Read from chapter 1 here!

 "Thirty seconds left!" Gregory cheerfully called before turning to give Grace a sympathetic look. It was evident to everyone that Rose was a lost cause; she had become unresponsive to Grace's pleas.

Grace trembled as a cold wave of panic washed over her, chilling her to the core. Time seemingly slowed as she analyzed her current predicament. Rose was utterly transfixed by Lucius' admittedly impressive cock and paid no heed to her surroundings. If things progressed the way she predicted, she would be alone in facing Eun, who obviously had no intention of cooperating. To make things worse, Eun appeared to be an academic who was completely confident in her ability to answer questions correctly.

"Fifteen seconds!" Gergory warned in a bombastic fashion.

Grace broke into a cold sweat, putting a hand on her forehead as she cursed under her breath. Dammit-- what are my options? She thought in desperation. She could either play against Eun, which would likely turn out poorly or try to earn points by ingratiating herself with the VVIPs. Solely based on the actions of Lucius, that option would likely entail completely throwing away her dignity and self-respect. Not to mention, earning the favor of a single perverted maniac didn't mean the VVIPs watching remotely would end up liking her. What am I supposed to do? 

"Five seconds!"

Grace winced, giving the entranced Rose one last frustrated look before sprinting back to her podium with great haste. She could always change her plan midway through the game, right? There was no time to second guess herself.

"Time is up!" Gregory cheered as the music ramped up in celebration. The lights spun around the stage and focused on the girls. "I am sure you remember the rules! We will start with a random question. The first one to buzz in and answer the question gets the point and then gets to pick the next question's grade. I won't be going over the rest of the rules, so I hope you were paying attention the first time." He grinned, letting out a jovial laugh. The music then quieted, fading into the background.

Lucius continued stroking his impressive, dark shaft while casting a hungry gaze toward Rose. He licked his lips and pushed his thumb over the head of his cock. "Why don't you come down and sit with me? We can enjoy the show together, Rose," he stated innocently.

Rose trembled, intently staring at Lucius with dilated pupils. Tears streamed from her face as her breath rate picked up. "I-- I can't…" Despite her words, she made no attempt to return to her podium.

Grace took a deep breath, shifting her eyes between Lucius and Rose. She couldn't stop thinking about the VVIPs-- about how terrifying Lucius was and what it truly meant to earn their favor.

"Our first question is D grade!" Gregory started, holding a card in front of him as he looked down. "For twenty points, please tell me the year in which the State of Union government was founded! Also, please tell me how many years ago that was."

Grace slammed her trembling hand down onto the buzzer, her heart wildly beating in her chest. Why do they need to know how many years ago it was if we already told them the year? She briefly wondered. It was likely to force the contestants to think on their feet. "The State of Union Government was founded in 1953. That was--" She briefly hesitated. "One-hundred and two years ago." She felt pretty confident, having learned about this topic during her Freshman year of high school.

A sympathetic look spread across Gregory's face. "Ooooh, I am sorry. That's the wrong answer!"

Grace felt her blood run cold as a twinge of anxiety flared up within her. How-- did I get that wrong? Her eyes darted back and forth as she thought back to her schooling. Did she get the time-span wrong? Maybe it was on-hundred and three years ago?

Eun's buzzer sounded as she confidently stared into Gregory's eyes. "The State of Union government was founded thirty-three years ago. July 29th, 2022," she stated calmly and deliberately.

"That is correct! The first points of the game go to Eun-Ju!" The number 20 blipped onto the screen in front of Eun's podium.

Panic set in as Grace froze in place. "No-- that's… That's wrong…" She muttered, placing a hand on her head as her breathing grew labored. There was no way in hell she could have misremembered that badly. The SOU government had been around for over a century; how the hell could thirty-three years be the correct answer? She briefly recalled a recent discussion about books she had with Arina. Something seemed off at that time, but she had no way of knowing how bad it really was.

"Alright, an A grade question!" Gregory chimed.

