Contains many tfs. Inanimate/suit reveal, secret identity reveal, inanimate tf, FtM, and so on

Two individuals were set to meet under the beautiful towers of Lake City. 

An attractive heroine hummed under the beautiful towers of Lake City catching the sights of a few people here and there. Wearing a simple pink crop top and skinny jeans, the blonde fox woman is Gabrielle Thompson, more known as a hero. But today she’s not on an undercover mission and is simply here to enjoy the weekend. On her hands were a pair of tickets for a show she happened to pick up by chance. Her tail swished to and fro, simply taking in the busy atmosphere of the streets as she waited patiently.

“Hope I’m not too late!”

There approaching from afar was Diana Rivera. An equally blonde and attractive, although fully human, girl arrived. Though not a hero, Diana too kept her identity as an underground fighter hidden. But much like her friend she’s only here to take it easy and not worry about such dangers. With nothing more than a pair of blue jeans and a grey hoodie over a white shirt, she really did look more like a civilian. Now that they both stood side by side, you'd almost call them sisters with their similar builds. Though that thought would be quickly shut down by the species difference.

“Nah not at all!” Gabrielle assured her as she held out a ticket for her friend. The two have only met recently but they were already best friends almost. “Was just checking what we’re going into. It’s um… Called Stripes… Huh.”

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow at it. Almost as if she was unsure.

“Hm?” Seeing her friend’s reaction, Di pushed the ticket closer to read it. The sun was an annoyance that blotted her vision. “Someone you know?”

"No, I can't say I've met someone like him. I guess it's just a bit unorthodox? Making his whole brand based around zebra's? Maybe it's just some kinda of new-age exotic style thing." Gabrielle chuckled as she pocketed it.

"Haha thats riiight," Diana nervously chuckled and decided to not mention her fighter identity was Hound. Something dog based for no reason. "Must be a style thing!”

Though true, it wasn’t as if magicians like that didn’t exist. Even other types of performers would have entire themes based on their talents. Like Spot the teleporter or Windrunner the amazing gymnast. So many events here have brought about many talented if not supernatural beings. Though Diana would have agreed. The point about someone basing their entire schtick off of their own traits was a bit silly. It would be like Gabrielle and Diana performing as Busty Blonde Wonder Twins!

… Actually, that might sell. Er. Better not think about it.

“We’re here!”

And so Gabrielle was right. Di peered up just to see the large building. It was a large theatre among many other buildings. Fairly simple and cozy. It wasn’t too remarkable design wise yet when the duo stepped in, the area felt much larger inside than it was outside. Perhaps they did some renovations in the last couple days? Or maybe there’s something magical or scientific going on? Such things can exist nowadays after all.

Or maybe the two of them are just directionally and spatially incapable. That might be the safer assumption?

"Oh! Look, a pair of seats just for us~" Gabrielle hopped on over to the middle rows.

Pushing away such thoughts, Diana followed Gabrielle and sat down. This was much more comfier than the usual shows she’d expected. In the back of her mind she still thought that this entire stage was large enough to take up most of the building. Yet she was so sure the building was so much larger. Her eyes glanced around the stage taking it in and trying to see where the staff was. Yet there weren’t any.

So she brought out a bag of chips and soda from her jacket. An action that made Gabrielle blink at the realization of Diana smuggling something inside here. A bribe was handed to the fox girl, a bag of chips, as Di let out a shhh gesture. 

"Food here's Overpriced so I got you some too."

The fox shot her a thankful glare mixed between gratitude and shame, but took the bag of chips anyway.

"Can't say I would've done any different-" Gabrielle was a superhero, but she wasn't gonna pick weeds with this. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time that the girl snuck water bottles and snacks in by stuffing them between her breasts.

It wasn't long before the girls noticed that many of the seats began to be taken, eventually the entire theatre was full of families and couples. So packed that they couldn’t make out a single empty seat. This was a full house through and through. 

"Oh- looks like we got lucky~!" Gabrielle’s voice was practically cut off by musical fanfares and applause as the curtains opened up around the large stage.

A shorter woman walked onto the stage, she donned a bright blue leotard and darker leggings. A fairly attractive girl who Di recognized as someone she saw at a glance when they were entering the building for the first time. Was she the Stripers performer? She didn’t really look Zebra like to Di. Must be an announcer or something.

Brushing her brown shoulder length hair out of her eyes, she bowed to the audience. "Welcome, any and all to the great Zebra Express! Greatest magician extraordinaire!" 

A massive applause filled the stage. Booming and deafening. Both girls almost covered their ears, with Gabrielle’s drooping as if to attempt to muffle the sound.

"But where might this mysterious man be?" She comically tapped her chin, looking around the stadium- before her lips cracked into a knowing grin. "That's right!" 

Then as everyone quietened down, the woman snapped her hands and tugged at something in front of her face. Something that Diana and Gabrielle didn’t see the first time. A zipper. The moment it slipped down, a form of a zebra man stepped forward. The previously invisible zipper had slipped down, as the now split body-suit collapsed onto two like a deflated pool toy. A stripped man raised his arms and took a small bow, before giving a charming smile as he kicked aside the womanly fabric off himself.

After a moment of silence, the audience erupted into a grand applause!

"Woah,"

Diana blinked. This was the first time she's seen that guy and that was authentic. How the heck. She thought that the magician was the woman earlier until that announcement. But looking at it... She's had her fair share of the supernatural (like how her friends say there's a ghost haunting her apartment) but this one looks like the real deal. Or a trick.

