feet. Your brow furrowed, and you couldn't help but interrupt him.
<<nm $phYou "Wait - don't you want me to sign a contract or something? You know, 'everything in writing'? A handshake at least?">>
Avery chuckled. It was a rich, low tone that suited his silver fox appeal so very well.
<<nm $phAvery "A verbal contract is still a contract. And really, $phYou.firstname -- do you think you could ever //possibly// cheat //me//?">>
<<nm $phYou "... point. I guess I'm just used to sealing things with a little pressing of flesh.">>
<<nm $phAvery "Oh, I bet you are. A handshake I'll accept, but you literally could not pay me enough for your earlier 'proposition'.">>
<<nm $phYou "I thought Lazren said even you have a price.">>
<<nm $phAvery "I do.">>
<<nm $phYou "So... how much is it? Just out of pure curiosity?">>
He smirked and held out his hand towards you.
<<nm $phAvery "You can't afford it. Yet.">>
Sigh. Maybe not //yet//, but if you managed to straighten up your act, and with his help with the Casino and the Bank... maybe, just maybe, you'd give Greed a run for his money next time.
You took his hand and shook it. Your vague, wistful smile stayed in place until the older demon had left your suite and you heard the click of the latch behind him. Then you let out a sigh, stripped off your PJs, and flopped back into bed.
One good thing about being part Sloth: your worries and concerns never kept you awake at night.
@@.choice;[[Return To Sleep...|ChastityFirstPhonecall]]@@<<set $phAvery.debt to 10000>>
<</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 2>><<nm $phYou "No, then. Any time someone's trying to sell you something with a high-pressure pitch, it's guaranteed there's a catch somewhere.">>
He let out a huff and rolled his eyes skyward.
<<nm $phAvery "Do you really believe that? Don't mistake efficiency for manipulation. I'm a very busy demon and I haven't got all day.">>
<<nm $phYou "If you had enough time to come knock on my door, you had enough time to answer questions. Sorry; I'd say 'it's not that I don't trust you', but it //is// that I don't trust you. Lazren's been good to me, and I barely know you.">>
<<nm $phAvery "And you think you know her? Please. I'm trying to do you a favor, $phYou.firstname.">>
<<nm $phYou "And you're Greed, not Generosity. Since you're so 'very busy' and don't have time to answer questions, then I'm sure you're far too busy to sit here trying to convince me to change my mind. I said 'no'.">>
His lip pulled together into a slight circle of displeasure; he sat his unfinished tea down on the side table and rose to his feet.
<<nm $phAvery "Fine. Quite right. Well, then, perhaps we'll do a different sort of business in the future. In the meantime, I suggest you do your //very// best to make payment in full on time.">>
You were tempted as to 'or else what?', but you let the question lie. There was no point in purposefully trying to provoke him, and you had enough on your plate already without pissing off one of Lazren's family members -- well, more than you already had.
<<nm $phYou "I will. Thank you for stopping by Avery; I do appreciate the offer. No hard feelings I hope.">>
You stuck out your hand for a shake; he took it even if his expression suggested he'd rather not.
<<nm $phAvery "None at all. I'll see myself out; I have an early flight to catch. Good luck, $phYou.firstname. You'll need it.">>
You kept your faint, professional smile in place until the older demon had left your suite and you heard the click of the latch behind him. Then you let out a sigh, stripped off your PJs, and flopped back into bed.
One good thing about being part Sloth: your worries and concerns never kept you awake at night.
@@.choice;[[Return To Sleep...|ChastityFirstPhonecall]]@@<<set $phAvery.debt to 10000>><</if>><<nm $phYou "Is your boss still camped out in your office?">>
Mammon looked up. She was sitting at the shiny Casino bar with a tablet of some kind in one hand and a drink in the other. You tried to get a look at the screen, but it was privacy shielded. Good precaution from a businesswoman in a bar.
<<nm $phMammon "Yes, and he will be until he's ready to depart. My office would be much closer to his tastes than yours would be. Fortunately for you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you need a space, while he's...?">>
Mammon laughed and shook her head. She seemed genuinely touched by the question, more so than you would have expected.
<<nm $phMammon "No, child. I have plenty of time to enjoy a little rest and recreation. Better that than trying to manage in a generic workspace. Greed did not recruit me for my humility. No, he will attend for a few days and then he'll go. He dislikes being away from his own projects for too long.">>
<<nm $phYou "If that's true, then why hasn't he gone already?">>
<<nm $phMammon "I don't know. Clearly he must think he's still got a play to make here. I'd suggest keeping an eye out for what it is.">>
Ominous. You leaned back against the bar and gave the older demoness a stern look.
<<nm $phYou "Do you trust him?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh, how many times are you going to ask me that? Trust is not the issue. He will tell you precisely where his lines and limits are. You will either fulfill them, or not. You can trust he means what he says...just don't expect that translates into any more than he's pledged. Services rendered, services paid. No more, and no less.">>
<<nm $phYou "Lawyers must love him.">>
<<nm $phMammon "They are his people...until he collects on his contracts, of course. No one likes paying tribute -- not even me. Stop fretting, child. I won't tell you he's not very dangerous, but your focus should be on doing what he asks. If you do, then he'll come through. If you don't...don't say I didn't warn you.">>
Simple enough. You thanked the demoness for the information, and then pushed back into the crowd.<<if $phBankDays is 0>> You were only a few steps away from the bar when Mammon called out after you.
<<nm $phMammon "Oh! By the way, we got a payout on one of your investments. With the boss in the house, I figured it would be better if I just forwarded you the energy and skipped the song and dance. I'm sure you don't mind.">>
Well, that was one way to make you feel better about the situation. With slightly more spring in your step, you got @@.choice;[[Back To Work!|Casino]]@@
<<nobr>><<if $phBankInvestment is 1>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phEnergy += (100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(100 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savvy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 100>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 100 Energy ($phEnergy) from a successful venture!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 50 energy! <<set $phEnergy += 50>>@@<br><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 2>><<if $phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking' and $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1>><<set $phEnergy += (200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(200 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savvy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 200>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 200 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 100 energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += 100>><br><</if>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is 3>><<if ($phLocations['Bank'].mode is 'investmentbanking') and ($phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck is 1)>><<set $phEnergy += (300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>>@@.narrative;You gained <<print Math.round(300 * (1 + (.25 * $phLocations['Bank'].level)))>> energy, thanks to your savy investment banking!@@<br><<else>><<set $phEnergy += 300>><br>@@.narrative;You gained 300 Energy ($phEnergy)!@@<br><</if>><<if $phAverySabotage is 1>>@@.narrative;Avery's influence seems to bring good fortune! You gained an additional 150 energy!@@ <<set $phEnergy += 150>><br><</if>><</if>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank'].investmentBonusCheck to 0>><<unset $phBankDays>><<set _randarraybank to []>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 1>><<run _randarraybank.push(1)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 2>><<run _randarraybank.push(2)>><</if>>
<<if $phBankInvestment is not 3>><<run _randarraybank.push(3)>><</if>>
<<set _random to _randarraybank.random()>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to _random>>
<</nobr>><<else>>
Suddenly, you felt like you had @@.choice;[[Work To Do|Casino]]@@<</if>><<if $phChastity.post_talk is 0>><<set _interrupt to 'Chastity'>><<set $phStoryProgression to 3.1>><<set $phLazDays to 3>>The trill of your phone roused you from sleep //far// too early<<if def $phAverySabotage>>, especially on the back of Avery's night-time visit<</if>>. You were about three seconds from picking it up and hurling it against the nearest wall when you realized something was different.
It was //singing//. Your phone, your demonically-powered cell phone, was playing the unmistakable sound of hymns instead of your normal ringtone.
You stopped your throw just in time, and lowered your arm from 'baseball throw' down into your lap to peer at the screen. There was no number listed, but rather an unfamiliar initials: HVC.
<<nm $phYou "...hello?">>
<<nm $phChastity "Good morning, $pMs $phYou.surname.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good morning. Is this... am I speaking with Chastity?">>
<<nm $phChastity "You are.">>
The voice was //probably// female, although you weren't entirely sure. Her intonation was utterly flat and monotone, without an ounce of enthusiasm to be found. Lazren might have pulled some strings to get the angel to call, but it was clearly not because Chastity was excited about the plan.
<<nm $phYou "...hi. Well, um. I'm $phYou.firstname. Did Lazren -- Acedia -- tell you about her thoughts about Cara? Desire?">>
<<nm $phChastity "She did.">>
<<nm $phYou "And she told you about wanting to have //me// replace her?">>
<<nm $phChastity "Yes.">>
<<nm $phYou "So how do you feel about it?">>
<<nm $phChastity "Ambivalent.">>
You couldn't tell if the bare-bones answers were born of actual disinterest or politely concealed hostility. Whichever it was, it wasn't getting you anywhere. You were silent for a moment as you frowned at the phone.
Under normal circumstances you would have taken the hint and excused yourself for bothering her. However, circumstances hadn't been 'normal' around here for quite a while.
Under normal circumstances you wouldn't have bitched at an angel, either, @@.choice;[[But You Were About To!|ChastityFirstPhonecall][$phChastity.post_talk to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phChastity.post_talk is 1>><<nm $phYou "Look, Chastity -- I'm sorry if I don't know all the etiquette and everything; I'm sure Lazren mentioned that I'm new at this. But I'm also very //passionate// about this, and if I can help, I want to help. Avery and Lazren seem to think I can do this, but I need //your// help, too.">>
You didn't get any response at all from the other side of the line this time, and after a few seconds of anticipatory silence, you strove ahead.
<<nm $phYou "They said Cara is sick. Terminally ill. That the only way to help the //world// is to convince her to step down, or force her to. And that I can't do either of those without your support. I want to help. Do you believe me?">>
There was another long pause, and you sighed heavily -- but then, Chastity answered.
<<nm $phChastity "I believe you'll be as bad as she is, if you want it so much. Wanting is why she's sick to begin with. Why should I support one sickness over another?">>
You blinked in surprise; your mouth opened to respond, but you closed it again. Of all the possible things she could have said, that was perhaps the one you'd least expected. It took you a moment to find your tongue again.
<<nm $phYou "I'd be different. I--">>
<<nm $phChastity "How?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not... corrupted. I'm not mad with want. I don't want //just// to want; I want to //help// people. and I //have// helped people, a lot of them! I want to make things better.">>
<<nm $phChastity "You want, and you want, and you want. I hear nothing that makes you any different.">>
For the first time, you were starting to understand why and how Cara was such a powerful force. No matter how you tried to rephrase it, Chastity was right: you wanted, and no matter how your thoughts chased each other around, that was what it boiled down to. How could you express that you were sincere without damning yourself in angelic eyes?
<<nm $phYou "I know you don't know me, that to you I'm just a voice on the phone. Maybe we could meet? If you could come to the Tower and meet me and some of the people I've helped, talk to them, you'd see that I'm different.">>
<<nm $phChastity "I've no desire to step foot in a demon's den.">>
<<nm $phYou "What if I come to you?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I've no desire to have one in mine, either.">>
<<nm $phYou "Come on. Please? You can't just assume that everyone who wants something is evil. People desire good things, too, don't they? Good //people// still want things. At least give me a chance to show you that I'm sincere.">>
The silence stretched again, but as the seconds ticked by, your hope grew accordingly. Chastity seemed quick to voice her disapproval, so maybe the stillness held promise.
<<nm $phChastity "...alright.">>
You pumped your fist in the air. @@.choice;[[Yes!|ChastityFirstPhonecall][$phChastity.post_talk to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phChastity.post_talk is 2>><<nm $phChastity "I'll give you a chance, but I know how Desire works. You met Avarice, you said: do you remember the saying about money and evil?">>
<<nm $phYou "I think so. Money is the root of all evil, right?">>
<<nm $phChastity "//Love// of money is the root of all evil. Wanting, lust, envy, covetousness, greed: they're all Desire, underneath. You may think your intentions are pure; perhaps they are. But it will take more than good intentions and 'impassioned' speeches to sway me.">>
You weren't sure you'd call your intentions 'pure', but now was really not the time to split those hairs.
<<nm $phYou "I understand. All I can say is that I'm not Cara, so please don't judge me based on her mistakes. But if you're not willing to come here, and you don't want me to visit you: what did you have in mind?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I don't know yet, and I don't act on impulse. I said I would give you a chance, and I will, but I will need to consider what shape that opportunity takes.">>
<<nm $phYou "So... do I just... wait for you to decide?">>
<<nm $phChastity "Yes.">>
You chewed your lower lip, but there was no point in trying to talk the angel into a speedier timeline. It probably wasn't //that// urgent -- neither Lazren nor Avery had mentioned any kind of deadline. When you were practically immortal, 'a decade' might still feel like a rush.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I guess patience is a virtue.">>
<<nm $phChastity "My brother, to be precise.">>
... yeah, you walked right into that one.
<<nm $phYou "Alright. Well, thank you for taking the time to talk to me. That's already a promising start, in my opinion. I'll keep doing what I do, and wait to hear from you. If you change your mind and want to stop by to meet in person before then, just let me know.">>
<<nm $phChastity "I won't.">>
The single beep of your smartphone informed you the call had ended; you pulled it away and gazed at the screen a moment. That was quite the parting shot, and despite your comment about a 'promising start', you didn't have the best feeling about this. Maybe Chastity hadn't been openly //hostile//, but... if that was the angelic standard of 'friendly', you were glad you were on the demonic side. Lazren's comment about stuffy cousins seemed right on the mark.
Your phone chirped again, and $phSamantha.name's name popped up beside a text message.
<<if $phSamantha.transform is 'futa'>><<nm $phSamantha "You just missed Mr. Demon Daddy on his way out the door with Lazren. Hope you got all your questions answered before they left; he didn't leave a card. He did ask me to remind you that your success doesn't mean he doesn't want his investment eventually. Told me he'd be having 'his people' reach out with the details.">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "hi $phSamantha.address!!! Lazren & her hot brother just left to go back somewhere! they said theyd see again soon!! but he did tell me to tell you he'll still want his investment thingy at some point. said he'd send an email or something.">><</if>>
You sighed and swiped it off your screen. Well.. if Lazren and Avery were gone, and Chastity wasn't coming... maybe life would go back to normal. Aside from being in debt to the literal embodiment of greed.
@@.choice;
[[For Now.|Bedroom][$phChastity.post_talk to 3]]@@<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>><</if>><<nobr>><<if ($phCassandra.date is 3) and ($phCassandra.transform is 'hentai')>>
@@.choice;[[Think About Cassy's Problem|CassHentaiDate][$phCassandra.date to 3.1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phSamantha.date is 5) and ($phSamantha.transform is 'futa')>>@@.choice;[[Think About Samantha's Problem|SamanthaFutaDateResolution]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phCassandra.date is 3) and ($phCassandra.transform is 'punk')>>
@@.choice;[[Think About Cass's Problem|CassPunkDate][$phCassandra.date to 3.1]]@@<br><</if>>
<<if ($phXavier.date is 3) and ($phXavier.transform is 'dryad')>>@@.choice;[[Think About Xun's Problem|XavierDryadDate][$phXavier.date to 3.1]]@@<br><</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phSamantha.date is 4>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>><<nm $phYou "Haven't heard you talk about any adventures lately. How's the love-life been? Everything okay?">>
Your secretary glanced up at you, her eyes finding you over the black rims of her glasses. Her fingernails drummed across the top of her desk.
<<nm $phSamantha "Is it that obvious?">>
<<nm $phYou "What?">>
Samantha sighed. The drumming stopped as she leaned back in her chair and aimed a rueful smile your way.
<<nm $phSamantha "The dry spell.">>
<<nm $phYou "Guess that guy at the restaurant never worked out?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Ghosted me. I've gone out a few times, but work's been keeping me busy -- don't look so apologetic -- and, well... I don't know. Casual sex is one thing, and I get plenty of it, but that itch for something a little more serious is still there, I guess. Tried to drown my sorrows in a tall drink of brunette in a mid-drift top.">>
<<nm $phYou "Now that sounds like something I could get behind!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Hah, you and me both, but then her husband showed up, and he //really// wasn't happy when she found out she wasn't 'visiting her sister' like she'd said. And then there was this adorably skinny college boy I would have loved to make teacher's pet...">>
<<nm $phYou "...sensing a 'but' here.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "//But//, turns out he's got some issues with girls with dicks. Guess I forgot that people in Paradise are just a little more open-minded than the average.">>
You sighed and shared that rueful smile right back at her.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, the outside world's... well. There's a reason people like it here so much. Don't get too discouraged; everyone's got to kiss a few frogs before they find a prince.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Believe me, boss, if I find a good one you'll be the first to know -- if only because your chances of walking in here while I fuck them over my desk are practically guaranteed.">>
Part of you wanted to make a comment about pounding paramours while on the clock... but, honestly, as many times as you'd had Sam's own lips wrapped around your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>clit<<else>>dick<</if>>, maybe best not to throw stones. Instead, you reached for her hand and, on an impulse of affection, brought it to your lips. Samantha had been your first, and she'd always have a special place.
<<nm $phYou "I'll keep an eye out, and give it some thought. I want you to be happy; you know that, don't you?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I'm happy, don't worry. Fantastic job, a boss with killer <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>abs who likes to nail me to the wall<<else>>legs who likes me on my knees<</if>> on a regular basis... good friends, the //best// body... what's not to be happy about?">>
The way she said it, and the way she winked up at you... you almost believed it. Almost.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'm glad to hear -- but I'll still keep an eye out, just in case. Oh, and if you //do// fuck someone over your desk, make sure you don't leave any stains on the paperwork, okay?">>
She snorted and rolled her eyes, not bothering to hide her grin. You winked back, gave her hand a squeeze, then waved goodbye on your way out. Things to do, people to see -- or the other way around!
@@.choice;
[[That's Enough For Now|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam', $phSamantha.date to 5,$phSamantha.recharge to 1]]
@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 5>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set _suitors to 0>>Your thoughts still churned, unable to let the issue go. It bothered you when people weren't happy. Maybe some of that was because it was literally your job <<if $phStoryProgression gt 3>>-- and, maybe, your very nature -- <</if>> but it wasn't //just// that. Especially not when it involved the people you cared for.
Like Samantha. Especially Samantha.
You //made// her. Her dream had been to be transformed into your vision of perfection; she was exactly what you'd wanted her to be, so it wasn't really surprising that you felt more responsible for her happiness.
She wasn't //un//happy. She'd said as much, and you did believe her. She loved her new body; she loved her confidence and her intellect. It was a far cry from the shy and mousey redhead she used to be, for sure. Samantha was happy with herself now, and that was the most important thing.
The problem was everyone else.
You couldn't blame Samantha for wanting a partner who could fulfill her Dominant side. You imagined there were a lot of people who would jump at the chance, actually, but... people who were also okay with her having a dick that would be the envy of most porn stars... not quite as many. Who were also okay with her sleeping around a bit, fewer still. And also okay with the whole 'demon boss' thing? That did narrow the field just a tad.
<<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phDamien.date gte 2)>><<set _suitors += 1>>Hmm... what about Dana? If there was anyone who would be okay with some demonic entanglement, it would be someone who already worked in the Tower -- and if there was anyone who would be okay with a little gender fluidity, what better choice than the happy, self-confident sissy? He knew better than anyone that what was between your legs didn't dictate how much of a man (or woman) you were, and he wouldn't feel embarrassed or threatened by having a strong, self-confident woman in his life. At the skating rink, he'd expressed his frustrations about the lack of a partner, too: the lack of a Dominant partner who could really commit to him.
Huh. The more you thought about it, the more it made sense. Sam wanted a committed submissive; Dana wanted a committed Dom. Of course, wanting the same things in life didn't magically mean they'd make a good couple, but... it might be worth a shot to see if there was any chemistry there. You //knew// Sam was still unhappy -- maybe best to ask if Dana was still 'in the market', before you volunteered anyone!
<</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<set _suitors += 1>><<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phDamien.date >= 2)>>Actually, Mason might be a good choice, too, speaking of people who worked in Paradise.<<else>>Mason might be a good option, you realized.<</if>> He and Samantha had known each other longer than you'd known either one of them, and he was obviously 'in the know' about... well, everything. //Literally// everything. He seemed perfectly ambivalent about innies and outies -- you hadn't asked him directly, //per se//, but everything about Mason screamed that he put a lot more importance on what was between someone's ears than what was between their legs.
//And//, he wanted to start exploring feelings and emotions, after the 'crystal resonance' incident. You could already imagine the sort of gleeful delight Samantha would take in re-introducing the engineer to more feelings and emotions than even //he// knew existed. You made a mental note to ask him, first. Setting him up on a blind date as a 'surprise' would doubtlessly be a disaster!
<</if>>You pondered it for what felt like ages, turning around the idea in your head. Your fingertips drummed on your thigh as you gazed off in the distance, lost in thought.<<if ($phMason.transform is 'post') and ($phYou.exclusive is false) and ($phYou.romance.length is 0)>><<set _suitors += 1>><br><br>The more you thought about it, the more it nagged at you... and the more it tempted you. Samantha wanted something more permanent. Your job made that hard, but not impossible. The accidental with the crystal had enlightened you to more than the fact that Mason had a sex drive: it'd taught you that there //were// ways to make things more... serious. More permanent. You weren't sure that that level of commitment was what Samantha wanted -- Hell, you weren't sure if it was what YOU wanted -- but... it was a possibility. Samantha had been with you since the beginning, and you had literally, physically, and spiritually made her into the perfect match for you. Why not make that official?<<elseif ($phMason.transform is 'pre') and ($phYou.exclusive is false) and ($phYou.romance.length is 0)>><<set _suitors += 1>><br><br>The more you thought about it, the more it nagged at you... and the more it tempted you. Samantha wanted something more permanent. Your job made that hard, but not impossible. She'd had been with you since the beginning, and you had literally, physically, and spiritually made her into the perfect match for you. Why not make that official?<br><br>Except you'd already offered, in the restaurant, and she hadn't believed you. You'd have to find some way to convince her of your sincerity, and that she really was the woman for you. Easier said than done, but what worthwhile thing had ever been //easy// to do?<</if>>
<<if (($phDamien.transform is not 'sissy') or ($phDamien.date lt 2)) and ($phMason.transform is not 'post') and (($phYou.exclusive is true) or ($phYou.romance.length gt 0))>>There //had// to be someone for her, but... who? <<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>>Damien was a handsome hunk of man-bull, but he had the Stables to take care of, and a harem of hucows that it was literally his job to protect and fuck senseless. That didn't exactly equate to a full-time dedicated submissive. <</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'hentai'>>Cassy being in the virtual world would be an exercise in frustration for someone as unabashedly physical as Sam was. <</if>><<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>Cass and the word 'submissive' didn't even inhabit the same hemisphere of //Earth//, let alone the same postcode. <</if>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'cowgirl'>>JJ was nice enough, and definitely on the submissive side, but honestly you had a feeling that the cow-girl's love of a simple, uncomplicated life wouldn't be a good match for Samantha's more outgoing and outrageous style. <</if>><<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>>Jolie was an option, maybe... her mask could let her be anything to anyone, including a submissive to Samantha. But they'd both know it was just a role, and you felt like Jolie would chafe under the restriction of playing //just// that role when the whole world was her stage. <</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>>You could always loan Mason out for some fun, but ultimately he was dedicated to //you//, not her. <</if>><<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>Even if you volunteered to sub for Sam, it wouldn't be a long-term thing, and now that Mason had collared you, you knew he was very much the 'possessive' type.<</if>>
You sighed and shook your head. You could sit here and go through everyone you knew, but already you had to admit that your secretary's pessimism was well-founded. Finding the perfect partner -- even in Paradise! -- was devilishly hard.
It didn't look like there were any answers -- not right now. Maybe in time she'd find someone special, or maybe if you kept an eye out, you might find someone for her. Right now, though, you were coming up with no solutions at all.
@@.choice;
[[Sigh. No Answers Right Now|Bedroom][$phSamantha.date to 99]]@@<<else>>The thoughts gave you hope, and renewed determination. You //could// make Samantha happy, you just knew it. <<if _suitors > 0>>The question was //how//. You knew her better than anyone. You knew she'd be happiest with...
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if ($phDamien.transform is 'sissy') and ($phDamien.date gte 3)>>[[Dana|SamanthaFutaDateResolution][$phSamanthaSuitor to 'Damien',$phSamantha.date to 5.9]] - The little sissy would be the perfect match for your sexy secretary!<br><</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>[[Mason|SamanthaFutaDateResolution][$phSamanthaSuitor to 'Mason',$phSamantha.date to 5.9]] - Your engineer wanted to grow, emotionally, and Sam definitely enjoyed providing... 'growth'.<br><</if>>
<<if ($phYou.exclusive is false) and ($phYou.romance.length is 0)>>[[You|SamanthaFutaDateResolution][$phSamanthaSuitor to 'You',$phSamantha.date to 5.9]] - She was //literally// perfect for you. What other choice was there?@@.narrative; Exclusive@@<br><</if>>
[[No One... Yet|SamanthaFutaDateResolution][$phSamantha.date to 5.9]] - You needed to think about this more.@@<</nobr>>
<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 5.9>><<if ndef ($phSamanthaSuitor)>>They were good ideas, but you weren't exactly Cupid. Maybe it would be best for now to just let Samantha date around a bit and see if she could find her own Prince (or Princess!) Charming. You could always think about this more later.
@@.choice;
[[No Answers For Now!|Bedroom][$phSamantha.date to 5]]@@<</if>><<if def ($phSamanthaSuitor)>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You'>><<set $phSamantha.date to 6>>It was the perfect answer to both of their problems. Now all you had to do was actually go //talk// to <<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>>Dana<<else>>$phSamanthaSuitor<</if>> about everything, and see whether he thought so, too.<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'>>It was the perfect answer to both of your problems -- or rather, both your desires. <<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<set $phSamantha.date to 6>>You needed to talk to Mason, first, about those crystals... and then<<else>><<set $phSamantha.date to 9>>Now you just needed to actually //talk// to her, and<</if>> see if Samantha thought it was as good an idea as you did.<</if>>
You weren't too worried about that, though. With a plan like this, what could possibly go wrong?
@@.choice;
[[Onwards, and Inspired!|Bedroom]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 6>><<set $phLocation to 'Mason'>><<nm $phYou "Hey, Mason -- got a strange question for you.">>
It wasn't often you started a conversation that way. You leaned against the inner wall of Mason's office, your arms folded over your chest, drumming the fingers of your right hand across your bicep.
Your demonic engineer barely spared a glance up at you from behind his safety glasses. One handheld a tiny gear-like wheel; two others held a small precision grinder that sent sparks flying as he refined the edge. The fourth seemed to be serving as steadiness and support as he worked. All those many arms, however, paused when he saw the serious expression on your face, and he lowered his latest project back to the workbench.
<<nm $phMason "I doubt that there is anything that you could ask me that I would consider 'strange', $pmaam -- and I promise that I have far stranger answers. What would you like to know?">>
<<nm $phYou "You remember that, uh, accident, with our crystals?">>
One corner of his mouth lifted in an infinitesimal smirk. If you hadn't known him so well by now, you might have missed it entirely. He clasped his hands behind his back in old habit.
<<nm $phMason "Of course. It was a memorable experience.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's for sure. How have you been doing, without it? Without using it to 'focus'?">>
<<nm $phMason "There's no need for euphemisms, if your aim is to spare my feelings. Perhaps before I would have claimed not to have any feelings to spare, but: there is progress. Facing life without a numbing agent is... sometimes more difficult than I anticipated. The temptation is still there, although I suspect it is as much 'habit' as 'urge'. A body in motion stays in motion, regardless of what that motion may be, and it is surprisingly difficult to redirect its course.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, if anyone has the knowledge and willpower to make some serious life changes, it'd be you.">>
The other corner of his lips creeped upwards as well; he inclined his head in a fractional nod of acknowledgement.
<<nm $phMason "Thank you - though I would counteroffer that you, yourself, are no stranger to changing trajectory, nor to helping others do the same. Is there a reason you ask?">>
Your fingers finally stopped drumming against your arm. You could always rely on Mason to get straight to the point.
<<nm $phYou "There is, actually. I went out with Samantha a few times while the Tower was 'learning' and you wanted me out of your hair. She mentioned... well, I mean, you've met Sam. She's not exactly the meek, subserviant type.">>
<<nm $phMason "No, she is not -- although <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>if you desire that in particular, <</if>>your necklace is capable of encouraging subservient behavior in all but the most authoritative personalities.">>
<<nm $phYou "I know, and I brought that up. She wants more than that, or at least different than that. She said she knows it's just a role for me, and that it's just play-pretending based on what my mood is that day, or what side my gem is on. Not in those exact words, but you get the gist. She loves her dominant side, and she's been looking for partner who can indulge that with her on a serious level.">>
<<nm $phMason "I see, and I wager that Miss Samantha has not had much luck in her endeavor thus far?">>
You snorted and shook your head.
<<nm $phYou "No. Apparently that's not a lot of people who are comfortable subbing for a powerful, self-confident woman who has extra equipment downstairs and works for a literal demon.">>
<<nm $phMason "'Their loss', to borrow the vernacular. I presume, however, that you have some idea on assisting her in her search... something involving crystalline vibrational frequencies?">>
He arched an inquisitive eyebrow at you, and you had to chuckle.
Time to @@.choice;[[Get To The Point!|SamConvoInterrupts][$phSamantha.date to 7]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 7>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason'>><<set $phMason.date to 3.1>><<nm $phYou "Funny you should say that it's 'their loss' when people who aren't keen on Sam. Soft spot for girls like her?">>
<<nm $phMason "Do you refer to women with male genitalia, or to women with assertive personalities?">>
<<nm $phYou "... yes?">>
Mason snorted and shot you an amused look.
<<nm $phMason "Then: yes. While I am capable of being quite assertive myself, it is perhaps part of my own personality to take direction from others. I am the unrivaled master of my domain, but as an engineer I prefer to be given a task and left to it, rather than badgered day in and day out by employees and their endless, inane demands.">>
<<nm $phYou "Gee, thanks.">>
He inclined his head in what might have been apology. More likely: just acknowledgement.
<<nm $phMason "Present company excluded, of course. And while I believe I may have a slight preference for women over men, my interest is in the person's mind, not their anatomy... insofar as I can be said to have 'interest', given my condition.">>
<<nm $phYou "It's not like you have a //disease//, Mason; you're just out of practice. But that's good to hear. I was just thinking that, you know, Samantha and you have known each other longer than I've been here, and you seem to get along okay. I don't know if you're what she's looking for or vice versa, but obviously you're okay with who she is, what she is, and where she works.">>
One of his dark eyebrows rose a centimeter as he regarded you. He kept his silence for several seconds even after you finished, before the other one rose to join it.
<<nm $phMason "And have you queried my esteemed colleague to inquire whether //she// is interested in //me//? It may be that Samantha does indeed have a preference: for females, or for the more traditional stereotype of masculinity.">>
<<nm $phYou "I don't think she has a preference; definitely not a very strong one. And if by 'stereotype of masculinity' you mean muscle-bound hulks<<if $phDamien.transform is 'bull'>> like Damien<</if>>: no on that, too. I think she's more like you on that: might like to look at something, but more interested in the person than the package, so to speak.">>
<<nm $phMason "... but if I have understood you correctly, Miss Samantha is seeking a serious relationship, or at least one of longer duration than her norm.">>
It was starting to sound like he was genuinely considering the idea -- and, to be honest, so were you. Sure, you'd put some thought into how Mason and Samantha might get along before broaching the subject, but the more you talked about it with him, the more you were convinced they really //were// a good match.
<<nm $phYou "She is, but it's not a contract or a promise. If you're interested, I mean. You'd just go out for a date somewhere, chat, get to know each other outside of work, and see where it goes.">>
<<nm $phMason "A date.">>
He //tried// to make it a question, but it came out as the flattest, most deadpan delivery you'd ever heard in your life. Given what you knew of Mason's past as a mortal, and his career as an incubus, you could understand a little... incredulity.
<<nm $phYou "A date. You've been on a date before, haven't you? You //did// have a girlfriend; didn't you ever go on dates?">>
<<nm $phMason "No.">>
Woops. If his previous tone had been deadpan, this one was borderline frosty!
<<nm $phYou "Well...ah... I know we both have things to do, but just think about it, okay?">>
@@.choice;
[[Time to Get Back to Work|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1, $phSamanthaDateTimer to 3,$phSamantha.date to 9]]
@@<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'>>You were a little hesitant to bring it up, given that you'd declined Mason's offer of the same. But what had happened between you and Mason with the crystals had been an accident, and once you'd both regained your senses, you'd both realized it. Mason's situation was unique, and going full-steam from 'deadened' to 'delight' just hadn't been a good idea.
Samantha's situation was different -- and your relationship with her was different. As valuable an employee, and as good as a friend, as you considered him, he hadn't been //your// creation, made to be your perfect dream. If anyone could understand that, logically, without feeling slighted or insulted emotionally... well, it'd be Mason.
<<nm $phYou "Well... I //was// wondering about the crystals, actually. I can always <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>keep<<else>>turn<</if>> my necklace green-side-out, but if I want to be with Samantha, I need to convince her it's not just the mood of the moment.">>
<<nm $phMason "And the crystal resonance interaction might accomplish just that. An interesting thought. As the resident expert in soulgem mechanics, I have an observation... and as a friend, should I qualify as one, I have a second.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'd say you're definitely both of those. What's the first observation?">>
<<nm $phMason "That my soulgem was physically in my possession, unused for other purposes, and thus capable of said resonance. Samantha's soulgem is in //your// possession -- and, if I recall correctly, you have already harnessed its potential energy to help boost your own unique personal abilities. This poses a significant obstacle to using it for the sort of harmonization you propose.">>
... you hadn't thought about that. That //did// pose a problem, though if you'd learned anything about problems in Paradise, it was that Mason could almost always find a solution.
<<nm $phYou "An insurmountable obstacle, or just an annoying one?">>
<<nm $phMason "Indeterminate, at the moment. As usual, you present me with a unique conundrum; I would need time to research the possibilities.">>
<<nm $phYou "Don't think I can't hear that little thrill in your tone; you love the challenges I give you. What's the 'friend' observation?">>
Mason smirked, and he unfolded his arms from the at-attention posture before his back. The upper pair crossed over his chest instead, while the lower set reached back to brace and support him as he leaned back, ever so slightly, against the workbench.
<<nm $phMason "That just because you //could// does not necessarily mean you //should//. Don't laugh; I do mean it seriously. Is it wise to court a partner who would question the sincerity of your commitment? Who would insist that honesty is not enough without some manner of collateral involved?">>
That was //also// a good point. You eyed the engineer with suspicion. He really had been practicing this whole 'feeling' thing. It sounded like, if you //did// want to explore the gem resonance idea, you had some things to think about -- and a certain secretary to talk to.
@@.choice;
[[That's All You Needed To Know|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1,$phSamantha.date to 9,$phMason.recharge to 1]]
@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 6.1>><<set $phLocation to 'Gym'>><<nm $phYou "You remember that conversation we had at the skating rink?">>
Dana gave you a quizzical look, but it didn't take him long to remember. Given your tone, and the subject matter of that conversation, it looked like this wasn't going to be a quick and flirty chat. He flashed a smile to the woman he'd been prep-talking on the treadmill and gave her a few last pointers on the pre-programmed workout routines, before stepping away to give you his full attention.
<<nm $phDamien "I think so! We talked about... well, about me needing -- wanting -- someone... more... permanent?">>
He'd been a bit bolder about it at the skating rink. You weren't sure whether his bashfulness was due to being in the Tower now, where the hierarchy of your positions was more pronounced, or whether because you'd blind-sided him a bit while he was at work. Probably a little bit of both. You offered the sissy a reassuring smile and slipped your arm around his waist as the two of you walked a few steps away from the sweating patrons.
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, basically. Don't worry, I'm not mad about it -- I wasn't then, and I'm not now. But I haven't stopped thinking about what you said, about wanting someone to hold your collar tight and not let go.">>
He blushed, and his hands automatically went to his skirt to smooth it down in nervous reflex.
<<nm $phDamien "Good! I didn't say it to make you angry or hurt your feelings, but I guess you know that already. It sounds horrible when //you// say it. Did it sound that bad when I said it?">>
You chuckled and patted his rump before coming to a stop and turning around to face him.
<<nm $phYou "I mean, it's never great to hear you can't make someone happy, especially when it's someone you care about. But I appreciated the honesty, and I'm glad you trusted me enough to //be// honest.">>
<<nm $phDamien "...that's a yes, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phYou "What? Oh! No, no, it didn't sound that bad at all. Promise.">>
Dana let out a sigh of relief. A quick glance around assured him that the weight bench next to him wasn't occupied; he took a seat and crossed one leg over the other as he braced his hands behind him on the padded surface.
<<nm $phDamien "That's good! But, uh, why do you bring it up again then?">>
<<nm $phYou "Weeeellll... I happened to be talking to someone who was looking for the same thing: a nice, solid relationship where they could grab hold of someone's collar and not let go.">>
Dana immediately sat up straighter, as if the mystery person might be watching right here and now.
<<nm $phDamien "Really? Who? Are they cute? Did you mention me?">>
@@.choice;
[[Hook, Line, and Sinker!|SamConvoInterrupts][$phSamantha.date to 7.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 7.1>><<set $phDamien.date to 3.1>><<nm $phYou "I think she is. Maybe not 'cute' so much as 'ravishingly beautiful'. And I haven't mentioned you just yet; I wanted to make sure it was okay with you, first.">>
You could see interest and doubt flicker across the young man's feminine features. He chewed the inside of his lower lip, careful not to actually set his teeth against the light pink lipstick he wore.
<<nm $phDamien "And you think she'd be interested in a guy like me? What's she like? Is she someone who comes to the gym?">>
<<nm $phYou "You mean a guy who rocks a skirt better than most women do? Pretty sure, yeah. She's not exactly, uh, gender-typical herself. She's smart, sassy, killer voice, sex appeal to spare... Not sure if she's been here; her work keeps her pretty busy, but I see her in the Tower a lot.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Huh! Okay, well, I'm interested. Do you have her number, $phDamien.address? Or should I give you-- wait, you already have mine! Maybe you could introduce us, if she's in the Tower a lot?">>
<<nm $phYou "I can definitely do that.">>
Samantha and Dana already knew each other, of course; the mall was bigger than it looked, but it was still a self-contained ecosystem for the most part. Enough guests came and went each day that they had some anonymity, but your employees were a special breed, and much fewer in number. All of them were at least passingly familiar with each other... and several of them much more intimately so.
