The girls were awoken once again from the sound of PAs knocking on their doors. If it wasn’t for the constantly shifting sleep schedule from their globetrotting adventures, they may have been able to get into a routine with these sort of events, but unfortunately they found themselves groggy once more as they quickly changed and lead via the the PA’s to the large open atrium they had spotted through the elevator on their first day coming in.

     The atrium was a rather large, greenhouse like structure, with nearly all of the walls and even the ceiling being glass panels. Overhead, people walked along the glass, casting shadows on the various plant life on display.

     And there was quite the variety of plant life on offer. Large trees that nearly took up the entire height of the three story atrium intermingled with low ground hugging vines. Some red pitcher plants hungrily sat nestled amongst the purple and yellow wild flowers. In the few standing pools of water, water chestnuts idly floated along the top, the rare glimpse of some grass underneath giving the water a wave like appearance.

     Standing in the center of the atrium, in a small brick courtyard with a few benches was Martin and Drake, and two large metal cabinets. The girls took their marks standing opposite of their little set up, and Drake immediately went into his spiel.

     “Good morning, girls!” He grinned, gesturing around them, “The Franklin D. Roosevelt Conservatory is the crown jewel of the USS Potomac. Dedicated to preserving the flora of the Chesapeake Bay, there are over five hundred different plants coexisting here. A mere fraction of the total amount of species present in the Bay. Of course, this makes it the perfect place to perform your punishment then.”

     Martin opened the doors to the two metal cabinets. They didn’t appear like there was anything special going on inside, just more metal siding. Martin gestured for Dahlia and Paxton to enter, who entered cautiously. The top of the boxes slid into the side, allowing for their heads to be totally visible.

     “Now girls,” Martin said, fishing something out from his pocket, “This is probably going to feel a little weird. And for all of you people watching at home,” Martin looked at the camera, “Remember to practice fire safety responsibly. I’m a trained professional after all.” Dahlia and Paxton looked at each other nervously, as Martin quickly lit up two matches in rapid succession, tossing them into the open containers shielding his assistants.

     There wasn’t any sort of big visible spark, but the sound of a cackling flame and the concerned looks of Dahlia and Paxton who quickly peeked down into their respective boxes confirmed that his assistants were now on fire. However, their looks of concern quickly turned to confusion, looking towards Martin. “So girls, how does it feel to be burned alive?” Martin grinned.

     Paxton was first to respond. “Not at all how I expected honestly… I mean, yeah it’s warm, but I was sort of expecting something more intense than this.”

     Dahlia nodded her head, smiling, “It does tickle though. We’re more used to heat liquidating us than charring.”

     “But what’s going to stop the flames from coming up to our heads and lighting everything on fire?” Paxton asked, looking concerned at the nearby foliage.

     “Oh, don’t worry,” Martin grinned, “You’re legs should disintegrate way before that becomes an issue.”

     “Wha?-“ Paxton didn’t manage to finish her sentence, as suddenly a sharp snapping sound was heard, Paxton’s head dropping down below the rim of the box as she gave a little scream. Dahlia wasn’t too far behind, an echoing crunch sending her giggling lower into her own box. Martin walked over, closing the lid on the two metal boxes.

     “Don’t worry,” He looked over to Kacie, who seemed terrified for her friends, “They’re going to be fine, and you saw they weren’t in any danger. Just think of it a bit like a slightly more intense disappearing act.”

     Martin waited for about a minute, until the crackling sound coming from within the boxes seemed to completely die down. In that interim, four PAs carrying two large ceramic pots filled with soil came out, placing them in the center of the small courtyard.

     Martin waited for a few moments longer, just to be absolutely sure the fires inside had died out, before opening the metal boxes up. The insides of the boxes were completely charred, two large mounds of ash piled up at the bottom.

     From behind his back, Martin produced two dustpans, effortlessly scooping up the remains of his former assistant. “And with just a little bit of magically infused fertilizer,” He smiled one of his toothy grins at the camera, pouring the contents of the dustpans into the ceramic pots, spreading them out to give an evening layer of ash.

     Almost as soon as he had thinned the ash, it suddenly was absorbed into the dirt. From the center of each pot, a stem very rapidly began to poke out from the dirt. These stems quickly began to grow upwards, the one in the pot with Dahlia’s ashes growing significantly faster, as it grew nearly a story tall, gaining a dark brown sheen as several branches reached outwards. Meanwhile, in Paxton’s pot, the stem became more of a dark green color, the top of it starting to balloon outwards forming a spherical lump at the end.

