File type: Text File (.txt) [Download]
-----------------------------------------
(Warning, Contains TF, Hypnosis, Mind Control, Corporate-ification and latex)


  Echoes of a quant footsteps on gravel, shadows looming in the alleyway and the overall anxiety of a new location plagued Holly Wilderose as she walked down the silent path.  Steadying her nerves as she approached the location. She was nervous, taking a gamble on some online word of mouth of this person. An artist who can make her art transformative in a literal sense. Holly herself was wearing a cute red dress with puff shoulder pads as well as her trademark blue and black bodysuit underneath.


  Holly pulled up her tablet to make sure she was in the right place. “11, 12 Grove Alley”. She looked around, not immediately finding any doors. She sighed and took a few steps further into the alley. Though in her clumsy-ness, she accidentally bumped a trash can. She flinched as she heard the metallic object fall over. Followed by several quick flinches as she heard something metallic crash several times.


  Slowly looking over in dread, Holly saw that the lid of the trash can had rolled off to a staircase and fallen down it. Quickly she picked up the trash and brushed off her thighs before rushing over and walking down the staircase. Grabbing the lid and looking around, noticing a door labeled “11 12”. She was delighted that she found her destination, even if by accident.


  Satisfied with this, she reeled back and tossed the lid like a frisbee. It landed on the can with perfect accuracy. With a smile, she turned and knocked on the door. Placing her hands together and taking a step back, waiting patiently. This should be the workshop of the underground artist. One called Layla Lapis, surprisingly difficult to track down and commission online.


  A few moments of waiting before Holly decided to knock again, a little louder this time. However the instant she pulled back, the door opened slowly. As a red haired woman about Holly’s height pushed the door open, muttering something Holly couldn’t understand under her breath. She appeared to be struggling but as Holly was about to say something and offer to help. The woman seemed to have kicked something and opened the door fully.


  “There! Now, what can I do for you?” She said, seemingly irritated at the door and waiting for Holly to give an answer. Holly stood still for a second taking in the woman's odd appearance. They were the same height as noted before, but her hair was more bountiful, kept together with a green, leaf-like headdress. There was a small gem and emblem in the center. She was wearing a cute green strapless apron. Barely staying above her well endowed chest. Though Holly could spot some bandages wrapped around her chest from behind the apron. Her-


  “Hey! Excuse me Miss, you all there in the head? What do you need? I gotta get back to work.” She said, interrupting Holly’s thought process. The blonde gal shook her head and nodded. “S-Sorry. I’m Miss Wilderose. I’m here about the commission. The….” Holly looked over her shoulder just in case. “The instrument if you know what I mean.”  She said with a nervous smile.


  The artist nodded and stepped aside. Her neutral expression turned into a light smile. “Of course, how rude of me. Come on inside.” Holly slightly bowed and walked inside into the artists workshop. It was messy, as to be expected. Plenty of color splotches everywhere. She walked through what appeared to be an entrance room of some kind with a red couch and walked into the main studio. Paper and broken objects everywhere. There was even a round platform in the middle, barely an inch thick and what appeared to be a spotlight above it. Holly also took notice of Layla’s outfit from behind, wearing a short sleeve red shirt and a pair of very short cut blue jeans.


  Layla walked past Holly, hurrying over to a canvas. However, that wasn’t the only “canvas” around. As Holly noticed several stools, tables and Easels covered in a weird, fascinating paint- like substance. She approached one to get a closer look but her attention was caught as Layla let out a grunt. Reaching into a bucket covered in many types of paint and lifting up what looked to be a hump of molten clay, with her bare hands.  


  Holly tilted her head and reached out as Layla set the clay on one of the wider stools. It had no heat coming off of it despite its appearance. Her hand would be stopped however, as Layla would gently push Holly’s hand away with one of her paintbrushes. “Do not touch.” She said simply and plainly.


  Holly retracted her hand and looked over all of her tools, well she assumed tools. “How-” “I will not reveal my secrets.” Layla interrupted, clearly having that question asked a bit too much. Holly took a soft step back as her eyes were drawn to a canvas, upon it was her commission. A special violin for her boyfriend who’s birthday was tomorrow. Holly scurried up to it and looked it over, it was almost 1 to 1 what she described in the email. Except the purple was a little brighter than she wanted.


  “Ah yes, Not to worry. That was the hard part. I hope it's up to your standard.” She said, having hints of pride in her voice as Holly looked closely. The detail was very impressive. A wooden furnishing on what should be a metallic machine. Cool glowing strings and easily customizable. It would be the perfect birthday gift. Holly placed her hands on her hips triumphantly. “I must say, you did an amazing job.”


  “Was there any doubt?” Layla said, keeping the pride as she proceeded to dip both of her hands into the bucket, focusing for a mere moment before pulling them out. Softly glowing as she reached over and began to “mold” the molten clay as it were. Holly couldn’t help but take a seat on one of the spare stools and watch. Layla’s hands moved quite quickly as she got to work. Had Holly looked away, she would’ve seen the painting of the violin begin to glow.