You wouldn't be surprised if Dana and Samantha had hooked up at least once or twice, actually, knowing Samantha's tendency to chase anything in a skirt -- and Dana's willingness to be caught. But you //would// be surprised if either of them had opened up enough to realize that they were both looking for the same thing, just from opposite sides of the fence.
As tempting as it was to arrange a rom-com style 'meet cute' with the two of them, you couldn't shake the nagging feeling that popping that kind of surprise might end badly. Both Sam and Dana trusted you to be open with them; maybe that was why it felt better to be open with them.
<<nm $phYou "Actually -- why don't I just tell you where she works, and you can go ask her out?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Me? Ask out a Dominant? Wouldn't that give the wrong impression?">>
<<nm $phYou "I think she'd understand, and it's still her choice whether to accept, right? You're just showing you're interested.">>
<<nm $phDamien "If you're sure!">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure. It's actually someone I know really well. It's Samantha.">>
Dana //stared// at you, speechless, for several seconds... and he huffed out @@.choice;[[an irritated breath|SamConvoInterrupts][$phSamantha.date to 8.1]]!@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 8.1>><<nm $phDamien "//Samantha//? Come on!">>
<<nm $phYou "...is... is she not your type?">>
The sissy threw his hands up in the air, and his voice rose up both in volume and in pitch.
<<nm $phDamien "She's hot, smart, sexy, confident -- of //course// she's my type! But her? Interested in //me//? Come on, $phYou.firstname, she could have anyone she wanted, in the mall or -- or anywhere!">>
<<nm $phYou "But she hasn't //found// anyone she's wanted, not yet. She needs someone special: someone who's understanding of her job, respectful of her authority, and appreciative of her body. Someone who wants more than just a little fun during a one-night stand. Doesn't that sound like you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "I-- I guess! But that's everyone!">>
<<nm $phYou "It's really not. She was complaining to me just the other day that her last few dates had fizzled out. You two don't cross paths too often, true, but trust me: you've got a shot. If you want it.">>
His hands returned to his lap, where they wrung together on top of the fabric of his short skirt. His chin-length hair swung forward as he dipped his head down.
<<nm $phDamien "I guess, but... No, I don't believe you'd set me up or try to make a fool out of me in something like this. You really think she wouldn't-- wouldn't--?">>
There were a lot of possible ways Dana might finish that sentence, you knew, even though he couldn't bring himself to voice any of them. //Laugh at me. Reject me.// You couldn't promise she'd say 'yes', or that even if she did, that she and Dana would really hit it off, but... you could definitely promise she wouldn't laugh him out of the room or be cruel if didn't quite work out.
<<nm $phYou "She wouldn't. But it's up to you; think about it for a bit. If you think it's worth the shot, you know where she works, and you know you can always stop by and just... ask.">>
His pink-glossed lips pressed together, but a moment later the bright smile returned as he straightened back up again and all but bounced to his feet.
<<nm $phDamien "I guess asking doesn't hurt, and she has seemed really nice when I've run into her. I-- I'll think about it, but I probably //will// ask her, just.. maybe not today. That's okay, right?">>
Hah. Well, it seems that even with his newfound confidence in his femininity, Dana wasn't completely immune to a //tiny// bit of self-doubt. Not that you could blame him. Asking out a woman like Samantha would make any man pause and take a deep breath to steel his nerve.
You assured him that was fine, and he leaned down to press a quick, thankful kiss to your lips before hurrying back to the woman he'd left at the mercy of the treadmill's pre-programmed interval routine.
Seed planted. Now all you could do was wait and see if it @@.choice;[[Bore Fruit!|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk',$phSamanthaDateTimer to 3,$phDamien.recharge to 1,$phSamanthaDate to 9]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 10>><<set $phSamanthaDateTimer to 3>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason'>><<set $phMason.date to 9>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>>Another late night. You all but dragged yourself back through the main office, towards the stairs to your private suite, and reminded yourself for the umpteenth time that work-life balance was a thing. Not that many people would consider your job a taxing one (or your schedule to be a demanding one) but for all your demonic stamina, Lazren's influence in your blood was strong. Not even midnight, but you were exhausted.
Not so exhausted, though, that you didn't notice someone //whistling// as your neared the office.
You stopped and cocked your head. <<if (def $phXavierHunt) and ($phXavierHunt < 9)>>Your thoughts immediately jumped to the mysterious intruder. Had you stumbled across him snooping around when he thought everyone was gone for the day? <</if>><<if (def $phXavierHunt) and ($phXavierHunt gt 10)>>After the incident with $phXavier.name snooping around, your mind immediately leapt to the possibility of another intruder. Who else would be sneaking around after dark when everyone else was gone for the day? <</if>>Samantha would never be on the clock this late -- she'd have some choice words about all work and no play. Maybe Mason? Mason's idea of relaxing //was// 'working late' -- but //Mason//, whistling while he worked?
As you slowed your steps and crept forward, you heard the //beep-blip-boop// of the electronic lock on the R&D door... and a giggle!
The Hell?
You squared your shoulders, strode into the office, and flicked the switch just inside the door. It bathed the room in fluorescent light, revealing Samantha's well-organized desk and empty chair, potted plants, and professionally-tasteful wall decor... and a certain four-armed incubus. He squinted at you in confusion as he stood with two hands on the handle to Research & Development, and the other two trying to block out the sudden overhead glare.
<<nm $phYou "...//Mason//? What are-- was that you whistling?">>
<<nm $phMason "It is I, and that was me. And I am, ah, attempting to open the door to my office. Do you happen to remember whether the 6th digit of pi is '2' or '9'?">>
He swayed slightly where he stood, and his cheeks were flushed with a faint, rosy blush. Together with the slurred edges of his words...
<<nm $phYou "Are you //drunk//?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course not. 'Inebriated', 'intoxicated', even 'addled', perhaps. 'Plastered', certainly. But 'drunk' is so... monosyllabic.">>
You snorted and folded your arms over your chest.
<<nm $phYou "Right. Everything okay? Celebrating something? Drowning some sorrows?">>
<<nm $phMason "Celebrating. I had a most... enlightening date -- //engagement//, that's three syllables -- with Miss Samantha. Were you aware that Long Island Iced Tea is not actually made of tea?">>
<<nm $phYou "...yes, actually. Found a new favorite drink?">>
<<nm $phMason "They were delicious.">>
You struggled not to laugh at the wide and genuine -- if incredibly derpy -- smile that spread across Mason's thin lips. It seemed like he'd taken you up on the idea of asking Samantha out for a 'get to know you'. And, it sounded like things had gone well... though, knowing Sam's appetites, you were a little surprised he had come back to the office alone! Part of you wanted to press for details, especially since once your engineer sobered up he'd be much tighter-lipped... but it was late, you were tired, and you could get the dish from Samantha just as easily.
<<nm $phYou "Well, I'm glad you had a good time. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?">>
<<nm $phMason "Of course, $pmaam.">>
He nodded and turned his attention back to the door as you flicked the light back off and resumed your quest towards bed. Mason's faint humming and musing faded into the background as you departed.
<<nm $phMason "...three point one four, one //five//, nine...">>
<<include "NewDayTriggers">>
@@.choice;
[[Embrace The New Day|Bedroom][$phSamantha.date to 11]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<set $phLocation to 'Floor1'>><<set $phDamien.date to 9>>Cheerful singing wasn't an unusual sound in Paradise, but it was certainly out of place //this// late in the evening. You paused your steps, your hands still tucked into your trouser pockets. The mall was closed to the general public, and the simulacra didn't have those sorts of emotional displays. Who on Earth could be that happy, this close to midnight?
Your answer skipped into view a minute later with a spring in his step and with a skirt so short you were amazed you didn't see //other// things bouncing into view. Dana was dressed to the nines in black faux-leather miniskirt and matching halter top, over which he wore a dark grey cardigan that served equal parts 'warmth' and 'modesty'. You let out an appreciative whistle.
<<nm $phYou "//Someone// got dressed for a special occasion! Hot date?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh! $phDamien.Address, you scared me! What are you doing out this late?">>
<<nm $phYou "Working too much -- which doesn't seem to be what's got you so happy. Don't think I've seen you in leather before. <<if $phCassandra.transform is 'punk'>>Cass? <</if>><<if $phXavier.transform is 'vampire'>>Xavier? <</if>><<if ($phCassandra.transform is not 'punk') and ($phXavier.transform is not 'vampire')>>Who's the lucky person?<</if>>">>
<<nm $phDamien "Samantha! I took your advice, $phDamien.address, and I asked her if she'd like to go out sometime, and she said yes!">>
<<nm $phYou "Congratulations! I take it you both had a good time?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, yes! We went <<if $phLocations['Inferno']['built'] is 1>>down to Inferno<<else>>out to a nightclub<</if>> and danced and danced and had some drinks. She's so-- so //sexy//. She's smart, and funny, and her voice makes me shiver in all the best ways!">>
Dana let out the deepest, happiest sigh you'd ever heard, and you half-expected him to melt into a puddle of heart-shaped goo right then and there. His smile was so perfectly genuine that you couldn't help but smile back.
<<nm $phYou "That's great! Got a second date arranged yet?">>
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, I hope so! She said she needed to check her schedule, and I understand how busy things can get.">>
He bounced forward, rising up on tiptoes to plant a kiss on your lips.
<<nm $phDamien "Thank you so much, $phYou.firstname. You always look out for me.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, my pleasure. I told you: you're special to me, and I want you to be happy. And Sam, too. Just try not to scream my name instead of hers if things get hot and bothered on date number two.">>
<<nm $phDamien "Hah! I don't think that will be a problem -- and if it does get hot and bothered, I suspect my mouth might be full!">>
The sissy flashed you a grin, a wink, and pulled away to continue his way through the mall. You chuckled and shook your head. The singing didn't continue, but you could hear his happy, wordless hum for several seconds after he left. By the time you got back to your bedroom, you'd started humming, too.
<<include "NewDayTriggers">>
@@.choice;
[[Embrace The New Day|Bedroom][$phSamantha.date to 11]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12.1>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<nm $phYou "You're looking happy this morning. Everything going good with Samantha, I take it?">>
The very //mention// of your secretary was enough to make the feminine young man bounce up on his tip toes and clasp his hands together in front of his chest.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, yes! Definitely! She's incredible, and you were sooo right about how open-minded, and confident, and intelligent she is. And //sexy//. And funny! You never mentioned what a great sense of humor she has!">>
<<nm $phYou "Well... you know. I didn't want to make her sound too good to be true. Sounds like you're already head over heels. Taking it slow? Going steady? Convinced her to go out skating yet?">>
<<nm $phDamien "No, yes, and not yet! We talked about taking time and getting to know each other better, but everything just clicked! I-- I don't think I could call her my //girlfriend//, that sounds so immature. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Maybe I could call her 'Mistress'?<<else>>But I call //you// 'Mistress'...<</if>>">>
You laughed and reached out to pat him reassuringly on one slender arm.
<<nm $phYou "I'm sure she'll let you know what she'd like to be called. I'm glad everything's turning out okay. Do-- Should I not, you know, be so... friendly with you, now? If you and Sam are getting serious?">>
To your great surprise, Dana //blushed// before he answered.
<<nm $phDamien "Oh, no, that's fine! She //likes// knowing I'm her good little slut. I-- I just have to promise to give her all the details... and maybe re-enact a few.">>
Oh //really//? Well. That certainly didn't sound like it was meant to dissuade you -- or anyone else -- from making use of Dana's services. You gazed at him a moment, your thoughts idling playing over thoughts of how you might make for some very memorable re-tellings. Dana's blush grew a deeper, more vibrant pink as he watched your thoughts all but paint themselves across your face.
<<nm $phDamien "Ah, speaking of which, is there anything I can do for you? Or... to you?">>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phDamienQ1 is 0>>[[Ask Dana How He's Doing|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 3]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phDamienQ2 is 0>>[[Ask Dana About The Gym|DanaTalk][$phDamien.post_talk to 4]]<br><</if>><</nobr>>
[[Suggest An Even More Private 'Encounter'|DanaSex]]
[[Say Goodbye|Gym][$phDamien.goodbye to 'danatalk']]@@<<set $phSamantha.date to 12>><</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason'>><<nm $phYou "You're looking happy this morning. Everything going good with Samantha, I take it?">>
Mason's back straightened a bit, almost as if he was puffing out his chest. He tried his best not to smile, but it was a battle quickly lost.
<<nm $phMason "It is, yes. Thank you for inquiring. I am... surprised, actually, at how much we have enjoyed our time together. I had often dismissed Mistress Samantha as...shallow, but nothing could be further from the truth.">>
<<nm $phYou "...oh? //Mistress// Samantha?">>
The smile widened just a fraction of an inch more, and you swore he stood up a little straighter still.
<<nm $phMason "Yes. For now. Though we are still technically 'dating', I suppose, we both feel that there is promise enough to engage in some... pre-emptive testing of more permanent titles. 'Mistress Samantha' has a pleasant feel it, and I find thinking of her as such gives me...joy.">>
<<nm $phYou "'Joy'? That's a pretty strong word, especially for you.">>
<<nm $phMason "It is, but I believe it is accurate. She is not only intelligent, but open-minded; not only attractive, but confident; and not only sexually powerful, but also possesses a wonderful sense of humor. I feel I must voice at least minor complaint that you did not correct my mistaken impression of her sooner.">>
//Mason// complaining that //you// didn't correct him? What manner of alternate universe had you fallen into? You blinked at him in silence for several stunned seconds, before managing to deadpan an answer back to him.
<<nm $phYou "Well... you know. I didn't want to make her sound too good to be true. Sounds like you're already head over heels. I'm glad everything's turning out okay. Speaking of, uh, 'Mistress' Samantha: are there any new, uh, 'rules' I should be aware of? I mean, I'm still your boss, but I want to be respectful of things.">>
To your great surprise, Mason actually blushed slightly before he answered.
<<nm $phMason "None, no; not yet. Though you should perhaps be aware that Mistress Samantha enjoys... spontaneity. I cannot promise that our relationship will remain entirely behind closed doors.">>
<<nm $phYou "I already saw her taking you up the ass while you squirmed and painted the filing cabinet with cum. I doubt you guys can pull off anything much more 'spontaneous' than that.">>
Mason's cheeks went from 'touch of pink' to 'flaming red', and his proud posture went rigid with embarrassment.
<<nm $phMason "...an excellent point. I believe I would prefer to return to work now, if you don't need anything further?">>
@@.choice;
[[Nothing for Now!|Research and Development][$phMason.goodbye to 1]]@@
<<set $phSamantha.date to 12>><</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12.2>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<set _SamLover to 'Dana'>><<else>><<set _SamLover to 'Mason'>><</if>><<nm $phYou "Soooo... how are things going with _SamLover?">>
The grin the spread across Samantha's lips answered the question instantly -- though you still loved listening to that knowing, sexy purr in her voice. She leaned forward at her desk, rested her elbows on the surface, and rested her chin on her interlaced fingers as she gazed up at you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, //very// well. <<if _SamLover is 'Dana'>>Normally I prefer a more 'traditional' type of man, but Dana's proven to the best of both worlds. He's so... beautifully confident about being a man, even in a mini skirt and mascara. And he begs and pleads so sweetly when asking me to let him cum.<<else>>Who would have ever thought there was a hot, steamy core underneath that cold exterior? It's amazing. It's so fun to watch him try to keep control while I'm telling him what a good little boy he is. You can just see him twitch and fight the urge not to cum without permission while I'm stroking him off.<</if>>">>
Your eyebrows had crept up little by little as she elucidated, until finally the last few words made you blink and wet your lips. Those were some very vivid descriptions.
<<nm $phYou "That, uh, that does sound promising!">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm-hmm. It's been marvelous. Obviously we're still in the honeymoon phase and we're fucking like rabbits, but I promise we'll be more discreet about the after-hours fun.">>
You opened your mouth, but stalled as you realized your comment about 'liking to watch' would be the first step on a very slippery slope. Samantha was already brazen and bold, and you //did// love that about her... but maybe a more managerial approach was the wiser one right now.
<<nm $phYou "I appreciate it. I'm all about enjoying your work, but, you know: paperclips in uncomfortable places, stains on the furniture, //et cetera//.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Rubber-band cockrings do sound like a dangerous idea. But speaking of appreciating things: I do owe you a little show of my own appreciation for talking <<if _SamLover is 'Dana'>>Dana into knocking on my door<<else>>Mason into inviting me out for dinner<</if>>. After work hours, of course.">>
Damn it. So much for being managerial. Why did trying to be a responsible adult always end up immediately biting you in the ass?
<<nm $phYou "... of course. Well. My door is always open, or at least unlocked.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I know - and even if it weren't, I have all the keys. I'll stop by sometime. Who knows - maybe I'll bring _SamLover with me.">>
She flashed you a sweet, sweet smile that promised such very naughty things.
<<nm $phSamantha "In the meantime, though... is there anything else that inquiring minds want to know?">>
<<set $phSamantha.date to 12>>@@.choice;
[[Ask Samantha About Herself|SamanthaTalk]]
[[Invite Samantha to Your Room|SamanthaSex]]
[[That's enough for now.|Office][$phSamantha.goodbye to 'sam']]@@<</if>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9>><<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<nm $phSamantha "So, do I want to use crystals so I can domme you on a permanent basis? That's the question, right, boss?">>
You blinked, and your half-open mouth snapped closed again with an audible click. You stared at Samantha, who smirked up at you with her chin resting in the palm of one hand, as she twirled a pen through the fingers of her other.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm the secretary. I have my sources.">>
<<nm $phYou "..Wha..? Who?">>
Her expression softened as she gazed up at you, and after a moment she placed the pen back down on her desk and gave you a gentle smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mason. I think he was trying to smooth the way. I gather you recently did him a favor in a similar vein. Made yourself easy to talk to?">>
<<nm $phYou "I... yeah, I guess that's fair. He doesn't waste any time, does he? Did he-- I guess he explained everything? How it would work?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "He did - although I can't promise I understood half of it. You know how he is when he gets passionate about something: seven-syllable words about crystalline lattice matrices and who knows what else.<br><br>I //think// I understood that if you -- or he, or we -- do something some specific way with //your// necklace, and what's left of //my// soul, then... things could get pretty serious.">>
That was one way to put it. You could sympathize about the seven-syllable words. Samantha had a sharp mind, but maybe it was best to make sure you were on the same page, especially since you had some up close and personal insight into just how that 'crystalline lattice matrix' worked in real life.
<<nm $phYou "Pretty much. Mason and I-- well, we found out the hard way that soul gems and my necklace have this weird interaction, if they're too close and activated a certain way. It amplifies things, a //lot//. So if <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>I've got the green side out, like right now... it'd make me even <<else>>I turned it around so the green side is out, it could make me<</if>> more, ah, submissive. Permanently.">>
Her free hand now joined her other, and Samantha laced her long fingers together before resting her chin on them once more. She regarded you with uncommon solemnity over the black rims of her glasses.
<<nm $phSamantha "More submissive to me -- permanently.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes. If you want that.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "If //I// want that? It's not me who'd be changing, sweetheart -- not more than I already have, I guess. What about you? Is that what //you// want?">><<else>><<nm $phYou "I need to talk to you about something.">>
Samantha smirked up at you with her chin resting in the palm of one hand, as she twirled a pen through the fingers of her other.
<<nm $phSamantha "You usually only come by for two reasons. Considering your zipper is up and my skirt is still down, I'd say 'talking' was the safe bet.">>
You blinked at her. Her eyebrows lifted, but when you didn't immediately join in on the joke, her grin slowly faded away. Her expression softened as she gazed up at you, and after a moment she placed the pen back down on her desk and gave you a gentle smile.
<<nm $phSamantha "Sorry; you're serious. What's on your mind, boss? I'm all ears.">>
After a moment you nodded and turned to pace a few steps across the office, trying to re-gather your thoughts.
<<nm $phYou "I haven't been able to stop thinking about what you said, at the restaurant, about wanting someone of your own. It's important to me. //You're// important to me. You deserve to be happy.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "And I told you: I //am// happy. Maybe Paradise isn't actually perfect, but it's damn close. My standards might be higher than when I was a mousey little redhead, but my dating pool's expanded by leaps and bounds. Plenty of frogs still out there to kiss.">>
<<nm $phYou "Kiss me. Let me be your frog.">>
Wow. That didn't come out //nearly// as elegantly as you'd thought it would. It was her turn to blink. You rushed to clarify.
<<nm $phYou "I know there's complications; I know it would take some-- some trust, and adjustment, and maybe it'd be a little complicated, but I //like// you, Sam. Maybe more than like. I'm asking you to give me a chance. I want to be with you.">>
Her free hand now joined her other, and Samantha laced her long fingers together before resting her chin on them once more. She regarded you with uncommon solemnity over the black rims of her glasses. You could tell she was now taking this //very// seriously, when she switched to your first name.
<<nm $phSamantha "I told you, $phYou.firstname: I want someone who is mine. Someone I can have at my feet. We both know that you--">>
<<nm $phYou "I want that, too.">>
She sighed, her tone balanced between impatience and resignation.
<<nm $phSamantha "Be serious, $phYou.firstname. You can have anyone in this mall at the snap of your fingers. Do you really want to limit yourself to me, and only me, and have //me// calling the shots?">><</if>>
You pulled in a deep breath -- and then pull out the chair on the other side of her desk and took a seat. You leaned forward and rested your own elbows on Samantha's expensive desk. You'd had plenty of time to think about what you wanted, and plenty of time to consider your options. You knew exactly what you wanted.
Now to @@.choice;[[Tell Her That!|SamYouConvos][$phSamantha.date to 9.1]]@@<</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.date is 9.1>><<nm $phYou "Sam... when I started here, Lazren let me change you into anything I wanted. //You// let me change you into the perfect woman for me. And that's what you are: perfect for me. Your intelligence, your confidence, your 'extra equipment', and yes, even that domme streak that'd put an eight-lane highway to shame. It's all exactly what I wanted. It's exactly what I //want//, and <<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>if I need to prove that to you with this 'crystal lattice' stuff, then<<else>>whatever I need to do to prove that,<</if>> that's what I'll do.">>
She might have expected a 'yes', but she hadn't been expecting one as eloquent as that. Her green eyes blinked as she listened, and when you were done, the leggy lady let out a slow, impressed breath.
<<nm $phSamantha "You-- I-- I'm flattered. Hell, I'm beyond flattered. I... I guess I hadn't considered it that way. I know I'm exactly what you wanted, but... I suppose sometimes it's easy to forget that I wasn't always like this. Easy to take for granted the 'new and improved me'.">>
<<nm $phYou "Tell me about it. I didn't exactly look like this when I walked through that door, either, remember? New me, new you. But you were the first person here with me, and you've been my right hand through everything so far, and everything still to come. I //want// to be with you, Samantha, and not just as the person who signs your paycheck.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That's Lazren, anyways. But, boss-- $phYou.firstname. You have a //tower// to run. People to please, dreams to make come true.<<if $phStoryProgression > 3>> Hell, you're in line to become Desire <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>himself<<else>>herself<</if>>.<</if>> I don't want to tie you down to just me. I might be fantastic, but I'm still just one woman, and-- and you know I want a full-time submissive, and you're--">>
<<nm $phYou "Willing to do that. //Wanting// to do that. You aren't tying me down, Sam, you're making //my// dream come true.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "...you're making this sound a lot like there's wedding bells in the future.">>
<<nm $phYou "Hah. Not yet, but never say never, I guess. Right now, I just want to show you that I'm sincere. I'm not saying this on a whim. I want to be yours: your lover and your submissive. I know it's hard to believe that when you know I can just flip this necklace around and do whatever I want<<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>, and that's why I thought about the crystals.<<else>>, but I'd glue it to me green-side out if it meant you saying 'yes'.<</if>> That's how much I want this.">>
<<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<nm $phSamantha "... I guess that does answer that question then. You'd really do that. You'd... interconnect the dilithium matrix, or invert the warp field, or whatever it is, with these gems, just to be with me?">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "You would, hmm? Really? If I told you right now to take that necklace off, take it over to R&D, and have Mason smash it with a hammer, you'd do that? Destroy it, permanently?">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I would -- if you want me to. So I guess that's the question now: do //you// want me to?">>
She blew out another breath as she straightened up and leaned back in her chair. Her lower lip dimpled inwards as she caught it between her teeth, and she gazed at you with new appreciation for just how passionate you could be.
And then she shook her head.
<<nm $phSamantha "No.">>
Wait. @@.choice;//[[No??|SamYouConvos][$phSamantha.date to 9.2]]//@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.2>><<nm $phYou "But, Sam, I--">>
Your secretary leaned forward again, her movement this time swift and sure. You were caught entirely off-guard as her manicured fingers wrapped themselves in the lapels of your suit jacket and tugged you forward. Your objection was smothered against the sweetness of ruby red lips.
<<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>><<nm $phSamantha "Don't 'but Sam' me. I'm saying 'no' -- to the crystals, not to //you//. Just the fact that you'd even //do// that, consider that, is just... amazing, for one, and stupid for another.<br><br>Why would you volunteer that? To sign away your free will? Not that it isn't hot in a certain twisted, sexy way, but... why?">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Don't 'but Sam' me. I'm saying 'no' -- to the glue and the hammer, not to you. Just the fact that you'd consider that is just... amazing, for one, and stupid for another.<br><br>Why would you give all that up? The freedom, the //power//? That necklace was a gift from Lazren herself!">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You... at the restaurant, you said it wasn't the same. That I was still the boss, no matter what necklace I wore. This way you could be certain; you'd know that no matter what, I was yours.">>
The black-haired woman stared at you, her hands still clasped on your jacket. You could all but see the wheels in her head turn as she replayed the conversations you'd had, and the nights of fine-dining in particular.
<<nm $phSamantha "Damn. I //did// say that, didn't I? I-- I can't say I didn't //mean// it. You're still the boss. But I can't make you to play with things we don't understand, just to give my stupid little ego a bandaid.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're not making me; I //want// to.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "And //I'm// saying //no//. I won't let you do it; is that clearer? And if you really do want me and respect me as your Dominant, you'll stop arguing the point.">>
Oh, that wasn't fair. You weren't a stranger to pulling rank, but it just wasn't fair when someone did it right back to you, instead.
<<nm $phYou "Then how am I supposed to convince you that I want this? I know in a perfect world, me saying so would be enough, but we both know talk is cheap and that actions speak louder than words.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "And you won't accept it if I say words //are// enough, and that after that beautiful speech of yours, I believe you?">>
<<nm $phYou "No. I want to //do// something; I want to show you. If not that way, then with something else. A collar, or a ring, or something.">>
Samantha eyed you. Little by little her grip on your suit relaxed, and eventually she sank back down in her chair. Her oval nails drummed on the desk as she studied you, and as her beautiful green eyes roamed over your body. They stopped. She smiled.
@@.choice;
[[Uh-Oh!|SamYouConvos][$phSamantha.date to 9.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.3>><<nm $phSamantha "For a moment I was tempted to say that if you're really just dying to prove your devotion: give me your necklace.">>
You reached for the gem; it nestled perfectly in your palm as your fingers curled around it. You hesitated a moment, despite your earlier words, as you tried to call everything Mason and Lazren had told you about the gem you wore. You didn't //think// taking it off would cause any problems -- it's not like it was the control key to the entire tower or anything like that -- but you'd never actually removed it since the first day Lazren had placed it around your neck. It would feel //strange// to remove it<<if $phMason.transform is 'post'>>, and you wouldn't be able to drop someone on their knees just by flashing whatever color was your current mood.
Which, you realized, as the point<</if>>.
<<nm $phYou "... that sounds like there's a 'but' there?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I guess it'd be nice to have it, but what would //I// do with it? Sure, it'd stop you from indulging in a little bit of back and forth. But do you know what would be even //nicer//, boss?">>
The way Samantha smirked at you, and the twist in her voice when she called you 'boss', promised that your title was well on its way to becoming a private in-joke if you continued down this path.
<<nm $phYou "... what?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Seeing it around your neck every day, and knowing that even though you //could//, you //won't//, because I said so.">>
You automatically opened your mouth to ask what would happen if you changed it anyways, but the moment your lips parted, Samantha's slim black eyebrows lifted. It was such a perfect look of confident //'do you really want to do that?'// that you instantly decided it was better if you didn't.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good $pgirl. Now if that flash of fright across your face was you having second thoughts, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>man<<else>>woman<</if>>-up about it and say so now. You won't be the first very pretty face who changed $pherhis mind when $pshe realized I'm a lot to handle.">>
@@.choice;
[[No Second Thoughts Here! Bring It On!|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11]]
[[...Actually...Maybe Not|SamYouConvos][$phSamantha.date to 9.4]]
@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 9.4>>You bit your lip as you considered Samantha's words. Not that you were insincere -- you weren't! You //meant// the things you said. You really did treasure her, and she really was special. Perfect, even. Perfect for you.
But...
//But.//
The moment the word crossed your thoughts, you knew you couldn't go through with it, no matter how much you wanted to, or how perfect you thought things would be. You had a business to run; you had deadlines to meet, numbers to crunch, and souls to collect. <<if $phStoryProgression > 3>>You had a //destiny// to fulfill -- maybe even a world to save. <</if>>You couldn't do that if you didn't have full command of yourself, and all the tools at your disposal.
//Damn it.//
Why did having responsibilities also mean having so many hard choices?
You sighed, and as soon as you did, Samantha snorted.
<<nm $phSamantha "That's what I thought. Don't. Don't explain why, don't apologize, don't make up excuses. I //told// you this wouldn't work. I told you, $phYou.firstname, and I told you exactly why.">>
<<nm $phYou "Sam--">>
<<nm $phSamantha "What?">>
There was an awkward silence as she stared you down. If she didn't want you to explain, didn't want apologies... then... you didn't have much to say, after all.
<<nm $phSamantha "Look. Points for trying, boss, really, but you and I just aren't meant to be. Not like that. So for both our sakes, stop trying to change that. I'll work, we'll flirt, maybe once in a while we'll fuck, but just... realize you can't be everything to everyone, alright?">>
You drew in a deep breath, and nodded as you slowly let it out again.
<<nm $phYou "You're right. I'm-- I know you said no apologies, but: I'm sorry. It's just that--">>
She held up a finger, and one she had your attention, pointed it towards the door.
<<nm $phSamantha "And //that// was an excuse, mid-making-up. Just... go do something else for a while. I'm sure we've both got enough work to do that we can keep ourselves busy until you've gotten over feeling guilty, and I've gotten over the urge to make your coffee with potting soil instead of coffee grounds. Out.">>
There was probably something to say there about you being the boss and assorted other posturing, but... she was right. And you were wrong. And you'd just hurt a wonderful person by trying to make their dreams come true without thinking about whether you //could//, and whether you //should//.
You nodded again.
<<nm $phYou "I'll be back later. You're right. I'm- I'm sorry, Sam. I hope we'll be okay.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "We will. You know me; I'm not going to hold a grudge forever. I'll take it out on some cute masseuse when I'm off-shift, and make you repeat that 'You're right' part a few times, and we'll be fine.">>
You hoped so. She really //wasn't// the type to hold a grudge for very long. And if she was serious about blowing off steam with a happy ending, it might not be a bad idea to make sure the massage parlour at the gym was fully, uh, staffed.
If Sam was going to find //real// happy ending, though, it wouldn't be through any action of yours.
@@.choice;
[[Retreat, With What's Left of Your Dignity|Office][$phSamantha.date to 99,$phSamantha.recharge to 1]]
@@<</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 12>><<nm $phYou "Can we talk about...you know?">>
Samantha's smile was broad as she swiveled around to face you. She didn't say anything, just raised her eyebrows with an expectant look. You felt your cheeks heat.
<<nm $phYou "...Mistress.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "See? Your training is paying off already! Of course we can talk about us. I thought we established things pretty well, but I'm always happy to talk about my conquests.">>
That made you laugh. You sat on the edge of the desk carefully, and looked at the beautiful woman you had sworn yourself to. She was playing it cool, but you could see the slight flush in her cheek...and you could definitely see the tent forming in her skirt. Just thinking about her being with you was making you both excited.
<<nm $phYou "I guess I qualify, don't I? I was sort of wondering if you had any...rules, I suppose? Anything I should expect?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Nothing yet. I'm not a monster, $phYou.firstname. I'm not going to load you up with a bunch of extra things to worry about while you're fighting for your future. I'm patient, and you're not going anywhere, so we'll stick to the basics for now. Show me respect, which you've always done, and don't go getting too close to any of your other hires.">>
<<nm $phYou "Too close like-">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Fuck them all you want, boss. You still run the tower, and you need to act like it. I'll even call you all the proper names, just like I always have. But I don't intend to share. You're //taken//, now. And we'll have a very long talk if you forget.">>
<<nm $phYou "Understood, Mistress. What happens after things slow down? If I pass all these tests Lazren is putting me through.">>
There was something new in Samantha's smile as she looked up at you. She had always been confident, but there was almost an aura of purest pride around her as she lazily traced her finger across the desktop.
<<nm $phSamantha "...When this is all done, I'm going to take you away from this place for a while. At least a week, but as long as we can manage. I'm going to rent a villa in a very...permissive community. We won't take anything with us. We'll go shopping for new outfits and I'll decide what your new fashion is. We'll walk on the beach, and laugh, and tell stories about our lives before we came here. We'll have romantic dinners by candlelight.<br><br>And //then// I am going to fuck you. Constantly. Ceaselessly. Every way you can be fucked. I'm going to fuck you against every piece of furniture in the place. I'm going to fuck you because a stray thought crossed my mind, and then fuck you again in the shower when we're cleaning up. I'm going to fuck you so much and so often that it's a habit. Until you can feel my cock sliding into you every time you close your eyes. Until the idea that you //aren't// at the mercy of every twitch between my legs is completely foreign. That's what we're going to do when this is all over.">>
Your mouth was sudden as dry as the Sahara, and your heart was fluttering in your chest. You took a couple of deep breathes, trying to settle yourself without much success.
<<nm $phYou "That sounds...nice.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm glad you agree, since it would happen either way. Something to look forward to. Now, anything else you needed?">>
@@.choice;
[[No. That'll do.|Office]]@@<</if>><<set $phLocation to 'Office'>><<if $phSamantha.date is 11>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You'>>It wasn't giggling or whistling that caught your ear this time as you traversed the way back to your suite with a spring in your step. It was actually pretty quiet, but given how often your nights were interrupted by the inconvenient, the unbelievable, and the downright supernatural... your senses were a little better attuned than they used to be.
You could hear voices coming from the office. Talking. You couldn't make out the words, but you didn't hear any laughter, and the low tones made it sound serious. Though the hallway was dark, a sliver of yellow-white light sliced across the carpet from the barely-ajar door. Was Samantha working late? But if so, who was she talking to? Mason? He always came to you. <<if $phStoryProfession gte 3>>Avery? Someone would have //told// you, if the demon of Greed had returned.<</if>>
Curiosity might have killed the cat, but clearly that cat hadn't been bestowed infernal gifts. You didn't quite //creep// up to the door, but you certainly softened your step as you tried to overhear whatever was going on.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good boy. That's it!">>
It was //definitely// Samantha -- and it didn't sound like she was doing paperwork.
<<nm $phSamantha "Deeper. Come on; you can take it. I want to feel the back of your throat!">>
Your eyebrows shot up. The playful, flirtatious tone you knew so well from her was completely gone. The timbre was pure sex. Her voice was low, warm, and decadent: molten chocolate words.
Even the thought of a warm bed and soft sheets couldn't lure you away now. You could guess what she was doing; now the question was //who// she was doing. You slowly neared that tempting silver of light, step by step, one of your hands guiding you via your fingertips just brushing the wall.
<<nm $phSamantha "//There// we go. Hold it. Hooooold it. You breathe when I let you breathe, lover.">>
You still couldn't hear anything from whomever she was enjoying, but you guessed they had their mouth full. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>>Lucky bastard.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "//Good// boy. Now get up, and turn around. Let's see if it fits up your ass as perfectly as it does down your throat.">>
You were finally close enough to risk peeking into the office. The opening was tight, and only let you see a tiny bit of the room -- and not a very good angle of it. You could still //hear// them, as Samantha's evening toy shuffled and presumably got to his feet. You moved your head back and forth as you tried to figure out where they were, without opening the door any wider. <<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Mason'>>You heard the faint jangle of a belt being undone, and then the growl of a zipper being pulled down -- and then a muted masculine groan of delight.<<else>>You heard the rustle and ruffle of clothing being undone and, you guessed, discarded -- and then feminine groan of pleasure.<</if>>
And then a cellphone. Ringing. //Loudly.//
Your heart stopped, and your hand flashed to your pocket.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello? Oh, no, you're fine. I'm just enjoying some after-work relaxation. What do you need?">>
It wasn't //your// phone. It was Samantha's, and the combination of the shockingly loud ring, and Samantha's cheerful voice as she answered it, finally let you pinpoint where she was standing. You quickly stepped to the other side of the door where you knew you'd have the angle you needed through the narrow slit.
@@.choice;
[[Take a Peek!|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'>><<nm $phYou "No second thoughts.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Really?">>
<<nm $phYou "Really.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "You're sure?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sam, come on: yes, I'm //sure//!">>
She smirked, leaned forward, and crooked a //come-hither// finger at you before swiveling around in her chair. Curious, you followed her motion around the side of her desk... at which point her manicured nail redirected, and pointed straight down to the floor.
Or maybe it was to the impressive tent in her skirt. You weren't entirely certain.
The intent was clear, though, and you made it a point to meet Samantha's eyes as you sank down to kneel at her feet.
<<nm $phSamantha "As much as I love the pretty words and romance, lover...it's time to use your lips for something else.">>
Well, that answered that!
You grinned up at her, nodded, and shuffled forward until your chest brushed her knees. Both hands came to rest atop her thighs; Sam lifted her hips out of the chair as you eased her skirt upwards. It was tight in the best of times, but with a shaft like //that// trying to pierce through the cloth... well, it took some work to get things free.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phYou "...which set of lips?">>
Your coy question was met by a throaty chuckle.
<<nm $phSamantha "Both...eventually.">>
Music to your ears.