     “Kacie and Drake, I’m pleased to introduce the newest additions to the conservatory,” Martin grinned, the plants continuing to grow, the trunk of the tree growing slightly thicker, while the bulb at the end of the flower seemed more and more like it was about to burst. “The Dahlia Blossom and the Paxton Beauty Rose!”

     As soon as Martin announced their transformations, the two plants flowered instantly, the air filling with purple and pink petals. Against the trunk of the tree, Dahlia’s face slowly grew out, the bark taking on a more skin-like complexion as she slowly opened her eyes, the purple cherry blossoms above her swaying slightly. Meanwhile, in the planter containing the flower, the bulb completely opened up, revealing Paxton’s smiling face smack dab in the center of the flower. The rose’s pink petals swirled around and outwards from her head, emulating the way her normal mane of a hairstyle looked.

~~~

Kacie’s Audition

     It was about an hour later, and Martin was waiting patiently in the ship’s practice room. It had wooden floorboards, and all of the props that were available for guests to use were tethered so that they wouldn’t move about while the ship was in motion. As the clock struck ever closer, Martin began to get nervous, but thankfully he only had to wait five minutes past their scheduled time for Kacie to show up.

     “Kacie,” Martin sounded relieved to see her, “How have you been holding up?”

     “I’ve… been better,” Kacie admitted. Her eyes were still a little puffy, and she clearly sounded exhausted.

     “Well, let me just say that you were amazing yesterday,” Martin smiled at her.

     “I didn’t feel amazing,” Kacie sighed.

     “Kacie,” Martin sighed himself, going over and giving her a hug, “let me ask you…how many weeks have you been in this contest.”

     “Wha-“

     “Just answer the question,” Martin interrupted, his cadence remaining neutral.

     “… about 4 and a half weeks,” Kacie admitted.

     “Mhm. And in those four and a half weeks, did you even realize that you competed in four different midweeks, completely fine without Tetra?”

     Kacie blushed, trying to push away from the hug, “That- But- Those were just midweeks though!” Kacie blustered, “I-It’s not the same thing.”

     “It’s still a performance, Kacie,” Martin said.

     “But-… I-…” Kacie didn’t seem to know how to respond to that.

     “Not to mention, I remember a certain someone looking rather amazing as they walked down the runway,” Martin smiled. Kacie’s blush deepened as she remained silent.

     “Kacie, I know it’s hard to accept, but really, you’ve been the driving force behind your own success,” Martin released their hug, looking Kacie in the eyes as he continued, “You’re an amazingly talented girl. Think about it, you already had a leg up going into the competition over the other girls. Worst comes to worse, you could always fall back on your music career. And yet, here you are four and half weeks later, and only two shows away from potentially winning it all.”

     Kacie remained silent. “A couple of weeks ago, I remember you responding to a question that you were struggling with whether you would rather choose magic or music, and I’m sure you remember how you felt then,” Kacie blushed, but nodded indicating she did remember. “Kacie… If I asked you right now… Which you would rather be, an assistant, or going back to being a DJ… Which would you choose?”

     Kacie stayed quiet. She closed her eyes, clearly seriously mulling the question over in her head. She seemed to be struggling a little bit, so, a little worried for her mental well being, Martin said, “It’s okay if you can’t-“

     “Martin…” Kacie opened her eyes, they were filled with determination, and a few tears as she looked at him. “There’s no doubt about what I would choose now.”

     “I want to be an Assistant,” her words were filled with a confidence that even Tetra could not replicate, “I want to be your Assistant. And I’m going to do it with my music.”

     Martin smiled, “Well then… We better get to work.”

~~~

FDR Conservatory (Afternoon)

     “You know…” Paxton said, sounding a little annoyed as she turned her flower head to look at Dahlia, “I think that this might just be the worst punishment yet…”

     After having transformed the girls, Martin, Drake and Kacie had abandoned them, leaving them in their current plant forms, just sitting in the atrium. They had tried to move around, getting a feel for their ranges of motion. Dahlia had found she had some control over her branches, and Paxton could bend her stem however she liked, but otherwise, the two of them were stuck there. Trying their best to pass the time.

     “It does seem rather shortsighted of them,” Dahlia agreed, “Usually they let us do something while transformed…”

     Thankfully, the two girls discussion was cut short, as Melody walked into the Atrium. “Hi girls!” She smiled, “I was busy working out upstairs, and noticed you two through the window!” She pointed up to a window on the second story of the atrium, where some treadmills could clearly be seen. “So, how did yesterday go?”