  Soon, the clay began to stretch and take shape, stretching and elongating. Holly found it fascinating, she had seen pottery before especially growing up but this was on another level, at least to her. Especially as the clay really began to take shape. The neck and upper bout became more defined and finished. Holly leaned forward, placing her head against a balled up fist. It was like watching her boyfriend draw except well, literally more magical.


  Slowly, more of the violin came into focus and took form. Such as the strings, lower bout and general shape. The color of the clay also shifted from a molten orange to the bright purple of the painting. This continued for another few moments as the details were sculpted, Holly was star struck, Magic mixing with the well, artistry of art was something she didn’t know she would adore. She understood why Miss Layla's prices were quite high compared to say a 3D printer artist.


  Finally, Layla began to stop molding. Pulling away and reaching down, picking up a larger then usual brush and dipping it into her special bucket. Holly watched and stood up as the artist wielded it almost like a spear before brushing with speed over the violin. Before pulling the brush back and wiping some sweat off her brow. Standing proudly as the heated glow died down and with a poof, the violin was there. In all of its metallic glory.


  Holly took a few steps forward, more in awe if anything at what she just saw. She had seen some magic before, primarily from the gals her boyfriend droned beforehand. “Viola! That should be exactly as commissioned.” She said, standing with pride at her handiwork. Holly slowly walked up and looked it over. She was hesitant to touch it but without hearing any protest from Layla, she picked it up and looked it over. It was exactly as she had described. Every detail was accounted for, she lightly strummed one of the strings and it let out a soft, harmonious note.


  She tuned it, messed with some of the so-called automated settings, It was perfect and fully functioning. She held it close. She excitedly stepped in place, now imagining how her boyfriend was gonna react. Oh boy she couldn’t wait, it was gonna be too good. She always wanted to make him happy. She turned and rushed out, she needed to get it ready for the big day tomorrow. In her absent mindedness however, she would make a terrible mistake.


  Her rush would be stopped short as the front door slammed shut. A gust of air nearly pulling her off balance, the bang echoing throughout the entrance hall. Holly stood there, thrown off for a few moments as footsteps could be heard. Layla spoke, her voice cold. “Aren’t you forgetting something, Miss Holly?”


  Holly turned, still spooked out by the sudden bang as she shook her head. Layla bore an expression of stern understanding, like she was annoyed yet understanding. “F-Forgetting something? Does the project still need a few touches?” Holly asked, seemingly oblivious to what she was about to accidentally commit. It took a few seconds for Layla’s expression to lose the ‘understanding’ part before she groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Payment…You ditz.” she said, whispering the insult under her breath.


  Holly stood up straight as she felt like an absolute fool, realizing what she did. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry let me…” She trailed off as she reached into her dress pocket. Searching for her wallet before a realization hit her. Her blood ran a bit cold as she realized that she forgot her wallet. She moved the violin to her other arm as she dug through her other pocket only to also find nothing.


  Holly gulped as she quickly realized she was in a predicament. She forgot her wallet, that was really bad. She chuckled nervously as she quickly tried to come up with the words to explain. She began to sweat as she put up a fake smile. “I uh…seem to have forgotten my wallet and uh..” Holly tried to squeak out as she took notice of Layla’s quickly angering face. She knew she was in some trouble. Despite that, Holly took a step back, she knew she fucked up but she could make it better! She could come back after giving the gift and pay double! Easy.


  She turned around and made a break for it. Deciding to choose the very irrational decision and instantly getting the karma of her actions, slamming face first into the door being closed. “Stupid Girl” Layla said with a huff as she had used one of her brushes to push a nearby button to close the door. A little trap to prevent any scammers from making off without paying, and she always had a punishment for scammers.


  Holly stumbled back, the violin miraculously undamaged. The blonde was very dizzy from the impact, as a result. She put up little resistance as Layla grabbed a hold of her and forced her over to the art station, standing her in the exact center as she clapped her hands a few times. The lights of the studio cut out, leaving only a bright red light shining down from the spotlight on Holly. She found herself unable to move under the light. Only able to let out grunts before the disorientation wore off.


  “H-Huh what? W-why can’t I move?” She asked as Layla walked up and snatched away the violin, setting it off to the side. Her eyes gave off a piercing glare which caused Holly to sweat a little. The red haired Artist grabbed a hold of Holly’s body. Able to move her posture with ease, almost as if she was a mannequin. Her body had no resistance to Layla’s touch, despite feeling as rigid as stone. “H-Hey! L-Listen, I am gonna pay you, I just really need to get the violin to my boyfriend. Pu-please, I’ll pay you double!”


  Layla didn’t respond initially, more moving Holly’s body into a pose as if she wasn’t conscious. With many micro adjustments, Holly soon took the pose as if she was belly dancing. A blush appeared on her face. “C’mon, Wh-what are you gonna do to me? I’ll pay you I promise!” She said, trying to reason with Layla. While she was usually fine in situations being used like this, she only ever wanted it when she gave consent.


  “You thieves say the same things every time.” Layla said coldly before she turned around and grabbed her paint supplies. Her stuff glowing as she placed a hand up to her chin, pondering. Holly continued her attempts to move or budge but it was all unsuccessful. “P-Powerful light you got here. D-Did you make it with your crafts?” Holly said, trying to flatter Layla and maybe smooth this over. But her compliments fell on deaf ears as Layla didn’t acknowledge her.