<</if>>You opened your mouth and leaned forward, pausing just before skin met skin. Samantha's smile was almost beatific as she gazed down at you, the tip of her tongue curling against her front teeth. She watched you as you spread your lips wider and leaned forward another centimeter... then another... then another. The head of her cock met your tongue, and you finally wrapped your mouth around her. She sighed in pleasure and rested a hand on the back of your head.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good $pgirl, $phYou.firstname. Show me how much you want this. Make me feel how sincere you are.">>
You did.
You started off slow, savoring every inch of her as you bobbed your head slowly back and forth, taking her a little bit deeper every time. You made sure to trace your tongue over each ridge and vein, and flick it across the subtle cleft at the tip. By the time you finally reached her root, you could feel her shaft rubbing across the back of your tongue and curving to fill your throat.
Samantha kept the guiding hand on the back of your $phYou.hair hair: a comforting touch that didn't pull you down or force you. She let you do the work, and in the silence of the office you soon found yourself quickening your pace. You hollow your cheeks as you sucked her off, your own hands braced on her inner thighs to keep her spread open in front of you. A low hum of enjoyment filled your throat -- what little of it wasn't filled by her dick. She twitched and let out a stuttered groan as the vibrations rippled through her nerves.
<<nm $phSamantha "A-aah! Oh god, you're good at this. You have no idea how much I want to just come down your throat and make you swallow.">>
You pulled back enough to finally let her cockhead pop free of your wet lips, and smacked them as you gazed up at her in adoration.
<<nm $phYou "Do it. Choke me. Give me everything you've got.">>
She laughed breathlessly.
<<nm $phSamantha "I'm the Domme here. As much as I want //that//, there's something else I want even more.">>
<<nm $phYou "Anything, Mistress. Whatever I can do to please you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "That silver tongue of yours... get up. Face the wall. Brace yourself.">>
Oh, that painted delicious mental images.
You nodded, swiped the back of your hand across your mouth, and @@.choice;[[Hurried To Obey!|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.1]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 11.1>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You'>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/SamanthaDana.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaDana.png]]</picture>@@
You weren't really //surprised// to see Dana behind Samantha's desk, given what you'd heard. The sissy's skirt wasn't hiked up, but dropped down; the pink-and-white fabric was puddled between his spread legs, and trapped there by Samantha's stiletto heel. He braced his hands against the office wall, his back arched and ass out, with a desperate and needy rose-colored blush across his cheeks.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I would //love// to. Maybe tomorrow? I'm a little busy tonight.">>
Samatha //did// have her skirt hiked up -- and her impressive cock already an inch deep into the young man's ass. She braced the cherry-red cellphone against her ear with one hand as she chatted, while the other rested on the small of Dana's back. Even as she oh-so-casually informed the person on the line that she was occupied, the smooth, slow push of her hips buried another few centimeters of stiff shaft into Dana's upraised rear.
Dana let out a sound halfway between a whimper and a moan, and bit his lip to keep the sound from being too loud. He bent further forward, sinking into the wall, to better present himself to the black-haired secretary.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, you know. Last minute paperwork. Making a deposit before I head home.">>
She smirked as she rolled her hips forward; Dana squirmed and dropped his chin to his chest as he rolled right back, urging her to go even deeper. You could see the young man shudder, and see the reddened tip of his own erection just barely peeking out from between his thighs.
Samantha let out a low, knowing chuckle as she trailed her free hand over Dana's rump, paused, and used her thumb to help pull his cheeks a little further apart.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I won't. Promise. You too. Talk to you later, darling.">>
You heard the faint beep of the call ending before Samantha placed the phone down on her desk again. She purred as she returned both hands to Dana's body and slid her palms up his flanks. Just over his ribs they changed direction, and her nails drew light pink lines across his skin on the way back down.
<<nm $phSamantha "Such a good boy, being so quiet while I was on the phone. Don't worry; I'll give her //all// the details later. Now...">>
You watched through the little sliver of door, licking your lips and feeling your own body starting to respond to the illicit scene. Part of you felt a little guilty, watching them without them knowing -- but that was also part of the thrill. And knowing Samantha, you wouldn't be surprised at all if she'd left the door ajar on purpose, just in case someone happened by.
She gripped his hips and tugged him backwards even as she leaned into her foot between his ankles. Another inch of velvet cock disappeared between his cheeks. Now that he didn't have to worry about listening ears, Dana's moan of delight was open and unrestrained. Samantha kept up a slow but steady push, easing into the sissy little by little; each centimeter that filled his rectum coaxed a pleading whimper from between his pink-glossed lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "About that 'deposit'...">>
Oh my. Things were about to get good.<<else>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Samantha/Mobile/SamanthaMason.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Samantha/SamanthaMason.png]]</picture>@@
You weren't really //surprised// to see Mason behind Samantha's desk, given what you'd heard. His black work trousers were puddled between his spread legs, his belt still snug inside the loops. The fabric was trapped there by Samantha's stiletto heel, holding both clothes and man in place. Two of his hands were braced against the office wall; his back was slightly arched and his ass pushed out. A desperate and needy rose-colored blush bloomed across his cheeks -- certainly helped along by the fact his //second// set of hands, still in his white work gloves, were cupping his own cock and slowly stroking himself to full mast.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I would //love// to. Maybe tomorrow? I'm a little busy tonight.">>
Samatha had hiked her skirt up -- and her impressive cock already an inch deep into the engineer's ass. She braced the cherry-red cellphone against her ear with one hand as she chatted, while the other rested on the small of Mason's back. Even as she oh-so-casually informed the person on the line that she was occupied, the smooth, slow push of her hips buried another few centimeters of stiff shaft into the man's upraised rear.
Mason let out a sound halfway between a whimper and a moan, and bit his lip to keep the sound from being too loud. He bent further forward, sinking into the wall, to better present himself to your black-haired secretary.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, you know. Last minute paperwork. Making a deposit before I head home.">>
She smirked as she rolled her hips forward; Mason squirmed and dropped his chin to his chest as he rolled right back, urging her to go even deeper. You could see the incubus shudder, and the tempo of his hand between his thighs increase. Every now and then you caught a glimpse of the thick, ruddy cockhead peek out from beyond the pristine gloves.
Samantha let out a low, knowing chuckle as she trailed her free hand over Mason's rump, paused, and used her thumb to help pull his cheeks a little further apart.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I won't. Promise. You too. Talk to you later, darling.">>
You heard the faint beep of the call ending before Samantha placed the phone down on her desk again. She purred as she returned both hands to Mason's body and slid her palms up his flanks. Just over his ribs they changed direction, and her nails drew light pink lines across his skin on the way back down.
<<nm $phSamantha "Such a good boy, being so quiet while I was on the phone. Don't worry; I'll give her //all// the details later. Now...">>
You watched through the little sliver of door, licking your lips and feeling your own body starting to respond to the illicit scene. Part of you felt a little guilty, watching them without them knowing -- but that was also part of the thrill. And knowing Samantha, you wouldn't be surprised at all if she'd left the door ajar on purpose, just in case someone happened by.
She gripped his hips and tugged him backwards even as she leaned into her foot between his ankles. Another inch of velvet cock disappeared between his cheeks. Now that he wasn't bound by the expectations of propriety, Mason's moan of delight was open and unrestrained. Samantha kept up a slow but steady push, easing into him little by little; each centimeter that filled his rectum coaxed a pleading whimper from between his thin, shivering lips.
<<nm $phSamantha "About that 'deposit'...">>
Oh my. Things were about to get good.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Keep Watching and Edge Yourself|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.2]] - This is too hot to pass up!
[[Step Away and Go to Bed|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.9]] - You don't want to be a creep!@@<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'>><<CC_Image "Samantha/SamanthaYou" "850">>
<<nm $phYou "Ooh! Ooh, Mistress! Fuck, yes! Please! Harder!">>
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>You were awfully //pushy// for a submissive -- as Samantha had already pointed out twice since she'd pushed you against the wall, dropped your slacks, and ordered you to spread your legs. Fortunately, she'd already informed you she was ready and willing to train you, repeatedly and often, on how to obey. Handcuffs and ball-gags may have been mentioned.<<else>>Normally you weren't so demanding as a submissive, but it was harder to keep your mouth shut once her cock wasn't filling it up. Samantha had pushed you against the wall, dropped your slacks, and ordered you to spread your legs, and since then you'd been sharing your enthusiasm //very// vocally. You didn't feel too bad about it, given the reward of her hot whispers in your ear about how next time she'd bring handcuffs and a ball-gag.<</if>>
Now she was body-to-body against you, her breasts snug against your back and her panting breath warm against your neck. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>She thrust into your soaked pussy with firm, needful strokes and rocked you against the wall with such force that your elbows almost gave way. One hand gripped your hair from behind; the other had slid down between your thighs from the front, and now flicked, circled, and teased over your swollen and sensitive clit.<<else>>She thrust into your ass with firm, needful strokes and rocked you against the wall with such force that your elbows almost gave way. One hand gripped your hair from behind; the other had slid down over your stomach from the front, and mirrored each movement of her hips with a matching stroke over the length of your cock.<</if>>
And then the phone rang.
You both jolted from the unexpected, and to your surprise, Samantha reached for her bright red smartphone rather than ignore it in favor of more 'organic' things. Just before she answered it, she pulled her <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>slick fingers away from your sex<<else>>fingers off your shaft<</if>>, gripped one of your wrists, and dragged it down to replace hers. She whispered a hot command.
<<nm $phSamantha "Take over. Don't stop.">>
You gave a breathless nod and <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>slid your fingertips between your folds<<else>>curled your fingers just below your cockhead<</if>> as she thumbed the 'Accept Call' button.
<<nm $phSamantha "Hello? Oh, no, you're fine. I'm just enjoying some after-work relaxation. What do you need?">>
It was a remarkable shift to a casual and nonchalant tone, even as she continued fucking you. <<if $phJolie.transform is 'pornstar'>>Sam's acting abilities might put Jolie's to the test. <</if>>Her pace slowed, but even then, surely the person on the other end could hear the heat in her voice and the ragged edge to her breath. Not knowing //who// it was, or how much they could hear, spiked a new surge of <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>wet arousal between your thighs<<else>>hot blood into your cock<</if>>. You bit your lip to keep your groan quiet.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm. I would //love// to. Maybe tomorrow? I'm a little busy tonight.">>
'A little busy.' Your chin dropped forward towards your chest as your focused on the twin sensations of her body inside yours, and your own hand between your legs. Hopefully this was a short conversation; you weren't sure how long you'd be able to hold back.
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, you know. Last minute paperwork. Make a deposit before I head home.">>
The way your body twitched and tightened clued Sam in, and she quickly pressed the phone against her shoulder to muffle it as she whispered to you.
<<nm $phSamantha "Don't you dare cum before I'm off this call.">>
You grunted and nodded your head, not trusting yourself to speak. Being ordered //not// to, just made it worse. You squeezed your eyes shut and tried to focus on breathing, instead of the delicious fullness inside you, and the building tension in your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy<<else>>dick<</if>>, and how fucking //close// to the edge you were, and how any second you were positive you'd--
<<nm $phSamantha "Oh, I won't. Promise. You too. Talk to you later, darling.">>
//Beep.//
Oh thank fuck.
<<nm $phSamantha "//Now// you can cum.">>
She'd barely gotten the words out before you did exactly that!
@@.choice;
[[Release At Last!|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.2]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 11.2>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is not 'You'>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<set _Suitor to 'Dana'>><<else>><<set _Suitor to 'Mason'>><</if>>There was something incredibly hot in the idea of watching someone get off without them //knowing// you were watching. It was even hotter to think of you getting off with them, with no one any the wiser. Your hands crept down to your designer leather belt; you slid the tongue free of the buckle, slow and silent, before unfastening the single button and then, tooth by tooth, easing your zipper open.
Samantha wouldn't mind. Hell, she'd probably think it was hot as fuck to know you'd stood there and watched her dominate her new toy. _Suitor might be //slightly// less flattered, but even then you imagined that the blush on his cheeks would be more of an embarrassed pride than anything. One thing you'd come to love about your Paradise: your friends and your lovers were always happy to share your happiness, and vice versa.
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You slipped your hand underneath the waistband of your panties as you watched the scene beyond the door. As your fingertips caressed your folds, you tried to imagine yourself in there with them, and <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>bending _Suitor over far enough to make better use of his mouth<<else>>how Samantha might have you on your knees, sucking _Suitor off at her command while she fucked him from behind<</if>>. Not that you really had to //imagine// it -- you had plenty of memories to draw on!<<else>>You pulled your cock out over the band of your underwear as you watched the scene beyond the door. Using just your thumb and forefinger, curled together in a circle, you started stroking yourself as you imagined yourself in there with him. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>_Suitor had two perfectly good holes to use... it wouldn't take much to bend him forward far enough that he could make good use of his mouth.<<else>>Maybe Samantha would have you on your knees, sucking _Suitor off while she fucked him from behind.<</if>> Not that you really had to //imagine// much -- you had plenty of memories to draw on!<</if>>
<<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>><<nm $phSamantha "I know you already sprayed the wall the moment I put my tip in your ass. It's been a while, hasn't it, sweetheart? But now you're going to use those fabulous hands to keep yourself //right// on the edge until I give you //permission// to cum, this time.">>
<<nm $phMason "Y-yes, Mistress. I'm sorry, Mistress.">><<else>><<nm $phSamantha "Poor thing. I keep making you wait, don't I? Just a little bit longer, darling. You're going to be a very good boy for me and let //me// finish first, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phDamien "O-of course, Mistress! Always!">><</if>>
You bit your lip and tilted your head a bit to keep a good angle of view. Samantha now had her cock nearly half-way buried between _Suitor's cheeks. He pushed back against her, too inflamed with need to hold himself still. His palms, flat against the wall, to help hold himself steady for her.
Samantha brushed a red-glossed kiss across the nap of _Suitor's neck -- and then pushed in, slow and sure. Centimeter by centimeter and inch by inch, she filled him as deeply as she could. <<if _Suitor is 'Dana'>>The squirming sissy<<else>>The normally stoic incubus<</if>> let out a moan that carried to your ears and past them, his pleasure echoing down the hall.
You <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>quickened the pace of your fingertip circling your clit<<else>>curled the rest of your fingers around your now fully-erect cock and quickened your pace<</if>>. Almost unconsciously, you tried to match each <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>small, firm press on the sensitive nub<<else>>slightly firmer squeeze at the end of each stroke<</if>> to the rhythm of Samantha's hips as she started to ride him. The entire world seemed to narrow down to the sliver of bright vision into the world beyond the doorway: an illusion enhanced by the darkness of the hallway to either side. This far away, you didn't have to worry about them hearing the shift in your breathing, or the quiet //mmm// you made as you bit your lip.
<<nm $phSamantha "You like that, don't you? You can't wait to be trained to serve me just how I want. You're going to thank me every day for everything I do for you, aren't you? Letting you get my coffee, letting you kiss my feet. Aren't you?">>
<<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>><<nm $phMason "I-- yes, Ma'am! Of course, Ma'am! I will-- be-- at your disposal!">><<else>><<nm $phDamien "Ooh, yes, Mistress! Anything! Anything to see you smile!">><</if>>
Her slim, manicured fingers had slipped into _Suitor's hair and now gripped the <<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>>short, black length between his curled horns<<else>>silken auburn waves at the back of his head<</if>>. She tugged, forcing him to tilt his head back, so that her lips brushed against his ear. You were too far away to hear what she whispered next, but _Suitor gave a weak and dazed nod in response. She smiled, curled the tip of her tongue against his earlobe, and followed it with a kiss.
<<nm $phSamantha "Good boy. Remember: you don't cum until I do.">>
Then she slid her hands all the way down _Suitor's thin frame, gripped his hips, and @@.choice;[[Gave Him His Reward!|SamDateSexScenes][$phSamantha.date to 11.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'You'>><<set $phLocation to 'Sleep'>>...you weren't sure what woke you up. The room was quiet, warm, and dark. You blinked a few times as you tried to recall what sound or scent or feeling had dragged you back to consciousness, and raised your hand to stifle a yawn.
The sprawled woman next to you murmured a small complaint.
//That// brought everything back. The conversation with Samantha, the talk about a more serious relationship. Pouring your heart out, and being on your knees while she smiled down at you. Later, against the wall, and how //good// it'd felt to have her take you as hers.
And that fucking phone call, that had ended with a climax so good you barely remembered anything after.
Your lips curved in a smile, even as tired at you were. It was a //well-deserved// exhaustion, after last night, but you couldn't be happier. You'd have to remember to tell Lazren 'thank you' -- again! -- next time she came around. You had the perfect woman: literally exactly you wanted. And more importantly: she had you, too.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mm...morning already?">>
<<nm $phYou "No. Just thinking about you.">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Less thinking. More cuddling.">>
You chuckled as Sam snuggled up against you and wrapped a long leg around your underneath the blankets. You reached over to cup her face in preparation for a kiss...
...and got stopped short by a tug and a rattle of metal as the handcuffs snapped taut. Fuzzy, black-furred handcuffs.
When had //that// happened?
<<nm $phYou "... uh, Sam? I'm... still locked up.">>
She let out a sleepy noise of agreement and nuzzled against your chest.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm-hmm.">>
<<nm $phYou "... do you have the key?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm-hmm.">>
You waited a moment, but within seconds you heard her breathing start to slow and deepen again.
<<nm $phYou "Sam? Unlock me?">>
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm-hmm. In the morning.">>
She yawned and traced a lazy, half-conscious circle over your nipple with a fingertip... and then, a moment later, you swore you heard a faint snore.
Probably -- //probably// -- you could break the handcuffs if you really wanted to or needed to. It'd make a lot of noise, though, and it wasn't uncomfortable, thanks to the loose fit and the padded faux-fur lining.
Morning probably wasn't that far off, and as long as Samantha was by your side, you weren't too worried about anything else. That, right now, was all that mattered.
<<set $phYou.exclusive to true>><<run $phYou.romance.pushUnique('Samantha')>>@@.choice;
[[Go Back To Sleep!|Sleep][$phSamantha.date to 12]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 11.3>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<set _Suitor to 'Dana'>><<else>><<set _Suitor to 'Mason'>><</if>><<if _Suitor is 'Dana'>><<nm $phDamien "Oh! Oh, fuck me! Yes! Mistress, please, use me, come inside me, //please!//">><<else>><<nm $phMason "Nngh! H-harder, Ma'am! Please! I c-can take it! Ooh! //Yes!//">><</if>>
Your eye was glued to the crack through the door, as firmly as your teeth were glued to your upper lip. You bit down hard enough to hurt; it was the only way to keep yourself from moaning in voyeuristic enjoyment while your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>fingers flicked, swirled, and fluttered through the silk-slick arousal that all but dripped from your pussy lips. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>In your mind, you were in your secretary's place, and //you// had _Suitor by the hair as you tugged and pulled and bit his ear, while he squirmed and begged you for more.<<else>>In your mind, //you// were in _Suitor's place, pinned to the wall as your Dominant made you take //exactly// what she wanted, as hard as she wanted, over and over again.<</if>><</if>><<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>hand pistoned over your throbbing cock at such frantic pace it was barely a blur. <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>In your mind, you were in your secretary's place, and //you// had _Suitor by the hair as you tugged and took his ass as your property, while he squirmed and begged you for more.<<else>>In your mind, //you// were in _Suitor's place, pinned to the wall as your Dominant made you take //exactly// what she wanted, as hard as she wanted, over and over again.<</if>><</if>>
Samantha was panting, leaning forward, and practically pinning _Suitor against the wall. Her breasts pushed up and threatened to spill out of her blouse where they pressed against his back. They were both breathless and panting, their cheeks blushed deep red and their foreheads aglimmer with a sheen of sweat. Each thrust slammed _Suitor into the wall and shook the tasteful, art deco prints that hung in their frames nearby.
<<nm $phSamantha "Mmm, you're so tight. <<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>>If people knew that genius brain of yours just wanted to get fucked senseless by a sexpot secretary...<<else>>Lots of squats at the gym? I bet you have to, after taking every cock that walks in the door.<</if>>">>
<<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>>The incubus bared his teeth in a grimace as he fought to keep himself from cumming under the faux 'threat'. He'd stripped off one of his gloves, and his bare hand worked frantically up and down his shaft.
<<nm $phMason "Please let me cum, Ma'am - please may I cum, please, Ma'am?? I-- I don't know-- how much longer--">><<else>>The sissy gave a loud, open-mouthed moan that suggested his ass wasn't the only part of him that welcomed stranger at the gym. One of his slim hands had fallen down between his thighs, and now stroked himself with quick, short motions that mirrored Samantha's rhythm.
<<nm $phDamien "Y-yes! Every-- //oooooh!// Every day, Mis-- Mistress! Oh, please let me cum, please, I need to, please!">><</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Not. Yet! Soon, sweetie. Soon, I promise. I'm almost there.">>
Her, him, and you, all three. It was hard to keep your focus through the narrow opening when your body was flush with heat and your nerves were coiled tight. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>That delicious, aching tension in your clit was starting to spread, and you knew it wouldn't be long before the heat ignited something larger, more powerful, and that you'd no longer be able to control.<<else>>That wonderful, demanding tension in your cock was nearing a breaking point, and you knew it wouldn't be long before you couldn't hold it back any longer.<</if>>
_Suitor groaned and nodded -- though his hand between his legs neither stopped nor slowed.
<<if _Suitor is 'Mason'>><<nm $phMason "...yes, of course, Ma'am. I-I I'll-- be-- patient.">><<else>><<nm $phDamien "...y-yes, Mistress! What--whatever you say!">><</if>>
It was followed by such a heartfelt sound of //need// the next time Samantha's shaft sank into his ass, that every nerve in your body sang in sympathy to _Suitor's frustration.
None of you had to wait much longer. Samantha was on edge herself, and a half-dozen final thrusts got her where she needed to be. You heard _Suitor gasp as her nails dug half-moon marks into his skin, and you heard //her// melodic and beautiful moan as she came. You couldn't //see// _Suitor cum, though the tell-tale hitch of his forearm and shoulder gave it away. Pinned as he was against the office wall, you could imagine how the pearlescent strands would splash across the high-end paint and slowly begin to ooze down.
It was the last spark your own climax needed to burst into full flame. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>The coil of tension beneath your soaked fingers tightened and brightened until the hot energy exploded outwards. Your hips bucked, and you instinctively slammed your free hand over your mouth as a shuddering cry of release threatened to escape. Your inner muscles clenched, squeezed, and released in undulating contractions as they tried to milk fingers, cock, or tail -- you would have taken any or all of them at that moment. For now, though, you held your fingers pressed tight to either side of your clit; if you dared to rub even just one second more, you weren't sure if you could keep yourself quiet!<<else>>The impossible pressure that had been building inside your cock erupted outwards in ropes of thick, creamy semen that painted the side of the office door. Your hips bucked, and you slammed your free hand over your mouth as a shuddering cry of release threatened to escape your lips. Pulse after pulse rippled down your length and between your curled fingers. You wanted to finishing drawing out the sensation -- and your seed -- with a last few strokes of your own, but if the second wave was even a fraction of the first, you didn't trust yourself to stay silent.<</if>>
<<nm $phSamantha "Oooh, _Suitor... oh, darling, that was //fantastic//.">>
She cooed the words against his ear as she leaned against him, body tight against body, and kissed the side of his cheek. All _Suitor could do was shiver and nod weak agreement with a subtle roll of his hips back against the heat that filled his ass.
<<if _Suitor is 'Dana'>><<nm $phDamien "...yes... thank you, Mistress. I-- that was incredible. Thank you.">><<else>><<nm $phMason "...yes, I-- I quite... agree, Ma'am.... thank you.">><</if>>
Samantha nuzzled up against her lover's neck, brushing her nose through his hair and purring with contentment. She didn't make any motion to free him from the wall... and it didn't seem like _Suitor was in any hurry to leave, either.
The same couldn't be said of //you//. As much as you were tempted to stick around and see what the two got up to next, you'd already been on your way to bed when the light had caught your eyes, and now you were utterly exhausted. You wouldn't be surprised if Sam went at least two more rounds with her new paramour -- and you'd already seen more than you //technically// should have.
You'd definitely have to ask Samantha about her date soon. You could already imagine the shine in her eyes as she graphically described how she'd broken her dry spell.
Tomorrow, though. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>And after finding some wet-wipes to clean yourself up a little bit.<<else>>and after finding some tissues to clean the evidence off the door.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[Sneak Off For Some Well-Deserved Sleep!|Sleep]]@@
<<set $phSamantha.date to 12>><</if>><<if $phSamantha.date is 11.9>><<if $phSamanthaSuitor is 'Damien'>><<set _Suitor to 'Dana'>><<else>><<set _Suitor to 'Mason'>><</if>>You //wanted// to watch, you really did. The two of them would never know you'd been 'spying' -- and Hell, Samantha would probably think it was hot as Hell to know you'd stood there and watched her dominate her new toy, while you <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>played with your clit and fingered yourself<<else>>wrapped your hand around your cock and stroked yourself<</if>> to a quiet, incredible climax. _Suitor might be //slightly// less flattered, but even then you imagined that the blush on his cheeks would be more of a prideful embarrassment than anything.
//But.//
You wrinkled your nose and made yourself first //look// away, and then //step// away, from the scene in the other room. _Suitor's groans were already gaining in volume, and the press of flesh against flesh was now a firm, rhythmic slapping sound. Panting breath and quiet murmurs of lewd encouragement, too faint to make out now that you weren't at the door, still painted vivid images in your mind.
But, they didn't know you were here, and didn't know you were watching. Samantha would have no qualms about inviting you for a little <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>two-on-one<<else>>one-on-two<</if>> fun if that's what she had in mind -- and she hadn't.
You didn't want to do anything to sour Samantha's budding romance just to appease your own hormones. Maybe the two lovebirds worked out, and maybe they didn't, but whichever way it went, you wanted it to grow on its own.
You blew out a heavy breath and made your way back towards your private suite, <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>your damp panties clinging to your nether lips<<else>>your half-stiff package<</if>> making each step an odd combination of 'uncomfortable' and 'arousing'. You could take care of //that// problem once you were out of your suit and into your sheets.
Sigh.
At least you had the small consolation that you'd get to hear all about it next time you talked to Samantha.
@@.choice;
[[Off to Bed - Alone!|Sleep][$phSamantha.date to 12]]@@<</if>><div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phNadia.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if $phNadia.transform is 'pre'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is 'genie'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenieFancy.png]]<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is 'angel'>>[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngelFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phNadia.name</div></div></div>Nadia was sent to me by the Virtue Chastity, as an example of Desire gone wrong. She's a professional gambler, in it for the thrill rather than the win. Losing just means that any second your luck is going to change, and winning just means you're on a streak and should bet bigger and more next time.<<if ($phNadia.focus_casino lt 2) or ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre')>>
Somehow I need<<if $phNadia.transform is not 'pre'>>ed<</if>> to help Nadia //not// find gambling quite so exciting -- or, find some way to make her satisfied enough with her winnings to be able to walk away. A way to break her addiction, or complete satisfy it<<if $phNadia.transform is 'pre'>>-- and I only have a week before Chastity expects results!<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is not 'pre'>>.<</if>><</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 2) or ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre')>>Mason pointed out that there's two ways to have someone's soul accept a transformation: they either have to want it, or believe they //deserve// it. Mason, Mammon, and myself came up with an idea: the 'ultimate game'. A literal wager of her soul on the roll of the dice -- or, in this case, a hand of cards. If it's an honest, fair bet, then a gambler like Nadia should definitely feel like she deserves the outcome, whether win or lose!
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gt 2) or ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre')>>I tracked her down at the Casino again and gave her the pitch -- //and// dropped my 'human' disguise to drive home the 'bet your soul' bit. She reacted about how you'd expect from finding yourself alone in a room with a demon. Even then, though, she at least listened to the wager. Lose, and she's mine to make into whatever I want, with no wishes of her own anymore. Win, and she gets whatever she wants: her own little piece of Paradise. <<if $phNadia.focus_casino lt 3>>She insisted on time to think about it, though, so... now I twiddle my thumbs and wait!<</if>><</if>>
<<if $phNadia.transform is 'genie'>>She lost.
Normally Mason can tell me what someone will become, but this time it was a surprise. It makes sense, now, in retrospect. Nadia became a genie: my wish is //literally// her command! My wish... and everyone else's. Given how much fulfillment she gets now from making other people's wishes come true, it only seemed right to make her available for anyone and everyone who wanted her.
It's a little strange to see how comfortable men and women are with just pulling her aside for a few minutes of pleasure in the VIP Lounge, right there out in the open for everyone to see. The Tower certainly works its magic to make people forget that it's something they'd never see -- or do -- anywhere else! But as long as everyone's happy (and as long as I get my turn first), it's a perfect fairy-tale ending!<</if>>
<<if $phNadia.transform is 'angel'>>She won!
Normally Mason can tell me what someone will become, but this time it was a surprise. It makes sense, now, in retrospect. Nadia became an angel... or, something very close to one! I doubt she's quite Chastity's equal, but she looks the part. The Tower has even given her a sort of 'private Heaven': a small pocket dimension where Nadia can manifest anything her heart desires, and reality is hers to shape as she wills.
It's tempting to be a //little// jealous, but honestly, the Tower is kind of my private Heaven, too!
<</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<div id="instructions" class="notepaper"><h1>Management Notes - $phChastity.name</h1><div class="item lefttilt"><div class="polaroid">@@.cropped;<<if ($phChastity.post_talk gte 3) and ($phChastity.post_talk lt 10)>>[img[Assets/Characters/Chastity/ChastityUnknownFancy.png]]<<else>>[img[Assets/Characters/Chastity/ChastityFancy.png]]<</if>>@@
<div class="caption">$phChastity.name</div></div></div><<if ($phChastity.post_talk gte 3)>>Chastity is a 'Virtue' -- the heavenly (or at least 'angelic') cousins of the Noble Sins. Lazren described them as stuffy cousins, and that seems exactly right. Chastity is the counterpart of Desire, and has nothing good to say about 'want' and 'lust'. She isn't impressed with me and wasn't afraid to say so.
I did convince her to at least give me a chance. <<if $phNadia.focus_casino gte 0>>She said she'd think about it, and be in touch. <</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 0>>I'm not sure what exactly she has in mind, but I'm positive that it will be a challenge...<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino gte 1>>She sent me Nadia Karas, a professional gambler who is addicted to the thrill of never knowing if she'll win or lose. <<if $phNadia.focus_casino lt 4>>Somehow, I'm supposed to 'handle' Nadia's unending desire for just one more game... and do it before Chastity calls back at the end of the week!<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino gte 4>>I was supposed to figure out how to break Nadia's unending desire for just one more game, and do it in less than a week. Chastity was bluntly honest (as she always is!) about expecting me to fail.
Except I didn't. And now Nadia is my very own <<if $phNadia.transform is 'genie'>>wish-granting genie who gets her pleasure from giving it to others<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is 'angel'>>angel and a little slice of Heaven (both metaphorical, of course!)<</if>>.<</if>>
<<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gt 4) and ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre') and ($phChastity.post_talk gte 4) and ($phChastity.post_talk lt 5)>>Chastity didn't sound thrilled when I told her that I'd passed her test -- but then, she never sounds thrilled about anything.<</if>>
<</if>><</if>>
</div>
@@.choice;
<<return>>@@<<set _interrupt to 'Chastity'>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 0>><<set $phStoryProgression to 3.2>><<set _interrupt to 'Chastity'>>Hymns.
You stopped dead in your tracks on the way to the door, listening to the tinny electronic rendition of 'Morning Has Broken'. Carefully, you slid your phone from your pocket and checked the screen.
Yep. HVC. You still didn't have a guess as to what that stood for, but you did know exactly who was calling. Taking a couple of deep breaths, you triggered the connection.
<<nm $phYou "...Chastity?">>
<<nm $phChastity "Hardly a deductive leap, but it is good you are paying attention. I promised I would call again.">>
She still sounded bored. Or maybe not bored, but //flat//. There was no emphasis to any of her words, as if each syllable deserved exactly equal portions of her attention. It gave her a sort of droning characteristic, like a teenager working a summer job who could not possibly care less.
<<nm $phYou "So you did. I've been eagerly awaiting the call back.">>
<<nm $phChastity "That makes one of us.">>
The closed your eyes and counted slowly in your head to five. The silence stretched, long past the point of becoming awkward. Finally, you had to break it.
<<nm $phYou "...And you have a reason, I am guessing?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I have a test. A task. An opportunity for you to prove that your beliefs are valid.">>
<<nm $phYou "What kind of test?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I have a human that I would like you to target.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Come again?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I have a human that I would like you to target. I would like to see you work your usual magic for her, for the usual result. Do you understand?">>
@@.choice;[[....You Didn't!|ChastitySecondPhonecall][$phNadia.focus_casino to 0.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 0.1>><<nm $phYou "I'm sorry...why would you want me to corrupt someone? I thought you hated that.">>
<<nm $phChastity "I do not hate it. I am philosophically opposed to it and required to be so. That is not important. There is a woman who will soon arrive to your casino. I would like you to attempt to make her happy. Your way.">>
You were reeling. When Chastity had said 'task', you'd imagined charity work or even some holy pilgramage that Lazren might well have gotten angry at you for. This was just...business as usual?
<<nm $phYou "...I don't understand.">>
<<nm $phChastity "Because she is one of yours. One of Cara's victims. Not directly, but a victim none the less. She is infected with desire, and it consumes her. She wants and then, once she has achieved that want, she wants more. It is a black hole without end. There is no possible resolution.">>
Finally, you were starting to put it together. It was still a bit fuzzy, but at least the basic thrust of the conversation was making sense.
<<nm $phYou "You don't think she can be saved. You think whatever Cara did was too much. That I can't make her happy. You want me to fail at my own job.">>
<<nm $phChastity "I do not want anything, but otherwise you are correct. I believe you will fail, and when you do, you will be forced to admit that desire is a will-o-wisp that leads humanity to its doom. You will see the inevitability of destruction if they surrender themselves to you and yours.">>
<<nm $phYou "...That's a little much for one person, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phChastity "One person. A thousand people. The story is played out over and over again. Regardless, if you fail, I will not support your ascension to Cara's seat.">>
<<nm $phYou "And if I succeed, you'll support me?">>
<<nm $phChastity "No. But it will be a step in the right direction. Do you accept this challenge?">>
It wasn't as if you //really// had a lot of choice, and you both knew it. You blew out a breath.
<<nm $phYou "...I help her, you're one step closer to supporting me. Alright. How will I tell you when it's done?">>
<<nm $phChastity "I will call you in five days. At that time, you will either have succeeded or failed.">>
<<nm $phYou "Five //days//?! Chastity, I am a business manager. I have employees to work with, things to do! There are other people coming to the tower, you know!">>
<<nm $phChastity "That is very unfortunate. The life of a business manager can be a difficult one.">>
You waited. She waited. Finally, you closed your eyes and spoke.
<<nm $phYou "...And?">>
<<nm $phChastity "And you have five days.">>
The line went dead. Cursing. You stuck your phone back into your pocket. It looked like you had a guest to prepare for at the Casino. You had no idea what one of 'Cara's Victims' would look like, but apparently you would have to figure it out, after you made a few calls.
And maybe, along the way, work out how to strangle someone @@.choice;[[Through The Phone!|Bedroom][$phNadia.focus_casino to 1, $phLazDays to 5, $phChastity.post_talk to 4]]@@<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gte 1) and ($phChastity.post_talk is 4) and ($phLazDays is 0) and ($phNadia.transform is 'pre')>>The phone buzzed in your pocket, the now familiar hymn coming through the speaker. You took a few breaths, trying to keep your voice calm, and picked up.
<<nm $phYou "...Chastity.">>
<<nm $phChastity "It has been five days. That was our agreed upon number.">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm not sure we //agreed// on it. You gave me an ultimatum. I can do this, I just need a little more time, that's all. That's not that strange.">>
<<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1>><<nm $phChastity "Did you even //speak// to her yet?">>
You felt your face heat. What on Earth had you been doing? Everything was on the line, but it had been far too easy to get distracted with other things...
<<nm $phYou "I was...uh...making plans. They took a little longer than I expect, but--">>
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2>><<nm $phChastity "My information says she flew out this evening. Something about being tired of waiting for you?">>
You felt your face heat as your heart dropped. Nadia had flown out already? You felt certain that talk of a game would have held her here...
<<nm $phYou "I...I can get her back. Just give me her number and--">>
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 3>><<nm $phChastity "My information suggests you've had her waiting around for some kind of game. One you never delivered on.">>
<<nm $phYou "I have her! I really do! It was a bit slow getting everything set up, but I promise you that she'll come around. I just--">>
<</if>><<nm $phChastity "Five days. Your failure to hold yourself to a task is not my problem. In fact, it is the clearest sign of the foolishness of this idea. You are just as much a slave to your desires as Cara is, and I will not see one bad influence replaced by another.">>
<<nm $phYou "Now, Chastity, wait--">>
The line went dead. You stared down at it, your mind running a mile a minute. That was... that was bad, yes. Still, maybe you could salvage this. Call her back in a day or two, see if she'd calmed down?
She wouldn't. You didn't know a lot about Chastity, but you knew she wasn't the sort of woman who changed her mind. So Cara was out. Still, Lazren had given you power, and you had done a lot with the tower. You were certain if you explained everything to her carefully, she would be forgiving.
@@.choice;
[[Right?|Bad Ends Lazren Return]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gte 1) and ($phChastity.post_talk is 4) and ($phLazDays is 0) and ($phNadia.transform is not 'pre')>><<set $phLocation to 'Bedroom'>><<set $phChastity.post_talk to 5>><<set $phStoryProgression to 3.3>><<set $phLazDays to 3>>The dulcet hymnal tones did not trouble you this time, even if you still couldn't figure out how your caller could alter your phone in a way you couldn't trace. You punched the 'Accept Call' button.
<<nm $phYou "Hello. You've reached Paradise Industries. $phYou.firstname speaking.">>
There was a long silence from the other end of the line. When Chastity finally spoke, her tone was as even as ever, but you could detect the slightest bit of a sulk in it.