If mother was here she'd be trying to debunk every trick. Her mother really did hate magicians for an unexplained reason.

"Stripes might be pretty simple but damn,” Still Diana was trying to process that. “How did he do that?"

She was pretty sure that the zebra was taller than the girl too. Oh. Whoops. She sat back down too, not realizing she had stood up in sheer shock and awe. Already she was clapping, joining late in the crowd's booming applause. Nevertheless she still nudged Gabrielle and was smiling a bit too no doubt as impressed as her. 

Yet they really were similar to each other as similarly Gabrielle was staring at the fallen suit of the woman. She couldn’t find any obvious signs of logic behind how the Zebra man on stage managed to pull off what he did. Still, she had seen enough behind-the-trick videos online to piece together some form of rationality behind him.

"...Maybe he was just slouching the whole time? I mean, Hollywood prosthetics are pretty impressive these days." Gabrielle shrugged it off, still somewhat curious to see whatever else he had to offer. Like the blondie next to her, the fox found herself having to sit back down. She didn't even realize how into the act she had gotten, it didn't feel off either.

"...I'm sure he's just really good at changing his voice too." She nudged Diana.

“Maybe…”

Only when the cheers died down did Stripes began to speak up again. 

"Thank you for attending my show, I hope my opening act didn't deter any viewers, if it's any consolation- that was just the beginning~!" The man's physicality barely took much of the stage, and yet his presence owned the room within seconds! "With my opening act, I'll need a volunteer! As my uh, assistant isn't much more than a pile of laundry now." 

Stripes lightly kicked the face mask that was once the woman on stage, her floppy form sagging and plopping as it landed on the side of the stage. It was a sight that barely got any focus as people reached out, proclaiming their desire to be a volunteer. With such a massive crowd there was no way someone could easily get picked. Yet it was the desire of many to be the subject of his magic tricks and be with their magic star.

After a big drumroll however, there was one as the spotlight began to move.

"You there, near the back!" Stripes pointed towards a young woman sitting near the walls. A cutesy student with shimmering red hair and a few freckles. She looked stunned, despite being one of the many who had their arms up, and was immediately ecstatic as she rushed forward. Her friends were as delighted as her, ushering her compliments.

“Oh my gosh!! Yes yes!! Thank you!! I got picked!”

She was quite the contrast with not just Stripes, but how simple her outfit is. Being nothing more than a black skirt and red T-shirt. It was probably a brand thing but it was such a casual one even compared to the audience who had more fanciful outfits like suits or so. 

"Oooh… I wonder what the trick is going to be?" Diana peered a bit closer, excitement slipping her the more she watched. Her childish side was showing as the anticipation built up. Something that she tried to usually hide but the formerly rich and sheltered girl was clearly gleeful at the face of something so new. "What do you think's going to happen?”

“No idea! But we’re about to see it!” Gabrielle noted, also leaning close much like Diana. The two really were like sisters.

The redhead was already standing up and waving at the others. Her friends whistled back. The excitement of this show really just spread everywhere. It seemed that this was going to be a fun time through and through... but… Diana glanced back towards the floppy 'laundry' that was on the floor....

Hmm...

Did she see the person outside earlier? Or was it really just a disguise? The way it looks....

"HI EVERYONE!!"

The cheers of the redhead snapped her back to focus as she looked over at the very center. There the redhead was stumbling, but giggling as she straightened up 

"Welcome to my show, dear,” Stripes greeted her, a beaming and welcoming smile on his face. “May I ask for your name?”

"Oh my name is Amelia!" She cheerfully exclaimed. One can almost see how starry her eyes are. "I'm your biggest fan!!! GUYS TAKE A PICTURE!"

As if on cue her friends were indeed taking a snapshot. The flashes repeating for a bit.

"Very nice to meet you lovely Miss Amelia! Can our audience give our lovely girl a round of applause?"

And so she was.

Taking her hand, Stripes brought her around as if to fully show her the grandness of the stage before returning back into the middle of the stage. Then it was his turn to circle her, as if in scrutiny. He seemed to be taking note of her features, nodding time to time. Amelia simply stood there, eagerly awaiting the magician she admired would do.

"What do you do? Perhaps displaying of clothes?" He gestured at her clothing.

"Hm? Kinda! I'm actually in the fashion industry and I've been trying to make and show off my clothes!" She gestured at said attire, emphasizing how custom made it is. Thinking about it, Diana realized how lacking her eye for fashion was. Sure it looked simple but it did look like a designer jacket from one end. She can blame the distance. "Sorry I was a bit distracted!" Amelia giggled, still looking at the crowd. Definitely starstruck.

Diana was still clapping along but paused, frowning a bit at the mention of the clothing. Her instincts were nudging her. Something was off. Why did it feel like... something was about to happen?

“Well, I feel it’s only natural that you get the chance to show off your form to the audiences, don’t you think?” Stripes said, taking her hand and spinning her around. An act that made Amelia swoon, as she gazed dreamily at him. “...But I can’t help but think you’re keeping a secret from us, yes?” He tapped his chin mockingly.

"Um. I like to think I'm not?” Despite the dreamstruck state of the fashionista, her eyes blinked. Confusion and curiosity are siblings that resided on her face. “But you can ask away if you want!"

Gabrielle was still firm in her beliefs. What kind of trick was this going to be? Despite the earlier actions, Gabrielle liked to believe that she simply stood up to applaud as to be respectful and courteous, nothing more! Right…?