Grace returned to reality; she got lost in thought and didn't even hear Eun pick the category. I have to focus. Focus… Please-- you can do this. She psyched herself up, clenching her fists until the whites of her knuckles showed.

"What important federal law was passed on September 4th, 2050? Please describe the law's name, purpose, and clause B!"

Grace's mind went blank as Gregory's words went in one ear and the other. Important federal law? She wracked her brain but had no clue what that could be. Her whole body trembled as she began to panic; Grace didn't even hear Eun hit her buzzer. Oh god… Is every question going to be like this? The gravity of Grace's situation sank in as a shroud of fear and uncertainty enveloped her. This was bad. Very bad.

"That would be the Gene Therapy Compensation Act, or GTC," Eun plainly stated. "This act states that the citizens of the SOU government will be rewarded with gene therapy and enhancements if they are well behaved and contribute to society. Clause B disallows the study or practice of gene manipulation outside of government-run facilities."

"Very good, Eun-Ju! That is absolutely correct! The SOU government rewards its most productive citizens with enhancements that can improve their life. Ranging anywhere from improved eyesight to increasing your lifespan, there is a myriad of ways in which gene therapy and manipulation can improve and save lives! That is another fifty points for you, putting you up to seventy."

Grace put her hands over her face, silently wishing this nightmare would end. She wasn't even aware that SOU citizens were being given some kind of gene therapy. The idea of gene manipulation seemed like complete science fiction until she was abducted and forced to participate in these sadistic games.

As the next A grade question was prepared, Rose continued staring at the panther-like VVIP, who continued to stroke and play with his turgid cock. Tears streamed from Rose's face as the shape of something swishing back and forth imprinted against the back of her tracksuit jacket, near the base of her spine.

"Rose, come down and sit with me. You're obviously not participating in the game; if you want to earn some points, come here," Lucius called out, his voice equal parts dangerous and lustful.

Rose hesitated, closing her eyes tightly as her whole body shook. A defiant look momentarily spread across her face as she clenched her fists. She opened her mouth as if to defiantly proclaim something but stopped herself. "Dammit…" She muttered under her breath. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes again and started walking forward. After reaching the front of the stage, she carefully swiveled her body and climbed into the audience. Despite the lack of confidence in her movement, she continued onward.

"That's a good girl. Come sit-- right here." He patted his knee, licking his lips with a toothy grin.

As Rose approached Lucius, it became more apparent just how massive this man was. He had to be over two meters in height and was heavily muscled.

Grace watched in horror as Rose matched toward the terrifying VVIP guest. She can't really be doing this,-- how could she? She wanted to yell out to Rose and tell her she didn't have to do this, but what good would it do? Not only would it likely upset Julius, but what other options did Rose have? She couldn't answer any of these questions, and her transformation was already more advanced than the others Grace had seen so far.

"That's right! Another fifty points for you, Eun-Ju!" Gregory chimed while Grace missed the question entirely. "Those on probation for conspiring against the SOU government must undergo a year of therapy to correct their mindset. They will be tested at the end of that term to determine their loyalty. If it's deemed their loyalty is not genuine, the punishment will be escalated as the SOU government sees fit."

"W-- What?" Grace desperately squeaked as tears welled up in her eyes. She hadn't heard of any of this; it all sounded horrifying. None of this made sense; the history she learned within her walled-off city was completely different. Her knees suddenly grew weak as she gripped the podium to prevent a fall. No, no, no… This can't be right-- what the hell is this?

Meanwhile, Rose reached Lucius as the horny VVIP guest grabbed her wrist and guided her ass down to his knee.

"Your ass is as soft as I hoped," growled Lucius with a triumphant smirk. He moved a muscular hand up and briefly brushed her cheek. "You're turning into a bunny, aren't you?" Lucius laughed and slipped his fingers upward to touch her ear. "Your ears aren't quite long enough or in the right place, but I would bet money on you becoming a cute little, dumb rabbit." He pinched her ear between his finger and thumb, eliciting a small yelp from the frightened Rose.