<<nm $phChastity "...You are quite proud of yourself, aren't you?">>
<<nm $phYou "I succeeded. You have to admit, you gave me an impossible task on a tight timeline, and I came through with flying colors.">>
<<if $phNadia.transform is 'angel'>><<nm $phChastity "...Flying colors? You took a hedonist and you made her //worse//. She'll be in your casino, indulging her...'passions' until the world ends.">>
<<nm $phYou "Perhaps so, but she is //not// a blackhole of desire. She has been fulfilled, which is something neither you or Cara could do for her. I'm not going to apologize for making her happy.">>
<</if>><<if $phNadia.transform is 'genie'>><<nm $phChastity "...Flying colors? From what I understand, Nadia is now a sex slave, bound to your will. You turned her from a person into a toy, consumed by her own desires.">>
<<nm $phYou "Not how I'd describe it, but it was what she wanted. A game of true stakes. However it ended, she's satisfied, and that is something neither you or Cara could do for her. I won't apologize for doing exactly what you tasked me to do, in a way you didn't anticipate.">>
<</if>>There was a moment of pregnant silence across the line. Finally, you heard Chastity sigh, conceding the point.
<<nm $phChastity "You succeeded, by the rules that we set. I cannot deny you that. I remain unconvinced, but you are closer than you were. I will call again, soon, with a new task. We shall see if you handle it the same way.">>
You weren't even surprised. Part of you had known it wasn't going to be that easy, but you still spoke up before she could disconnect the line, raising your voice.
<<nm $phYou "Now wait a minute. I did everything you asked. I think I deserve some damned answers! What are these tasks? How long are you going to keep me running around? You //knew// Nadia. Knew her personally long before I was even on the scene. Why on earth would you send her to me?">>
There was another long pause, so long you wondered if she might already have hung up the phone. She did finally speak again, though, and her tone was as even and dispassionate as ever. Despite that, you could have sworn you caught an almost imperceptible note of...urgency?
<<nm $phChastity "...Three tasks. That is wise. One could be a fluke, or luck. Three will be sufficient. I am testing you because this is important. I have dealt with Cara's...excesses for many, many years. I would not see her replaced with one who is worse. The world might well hang in the balance.">>
<<nm $phYou "Couldn't you just replace me again if I turn out to be the wrong one?">>
<<nm $phChastity "No. It is not so simple. There are prices to be paid.">>
<<nm $phYou "What prices?">>
<<nm $phChastity "We shall worry about that when it becomes necessary. I trust you will be waiting for my--">>
<<nm $phYou "You didn't answer my question! Why did you send Nadia to me? You knew her. Hell, she cared about you!">>
Silence. You counted several heartbeats, the phone clutched tight in your hand, willing her to answer. She finally did.
<<nm $phChastity "I...could not help her. You could.">>
//Click//
The phone disconnected. You stared down at it, frowning. What was all that about? Why couldn't Chastity help Nadia? What prices was she talking about? Why couldn't //anything// ever be simple.
At least you had one piece of information. Three tasks, and one was down. That meant you had two more coming, whenever Chastity decided to call and make you jump.
@@.choice;[[Fantastic.|Bedroom]]@@
<</if>><<if settings.phSummaryMode is false>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1>><<set _interrupt to 'Nadia Entrance'>>The Casino was buzzing.
There was nothing new about that; the thrill and excitement in the air was its entire reason for //existing//. Still, there was something about the controlled chaos that always seemed unique. Employees darted here and there, swapping out dealers and moving around the floor. Tables opened and closed. Gamblers stood up from one table and sat down at another to see if their luck might be different, or just to try another game.
You weren't here to enjoy the ambiance though. Your own personal pit boss, Mammon, was out of her office and waiting for you. She was standing next to one of the roulette tables, somehow managing to blend perfectly into the scene while also looking like she was completely above it. You made a bee-line for her.
<<nm $phYou "How we doing?">>
<<nm $phMammon "'We'? Very equitable today. I'm doing very well, but you seem to have an exciting day ahead of you.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ha-ha. Is she here?">>
The distinguished woman nodded and tilted her finger towards the VIP lounge. It was up a small set of stairs and behind a closed door, isolated from the rest of the floor. The lounge was as much shock-and-awe luxury as it was an actual gambling hall, and an invitation was extremely flattering even to those who thought they had no interest in exclusivity.
It wasn't really all that exclusive, of course. The tower made sure that anyone whose ego could use the boost would stumble their way into just such an invitation. You were pretty sure it was about to be a lot more than just 'feeling validated' for your guests, though.
<<nm $phMammon "She is. She arrived this morning, very politely dropped Chastity's name with the concierge, and went right up to the tables. Played for about an hour before she even visited her room. Dedicated, that one.">>
<<nm $phYou "What's your impression?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Honestly? Bad investment. She's cool-headed, intelligent, and she knows the game, but dropping chips on the table before you've unpacked isn't what a gambler does. It's what an //addict// does. Then there's the matter of what the tower is getting off her in terms of energy.">>
<<nm $phYou "And what is it getting?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Nothing.">>
You turned to study the agent of greed, expecting her to be smirking as she so often was, but Mammon looked deadly serious. Even...concerned? You weren't sure you liked that expression on her face.
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean 'nothing'?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Exactly that. The tower isn't getting anything. She wins and she loses, and none of it elicits anything that lasts longer than it takes to deal out the next hand. She's chasing the rush, and it's hard to find these days. I'm amazed she's not broke. By the time most people reach this point, they don't have the control left to avoid falling into a spiral.">>
Great. Intelligent and controlled enough not to self-destruct, but hooked on a feeling she could no longer find. Just perfect.
<<nm $phYou "Well, if it wasn't a challenge, Chastity wouldn't have sent her to me. You worried enough to keep a personal eye on her?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Your subtle way of inquiring why I'm out of my ivory tower? In short: yes, I am. As I said: she's chasing the rush. The Tower is throwing immense amounts of energy at her to try to please her, and is getting //nothing// in return. It's eating into our margin.">>
<<nm $phYou "... that's bad, isn't it?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Subtle //and// astute. I think I can keep the Casino breaking even, in the short term, but you need to get handle her before the Tower starts breaking itself trying to make her happy.">>
<<nm $phYou "Great. Got it. Have some chips sent up after me. Time I worked my magic, huh?">>
<<nm $phMammon "Best of luck.">>
Mammon turned to one of the dealers to make the arrangements. You straightened your tie, smoothed down the front of your outfit, and squared your shoulders.
@@.choice;
[[Time To Work!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1.1>><<set $phLocation to "VIPLounge">>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaPre.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaPre.png]]</picture>@@
Nadia wasn't hard to spot. Quite the opposite. The moment you stepped into the VIP lounge, you had to raise your hand against a sudden, blinding glare. It was like the entire room was ablaze, the light so bright it erased everything else from your vision. You stood, frozen in the doorway, as your eyes struggled to adjust.
<<nm $phNadia "...first time in a VIP lounge, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>handsome<<else>>pretty?<</if>>">>
Afterimages and swimming spots slowly faded from your vision. The light was still //there// but you knew it wasn't real. It was the light of desire, but bright in a way you'd never seen before. It was an intensity that stung, that //seared//, soul-deep. Still, you could see past it if you tried. Back to the real world, and the woman giving you a quizzical, concerned expression.
You realized with a start you must look quite unusual, stepping into an apparently normal room and stopping dead in your tracks with a pained expression. Fantastic. Off to an amazing start as usual.
<<nm $phYou "Forgive me. Sort of stumbled there for a moment. Would you happen to be Miss Nadia?">>
She smirked.
<<nm $phNadia "I see my reputation preceeds me. That's right; and you are...?">>
<<nm $phYou "You can call me $phYou.firstname.">>
The woman in front of you was tall, with vibrant brown hair that fell to her shoulders. She filled out a tight, form-fitting red dress beautifully, shoulderless to show off her upper torso. She was wearing an impressively sized blue pendant around her neck, with a matching pair of earring. Part of you absently noted that was the only jewelry on her. Nothign on her hands, and little makeup on her face. Personal style? Or was she drawing attention away from her face and her hands? Maybe a little of both.
She watched you with new interest as she absently rolled a pair of poker chips between her fingers. You couldn't help but notice they were some of the highest denomination colors on the floor. Someone had obviously been doing //very// well.
<<nm $phNadia "$pMs $phYou.firstname? How very interesting. A little bird told me you'd be worth my while to talk to, once I arrived. It seems you've saved me the search.">>
<<nm $phYou "...You already know about me?">>
The edge of her lips canted upwards in a mischevious smile.
<<nm $phNadia "I have a friend, of sorts. Fell out of contact. Always a bit of a straight edge, you could say, so it's a miracle we got along in the first place. So just imagine my //surprise// when I get a call from my old friend, and she's got a //game// she wants me to join, and even a name I should look for! Terribly, terribly curious... and I can never resist something new. How do //you// know Chastity?">>
The question caught you off guard. For a moment you considered lying, but Nadia's impish smile suggested you had already revealed the truth. Instead, you smiled back.
<<nm $phYou "...a new friend. We're in somewhat competing businesses, you might say. Do you have a minute? I'd love to talk to any friend of hers.">>
Nadia checked over her shoulder at the table before she nodded. You could see a full table of poker players behind it, their eyes intense as they studied their cards.
<<nm $phNadia "I suppose. Once they've thinned the pack, they'll make the final table out of whoever's still standing. I'll need to be there. But for you, darling? I can spare a few minutes.">>
@@.choice;
[[What A Charmer!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 1.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1.2>><<nm $phYou "So how did you meet Chastity? From what I know about her, she doesn't seem to be very big on gambling.">>
The two of you had walked to a quieter corner, away from the main table. Nadia kept it within easy line of sight, you noticed, to make sure she wouldn't lose a few hands by not being ready when the table formed up. That was fine with you; it gave you more time to study her. The glare of desire was still bright, but you were getting better at tuning it out.
Once she got situated, Nadia crossed one leg over the other at the knee and flagged over a waiter to order a Sapphire martini. She laughed softly, her gaze shifting back to you with mirth and intelligence.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, she's not; quite the opposite. I was on a bit of a 'self-improvement' kick at the time. I'm sure you've seen it: no drinking, no smoking, certainly no wild parties and late nights flirting and throwing dice.">>
<<nm $phYou "Mmm. Didn't take?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Not at //all// - though it did teach me a few things, like there are quite a few things you can enjoy in moderation. You're asking about Chastity though, mm? She was leading some of the seminars. Warm woman; easy to talk to. Easy to love. She helped me work a few things out.">>
...Chastity? //Warm//? Since //when//??
<<nm $phYou "I could...see her being involved in a project like that. It sounds like you were close? But drifted apart?">>
She flashed a grateful smile to the waiter as he returned with her drink.
<<nm $phNadia "The story of life. She was what I needed at the time, but I just wasn't the saint that she was. Once I was back on my own, the temptations were too strong. I //wanted// back at the tables, I wanted the click of the chips. We had some words, she and I. Nothing too terrible, fortunately, but I was still shocked to hear from her... much less to hear her pointing me //towards// a new casino.">>
Nadia gave a small shake of her head as she leaned back, glanced at the table again, and then took a sip of her martini. When her attention returned to you, her tone dipped low, warm, and conspiratorial.
<<nm $phNadia "I half expected you to be some kind of charitable organization, especially with a name like 'Paradise'. But you're more fun than I was expecting, sweetheart. Even if...">>
She trailed off, her expression far away from a moment. She looked almost confused, like she was surprised with what she was telling you. You jumped in quickly before she got too curious about the tower's encouraging influence.
<<nm $phYou "...Even if? If there's something we can do better for you, please let me know.">>
She refocused on you with a quick and practiced smile. She wore it well; the shine lit up her eyes and for that precious moment made you feel like the most fascinating person in the world. You had no doubt it was completely insincere, but damn if she wasn't good at it.
<<nm $phNadia "Even if I'm not sure why //this// one. It's a lovely place, really it is, $pMs $phYou.firstname. I'm having a wonderful time -- but I've been to casinos all over the world. I'm a very hard woman to impress. I'll give it a night, see if anything strikes my fancy, and if not, head home in the morning. Oh! Sorry, darling; my table is ready.">>
She looked past your shoulder and beamed a smile. There was a lot of milling around going on at the table, as they formed up the final nine players. Nadia rose to her feet and handed you what was left of her drink.
<<nm $phNadia "Cheers, love. Have a good night.">>
You felt your heart leap into your throat as your opportunity slipped away.
<<nm $phYou "...Wait!">>
Nadia turned back around, her expression surprised... and the slow curve of her lips //knowing//. You mentally kicked yourself as you realized her threat to leave had been a ploy: a way to make you reveal what was so special about your particular establishment. A gamble, and it'd paid off.
Well, hook, line, and sinker. If she wanted to know, you'd tell her.
<<nm $phYou "There's a game going on. Soon. One I think you'll be interested in. The one that Chastity wanted for you: one that will change your life.">>
Nadia tilted her head, and that practiced smile was back again. Her eyes glittered as she looked you up and down.
<<nm $phNadia "...I'm listening. And what exactly is this game that will change my life?">>
<<nm $phYou "For that... you'll have to stick around. I'll find you soon, with the details. I promise. But you won't want to miss this one.">>
She studied you for a few more seconds, clearly debating pressing for more or leaving it alone. You met her gaze, solemnly, and after a moment her eyes shifted away. Again, she looked almost surprised to have lost the stare down.
<<nm $phNadia "Well, well, well. It seems I'll be seeing you around, then. Have a good afternoon, $pMs $phYou.firstname. I do hope you don't disappoint.">>
She turned to walk back to her table, and you let out the breath you'd been holding. You'd kept her here, that was good. That would buy you some time.
Now all you had to do was figure out what the 'game' you'd promised @@.choice;[[Was Going To Be!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 1.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1.3>><<set $phLocation to "Mammon">><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phMason "Improvisation is all well and good, but I would urge you to consult with //me// before making proclamations we may be unable to fulfill.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Oh come off it, Jeeves. The lady is an incorrigeable gambler. The prospect of a game is the one thing that //would// draw her in within the time limit your <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>master<<else>>lady<</if>> has been given. $pShe did everything exactly the right way. Figuring out how to make it work is //your// job.">>
You were in Mammon's expansive office. To your surprise, she'd set up three chairs facing each other in front of the desk. At least now you didn't feel like you'd been called to the principal's office. Mason straightened his coat and sighed.
<<nm $phMason "You are ... not incorrect, but that does not make the task less challenging. The complete lack of data from the tower is...unusual. Her desire is there. Intensely so. But despite the steadfastness of the signal, I'm no closer to determining a solution.">>
<<nm $phMammon "Greed is a different animal than you're used to. The humans you've 'acquired' thus far have bad problems within //themselves//, at the end of the day. Offer them a chance to get what they want, become what they want, and you're good as gold. Ms. Karas does not fit that mold.">>
<<nm $phYou "She wants to win at the Casino, doesn't she? Can't we just make her something lucky? I don't know: a leprechaun?">>
<<nm $phMammon "No, child. Even if we were inclined to involve the Fae -- which would be an astoundingly bad idea -- you're confusing the point. Gamblers don't want //money//, any more than bank robbers do. They want what money can get them: security, independance, respect. Power. Comfort. All of them are chasing some sort of dream; money is just the means. The problem is that Nadia doesn't know what she wants, either.">>
<<nm $phMason "Elucidate.">>
Mammon stood up and paced to the other side of the room, and the window overlooking the Casino floor. The demoness' expression was unusually pensive as she watched the gamblers win and lose.
<<nm $phMammon "She's confused the means with the ends. Her desire //is// to gamble - but there isn't an end to that. You gamble, get the rush, and gamble again. If you lose, bet smarter; if you win, bet higher. Winning or losing doesn't matter. Her form doesn't matter. There's nothing you can give her that will satisfy her: there's no finish line to cross, no goal to obtain. You're sunk.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Mason?">>
Your chief researcher shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His dark eyes shifted away from you as he spoke.
<<nm $phMason "As unpleasant it is to admit it: I concur. I do not believe there is anything we can grant her that will cure her of her desire.">>
Your heart sank. You were getting pretty good at this, but Mason and Mammon had centuries of wisdom, trial, and error on their side...and both of them were telling you it was impossible. You'd come this far... were you really going to fail this far along?
<<nm $phMason "...Unless...">>
@@.choice;
[[Unless?!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 1.4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 1.4>><<set $phNadia.recharge to 1>><<nm $phMason "There are two ways for a soul to accept its circumstance, not just one. Lazren told you that, in the very earliest days; I've repeated it often enough. Do you remember what they are?">>
You thought about it. As Mason had said, it was a phrase that had been spoken often, but you'd rarely stopped to consider the ramifications.
<<nm $phYou "You said they have to want it...or they have to believe they deserve it.">>
Mammon's head whipped around, and you saw a flash of understanding ignite in her eyes. She snapped her fingers and nodded sharply.
<<nm $phMammon "Nadia is focused on the experience, not the result. He's right; we can't get caught up on the //prize// when it's about the //game//. I might have misjudged you, Mason.">>
You looked back and forth between them. It was clear they were on the same wavenlength, but you certainly weren't.
<<nm $phYou "More, please?">>
<<nm $phMason "Miss Karas wants to find the ultimate wager, the highest possible stakes. She wants the rush of the game, and the greater the potential loss or win, the greater that rush becomes. We can deliver that. If she wishes to play, then she must bet //everything//.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Everything?">>
<<nm $phMason "Everything that she is: the ultimate 'all-in'. If she loses, she becomes your servant, forever more here in the tower. Her desires will no longer be her own, but yours. Her future will no longer be her own, but yours.">>
You weren't entirely sure you liked the sound of that. Actually, that wasn't quite true. Part of you liked the sound of that a lot -- and the rest of you was very worried about that fact.
<<nm $phYou "And if she wins...?">>
<<nm $phMammon "The highest possible reward. Power, wealth, comfort, all of that. The whole deal. Heaven! Or... at least as close as we can arrange it. Yes... yes, I think our bright young man here has found it. No half-assing this one: if she wins, it's about //her//. She doesn't work for you, she doesn't give you anything. We will give her a part of the Tower to make her own.">>
You looked to Mason, who solemnly nodded his head. His expression was focused, but he seemed much more confident now.
<<nm $phMason "It will work. A true bet, freely made. She will know that she won, or lost, of her own accord, and her soul will take on the proper form: the form she feels she deserves. In either case, her desire will be fulfilled. If she loses, her desires will be replaced with yours. If she wins, then her desires will filled as quickly as she can conceive them. I believe I can provide the appropriate foci. Only...">>
<<nm $phMammon "Only it must be a //true// bet, child. She must know what she's betting when she does it. You can't play coy on this one. She needs to know what you are, and what you offer.">>
<<nm $phMason "It will also need to be fair, $phMason.address. There are forces of the universe at work in things like that. Other than the fickle force of luck, there won't be anything extrodinary to help you succeed here. It will actually be a gamble.">>
You took that all in for a long time. Your eyebrows arched.
<<nm $phYou "You're telling me...I need to tell her I'm a demon, offer her to bet her entire life at my table in exchange for ultimate power, and it needs to be a fair enough bet she could //actually// gain that power in the end? And if any of that doesn't work out, we're back to square one?">>
<<nm $phMason "...more or less, yes, that is correct.">>
Great.
<<nm $phYou "Well, what are we waiting for then? Get to work. I'll take care of wrangling our guest next time I see her.">>
...And hope this didn't @@.choice;[[Blow Up In Your Face!|Casino][$phNadia.focus_casino to 2, $phNadia.recharge to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2>><<nm $phYou "Ms. Karas? How are you doing today?">>
Nadia turned, both slim eyebrows lifting in surprise. You'd clearly caught her at the right moment, as she was signing on to that evening's big poker tournament. It seemed your gambit of offering her a mystery had paid off, at least for now. She hadn't run out on you in the middle of the night.
<<nm $phNadia "Why, $phYou.firstname, have you been checking up on me? I don't remember giving you my last name. I'm flattered.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well, it is my job to know a few things. If you've got the time, I'd love to have a few words.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Checking up on me //and// a clandestine meeting? Now I'm flattered //and// intrigued. Of course I have the time. The tournament doesn't start for a few hours; it's just table games until tonight. Let me finish signing in and you can whisk me whither you will.">>
She turned back to the sheet and jotted down her name in fluid, cursive script before offering a collection of colored chips to the simulacrum behind the counter. She had more than enough of the casino chips to cover the (rather substantial) entry fee. Her good luck streak hadn't failed yet. The tower was likely playing its part in keeping her playing and as happy as it could ensure.
Once she'd finished, you offered her your arm -- and she took it, albeit with an amused expression. The two of you left the lounge, and you lead her toward one of the semi-concealed doorways to the rear of the casino.
<<nm $phNadia "A backstage tour as well? My my. What did I do to deserve such indulgence?">>
<<nm $phYou "You say that as if your presence wasn't reason enough.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Mmm. That one was laying it on a bit thick, but I can enjoy that, too. I suppose we should see what you have in mind, shouldn't we?">>
You tilted your head in acknowledgement, and led her to the door. By now, you weren't surprised when the room behind it was almost exactly what you had been picturing in your head: a small, quiet lounge with a meeting table and a couple of spare game tables leaned against one wall in case of emergencies. The tower had its problems sometimes, but every day it knew you better and better. You were about to need that attunement.
Nadia trailed her fingertips over the back of a chair as you guided her inside.
<<nm $phNadia "Nice and quiet, very charming... reminds me of the small places where I got my start. Not that //you're// small, dear, but most of the big places guard the backrooms like they were Fort Knox. What can I do for you?">>
<<nm $phYou "Actually, it's what I can do for you. I told you there would be a game that would change your life. Chastity said more or less the same thing. I'd like to make an invitation.">>
Nadia's eyes glittered as that little smile of hers appeared again. She feigned poise and calm, but that was a useless effort to someone like you. You could see the intensity of her desire scintillate and gleam as you spoke.
<<nm $phNadia "I confess, I //am// a little bit intrigued. I figured there must be something going on here more than meets the eyes. Do I get to find out the big secret?">>
<<nm $phYou "That is the plan. What do you see when you look at me, Nadia?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Hmm? Oh, you're lovely, sweetheart, but it's just flirt--">>
<<nm $phYou "Nadia. Look at me. Carefully. And tell me what you see.">>
She closed her mouth and cocked her head, clearly confused by the seriousness of your tone. After a moment she crossed her arms over her stomach as she let her eyes wander over the length of you, with an expression of mixed impatience and wounded indulgence as she 'played along'. You took a deep breath, closed your eyes, and willed the tower to //drop// your disguise.
For a long second, nothing happened.
And then Nadia @@.choice;[[Screamed!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2.1>>The scream didn't last long. Nadia recoiled, nearly bumping into one of the spare tables stacked against the wall. Her skin had gone ashen and her knowing demeanor had disintentegrated utterly. When she spoke, her voice shook and quavered.
<<nm $phNadia "How...how did you do that?">>
<<nm $phYou "How did I do what?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Your skin! Your...you changed! You changed but...but I remember. You looked this way before. You always looked this way. Why didn't I say anything before? I...What...How?">>
<<nm $phYou "Nadia...Sit down. Sit down and I'll explain.">>
Delicately, you pulled a chair out from the table and turned it toward her. Her expression looked more like you had offered her a plate full of venomous scorpions than a chair, but she did slowly approach. She waited until you had moved around the table before she actually sat, though, and her face was still bloodless.
<<nm $phNadia "...What's going on?">>
<<nm $phYou "You wanted to know the secret. //This// is the secret. I help people, Ms. Karas: people who have problems that no one else can fix. People the world would otherwise leave behind. This tower keeps me hidden, and helps me find the people who need me the most. People like you.">>
<<nm $phNadia "I don't need you.">>
It was quick and automatic, but you noticed she didn't look straight at you when she said it. You let the silence hang for a moment, trying to keep your nerves steady. This was a lot more... adversarial than most of your conversations with prospective converts. The penalty of needing to be too honest too fast, you guessed.
Well, you play the hand you're dealt.
<<nm $phYou "...Okay. You're welcome to leave. No one will stop you. You can be on a plane to Vegas or Atlanta or Monaco or Macau. This place will be a bad dream, and you can quit while you're ahead. Take the money and run. That's what you're after, isn't it?">>
Nadia hesitated, and you tried not to hold your breath. In point of fact, you //needed// her to stay, but that didn't change the rules of your world. You couldn't force her. All you could do was give her the choice and hope that she picked the right one.
She struggled to manage her breath, and clearly doing her best to get herself back under control. Some color was returning to her cheeks now, as the initial shock and surprise passed. Her eyes were still a little wild, and you guessed that adreneline was still flooding her system, but when she spoke a tiny fragment of that old poise has returned to her voice.
<<nm $phNadia "And...if I don't leave?">>
<<nm $phYou "Then I deliver what I promised, and what you need. One game: the ultimate game. One that will finally slake the thirst you have. One way or another, you'll have what you never thought you could: satisfaction. You'll be free of all this. Interested?">>
She stared at you, clearly tempted to call you on your bullshit. This time, though, you weren't hiding anything. Maybe it showed in your eyes, or maybe she really was just that desperate for the game. She briefly closed her eyes... and then leaned forward across the table with a shudder and a sigh.
<<nm $phNadia "...Tell me more.">>
@@.choice;
[[Got Her!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 2.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2.2>><<nm $phYou "Poker. Texas Hold'em. Heads up, between you and me. Half a million in chips. We'll play in private, winner take all.">>
Nadia cocked her head to the side, but now she was focused. //This// was something she was familiar with. She rattled off the terms easily.
<<nm $phNadia "...No limit? Ten minute blinds?">>
That meant a player could bet any amount they wanted, potentially even putting everything in on the first hand in the first round, though that would be foolish. Every ten minutes, the minimum bet would increase. Eventually, it would be taking such a chunk of each player's stack that they would have to bet. That ensured there would eventually be a winner, even with the most conservative players.
<<nm $phYou "Precisely.">>
<<nm $phNadia "...And? What are the stakes? You aren't planning for the half million to be real, are you?">>
You gave a low, ominous chuckle at that. You were hamming it up a bit, but...you were pretty sure it was necessary. She had to believe that punishment awaited her if she lost. If that meant she thought you were some sinister demon then...that was the part you'd have to play.
<<nm $phYou "Even if you had half a million to put up, that wouldn't solve the problem. All that would leave you with is a million dollars and more games to play. You'd have it on another table before very long. No, this is a bet for everything, Nadia.">>
<<nm $phNadia "...What do you mean 'everything'?">>
<<nm $phYou "//Everything.// Everything you are. Your soul. If you lose, you stay here in the tower, and you're mine. However I want you. There isn't any coming back from that. No buying back into the game. You will be through.">>
<<nm $phNadia "I'm pretty sure a few authorities would have something to say about such a deal, wouldn't they?">>
You didn't say anything. You just gave her a firm, unblinking stare. You were not concerned about the authorities, and you wanted her to know that. She faltered, looking away from you, and was silent for several seconds. Then she lifted her head.
<<nm $phNadia "And if I win?">>
<<nm $phYou "Everything you want, at the snap of your fingers. A life of paradise. You'll still stay here, but you won't work for me. You'll realize pure satisfaction. You won't ever feel the need to gamble again, because there's nothing you could win that you don't already have.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Isn't that the plot to a Twilight Zone episode? I win and then in two weeks I'm bored with paradise and want to leave?">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you //want// to get bored?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Why would I want to get bored?">>
<<nm $phYou "Then you won't. The world will be the way you want it to be. I'm not trying to trick you, and I'm being genuine. What you want is the game. One game. One ultimate bet. Win everything. Lose everything. It's that simple.">>
It really was. Not that you blamed her for @@.choice;[[Doubting!|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 2.3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 2.3>>She stared hard at you, clearly trying to determine you truthfulness by sheer force of will. You sat with your hands slightly spread on the table, calm as calm could be. Finally, she leaned back in her seat and rested her hands on the table.
<<nm $phNadia "Who are you? Really?">>
<<nm $phYou "My name really is $phYou.firstname. I really am a demon, more or less. I wasn't always. It sort of came with the position when I took over this tower -- though that's a long story that doesn't help you much. Right now, this is what I do. I find people who need something, and I help them get it.">>
<<nm $phNadia "People? So you've done this before?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, but not exactly the same. Everyone's a bit different, but I have helped people. You'll get to meet some of them, if you stay.">>
<<nm $phNadia "In exchange for souls? Deal with the devil, and all of that?">>
Nadia's tone was coy, but uncertain. She was teasing but...she wasn't sure if she was joking or not. You debated how much to tell her. Actually, it was strange to be on this side of the equation. You had received enough lectures about things you couldn't possibly understand or things that would take too long to explain. You certainly felt more sympathy for Mason and his frequent sighs when you asked him questions. How were you supposed to summarize this sort of thing?
<<nm $phYou "Something like that. It'd probably be best you think that way. Win or lose, if you play, you'll never be the same person you are now. I'm not a monster; if you lose, it's not a lifetime of drudgery or torture...but you will belong to the tower, body and soul. Are you in or out?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Don't try the hard sell. I need time to think, alright? This isn't your average bet.">>
<<nm $phYou "No, it isn't. That's why it's the one you need to take.">>
You stood up, carefully smoothed down the front of your suit, and nodded. You kept your smile thin, drawing on a multitude of conversations with Mason, Mammon, and Avery for that exact right level of 'above it all' smugness.
<<nm $phYou "But, of course, I //do// understand. I will return to you when the game is ready. It won't be today. I want to make sure you that you sleep on it. The next time we talk, I'll be ready to play. Enjoy the tables, Ms. Karas. I'll see you soon.">>
She smiled at that. You weren't sure if that was appreciation for the ominous delivery or just an automatic reflex. Her eyes were troubled and thoughtful, and you suspected she now had a lot more on her mind.
You offered her your hand and she took it as she accepted your lead to the door. Once you were through, she dropped her touch and disappeared into the crowd without another word, leaving you alone. You tried to control the sudden urge to go all weak in the knees.
She had heard your offer. She hadn't turned you down flat, that was something. She was thinking about it. You had to hope that she really //was// so far down the rabbit-hole that she couldn't resist a bet. If she wasn't, this could blow up on you. No, not 'could' -- 'would'!
Unfortunately, there was @@.choice;[[Nothing To Do But Wait!|Casino][$phNadia.focus_casino to 3, $phNadia.recharge to 1, $phTime += 1]]@@
<</if>><<else>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gte 1) and ($phNadia.focus_casino lt 2)>><<set $phLocation to "VIPLounge">><<set $phNadia.recharge to 1>><<set $phTime += 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/Nadia.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/Nadia.png]]</picture>@@
@@.narrative;Summary Mode@@
Mammon was waiting for you in the Casino when you arrived. She let you know that Nadia had arrived safely, but the manager wasn't sure things were going to work out well for you. Nadia had gone straight to the tables before even unpacking which was, in Mammon's opinion, the sign of an addict and not a gambler. Still, you had little choice.
Nadia herself proved to be very charming. She revealed that it was Chastity who had pointed her to you, and that she had met the Virtue while on a 'self-help' kick. She was also very adept. She suggested that she might be leaving in the morning and provoked a response from you. Thinking quickly, you promised Nadia that you would fulfill her love of gambling with a game. The Ultimate Game. Her curiosity piqued, she promised to stay around for at least a few days.
Mammon and Mason were less than enthusiastic about this improvisation. There was no simple form that would make Nadia happy. She wanted to gamble, but it was the gambling and not the money or the victory she enjoyed. Still, by putting your heads together, you came up with a plan. As Mason had told you several times, there were two ways to get someone to accept a new form. They had to want it, or they had to believe they //deserved// it.
If Nadia lost an open, fair bet with you, she'd believe she deserved the transformation. But if she won, she would be made into a genuinely powerful force in the tower that did not report to you. You had little choice but to pursue it. In order to do that, though, you'd have to be honest with her.
The next time you talked, you would @@.choice;[[Tell Her Everything|Casino][$phNadia.focus_casino to 2, $phNadia.recharge to 1]]@@
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino gte 2) and ($phNadia.focus_casino lt 3)>><<set $phLocation to "VIPLounge">><<set $phTime += 1>><<set $phNadia.recharge to 1>>It was time to tell Nadia everything.
You tracked her down in the casino and took her to a backroom. You willed the tower to drop your disguise, and the reaction was everything you could have hoped for. Nadia screamed outright and, while she was willing to listen, it took several minutes for her poise to return.
You explained to her what you were, though you played up the slightly sinister demonic angle a little. She would need to go into this deal with her eyes open. If she believed you were nothing more than a demon, then she would understand what the stakes really were. You laid out the game. Half a million dollars in chips on a poker table. Texas Hold'em, no limit, heads up. You against her.
If you won, then she was yours. Your desires would be her desires. If she won, then every whim and fantasy she had would be satisfied. She wouldn't even get bored with it. Either way, though, she would change. After laying it all out, Nadia asked for time to think about it. You promised to find her when the game was ready.
All you could do now @@.choice;[[Was Hope!|Casino][$phNadia.focus_casino to 3, $phNadia.recharge to 1]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 3>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _Dealer to 'Sara'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>><<else>><<set _Dealer to 'Mammon'>><</if>><<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>><<nm $phMammon "Deep breaths. She'll be here.">><<else>><<nm $phSara "//Relax.// She'll be here!">><</if>>
You stopped drumming on the table with your fingers and took that aforementioned deep breath. Today, the VIP lounge was closed for a private event. Every table had been cleared out except a single small octogon, sitting in the dead center of a pool of light. _Dealer was to your left, a small stack of plastic-wrapped poker decks at her elbow. She was distressingly calm.
<<nm $phYou "Easy for you to say. You'll just be dealing.">>
<<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>>You'd thought about asking Sara, but decided against it. She was still human, and you weren't ready for her to find out what you really were just yet. Mammon had done some sort of glamour to hide her horns, and dressed in a sequined evening gown, you were surprised at just how elegant and professional the demoness could look.<<else>>Sara was the only natural choice for a dealer in a game like this. Even though she wasn't employed at the tables anymore, she still had the skill and grace, and had been happy to get back into uniform when you'd asked her for the favor.<</if>> You glanced down at the chips in front of you and ran your thumb up along the close side of the chip stack. Not that you really needed to. It was the same count as the last time you'd done it.
<<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>><<nm $phMammon "Cool. Calm. Collected. This is well within your wheelhouse. You should have the advantage.">><<else>><<nm $phSara "You've got the edge here, $phYou.firstname. Trust me; you've got this in the bag unless you really foul things up.">><</if>>
<<nm $phYou "You think so? Nadia's a professional gambler. I played a little poker after work sometimes. What makes you think the advantage is mine?">>
<<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>><<nm $phMammon "Because, as you keep forgetting, you are not human anymore. You have the ability to coax out what people are really thinking. You won't be playing the //game//; that would be foolish. You're going to be playing //her//.">>
You gave the greed-demon a bemused sort of expression. She heaved one of her 'do I really have to explain this' sighs and leaned forward over the table.
<<nm $phMammon "If she is allowed to play to her strengths, she will win. She is better at poker than you. But this isn't just any poker game. She'll be betting her entire life. Keeping focus would be a challenge for anyone. Ask her questions. Prod her. Keep her off balance. Just be careful.">>
<<else>><<nm $phSara "Poker isn't about the //cards//, it's about the //player//. Counting cards has nothing on psyching out an opponent or calling their bluff.">>
You lifted your eyebrows at her in 'mild' disbelief, and the Asian woman gave a good-natured roll of her eyes. She leaned forward over the table, bracing her palms against the edge.
<<nm $phSara "She's better at poker than you, sure, but this isn't just any old poker game. She's bet her entire //life//. Do you know how hard it is to keep your focus when the stakes get high? How hard it is to keep your cool? She's going to be on edge already, so: ask her questions. Distract her. Keep her off balance. Just, you know, be careful.">>
<</if>><<nm $phYou "Careful? For what?">>
<<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>><<nm $phMammon "She'll be trying to do the same to you. Prodding where you're weakest. Don't ask her questions she'll be ready for, and don't let your emotions get the better of you. You need--">><<else>><<nm $phSara "Because she's going to try the same trick on you: flirting, distracting, disarming. So don't let your emotions get the better of you, and don't play with kid gloves. You need--">><</if>>
Whatever it was you needed, you never got to hear. The sound of the door opening was as loud as a cannon blast in the tense room. As it swung open you could see a lithe female form framed by the lights of the Casino behind her. It cast her face in shadow as she walked toward the table, but you didn't need any help identifying her. Everything about her still shone with bright desire.
@@.choice;
[[Nadia Was Here|NadiaTalk][$phNadia.focus_casino to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 3.1>><<set $phNadiaDefeatChance to 50>><<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>><<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 15>><</if>><<set $phNadiaQuestions to []>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _Dealer to 'Sara'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>><<else>><<set _Dealer to 'Mammon'>><</if>>Nadia didn't waste any time. Her expensive heels landed firmly enough for a gentle click even against the soft carpet as she strolled to you. Her practiced, easy smile was in place, but her eyes were serious. She strode up to the table and met your gaze as she rested one hand on her hip.
<<nm $phNadia "Tell me it's real.">>
<<nm $phYou "...What?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Tell me it's real. That is a real bet, for real stakes. That you can do everything you say that you can. That you //are// who you say you are.">>
You studied her for a few long seconds. There was no doubt or hesitation in her tone now. Her mind was made up. She didn't flinch or turn away from your gaze. You gave her a slow nod.
<<nm $phYou "...It's real. All of it. I really can do what I say I can, and I will honor the agreement, either way. I swear.">>
You returned her gaze. The air seemed to crackle around you both. You couldn't tell if it was just the tension or if the air really had changed. The Tower had a way to reacting to things, and compelling belief, even if you hadn't ordered it. Finally, Nadia's eyes slid off you to _Dealer.
<<nm $phNadia "And you are?">>
<<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>><<nm $phMammon "Tonight, I'm merely the dealer. My job is to see that the game is conducted fairly.">><<else>><<nm $phSara "Sara Kincaid, professional dealer, ma'am. I'm here to help the both of you have a smooth and pleasant engagement.">><</if>>
<<nm $phNadia "You're $pher dealer. How am I supposed to know whether you're cheating or not? Isn't that how demons work?">>
<<nm $phYou "You're trusting me to deliver on what I promised. You might as well trust me when I say the game will be fair. There are forces at work here that I don't have time to explain, but the short version is... it //has// to be fair. It wouldn't work if it wasn't.">>
You weren't above stealing a good line, even if //you// still didn't know what those 'cosmic forces' were, either. Mason would forgive you for the theft, you were sure. Nadia just hummed in doubt. Her eyes tracked across from _Dealer...