As Stripes turned her around, many noticed something looked off with the girl. She looked a bit more pale, a bit more shiny even…? With a new found confidence in her face, she strutted one heel over the other down the middle of the stage like she was part of some kind of fashionista?

Even the music playing in the speaker system began a more pop-eccentric beat, one better complimenting a fashion show off!

“Lovely, lovely~! But wait- mannequin’s can’t move on their own, can they?”

"Mannequins?" Diana was starting to feel that itch. It has been increasing ever since the first trick started. Gabrielle wasn't the only one to share some sort of doubt and suspicion. Diana's excitement was still there but was beginning to be met by a feeling of absurdness. As if what she's about to witness couldn't possibly be it. She had an idea of what was about to happen but that can’t be it. "Hey Gabrielle.. you don't think."

Amelia was still smiling as she paced back, yet her smile began to freeze. Beginning to disappear... until her mouth seemed to close to a complete closed near non-existence... Her eyes blink a bit more. And as if it was simply meant to be...

The mannequin stopped moving

Frozen midstep, she was threatening to fall over. The crowd went silent. You would’ve heard a pin drop. But a mannequin midstep couldn’t keep its balance forever. So it fell forward with a soft tumble. It was that point that everyone cheered louder than ever. 

“Woah!!”

“HOW DID HE DO THAT!?”

“Stripes!! Stripes!!”

The wig fell slightly off from the mannequin. A high quality red wig that was so realistic it tricked many. The outfit she wore was still there only slightly ruffled by the fall. Her head had fallen sideways but any signs of freckles had long since vanished under the pale human-like imitation. It was a masterful trick of the eyes to everyone.

Well. Almost everyone.

Diana blinked.

"What-"

Her shocked response would be drowned out by the cheering crowd

Of course, mannequins fall over when they don’t have a stand. Is what Gabrielle was thinking about when she watched the seemingly unassuming figure of fiberglass clatter onto the floor, sending the wig flying off across the stage.

And yet, something felt a bit off about that… she could’ve sworn she was thinking about something else- there was a more important significance to that act… right?

“That was weird, I could’ve sworn there were two people on stage- did… anyone else feel that weirdness?” Gabrielle turned and asked Diana, who was seemingly equally confused, not by the trick alone- but rather the strange unfamiliarity that came with it.The fox felt that she was personifying the mannequin, and she couldn’t get rid of that feeling, at least not without some outside encouragement from the audience.

Stripes bowed and rose up again, picking up the mannequin and halfheartedly stuffing the red wig back onto its head. That was, before the whole head accidentally came off with a ‘pop’! Laughter was the next sound to take over the building, with how Stripes struggled to pick it up and accidentally kicking it off the stage. A feigned look of awkwardness and ‘oops’ on the magician’s face.

It was just a mannequin after all. That was all it took, almost like reality emphasizing the new status quo to the girls, Gabrielle seemingly came back to her senses…?

“You feeling what I’m feeling?” She asked.

Diana woke from her stupor upon Gabrielle's statement. Shaking her head, she gazed back at the mannequin. As it was slowly picked apart and tossed into a nearby storage bin at the edge of the stage. It's weird. It was just a mannequin. So why did she wince as it was slowly stripped off its clothing? "Yeah it's... weird," 

Her mouth curled to a pout. Was she just being a killjoy? Or was it because of the humaneness of the mannequin? Or was it because Stripes himself was personifying the thing? Maybe it was such a good trick and she just felt bad that she was being tricked? Was that it? No... wait.. .what about Amelia's friends---

Amelia?

"I uh... Do you remember if that mannequin has a name?" Diana scratched her head, not wanting to come off as a dumb blonde. She gets a lot of jokes about that and it was irritating. But she really was self conscious about asking this question. "And what if Amelia- I mean that thing had any friends?"

“Amelia?” Gabrielle was equally unsure. Her voice is softer and more hesitant than before. “I guess it’s like if a magician nicknames his prop? I don’t know.”

“Is it?”

Diana was far from convinced. She tried to turn back towards the area she was sure the mannequin came from. There she spotted it in the middle of a crowd was a small empty spot. This place was absolutely filled to the brim with how successful this show was. Some were even on makeshift seats at the corner of some areas. So why did it bother her to see that one lone empty seat? It just happens right? A preserved seat?

Even those people standing by there looked a bit... disoriented? No wait no. They're just cheering and taking pictures. Huh... But.. she swore...

"Must be because I'm dehydrated.." Diana muttered before drinking from her can. Yet her instincts were acting up again. She didn’t want to be here. "... Gabrielle.. I think we should avoid getting picked as volunteers."

“Yeah. I think there’s some validity in our butterflies- my gut’s tellin’ me that something is off about this show. But I can’t seem to put my finger on it!”

Everyone began to sit down as the applause quieted for Stripes to move onto his next act. But their worries would only grow at his next phrase.

“For my next act, I’m going to pick two volunteers!” As the Zebra-man said that, two spot lights began to search the crowd, eager cheering of people mixed into one cacophony of noise. The fox took her friend’s advice, and decided to keep their hands down this time- though somehow, this felt wrong…?

“There, you two!” The zebra commanded, pointing at seemingly anyone in the crowd. Some people were confused, looking at each other and whether they thought they were the ones he wanted or not.

Still, that didn’t stop the lights from shining onto the two girls, spot on.

“Oh crap.”

“Oh boy.”