  Holly fell silent as an awkward silence fell over the two gals. She waited with baited breath for a response before finally the Artists eyes lit up as she was struck with inspiration. She turned and grabbed her biggest brush. Holly gulped as she dipped it into the bucket. “Since you’re so irresponsible with money.” She pulls it out, the tip covered in blue paint. A few drips landed on the floor as she held it up to Holly’s face. “Perhaps I should give you a little….touch up.”


  “We really don’t have to do this.” Holly tried to plead one last time, but she was ignored as the brush was pushed forward and touched her chest. It felt cold as Layla began her work. It felt like an odd massage as Holly felt the brush strokes all across her body. Her body was soon covered in paint. She could feel her outfit changing, both her dress and bodysuit. It was an extremely odd sensation, especially when not in a trance. The paint moved on its own, shifting itself to fit around her body a little tightly. Little occasional rogue drops would splash up, landing on her face and hair. Moving and changing accordingly, she could feel it and it unnerved her, adding onto an already stressful situation. She closed her eyes as the paint applied a form of blue makeup and eyeshadow.


  Soon, the paint began to softly glow and take the form of a cloth outfit. A tight blue business suit, a fancy one at that with a red skirt and long full leg leggings. Holly looked down, only being able to barely see the suit and skirt past her chest. She even had a white undershirt with a red tie. It was an odd fit but she found herself disliking it. This stuffy, business affair did not fit her at all. She watched as Layla stood back, a smug cocky smile on her face at this little “makeover”.


  Holly let out a grunt as she attempted to move. “Really? This is what you put me into? I look like tacky corporate art.” She vented out her frustrations, unaware this was another add on to her bad decisions today. Layla's smile vanished in an instant, lifting Holly's chin with her brush so eye contact could be made. “Attempting to steal from me and then you insult my life's work. Perhaps you need a little paint over with your mind as well.” She said as she set down her large brush and picked up another, much longer and thinner than the rest. Not only that, but it was a weird color, looking almost transparent and ghostly.


  Holly watched the brush and gulped. “Wh-what do you mean by that?” She asks but Layla just rolls her eyes and dips the bucket into the paint. “Enough talking, the voices of thieves get on my nerves.” She said before she walked to the side of Holly and slid the brush into her head. Passing right through her skin light nothing Holly shuddered as her head felt cold. It was a very unnatural feeling, she felt the paint touch her brain and suddenly thinking became very difficult.


  Holly’s eyes lost focus as she blinked several times. Her brain struggled as she could feel the vague sense of change. Thoughts, words and emotions failed her as what little her body could do, convulsed. Layla moving the brush with very small but fine tuned moments. Painting over her personality, memories, everything. Making sure none of her old, dirty brain was untouched. Holly was irresponsible, so Layla was gonna make sure she would be the complete opposite.


  The brain painting only took a brief minute. But eventually Layla pulled the brush away and out of Holly’s head. The paint dripped on the floor before she placed it back into her bucket. She chuckled to herself, it had been a bit since she got to do that. Maybe Layla had more of a thing for doing this to people then she originally thought. But she shook her head and buried the thought for now as she turned back to Holly. Happy with how her newest project turned out.


  Holly meanwhile, stood in the pose she was left in. Her eyes were glassy and glazed over as if she had been hypnotized. Her mouth agape with a little drool coming out. Layla chuckled before she walked over and turned off the spotlight, allowing Holly to move. Her body limps over, arms just dangling on her sides but she does not fall over. Layla walked up, still amused and snapped her fingers. Holly would blink as she would wake up, slowly.


  Holly looked around, confused., disoriented. She was awake but her mind was still drying into place. Layla watched with her arms crossed and wearing a smug grin. It took about a minute before Holly shook her head again before she stood tall and gained a proud smile. Her empty and glazed eyes gained a much more sharp wit about them. Stretching a little bit before standing up straight. “Ah, I feel so much better. Thank you my dear Layla.”


  Layla nodded. “You’re welcome Miss Holly, I hope you will be much better and responsible as an accountant.” Holly nodded before her smile faded into a stern expression. “I will be, now when I get home I shall transfer three times the amount for the gift for my boyfriend. Now if you excuse me. I shall be off, I will be very busy with finding a good job to handle my new skills.” She said, walking off quickly and grabbing the violin without letting Layla speak again. But the artist didn’t mind, she knew her art was infallible.


—

---

  Footsteps rang out throughout the silent Beach House as Ameer Ashour returned with the groceries. He had to be out of the house for about two hours according to his dear girlfriend Holly for a surprise, given his birthday was tomorrow. It wasn’t a hard question as to why. But he made good use of the time, gathering the small amount of ingredients for his favorite meal for tomorrow.


  He put away all of the food quickly before looking around the house to see if anyone was home, maybe sneak a peek at the gift Holly had gotten him. Assuming she had gotten home before him but he liked to have faith in his girlfriend. But his excitement was also getting the better of him. He snuck around, keeping his wits about him, the house was eerily quiet compared to usual. Until he heard something that sounded like furniture getting dragged about coming from upstairs. He made his way over to Holly’s little area and peered through one of the doors.