...to the small, glass box on which rested a pair of golden bracers. They were thin, without a hinge or a crack to be seen. The surface was perfectly uniform gold, with thick bands at the top and bottom. Her brow furrowed, slightly.
<<nm $phNadia "...And those?">>
<<nm $phYou "The prize. Or at least, the delivery mechanism //for// the prize. We call them 'foci'. Something physical in the world to bring about the change. Whichever one it is.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Which one's which?">>
<<nm $phYou "Let's worry about that when the game is over.">>
There was a silence. A long, pregnant silence. Then Nadia carefully pulled the chair away from the table, settled herself down into it with an ease born of long practice, and pulled herself back into position. You gave your best smile, trying not to let your pounding heart show, and nodded to _Dealer. <<if _Dealer is 'Mammon'>>The tall demoness reached for one of the decks.<<else>>She flashed a professional smile and reached for one of the decks.<</if>>
It was time @@.choice;[[To Play.|NadiaGame][$phNadia.focus_casino to 4]]@@
<</if>><<run $phNadia.focus_casino = Math.round($phNadia.focus_casino * 10)/10>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _Dealer to 'Sara'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>><<else>><<set _Dealer to 'Mammon'>><</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4>>The room was already quiet, but the silence deepened further as the game began. _Dealer professionally peeled open the deck, then cut and rippled the cards several times with all the surety and speed of a mechanical shuffler. She flicked the cards expertly, so they spun to a halt directly in front of each player
You and Nadia both studied each other, and neither of you reached for the cards right away. When you finally did, you each lifted only the corners of the cards to see the symbols printed there. This was going to be a fair game. There would be no peeking and no funny business with the deck.
That didn't mean the game was all that mattered, though. After all, Nadia was a professional. You knew your way around the poker table, but she was better than you by leagues.<<if $phSpecialAbilities["U111"].bought == 1>> You had a feeling like luck was on your side; fortune had always smiled on you. That would help, but you still needed to be on your game.<</if>> If you were going to succeed, you'd have to put it into //your// area of expertise. Whatever level of card skill you had, no one could doubt you knew how to read people. Nadia was practiced at keeping her emotions to herself, true, but //you// were a demon.
You'd have to try and rattle her. If you could find a question she wasn't expecting, or one that bothered her, you might just shake her control enough to pick up valuable insights in the game. It was a risky strategy, though. If she was ready for your question, then taking your attention away from the cards would probably prove disastrous for your odds.
Well, in for a penny and all of that...
<<include NadiaMCQuestions>>
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.1) or ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.4)>><<include NadiaAnswers>>
<<include NadiaOdds>>
@@.choice;
[[Start The Next Hand|NadiaGame][$phNadia.focus_casino += .1]]@@<</if>><<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.2) or ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.5)>><<include NadiaInterjections>>
<</if>>
<<if ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.3) or ($phNadia.focus_casino is 4.6)>><<include NadiaAnswers>>
<<include NadiaOdds>>
<<include NadiaMCQuestions>><</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.7>><<include NadiaAnswers>>
<<include NadiaOdds>>
@@.choice;
[[You Had No Choice. Now Was The Moment!|NadiaGame][$phNadia.focus_casino to 5]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 5>><<set _result to random(0,95)>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phNadia "All-in.">>
It wasn't the first time those words had been spoken during the game, and there had been tension every time. Yet, none with the gravity of this pronouncement. It had all the weight and sharp sound of a guillotine smashing down.
You considered. Three cards were already face up on the table, with two more to be dealt. Your hand was good. Not the best, but good, and the blinds were now large enough that the pot was almost as big as either of your stacks.
You had no choice. She knew it. And you knew it. Her cheeks were pink and flushed, and her breathing was coming much faster. It wasn't literal arousal, but her heart would have raced just as fast if you'd been making love for the last two hours instead of playing cards.
<<nm $phYou "...Call.">>
You pushed your chip stack into the center. Of course, you didn't have the same number of chips exactly, but even if the smaller stack won, it would be an academic difference. Whoever won this hand won everything.
You flipped your cards over, and Nadia smiled, just a little. She had the better hand. Not by a lot, and there were a lot of ways you could still win, but you knew she would be favored. She folded her hands together, and her eyes were rock steady as you watched _Dealer peel the next card off the deck.
It landed face up beside the others. No help for either of you. Nadia's odds got a little better, and yours a little worse. You held your breath and tried to put on a show of dignified anticipation. _Dealer tapped the tabletop with the flat of her hand, and then tossed the last card down beside the others.
<<if _result lte $phNadiaDefeatChance>>You let out a long breath. There was a long silence in the room. Nadia stared at you, then down at your cards, then down at hers and back up to you again. The tension rose second by second as you waited for Nadia to say something. Finally, she lifted her head to meet your eyes.
<<nm $phNadia "...Congratulations.">>
<<nm $phYou "Thank you. It was a hell of a game.">>
<<nm $phNadia "It was.">>
The silence stretched a moment more, both of you uncertain about what this would bring. It was the first time you'd faced someone who didn't //want// to be changed. Nadia hadn't chosen to lose, and she'd been happy with her life. What was about to happen wasn't because she desired it, but because she deserved it.
She smiled at you, though there was a quiver in her voice. Slowly, she leaned back in her chair. You did much the same, allowing the stress to bleed off of you. It was over.<<if $phNadiaDefeatChance lte 50>> You'd been lucky and you knew it. The odds had been against you, but it was true all the same.<</if>>
@@.choice;
[[You'd Won!|NadiaGenieTransformation]]@@ <<else>>You let out a long breath. There was a silence in the room as you stared down at the final reveal. Finally, you lifted your head to meet Nadia's gaze.
<<nm $phYou "Congratulations.">>
<<nm $phNadia "You too. It was a hell of a game. It really was.">>
<<nm $phYou "Well. I'm just glad I could keep up.">>
You kept the chipper tone in your voice, but you weren't sure how convincing it was. You'd lost. Two hours of circling and needling and looking for weaknesses, but you'd lost<<if $phNadiaDefeatChance gte 60>>, even though you'd kept her off balance and tilted things in your favor<</if>>. Nadia's experience had come out, in the end.
The chair beside you squeaked as _Dealer excused herself with a minimum of fuss. She knew this was going to be something special for Nadia, and the presence of another person wouldn't help about now, especially with the sting of your loss fresh in //your// mind.
It was time to pay the piper.
<<nm $phNadia "Well...what happens no-?">>
You didn't get the chance to answer before a sudden crack in the air snapped your attention to the side as the @@.choice;[[Glass Case Shattered!|NadiaAngelTransformation]]@@
<</if>><</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 0>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<nm $phYou "...Sara, why don't you take a break for a little bit?">>
Sara swiftly nodded, cleared her hands with a quick flourish and clap, and flashed a smile.
<<nm $phSara "Of course. Just come find me when you'd like another hand.">><<else>><<nm $phYou "...Mammon, why don't you go, uh, check on... something.">>
The older woman lifted an eyebrow at your inelegant 'hint', but she nodded in agreement.
<<nm $phMammon "Of course. I'll make a quick round on the floor.">><</if>>
The silence extended even after your dealer departed -- but only for a moment. Once the woman's form was completely out of sight, Nadia wet her lips and looked up to meet your gaze again.
<<nm $phNadia "...what happens next?">>
That was a very good question, and one you didn't have a good answer for. Mason had told you that Nadia would become a slave to //your// wants, that her desires would be yours. What that meant for her focus, and what it would transform her into, you weren't sure. The gold bracers didn't give much clue -- maybe Princess Leia? But that would make //you// Jabba the Hut.
The longer you did this, though, the better you got at sounding like you knew what you were talking about. You reached for the bracelets and held them, one in each hand.
<<nm $phYou "You're one of us now -- or you will be. You'll be a servant to myself and the tower. You gambled, and you lost. Fair is fair.">>
As you held them the bracers opened of their own accord, even though no hinges were visible on the finely-wrought gold. They waited. For her.
Nadia gazed down at them. You could see the war in her eyes. You couldn't imagine what she must be feeling, but there was one thing unmistakable: the //thrill// in them. That was why she gambled in the first place: not to win or lose, but the thrill of not knowing what the outcome would be.
//That's// why Mason and Mammon had been so certain she'd accept, you realized. Even though you'd told her what would happen, she'd never know until she actually did it. Even knowing 'the House always wins', you never knew until you threw the dice.
Nadia took a deep breath as she extended both of her hands towards yours. Still holding her cards, she carefully placed her forearms inside the bracers...
...and they @@.choice;[[Snapped Shut Around Her Wrists!|NadiaGenieTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaGenie1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenie1.png]]</picture>@@
The clack of the metal slamming together again was followed immediately by a //pulse// of crackling energy as the seams were sealed with a searing line of neon blue lightning. When it passed, the bracers were whole and unblemished, without the smallest indication that they'd ever been open. They were welded shut around Nadia's wrists.
The blue //lightning// was quickly followed by blue //smoke// that began to leak out from beneath the metal. For a brief, horrifying moment you imagined charred skin underneath, and you pressed your palms into the surface of the table to surge to your feet. You caught yourself just before you did. You trusted Mason; you trusted the //Tower//. In all the strange things you'd seen and done, none of them had ever caused harm.
Nadia jerked backwards from that same instinct. The cards finally fell from her hand; they fluttered in slow motion towards the table top. At the same time, one of the poker chips //rose// from the felt and hovered nearby, slowly spinning and pulsing with a violet light.
<<nm $phYou "It's alright! It's okay!">>
You held your hand up and outstretched in a calming gesture that was only partially spoiled by the urgency in your voice. She stared down at her own hands, and her breath was coming quicker. She was starting to panic.
<<nm $phYou "Nadia, it's okay. Listen to me. Listen.">>
Nadia's wide eyes snapped up to focus on your face. You focused your will on the Tower; if you wanted something stridently enough, it had to obey. Right now, you wanted more than anything for Nadia to //enjoy// her transformation rather than be afraid of it.
You'd barely had time to cast your wish out to the aether before Nadia gripped the back of the chair she'd been seated in and let out a low moan. You blinked -- but Nadia looked just as confused as you did! She was still panting, though it'd taken on a slightly different timber as her cheeks reddened.
<<nm $phNadia "W-what's ha-- happening? Why do I feel--?">>
Her body jolted, and another surprised groan of pleasure escape from her clenched teeth. The poker chip floating next to her was growing, and was now the size of your fist. The strange smoke was still seeping from the edges of the bracers, and the blue fog was starting to spiral and spin around her legs.
She still looked a little discombobulated, but you were pretty sure now it was because of the tiny shocks of pleasure racing through her body, rather than the fact she was being encircled in mist.
<<nm $phYou "Good? Because this is what you wanted, isn't it?">>
Wait. No. Realization dawned. It wasn't about what //Nadia// wanted at all.
<<nm $phYou "Or because it's what //I// wanted. I want you to be happy. I want you to enjoy this. I want you to realize you're about feel something incredible and life-changing!">>
She shuddered, and a moment later let out a shivering laugh that ended in a hiccup of breath. She was panting, open-mouthed, and her expression was painted in unmistakable lust. The only thing marring it was the anxious lack of comprehension in her eyes.
<<nm $phNadia "I-I don't understaaaaaaahh--">>
Her normally smooth and teasing tone was now breathless and quivering. She bit the edge of her lower lip as she looked down at the mist enveloping her.
No. Not 'enveloping' her.
The mist was @@.choice;[[Dissolving Her!|NadiaGenieTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 2]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaGenie2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenie2.png]]</picture>@@
It wasn't circling her legs -- it //was// her legs! Even from where you stood, you could clearly see that Nadia's shapely lower half faded away around her knees, and that you could see the rest of the floor behind where she should be. The volume of it was growing by leaps and bounds, and it was starting to pick up genuine speed as it swirled around her and crept up her body. The higher it went, the more and more of her red dress evaporated into the cereulean smoke.
Behind her, the poker chip had thinned and expanded until it was a paper-thin, translucent ring of violet, now as large as a dinner plate. Strands of her hair lifted from her shoulders and drifted towards the floating oval.
You didn't know where this was going, but you'd learned enough about the Tower's strange magic to put two and two together. You'd wished for her to enjoy it, and //instantly//, she had. It wasn't about her wants, but yours -- and about the fate she had earned, fair and square.
You raised your eyes back to hers. Nadia stared back at you with mingled confusion, fear, and excitement. Glowing golden marks -- tattoos or maybe body paint -- pulsed across her chest in strange arcane design. Another one was centered at her hairline, and they seemed to thrum in sympathic rhythm with the portal.
<<nm $phYou "Listen to me. You //deserve// this. You lost, and now you're ours -- and you're going to love it. You're going to love every second of it.">>
The violet ring had grown larger still, and now was almost large enough to encompass Nadia's whole upper body. That seemed to be exactly what it was trying to do, too! The wreath of smoke had reached Nadia's waist; everything below was gone, dissolved into the magical mist. The growing cloud stretched up towards the violet light of the former poker chip, which now seemed to be some sort of vortex or portal. It sucked the smoke inwards; as soon as the vapor touched the purple glow, it vanished without a trace. The ends of Nadia's hair disappeared as well, where they were pulled into the swirl. The edges of her clothing began to flutter and stretch in that direction.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! I--">>
She bit her lip, hard, and you could see her try to roll her hips in instinctive response to the strangely erotic feeling of the smoke across her skin. Each inch of her that melted away into mist made the flush of her cheeks a deeper red, and the pitch of her voice tilt that much more towards ecstacy.
<<nm $phYou "You're going to know a world you never imagined. That's why Chastity sent you to me: because I can give you what no one else can.">>
The suction of the portal was strong enough now that it slobbered greedily at the fabric of her dress, and threatened to rip the garment off of her entirely. She leaned away from it to stop herself from being pulled inside. The howl of the wind tossed chips and cards around the room in a whirlwind. Nadia was entirely smoke from the waist down, and more and more of her disappeared each second.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! M-mmm-m<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>master<<else>>mistress!<</if>> What am-- oh //god// I feel so--">>
She was fighting it. As good as it felt, it was a frightning step into a great unknown. You could sympathize. And if the Tower was making you her <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>master<<else>>mistress<</if>>, well... In a moment of swift decision, you stood up, reached across the table, and took her hands in yours. You squeezed them tight.
<<nm $phYou "Whatever happens, I promise you'll be happier and more fulfilled than you ever imagined. Let go, Nadia. Let go!">>
Maybe she did. Or maybe the pull of the portal was just too strong. She let out a shuddering cry of pleasure, and her delicate fingers slid through yours, dissolving into that same aqua-blue mist...
@@.choice;[[And Then She Was Gone!|NadiaGenieTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 3]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 3>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaGenie3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenie3.png]]</picture>@@
The portal whirled and pulsed -- and then collapsed in on itself with a dramatic flash of light and loud //pop!// of sound. Abruptly the small room was dim again, and you had to pause for a moment as your eyes re-adjusted to the dark. You heard something hit the table and clatter; as you blinked away the afterimages of the portal's death-nova, you could see whisps of smoke rising from the table's green felt. You looked down to see what spark or ember was burning...
And saw a small, round, white-and-violet poker chip. It rested, still faintly aglow, leaning against a stack of its mates. You were familiar with all the different denominations, but this one was different. Not only was it slightly larger, slightly fancier, but it didn't bear any an actual value stamped into the disk. Instead, there was an outline of a female figure, bare from the waist up and leaning 'forward'. Her hands cupped and covered her enticing feminine charms, and she smiled winsomely out at the world.
She looked familiar. //Very// familiar. You learned in closer, picked up the still-smoking chip, and held it up for a better view.
It was Nadia. You'd recognize that smile anywhere. Curved around the edges of the chip were four words, etched into the plastic in elegant script:
//Your Wish - Is My Command//
Your awe at what had just happened was quickly joined by a growing dismay. Everyone else had transformed into something -- or rather, some//one//. But Nadia's image on the chip didn't move, and as you looked around the room you didn't see any evidence that she was still //there// with you, and that the chip was some sort of focus. Had she been turned into the chip itself? Was she trapped in there?
You scooped it up, and gave a brief look over the other chips just to make sure they were still the same. They were. It was just the one that was special, and just one that bore Nadia's winking face.
If this //was// a focus, then you knew exactly the person who could explain what had happened, and where Nadia was.
@@.choice;[[Time to Find Mason!|NadiaGenieTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 4]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 4>><<Transform $phNadia "genie">><<set $phTime += 1>><<if $phSara.transform is 'magician'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraMagician'>><</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'kitsune'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraKitsune'>><</if>><<set $phLocation to 'R&D'>><<nm $phMason "<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>Sir<<else>>Madam<</if>> is quite astute. It is indeed a focus.">>
Your four-armed engineer held the plastic disk up to the bright overhead lights of his workspace, peering at it and flipping it from side to side in his dextrous fingers. Every time he did, Nadia's smiling face seemed to wink at you.
<<nm $phYou "A focus for //what//? Where is she? And //what// is she?">>
He lowered his hand and held the poker chip out back to lay it in your waiting palm. It looked less impressive in the bright, sterile light of the scientist's abode, and somehow less magical than before. The artistry on the chip was still top-notch, but it was just a chip now, and seemed to be little more than a piece of plastic. Whatever mystery or magic it had seemed inert now that you were outside the Casino.
<<nm $phMason "Actually, 'focus' is perhaps not the most accurate term. A focus is an item which powers a soul's transformation, whereas this is perhaps better understood as a 'phylactery'. It was the wager, the conditions of the bet, which powered the transformation. The chip, I believe, serves as an anchor for Nadia's essence now that she is transformed.">>
<<nm $phYou "So... she's //in// there, somehow? Or she's somewhere else, but this thing summons her?">>
<<nm $phMason "I suspect a combination of both. Traditionally, the phylactery would be an oil lamp of some sort, with a very noticeable void within. Given the amount of refined petroleum compounds present in the plastic, however--">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait. Lamp?">>
You'd been going to ask, //Transformed into what?//, but Mason might have just answered your unspoken question. Your mind raced back. The bracers and strange markings. The tint of her skin, and how it had matched the hue of the cloud of smoke that had dissolved the lower half of her body. If that smoke had been attached to a oil lamp instead of a floating portal...
<<nm $phYou "Is she... a genie?">>
<<nm $phMason "Almost certainly. As the chip's text suggests: your wish is literally her command.">>
<<nm $phYou "A genie. Like 'phenomenal cosmic powers'? Aren't those supposed to be dangerous?">>
He folded one pair of hands behind his back while the second set crossed over his abdomen.
<<nm $phMason "Genies are relatively harmless. Often mischevious, yes, but you will find //I Dream of Jeannie// is surprisingly accurate. You are likely thinking of their much larger and much more aggressive cousin: the djinn.">>
<<nm $phYou "There's a difference?">>
<<nm $phMason "Oh yes. Much the same as the difference between tooth fairies and bone fairies.">>
You blinked. //Bone// fairies?
<<nm $phMason "Also, recall that Nadia is a servant of the Tower now, and a servant of your will. That was part of the wager: that she would find satisfaction serving others. I suspect anyone who is in possession of a token will be able to command her similarly... although, lacking your knowledge of her true ability, and your status as <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>master<<else>>mistress<</if>> of the tower, their commands will be much more limited in scope.">>
That was re-assuring... kind of. You remembered more than once being told to be careful what you wished for, because you might get it. Nadia had certainly gotten //her// wish... and it was going to be interesting to see whether any potential happiness from that would be tainted by the displeasure of having lost the game.
You slipped the chip back into your slacks pocket and resolved to head back to the Casino very soon.
There was only one way to @@.choice;[[Find Out!|Office]]@@
@@.narrative;Nadia Unlocked At The VIP Lounge!
<<set $phSoulCount += 1>>Nadia Will Keep The High Rollers Happy! Casino Odds Improved!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!
@@
<</if>>@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q1') is false>>
<<link "Tell Me About Yourself" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q1A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q1') is true) and ($phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q11') is false)>>
<<link "Don't You Ever Get Bored Of It All?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q11A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q2') is false>>
<<link "Why Do You Want To Win?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q2A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q2') is true) and ($phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q3') is false)>>
<<link "Surely You're Rich Enough By Now?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q3A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q4') is false>>
<<link "So Chastity Was Pretty Special To You, Huh?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q4A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q5') is false>>
<<link "What Made You Believe Me?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q5A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q6') is false>>
<<link "How About That Weather?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q6A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q7') is false>>
<<link "Have You Ever Bet Yourself Before?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q7A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q8') is false>>
<<link "Have You Ever Cheated? At Cards?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q8A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q9') is false>>
<<link "What's The Most You've Ever Won?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q9A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<<if ($phNadiaQuestions.includes['Q9'] is true) and ($phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q10') is false)>>
<<link "What's The Most You've Ever Lost?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Q10A')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.1>>Your opening gambits were careful and studied. In theory, either of you could push all your chips into the center at any time, but neither of you was interested in something this important being decided by sheer luck. The blinds (the bets you were forced to put out before each hand) were still small, so there was no reason to rush. You were still feeling each other out, trying to find a weakness in your opponent.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.3>>The blinds were getting bigger. Every five minutes, the bet increased. Each round was still a miniscule part of your stack of chips, but it was growing all the time. You were find a rhythmn now, quickly playing hand after hand. Each new deal of the cards and opportunity to make something happen.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.4>>Things were starting to get serious now. Chips had changed hands multiple times, and the bets were getting larger as the blinds increased. Nadia had pushed you hard on a few hands, forcing you out, but you were pushing her just as hard when the deal went your way. There was no more time for playing. It was time to get serious.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.6>>You'd been playing for more than an hour now. The tension in the air was palpable, and your conversations had become more intermittant. More often than not, you both just silently stared at your cards and made the moves you needed to make. The blinds were now a sizable chunk of your funds, and folding a hand was increasingly painful. This was probably your last chance to get into her head before you'd have to make a move.
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.7>>It was time, and you both knew it. A huge chunk of your chips went into the pot every round before you'd even seen your cards. There was no question about what was going to happen now. <<if $phNadiaDefeatChance lte 50>>You had fewer chips than Nadia did. You'd have to find a halfway decent hand and bet big. She'd either have to fold to you, giving you enough chips to limp along for a while, or call. If you won, then things would suddenly tilt in your favor. If she won...you would be done.
It all came down to this<<else>>Nadia had fewer chips than you. You pushed her, aggressively, forcing her to fold hand after hand. She only had one option. She'd have to wait for something halfway decent, and go all in. If she lost, you'd win on the spot. If she won...well, things would suddenly tilt in her favor. Either way, it would be over quickly.
It all came down to this.<</if>>
<</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is not 4.7>>
<<if $phNadiaDefeatChance lt 25>>You stared down at your cards, trying to calm the butterflies in your stomach. Nadia had your number. She had almost twice the chips you did, and what was left was dwindling quickly. If you didn't find a way to shake her, she was almost certainly going to take you to the cleaners...
<</if>><<if ($phNadia.DefeatChance gte 25) and ($phNadiaDefeatChance lt 40)>>You frowned at the table. Nadia's skills were proving themselves. She'd opened up a small lead in chips, and she was ruthlessly eyeing what you had left. It was far from hopeless, but you knew she had the advantage for now. You needed to shake her confidence...
<</if>><<if ($phNadiaDefeatChance gte 40) and ($phNadiaDefeatChance lte 60)>>You were both quiet for a moment as the cards were shuffled. Things were pretty even right now, and it was impossible to say who would come out on top if you pushed things now. You'd have to find a way to get under her skin...
<</if>><<if ($phNadiaDefeatChance gt 60) and ($phNadiaDefeatChance lt 80)>>Nadia was too cool of a customer to sweat openly, but you could see the tension in her body. You'd won the last few hands, and had opened up a small chip lead. She now knew you had the skills to back up your words. It was only a small advantage, though, and things could still go either way. You needed to find a way to keep her off balance...
<</if>><<if $phNadiaDefeatChance gte 80>>Nadia grimaced as she reached to take a sip of the water near her elbow. It was a small manuver, but you could feel her desperation growing. You were in command of this game, with nearly twice the stack of chips she had. It was still possible she would find a way to turn this around, but it was pretty unlikely...
<</if>><</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.2>>The soft click of chips drew your eyes upwards for a moment. Nadia had two fingers cupping one of her stacks, and very delicately lifted them just enough to let the small plastic wafers drop back into place. She smirked when she realized you were looking at her.
<<nm $phNadia "So. How many of the staff //are// you fucking?">>
<<timed 3s t8n>><<nm $phYou "...I'm sorry?">>
<<next>><<nm $phNadia "Oh, please, sweetheart. If I'm a professional gambler, then my side-job is most definitely 'professional flirt'. I know how to read a room.">>
<<next>><<nm $phYou "Sounds like someone's a little jealous.">>
<<next>>Her smirk widened. //Click-click-click// went the chips.
<<nm $phNadia "That'd be cute, if only I weren't so far out of your league. Is that 'oh, a few' or 'every single one'?">>
<<next>><<set $seconds to 10>>
<span id="countdown">Think quick! $seconds seconds remaining</span>!
<<silently>>
<<repeat 1s>>
<<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>>
<<if $seconds gt 0>>
<<replace "#countdown">>Think quick! $seconds seconds remaining<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#countdown">>Too Late! You couldn't think of anything!<</replace>>
<<replace ".choice">><<link "Well...uh...." NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Timeout1')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>>
<</replace>>
<<stop>>
<</if>>
<</repeat>>
<</silently>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<link "That Would Be Unethical!" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I1')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>><<set _king to 'King'>><<else>><<set _king to 'Queen'>><</if>>
<<link "It's Good to be the _king" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I2')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<<link "A Few...But They're Special" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I3')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<</nobr>>
@@<</timed>><</if>><<if $phNadia.focus_casino is 4.5>><<nm $phNadia "I have the feeling you were socially-awkward, under-employed, average-at-everything no-one before you came //here//. No offense, of course. How right am I? Any of that hit close to home?">>
<<timed 3s t8n>>You lifted both eyebrows as you looked up. That was a little //too// spot-on. Lucky guess?
<<nm $phYou "What makes you say that?">>
<<next>><<nm $phNadia "You sold your soul to the devil, didn't you? Happy, wealthy, healthy people don't do that. People who love the life they live, don't do that.">>
<<next>><<nm $phYou "You're about to. Does that mean you're miserable, too?">>
<<next>><<nm $phNadia "I'm not //selling// it, I'm //betting// it. And you're avoiding the question, which tells me I'm right -- and that I've nothing to fear. Once a loser, always a loser, darling.">>
<<next>><<set $seconds to 10>>
<span id="countdown">Think quick! $seconds seconds remaining</span>!
<<silently>>
<<repeat 1s>>
<<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>>
<<if $seconds gt 0>>
<<replace "#countdown">>Think quick! $seconds seconds remaining<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#countdown">>Too Late! You couldn't think of anything!<</replace>>
<<replace ".choice">><<link "Hmph!" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('Timeout2')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>>
<</replace>>
<<stop>>
<</if>>
<</repeat>>
<</silently>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>>
<<link "You're Not Ashamed Of Your Past" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I4')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<<link "Better a Loser Than An Addict!" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I5')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><br>
<<link "That Was a Little Rude, Wasn't It?" NadiaGame>>
<<run $phNadiaQuestions.pushUnique('I6')>>
<<set $phNadia.focus_casino += 0.1>>
<</link>><</nobr>>@@<</timed>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q1A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q1')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q1A')>><<nm $phYou "Tell me about yourself, Nadia. How'd you get into this?">>
Nadia smiled easily, pushing a few more chips out into the pot. You didn't even glance at them before folding your hand. You'd had garbage you were prepared to throw away even before she'd done anything. You both leaned back in your respective seats as _Dealer gathered up the cards and shuffled quickly.
<<nm $phNadia "Is that another form of 'What's a beautiful thing like you doing in a place like this'?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, I //run// the place like this, you know. Go easy on it.">>
She laughed, and the set of her shoulders relaxed. She was still watching you, and the cards, but it was clear she didn't consider this a dangerous topic.
<<nm $phNadia "My mother got me into it. People always expect it to be my dad, for some reason, but I think really it was that he did a lot of traveling and she needed something to fill her days. Bridge, poker, blackjack.. didn't really matter what it was. She'd organize girls nights and they'd all have a few drinks and sling cards at each other. They kept me well away from the cocktails, but I did get to join in with the cards, at least early in the night.<br><br>After that, college. Believe it or not, I studied foreign languages -- and before you say anything, I have heard the 'cunning linguist' joke //more// than enough for one lifetime.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wouldn't dream of adding to it.">>
The woman inclined her head slightly as new cards slid to a stop in front of her. She didn't immediately reach for them, instead taking a sip from a water bottle she'd come with.
<<nm $phNadia "It was a very 'urban' area, with a lot of tourists. There was a god-awful bar that advertised itself as a speak-easy, with a password and disguised store front, and all the staff dressed straight out of //The Great Gatsby//. They had a table running upstairs, mostly for the ambiance. I learned very, very quickly that I was better than the tourists. I'd go home with enough on Saturday to pay my tab plus some. From there, I started dropping in on Sundays while all the good girls were still at church. Then on Wednesdays for the weekly tournaments. I suppose the rest is history.">>
She reached for her cards, the story apparently finished, and you did the same. You weren't sure that had improved or worsened your odds particularly, but it had been nice to learn a little more about her<</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q2A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q2')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q2A')>><<nm $phYou "Can I ask you something? Why are you so dead-set on winning?">>
Nadia gave you a bemused sort of look, as though she couldn't quite decide if she'd heard you properly or not. Those full lips formed into a knowing smirk.
<<nm $phNadia "...Slavery or ultimate power? One game to settle them all? Surely you remember.">>
<<nm $phYou "I mean... Obviously, I get it, but aside from that.">>
The smirk was joined by both sculpted eyebrows slowly lifting skywards.
<<nm $phNadia "...//aside// from that?">>
You felt like this particular conversational gambit was getting away from you. You tried to steer it back on track.
<<nm $phYou "Yes, I know this game is important, but why are you so keen on winning in general?">>
She shook her head and gave a little breath of mirth, and eyed you with merriment over the tops of her cards.
<<nm $phNadia "As a general rule, it beats losing, darling. It might not always be the astounding success you were hoping for, but I think most people would rather win, given the choice, mm? But you're welcome to surrender right here and now, if you happen to disagree.">>
She gave you an expectant look. When you failed to immediately push all your chips into the center, she chuckled with satisfaction and flashed you a wink.
<<nm $phNadia "Nice to see that you're so devoted to your own convictions.">>
Well, //that// was a disaster. You certainly hadn't knocked her off her game at all. In fact, she seemed to be in a much better mood for thrashing you after that little detour. Can't win them all.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q3A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q3')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q3A')>><<nm $phYou "I want to get back to what I said about winning.">>
Her eyebrows rose in blatant disbelief as she settled her hands over her cards. Her smile balanced somewhere between 'patient' and 'patronizing' as she flicked a glance towards the chips you'd bet.
<<nm $phNadia "About why someone would prefer to win than lose? Is it some bizarre quirk of demon-kind that you all get off on pulling high card?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hey, I //was// a human first, but no. What I had meant to ask before is... don't you have enough money? If not, then how much will be enough?">>
Nadia snorted and shook her head, even as she pushed her cards away from herself.
<<nm $phNadia "Sweetheart, 'enough money' is one of those concerns for people very high up the food chain. I'm not putting my life savings on the line each time I sit down. Professionals have sponsors. Backers. They take a cut of the payout in exchange for covering the buy-in. I've walked away from events with more money from just making the final table than the pot itself would have been worth.">>
That surprised you. You'd never really given much thought as to how the world of professional gambling actually operated. Nadia saw your confusion, and flashed you a smile.
<<nm $phNadia "I could tell you all about it, but it's really beside the point. It's not //about// the money: it's about doing something you enjoy. I'm sure if Lady Luck were in a particularly poor mood, I could come out so deep in the red I'd be pawning my jewelry for food -- but so could a mid-level manager who gets downsized and can't find a new gig for three years. Life is risk, darling, so you'd better enjoy the journey.">>
<<nm $phYou "//Do// you enjoy the journey?">>
<<nm $phNadia "More than I would sitting at a desk with a pencil and a calculator, trying to decide whether I can afford to retire in thirty years? Mmm. Give me the 'journey' any day.">>
You couldn't really argue with that. Worse, it was clear that Nadia had answered this question before, probably multiple times. The lines felt like they had come from a script, and you absolutely hadn't thrown her off her game at all. If anything, she looked more comfortable now than when you had sat down. Great. <<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q4A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q4')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q4A')>><<nm $phYou "So...Chastity was pretty special to you, huh?">>
Nadia froze, just for a second. She had her water bottle halfway to her lip as you waited for the next hand to be dealt out. She started moving again almost immediately, and that practiced smile appeared as if by magic. You doubted most people would have noticed it at all, but you were not most people.
<<nm $phNadia "Why do you say that?">>
<<nm $phYou "You don't see each other for a long time, and you know she's not involved in the lifestyle...but the moment she tells you about this place, you're off to play. That's a lot of trust to put in someone you met one time.">>
Nadia shifted for a moment in her seat. She was studying her cards, but you could tell she wasn't really seeing what she was looking at.
<<nm $phNadia "I was bored, sweetheart; it happens to the best of us. It sounded like a nice little lark. A short flight, some interesting company, a few table games... what's not to like?">>
<<nm $phYou "Even though you know she wouldn't approve of what you're doing? Are you sure you weren't hoping she would drop in?">>
<<nm $phNadia "And why would I want //that//? As you said, she wouldn't approve.">>
There was a touch of heat in Nadia's voice. Not a lot, but definitely more than there should have been given the questions you were asking. You kept hitting the point.
<<nm $phYou "You said she was an easy woman to love. People like that tend to leave a mark on others. That's all I was trying to say.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Well, she clearly didn't leave enough of a mark on me. If she had, I guess I wouldn't be here.">>
The tone was final. Nadia lapsed into silence as she sank down a bit and glared at her cards. Direct hit. Nadia clearly had some feelings for Chastity, and she didn't like that she wouldn't approve of what the gambler was doing. Nadia's mind was now hooked on something other than the game in front of her. You were sure she'd bounce back immediately, but in the meantime, you had the advantage. You just had to make sure it would be enough.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q5A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q5')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q5A')>><<nm $phYou "I'm curious...what made you believe me, in the end? I have to say I wasn't entirely sure that you'd accept our little offer.">>
<<nm $phNadia "You'd miss me too much if I left you high and dry. I couldn't deny you the pleasure of my company when you'd asked so sweetly, could I?">>
<<nm $phYou "I suppose not. Still, hanging out with a demon? Something must have changed your mind.">>
Nadia tapped one of her chips against another as she thought about it. Finally, she offered you a tilt of her head.
<<nm $phNadia "...I did a bit of sight-seeing. I reasoned that the best way to figure out what you were really up to, was to find others you'd ensnared. I wandered into a few shops and kept my ears open. If you'd really //enslaved// people, I'd see it. Unhappy faces. Vindictive, passive-aggressive little actions. Like selling a child a toy that breaks the moment they walk out of the store? Classic Snidley Whiplash nonsense.">>
It made a sort of sense. If she lost, she could expect to be treated much like you treated the rest of your employees, and your customers. Fortunately, you knew exactly what that technique would uncover. You had to ask anyway.
<<nm $phYou "...And?">>
She brushed an elegant hand through the air.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, you know what I found. Distressingly happy bosses. Ecstatic people getting great deals. I walked around for two hours and watched entire //boatloads// of people having the best day of their lives. You run a tight ship, I will give you that. For a demon. It wasn't at all what I was expecting.">>
<<nm $phYou "There's a lot about the world you don't know. Some of it is pretty scary, if you think about it too long, but a lot of it is just... different. I look forward to giving you the tour.">>
<<nm $phNadia "You still have to //win// first, you know.">>
She settled back in to play, but you thought you could see a slight distance in her expression. It was hard //not// to think about a whole new secret world, once you'd discovered it. You could sympathize. You'd still take advantage of the distraction, of course, but you would sympathize the whole time!<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q6A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q6')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q6A')>><<nm $phYou "...So...uh...How about that weather?">>
Nadia looked up at you, her expression incredulous.
<<nm $phNadia "I'm sorry -- we're playing a life-or-death card game and you're going to talk about the //weather//?">>
<<nm $phYou "I couldn't think of anything!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Clearly 'thinking' is not your strong point.">>
Well, damn, //that// had gone over like a lead balloon. Your face flushed as you ducked your head to look at your cards again. Pretty sure the only one you'd managed to mess up with that had been you!<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 30>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q7A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q7')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q7A')>><<nm $phYou "You know, you were awfully quick to bet yourself. Ever done that before?">>
Nadia shot you an amused look, leaning forward onto her elbow and resting her chin on her hand. She bat her eyelashes at you in faux innocence.
<<nm $phNadia "Are you asking whether I've ever run into a demon offering to bet my entire future on a card game? No, I can't say I have.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh come on, you know what I mean. You're a beautiful woman. Surely someone's suggested it.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Of course. It comes up all the time. You'd be absolutely astounded how many people think with the wrong head... or, maybe not. But the first lesson of gambling is not to bet anything you can't afford to lose, and the second is to never go all in against a drunk.">>
<<nm $phYou "That wasn't exactly a //no//...">>
She snicked, picking up her water bottle to take a sip. She swirled the water for a long moment, keeping you hanging, and finally shrugged her shoulders and swallowed.
<<nm $phNadia "I suppose it may have come up one or twice, if they could make a stake I felt matched my own. I usually won, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "Usually?">>
She didn't answer. Just gave you a wink and returned to her card playing. You heaved an exaggerated sigh of dismay, and returned to your own. She didn't seem that perturbed. Even so, distracting her even a little bit was useful. You hoped, at least, that it was a good memory you were distracting her with. <<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 10>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q8A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q8')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q8A')>><<nm $phYou "I imagine you have to deal with cheaters a lot, in your line of work.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Not as often as you'd think - but, perhaps more often than you'd expect. Vegas may not be run by the Mob anymore, but you still don't want to cross the powers that be.">>
<<nm $phYou "Ever done it yourself?">>
Her head snapped up and her eyes narrowed. You didn't need to be a demon to know that you'd struck a nerve. Seeing that your expression wasn't implying anything, she huffed quietly.