Diana looked over to Gabrielle, hearing the fox’s pink cased phone clatter on the ground as she stared forward, seemingly undisturbed by the bright lights. The girl paid no attention to Diana, her expression a mix between attentiveness and interest as she stood up from her spot, the room silent- save for the rustling of her seat as she rose.

Diana then soon felt a strange twinge in herself to… stand?

Stand.

And now here she was dazed, at both the command and the lights. And all the attention focused on her. Both on her and Gabrielle. 

In fact she almost didn't realize that she had just stood up.

"Wha??

Diana blinked, and awkwardly waved at the crowd that now watched them. Doing her best to smile.

"Err.. us?"

Apprehensively she pointed at herself, then at Gabrielle.  SOMETHINGSWRONG Diana gulped nervously, but she focused. Namely staring at Stripes... The expression he's making... What was it? For the briefest moment, Diana could feel her super senses at full alarm, screaming- pleading with her to get as far from this place as possible. But like pressing a ‘snooze’ alarm it was silenced, either by embarrassment or seemingly natural compulsion to listen to the magician- after all, they wouldn’t want to disappoint the audience, right?

Gabrielle shot her a soft smile. Unlike her she seemed a bit more excited. Perhaps she just wasn’t worried about the situation? Maybe Diana was the only one being paranoid and Gabrielle had already realized there wasn’t anything bad about this? No. Her instincts were still unhappy with this. Right now Gabrielle looked happy for this when she wasn’t previously. Didn’t she just say she wanted to avoid being picked as volunteers and to lay low in this show?... Or maybe she was just lying?

“Ah wait-Gabrielle!”

Without so much as a peep, Gabrielle walked past Diana and began to go down the main aisle of stairs- Diana soon began to follow, feeling even more pressured by the crowd and magician. As they made their way down, clapping and cheering began to grow with each aisle they passed. Diana could even hear a child say “Mommy! Look, a fuzzy fox~!” and some catcalling. That’s a given. 

“Are they showgirls?”

“I wonder if they’re single.”

“They must be sisters!”

“Dude that’s a fox and a human.”

All Comments that actually quelled down her suspicion. By the time she reached the stadium she actually felt quite calm. Her heart racing at the sheer adrenaline of being out in the open. NOIT’SBECAUSEOFSOMETHINGELSE!

Upon reaching the stage, Diana could see Stripes’ expression more clearly. It was a knowing smile that unnerved her. It was as if he gazed at her with strange familiarity. To both of them. Like she, Gabrielle, and him were all part of the same gig. And it was time to demonstrate what they were here for. More worryingly though is how relaxed Gabrielle has gotten in here with how she was waving at a people on the way down. Even if she had calmed down Diana still felt antsy.

“Thank you, thank you~!” Stripestook their hands, and leaning down he gave them each a peck on the wrist. “I’m so happy such beauties like yourselves could be chosen, what are your names?” 

“Gabrielle! Gabrielle Thompson~!” She placed a hand on her hip, smirking at him with confidence and pride. A gesture that was met with a few whistles from the audience.

"... I'm Diana. Diana Rivera."

“Such lovely names for such lovely ladies~! We are so blessed today aren’t we!” Stripes was beaming as he looked back towards the crowd who all nodded in agreement.

Diana was reminded of fey creatures out in the wild. About how you should never mention your name to them or else they'll take it. But this can't be it. Right now she clearly just had butterflies in her stomach. NOT! She drew her hand back casually, but glanced at it as if expecting some sort of mark there or so. Unlike Gabrielle, she had a more laidback reaction. Simply standing there and looking awkward. People’s gazes would no doubt fall more onto Gabrielle, who looked and played the part of an assistant well.

Although... perhaps that wasn't necessary in the first place. Diana's own body was perhaps on the more sultrier side even with the most casual of attires. In fact one can take note about how her chest was visible even from behind, and how her pants seem to squeeze out everything. In a sense, it was a nice view. Gabrielle was as attractive but there was an air of almost 'immediate take-in'. 

In fact she knew for sure some people were gazing a bit more attentively now thanks to her presence... Di glanced at Gabrielle, who would've likely given her a look that would ease her mind.

"But gosh. I really didn't expect to be volunteering aha. Is it possible to give this role to someone else?" Diana asked, only when silence befell the area. Audible enough. She didn't want to be a killjoy but she didn't wanna deny that feeling of unease. Even if it had been quenched like tossing a bucket of water into a firepit. An unease that kept rising up again as she looked over to Gabrielle. Anytime that she wasn’t in the spotlight- whether literally or metaphorically under his gaze, she seemed to lose focus. Her eyes staring almost past the main in front of them.

“Another volunteer? Oh, no, no, no!” Shaking his head, Stripes stepped forward wagging his finger. The way he spoke and moved was in a forgiving and almost patronizing manner. “I have chosen you two because you’re perfect for the roles I have planned.” 

Gabrielle raised a brow at that one, looking back at Diana. What Diana didn’t expect was for Stripes to be so confident, walking up and gently groping Gabrielle’s breasts. Before leaning in and gently licking her left tit up to her neck, Gabrielle looking mildly amused as she stared past him with her ever sultry smirk.

“Perfect? I’m quite flattered I suppos-” The fox was cut off as he went in for a kiss on her lips.

? Gabrielle? What is going on with her? Di's mouth opened to a slight surprised look, but couldn't do much as Stripes started to speak. Her brow raised as she heard him talk. Maybe that was just how he is? Or how Gabrielle is? Her brain was overheating as she tried ot process the sight.