  “Now girls, chop chop. We’re far behind schedule thanks to having to give you a re-education.” Said Holly from within her room. At least, it was close to it. But much more sophisticated and business-like. Kinda reminds him of Neo Susie in a way. His eyes went wide as He spotted her. Observing her new look with bewilderment and confusion. “Yes Miss Wilderose”  Spoke a few voices in the room and Ameer’s confusion.


  His loyal trio of permanent fembots, Iris, Schala and Marisa, were much different looking than the last time He saw them. (Which was only this morning). The three were wearing matching, black latex bodysuits which only really covered their torso, shoulders and upper hips, leading into a shiny very tight skirt look. Loose around the chest and under that was a dark red latex material with his drone logo also looking like a tie. All three also wore Very high thigh high boots. Riding all the way past their knees and almost covering their legs. There were blue highlights around the feet, giving the appearance of blue heels. Sort’ve matching his color scheme. Even if Ameer was bewildered, he admired the design given it wasn’t one of his. Lastly, he failed to notice that all three women had their usually long and flowing hair tidied up into buns. Straight laced, without a single hair out of place.


  Ameer softly pushed open the door to let his presence be known with a nervous chuckle as he straightened up his posture. “H-Hey Honey. Wh-what’s all this about?” He asked through the confusion, immediately He was met with four gazes as they all turned towards him. Holly turned and smirked. “Ah, welcome home Sir.” She said as she walked over, holding a clipboard in her left hand. “I’ve just begun renovations to start our business. I apologize for being behind schedule. The job transfer for your secretaries was tough work given there were resisting and costing us valuable time.”


  “Wh-wha-” Ameer tried to say before he was interrupted, his confusion ignored as Holly continued as she walked over to Iris. “I have removed their pesky free thoughts you’ve given them and fitted them with knowledge of how to take calls, organize meetings, give out your demands and potentially reprogram employees.” Iris then immediately bowed and spoke in a soft tone. “I can’t wait to work for you without a break, Boss.” The other two followed suit as Holly chuckled, pulling up her clipboard. “Now then, if we’re fast we can renovate this room into a luxurious office for you Sir. Then we can begin looking for employee fembots as soon as possible to mass produce your lucrative inventions. I expect our profits to soar and we can have an impressive first quarter. Thoughts?”


  Ameer was dumbfounded, utterly dumbfounded. He brought his arms up, almost ready to clench them before they dropped to his sides. "What?! What are you gals talking about? What's even happening?!" He shouted, to say this was unlike Holly was an understatement. To say He also wasn’t a fan of this, was also an understatement. Holly stopped, also but off by her dear Sir’s outburst. “Now now Sir, we can’t have that attitude. It could hurt our bottom line and our profits.-Will you stop talking like that?!” Ameer interrupted, clearly exasperated


  Ameer lightly grabbed Holly’s cheek and made eye contact. “Why are you acting like this? Did you end up watching some kind of shady video online or something?” He asked, making a gentle plea to the woman he loved. Holly just chuckled. “There’s nothing to worry about Sir, I was merely given a lesson in responsibility and have taken effective steps to improve all of it. Especially with the large payment made for my mistakes.”


  Ameer tilted his head with concern. “Uh…huh. And where did you get this little…lesson if I may ask?” He asked, already getting an idea in mind of what happened here. He straightened himself up again and decided to play along. He had noticed her eyes were off. They were much more…strict, professional and lacked any bubbly-ness in them. It was off putting given the 12 or so years they’ve known each other. He placed his hands behind his back and began to tweak a few settings on his watch to make a fix.


  “Well then Hol-Miss, Miss Holly. May I find out where you go-Acquired such a lesson?” He asked, playing along trying to put on a professional tone to his voice. It wasn’t a very good attempt. But it seemed to fool Holly enough. She smiled and put the clipboard down to her side. “Ah yes, It was where I went to purchase and acquire your birthday gift. It is for the best that I keep it a secret for tomorrow. If you don’t mind, that is.”


  Ameer raised an eyebrow. “Ah…Yes. But I….would like to acquire them to be a part of our business. Purchase them as it were.” He said, trying to spin his words. Attempting to spin his voice as a sort of snake tongued charmer. It wouldn’t really work to anyone normal, but to the “new” Holly it worked surprisingly well. “Well, with that logic sir. Perhaps we could spin a deal with our finances. I shall forward the address to your inbox.”


  Holly walked over and past Ameer. Walking out of the room in the meantime. Ameer looked over his shoulder to make sure she was gone before turning his attention towards his new “secretaries”. He let out a sigh as He scrubbed his hand down his face before holding up his watch and ordering. “Watch here girls.” All three women looked up with their small, obedient smiles never leaving their faces.


  It brought a smile to his face at how amusing it was. They were still so obedient and cute like this. He pushed a button on his watch as it released two flashes quickly, One red and one blue. The first one entranced them, the second put them into ready for orders mode. A split second of them going slack and leaning forward before pinging straight up with empty eyes and mindless smiles. He chuckled, He always enjoyed doing that.