"I-- I don't…  I don't want to be a bunny…" Rose trembled, a look of fear and anger spreading across her face. "Fuck-- this is so fucked up. Why-- why the fuck are you doing this to us?" She half-growled as tears welled up in her eyes.

"You smell like an herbivore. You're definitely turning into a sexy little bun, Miss Rose. It's not my fault you're turning into such a perfect creature." Lucius cackled in amusement. "Don't worry. When you're finished turning into a luscious rabbit, I can always purchase you and bring you home with me. If you retain human traits, I can make you my concubine," Lucius mused, slipping a hand around Rose's rear, under the hem of her tracksuit jacket. "If you turn into a bunny, I'll get you a nice, roomy cage to live in. I'll ensure you have a male rabbit with you at all times to take care of your needs. The best part is that you will still have a human life span. Doesn't an easy life like that sound nice?" He maintained an innocent tone as he spoke.

Rose shook, putting her hands over her face. "O-- Oh God-- please…  No-- no, please… Don't-- don't let me turn into a rabbit…  I don't want to be a fucking animal, please--" She begged, shaking badly as a wave of despair crashed over her. "PL-- Eeeep!" Rose squealed as Lucius gripped the base of her tail stub and began to stroke it.

"Bunnies are horny creatures driven by an incessant need to reproduce. Your tail should be an erogenous zone; how does it feel to be touched right there?" Lucius asked as a slow purr rumbled from his chest. His throbbing cock twitched and spasmed as he tormented the sobbing woman on his knee.

"No-- no… It's not-- it's not like that…" Rose muttered, shaking her head as her breath rate picked up. "A-- And don't… Don't fucking touch me like that. I'm not your damn pet."

"Sure. Whatever you say, Miss Rabbit," snarkily responded Lucius. He then gestured to his erect penis. "You don't want to turn into an animal, right? Then put your money where your mouth is and earn some points."

Rose stared down at Lucius' raging manhood with a look stuck between horror and awe. She licked her lips as sweat beaded on her forehead. "What… What do you want me to do?" She weakly mumbled, unable to take her eyes off the might pillar standing before her.

"I know you're turning into a dumb bunny, but you're surely not that dumb. I told you to put your money where your mouth is, didn't I?"

Grace watched as Rose cried and trembled before Lucius' threatening advances. She's not a goddamn rabbit-- she's a person. Grace didn't particularly like Rose but would gladly take her side if she had to pick between her and that inhuman monster. She noticed earlier that while Rose maintained some of her usual tough girl persona, she had been gradually breaking as the day progressed. It seemed Rose was still trying and failing to cling to that toughness. Grace couldn't blame her, though; who could possibly stay confident in her situation?

  As Grace watched Lucius touch Rose while his cock twitched and writhed, something stirred within her. A dull throb formed between her legs, her nipples growing and chafing against the cotton shirt. Thankfully for Grace, her tracksuit jacket allowed for some degree of modesty. Rose needs to stand up for herself. She needs… Grace's thoughts trailed off when she could not take her eyes off Lucius' gargantuan, throbbing member. He's such a fucking monster, he--  Her pupils suddenly dilated as her breath rate picked up. Could I take him? It's so huge. The heat between Grace's legs steadily increased, her panties growing sticker by the second.

A look of horror shot across her face upon realizing she was aroused, sending Grace's psyche into a pit of utter despair. Eun continued correctly answering every A grade question while Grace herself floundered and panicked while fantasizing about the cock of a sociopathic beast-man. To make things worse, Rose seemed just about ready to start earning points with Lucius, leaving Grace as the only one of the three that was failing in every way.

What the hell can I do? Margaret-- I'm sorry… She felt this overwhelming sense of disappointment in herself. At this rate, Grace was going to fail miserably. There was no time for her to worry about Rose or her hormonal thoughts, even if she wanted to. Eun had already proven that Variety Hour was every woman for herself; there would be no alliances or working together.