“Mmmm~” Stripes said, cupping her chin before pulling back with a perverted grin. Gabrielle seemingly only slightly impressed- much to Diana’s surprise. She knew Gabrielle enough to know that if anyone even touched the fox, they’d be sent flying through four different walls, and yet seeing this made it look like she’d known this man for years!

“Do you mind if I grope your boobs next?” This time Stripes stared at Diana with a smirk.

"Wha!?"

Diana blinked, in a full gape now. A red fluster on her face as she saw the kiss on the lips.. but even more redder at the sight. This.. uh... Wait... hold on!? This wasn't right?

"I--- wait a second- but- why- hey this is harassment!"

Diana pointed accusingly! Her hard headed and strong willed nature brought a bit of a resistance to this sweeping claim. Yet as she pointed at him her agitation and anger began to wane, the more she stared at him... Uh... wait... Her hand lowered a bit.

"You.. you're not allowed to."

She almost said that as a question. Even as she stepped back and covered them up, albeit still embarrassed. But the feeling was rapidly fading fast. In fact the moment she stepped outside the spotlight, it felt like there was an absence of something. Her intention to flee and escape this experience would take a delay as she stepped back into the light

STAY IN THE LIGHT!!

Again. Apprehension and suspicion. Yet also confusion and... knowing?

"I think?"

Stay in the light. Fight! C’mon!

As she felt her accusations and anger wane, Stripes closed the distance between them. The audience was silent, the room only being filled with the sounds of his shoes clacking against the vinyl flooring. Not even them reacted to what he just did. So this must be… okay?

“Feisty one, aren’t you?” Stripes chuckled, reaching down she felt his callused fingers slip between the folds of her jeans and panties, and gently exploring between her legs. The zebra barely even acknowledged the woman as a person as his attention was completely on groping her body.

“That’s pretty good, I must say. I like the gentle squish you have.” He whispered, before licking her cheek. Smirking to himself as Diana seemed less than annoyed by it.

“Now, my girls here will turn and face the audience!” As he said, Gabrielle sexily turned chest first to face the audience, curious to see what he had planned for them.

Diana barely even reacted. It was as if she's dreaming and gazing at someone who was moving about. As if in a deep slumber, her breath was calm and persistent. Even as Stripes continued to toy with her like that. There wasn't even a sort of strong emotion that stirred within her, all muddled down by this strange feeling.

"I am... not gentle.. or squishy..." Diana muttered softly, too inaudible for the audience. But just loud enough for Stripes. Yet also becoming quieter by the second...

In fact by the time she realized it, she had faced forward against the audience. Her chest thrust forward in a completely straight position. Almost as if she proudly posed for him. Her body shifted slightly, the lone act of rebellion it could muster. Even the slightest bit of shaking… Trembling…

But even her expression was beginning to become steel like.

Damnit!! I have to move!! What's going on!?

It was like her better self and her perverted thoughts had switched places, really. Diana now viewed her more sane and once rational consciousness as nothing more than fleeting thoughts. Nothing to take seriously or into action. With whatever flow of perversion now taking center stage, all neatly wrapped in her dominating personality- like this was all part of the act.

“Hey, uh- when you’re done measuring up our tits- can you start the actual act?” Gabrielle chirped up, looking over to Stripes, her expression a mix between annoyance and coy flirtation.

“Please, I haven’t forgotten~!” Stripes clapped his hands together as a box in the middle of the stage poofed into existence.

“Ladies, do you mind setting up the curtain cage? Now, I warn you it’s quite complex and I even had some trouble remembering the instructions the first time.” He asked the two girls, with the fox being the first to walk over to the box without so much as a peep.

Within moments, the girls began to set up the cage and curtains as if they’d done it a thousand times before- as if they were just mere actors that were secretly pretending to be “Gabrielle” and “Diana”. It didn’t make sense. At a glance it was the first time Diana ever dealt with something so complicated. Nay. This is the first time she’s even seen such a thing. Yet here was the two of them acting as if they’re always capable of this. As if this was their job for the longest time.

“Hey- nice work, Di.” Gabrielle gave Diana a wink and a smirk.

“Ah… thanks Gab.”

“Perfectly done ladies!” Stripes patted her. Once more the unease lessened and raised. Like a roller coaster. “Do you mind turning it around to show the audience?”

Stripes was pointing towards a cage that was several times bigger than either of the two. Without a doubt it was heavy from sight alone. There were no wheels to rotate it but Gabrielle and Diana approached the opposite ends and casually reached for it. Despite having never carried such a heavy thing before the two did so casually, rotating the cage in mere moments. Not a single bit of struggle or bead of sweat as they set it to its now proper position. It stunned Diana. But she couldn't find herself to be in awe of it. It felt… mundane. Almost regular. 

“Thank you you two~! Now that’s done…. I will be stepping into this cage and executing the ever popular disappearing act! But I’ll need one more person to help me from the audience!” Stripes’ announcement caused the lights to line up on one person. 

A pink haired individual who sat beside a small blue lass. They almost look like a mother daughter combo, where the blue one was more youthful and smaller, but the pink one was proportioned well.. A surprised ‘oh’ escaped her lips as she waved at the now focused crowd.. 

"Oh how about that. Well Aiz, looks like I'm the next one~!" She cooly said as she stood up, waving at the crowd.

"Auntie Kirke!! I wanted to be a volunteer!"