  “Now listen here gals. I don’t have long. So I’m gonna snap my fingers and when I do. You’re all gonna go back down to the lab and enter your capsules. Input Rule 25, Personality Restoration Protocol. Got it?” He said making sure the order rode right into their very, very mushy brains. They didn’t even have to respond before Ameer held up his hand and SNAPed his fingers. Awakening all girls before they gave a simple bow and left the room. They didn’t need to give vocal confirmation, He knew the order worked. He smirked, proud of his work before hiding her watch behind his back as Holly walked back in.


  Holly held the tablet in her hand as she swiped at a few things on the screen before Ameer's phone beep in his pocket. “There we go, Address sent.” She said as Ameer pulled out his phone, only to see Holly sent a text message rather than an email. He did his best to keep his face straight but he found it funny. He read over the address before holding up his watch. “Say Cheese sweetie.” He said as he flashed her with the hypnotic flashes.


  Holly looked up at the flashes, blinked and…No reaction. Instead of entering a trance like the other gals, she just gained a stern look on her face. “Please don’t be silly sir. We are on company time after all.” She said as she rather impressively quickly reached up and took the watch off of his wrist. “I’ll be taking this so you won’t be tempted to goof off.” She slid the watch into her pocket and turned around, tapping a few things on her tablet. Leaving Ameer a little flabbergasted. He sighed internally as he thought of a way to keep her distracted. He took a deep breath and kept up the facade.


  “So what’s next on the plan? I sent out our secretaries for supplies.” He said as He walked up and looked over Holly's shoulder, looking at her tablet. “Well after a transfer of funds. I believe more remodeling would be needed. I have plans to expand the bedrooms into offices as well as the lab into a more proper processing plant. Getting a good worker drone area as well. We should be operational within the next week or two.” Ameer heard that part, but his eyes went wide at the tablet, showing a potential payment of nearly 15 thousand dollars?!


  With quick thinking, He grabbed a hold of the tablet. “Let me look over this. All payments from our company must be approved by me of course.” He said trying to hide his anxiety as he quickly denied the charge and closed out the app before playing it off. “All seems to be within reason and order. Sent.” He said before handing the tablet back over. “With that taken care of. I want you to start within the drone lab. I believe that would be the most effective spot to start.”


  Holly held out her hand as Ameer gave the tablet back. A smile formed over her stern face as she turned away. “Sure thing Sir, I shall get to it at once.” She said as she immediately turned and left the room again to get to work. Giving Ameer a light show as she purposefully leaned forward with a little strut. Ameer found himself blushing at the sight. Once she walked out, Ameer acted quickly. Heading out and towards his room. The blush never left his face as he relaxed a little bit. Embarrassed over having to put up the stoic business act. He hated it.


  He also hated having to do this next bit. He set a trap for Holly, having set all available capsules to “storage” mode. Making it so all of the capsules would grab a hold of Holly and “store” her for later. He felt bad for this but He assumed he needed to act fast if he wanted to reverse whatever was done to Holly. Like when she was kidnapped by Neo Susie and turned into a weapon and it took surprisingly long to “de-brainwash” her.


  He closed his laptop and looked down at the address on his phone. His brows furrowed as He sped out of his room. He had some choice words for whoever would do this to his honey, especially on the day before his birthday, hell of a gift….


—

---

  Layla stepped back from her current project as she wiped sweat from her brow. Her next project of an actual lava lamp was coming to fruition. She smiled as she stepped away for a drink of water before she was startled by a knock at her front door. Grumbling something to herself in Arabic under her breath as she set her drink down. She grabbed one of her brushes. She wasn’t expecting any customers in person today. Which was never a fun sign for the artist.


  She unlocked the deadbolt and slowly opened the door. Her eyes in a squinting glare. “How may I help you?” She asked with her tone clearly not wanting any visitors. Ameer stood on the other side of the door, his arms crossed “Excuse me. Are you Miss Layla?” He asked, his voice carrying an irritated impatience. Layla opened the door a little bit more. “Yes, That’s me.”


  She positioned herself in the doorway with her hand on her hip. “Again, can I help you?” She said with irritation in her own voice. “I have projects I need to get to.” Ameer sighed and got straight to the point. “I’m here because of Holly Wilderose? She had business here earlier today?” He placed his hand against the wall, leaning against it as if He was waiting for her to make the first move. But rather than anything, Layla simply asked. “Well, do you have my money?”


  Ameer tilted his head a little in confusion. “Your…money?” He asked, She rolled her eyes and opened the door. “Come on in.” She turned and walked into the studio apartment. Ameer peered his head inside. Looking around at the messy foyer. Before following the fellow artist. His eyes lit up and went wide as he was led into and looked around the studio. “Wow….Impressive place. You’re a fellow artist huh?” He observed and asked. His thoughts about Holly taking a soft backseat as He did enjoy what was being made here.


  “Yeah. My work isn’t cheap. So are you here to give me the payment?” She said leaning against an easel with an unamused expression. “I’m sure you’re here cause your girlfriend is  the way I made her right?” She asked, Ameer went to answer but she interrupted him. “Yeah well, next time tell her to not try and steal from me. The project she wanted was large and took a lot of magic. It wasn’t cheap. So, You want me to change her back right? Well, it won’t be cheap.”