"I-- I call a timeout!" Grace yelled after Eun answered another question correctly and got her to score up to one-hundred and seventy. After Gregory granted the request, Grace took a deep breath and walked over to Eun. She wanted to scream at her but knew it would do no good. It took great willpower to calm herself as she forced a weak smile onto her face. "Eun-- I understand your point of view, I really do. You have every right to want to win and prevent yourself from falling into the bottom half. I don't blame you." She paused, taking in Eun's blank expression before continuing. "You're probably going to end up with more points than anyone. Out of the twelve of us competing, there's no way you will end up anywhere near the bottom. If you work with me, maybe I can answer some of the lower grade questions, and then we can trade off." It was a suggestion that reeked of desperation; Grace knew deep down that the odds of her even getting those E or D grade questions right weren't in her favor.

Eun-Ju crossed her arms over her chest and gave Grace a dull look. "I fail to see how any of this is my problem. You say that I'm guaranteed to end up in the top six, but can you actually guarantee this? What if the VVIP points outweigh the points gained from answering these questions? What if there are other academics amongst us?"

Grace winced as a surge of anger erupted within her. Stay calm. Blowing up won't help in the slightest. She took a slow, careful breath and exhaled, repeating this process several times. "If the VVIP points are a kind of wildcard here, there's a good chance that you showing mercy and cooperating will be perceived well by some of the VVIPs, right? Nigel is proof that some of them can be reasonable." Not all of them were Lucius, after all. "Wouldn't it be better to earn many points AND show yourself off as a kind person?"

"Yeah, not worth it," responded Eun. "Look at Lucius," she said as she pointed toward the crowd. By this point, Rose had gripped the base of Lucius' cock within her petite hand, slowly stroking upward as hot, salty tears fell from her face and stained her clothes. "Awarding points will help us not transform, right? What if some of the VVIPs want us to turn into freaks? Do you think Lucius will help Rose stay human if he wants some fucked up, mutant rabbit?"

Grace stood in silence as the gravity of Eun's words sunk in. She didn't want to admit it, but she made complete sense. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes tightly to calm her nerves. "I just…" She gave Eun a pleading look. "Can't you--"

"No. I can't," responded Eun with a hint of annoyance. "You put on a perfect little show during our introductions; what happened to that confidence?" Her lips curled up into a slight smirk.

"Time's up! Please return to your podium, miss Grace!" Gregory insisted with his typical, overly cheerful cadence.

Grace growled in frustration as she walked back. She felt like the world's weight was on her shoulders; was there even a path forward from here? What the hell could she do to get ahead in this damn game?

Grace's eyes wandered back to Lucius and Rose, listening to the VVIP's delighted purrs as Rose pushed her soft, female fingers over his cock. A look of great shame was plastered across her face as she did so. At the same time, Rose seemed to be almost into it on some level; was she enjoying this?

A pang of arousal once again shot through Grace's body as she pushed her legs together. "Dammit-- stop… I'm better than this." She growled and gritted her teeth, closing her eyes tightly as she thought back to her past.  Margaret always told her to clench her jaw and suck it up if a stressful situation kept her down.  Recalling her strength gave Grace the drive she needed to push past this wave of anxiety. She kept losing track of time as the game progressed, so it was important to come up with a plan sooner rather than later.

"Mmmmm…" Lucius gleefully purred as Rose slid her fingers up and down his turgid cock. "Not bad. You must have some experience."

Rose trembled as she stared down at Lucius' manhood with an expression of confusion, anger, and lust. "Fuck-- Fuck this-- I…  I don't want to do this…" She weakly stated as sweat dripped down her neck.

"If you don't want to turn into a dumb bunny, you must be willing to do whatever it takes." He reached out and cupped Rose's chin, tilting her head, so their eyes locked. "If I were so inclined, do you know how easy it would be to take you away with me? Do you understand the position you're in, Rose? You'd better watch your pretty little mouth before you regret it." His voice grew cold as his crimson eyes peered right through his prey.

"I--" Rose stammered as her breathing grew more labored. "Please-- please don't…" She stared at Lucius with a look of pure terror, unable to form a rational sentence.