"Too bad~I'm the one picked"

And so Kirke strode forward! Unlike the others she wore a more fanficul and striking dress. Easily eye-catching with how she is. Even some catcalls were tossed out, which she only responded by blowing a kiss. She definitely had the air of a performer. Within moments she was on the stage, waving once more.

"You know how to pick the right star there, Stripes!" She proclaimed confidently and proudly 

The crowd clapped on as the pink haired beauty stepped onto the stage. Stripes doing his thing and shaking their hand as he met them properly.

“It’s very nice to meet you~” Stripes kissed her wrist, like he had many women before. “This lovely lady shall be the co-star of this trick!”

He placed one hand on her shoulder as he gestured to the cage.

“My lady, you shall do the honors of covering the cage and counting down- of which the audience is free to help count as well.” He gave her a somewhat crooked knowing smile. Even as he approached the entrance and started to bind himself with chains he never lost that air of cockiness. "And once the count is… well. Counted, I will disappear from within this cage!" 

‘Oohs’ and ‘ahs’ of intrigue briefly became the mantra for a moment.

"Is that soooo~?" Kirke leaned closer, looking shocked and in awe. As she stepped a bit closer towards the cage, tapping at its edge. "But where would you appear if you disappeared from here?"

A curious and innocent expression, as if playing the part of his assistant full on! Even going as far as to tap the cage repeatedly to cause it to echo the sounds of the metal around. But as she did so, she glanced towards Diana. And for the briefest and faintest moment, an expression of seriousness showed on her face.

"Just what the heck is this charm spell they used on you Di? Geez. My niece will be happy about this but I'm not. Don't worry Di. I'll figure this one out."

Diana didn’t seem too put off by the situation, in fact were it not for the witch being the witch, she would’ve likely glossed over Di’s for-the-most-part very in-character expression considering the situation.

“I see, you’ve already got a bit of a theatrical flare to yourself!” Stripes chuckled, finding it necessary to look up at her. She was quite the tall woman after all. “Perfect for what you’ll be doing!”

Stepping underneath the curtains, he winked to the audience- as if dropping a clear hint of how this trick may play out. Before long, the curtains dropped over, obscuring the man from view. The lights dimmed down a bit as the center stage was the only one with a source of light.

“You may begin the count down!” He spoke.

//

"Kay~! Alright everyone, let's get ready!!!" 

Excitedly, Kirke began to lean on the curtain and started to speak. 

"Fiiiiiive!"

Off into the audience stages, her companion Aiz continued to stare. Unlike most of the crowd, she was mesmerized yet also irritated. She was the only one that was the biggest fan here. That's what she believed in. In fact her aunt didn’t even seem interested on the magician, claiming that she was going to debunk his tricks. Yet here there were so many people just cheering and whooping at every trick. Did they not know the fact that Stripes managed to actually pull off such an ingenious trick?

Right now she wanted to be beside him!

So now she can only stare in annoyed jealousy at her aunt… Also huh... is that her friend Diana up there? Weird... Usually Diana would prefer to be seen in such a state at other places. But ah well. That girl's dubbed the yellow cow by her for a reason.

"Four!"

And on one end, Kirke was glancing at Diana and Gabrielle... her eyes scanning and trying to get a bead on what 'spell' was used on them. Yet it was strange. She couldn't properly identify them at all. She'll need more time but she also needs to be a bit more obvious. This might be the only chance she has.

"Three!"

And on the other hand Diana and Gabrielle stood there calmly. As if nothing more than props... silently.. The blonde was still conscious. Perhaps a bit bored. But she remained like this, rejecting the strange feeling...

But huh. The pinkette's really staring at her.

That was ... Right. Kirke. Wonder why she's so focused on her? They're just volunteering. Nothing weird or bad about this ... right?

“Two!” Kirke spoke, along with the audience- of which had grown in volume as the time went down.

The two blonde’s almost looked genuinely curious as to what was going to happen- Gabrielle tempted to peek in herself and get a sneak peek of what the striped magician was planning from underneath the cage.

The bluenette was right in many regards, to think about why Diana of all people would’ve been convinced to get up on stage, but seeing them there- their expressions. Something almost seemed like they were still part of the act- maybe even behind it with how casual they are.

“One!” 

The whole room cheered, as the beautiful busty witch pulled the sheet away with a loud ‘whaff!’. The whapping of the sheets was followed by pure silence, everyone in awe at what they had just witnessed.

Kirke dropped the sheet to the floor, turning back to face the audience with glee. Maybe even a new glimmer in her eye, and with a smirk not meant for her face she opened her arms wide for the audience as if to sell the effect she spoke. A new tone, much more stage-like and even showmen-like.

“Ladies and gentlemen! You’ve seen it first! A successful disappearing act!” Kirke’s chanting was met by a loud applause, waving of hands and merchandise. It seemed like every trick that the Zebra-man performed was just too appealing to everyone.

Still, she shot a look over to both Diana and Aiz. Though the bluette gave her a stunned look, while Diana’s was one of shock. Kirke was wearing a confident smile. Almost too familiar crawled upon her face- wrinkles forming on the sides of her cheeks.

“But a’las, where could’ve the great and amazing Stripes have gone…?” Kirke said, before an idea seemingly struck her. An idea that came from nowhere as she was trying to conjure of a method to free her friend. “A-ha! Of course~!” 

As Kirke placed her hand on her palm, as if finding out the truth, the smile seemed to become more strained. Kirke began to reach behind her, just above her neck trying to find something. For a brief moment she froze... As if awareness took over for a second. The pink witch blinking as her fingers grazed the existence of a metal thing that wasn't supposed to be there. Her smile faltering, almost like a stepford smile. Yet like a mask she could not take off, it persisted.