<<nm $phNadia "No, I haven't. There's no point. It's a lot of work to learn to cheat -- work you could have been spending learning how to play //properly// -- and you always get caught. There's no cheat in the world that can operate with a dozen different cameras scrutinizing their every move. Besides...">>
She looked over into the distance, clearly taking a few extra breaths. When she spoke again, her voice was a little slower and calmer.
<<nm $phNadia "Besides...it shows a great deal of disrespect for the game and the table you've been invited to. Not my style, sweetheart. I aim to brighten rooms, not suck the fun right out of them.">>
Her tone was light, but her eyes were still hard. You raised both your hands in a placating gesture.
<<nm $phYou "Alright, I understand. I was just curious, that's all. I'm glad it's not as wide-spread as the movies would have us believe.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Thankfully, no, it's not.">>
She fell silent, her hands gripping the cards a little harder. You couldn't tell if she was upset by the implication //she// might ever have cheated, or if there was a specific story of a //cheater// that was incensing her too much. Either way, that had definitely been a solid hit. Her mind was anywhere but the game. Time to make something happen.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q9A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q9')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q9A')>><<nm $phYou "You've been gambling for a long time, right?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Are you saying I look //old//, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>handsome<<else>>pretty<</if>>?">>
<<nm $phYou "Perish the thought. I was just curious. What's the biggest pot you've ever won?">>
Nadia smirked and thought about it for a moment. You were in the middle of a hand, but neither of you were anxious to bet much on this one, so it was a good moment to chat as the cards came out.
<<nm $phNadia "Biggest I've ever won... from a single pot or in one event?">>
<<nm $phYou "Either. Both if you like.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Mmm. Event is easy. I strolled into a big tourney in Monaco. There were two heavy hitters looking forward to cleaning the tables of 'amateurs' like us and then having a gentlemanly duel as the last men standing. Never try to make the game play out like a movie; it always ends up badly for you. Both ended up bleeding out at the main table before it was even final five. Took that one home; little over two hundred grand, all told.">>
You whistled, and she acknowledged your reaction with a nod of your head. She tapped her chin with one long fingernail.
<<nm $phNadia "Pot is a little hard to say. It's not yours until you walk out the door with it, so I don't know that I keep an eye on every individual hand, and cash games don't give that high that often. Five digits, probably?">>
<<nm $phYou "A good haul, that. That's a pretty good wage for a day no matter who you are. What'd you do with it all?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, you know how it is. No one stays lucky forever. Eventually, you hit a cold streak. The cards giveth, and the cards taketh away.">>
Her tone was easy, but there was something sad in her expression. She was thinking about the cycle. Win, lose, she always ended up back in the same place. It was what you were offering to fix for her, and she knew it. You doubted the thought would distract her long, but you might be able to make a few moves while her mind was elsewhere. <<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q10A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q10')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q10A')>><<nm $phYou "Well, I already asked what the biggest pot you won was. I suppose I should ask the biggest one you've lost too.">>
You leaned forward in your seat. The last time you'd asked her about big pots, you'd taken her mind away from the game. Maybe coming at from a different angle would do the same thing again.
<<nm $phNadia "You don't mess around with the tabletalk. Trying hard to break a girl's heart?">>
<<nm $phYou "I'm nosey, what can I say?">>
Nadia expression grew pensive and her eyes distant, traveling back mentally in time to some other table and some other game.
<<nm $phNadia "It might sound a bit silly, but: the biggest one I've ever lost was less than a thousand.">>
<<nm $phYou "Wait, really? But you've played in all these high stakes games--">>
<<nm $phNadia "I know. And I //have// lost more money, but that one... I was still back in college. My roommate at the time was a close friend. A very nice girl from some horrible hillbilly town out west. Her family had finally trusted her out on her own, and she was borrowing the family car for a few months until they could work something else out. She'd promised to be //very// careful with it.">>
<<nm $phYou "...And how long before she put it into another car?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, almost immediately. She put it in 'drive' instead of 'reverse', and slammed herself into a supermarket wall. No damage to the building, of course, but the car was on life support. She didn't have the money for a mechanic; not for //that// level of repair. But I'd been eyeing a tournament with a stake I couldn't afford. We made a deal that if she bought me in, all I'd need to do was make it to the final table, and I'd have more than enough to handle the repairs, //and// have a healthy amount left over for my own enjoyment. In fact, if I won'd won, we were going to take the car down to the beach to celebrate properly.">>
//If she'd won.// You winced. You could see where this was going. Nadia's expression was resigned. It was obvious to the both of you in a way so many things wouldn't have been to college students.
<<nm $phNadia "It wasn't my most brilliant idea. I was incredibly nervous, and I washed out almost immediately. Now our local homegrown Christian girl //both// wrecked the car //and// lost her food fund to the sin of gambling. Needless to say, they pulled her out. I've no idea whether she went to some other school or got dragged home to where they could keep an eye on her. A reminder to keep your focus on the game when you play.">>
And she was. You could see it in her steely-eyed look as she caught the next deal and looked at her cards. Far from distracting her, reminding her of her losses had only convinced her to pay //more// attention to the game and not let her mind wander.
Well, crap. That wasn't going to help. Still, there was a lot of game left to play. You could still do this. <<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Q11A')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.push('Q11')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Q11A')>><<nm $phYou "Can I ask you something?">>
<<nm $phNadia "I'd love to see your face if I just said 'no'. But I suppose I could indulge you, if you're just //dying// of curiosity.">>
<<nm $phYou "The stories you told -- you've been doing this a long time. I guess all over the world?">>
Nadia grinned at you and leaned back in her seat, her eyes tracking up as she ticked off cities on her fingers. Her smile got a little larger after every rendition.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh yes. Vegas, obviously; Atlantic City; Monaco; Singapore; Macao. It's something of a circuit. Bright lights, billboards, and buffets. VIP suites and sold-out stage shows. It's the life of a gambler.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Aren't you tired of it by now?">>
Nadia blinked at you, her eyes tracking back down as she refocused on the conversation. You felt like you'd genuinely caught her off guard for once.
<<nm $phNadia "What do you mean?">>
<<nm $phYou "I mean... I've probably not spent half of the time in a casino you have, but already sometimes the bright lights are just...annoying. It's the same games over and over, the same facade, the same money changing hands. Don't you get bored?">>
Nadia stared at you and, just for a second, you saw the cool and sophisticated facade break. She just... looked tired. A woman in her middle years in a nice gown playing the part for everyone else. She shrugged her shoulders.
<<nm $phNadia "Not every day can be Christmas. I'm sure you've had your share of bad ones, hmm? But I do still enjoy it.">>
<<nm $phYou "Do you?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Of course Why would I do it for so long otherwise?">>
Her tone hovered uncertainly between convincing you or convincing herself. In either case, it wasn't working. You gave her a smile and pushed a few more chips into the pot. She responded robotically, but her eyes were troubled. Clearly, you'd struck some sort of nerve, even if //you// weren't entirely certain what kind. That should buy you an advantage, at least for a little while. <<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Timeout1')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Timeout1')>><<nm $phYou "I-- well, I mean-- It's not-- it's not //exactly//... Just--">>
<<nm $phNadia "Just the cute ones? Not //exactly// exploitation? Not illegal?">>
<<nm $phYou "No!">>
<<nm $phNadia "No? So it //is// illegal, and exploitation?">>
Your mouth open and closed several times as your fought to find words. Normally you were fairly good with explaining your, uh, complicated love life, but Nadia's glimmering eyes staring at you, and the stress of the stakes of the game, tied your tongue in knots.
She smirked at you and picked up a chip to toss into the pot.
<<nm $phNadia "I thought so. Call, hit, or fold?">><<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('Timeout2')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('Timeout2')>>You didn't have an answer. Not one you wanted to say aloud, at least. The description of you as 'bottom of the barrel' was just too accurate, and it stung more than a little. As long ago and as distant as that past life felt - in reality, it wasn't even a year ago.
You hated to think she was right. You knew she //wasn't// right. Just...
<<nm $phNadia "Looks like that hit close to home. Maybe wiser to cut your losses? Call.">>
//She// certainly sounded confident. Suddenly you weren't so sure of your chances.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I1')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I1')>><<nm $phYou "You really think I'd do that? I mean, sure, I look, but it'd be just a //little// unethical to be <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>bending over<<else>>riding<</if>> my employees. Human Resources would have a field day.">>
It was a bald-face lie, but it certainly //sounded// good, and you didn't know Nadia well enough to just come out and tell her //all// the details. It was already a Hell of a lot just for her to accept that you were a demon, and that that sort of stuff was real. The less idea she had about infernal orgies and such, the better.
Of course, there was the little problem of her realizing you lied, after the game. Win or lose, she was going to be a resident of the Tower, and your amorous adventures wouldn't be a secret for long.
<<nm $phNadia "Except you aren't human, mmm, sweetheart? And you're a horrible liar.">>
<<nm $phYou "What makes you think I'm lying?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Everyone has a 'tell'. You have several. And no, I won't tell you what they are.">>
... of course she wouldn't.
Okay, so maybe you weren't the best liar in the world, but you felt you were pretty convincing. You didn't tap your fingers or tug on your ear or any of those really obvious tells that you'd seen on TV shows and movies. Maybe she was bluffing. Maybe she couldn't tell at all.
You glanced down at your cards and pursed your lips as you considered your next move. When you looked back up at her again, she was still smirking at you, and your lips curved into a frown.
Somehow, you didn't think she was bluffing.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I2')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I2')>><<nm $phYou "What can I say? The job comes with some perks.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Perky blonde perks, perhaps?">>
<<nm $phYou "Or beautiful, flirty brunettes.">>
Her eyes narrowed a bit at you, but the corners of her lips tugged upward with subtle amusement.
<<nm $phNadia "Even if I lose -- and especially if I win -- you realize you've a snowball's chance in Hell of ever getting me out of this dress.">>
You flicked a chip into the pot.
<<nm $phYou "Demon, remember? Snowballs in Hell are kind of my jam.">>
She laughed, rolled her eyes, and favored you with a swift smile.
<<nm $phNadia "I'm going to have to watch my metaphors around you. Fine. I walked into that one.">>
She seemed to taking your flirting in stride. You'd deflected the question well, but you doubted you'd made much of a difference to the game.<</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I3')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I3')>><<nm $phYou "Well... I //do//, yes, but not just because they're pretty faces.">>
She snorted softly.
<<nm $phNadia "Are you //really// going to tell me that it's office romance, and not you just abusing your position?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yes, actually. I am going to tell you that, and it's the truth. I sleep around a bit -- maybe more than a bit -- <<if $phYou.romance.length gt 0>>but I'm actually in a fairly serious relationship.<<else>>but I do genuinely care about the people I'm with, and I'd never force them.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phNadia "Whore with a heart of gold?">>
<<nm $phYou "Look, I know you barely know me. And if you want to toss insults at me, feel free, but I'm serious, and I would appreciate you not belittling the people I love, or our relationships. I hope that's not too much to ask.">>
Her lips pressed together, and her eyebrows knitted into a little wrinkle. Her gaze on you was suddenly skeptical and uncertain. You imagined a gambler like her was good at telling when people were lying -- that's all bluffing really was -- and she could probably tell that you //weren't// lying, not in the slightest. Maybe she'd thought you'd be offended at the question itself, or offended at the insult... but she hadn't seemed to expect you to adamantly defend not //your// honor, but the honor of your friends and loved ones.
The silence stretched on for a long moment, until you tapped your finger on the table to remind her she still needed to play. Nadia gave a small and quick shake of her head before clearing her throat and returning her attention to her cards.
<<nm $phNadia "Right. Sorry. I, ah... I didn't actually mean to sound so.... impolite.">><<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I4')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I4')>><<nm $phYou "Sounds right: shitty apartment, crappy car, non-existant love-life. But if you're trying to shame me over it, it's not going to work.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, I don't think I'm //trying//.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're succeeding? Hah. Fat chance at that. It wasn't a glamorous life, but it gave me a heck of a lot of appreciation for what I have now. It's why I'm motivated to help other people -- like you. I know what it's like to be unhappy.">>
She laughed softly and gave a minute shake of her head.
<<nm $phNadia "You sound like one of the speakers from my self-help seminars.">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah? Maybe they were on to something, then.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Maybe. Oooor -- maybe it's just the same pretty words, empty of real substance?">>
Her tone had softened and regained some of its genuine playfulness, rather than the edged barb of taunts. It seemed your refusal to rise to the fight was a wise choice -- even if she thought it was just pretty words.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 20>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I5')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I5')>><<nm $phYou "Those are some pretty rich words, coming from an addict.">>
Both her eyebrow lifted in surprise.
<<nm $phNadia "Beg pardon?">>
<<nm $phYou "What, you're going to act offended? You don't gamble for money, you don't gamble for the game, you gamble to //gamble//, because that's the high you chase. You met Chastity at a self-improvement thing that I'm guessing was Gambler's Anonymous or something close. It didn't take, and now you're literally sitting here betting your soul on a game of cards.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Hey, I--">>
<<nm $phYou "Can stop whenever you want? Just do it for fun? You've told me a bit about yourself -- enough to know //that// isn't true. I bet there's a lot you haven't told me. I bet there's stories you don't tell anyone. I bet you've gambled away a lot of friendships, a lot of pride, a lot of self-respect over the years, am I right?">>
She glared at you, and her jaw clenched. But if she was going to take cheap shots at you, she better be willing to take a few cheap shots right back.
<<nm $phYou "Not as fun when someone's judging //you//, is it?">>
Nadia let out an irritate huff of breath, but didn't say anything. Clearly she hadn't been expecting her jab to result in you coming back swinging. Safe to say that that had thrown her for a loop.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance += 10>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQuestions.includes('I6')>><<run $phNadiaQuestions.delete('I6')>><<nm $phYou "That was kind of rude, wasn't it?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Was it?">>
<<nm $phYou "Calling someone a loser? I'd say so.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Well, you know what they say, sweetheart: no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.">>
<<nm $phYou "I guess I just expected... I don't know. Better manners, from you?">>
She //laughed//, her eyes glimmering, as she leaned forward and rested her chin on the back of one hand.
<<nm $phNadia "//Better manners//? Oh, honey, if you're going to try to twist this around about how //I// have poor breeding, and pretty women should only say pretty things, save your breath. Shall I take it from your not-so-subtle refusal to answer the question, that I'm right?">>
<<nm $phYou "... maybe pretty on the //outside//...">>
Her lips rounded in a faux-wounded expression, but even still she was barely restraining a smile.
<<nm $phNadia "Ooh, I //am// right. Hint taken, lovely: we'll gloss over your tragic backstory and pretend that it //doesn't// bother you late at night.">>
... that... didn't feel like it went very well.<<set $phNadiaDefeatChance -= 20>><</if>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<set _Dealer to 'Sara'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraBJ'>><<else>><<set _Dealer to 'Mammon'>><</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaAngel1.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngel1.png]]</picture>@@
You both jerked back in surprise at the same moment as the glass from the case suddenly scattered across the felt of the poker table. There was a suggestion of movement, nothing more than a blur really, and then the golden bracers that had been confined within the case were suddenly just... gone, as if they had vanished into thin air.
Fortunately, they hadn't gone far.
<<nm $phNadia "W-Wha?">>
You turned to see Nadia standing up from the table, her hands upturned. The golden bracers had fitted themselves around her wrists smoothly. Even as you watched, the metal seemed to contract in on itself, locking itself firmly onto the gambler. A soft, golden light began to shine from the edge of the metal.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! What's going on?!">>
<<nm $phYou "You won, Nadia. This is your prize. Everything you wanted. Everything I can give you, just like I promised.">>
She stared in awe at the bracers, and the increasing golden light. She didn't notice that one of the poker chips that she'd been playing with had risen from the table of its own accord. It hovered just behind her, the dull faux-gold of the chip face turning shiny with light, as if it were converting itself into true precious metal.
She could feel the //power// though. That was much was clear. A slow smile spread across Nadia's face as she flexed her hands. There was a light in her eyes, reflecting the power of the bracers, and that hesitant smile soon became a jubilant grin.
<<nm $phNadia "I...I feel it! I won! I really won! I always knew I would, deep down. That this was always the game waiting for me! I knew it! I...!">>
She stopped suddenly and turned towards you. She stumbled, staggering in place, and you hurried out of your seat to catch her and prop her up. Her face had gone pale.
<<nm $phYou "...Nadia? Are you alright?">>
<<nm $phNadia "I feel...I feel so strong! Light-headed! Like there's...there's something inside me, running through me. Something that wants out! I-...">>
<<nm $phYou "It's alright! Just relax! It takes a minute, but I promise you'll like where you end up. Just breath, hang on, and focus. Time to cash in, right?">>
Nadia managed to find her smile again, shakey thought it was. Then her expression turned pained and she arched her back, half-twisting...and you saw what was @@.choice;[[Making Her Uncomfortable!|NadiaAngelTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 1>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaAngel2.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngel2.png]]</picture>@@
Nadia //groaned// and rolled her shoulders. You could see why. Two protrusions pushed out from her back and formed large bulges in the back of her dress. They shifted and shimmied beneath the fabric like a pair of cats that beneath a bed cover. Judging from the glimpse of long, avian feathers around the gaps in the dress, you had a pretty good guess what was coming in.
What in the Hell was Mason playing at? It was too late to do anything about it now, but you made a mental note to demand some answers later.
<<nm $phNadia "It...it stings!">>
Nadia groaned again as the bulges got a fair bit larger. You reached out and took hold of her shoulders to keep her upright. Her eyes opened, and you could see they shone with a luminescence that had nothing to do with the bracers or any external light source. They shone with the power that was building within her. The glow, combined with the unnatural heat of her skin beneath your touch, suggested it was no small amount.
<<nm $phYou "I know, but it won't for long. You'll feel better in a few seconds. Just take some deep breaths, okay?">>
She did, with shivering sucks of air followed by heavy breaths back out. They were shorter and shallower than you might have liked, but it seemed to help. She clung onto your arms, her hands shuddering a little from the force of her grip. Her nails dug small half-moons into your skin.
The floating poker chip behind her had grown. It was nearly the size of a dinner plate by now, and began to moved forward until it hovered above her head. You could see distorted versions of yourself and Nadia in the mirror-like surface, and watched the reflection as several segments of Nadia dress began to give way. The growing bulges on her back were all but tearing the dress off of her, piece by piece.
<<nm $phNadia "I...I...I can't do this! There's so much! So much knowledge! So much power! $phYou.firstname!">>
<<nm $phYou "You're still you, Nadia. You earned this. You won this. It's //your// power. It's //your// reward. You aren't going to run away from your own winnings, are you?">>
Nadia stared at you for several long seconds, her expression an unreadable mess of confusion, pain, and indignation. Then she gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on you. She cried out again, but time it was a deeper sound, more primal...more orgasmic. The saw the feathers move at her shoulders. She cried out again and again, and each time the pitch of her voice was filled with more pleasure than pain...
...until at last her dress broke away in one @@.choice;[[Final Revelation!|NadiaAngelTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 2>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaAngel3.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngel3.png]]</picture>@@
They were magnificent.
Nadia's new wings were richly feathered and iridescent in a dozen shimmering of hues of gold, white, and bronze. They reminded you, a little, of the cherub wings on small statues near Christmas time... except where those were sculpted as tiny, cute nubs, Nadia's wings stretched out //wide//. As they unfurled and extended, you swore they were as wide as Nadia herself was tall.
The chip had settled in over her head, but it wasn't a chip anymore. In the same explosive moment that her wings broke free of her dress, the inside of the now-horizontal disk vaporized and vanished. Left in its wake was a circular wing of gold that rotated and tilted with the movements of her head. It formed a perfect, shining halo that was fixed to Nadia every motion, despite not actually touching her skin at any point.
Wings. Halo. Golden light. Blazing aura. It was an obvious and inescapable conclusion: Mason had made her into an //angel//. You weren't exactly sure what you had been expecting, but //that// had been low down the list.
<<nm $phYou "Nadia! Nadia, are you alright?">>
The angelic woman had been panting hard and whimpering. Finally freeing her wings from the confines of her dress at least seemed to ease the pain. Now she looked up at the ceiling, her eyes wide but unfocused and unseeing. The red dress had fallen away from her and her tanned skin was on full display. Even in a moment like this, part of you couldn't help but admire her beauty... though another part of you was busy cataloging the strange runic signs were starting to glow against her skin!
<<nm $phYou "...Nadia?">>
It took her a moment to register your words; when she did, her head slowly swung downwards again. She stared at you with an expression so bewildered and amazed that it was as though she was seeing you for the first time. Her eyes swept over you, up and down, and then moved left to right to take in the room. The expression of awe and wonder on her face was all but palpable as she breathed the words.
<<nm $phNadia "We...We can see.">>
<<nm $phYou "We?">>
Her gaze swung back to you, and you saw her smirk, just a little. It was the first expression she'd made that actually seemed like //her// and you found yourself relaxing despite yourself. She gave you a slow nod.
<<nm $phNadia "...Soon. Not now.">>
She smiled and took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. The glow that danced over her skin kept increasing, until she shone just as brightly to your eyes as her desire had when you first saw her. It grew, more and more powerful, until you were forced to turn your head away and raise a hand to shield your face...
...and then, all was once, she and the light @@.choice;[[Were Both Gone!|NadiaAngelTransformation][$phNadia.trans_counter to 3]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.trans_counter is 3>><<if $phSara.transform is not 'pre'>><<if $phSara.transform is 'magician'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraMagician'>><</if>><<if $phSara.transform is 'kitsune'>><<set $phSara.portrait to 'SaraKitsune'>><</if>><</if>><<Transform $phNadia "angel">><<nm $phMason "...Ah. She is alright. She appears to be recuperating.">>
You were still in the VIP room, standing outside of a door that hadn't been there previously. It was slightly off in one corner of the room, the surface wood except for a frosted glass window. The letters 'V.V.I.P. Room' were stenciled in gold across the surface. There was lights on inside, but you couldn't make anything out.
And, despite your best efforts, neither you nor Mason could open it. It was the only room in this entire tower that seemed capable of being locked to you. Mason calmly climbed down from the ladder beside the door, holding something that looked like an etched rock with several small metallic antennae protruding from it. You hadn't even bothered to ask what it was, but apparently it had told him something.
<<nm $phYou "What do you mean 'recuperating'?">>
<<nm $phMason "Perhaps 'nesting' is a better word. The transformation suceeded, but it was obviously a significant change. She needs rest, and she is taking it. I imagine she will be available tomorrow.">>
<<nm $phYou "Why can't we open the door?">>
<<nm $phMason "You can open any door of your domain... but this door is //her// domain. By the terms of your game, she was to have power. She is not, precisely, subordinate to you. Thus, her domain is not either.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Which brings me to my next question, why in the //Hell// is she an angel? I assume that's //bad//, given what I am? Is that even possible to do?">>
The tall man extended all four of his hands in a placating gesture<<if $phMason.transform is 'dom'>>, though he did give you a warning look that suggested you recall who //you// were subordinate to<</if>>. The scientist shook his head, and eyed the door.
<<nm $phMason "Strictly impossible -- and, in this case, versimilitude rather than veracity.">>
<<nm $phYou "...Mason. //Normal// words, please.">>
<<nm $phMason "It is not 'real', precisely. As you have seen with your interactions with Chastity, those that are truly aligned with our opposing numbers are far less interested in hedonism. No, Ms. Karas's form is symbolic, not literal.">>
<<nm $phYou "Symbolic how?">>
<<nm $phMason "She wished to retire to a heavenly paradise which she is in charge of, and to make a point about not being beholden to a demon, having won the game of chance. Can you think of a better symbol for that?">>
Grudgingly, you had to admit that you could not. You stared at the door for a few more seconds as you got control of yourself. You had to admit what was really bothering you.
<<nm $phYou "Did...Did I screw this up? I really thought I had it there.">>
<<nm $phMason "I do not believe so. A true game of chance was required -- which means the true risk of loss. If you had ensured your victory, then you would not actually have been //playing//. Do not lose sight of the forest for the trees. We hit upon the idea of making a game as a lure to keep Ms. Karas here, not because you were invested in the precise outcome.<br><br>That said, I would advise some caution around her now: she may well be the strongest of your converts. Still, you achieved your goal. You satisfied the unsatisfiable desire and proved to Chastity your worth. Do you really care that you missed out on another obedient servant?">>
...Well. That was something to think about, at least.<<if $phMason.transform is 'sub'>> You did have at least one obedient servant, of course, and you ran your hand absently down Mason's back as you resettled yourself.<</if>> It made you feel a little better. You tilted your head at the door and blew out a breath.
<<nm $phYou "She'll be better by tomorrow.">>
<<nm $phMason "No guarantees, but I should expect so. It is the typical pattern.">>
You grunted and turned away. You'd come see her soon, and then find out exactly what having an angel, even a symbolic one, on site would be like. That was a problem for future-you.
For the moment though, at least now you could //enjoy// @@.choice;[[Waiting For Chastity's Call!|Casino]]@@
@@.narrative;Nadia Unlocked At The VIP Lounge!
<<set $phSoulCount += 1>>Nadia's Angelic Influence Encourages Gamblers! Casino Odds Improved!
Soul Gem Obtained (Total Soulgems: $phSoulCount)!@@
<</if>><<if $phset is 'Intro'>><<set $phNadiaQ1 to 0>><<set $phNadiaQ2 to 0>><<set $phNadiaQ3 to 0>><<set $phLocation to 'ShangriLa'>><<if $phNadia.post_talk is 0>><<set $phNadia.post_talk to 1>><<set $phNadiaQ4 to 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaAngelFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaAngelFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You were getting used to strange sights. You pretty much had to be, given how many of your days contained at least one thing you'd never seen or even imagined. There were still limits, though, and as you stepped through the doorway in the lounge, you hit that limit fast.
It wasn't the door itself. The //door// was dark wood that blended perfectly with the decor of the room, its only notable feature a small, golden plaque with ''Nadia Karas: Ultimate VIP'' stamped into it like the front of a movie star's trailer. No, that part was fine.
The part that stopped you was that, the moment you passed through the door, //sunlight// that greeted you on the other side. You appeared to be high in the sky, and the floor beneath your feet wasn't a floor at all but a soft layer of cloud cover. You kicked your feet, curiously, and felt your toes sink into the pliable material before snapping back like foam rubber. The sun was golden and the air all around you sparkled with the most multi-colored, fantastic sunset you could imagine.
In the center of this sunny, cloudy expanse lay Nadia. She stretched out on a divan, her luxirious white wings draped over the back. A number of small plates and cups floated around her like orbiting planets, darting in when she lifted her hand, then retreating away like a receding tide once she lowered it again.
Her golden eyes fell on you, and the smile that crossed her face was positively radiant. She rolled her feet off the divan, sitting on it properly as she turned and crooked her finger...
...and you suddenly found yourself twenty feet forward from where you had been, directly in front of her makeshift throne.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! Our joy! Our benefactor! Welcome! How do you like our new home?">>
<<nm $phYou "It's...very impressive, I have to say. How on Earth did you get this set up so quickly?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, but that's the best part. We didn't need to set up anything. All we had to do was... want it! Can we get you something? Wine? Grapes? Comely maiden?">>
The angel was suddenly joined by a pale, buxom woman wearing nothing but a set of golden bracelets. She held a goblet in front of her in both hands, and batted her eyelashes enticingly at you. You swallowed. Simulacrum or not, that was impressive!
<<nm $phYou "Very kind of you, Nadia, but I came to see you, today. Maybe some other time.">>
Nadia nodded and flicked her hand. Just as quickly as the simulacrum and the wine goblet had appeared, they vanished into the ether with nothing more than a tiny puff of smoke. The pseudo-angel crossed her legs, leaned back, and stretched out her wings with languid grace.
<<nm $phNadia "As you wish. We admit, as fun as it is, it is even more fun to show off to someone else. What can we speak of for you?">>
<<else>>You found Nadia on her divan, being attended by a number of heart-breakingly beautiful men and woman. One of them massaged her shoulders, another her feet, and the last was popping small chocolates between her lips. Her eyes swept toward you, but she didn't immediately abandon her play, suckling on the fingers of her chocolate bearer for a few more relaxing seconds before finally sitting up and dismissing the simulacra into puffs of clear smoke.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! So wonderful to see you! We were so lonely in your absence!">>
<<nm $phYou "Is that so?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Not really. It is difficult for us to be unhappy but still, we felt like it was a nice thing to say.">>
She smiled at you impishly, folding her feathered wings firmly against her back. One hand ran down across the white satin front of her outfit, plucking at the fabric and revealing a wealth of tanned skin below without the slightest hint of shame or uncertainty.
<<nm $phNadia "Now, if all the business is done, what sort of fun do you have for us today?">>
<</if>><</if>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "How are you feeling about everything? Still riding high?">>
You were a trifle nervous asking the question. Sure, Nadia had won and come away with the prize, but you'd been half expecting her to immediately head back to the tables, bored with what you offered her. From the smile spreading across her face, that was very much not the case.
<<nm $phNadia "How could we be otherwise? Seriously, $phYou.firstname, it would be almost impossible. We are free now. Free from a million things we never even noticed held us down. Free from the need to spend all day, every day, chasing some transitory high. The high is there for us, where and when we want it.<br><br>We can enjoy sun or snow or a toasty Sunday morning whenever we like. We can enjoy a wonderful, filling meal and, should we so desire, immediately enjoy it again without feeling full. We can change ourselves, or others, or create virtually anything we can imagine. The only way we could feel any ennui is if that was our desire.">>
<<nm $phYou "That's...well, when you put it like that, it sounds pretty good. Starting to think I got the raw end of the stick in my transformation. You aren't worried it won't be a challenge anymore?">>
The angelic woman chuckled a low, husky chuckle and reclined back in her divan. A plate of what looked to be macarons winked into existance beside her, and she paused long enough to pick up off the plate and pop it into her mouth, savoring it with a joyous moan.
<<nm $phNadia "We would have thought so before, but after even a short time here, do you know what we realized?">>
<<nm $phYou "What's that?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Savoring the challenge is something only those with challenges tell themselves. If that is a pleasure we must dispense with, then we consider it well lost. Should we change our minds, we are sure you would not mind us visiting the greater part of the tower to take part in the festivities with the others. We promise, we'll do our best to be less...conspicious. We have not forgotten what the world is like.">>
You weren't //entirely// sure of that. Even after a short while, she spoke and acted almost like a visiting diety than a person. Still, the primary question was answered. If she was going to get tired of her new life, it was going to take a long, long time.
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ2 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "What is this place? How did you learn to make it?">>
Nadia brightened immediately, her eyes sweeping over the contours of her strange 'larger on the inside' space. She inhaled deeply and let it out, clearly savoring the beauty all around her.
<<nm $phNadia "It is...Our Place, for lack of a better term. Your builder came to us, in the wake of our creation. I believe he intended to instruct us in how to best use the powers that we had obtained, and to answer any of our questions. We were very thankful, even if it proved unnecessary.">>
<<nm $phYou "Unnecessary? Why is that?">>
<<nm $phNadia "He was within our realm already. We simply desired to know what he knew...and we did. It was that simple.">>
<<nm $phYou "You read his mind? You can do that?">>
<<nm $phNadia "So long as we are here, we can do whatever we like. This is...well, it is not exactly a 'place'. The door does not go anywhere within the tower. Rather, it enters into us. This is an internal landscape, given form. In a very real sense, this is our mind.">>
You looked around with new respect. Everything //looked// real, as far as you could see, but being some elaborate illusion would certainly explain a few things. No sooner had the thought crossed your mind that Nadia smiled, and shook her head.
<<nm $phNadia "No, $phYou.firstname. It is not an illusion. It has just been made external. But you see why it brings such joy, to be able to live in a place that is //truly// of and for you.">>
<<nm $phYou "I...Hey! I didn't say you could read my mind!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Ah, our apologies. Fortunately, you don't mind, and know we would never misuse the power to hurt you.">>
Fortunately, you didn't mind, and you knew Nadia would never misuse the power to hurt you, but you made a mental note to yourself. It seemed almost anything was possible within Nadia's nexus. If you weren't careful, you might find yourself leaving very differently than you entered, and not even know you had been influenced.
<<nm $phNadia "Mmm. With that taken care of, what else would you like?">>
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ3 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So...what's the plan from here? What do you do now?">>
Nadia grinned at the question. She leaned up and squinted her eyes slightly as the sun above caught her in the glare. Almost immediately, a green palm tree materialized behind you, positioned at exactly the right angle to cast a bit of shade across the angel.
<<nm $phNadia "What do we do? Well, we enjoy ourselves for just as long as we can. Wasn't that the deal?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well...Yes, but most of the others I've helped do find a place to work within the tower. It's something of a tradition.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, darling, we've never been one for tradition.">>
You started to object, but she held up one hand to halt you and flashed mischevious smile, not unlike the one she'd had when she'd been human. You had the distinct sense you had just been baited. The angel stretched her wind for a few seconds, and then winked.
<<nm $phNadia "...But, in gratitude for your part in helping us get here, how could we refuse? We will extend our influence slightly. We well remember the highs of our previous life, and we can share that feeling with those that come to gamble. We suspect these highs will make it far more likely that your coffers will run overfull.">>
<<nm $phYou "You can make the gamblers enjoy themselves more?">>
<<nm $phNadia "To an extent.">>
<<nm $phYou "What extent?">>
The angelic woman gave you a grin that was entirely too smug and fluffed her long, blonde locks performatively.
<<nm $phNadia "As much as we care to. We wouldn't want to dispense with all of the uncertainty in your life, after all. We would hate for you to get bored.">>
Great. Nice to see your employees were looking after your mental health so much.
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ4 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ4 to 2>><<nm $phYou "...Why do you keep using 'we', if you don't mind my asking?">>
<<nm $phNadia "We are ascended. We are the ruler of this place. It seemed only appropriate to speak as such.">>
You resisted the urge to smile. It hadn't been very long, but clearly Nadia was taking this whole angelic thing pretty seriously. You were getting the distinct feeling of talking to royalty.
<<nm $phYou "If it makes you happy, that's alright. Just be a little careful when you go out and about. When you start using the royal 'we', most people might look at you a little bit sideways, and--">>
Nadia grinned at you, and snapped her fingers.
<<nm $phYou "--of course, I love the way it sounds. I's impressive and sophisicated and...well, I like it. Keep doing it.">>
You felt stupid. The way that Nadia talked was //incredibly// hot. It was like the way princesses and princes talked in the olden days, and that was a time when things were a lot better than now. You hoped you hadn't offended her.
<<nm $phNadia "Don't worry, we appreciate the compliment. You won't worry about the way we speak again.">>
Well, that was settled. What else did you have to talk about?
<</if>><<if $phset is 'Sex'>><<nobr>><<set _SexOption to []>><<set _SexOption.push(1,2)>><<if $phYou.form is not 'male'>><<set _SexOption.push(3)>><</if>><<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>><<set _SexOption.push(4)>><</if>><<set _SexOptionPick to _SexOption.pluck()>><</nobr>><<nm $phYou "Well, you seem to be pretty well situated here, I have to admit, except...">>
<<nm $phNadia "...except?">>
<<nm $phYou "Well... being able to summon up almost any type of man or woman you could think of is a great way to spend an afternoon, I know sometimes the simulacra can be a little... lacking. Not quite enough spirit to truly satisfy.">>
Nadia watched you for long moment, her lips curling into an indulgent smile. She cocked her head slightly to one side, as if she wasn't quite sure what she was hearing.
<<nm $phNadia "Why...$phYou.firstname? Are you offering to fill in for those 'lacking'? Are you sure about that? What if we are in an unusual mood?">>
She made a curious gesture with one hand, rolling her fingers one after the other. You frowned and knit your brow.
<<if _SexOptionPick is 1>><<nm $phYou "Wha-...What do you mean by 'Unusual Mood'? You don't think I could handle it?">>
You buzzed closer to her so she could see the displeasure on your face, putting your hands on your hips, your dragonfly-like wings humming behind you even more rapidly. Nadia giggled, and leaned forward to get a closer look at you.
<<nm $phNadia "We are not questioning your enthusiasm, $phYou.firstname. But usually our partners are just a tiny little bit...larger, where it counts.">>
You'd have stomped your feet if they weren't hanging in the air. It was hard to be intimidating when you were barely nine inches tall, from the tips of your pointed ears down to the end of slender feet. You consciously tried to keep your voice level. The last thing you needed was your already squeaky, high-pitched voice going even higher.
<<nm $phYou "I'll have you know I have plenty of full-sized lovers. And none of them are unsatisfied! I know all sorts of ways!">>
<<nm $phNadia "We are sure you do, dear. It's a wonderful dream...but sometimes, you want to wake up from the dream a little early, don't you?">>
You cocked your head to the side. You didn't understand what she was talking about. You were talking about your sex skills. Sure, she was at least five or six times your size, and you were sure she'd had lovers whose cocks were bigger than your entire body, but //you// were sure you could manage.
Only...something niggled at your mind. You felt oddly like something had changed, in a way you hadn't felt since Lazren made you a pixie. You weren't sure what the dream was, but...
@@.choice;
[[It's Not The Size That Counts!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _SexOptionPick is 2>>You felt your tail start to wag behind you, despite yourself. You tried to get it under control, but it would not be denied. Soon enough, the short, $phYou.hair-furred appendage was swinging back and forth like a tiny propeller.
<<nm $phYou "I can handle it, Mistress! I've been good! Real good! I've played nice with all of the other pets and I let you sleep in a bit and I didn't whine too much when you went out! Can't we play? Just a little?">>
Nadia grinned at you and languidly extended a hand. You didn't even hesitate, throwing yourself forward to nuzzle frantically against her fingers. She laughed, letting you tire yourself out for a moment before finally slipping those fingers up to scritch behind the $phYou.hair, triangular ears on the top of your head.
<<nm $phNadia "Who's a good $pgirl? Who's our good $pgirl? Is it you? Is it you?">>
You were in heaven. You pawed against her knee, arched you back, and pushed your head up into those wonderful hands. You felt your tongue hanging a little out of your mouth as you panted and bounced.
<<nm $phYou "It's me! It's me! I'm the good $pgirl!!!">>
<<nm $phNadia "You //are//! Such a good puppy! Mmm, we suppose we could have a little fun for a while. Tire you out! It's a wonderful dream...but sometimes, you want to wake up from the dream a little early, don't you?">>
You tilted your head one way, and then the other. You had no idea what she meant. You had the best Mistress in the world. Ever since she had adopted you from Lazren's kennel, you had been determined to be the best dog$pgirl in the world! You brought her her shoes and played fetched with her dildo and gave her all the love you had!