"It's hard to remain so fiery when you're becoming an herbivore, my dear. Your precious little rabbit brain tells you to fear a mighty predator like myself." He leaned closer, their faces now only a head's width apart. "You're a cute little bunny, Rose. A submissive herbivore that knows better than to challenge an apex predator like me. How long will you be able to keep up your little bad girl facade as you turn into a submissive, horny little bun?"

"No-- I… I'm not going to submit… I'm not an herbivore…" Rose pleaded, her voice growing shakier by the second.

"Suck it. Open your fucking mouth and suck it right now if you want any chance of walking out of this game in the top six. If you disobey me, I will personally make sure your next few days are terrifying." His fingers tightened Rose's chin as one of his claws pierced her flesh.

Rose uttered a startled cry as blood trickled out from the puncture wound. "I-- I don't…" Her voice quaked in fear.

"If your mouth isn't on my cock in the next five seconds, I am sending you back to your podium. Do you understand? Do you really think it's in your best interest to disobey me, Rose?"

Grace watched from her podium as Rose took Lucius' inhumanly massive member into her mouth. It barely seemed to fit, but that didn't stop Lucius from putting his hand on the back of Rose's head, forcing her to go deeper. That freaking bastard. Why is he making her do this? Grace fumed, no longer paying any attention to Gregory's questions; it wasn't like she could answer any of them, so she would need a new plan.

As Rose sucked, the look of disgust and fear on her face softened. She moved both hands up and gripped the base of Lucius' penis, applying a little pressure as her fingers moved up and down in rhythm with her bobbing head. Grace noticed the shape of her tail flicking back and forth under the fabric of her tracksuit.

Is she actually getting into it? Grace thought with a mix of horror and disgust. She watched Rose's tongue slide over the head and down the shaft, bathing his dick in her viscous saliva while Lucius howled and purred in delight.

"Yessss! I knew you had experience," cheerfully growled Lucius as he pushed his hips upward to meet the advances of Rose. His cock visibly twitched and spasmed, a trickle of pre-cum oozing out from the tip. "Rose, be a dear and--"

Lucius didn't have to finish his sentence. Rose slid her tongue upward and lapped up the sticky fluid, giving a generous squeeze with her fingers to ensure every last drop of precum was out.

"Ahhh-- I guess you're smarter than you look," Lucius moaned, tightening his grip on Rose's head.

Grace felt noticeable wetness between her legs as she watched the spectacle unfolding before her eyes. It's so huge. Could I even fit it in my mouth? Her heart rate picked up as a surge of adrenaline coursed through her body. While lost in thought, she suddenly snapped back to reality and shook her head. "No-- what the hell is wrong with me? This is a nightmare; I can't. I can't think this way," She insisted under her breath, desperately trying to retain control of her thoughts and urges.

Lucius howled, letting out a loud moan as his cock quivered and spasmed. Hot spurts of sticky fluid shot into Rose's mouth and dribbled out the sides. In response, Rose began to cough and pull away.

"Oh, no, you don't-- get every last drop," Lucius demanded in a shaky voice as he commanded Rose. His penis continued to twitch and writhe as Rose accepted every last drop of his seed. While Rose initially appeared apprehensive of Lucius' climax, she quickly changed tunes and obeyed the VVIP's command.

Grace mustered up every ounce of her remaining willpower and refused to look toward Rose; she couldn't torture herself by doing so any longer. She had to do something; Variety Hour wouldn't last forever, and she didn't have a single point. After finding her resolve, Grace forced a confident expression onto her face and left the podium, walking forward to the front of the stage. Gregory flashed a puzzled expression her way before shrugging and going back to his questions.

Upon reaching the same position she stood at while giving her introduction, Grace stopped and stared at the crowd. "I would like to address all of you!" She shouted, clenching her fists. You can do this-- you have to do this. It wasn't so much a plan as an act of desperation, but she still had to try.