  “Wh-what?!” Ameer shouted before quickly composing himself. “Okay, one, Hollys not a thief and she wouldn’t steal. Two, you could’ve just contact me and I would’ve paid you, three, what could a gift you make all of that time be worth to completely brainwash my girlfriend?!” He shouted, even doing a lightly exaggerated hand motion, counting out on his hands. Layla merely rolled her eyes. “She tried to run out of here without paying and then smack talked about my art. I merely dealt with her like how I always deal with no good thieves.” She said calmly but a hint of animosity in her voice.


  Ameer rubbed his face before sighing. “Look, just give me a means to turn my girlfriend back to normal and I’ll pay you. Okay?” He said as Layla gave a small, sly smirk. Acknowledging she had the chips in the situation. “Well then, if you’re so certain to pay for both your gift and your girlfriends…”cure”” She said with finger quotations. “I’ll come up to…15…No! 16 grand. I believe that should cover every fee.” She said as her sly smirk turned into a smug grin.


  Ameer’s arms fell to his side as he got a dumbfounded look on his face. “Wh-wha…” He muttered out in disbelief at such a high price. “We…we cannot afford that, at all.” He sighed again and stood up straight. “Ugh…Is there…anything we can work out instead?” He said, trying to barter. A sense of impatience coming off, Layla rolled her eyes as her grin faded. “Look I’ve got bills to pay and Miss Holly is lucky I didn’t call the cops for stealing. Take it or leave it.”


  Ameer's brow furrowed as his irritation reached a peak. “Look, I don’t wanna cause any trouble, nor do I wanna do this the hard way. So let's just make this a simple transaction and nothing has to happen. How about 5 payments over the course of the next few months.” He said, his tone tired but his words more ominous than intended. Layla took it as a threat, her eyes narrowing before appearing to relent. “Alright fine, if it’ll get you out of here. Just stand on the small podium in the middle.”


  “O-Oh, okay? Ameer said with both relief and confusion before shrugging internally and walking on over to the small podium. Standing on it proudly as He watched Layla get up and walk on over to the wall, An alarm bell was set off in his head however, as He heard her mutter-”الإضاءة هتخليك تثبت في مكانك يا حرامي”-in Arabic, He acted quickly as she flipped a switch, dodging to the side with a dodgeroll, accidentally knocking over one of her easels.


  The lights of the room went dim as a soft red light lit up the room, a spotlight pointing straight downwards on the podium. Layla raised an eyebrow. “Ah, you must be a fellow Muslim. No matter, all thieves shall pay the same.” She said, grabbing one of her paintbrushes, dipping it into the bucket and then twirling it like a staff. “We shall do it, as you said, the hard way.” Ameer grunted, but he could tell there was no other option. So He calmed himself, stretching lightly before reaching into his shirt pocket and pulling out his fancy silver stylus. Layla tilted her head in confusion and raised an eyebrow. Part of her wanted to laugh but she just watched and waited for Ameer's next move.


  Ameer pushed a button on the stylus, causing it to enlarge considerably and its pen-like tip turned into the tip of a spear. Soon taking the shape of a weird spear itself. Before taking a fighting position himself. “Very well, Bring it on!” He said as his gaze narrowed and thrusted forward. While Layla blocked it rather easily, Layla pushed the spear aside before she splashed some paint towards him.
  
  Ameer reacted quickly, leaping to the right. The Paint barely missed his chest before He clicked a button on his spear, shooting out his own ink towards Layla. Layla’s eyes went a little wide at the surprise attack as she quickly blocked them with her large brush. She slowly approached Ameer, circling him to see any weak points. Before quickly sweeping at his legs with the brush. Ameer took the fall, having his legs swept out from under him and landing on his butt. “Ow…” He whined out before quickly scuttling backwards as Layla went for a broad stroke of paint, leaving a red and pink smear on the floor.


  “I’m thinking for you, A more bratty rich type CEO to go with your accountant girlfriend. Fitting for the thieves you two are.” She said as she took another sweeping stroke at Ameer. With haste, He climbed to his feet to get out of the way. “For an artist, you sure know how to fight….” Ameer observed, choosing to ignore that comment for now. But he absolutely despised the idea. “Why thank you, Homeland was not kind to me.” She said before going for a stab with her brush towards his chest.


  Ameer blocked it, going on the defensive as Layla continued to attempt precision strikes at Ameer. He was barely able to keep up thanks to his enhanced speed. Backpedaling until He tripped over the easel He knocked over earlier. Ameer landed on his hand, turning it into a backflip as He landed on a cushion, keeping his balance on the small platform while doing so. He looked down at Layla who had a scowl on her face as she quickly took this opportunity to dip her brush back into the bucket as a sort of reload on her paint.


  “L-Look, We don’t have to keep doing this You know. We can just talk this out like adults.” Ameer said, attempting to defuse the situation. But it appears his opponent wasn’t willing to listen. She simply growled out. “I do not discuss mercy with thieves, not anymore, never again.” She said as she flung another splash of paint towards him. Ameer sighed as He pushed another button on his Stylus Spear and it shot out a small glob of black ink, which collided with the paint causing it all to splatter everywhere.