Only...you couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. The hairs on the back of your head were standing up, and you just couldn't quite get comfortable nuzzling against Nadia's leg. You couldn't be this indecisive forever. You weren't sure what the dream was but...
@@.choice;
[[You Knew What A Good Pet Would Do!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _SexOptionPick is 3>>Was she making fun of you? Why? You were totally hot and made up right now. Your nice, round, GG cup tits were contained in a totally cute little halter top that offered a lot of side boob out the sides, and the teeny, tiny skirt showed a glimpse of your pretty panties every time you moved. You were a dish!
<<nm $phYou "You shouldn't make fun of me! I'm, like, the manager and stuff! I'm respec...respe...um...">>
<<nm $phNadia "Respectable?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah! Respectable! That's the word! You have to be nice to me!">>
You twirled a bleach blonde lock around your finger and pouted, cocking your hip and arching your back. That usually worked. Once people saw how, like, totally sexy your bod was, they stopped making you cry. Or fucked you. Either way was good!
Nadia smiled and spread her hand in apology, her eyes running up and down your form. You couldn't really blame her. You gave a little bounce in place, making your big titties bounce eagerly.
<<nm $phNadia "You're right. We ought to treat you better. We can certainly make it up to you. You can think of a few ways for us to...apologize. It's a wonderful dream...but sometimes, you want to wake up from the dream a little early, don't you?">>
You frowned, feeling your face scrunch up. It was so hard to follow conversations sometimes. People talked so fast, and they used all sorts of big words, and they didn't say what they meant. What dream? You weren't asleep. And besides, you totally bet that Nadia wanted to fuck you to apologize! You were totally smart, picking up all the secret stuff people said too!
Only...you couldn't help but feel like something //was// wrong. Something you couldn't quite put your finger on, and it was totally lame. You didn't know what the dream was, but maybe you wanted to wake up?
@@.choice;
[[Like, Don't Even Worry About It!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 3]]@@<</if>><<if _SexOptionPick is 4>>You blinked, realizing that she was talking to you. You'd gotten distracted flexing your biceps and watching the thick muscles tense and relax. That sort of thing happened to you a lot, but when your body took as much time and attention as yours did, it really was attention-grabbing.
<<nm $phYou "Hmm?">>
You didn't have to add more than that. Talking really wasn't your strong suit. You tensed your body, letting the cut muscles of your abdomen and arms show more clearly again. <<if $phYou.form is 'futa'>>You were pleased your tits still bounced enticingly in the sports bra, the only thing you were wearing above the waist. It was tough to get jacked without losing all that softness entirely.<<else>>You'd had to adjust the rules in the tower so you could walk around shirtless, but it was totally worth it to show off what you had.<</if>>
<<nm $phNadia "We said, what if we're in an unusual mood?">>
You trailed a hand down over your knee, gently caressing up the tight bicycle shorts and across the thick bulge all the way down your thigh. Fourteen inches, and still half of that soft (not that you often were). Your hand moved up and down, stroking gently, making sure to keep //that// muscle just as hard as the rest of you.
<<nm $phYou "Hmm?">>
<<nm $phNadia "We said...Nevermind. Talking isn't what you're made for, is it? There's a much better way to spend your time...a wonderful dream. But sometimes, you want to wake up from the dream a little early, don't you?">>
//Now// she was talking your language. You hadn't fucked anyone in...well, at least an hour. You were aching for it, and about to blow, but that 'dream' talk confused you. People usually called you a dream //boat//, but that isn't what she said. Maybe she was tongue-tied with how gorgeous you were.
You bent down to look her in the eye. Sometimes that helped, lowering yourself down from nine feet to eye her. She was gorgeous. A ten out of ten. You could just imagine her bouncing on you. You'd make her scream until she couldn't talk anymore...
...Only it still bothered you, that dream thing. Something was wrong, even if you couldn't put your finger on what it was. You weren't sure what the dream even was, but maybe you wanted to wake up after all?
@@.choice;
[[Show Her What You Can Do!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 4]]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Actually...Maybe It Is Time To Wake Up?|NadiaAngelTalk][$phset to 'Cancel']]@@
<</if>><<if $phset is 'Cancel'>>//Snap//
You blinked and rocked for a moment on your feet, your hands reflexively smoothing out your suit. Nadia smiled at you, her eyebrows lifting politely.
<<nm $phNadia "...Something wrong?">>
<<nm $phYou "Hmm? No...No, I'm fine. Sorry, I got distracted for a moment. What were we talking about?">>
<<nm $phNadia "We were just reassuring you that we were doing well here, in this new place. You do seem to be very interested in hearing your employees say it themselves.">>
She had you there. It was usually the first subject of conversation. You couldn't help but think you had forgotten something. Oh well. If it was important, it would surely come back to you soon.
<</if>><<if $phset is not 'Sex'>>@@.choice;
<<if $phNadiaQ1 is 0>>[[Still Feeling Good About Everything?|NadiaAngelTalk][$phNadiaQ1 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ2 is 0>>[[What Is This Place?|NadiaAngelTalk][$phNadiaQ2 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ3 is 0>>[[So...What Do You Do Now?|NadiaAngelTalk][$phNadiaQ3 to 1]]
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ4 is 0>>[[What Do You Mean By 'We'?|NadiaAngelTalk][$phNadiaQ4 to 1]]
<</if>>
[[Ask If There's Anything You Can Do To Make Her MORE Happy|NadiaAngelTalk][$phset to 'Sex']]
[[Say Goodbye|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'AngelTalkGoodbye']]@@<<unset $phset>><</if>><<set $phLocation to 'VIPLounge'>><<set $phNadiaQ1 to 0>><<set $phNadiaQ2 to 0>><<set $phNadiaQ3 to 0>><<if $phNadia.post_talk is 0>>@@.image;<picture><source media="(max-width:768px)" srcset="Assets/Characters/Nadia/Mobile/NadiaGenieFinal.png">[img[Assets/Characters/Nadia/NadiaGenieFinal.png]]</picture>@@
You headed up the stairs to the VIP Lounge to find Nadia. You'd barely finished the thought that you wanted to see her -- and barely reached the top step -- when a flash and wink of spinning violet appeared in the air next to you. You jerked back for a moment before recognizing it as one of the VIP Lounge poker chips: one of the small purple plastic disks that were gifted only to the highest of high rollers in the already-exclusive lounge. You blinked as it twirled in the air before before abruptly dropping like a stone and pinging the polished floor. It exploded into a burst of blue smoke... and then Nadia stood before you.
Well -- //floated// before you. Her slim, nude, //blue// body dissolved into a swirl of smoke that in turn trailed off into nothingness. She wore nothing except for the golden bracers and a pair of sapphire earrings, and your eyes were drawn like magnets to the swell of her bare breasts, topped by indigo nipples. Her hair seemed darker than before, but it could have just been the contrast against the vivid, gold tattoos that traced over her skin. They glowed faintly with an aura of power.
You were pretty sure no one //else// saw her like this. There'd be a heck of a lot more chaos in the lounge if everyone could see a baby-blue naked woman with no legs magically teleporting around. You imagined that to everyone else, she must look like her 'pre-game' self: tall, brunette, tanned, and in that ravishing red dress.
She also looked out of breath, and her hair was tousled. She looked suspiciously like you'd just interrupted her in the middle of some, ah, 'energetic activity'. So... maybe not actually wearing the dress.
<<nm $phNadia "$phNadia.Address! You wished to see me?">>
<<nm $phYou "I...did?">>
She lifted both eyebrows at you as she raised her hands to smooth her hair back into place. The golden bracers that had sealed her as a servant of the Tower -- and as a slave to the desires of those within it -- reflected the flashing neon lights of the games that filled the room.
<<nm $phYou "I mean -- I did, yes. Are you busy? I wouldn't want to interrupt.">>
Her eyebrows rose just a little higher, and an amused and sultry smile curved her lips. She stepped forward and raised her arms, which she then curled around your neck as she pressed her scantily-clad body against the front of your designer suit.
<<nm $phNadia "I am //always// busy, $phNadia.Address. There are so many desires to satisfy. But //you// are my master, my owner, my creator. My name on your lips is my heaven, and your wish is my command. The others can wait; I'll make it up to them later.">>
Well, when she put it //that// way, you didn't feel so bad about taking up a little bit of her time. Especially not when she continued speaking, purring a second offer against your lips.
<<nm $phNadia "Or, if you'd like to see how //willing// I am to serve, I was just about to entertain a few of our delightful VIPs. Would you like to watch?">>
@@.choice;
[[Watch How Nadia Serves|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1]]
[[Chat Up Your Personal Genie|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadia.post_talk to 1]]
[[Actually, No Time Right Now!|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'GenieTalkGoodbye', $phNadia.post_talk to 1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.post_talk gt 0>>You reached the VIP Lounge and looked around. Nadia's addition to the 'services' had gone flawlessly, thanks to the Tower's magical energy. Here, no one thought twice of the impropriety or scandal of having a beautiful woman on staff for sexual favors. Of course, each day there were different VIPs trying out the games... and trying out the perks. You could //wish// for Nadia to appear in front of you, but half the fun was figuring out what, and who, she was busy with today.
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'bottom'>><<set _random to random(1,3)>><<else>><<set _random to random(1,2)>><</if>><<if _random is 1>>You spotted her over by the bar. Her vivid red dress was hiked up around her hips, and she was bent over, chest flat against the top of the counter, as a man in a charcoal grey suit fucked her from behind. One hand gripped her hair to keep her still; his other braced against the edge of the wood. His slacks and boxers pooled around his ankles. Nadia's head was twisted to the side; though her eyes were closed, her mouth was open, and you could see the expression of rapidly-rising passion splashed across her face. Not even two meters distant, another trio of men laughed and chatted with longnecks in hand, seemingly oblivious to the woman getting reamed only feet away.
@@.choice;
[[Tap Him on the Shoulder For a Turn!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 2>>The sound of loud, feminine pleasure was your first clue. It didn't take you long to spot Nadia standing against one of the high-limit slot machines, wrapped body-to-body with an older blonde woman in a white sundress. The blond's next moan was muffled by a fevered kiss from the brunette. You couldn't tell whether Nadia was holding up one of the woman's legs, or if her partner had wrapped that leg around Nadia's waist... but you could //definitely// tell that Nadia's fingers were pressed deep and firm into the woman's sex, and that each push and twist and thrust of her hand made the woman shudder and shake with pleasure. A smiling simulacrum waitress stepped around them without even missing a beat.
@@.choice;
[[See If Nadia Takes As Good As She Gives!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 2]]@@<</if>><<if _random is 3>>... there was a line. Several men, and a single woman, stood single-file near the eastern wall. You wouldn't have thought anything about it, had you not done a double-take when you realized several of the men had their cocks already out, and were absently stroking themselves towards an erection as they traded tips and anecdotes about which games were hot tonight, and which tables were winners. The woman -- a cute, tattooed Latina -- had slipped her hand down her pants. Your eyes tracked forward, until they fell on a certain former gambler down on her knees, servicing her current 'customer'. She bobbed her head up and down his shaft with devotion and dedication, while her curled fingers pumped the smooth skin up and down. Her hair was already speckled with pearlescent strings of semen, and her chin and cheeks glistened with the cum of men and women alike.
@@.choice;
[[Cut To The Front of the Line!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 3]]@@<</if>>@@.choice;
[[Wait Until She's, ah, Done|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadiaQ1 to 100]]
[[Come Back Another Time|Casino]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1>>Maybe this was going to be harder than you thought.
Nadia leaned back and opened her legs for you, and it was like witnessing glorious mountains shifting. She pulled up the strips of white cloth that made up what she called an outfit, and exposed the length of her beautiful, perfect pussy. The scent of her was wonderfully inviting, and it made your head spin when you inhaled it too long. Clearly, angels got to cheat a little.
You also noticed, with a bit of pride, that all the jokes people had made about a woman's sex being bigger than //you// were totally false. You were at least three times the size of her sex! Hopefully, that would be enough.
Nadia just smiled at you as you buzzed forward between her legs, your wings lightly fluttering against her bare thighs. You extended your hands to run up and down the length of her slit, curling your fingers over the curve of her folds. You felt a quiver run through her and she cooed, exhaled, and put her hands on the pillows beside her.
<<nm $phYou "Hey! Don't move too much! This'll be tough enough without you knocking me out of the air!">>
<<nm $phNadia "We wouldn't dream of interrupting.">>
You kept stroking your hands up and down, caressing her. You allowed yourself to drift down, until you were kneeling in front of her sex. Now you could use your entire body to stroke and roll against her, increasing the sensation. Sure, big people might be able to clumsily push tool A into slot B, but you were made for //precision// work, and you were going to show her just how effective that was.
Nadia was definitely enjoying herself. You could hear every breath and moan above you as the massive woman worked to keep herself still while you pleasured her. Soon enough, the moment you had waited for arrived. Her clit, swollen with herarousal, pushed its way out of the protective hood -- and you pounced!
You didn't have to lean down very far to nuzzle your face against the soft, spongy nerve center of her sex. You opened your mouth to run your tongue along it as your caressed it with one hand. You kept your other busy stroking against the rest of her sex, making sure the feeling and the sensation spread through all of her.
<<nm $phNadia "...That's good! That's so good! Squeeze it harder!">>
She was rolling her hips now, forcing you to keep fluttering your wings to stay upright against her movements, but you didn't mind this time. You squeezed her clit as firmly as you could, raising yourself up to stroke your body firmly against her. Sweet nectar smeared over your chest and stomach as you moved up and down, up and down, until the giant woman began to shudder. You saw her hands clutch, white-knuckled, into the divan and she cried out in bliss. The walls of her sex tightened, and you found your other arm pinned between them as she came!
It wasn't until she finally let out a happy laugh and relaxed her muscles that you were able to pull away from her... wet from head to toe but certainly having proven your point! She chuckled down at you.
<<nm $phNadia "We are sorry for doubting you, little pixie.">>
You snorted at that. 'Little'. You'd show her 'little'. Buzzing like a hornet, you @@.choice;[[Rocketed Upward!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 1.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>><<nm $phNadia "What are you up to, little one?">>
You didn't answer. Your fingers were already undoing the tiny belt around your waist, and you kicked off your pants even as you reached the expanse of her upper body.
<<nm $phYou "Pixies get pleasured too, you know! It's supposed to be a two-way street!">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<nm $phNadia "Of course, little one. But I think even my fingers might be too--">>
She didn't finish. You didn't head for her face, or her fingers. Instead, you changed course and dove into the soft mountains of her chest, slipping up beneath the loose white top and prying it off of her.
One perfectly curved breast came into view, topped with a pert nipple. You ran both your hands across the miniature mound, teasing it and twisting it until it grew firm between your fingers. Nadia chuckled, her body shuddering underneath you like an earthquake.
<<nm $phNadia "...We are not complaining, but we would hardly call this a //two- way// street. We--">>
You cut her off again, but this time with your prize. You leaned your body up and straddled her massive tit, letting her nipple slip between your legs. You gasped, your head tilting back as you felt the rounded edge of that hard point work between your thighs. You worked your hips down, putting more and more pressure down on the rounded point...
...until it finally slipped into you! You cried ou and closed your knees around her breast to squeeze the delicious girth filling you. You let your wings flutter again, lifting you up and inch only to drop you back down onto her. Every motion worked that wonderful nipple in and out of your body.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh my. How creative! You are just so full of surprises, little one!">>
The angel did not object. She just laid back, putting her head against one of the arm rests, watching as you rode her humungous tit. It didn't take long. Your movements got more and more frantic as the pleasure grew in you. Despite your best efforts, you felt your voice getting higher and higher. Soon, you were squeaking in high soprano as she pushed you over the edge!
<<else>><<nm $phNadia "Of course, little one. But I don't see how--">>
She didn't finish. You zoomed upward and put your hands on either side of her mouth, squeezing her lips inward. The angel's eyes widened, and you couldn't help but laugh at the incredulous expression that crossed her face, and how it was twisted into something ridiculous by her squished lips...
...and only got more ridiculous when you shifted your hips forward and slipped your entire hot, throbbing inch into her! 1.15 inches, to be exact! You were not the average pixie. You were very well hung indeed!
<<nm $phYou "That's right! You just enjoy yourself! It's only fair!">>
You worked your hips against her, your wings buzzing frantically to keep yourself upright as you fucked her mouth. You felt her lips try to contract out of your grip as a smile tugged on the edge of her mouth, and she nearly had to cross her eyes to look at you. You squeezed her lips again in warning, and she obligingly puckered up once more.
It was bliss. Her lips were full and wet and wonderful. She took your entire length easily and, after a few pumps, you felt the huge, wet texture of her tongue slide forward, so that every thrust of your cock brushed the head of your shaft against it. You found your eyes fluttering.
<<nm $phYou "That's...That's it! Good girl! You just...You just sit there and enjoy it! Mmm! Oh Hells!">>
Despite yourself, you found your voice getting higher and higher. When you finally couldn't take it anymore, the cry that emerged from your throat was pure soprano. You gripped her with all of your might and pushed into her again and again and again, until...
<</if>>Pixies didn't deal with orgasms well. Your wings flapped erratically, uneven and random, as the orgasm ripped through you. You spun through the air, your body stiff and quaking, and then dropped just as fast. You landed spread across her enormous cleavage, your wings still twitching and your body still jerking up and down in the aftershocks of your pleasure. <<if $phYou.form is not 'female'>>Your cock jumped and bobbed, leaking cum down onto your thigh in the pleasant aftermath of your conquest.<</if>>
You knew there was a stupid smile on your face, but you didn't care. You just looked up at the big woman and grinned. She grinned too, raising one of her powerful hands and extending one finger, which she laid lightly against the top of your head.
@@.choice;[[Boop!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 6;_sex to 'sub']]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 2>><<nm $phYou "I don't want to wake up! I want to be a good $pgirl! You know I can be!">>
You made the most adorable puppy eyes that you could imagine, tilting your head up and whimpering at your Mistress. She chuckled and scritched behind your ears with both hands.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh...well, we suppose that //is// the saying, isn't it?">>
You tilted your head to one side, and then the other. Scritches were //very// nice, but you weren't sure whether that was a yes or no! The angel leaned forward, and her smile only grew wider.
<<nm $phNadia "...Isn't it 'Give a dog a bone'?">>
She laughed. You laughed too, even if you didn't get it. You //did// understand when she lifted the white cloth away from her body, though. //That// was an invitation!
You dove for her, your tongue already out and extended. She tasted soooooo good, it was all you could do to lap at her again and again and again. You got both your hands around her hips, your neck working as you stroked her with your tongue from one end of her beautiful sex to the other. She leaned back on the divan, spreading her legs wider, and you saw her eyes flutter.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh my! You certainly are...enthusiastic! Such a good pup for Mistress!">>
Good pup, good pup! The words broke over your mind and filled you with joy! You couldn't think of anything right now, because your tongue was still frantically bathing her sex, and that was far too important for words! You could see that she liked it, too, because she was rolling her hips up against your mouth more and more with every second you continued.
Mistress wound her hands into your hair, squeezing your ears and rubbing at them. You found your leg jangling up against the floor! It was so good! Scritches and Mistress! You could have lived here forever. You wanted to live here forever.
But, eventually, it had to end. Nadia's voice caught and her head tilted back. She surged up against your mouth, holding herself there for a few quivering seconds before dropping back down to the cushions. You kept licking, frantically, until she finally reached down and pulled you away from her sex. Her voice was just slightly breathless.
<<nm $phNadia "Good pup! Good pup! Oh my. Oh my, that's enough!">>
You whimpered and made puppy dog eyes at her again, nuzzling frantically. Just one more time! If she let you lick her out just one more time, that would be all that you could ever want in the world! Nadia peered down at your face and giggled. She raised one hand...and you felt the leash get clipped around your wonderful collar!
<<nm $phNadia "Fine, fine. If you're going to be that way about it...why don't we go for a nice walk?">>
@@.choice;[[WALKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 2.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 2.1>>//Walkies Walkies Walkies!//
You hurried behind Mistress as she strolled the boulevard. It was a wonderful bright day outside. The sun was warm against your skin and fur, but the stone beneath your hands and feet were cool as you scurried along behind her.
She moved like a queen, of course. Everyone she passed bowed down to her in acknowledgement, but she was a fair and just royal who still stopped to make conversation with the little folk.
<<npc "mnpc3" "Newspaper Vendor" "Your slave is very well trained, Miss Nadia. What's $pherhis name?">>
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname! An odd name for a pup, we admit, but it sort of came to us that way. Our star performer, though, to be sure. Watch. $phYou.firstname! Suck!">>
You didn't hesitate. Years of training crystallized to a single moment, and you leapt forward, hands deftly working at the vendor's pants. You were a good $pgirl! You had his pants off in five seconds!
So good for Mistress!
...
//Walkies Walkies Walkies//
...
<<if $phYou.form is 'female'>><<npc "fnpc3" "Fellow Owner" "Max! Max! Get off of there! I am so sorry, my lady!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, it's perfectly alright. She rather enjoys it. And animals will be animals, won't they?">>
You moaned and let your head loll. The leashed man on top of you was at least twice your weight, bearing you down against the gravel as he worked his hips and drove his thick cock into you. You tasted pavement as your lolling tongue brushed against the floor.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Fellow Owner" "Are you sure, my lady? He is a champion breeder. What if she gets pregnant?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Well then...We'll just have more puppies, won't we? I'm sure that would be a very interesting development!">>
You felt him go rigid, and a hot warmth shot up within you. You moaned and let yourself sag. Goooood pup...
<<else>><<npc "mnpc2" "Fellow Owner" "Hey! What are you- Oh! Oh, my lady! I didn't realize...is this yours?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes indeed. Terribly sorry, we looked away only for a moment, and it appears they've taken quite a liking to yours.">>
You worked your hips frantically, sliding your cock into that eager wet snatch again and again. The leashed woman underneath you moaned, her large eyes already crossed with pleasure as you mounted her, and her huge, busty tits brushed the pavement with every pump.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Fellow Owner" "Of course, my lady, I'm honored! I never thought my little Bimbo would attract such attention!">>
<<nm $phNadia "She looks very well trained. Don't worry, sir. Just do alert us if there are any puppies, won't you? That would be a very...interesting development.">>
You weren't listening. Your hips jerked forward a few more times...and then you went completely limp as you emptied your seed out inside of her. You both slowly sank to the ground, curled up, carefully avoiding tangling the leashes of your respective owners. Goooood pup...
<</if>>...
//Walkies Walkies Walkies//
...
<<nm $phNadia "Roll over!">>
You flipped onto your back, your legs spread and your <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>pussy exposed<<else>>cock on display<</if>>. The small crowd ooooh and ahhhed in appreciation. You remained as still as you could, but you couldn't keep your tail from wagging a mile a minute. Good pup! Nadia was smiling! Good pup!
<<npc "fnpc1" "Onlooker" "What other tricks does $pshe know?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, all sorts of things. $pShe can beg, $pshe can fetch, $pshe can shake...but there //is// one trick that $pshe likes doing more than anything else.">>
<<npc "fnpc1" "Onlooker" "Oh! Can we see it?">>
Your tail wagged even harder and you quivered even more in anticipation. Nadia grinned at you, taking her time to stroll up beside you. She leaned over, meeting your eyes for several seconds...and then she finally spoke.
<<nm $phNadia "$phYou.firstname...Cum!">>
@@.choice;[[YAAAAAAAAY!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 6;_sex to 'sub']]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 3>><<nm $phYou "You're just trying to trick me! But I'm super smart! I'm not sleeping, so I can't be dreaming!">>
You put your hands on your hips and glared with all your might. It might have been more effective if you hadn't also bent over to give her a perfect view down your cleavage, but you liked showing your tits off, and people liked looking at them, and Nadia always enjoyed looking at them, and--
<<nm $phNadia "Our mistake. Come on, pretty. Come sit on my lap and I'll make it up to you, okay?">>
You squealed with delight and bounced your way over to her. You turned and bent, giving her plenty of time to admire the way your perfect ass filled out your skirt. Then you plopped yourself down in her lap and wiggled to get comfortable. You giggled over your shoulder.
<<nm $phYou "See? Isn't that nicer? When you're nice, we can, like, be nice together!">>
<<nm $phNadia "We understand. You know, that's very wise. But there's something we've always been kind of curious about. Is it true you forget what you're talking about every time someone grabs those G-cups of yours?">>
<<nm $phYou "It is not! You're being mean again! Just because someone squeezes maaaaaaaahh!">>
You didn't get to finish your sentance. Nadia had slipped her hand up under your halter top and gotten a big grip on your tits! You weren't wearing a bra, since you were perky and perfect even without one, so her bare hand was warm against your nipple. You felt it growing harder by the second underneath her squeezing palm.
<<nm $phYou "N-Not fair! Ah! Like, I still didn't...didn't do whatever it was you said I would do!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh really? What if we did this?">>
Oh fuck! Nadia got her other hand up around you, and now she was squeezing //both// your mommy milkers at the same time. You felt your back curve in response and you were instantly soaking wet between your thighs. Nadia fingers felt //so// good on you!
<<nm $phYou "Ahhh! Ooooh, yes! Harder! Squeeze them harder!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Well? Did you forget?">>
<<nm $phYou "Huh? Did I forget what?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Nevermind. We've got something else to try anyway...">>
You didn't quite hear what she was saying. Probably because she was still squeezing with her left hand, but you felt her right begin to drift lower. It stroked across your stomach, making you mewl with need, and then slipped under the loose band of your skirt. You felt her wiggling her digits as she worked her way into your pretty, pale panties. It took her a few seconds, and you were just opening her mouth to ask if she needed help finding her way...
...at which point her fingers wiggled their way beneath the fabric, and you abruptly @@.choice;[[Forgot What You Were Going To Say!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 3.1>><<nm $phNadia "That's a good girl! Mmm, you're soaking wet. Is all of that for us?">>
<<nm $phYou "T-Tease!">>
You barely managed even that one word. Nadia was experienced. She wasn't focused on just sliding her fingers inside of you, like so many of the boys who had heard how sexy you were and tracked you down behind the bathrooms in high school. No, where their movements were clumsy and seemed focused on putting as much of them inside you as possible, Nadia was...//sooooooo// much better!
She ran her fingers up and down your folds, her thumb teasing across the juncture of your hip and thigh. She traced along the outer curve of your sex for a while, only to brush more firmly up the center and over your clit. She went slow for a while, then fast and frantic, and then slow again.
And she was so good with your tit too! Your massive mound overfilled her hands, but she didn't seem to have noticed. She teased and tugged and squeezed until her fingers sank into the marshmallow-like softness, only to let your flesh spring back against when she loosened up. She pulled on your nipple, and all you could do was tilt your head toward the ceiling and howl your approval.
She never stopped. Soon, you were bouncing on her, desperately trying to coax out another stroke or touch or squeeze as your pleasure rose and rose. Your mind got foggy, like it always did, but you didn't care. What did you need thoughts for? You were getting fucked!
<<nm $phYou "Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yes! Don't stop, please don't stop, please fuck me! Please fuck me like your little cumslut! Please fuck me like a horny bitch! Fuck me like your whore! I'm your little whore!">>
You weren't really aware of what you were saying. That's why it worked! All the boys liked it when you talked dirty to them like that. All you had to do was convince them it was okay to call you names while they fucked you, and then they would //really// go to town. You'd seen nervous nerds go from shyly touching to choking you on their cocks in ten minutes flat! This is what you were for!
<<nm $phNadia "Is that so, huh? Are you my little whore, darling? Are you my good girl? Are you going to cum for me?">>
Even despite the fact you were being railed like a champ, you felt a smug little smile cross your inflated lips. You //were// something special. You'd gotten her so distracted she'd started saying 'my' again, and you hadn't even had to touch her! You literally fucked the ego out of her!
<<nm $phYou "Uh huh! Uh huh! I am! I am! Oh fuck! Oh shit! I'm going to cum! I'm going to cum so much!">>
<<nm $phNadia "That's right. You cum for me. You cum for me, and then we're really going to have fun! You're not going to leave this room until I've taken you in every hole!">>
You didn't try to hold yourself back. You never did. Cumming was fun, and you wanted more of it, so why would you ever hold back? You felt your eyes roll back and your whole body shuddered as you squealed and gushed in Nadia's lap. You were hers, and she was going to fuck you all night long!
...which was all you wanted in the first place, so who was //really// the @@.choice;[[Dumb One, Huh?|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 6;_sex to 'sub']]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 4>>You just smiled at her. No one ever really wanted to talk when you were around. It was a waste of your unique talents, and Nadia understood the perfectly fine. You took a step toward her, and then another. Taking your time. Making her anticipate it.
And she did. Oh, you could see that she did. Her eyes swept over you, from the top of your head and then down your chiseled, beautiful form. <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>You tensed and untensed your muscles in a familiar rhythm, highlighting each group in turn, one right after another.<<else>>You reached up and peeled yourself out of your sports bra, baring your tits.<</if>> You saw her eyes drink you, and her cheek darken with arousal and need.
<<nm $phYou "You want it...">>
It wasn't a question. It was a low, purred //declaration//. You ran your thumb along the inside of your tight shorts. Your cock was fully hard now and aching as it fought against the confining material. You hadn't managed to rip spandex yet, but you'd managed with some other materials. It was only a matter of time, really. You ran your fingers delicately over your fourteen inches of glory.
Nadia's tongue emerged to wet her lips, as though her mouth had suddenly gone dry. She was leaning back as you approached, unconsciously opening herself up to you. You saw her thighs spread and caught a glimpse of what was between them. No panties. Good. That meant you wouldn't have to waste too much time.
<<nm $phNadia "...We do?">>
<<nm $phYou "You do. You //need// it.">>
No room for uncertainty. No need for it. You were as certain about this as you were about the sun rising or earth spinning. You didn't bother to pull your shorts down. You just flexed your bicep and tugged. The material stretched, outlining your cock even more extremely in the suddenly skintight garment before it finally ripped away from you with a sound almost like a gun being fired. You tossed the fabric away.
You'd never ripped spandex with your //cock//, but you weren't going to let that get in the way of a good time.
Now bare, with your cock bobbing with every movement of your hips, you reached out and ran your hands into those (HAIR COLOR) locks. Your fingers tightened. You applied just enough pressure to make her tilt her head upward, and then you leaned down to give her a savage, possessive kiss.
<<nm $phYou "...Let's give you what you need.">>
With one hand on her hair and the other reaching out to take hold of her hip, you flipped her. You flipped her as easily as a chef might flip a pancake, and with about as much effort. She squealed as she was suddenly facedown against the divan, her knees barely resting on the very edge of the cushion and her bare feet on either side of your hips.
You didn't wait. Waiting wasn't what you were for either. You just smiled at her surprised expression, disdainfully flipped the white cloth that made up her outfit up over the curve of her ass...
...and buried your first @@.choice;[[Eight Inches Inside Of Her Snatch!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 4.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 4.1>><<nm $phNadia "OooOOOooOOooOOooOOOooFuuuuuCCCCCCkkkkkKKKK!">>
Nadia bounced on your cock, the sound of her voice rising and falling with every impact of your hips against her ass. She wasn't saying much of importance anyway, which was fine. You sort of had that effect on people. Even the most talkative sort tends to go a little simplistic once more than a foot was fed into them.
You were tireless. You'd trained long and hard so that your endurance was legendary. You kept your hips moving against her ass, never flagging or slowing for even a single moment, and every hit set that beautiful rear to jiggling. You couldn't help yourself. You slapped that beautiful bouncing curve with the flat of your hand every couple of seconds.
She'd squealed and twisted and almost protested the first two or three timed you'd spanked her. By now, she was putty in your hands and hadn't tried to do anything but drive you deeper and faster for the last ten full minutes.
You weren't really one for dirty talk, once you got started. She could feel everything you would be saying with each push of your cock, each slap of her ass, and the way you maneuvered her body like your personal pleasure toy whenever you felt her slipping. Nadia was yours. Judging by just her sex had drenched your cock with wet, slick juices, she was enjoying that position.
<<nm $phNadia "Please! Please pleasepleasepleaseplease!">>
You grinned. How could you ignore a cry like that? You got a new grip on her hair and tugged her back, pulling her upper body until she was upright again , your chest pressed up against her back as you drove onto her. She had one foot down on the floor and one leg up on the divan to open herself up for you. You didn't care what she had to do, as long as you could keep fucking her. You looped your arm below her, raised your hand to her throat, and gave her a gentle squeeze.
You //felt// her shudder as you squeezed her neck, carefully. You had complete reign over your body, but she could //feel// the strength in you, under tight control. Just like she was.
Maybe she felt that. Maybe she just liked the little bit of tension in her breath. Maybe you'd been fucking her relentlessly for nearly twenty minutes and she just couldn't take any more. Whatever the reason, you felt her pussy clamp down along your cock, saw her eyes roll back, and knew the second the orgasm began to tear through her.
You smiled widely. You never came first, but once they did, you were more than happy to join them. You let your pace devolve into a frantic, urgent, possessive, and relentless pistoning. You tilted your head back to the ceiling and groaned deeply.
You'd fill her up, as much as she could be filled. And then you would do it again, and again, and again. By the time you left, she wouldn't be able to string two words together.
No better time to start @@.choice;[[Than Now!|NadiaAngelSex][$phNadia.sex to 6;_sex to 'dom']]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 6>><<set $phTime += 1>><<nm $phNadia "We are so very glad you enjoyed yourself so much. We hope it was a refreshing change of pace from your usual day.">>
The angel leaned against your back, her chest flattening against you, and kissed your cheek. You reached up and rubbed at the spot, smoothing out your jacket with your other hand.
<<nm $phYou "It was wonderful. Just wonderful. The very best I've ever had. Especially the part when we...when we, uh...">>
You frowned and cocked your head. That was funny. For some reason, you remembered enjoying yourself, but you couldn't quite put your finger on what exactly you had been up to. Your head came up to stare at Nadia, and you opened your mouth to object--
<<nm $phNadia "Don't worry at all about it. You know it was very fun, and that you can't wait to do it again. That's enough, isn't it?">>
Of course. You'd gotten closer with one of your employees and had the most amazing encounter. You didn't worry about it at all. The memories would come back to you, eventually, and you couldn't wait until next time.
<<nm $phYou "You're right, of course. You won't mind if I drop in from time to time... when the work doesn't get in the way?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, sweetheart, of course not. In fact, we insist you do. What good is paradise if you can't have a little variety once in a while?">>
She kissed your cheek again and released you. There was a slight smugness in the air, as if there was some kind of joke that you weren't privy to in her words, but you weren't worried about it. You inclined your head to her, offered her once last grin, and headed back down to the casino.
It was @@.choice;[[Always Nice To Take A Break!|Casino]]@@
<<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1>><<if $phNadia.post_talk lt 1>><<set $phNadia.post_talk to 1>><<nm $phYou "That sounds like fun. Yeah, okay. Show me what you do, Nadia.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Of course, $phNadia.Address! Let me call them in!">>
...And that's exactly what she did. She opened the doors and welcomed in a stream of your VIP guests. She smiled, shook hands, and pointed them to various tables, just like any hostess would. Soon, there were four or five different table games in progress, and you were beginning to wonder what the difference between a genie and a smiling simulacrum would be.
That least until the first man approached Nadia, spoke quietly, and unzipped his pants.
Nadia didn't hesitate. She dropped down onto her knees, leaned forward, and took his entire shaft to the root in a single motion. You saw the poor man's eyes almost cross as he gripped onto her head, more for support than for control, and began to pump his hips.
A quick look around showed that...nothing had changed. Oh, they saw what was happening. You heard murmurings at various tables, with several commenting about having a turn for themselves. But no one panicked. No one objected. It was as if watching a man get blown by the serving staff was the most ordinary thing in the world. Was the tower that strong?
Wait. Check that. They didn't notice Nadia was //blue// either. You guessed it wasn't all that much of a stretch.
A line quickly formed, and Nadia wasn't just willing to serve, but eager. Men and women both, it didn't matter. She licked and sucked and bent and knelt and stood at their whim. Her expression showed nothing but pleasure. She delighted in her service. Guest after guest after guest used her, some of them roughly, and she made not a single complaint. Nor did she want to.
You shifted in your seat, feeling your face heated. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>You felt a stirring between your legs, and you knew Nadia wasn't the only one who was getting wet as she was used.<<else>>You felt a stirring between your legs, and knew the men with Nadia weren't the only ones achingly hard.<</if>> You hadn't ever really considered how hot it was to put one of your employees on offer this way. To watch them be used in your service by...well, anyone you designated.
You were the boss, though. You could certainly cut to the front of the line, if you wanted to. That was tempting. The man currently with her had been hogging her for at least fifteen minutes. On the other hand, maybe it would be best not to indulge. Let her settle in to her new role while you got some work done.
Why did it feel like you'd made this choice before?
@@.choice;
<<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>[[Interrupt The Man|NadiaGenieSex]]
<<else>>
[[Cut To The Front Of The Line|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 3]]
<</if>>[[Head Back To The Casino|Casino]]@@<<else>>You walked up behind the man, but realized instantly that you'd have to do more than just clear your throat. He was too focused on hilting himself into Nadia's tight slit. The quick, staccato slap of his hips against her rear, the quiet grunt he let out with every thrust, and Nadia's mewling encouragement as she was used were all louder and //much// more deserving of attention. The drinkers nearby continued their conversation, and the dozens of games chimed, rang, bleeped, and dinged, all adding to the chaos.
Your hand clapped down on his shoulder got his attention, though. He barely broke rhythm, and barely turned his head far enough to catch a glimpse of you out of the corner of his eye.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Man" "Yeah, hold on, I'm almost done.">>
<<nm $phYou "You //are// done. Take a break.">>
He let out a breathless laugh and kept right at it, until you dug your fingers into his shirt and raised your voice a little louder.
<<nm $phYou "I //said//: take a break.">>
<<npc "mnpc2" "Man" "Ow! Hey, who the f-- ...oh. Right. I, ah...">>
His expression changed instantly once he got a good look at you. From the lack of pure terror and confusion, you were pretty sure he saw 'supervisor' rather than 'supernatural', but either way, he realized when not to push his luck. Still panting, he grit his teeth and forced himself to slow and stop the saw of his hips, and then pull his glistening member free of moaning young woman underneath him.