Lucius looked toward Grace with an amused expression. "Oh? What is it then?" He then shifted his focus back to Rose. "I didn't tell you to stop. You made this mess, so clean it up. I'll make sure you get no points if there's even a single drop of cum left."

Grace winced, taking a deep breath. I can't protect Rose. I need to focus on myself. She couldn't afford to develop a savior complex right now. "Look! I know I have no chance of winning this game! I can't answer a single damn question." She loudly called out, crossing her arms over her chest. "Frankly, I am completely screwed here. I was destined to lose when it was decided the first game would consist of history questions." She cleared her throat and took a slow breath before continuing. "Look. Even if I wake up tomorrow with a tail or extra limbs, I will not let Mollusk Match break me!" She shouted toward the crowd. A brief glance toward the back right let her know that Nigel was no longer in the audience. Perhaps he couldn't bear to watch while Lucius had his fun.

"No matter what happens to me. No matter how much I change, I will not give up. I'm not going to fall into a pit of despair, and I refuse to let today break me." She hoped her declaration would resonate with some of the VVIPs. Surely, at the very least, Nigel would like her spirit if he saw this. "I won't cry and whine about how this game wasn't fair. I know that life is rarely fair, and we all must deal with the hand we're given." Getting worked up over how lopsided this game was wouldn't help her in any way. "As long as I remain human enough to compete, I will persevere. I will struggle and continue putting one foot in front of the other. Please watch me!"

Grace turned around and walked back toward her podium, clutching onto a couple bits of information that gave her a sliver of hope. This Variety Hour game was unfair initially; certain players would have an advantage that couldn't be overcome with cleverness and a sharp mind. Combined with the introductions and the fact there was an emphasis on earning the favor of the VVIPs, she reasoned that today's game existed solely as a way for the VVIP guests to evaluate the contestants. It was more important to make an impression and show how they handled themselves during a crisis than to actually win the quiz portion of the game itself. Or, at least, she hoped that would be the case. When she reached her spot, she stood with a defiant look and her arms crossed.

Lucius let out a low whistle, now holding Rose close to himself with an arm around her. His eyes were now laser-focused on Grace.

"Time's up!" Gregory yelled as a musical jingle played, signaling the end of the first Mollusk Match game. "Eun-Ju decimated the competition during the quiz portion of the show, earning 2,020 points! You performed wonderfully, Eun-Ju!" He gave her applause with a cheery smile on his face.

Grace sighed, moving a hand up to squeeze her arm. She had to remain calm and couldn't show any weakness. "Gregory, when will we know who the top and bottom six are for Variety Hour?" She realized the other nine girls would still have to compete first but was still curious.

Before Gregory could open his mouth, Lucius chimed in, raising a finger. "Oh! Gregory, if I may. Could I please give them the good news about the Variety Hour results?" His lips contorted into a devilish, toothy grin as his fingers absentmindedly played with Rose's hair and touched her. Rose remained obedient, sitting with Lucus with a look of shame and defeat.

Gregory hesitantly smiled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Of course! Please be my guest, Lucius!"

The tip of Lucius' tail swished back and forth as he leaned forward with a giddy expression. "That's the best part. NONE of you get to know the results. You will be ushered back to your rooms and never hear about Variety Hour ever again. Just keep your eyes on the future." He looked so happy delivering the news.

Grace paused, maintaining a stern expression as an icy pang of dread spread through her body. She broke into a cold sweat as the gravity of Lucius' words set in. He can't be serious. Grace knew these games were sadistic, but this news was basically the cherry on top of the shit-sundae that was Variety hour.

Rose fearfully stared at Lucius as she processed his words. "Wait-- how… How are we supposed to know if we won? I don't… I don't understand." Any residual embers of fierceness within Rose had fizzled out.

"Oh, my precious dumb bunny." Lucius laughed, shaking his head. "I promise all of you," he continued as he turned to address the stage. "Over the next few days, it will be quite obvious who passed and who failed. I am sure all of you will retain enough intelligence to figure it out.”

CHAPTER END

Read three months early for $5 on Patreon!



https://www.patreon.com/roryrouses