  Ameer turned away momentarily so none of it hit his face, getting a sight of the red spotlight that was supposed to be his trap. The gears in his brain started to turn as an idea took shape. But He couldn’t hang onto it as He felt a blow land on his cheek, sending him off of the cushion and onto the floor once again. Layla had smacked him with the other end of her brush. She gently moved the cushion to the side. Walking up to the brown haired artist with the cartoonish-looking eyes. Taunting. “Eyes on the prize, thief.”


  Ameer rubbed his cheek before grabbing a hold of his spear and looking up at Layla with a glare of his own. He swung his spear towards Layla, using it more like a club instead of a spear. The female artist acted and blocked as per usual. But her determination was thrown off as a loud crack could be heard as the two weapons collided. Layla looked down in horror as she saw part of the spear had chipped down and into her brush.


  She gasped silently as her mouth fell agape. Her hands softly gripped her precious brush as she could see the very noticeable chip and dent into the wooden finish of the handle. The will to fight seemingly vanished as she was too in shock to continue for a mere moment, to which her opponent took full advantage. Ameer didn’t notice as He pulled on his spear to yank away the brush. Causing it to clatter onto the floor.


  Layla reached out for it, but she was unable to react in time as Ameer gave her a kick to the stomach, causing her to stumble back right into the very spotlight she wanted to trap Ameer into. Once she was fully under the light, her stumbling stopped as she “froze” under it. Unable to move, not immune to her own trap whatsoever.


  Ameer slowly climbed to his feet, rubbing his cheek as He look over at Layla, seemingly frozen in place. She let out a grunt before seemingly giving up, knowing it was pointless. Ameer walked up, curious. Waving a hand in front of Layla’s face.The eyes followed, but she did not say anything. Out of curiosity, He reached out and grabbed her hand. It was move-able. Once he let go, it just stayed there. He chuckled. “So you’re just like a doll under this light huh?” He said as He moved her other arm, putting them together above her head just to test it.


  He had to hold his laughter at this, but He decided to just make it quick. He made her body stand up straight, feet together, arms and hands straight to her side. “Now for the fun part, let's put this all behind this.” Ameer said, pushing a button on his style to put it away before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a visor. “I’d offer a last chance, But it sounds like you need to unwind anyway.” He placed the visor over her head, right over her eyes and turned it on.


  The visor pinged to life as Layla’s vision was immediately assaulted with a vibrant assortment of red spirals. She was forced to stare deeply as her eyes locked onto them. For some reason she quickly found herself unable to close them. She suddenly felt very tired especially after the fight, her eyes struggling to stay open, feeling very heavy. As she stood there with the spirals burning a way into her mind, Ameer took this opportunity to look around her studio.


  He made his way around, looking over some of her personal paintings. They were quite expressive which he grew to appreciate, it was different from his own style. But He soon moved on, looking for what would cure or reverse what had happened to Holly. At least he could ask Layla once she was done. He didn’t entirely want it to come to this, it wasn’t their best situation. But He hoped he could make it right in the end.


  After a few minutes of searching, He had to give up as He didn’t know how any of her art stuff really worked. He looked over to see Layla’s progress. He chuckled as He watched her eyes flutter, clearly wanting to close but being unable to. Shows she fell right into trance with little resistance. He decided to tease her a little. “Heh, so much fighting prowess yet you gave in so easily. If I didn’t know any better…I’d say you wanted this. You must really like to be hypnotized?” He said, his words riding down the spirals straight into her brain.


  “I think you want to be hypnotized. You want to submit to someone stronger than you. You want to give up. Give in, Become fully hypnotized and let my visor do its work. Feel your thoughts become organic and you begin to view yourself as an organic robot.” He said, He didn’t even need confirmation to know his words were burrowing into place. “You will temporarily forget being anything else. As far as you remember, you have always been an organic robot. My organic robot. It brings you utter bliss and makes you happy. So happy to be mindless and obedient, without free will.”


  Slowly, her golden yellow eyes lost their light and pupils, becoming the same empty red as the rest of his Ashour Drones. He grinned as He moved it along. “Feel your thoughts become mindless code. You are just a robot, a doll, a toy and you love every single moment of it. When I snap my fingers pretty soon here, you’ll enter a restart and awaken to your new destiny.you got that?” He said as Layla finally muttered out, dazed and softly. “Y-Yes Master…” The spiral and lights have completely broken her down with surprising efficiency.


  Ameer rose his hand in front of her face before snapping his fingers. The snap echoed throughout her mind as everything “powered down. Her eyes closed and her mouth hung open. The visor changed direction as a bunch of “commands” rode up on the visor as everything was set into place. Her shirt and jean shorts she was wearing under her apron would “digitize” away, being replaced with the standard red, blue and white Ashour Drone bodysuit, complete with his symbol on her chest. Her green apron would stay cloth but extend, reaching around her butt and covering both sides of her thighs, as well as cleaning itself of the many paint splatters adorned on it. Lastly, her headdress became a little bulkier and shinier. The Gem turned into the shape of Ameer’s Ashour Drone symbol.


  After about a minute of “resetting”, Layla finally woke back up, pinging awake. She went to move, but couldn’t due to the spotlight. Chanting out proudly. “Ashour Drone Unit Layla online and awaiting orders.” Her tone was robotic, but proud. Ameer clapped his hands together happily. “There we go, much better as my drone now aren’t you. Let's get you out of the light.”