"Huh-"

Her fingers were beginning to pull. It was just her face that she could show. An expression of shock and realization as she heard the sound. Her one free hand trying to cast a warding spell. She can already hear the sound. She can already feel the immensely fast change of sensation.

"WAIT-"

ZIIIIIP

And... Well. Anyone who has been in Stripe's show would realize what happened. For all that magic that was in Kirke's hands. All those decades of knowledge about the arcane. Those were all meaningless behind a true act of magic. The archwitch that was the master of many and earned her own epithet through besting other witches? That was all irrelevant and nonsense for what’s to come. Even as Kirke was aware of her imminent fate, the moment of clarity would not provide much. She could feel how her hand took the grip of the metal piece behind her. Guiding it up and over her crown, and leading it down the center of her face the audience watched as the zipper created a clear seam down her center symmetry. She felt herself less, and less. And with whatever thoughts were left- were not hers but ones of someone else’s. The magician’s pride. Nothing more than a costume.

As she began to split apart, she let go of the zipper- which now was on its own guided course down to her crotch. Aiz could swear, they could see their aunt’s arms briefly try to hold themselves together- before going slack as her layers of fat began to tug downwards from gravity. An audible bounce as if trying one more time to rise up but soon faltering down.

Diana watched as Kirke’s eyes sunk in, emptying out along with her mouth. Briefly watching a zebra’s long tongue stick out from between her luscious lips and tasting her lipstick before retracting.

And with a ‘plop!’, where the woman once stood was now a shorter stature’d Zebra man. Hands out, ready to accept the eruption of applause that came. Stripes' glimmering smile accompanied the imminent cheers.

“Thank you, thank you! And please, thank my assistants as well~!” He gestured towards the girls, picking up Aunt Kirke by her crown, and with his other hand he took hers- puppeting the empty rubber suit to ‘wave’ to Aiz.

The pits of Diana's stomach sank even as she cheered. She was clapping alongside too. Yet why was she sweating? The sight of it was just another typical and remarkable act... so why had she frozen up completely?

Aiz on the other hand--- looked confused... An expression of... apprehension and doubt. She glanced around, tugging at a random person.

"Hey uh... where did my auntie Kirke go?"

So innocently and meekly her question came.

“Your Auntie? You don’t have an Auntie, that was just an actor pretending to be one.” The stranger said, before returning to clapping.

Aiz stared a bit more at the suit... Completely confused. The absoluteness of the statement was bone chilling for something that… felt like it was nothing. Her heart stirred as if she wanted to reject that but that was like trying to proclaim the sky wasn't blue. So with a shrug, she clapped. Her feelings of envy ended up fading fast and within moments she was grinning and clapping.

Diana herself was still clapping...

Yet felt incredibly off the more she stared at the scene. As if gaining a bit of awareness. But it was akin to a fleeting dream. Any sort of compassion or concern waned at the next command-

"Oh put this away,"

-as Diana shrugged and picked up the skinsuit disguise. For a moment she thought it seemed to shift slightly. But with the casualness of throwing something into a dumpster, she cast aside the materials straight into a prop bin before returning to her position.

"Seriously, how does he do that?" She muttered to Gabrielle. The question that she asked her friend before... Albeit this time, it had a bit more concern and worry. No sense of wonder almost.

“I’m not sure, I’ve been trying to keep a close eye and I can’t seem to find any kinks in his tricks…” Gabrielle whispered back, she wasn’t sure either- but there was a subtle deeper concern- less about the trick but the volunteers that act in them.

“Thank you! Now before this show comes to a close, I want to show you all the truth behind my work! The reason why my magic works to great illusion!”

Stripes snapped his fingers, and the cage behind him disappeared.  Gesturing to the remaining girls on stage, he pointed back to the audience.

“These ‘volunteers’ have simply always been part of the act!”

The audience gasped at this reveal, murmurs and whispers echoing throughout the isles. This announcement also came as a shock to both of them. With Diana’s instincts bubbling through her clouded dazed state. She just realized how dangerous being in the same area is. The blonde was already stepping back, but froze when she noticed her friend approaching Stripes.

“What? I’m sorry- but you must be confused, Diana and I were NOT part of your crew before this. We just showed up because your show looked interesting.” Gabrielle chirped, crossing her arms.

“Now, now- you can stop the act. ‘Gabrielle’ was just a stage character we decided to play.” Stripes spoke, just as confident as before.

“Seriously, I have NO idea what you’re talking about!” Gabrielle began to grow annoyed for the first time this hour. Turning away towards the audience she looked like she was about to go on a furious rant. But Diana could see it. The way that her grimace began to turn into a smirk. The way her demeanor seem to shift from the way she moved alone. “... Hehe.”

Diana, for the first time in what felt like hours came clear to what she saw- the fox girl turning to face her was no longer the friend she had stood on stage with! Rather, it looked to be some kind of rubber gimp suit of the fox. All her features now flat textures on her body, save for her hair which was inflated vinyl.

Her eyes now were large cutouts, with a pair of now realistic more clearly human eyes looking back. And with a slorp and a peel- the mask came off, revealing a nerdy dude. He looked a good few years younger than Diana. Not someone she’d willingly hang out with. He had a few freckles, and his hair was a bit greasy and messy from being stuck inside that mask.

“Alright, yeah- jigs up.” He flashed his braces with a toothy smile. “Surprise!”