     “It went mostly fine,” Paxton smiled, “Except for the fact Dahlia and I lost. But that’s usually not a big deal.”

     “I can see that,” Melody nodded, watching the two of them just sort of wiggle in place. “So, since I missed out on talking to Kacie yesterday, I thought I would invite her for dinner, and just wanted to see if you two would be interested in coming along?”

     Dahlia smiled, “We’d love to… If it weren’t for the fact we’re stuck here.”

     Melody grinned, “Well, I can fix that issue, no problem.”

     Melody reached up, lightly placing her hand against Dahlia’s face and pulling. As she did so, the bark around her face began to give way, Dahlia’s face pulling along a blob of bark. As the blob extended, it slowly began to gain definition, some gaps appearing along it as the wood shifted into a roughly human outline. As the blob completely broke free from the tree, Dahlia’s new form solidified.

     She still had the aesthetic of a cherry blossom tree, her normal hair having been replaced with the purple flowers that covered her tree. Her skin, likewise, was the same dark color as the wood she had emerged from, and as she knocked her hand against her arm, the sound of wood on wood confirmed that she still was more plant than person. The newly created dryad smiled as she adjusted her dress, which was made out of purple cherry blossom petals, “Mmm… Thank you,” Dahlia purred, feeling her wooden arms up and loving the alien sensation on her skin.

     “Don’t mention it,” Melody smiled, as she went over to Paxton. She place her hands around Paxton’s bulb, and began to lift upwards. As she did so, Paxton could feel her stem bulge outwards, as it felt as though something were being pulled out of it. As Melody continued to pull, she adjusted her grip, as more and more of Paxton’s new body was fed out of her stem and added extra weight for her to carry.

     With some difficulty, Melody managed to free Paxton’s body from her flowery prison with a ‘Pop!’, the stem magically regrowing a new rose, without Paxton’s face present. Paxton herself looked very similar to Dahlia’s new form, however instead of hard, wood like skin, she had supple green skin that was smooth to the touch. Her head was still surrounded by a mane of rose petals, and likewise the dress her body wore was pink rose petals sewn together to maintain her modesty.

     “Oh wow!” Paxton looked herself over, “I’m a nymph!”

     ‘Yep!” Melody grinned, “And this way, you two still get to keep your plant based punishment.”

     That evening, the girls went out for a rather simple dinner, Kacie’s spirits clearly improved from her rehearsal with Martin. A large amount of the conversation was steered around how much Paxton and Dahlia liked their transformations, but it was a welcome distraction from the stressful week they had already endured.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

& Question Corner &

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Kacie: “Congratulation on winning Honey! Absolutely amazing and great work and you didn't need Tetra for it. I'm proud of you. Also Tetra isn't superglued to you, seriously, you are the brilliant brain of this operation. Also nice way to tell about yourself. Still I know what you are thinking and nope they didn't give you a favour, you legit did the best. Now that said, I'm looking forward to see you.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Kacie: “I’m looking forwards to seeing you too Andrea. I-… I don’t know how Saturday’s going to go without Tetra… But I’m going to give it my all!”

To Paxton and Dahlia: “What should I say, you did amazing and great, you are absolutely sweet and amazing. That said, this is much better than I thought, hope it gives Kacie a confidence boost. But I know you two will do your best after all, also I feel kinda sorry you go the "mad scientists" route of punishment now. Hope you two still have a good time.” -Andrea (@@Jeaune)

 Paxton: “The actual transformation wasn’t that bad, but thank goodness Melody dropped by. I swear, Dahlia and I were about to lose our minds! I’m glad you enjoyed our objects Andrea, but I agree with you, I think that Kacie definitely beat us out.”

 Dahlia: “Kacie seems to be feeling much better since Monday. As for Saturday, We have a feeling that the competition is going to be absolutely ruthless, with each of us giving it our all.”

To Kacie: “After all you been through, your head will at least cost a good amount and I promise to take care of it if you decide to sell it. Though if the head is conscious, the price goes up even more.” -Rei (@@quad2)

 Kacie: “Sorry Rei, but I’m going to have to decline on the offer. I’m going to need my head if I have any hopes of winning on Saturday.”

To Paxton: “Nice work with that stapler, I'm saddened for you that it didn't win. However, the transformation should help increase your magic reserves. So I guess you'll come out a head there. Do your best Paxton, and I'll see you at the after party for sure.