<<nm $phYou "Thanks.">>
<<nm $phNadia "M-m<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>asterrrr<<else>>istresssss<</if>>--ooh!">>
Nadia turned her head back towards you to see what had interrupted her 'duties'. Her flushed and wanton smile transformed back into a round expression of surprise and delight when it turned out that you //weren't// there for small-talk conversation. You wasted no time in sinking two fingers into her wet sex and spearing them in deep.
<<nm $phYou "Hello, Nadia. Just want to make sure you're living up to expectations. Keeping the customers happy?">>
She groaned and ground her ass back against your fingers. You had no doubt they weren't as large or long as the man's shaft, but they were dexterous in other ways. You fluttered them up and down inside her and then curl your fingertips up along her inner wall, and Nadia's attempt to answer you dissolved in a wordless please for more.
<<nm $phYou "Good, good. Let's just do a little quality control to make sure, alright?">>
She nodded, even as her arms stretched out over the bar and her curled her fingers tightly around the wooden lip.
<<nm $phNadia "Y-yes, $phNadia.Address! Yes! Please!">>
It was good to be <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>king<<else>>queen<</if>>!
@@.choice;
[[Keep Using Your Fingers|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1.1]]
[[Fuck Her With Your Tail|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1.2]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if ($phNadia.sex is 1.1) or ($phNadia.sex is 1.2)>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>People always got so caught up on cocks that they forgot just how fabulous fingers could be. You kept curling them with slow and rhythmic motions as you took hold of her hair with your other hand. The tension of your grip pulled her upright again. Her bowed back thrust her breasts out beautifully, and she reached back to brush her fingers against yours where they tangled in her rich brown hair.<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>You weren't worried about the patrons at the bar seeing things they weren't supposed to, even while literally watching your every move. You knew the Tower's glamor was formidable, and that it would help them see whatever they //thought// they should see.
You reached out and took hold of her hair with one hand. The tension of your grip pulled her upright again. Her bowed back thrust her breasts out beautifully, and she reached back to brush her fingers against yours where they tangled in her rich brown hair.
No one even blinked as you loosened your slacks, or as your long, spade-tipped tail emerged out over your waistband. No one noticed as you curled it between your own thighs, and stroked it along the back of Nadia's leg. They didn't see the triangular tip as it probed, leathery and flexible, at her wet and well-used lower lips.
Nadia noticed, though. And she noticed //hard// when, with a jerk of your hips and flex of that whip-like appendage, you buried several inches of prehensile muscle deep inside her pussy.<</if>>
<<nm $phNadia "Aah! $phNadia.Address!">>
<<nm $phYou "Sshh. You can take it. You take it all day long, don't you?">>
She nodded, her motion of her head tugging against your grip. Her beautiful lips were parted, and she panted in the open air. You licked your lips before leaning in to brush a kiss against the side of her neck. <<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>Between her spread thighs, you shifted from slow curls to quicker, deeper thrusts, flicking the tips of your fingers up at the end.<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>Between her spread thighs, you eased another inch or two inside her, flexing your tail back and forth to make sure she was open and ready to take as much as you wanted to give her.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "I know you love it: getting bent over by anyone who wants you. How many have you had today, huh? Five? Six?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Ei-eight, $phNadia.Address!">>
<<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>You chuckled against her skin as you pulled your fingers free of her dripping sex, only to run them over her slit and up and over her clit, spreading the slickness of her around. She jerked in response, and then let out a loud moan as your slid both digits back into her again.<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>You chuckled against her skin as you slipped the demonic tentacle free of her dripping sex, only to flatten it and sliiiiiiide it up between her folds until it butted up against her clit. She jerked in response, and then let out a loud moan as you furled in the sides and once again eased it into her cunt.<</if>> The man you'd displaced had claimed a barstool nearby, and sipped a Jack and Coke in one hand while stroking his cock with the other.
<<nm $phYou "Eight? Good girl - got to keep the clients happy. I'm your favorite, though, aren't I?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes! Of course! Always!">>
You were moving faster now. Nadia was still arched over the bar, her silken hair tight in your fist, <<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>as you pumped your fingers in and out of her lush lower lips<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>as you wriggled and thrust the strong and flexible flesh into her, deep, exotic, and filling<</if>>. You could feel her inner walls squeeze around you, and the needy push of her hips as she tried to match your rhythm. You wondered what the human Nadia would have thought about her fate, and how she would have felt knowing she'd end up as a fucktoy for the Casino elites -- and loving it!
<<nm $phYou "You'd do anything I wanted, wouldn't you?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes!">>
<<nm $phYou "Any//one// I wanted.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, yes, please! Anyone!">>
<<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>Your fingers dove up to her clit again.<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>Your free hand dove down to her clit, even as your tail ravished her sex.<</if>> You pressed in firm, catching the nub between two fingertips, and quickly shimmied your wrist to and fro, left and right. Nadia gasped. It rose to a breathless whimpering mewl when you switched to tight, quick circles, and then to an echoing moan when you changed to pinpoint flicks against the undersize of that tiny, oh-so-sensitive nub.
<<nm $phYou "I wish...">>
<<nm $phNadia "OOOH! Oh, yes, please, anything, I'll make all your dreams come true!">>
<<nm $phYou "...I wish...">>
She was quivering. Her chest heaved and her entire body was flushed with desire; her eyes were closed, and you could feel every muscle in her body tightening as the wave of pleasure built.
<<nm $phNadia "//Please!// Please, please, please!">>
<<if $phNadia.sex is 1.1>>@@.choice;[[You wished...|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1.3]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 1.2>>@@.choice;[[You wished...|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 1.4]]@@<</if>><</if>><<if ($phNadia.sex is 1.3) or ($phNadia.sex is 1.4)>><<nm $phYou "I wish you to cum.">>
You whispered the words, low and hot in her ear, as you held her in place under the assault of pleasure and sensation. Her reaction wasn't whispered at all. The walls of her sex clenched tight around <<if $phNadia.sex is 1.3>>your fingers<<else>>the meat of your tail<</if>> as she bucked and shuddered against the grip you held on her hair. You felt a sudden surge of wetness between her folds.
The trio of men nearby fell silent in their chat as their eyes turned towards your way; the man on the stool quickened the stroke of his palm over his shaft. You ignored them all. They very well might be next in line, but for right now, Nadia was //yours//, and you knew you were giving her a climax that few could match.
<<nm $phNadia "Ooooh $phNadia.Address! $phNadia.Address! Thank you!">>
You held her there through the wave of the orgasm, now than then wiggling your fingertips <<if $phNadia.sex is 1.4>>or flexing the tip of your tail <</if>>to coax out just a few more seconds of that delicious thrill. When she finally began to sag against the counter of the bar, you let go of the fistful of hair and leaned in to kiss the back of her neck.
<<nm $phYou "What are you thanking me for, Nadia?">>
It took her nearly a minute to find enough breath to answer you. Even then, her voice was weak and unsteady... but oh-so-content.
<<nm $phNadia "For-- for commanding me, $phNadia.Address. For giving me your desires to fulfill.">>
<<nm $phYou "You're welcome. I'm going to do it again.">>
She groaned and was already nodding her agreement... but when she felt your fingers finally pull away from her clit, the throaty sound turned into a whimper of dismay. <<if $phNadia.sex is 1.4>>Your tail followed soon after, glistening with her satisfaction as you eased out of her sex.<</if>>
<<nm $phYou "Soon.">>
She wanted to object; you could see it all over her face as she turned her head towards you. Instead she nodded, and then met your lips in a hungry and grateful kiss that earned low whistles from the men still watching.
<<nm $phNadia "Very soon, I hope.">>
You grinned, kissed her back, and then stepped back. A single up-nod towards the bartender made the simulacra toss a towel your way, and you used it to start cleaning up.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Man" "...good for me to butt in?">>
<<nm $phYou "Sure. Thanks for letting me interrupt.">>
By the time you tossed the towel back across the bar, he was already stepping up behind her again, cock in hand and Coke abandoned. You chuckled. Nadia might be looking at a long night, but you knew she'd be enjoying every minute of it.
You'd had your fun, though. Time to get back to work.
@@.choice;
[[Head Back Downstairs|Casino]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 2>>You wove your way around the patrons who stood between you and your goal. The pair didn't even notice you approach -- that is, until your hands closed around Nadia's hips and gave her a lustful squeeze. She stiffened and shot a look over her shoulder in surprise, but the heat in her eyes as desire, not indignation.
<<nm $phYou "Oh, don't stop. And don't mind me.">>
The blonde looked over Nadia's shoulder towards you as well, but her glance was brief and unconcerned. Her attention was consumed by Nadia's fingers as they thrust and curled inside her sex, and the genie's body as it pinned her against the slots. Things more important than the well-dressed <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>man<<else>>woman<</if>> who was now shimmying Nadia's red dress up her thighs to better reach between them.
<<nm $phYou "You can fuck and get fucked at the same time, can't you, Nadia?">>
You trailed your fingertips up the back of her leg, until you met the barrier of her thin, silken panties. The fabric was already damp and sticky -- perhaps from her own excitement, or perhaps the remnants of customers already entertained. Perhaps both. You pressed in, squeezing the soft material in between her equally soft folds. She moaned quietly against the blonde's lips.
<<nm $phNadia "...yes, $phNadia.Address.">>
<<nm $phYou "Good girl. If you stop, I stop. Spread your legs just a little wider.">>
Nadia gave the smallest of nods before shifting her high heels apart a few inches further. Her other hand slipped back inside the blonde's blouse, where it squeezed and kneaded her breast through the lace of her bra.
You kissed the back of Nadia's neck, teasing your fingers over her sex as the <<if $phYou.form is not 'male'>>other<<else>>women<</if>> found their rhythm again. Nadia and the blonde were //passionate//, raw, and wonderful, and soon locked lip to lip again as they enjoyed each other's bodies.
Nadia barely noticed when you tugged her panties down over the curve of her ass. When you slid your fingers against bare skin, through sticky-slick nectar, and up to press hard against her clit, she let out a soprano cry of pleasure.
She'd definitely @@.choice;[[Noticed That!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 2.1]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 2.1>>The three of you soon found a rhythm that worked in harmony.
Nadia stood sandwiched between the two of you, doing her best to keep the thrust and stroke of her fingers steady and quick. Each time she faltered under the matching assault of your own digits, you kept your promise. The pulse and curl of your fingers stopped until Nadia whimpered with frustration, and once again began to ravish the woman in front of her. Each time, the rebound drove her to new heights and her fervor translated into desperate attempts to fuck the blonde even harder.
<<npc "fnpc3" "Blonde" "Oh God! Oh God! Oh yes, please, just like that!">>
<<nm $phYou "Hear her, Nadia? She's going to cum.">>
You panted the words into the genie's ear as you reached your //other// hand around the front of her hips and wriggled it between their bodies. It didn't take you long to find the small, hard pearl of her clit. She jerked and let out an open moan, that turned into a heavy, shivering breath and a powerful push of her rump back against your fingers inside her.
<<nm $phYou "But not //you//. Not until she does. If you cum before she does, I will wish horrible things for you. Maybe I'll wish that you can //never// cum unless your partner cums first. Or maybe I'll wish you can never cum again at all.">>
<<nm $phNadia "No! Please! I-- I can wait. I'll last. Her first.">>
<<nm $phYou "Promise?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes! Yes!">>
The cry was echoed by the blonde patron. The woman dug her nails into Nadia's shoulders where she hung on for dear life, and the jerk of her hips against Nadia's fingers was coming shorter and sharper. She was only moments away.
You hummed your satisfaction against the back of Nadia's neck, pulled your two fingers free of her tight channel... and then added a //third// as you thrust them back in. Her entire body shuddered and spasmed, and for a moment you were certain she'd already lost the challenge... but she managed to hold it back, even as her pussy squeezed and pulsed around you.
The blonde was not so lucky. Her pleading mewls had transformed into high-pitched, repetitive gasps of //oh please, oh please, oh yes please fuck yes oh my god please!//
And then @@.choice;
[[She Came!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 2.2]]@@<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 2.2>>Her scream of release and relief managed to drown out the chimes and excitement of the slot machines, and drew the eyes of everyone within a hundred feet. Several patrons leaned back in their seats to crane their heads in your direction.
The woman bucked against the machine, thumping against the game cabinet hard enough to make it start flashing //TILT//. Her arms locked around Nadia's shoulders as her hips ground desperately against the fingers deep in her sex. The last, half-sobbed convulsions of her orgasm were muffled against Nadia's shoulder before the blonde finally went limp. Were it not for the combined press of you and Nadia pinning her upright, her quaking legs would have collapsed entirely!
<<nm $phNadia "Please, $phNadia.Address.. please!">>
Nadia was panting hard. Her head was tilted forward, her forehead resting against that of the shuddering woman. Her breathless words might have sounded strange, had the blonde any presence of mind to question them.
<<nm $phYou "Please what?">>
Your fingers never stopped, and now you were laser-focused on the one or two motions that made her jerk and gasp the most. She'd managed to hold herself back from the edge, but you weren't going to let her go over it until she was //begging// for it.
<<nm $phNadia "Please may I cum, $phNadia.Address, please let me cum please!">>
The blissful agony of being on edge was beautiful in her voice. It almost made you want to tell her 'no' just to hear it climb an octave higher as she pleaded to climax. Maybe next time, you would. But for now...
<<nm $phYou "Permission granted. You'd better scream my name, Nadia, and tell me how //thankful// you are.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh god, oh god, ooohhhhh--nnnngghhhhh! //$phYou.firstname! $phNadia.Address! THANK YOU!//">>
Her pussy clenched down on your fingers so tightly you literally //couldn't// move them anymore, and her words dissolved into hiccups of sound and pleasure. You caught half-coherent chunks of words, repeated in stammered syllables laced with lust and relief. Her inner walls milked your fingers, squeezing, constricting, releasing, then squeezing again. Each pulsing wave pushed another moan from her lips, and sent another ripple through her body.
<<nm $phYou "Good girl, Nadia. Good girl. That's it.">>
She groaned, weaker now. The blonde in front of her now served as support for her brunette partner, while you soon had to help hold up //two// sagging women. Fortunately, your demonic stretch was more than up to the task.
<<nm $phNadia "...thank you $phNadia.Address.... thank you... so much...">>
Slowly, gently, you pulled your fingers free and kissed the back of her neck. She shivered, and you saw the curve of a weak, grateful smile across her lips. You patted her rump and gave it a soft squeeze.
<<nm $phYou "You're welcome. You keep doing a good job, and we'll do this a lot more often, okay?">>
She nodded, dazed. You shot a smile of your own at the recovering patron still pinned against the slot machine.
<<nm $phYou "Enjoy the rest of your stay, ma'am.">>
She nodded, too. It left you humming to yourself in satisfaction as you strolled back out to the Casino, snagging a napkin to wipe your hands with on your way out.
@@.choice;
[[Head Back Downstairs|Casino]]@@
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 3>>There was a general grumble as you stepped to the front of the line, but you guessed word of who you were was getting around. No one actually tried to stop you, and Nadia looked up with a dreamy smile as you approached.
<<nm $phNadia "Hello, $phNadia.Address. Have you come to play?">>
She was dripping with cum. It had evidently been quite a long line that had been going for quite a while. You had to admit, it looked gorgeous on her. She didn't look dirty, she looked exultant.
<<nm $phYou "I thought I might drop in. You look like you're keeping busy.">>
<<nm $phNadia "We're still very popular, $phNadia.Address, but my service is always to you. May I please you? All you have to do is wish for what you want, and I shall provide it.">>
You chuckled at that, reaching down to pet your hand over her hair. It came back a little wet. You absently rubbed two fingers together, your fingertips slick with the seed, and shrugged your shoulders, not really thinking about it.
<<nm $phYou "Sure, that sounds wonderful. I wish you'd give me what I want.">>
Nadia beamed up at you...and her eyes suddenly glittered green. You glanced down and realized at the last moment which way your necklace was facing.
<<nm $phYou "Now, wait-.">>
Too late. The genie beamed up at you and snapped her fingers...and you abruptly felt hands gripping you from behind. One slid up the front of your shirt, and the other dropped down between your legs. The man's grip was more than powerful. It was...demanding. Possessing. And it sent a fire straight through you.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Aggressive Man" "Are you going to keep us waiting here all day, or are we fucking? I was promised perks when I signed up for VIP status!">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes, sir. $phYou.firstname will be taking over the rest of my shift. Please enjoy $pher.">>
Now wait a minute! Whatever you liked to do with your employees, that didn't mean you were on the menu for the regular human gamblers. You opened your mouth to protest.
<<nm $phYou "Sorry, sir! Please use me any way you wish, sir! I come with your membership!">>
You blinked. That hadn't been what you had meant to say at all. You were so startled you barely heard the man's approving chuckle. You certainly felt his grip change, though. He spun you around hard and shoved you down to your knees, his hands flying to his belt.
<<npc "mnpc2" "Aggressive Man" "That's more like it. I know what you can do to make me feel welcome...">>
He unzipped so close to your face that you reflexively closed your eyes, expecting to get hit the face. You felt a warmth against your chin, instead, and when you opened your eyes, you realized with some small disappointment he just wasn't that...sizable. Seven inches, maybe, if that. Certainly enough to do something with, but it wasn't exactly-
SNAP
Nadia's fingers came together right beside your ear. The man's leering expression didn't change, but as you watched his member thickened and swelled. Nine inches. Ten. Twelve. Fourteen. And almost twice as wide as it had been. Now it rested on your forehead, and the weight of it alone made your legs tremble.
<<nm $phYou "...Oh fuck //me//.">>
...You weren't sure if that was the magic talking or @@.choice;[[What You Had Meant To Say!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 3.1]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 3.1>>Your jaw ached, in the best way.
You were full. More than full really. The head of his cock was rubbing against your throat, forcing you to wiggle your hips back a little just to avoid bending him too much. You certainly weren't moving your head. His hands gripped on either side of you, locking you so rigidly in place you might as well have been a statue.
He wasn't gentle. His hips worked against you, his skin slapping against your lips and chin as he //used// you. You weren't sucking on him. You weren't that active. He was fucking your mouth. You were just a hole for him to cum in.
You couldn't help noticing how <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>wet<<else>>hard<</if>> that made you.
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, come on! Just one of you? You'll be here all day at that rate. Please, I insist! Step up! $phYou.firstname can take it!">>
You glared upward, or at least tried to. You couldn't see anything around the man's gripping palms. You could certainly feel it, though, when another gambler took hold of your hips and began to guide you upward. His touch was soft, uncertain, like he couldn't believe he was actually allowed to do this. You could feel his hesitation, but there was nothing you could do to reassure him with your mouth full of cock. He had you standing up, but he was clearly reluctantly use just use you so-
SNAP
SLAP
His hand cracked down on your ass, twice, making you scream against the filling shaft. Then his fingers tore on your pants. He didn't unzip or unbutton them, just dragged them down by sheet strength alone, leaving long scratches down your hips where your belt still gripped. You didn't think he much cared. He had your ass bare now, and you felt him pull you back into position and...
...and...
...
...
//Cocks//
They swayed into view, one by one. You no longer really registered who they were attached to or how. Dark cocks. Pale cocks. Big cocks. Even bigger cocks. Cut and Uncut. Backed with thick thatches of hair or almost hairless.
You reached for them all. Soon, both of your hands were filled at all times, and you simply turned your head to face whoever touched your hair. Your mouth was filled over and over and over again. Balled slapped against your chin, against your cheeks, and against your forehead.
Wet. Wet yummy cum. It filled your mouth and belly and ass, but you couldn't take it all. It dripped down your legs, across your chest, and across your face.
Once or twice, it wasn't a cock. A beautiful pussy filled your vision. Became your world. You didn't care. You pressed forward, your tongue working frantically at those beautiful snatches. Their fingers were just as demanding on you. Just as possessive. They owned you. They owned you completely.
You were a tool. A toy. A doll. A thing to provide an orgasm. Nothing more.
That was okay. They were nothing but cocks and pussies for you. It was only fair.
Your hips moved back and forth. Sometimes they wanted to bend you over and fill you. Sometimes they lay beneath you, and you bounced up and down as you serviced the cocks all around you. Once, two of them took you together. <<if $phYou.form is 'female'>>One of them filled your pussy to the brim while the other took you up the ass frantically. You could feel their cocks rubbing against one another through the thin barrier that was you.<<else>>Both of them pushed into your ass together, keeping a rhythm. One retreating, one pushing in, and your ass loved them both.<</if>>
You couldn't think. You didn't need to think. They would think for you.
You couldn't move. They would move you where they wanted you.
All you could do was one single, solitary thing.
You @@.choice;[[Enjoyed It!|NadiaGenieSex][$phNadia.sex to 3.2]]@@
<</if>><<if $phNadia.sex is 3.2>><<nm $phNadia "Would you like a towel, $phNadia.Address?">>
You twitched. Nadia must have been fluent in that language, because she took it as a yes and offered the fabric down to you, patting your body here and there.
It was later. Much later. The line had dispersed. You dimly remembered several of the VIPs getting back in line to go again, or talking about how they had to visit soon.
You weren't entirely sure why you were proud of that, but you were.
<<nm $phYou "...H-.">>
You coughed. Swallowed. Your throat was wet. Toward the end, you hadn't had enough energy to do anything more than what you were commanded. You could feel strength flowing back into your demonic body, but even for you, there were limits.
<<nm $phYou "...How'd I do?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Just wonderfully, $phNadia.Address. I was a little worried for a second there. You seemed so uncertain right at first! But then you got your feet under you and you did just fine. That //was// what you wanted, wasn't it?">>
You laughed and tried to sit up. It took two attempts, but Nadia helped pull you to a sitting position and dabbed the sodden towel over more of your body.
You couldn't really deny it.
<<nm $phYou "...More or less. Thought you looked cute covered in cum.">>
<<nm $phNadia "You're too kind! You never need to be jealous of me. I'll step aside and make way for the true master whenever you like!">>
<<nm $phYou "That's okay. I think you can hold the fort down for the day to day. Do you think you can help get me cleaned up?">>
Nadia stood in front of you, raising her hand with her fingers together. Her looked was expectant.
<<nm $phYou "...I //wish// you would help me clean up.">>
SNAP
You felt the comforting weight of your suit close in around you again, perfectly laundered. Your hair was dry, your skin clean, and your tailoring impeccable. You could still taste it on your tongue, though. A reminder that the last hour had //not// been a dream.
You decided not to get rid of that part.
<<nm $phYou "Okay...I think I'd better take a walk.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Yes, $phNadia.Address! Don't forget! You're always welcome here! We can do this any time you wish!">>
That was the part you were @@.choice;[[Afraid Of!|Casino]]
<<set $phTime += 1>><<set _rewardType to 'Sex'>><<set _sex to 'dom'>><<include "Rewards">><</if>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 100>>You smirked and folded your arms over your chest. No point in interrupting what was obviously a //very// good time, and it did give you a little bit to relax and enjoy the atomsphere.
It didn't take //that// long for there to be a lull in the action -- and for Nadia to fend off her //next// suitor with a flashed smile and an apology. By the time she made it over to you, she looked practically decent again, and only slightly 'freshly fucked'.
<<nm $phNadia "$phNadia.Address! My deepest apologies; I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.">>
<<nm $phYou "Oh, no, not at all. Nice to see you're keeping busy. Got a minute?">>
She laughed as she raised both hands to smooth down stray strands of hair.
<<nm $phNadia "Any minute talking is a minute I don't have my mouth full. What's on your mind, <<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>handsome<<else>>beautiful<</if>>?">><</if>><<if ($phNadiaQ1 is 0) and ($phNadiaQ2 is 0) and ($phNadiaQ3 is 0)>><<nm $phYou "Well, you know me -- gotta make sure everyone's doing okay. Or 'all work, no play', or something like that. In any case, I thought I'd stop by, check on you, and see how you're doing.">>
She laughed softly, looking up at you with coy eyes.
<<nm $phNadia "That's sweet of you. I'll assume that it's actual personal interest in my well-being, and not just checking off a box on your managerial to-do list, mm?">>
<<nm $phYou "It's personal interest, I assure you.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, really? How personal?">>
That smirk of hers and the purr in her voice <<if $phPetra.transform is 'siren'>>was a siren-song that could almost put Petra to shame. You made a mental note never to put both of them in the same room at the same time. You'd never make it out again.<<else>>was a siren-song that was just //made// to lure people into her arms. Even though you had every intention of just //talking//, it definitely enticed your thoughts towards other things.<</if>> You cleared your throat.
<<nm $phYou "Ah... personal enough, I guess.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Mmm-hmm. Well, in that case, $phNadia.Address: ask me anything.">>
<</if>><<if ($phNadiaQ1 is 1) or ($phNadiaQ1 is 101)>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 101>><<set $phNadiaQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Quite the, uh, career change. Everything okay? Going well? Is it always that..">>
Nadia flashed you a grin. Now that you were alone with her, her appearance had shifted. Gone was the elegant evening dress, the jewelry, the lovely sunkissed tan. You weren't sure whether she'd actually reverted back to her normal form, or whether your eyes had 'adjusted' and could see past the glamour.
<<nm $phNadia "That raw? Passionate? Fantastic? //Always//. And it's going amazingly -- couldn't you tell? You've no idea how it feels, $phNadia.Address. I can feel every time someone looks at me and thinks 'I want her'. I can feel every lustful thought, every whim. And //fulfilling// those desires -- there's no feeling like it.">><</if>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ1 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So how's everything going? Not quite the same as being at a table. Any regrets thus far?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, it's going //fantastic//. It's not being at a table, no -- it's better. You've no idea how it feels, $phNadia.Address. I can feel every time someone looks at me and thinks 'I want her'. I can feel every lustful thought, every whim. And //fulfilling// those desires -- there's no feeling like it.">><</if>>
Nadia's voice dipped down into a seductive purr as she spoke about her new 'duties' -- and as she looked up at you, her eyes twinkled with familiar mischief.
<<nm $phNadia "Perhaps you'd like to work the floor with me sometime? <<if $phYou.necklace is 'top'>>You might like it more than you think.<<else>>I bet you'd be a natural.<</if>>">>
<<nm $phYou "Hah. Maybe another time.">>
<<nm $phNadia "Promise?">>
You'd heard that warmth in her voice a few times while she was flirting with you, and you could imagine exactly how the clients in the lounge reacted to it. If Nadia hadn't been bound to serve the will of others, she'd be a force to be reckoned with. Hell, maybe she still was.
It was a good to hear, though. You'd been a little worried about how Nadia would take to her new position -- or, positions -- in the Tower. She'd lost the game, and losing was never a high point. Nadia might be a natural flirt, but it was a different thing entirely to end up on the menu for anyone and everyone who walked in the door. She could have been outraged, insulted, or traumatized... so it was both a relief and a joy to hear that she was none of the above.
<<nm $phYou "No promises, but -- let's just say if I decide I want to, you'll be the first to know.">>
<<nm $phNadia "And, when I do, I will do my absolute //best// to make your dream come true. Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you right now? No itch you'd like to scratch up the backs of my thighs? No lovely words to hear from my lips?">>
Actually....
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ2 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ2 to 2>><<nm $phYou "So... does everyone get three wishes? Can't wish for more wishes? You know, all the normal genie stuff?">>
Nadia laughed brightly. The glimmering runes on her skin flared with molten light, as if to boast of her new nature. She gazed at you with mingled fondness and intelligence.
<<nm $phNadia "I don't know. My new master was a bit negligent in giving me a handbook on how to be a supernatural being. But: do you know what I //do// know, $phNadia.Address?">>
... suddenly you couldn't be //that// upset that Lazren's gaps in your own education. Well. At least you'd had Mason -- and Nadia did have you, for what little help it might be. A lot of times it was less 'mentor and student', and more 'blind leading the blind.'
<<nm $phYou "What's that?">>
<<nm $phNadia "That if you were to //wish// that I know, I would know. I would have no choice.">>
<<nm $phYou "... really? So if I said, 'I wish you knew all the normal genie stuff', that's it? You'd know it?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Shall we find out?">>
Well, no harm in trying.
<<nm $phYou "I wish you knew all the normal genie stuff!">>
You weren't sure what you were expecting. Maybe a bolt of lightning. Or a puff of smoke, at least. Maybe a twinkling noise? But Nadia simply wrinkling her nose and snapping her fingers with a disappointed expression... wasn't it.
<<nm $phNadia "Damn. You used past tense. I //knew// it all, I'm sure of it, but I don't any more.">>
She met your incredulous gaze for several seconds with a calm and apologetic smile -- until the smile turned into a grin, and the grin into a bite of her lip to try to keep her mirth under wraps. She reached out and laid a warm hand on your forearm.
<<nm $phNadia "I'm joking, $phNadia.Address, I'm joking. The fact you can bend me over with barely a thought doesn't mean I'm not capable of thinking for myself still, mm?">>
<<nm $phYou "So you //do// know?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Perhaps. Let's just say that for you, there is absolutely no limit on what you can wish me to do.">>
Hah. Well, Nadia was certainly no mindless sex slave, and her wit was as sharp as ever. That was also good to know!
<</if>><<if $phNadiaQ3 is 1>><<set $phNadiaQ3 to 2>><<nm $phYou "Where do you keep your lamp while you're working?">>
<<nm $phNadia "...Lamp, $phNadia.Address?">>
<<nm $phYou "Yeah, you know: rub the lamp, genie comes out? Usually something fancy, ancient, and gold?">>
Understanding dawned, and she laughed lightly as she extended a hand and gave a dextrous twirl of her fingers. With grace and flair that would have impressed <<if $phSara.transform is 'magician'>>even Sara<<else>>any stage magician<</if>>, one of the purple high-dollar chips appeared between her fingers. You honestly weren't sure whether it was magic or just creative sleight of hand.
<<nm $phNadia "Something a bit more modern. I suppose if you wished me to have a lamp, though, I would. The VIP chips are so much more convenient, though.">>
<<nm $phYou "... you live in one of the chips?">>
<<nm $phNadia "Oh, no, sweetheart. I live //here//; I manifest through the chips. That little call of desire from someone's heart is like a neon blinking sign for me, and I can use a chip in their pocket to be at their beck and call in an instant.">>
<<nm $phYou "What happens if two people both have chips and both want you at the same time?">>
She closed her hand around the chip again; you swore you saw a tiny puff of smoke squeeze from between her fingers. When she opened her hand again, the plastic was gone. She winked at you as she reached out to trail her nails down the front of your shirt, instead.
<<nm $phNadia "If I'm lucky? They'll take turns. And if I'm //very// lucky, they'll share.">>
It sounded like a win-win situation, either way!
<</if>>
@@.choice;
<<nobr>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 0>>[[Ask If She's Enjoying Herself|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadiaQ1 to 1]]<br><</if>><<if $phNadiaQ1 is 100>>[[Ask If She's Enjoying|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadiaQ1 to 101]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQ2 is 0>>[[What Exactly Can A Genie Do?|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadiaQ2 to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $phNadiaQ3 is 0>>[[What? No Lamp?|TalktoNadiaGenie][$phNadiaQ3 to 1]]<br><</if>>
[[Bid Nadia Adieu|Casino][$phGoodbye to 'GenieTalkGoodbye']]<</nobr>>@@<<nobr>>
<<set $phSpecialAbilities["U11"].bought = 1>>
<<set $phStoryProgression to 2>>
<<set $phGameDays to 45>>
<<set $phSoulCount to 6>>
<<set $phEnergy to 700>>
<<set $phUnlockedCC to true>>
<<set $phLazrenDommed to 0>>
<<set $phLazrenPlan to 0>>
<<set $phLazren.post_talk to 13>>
<<set $phSamantha.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phSamantha.focus_office to 7>>
<<set $phMason.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phSelene.focus_vault to 3>>
<<set $phEnergyCap to 800>>
<<set $phMunokho.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phKagar.post_talk to 1>>
<<set $phMammon.focus_bank to 2>>
<<set $phMammon.focus_casino to 2>>
<<set $phBankInvestment to random(1,3)>>
<<set $phLocations['CompCafe']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Gym']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['ShakeShack']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Floor2']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Casino']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phLocations['Bank']['built'] to 1>>
<<set $phTime to 0>>
<<set $phDated to 1>>
<<set $phSoulCongrats to 1>>
<<set settings.phSpoilerMode to false>>
<<set $phUIDisplay to 1>>
<<set $phLazDays to 0>>
<<set $phSleepCount to 0>>
<<run memorize('characters_pulse',true)>>
<<run memorize('pda_pulse',true)>>
<</nobr>>Before we skip you two weeks into your new life, we need a little more information. Don't worry; our interrogation techniques are very gentle. Be aware that you will be unable to earn certain achievements. Skipping is fast and easy, but it does have its downsides!
!!About You
Tell us about the unfortunate human soul you //were//, and about the magnificent demon you've become!
''Human First Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.humanname" "Jane">>
''Human Last Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.surname" "Doe">>
''Demonic First Name''
<<textbox "$phYou.firstname" "Red">>
''Previous Sex''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "female" checked>> Female</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.gender" "male">> Male</label>
''Current Sex''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "female" checked>> Female</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "male">> Male</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.form" "futa">> Futanari</label>
!!Your Transformation
Lazren fucked your humanity out of you and gave you your own personal secretary who was more than happy to be transformed into your perfect partner. She also gave you a magical necklace that lets your lovers know whether your current mood is "do" or "get done".
How did Lazren 'cure' your mortality, what did you turn your secretary into, and what mood are you in right now?
''Lazren's Technique''
<label><<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "oral" checked>> Oral</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phLazTakesYou" "penetrative">> Penetrative</label>
''Samantha Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "bimbo" checked>> Bimbo Sexpot</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phSamantha.transform" "futa">> Futa Partner</label>
''Necklace Facing''
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "top" checked>> Red (Dominant)</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phYou.necklace" "bottom">> Green (Submissive)</label>
!!What You Did
There's good and bad things about skipping. The good things is: you get free stuff. The bad news is: not as much choice of what you get!
You'll get the //Computer Cafe, Gym,// and //Shakes 'n' Sundaes// for free, as well as the //Second Floor, Bank,// and //Casino//.
!! WHO You Did
To go with your beautiful new buildings, you'll get some beautiful new lovers, too!
In addition to Samantha, we'll give you //Damien, Cassandra,// and //Jolie// to round things out from Chapter 1, and some happy fun-times with //Mason// and //Sara// from Chapter 2! We'll also assume you took everyone on exactly one date, you Casanova!
''Cassandra Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phCassandra.transform" "hentai" checked>> Computer AI</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phCassandra.transform" "punk">> Punk Rebel</label>
''Damien Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phDamien.transform" "bull" checked>> Bull Stud</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phDamien.transform" "sissy">> Sissy Boy</label>
''Jolie Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phJolie.transform" "cowgirl" checked>> Cowgirl/Hucow</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phJolie.transform" "pornstar">> Pornstar</label>
''Mason Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phMason.transform" "post" checked>> Platonic</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phMason.transform" "dom">> Dominant</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phMason.transform" "sub">> Submissive</label>
''Sara Transformation''
<label><<radiobutton "$phSara.transform" "magician" checked>> Magician</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phSara.transform" "kitsune">> Kitsune</label>
!!A Few Last Things...
''Selene: Top-Heavy, or Well-Hung?''
<label><<radiobutton "$phSelene.transform" "tits" checked>> Big Tits</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$phSelene.transform" "futa">> Dual Dongs</label>
<<button "I'm Ready">>
<<if $phYou.form == "male">>
<<set $phYou.cc_code = "LRBKM">>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "YouMale_LRBK">>
<<set $phYou.lips = "black">>
<<else>>
<<set $phYou.portrait = "You_LRBP">>
<</if>>
<<if $phSamantha.transform == 'futa'>>
<<Transform $phSamantha "futa">>
<<else>>
<<Transform $phSamantha "bimbo">>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == "punk">>
<<Transform $phCassandra "punk">>
<<set $phCassandra.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phCassandra.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phCassandra.transform == "hentai">>
<<Transform $phCassandra "hentai">>
<<set $phCassandra.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phCassandra.date = 2>>
<<set $phCassyIntro = 0>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform == "cowgirl">>
<<Transform $phJolie "cowgirl">>
<<set $phJolie.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phJolie.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phJolie.transform == "pornstar">>
<<Transform $phJolie "pornstar">>
<<set $phJolie.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phJolie.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform == "bull">>
<<Transform $phDamien "bull">>
<<set $phDamien.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phDamien.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phDamien.transform == "sissy">>
<<Transform $phDamien "sissy">>
<<set $phDamien.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phDamien.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.transform == "magician">>
<<Transform $phSara "magician">>
<<set $phSara.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phSara.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phSara.transform == "kitsune">>
<<Transform $phSara "kitsune">>
<<set $phSara.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phSara.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform == "post">>
<<Transform $phMason "post">>
<<set $phMason.post_talk = 1>>
<<set $phMason.date = 2>>
<</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform == "dom">>
<<Transform $phMason "dom">>
<<set $phMason.commands.push("Sub","Call","Abstinence","Samantha")>>
<<set $phMasonTimer to 2>>
<<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ9 to 0>>
<<set $phMason.post_talk to 7>>
<<set $phMason.date = 2>>
<<set $phMason.Him to "Sir">>
<<set $phMason.him to "sir">>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>
<<set $phMason.you to 'fuck-boy'>>
<<else>>
<<set $phMason.you to 'whore'>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $phMason.transform == "sub">>
<<Transform $phMason "sub">>
<<set $phMasonQ1 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ2 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ3 to 0>>
<<set $phMasonQ9 to 0>>
<<set $phMason.post_talk = 7>>
<<set $phMason.date = 2>>
<<set $phMason.Him to 'Slave'>>
<<set $phMason.him to 'slave'>>
<<if $phYou.form is 'male'>>
<<set $phMason.You to 'Master'>>
<<set $phMason.you to 'master'>>
<<else>>
<<set $phMason.You to 'Mistress'>>
<<set $phMason.you to 'mistress'>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<set $phSamantha.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phMason.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phDamien.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phCassandra.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phJolie.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phMammon.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phXavier.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phPetra.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phSara.recharge to 0>>
<<set $phTrainersRecharge to 0>>
<<set $phSelene.recharge to 0>>
<<run memorize('phGenderAchieve','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phNeckAchieve','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phPrickPicker','broken')>>
<<run memorize('phCunnyCon','broken')>>
<<script>>Engine.play("SummaryModeOffer");<</script>>
<</button>><link href="Assets/fonts/fontawesome/css/all.css" rel="stylesheet">