Diana froze... she did not recognize that person one bit. She was completely tricked since she met up with this volunteer. That was.. pretty funny. All this time she thought she volunteered here with someone but it turns out her friend was just a guy pretending to be someone. Was she just persuaded to go along? That meant all those days they met up was a setup for this one joke?

"Oh.. haha, that's.. that got me! You sure did!"

Diana chuckled, recovering from the confusion. It made sense after all. The tickets and all that... the person... that she shared drinks and a meal with. That was all just a prank! In a sense! What a clever act!

"Hehehe, I sure got everyone!" The nerdy guy spoke in a nasally tone.

Diana stepped back relieved. Right. That voice. That voice was a shocker but it made perfect sense. It's something she heard of before already.... Diana winced. She looked at her hands... Beads of sweat visible on her face. But for what reason? It's not as if she has anything to be concerned about.

When she lifted her head, she saw Spikes scarily close. That ever so persuasive face. A calm collected smile. A smile that seemed to think he was always right.

"Jig's up. Reveal yourself."

It was a command.

“But I-”

“Reveal.” A command. “Yourself.”

“... I…”

“Jigs up~”

The way he said it repeatedly felt like she was already a puppet. The defense she’s mustering quaking under it. It was as if she’s trying to keep a sand castle upright against the constant waves of the sea.

And Diana squeaked a little...

As her body shuddered... Trembling in great fear at what's about to happen.

It was at this point that Aiz blinked. As if the mana inside her stirred. She was still a witch apprentice  and she had some awareness of magic. The youthful lass moved forward, eyes wide as she began to recognize what’s happening below.

"Hey kid watch out-"

"I'm short, not a kid! Shut it!"

As Aiz refocused. From her angle, she can witness it. The person is way way way up ahead. Diana! She was becoming something else. Realization as she saw more and more of what was happening.

"Is that..."

Diana whimpered a bit as she felt her hands beginning to turn jagged. As if her physical existence was beginning to get overwritten. Or rather, revealed. Like revealing the curtains of the truth all along. Her color seemed to shift slightly, as if becoming one at certain sections before splitting apart more and more. And to her own shock she was gazing down at her arm that was beginning to turn blocky. 

But not actual cubes.

But rather, into a large amount of small ones.

"Ah... wait... that's not right," Diana said breathily, as she lifted her arm. It had become frozen stiff, as if it realized it can no longer move. After all… An arm made out of lego bricks was simply not movable. Frantic panic was clear on Diana’s face as she began to hyperventilate for a moment. Then she began to laugh. “Ahahaha! Oh you really tricked us all Stripes!”

Diana’s eyes expressed sheer horror and dread. Yet at the same time it was so muted. The expression she showed to all was one of shock and amazement. Mirrored by all the others. It was the same even as her breasts began to turn into the same spherical form, yet clearly made out of blocks. Her legs would no longer move the way she wanted. Every bit of her even her insides felt disconnected yet connected. As if barely holding on together by the existence of these blocks. 

"That's really so cool..."

Diana flinched more and more as each part of her rapidly became nothing more than a child's toy in the shape of a voluptuous woman. Within seconds, the audience raised their volume in excitement as the person that they were just with was revealed to be nothing more than a series of toys. Only Aiz stared with actual realization and confoundment.

And finally at the end of it all...

There was Diana. Standing completely still. As nothing more than a lego statue.

Stripes walked up to the statue of lego bricks, waving his hands in front of the ‘face’. 

“Just kidding folks~We just had one volunteer and they were using lego blocks to trick you all. How’s that~?”

Before gently placing a single finger on it, and pushing it over.

CRASH! 

It went, exploding in a wave of pieces, some solid and some shattered. Her arms and legs slid across the stage in parts. Diana’s face can still be seen, frozen in a face that mirrored not her true expression. But one of sheer false happiness. Her mouth would not let out a single voice to express discontentment or cheer. Her parts are simply all over as the audience erupted into cheers.

This one was the loudest of them all. Triumphant horns and jazz jammed away from the speakers as Stripes unzipped himself and hollowed out onto the floor.

It wasn’t long before people, satisfied and equally amazed shuffled their way out, leaving the stage silent.

“Oh boy, I have to deal with the cleaning now? Okay fine!”

Only one person was left at the end of it, humming as he swept the floor. The staff that ‘pretended’ to be Gabrielle Thompson hummed as he cast aside his suit and the various props tossed around haphazardly. Though he stopped as he peered over at the remnants of “Diana” the lego blocks.

Well. Truthfully. No one would know what she was in the past.

Because she had always been just a bunch of lego blocks.

“Hmm… I guess he won’t mind if I take these!” So it was only natural that unnecessary props were disposed of. So thus the Staff member “Gabrielle” simply collected all the pieces of Diana, placing her in one large bag. But he paused seeing as her head would not fit at all due to the space. But this setback didn’t last for more than a moment as the staff raised the Diana head. “Ah well. Gotta disassemble you. You were a nice partner for this show! I’ll turn you into something cooler.”

SLAM!

SCATTER!

It was a lot easier to carry around the batch of lego blocks when they’re all just small pieces. The shine in Diana’s eyes almost seemed to wane a little as the pieces fell apart. Not that it mattered since you wouldn’t be able to identify any sort of human form on this batch of toys. So within that minute, “Gabrielle” hummed as he began to head out carrying his bag of goods. He didn’t know what he’d make out of his new toys just yet. But it was fun to have these again. Maybe he’d even buy new ones.