Hugs to you.” -James Schutter (@@James-MacCloude)

 Paxton: Paxton smiles warmly, “Yeah, that is the plus side to losing. And I’m going to need all the magic reserves I’m going to get for Saturday since I won’t be able to use any focuses for my conjuration.”

 Paxton blushes, “And… I’m also really looking forwards to seeing you again James.”

To Kacie: “Great job! you did really really well. I know you'll come up with a musical and magical act that will be great! You have a good head on your shoulders Kacie, it serves you very well. and I think you actually look better with it.” -Genie Schutter (@@James-MacCloude)

 “Here, here! I agree with my sister, I like your head.” -David Schutter. (@@James-MacCloude)  

 Kacie: Kacie blushes, “Thanks guys. Hopefully I’ll be able to deliver on something great for Saturday.”

To Kacie: “Hey Kacie if you don't want your head anymore I'll gladly take it.... Wait, What?! Awwwe George!! I can't!!! Oh yeah I forgot. Well there goes that idea. Just ignore this message. Best to keep your head anyway.” -Catherine Knight Welling (@@James-MacCloude)

 Kacie: Kacie grins, “Unfortunately, my head’s no longer on the market Catherine. I’m going to need it after all if I’m going to win on Saturday. I hope you enjoy the show!”

To Dahlia: “Nice work with your little invention, too bad it didn't win. what ever the punishment is for tomorrow I hope you have fun” -David Schutter (@@James-MacCloude)

 Dahlia: “We had a lot more fun after Melody came and saved us. Even more so when we met up with Kacie and grabbed dinner. Thank you for the kind words.”

To Howard, Annette, Rocky, and Sable: “I'm very happy you had a great time here in Mageria, we loved having you all here, and were sorry you to see you go. Of course you can come and visit anytime your Schedules allow it. I hope to see you at the after party.” -Jacob Schutter (@@James-MacCloude)

 Howard: “Any times Jake! I believe I can speak for Annette, Sable, and Rocky when I say that we had an absolutely enchanting visit. And likewise, anytime you happen to be around Vegas, I’d be glad to offer you a room at the Hotel Weiss at a reduced rate… Absolutely Free!” Howard chuckles at his little joke.

 “My apologies that Nora couldn’t come out and make it. That new Magician of hers has been working her to the bone to get them prepped for the big summer circuits. He’s nearly as bad as I was at his age,” Howard gives a hearty chuckle again, “Of course, she’s absolutely loving it though. I think she appreciated working with me, but the freedom she has with him has really let her blossom into her own woman… In many ways, she reminds me of Elana at her age..” Howard goes quiet, looking contemplative.

 “Anyways,” He shook his head slightly, wiping away a tear as he smiled back at the camera, “I’m sure we’ll catch up at the after party. Besides, I’m pretty sure I still owe you a drink… Or was it the other way around… Oh well! I’m sure we’ll figure it out later,” Howard chuckled.

To Kacie: “Like what Andrea said. With or without Tetra, you're one of the most creative contestants this show has ever had alongside Paxton and Dahlia. You shouldn't let some random bullies drag you down. What do they truly know about you? Nothing. They are just imperfect beings who have nothing to give to the world other than to project their self-loathing onto others in a hopeless attempt to feel good about themselves. In reality, they’re just dragging themselves deeper into a bottomless pit of misery. Thus, they are not worthy of your or anyone else’s attention. You have good head on your shoulders, and you shouldn’t give it away because of what other people think.

Do you remember when I first commented on your Audition Video? You told me that everyone’s got to start from somewhere. Well, I think it’s time for DJ Kacie to have her time in the spotlight. Tetra was merely a chrysalis created to help you transition towards becoming the supremely talented person you always were destined to become. We all start out as caterpillars, but like all creatures of their ilk, they too must spread their wings at some point in their lives. Spread your wings, Kacie. I’m rooting for you!” -@@Gwiber49

 Kacie: Kacie blushes. “T-Thanks. It’s nice to hear from you again. I do remember telling you that, and I agree with basically everything you’ve just said. I’m going to do my best. Hopefully it’ll be enough to make everyone proud!”

To Drake: "Man, this has been one hell of a season, hasn’t it? Your lead magician bailing out, Dahlia being two people instead of a singular person, vandals, and now Kacie is having a mental breakdown because the executives have decided that Tetra is a mere prop! I shudder to imagine what kind of horrors await you next.” -@@Gwiber49

 Drake: Drake sighs, “Oh trust me. I’m already preparing for the worst… Especially since I know who going to be the guest for finals week. Let’s just say the further I can put the events of the last couple of weeks behind me, the better.”