  “Okay Master, I feel so much better. This unit apologizes for her earlier actions and feels immense regret for it.” She said as Ameer walked over to the level, placing both hands on the lever and pulling it down, shutting off the spotlight. Layla blinked as she could move again. However, she didn’t break her pose. Instead standing tall into a salute, awaiting orders from her Master. Ameer chuckled and gave her butt a soft, playful tap. “Alright Drone, You can move now. How can I reverse what you did to Holly?”


  Layla turned to face him, stepping off of the podium and lowering her hand. “I would love to Master.” She said with a bow. “I believe I should know just the cure…”


—

---

  Holly struggled in her binds as she kicked around her dangling feet. She had been captured by one of these infernal drone capsules. Suspended up in the air for what felt like hours now. This was a massive setback and supremely unproductive. She had a few choice words for her boss once He returned. Perhaps she should give him a re-education like she did with those fembots of his.


  She grunted to herself until she finally heard the main lab door open. She watched with eager relief to finally be free. Seeing her boss walk around the corner holding what appeared to be a watering can of sorts? “Sir, it has taken you far too long. I have been entrapped here for several hours now. May you please release me so we can get back on some semblance of a schedule.” Ameer simply shook his head as He opened the capsule door. Holly didn’t even notice He was followed by Layla in her Ashour Drone getup.


  “Just a second Holly. Grab her head and hold it in place, Drone.” He ordered Layla. As He seemingly ignored Holly chastising him about being late. She growled and glared at Ameer. “Sir, what is the meaning of this? Let me go at once!” She ordered as Layla obediently and happily walked up to Holly. Grabbing her head softly and tilting it ever so slightly. Holly continued to demand to be let go.


  Ameer didn’t listen as He placed the tip of the watering can up to her ear and began to pour something cold into her head. While normally this would be poisonous or calls for alarm. Instead, Holly merely felt woozy and cross-eyed as the paint on her brain was wiped away harmlessly. Her eyes blinking a few times as Ameer began to then pour the liquid in the can onto Holly’s outfit, to which it too was just wiped away, her Red dress and blue bodysuit combo returning as if it hadn’t been changed.


  Holly shook her head as the disorientation set in. She felt inebriated as she looked between Ameer and Layla before she was finally let go of the capsule. Ameer waved his hand in front of Holly’s face. “You there Honey? Are you yourself again?” He asked before turning to Layla. Who, while if she was normal she would be absolutely devastated that her work was destroyed, Just simply gave a content bow. “The Thinner will work Master, She’ll be fine.”


  Holly finally shook her head again. “Ugh…I never wanna be like that again.” She said with a chuckle as she stumbled over and wrapped her arms around Ameer for a hug. “Thanks for this babe…” Ameer hugged back, patting his partner on the back. “Its alright honey, I’m just glad you’re not about to monopolize my lab.” He said with a chuckle of his own as the pair separated, Holly gave him a quick cheek kiss leaving him with a blush as she turned towards Layla.


  “Well well well. Look who’s powerless now.” Holly taunted as she took a step towards the droned artist, crossing her arms as Layla just obediently looked up at her with a submissive smile. Holly sighed and dropped her smug bravado. “Awe it's not gonna be fun if she’s already droned.” She said as Ameer chuckled and added on. “Still, I think we’ll keep her around for a bit as a punishment of sorts. Trying to extort us for thousands of dollars and all that.”


  Holly paused before turning back to Ameer rubbing her arm. “Well…about that. We still kinda do owe her a bit for your gift tomorrow…” She said sheepishly. “I forgot my wallet when I went to pick it up…that’s how this started.” She said, almost like a child admitting they broke one of their parents' Vases. Ameer merely sighed and shook her head softly. “Well, She did attack me and refuse to turn you back. So I’m still gonna keep her around for a bit. But We’ll pay her. Feels right at that point.”


  Holly chuckled nervously before her eyes lit up with an idea as she turned towards Layla. “However, I am gonna use you for preparations for tomorrow, that’s for sure.” She said walking up to Layla and gently grabbing her arm. Pulling her outside of the capsule. “We’ve got a lot to do for the party tomorrow. So lets gather the girls and you’re gonna help with everything. Got it?” Holly said as Ameer watched the two of them head towards the lab exit.


  However, Holly paused, instead setting Layla by the entrance. “Stay here for one moment.”She said before quickly heading back to Ameer. “Sorry, I got ahead of myself-No need Honey, Go on and plan the party with the girls. I’ve got a little idea I wanna make in here.” He said as He kisses Holly’s cheek. “You sure?” She asked with some concern in her voice. “I did kinda muck up your birthday….Are you sure I can’t do anything for you?”


  “Yeah, One hundred percent! Now go on before you get ‘behind schedule’” He teased as it was Holly's turn to blush before she nodded. “If you say so dear.” She turned and rushed on over to the exit, once again dragging Layla along with her. Ameer chuckled as his blush faded. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial of a mysterious ink like goop. It was moving. A little sample of what Layla uses for her art. He watched it move with a light fascination, He had ideas and well, he had the time. He’ll certainly make something special out of this…..