Kelsey Criss-Cross, The Cross

"We just think the Hornet might be able to help us," I said.

Agus looked past us to a waitress down the line who was trying to get his attention. "Right, right. 'ave it yor way. If I spot the chuffin' H'ornet, right, I'll let yer both know." He said as he moved over to the slave girl.

"Okay, so that guy was hard to understand." I said to Maddy, unable to stop smiling. She smiled back, and for a moment, I felt like I had no problems. Like this was just another, normal fun night out.

"Right, so let's get our information sorted out," Maddy said, taking another big gulp from her mug. She made a face, but it looked more subdued than her first sip, "So this place is run by the Hornet. New slaves get sent to him and he puts them to work."

"Hmmm. Maybe we can backtrack some of this information." I said between sips. This beer wasn't too bad, it was growing on me. "I'm thinking... if we can find this Hornet guy, maybe we can convince him to tell us where the slaves get sent from. We can try asking nicely, and if that fails, then we can try following or luring him outside, and then BLAM!" I put a fist into my palm, "We give him the business and find out who sends him slaves."

I watched Maddy think about my plan for a bit. She took another big gulp, and with a smile, she said, "If a skank like you can pull off that outfit, then anything is possible."

I don't understand how things can always be so difficult. So many of these thugs were ecstatic to be talking to us, that we'd approach a table and begin making small talk. We planned to see if someone would tell us who the Hornet was, but Maddy and I agreed beforehand that we'd need to ask in a roundabout way.

To never actually say 'Hornet', but rather to get someone else to bring it up. Then we could act aloof and then try digging out answers.

Sadly, it never seemed to play out that way. Instead, these oafs would buy a round for all of us, and then Maddy and I would have to fake laugh at some terrible flirting and bad jokes. On the bright side, we were drinking for free, but eventually, they'd start to get handsy and we'd move on and try at another table.

I was starting to get a really good buzz on, but I needed a break from all this crowd. I took Maddy's hand and pulled her into the women's restroom. Going to the restroom would also allow me a chance to better check on these cat ears and tail. I needed to know how bad it had merged with me, and I wasn't about to be the lady who shoves her hand up her ass in public.

"Sorry, Maddy. I need a break from this. Wh'd have thught this would be so hard?" I said to Maddy as we entered the quiet restroom. The alcohol had me sounding a bit drunk.

"What would be so hard?" said a raspy voice.

There was an older lady in the women's restroom, leaning against the sink, taking a drag from a cigarette. She was short and stout, with greying hair done up in a bun. She looked irritable, with scowl lines etched into her face.

"Oh, you scared me," I said, meaning it. I hadn't expected there to be anyone in here.

"Come on now, sweetheart. I'm not that scary. If anything, you two fit young ladies should be making me worried, dressed up like that. You both look like a couple of strays wandering in here. You especially, with that get up on." The old lady said between puffs.

She began squinting harder at me. She stared at my cat ears, examining them, "Well, shit. Those look to be some interesting ears you've got on miss. I'm Brigitte." She shook our hands.

"I'm Kelsey and tis is Maddy. It's nice to meet you." I introduced ourselves. My words came a bit rough, even to my ears. The alcohol was doing its thing, "These ears wre put on me earlier today. Same wit the tail." I said turning to show Brigitte.

"Hmm. That looks like some odd stuff..." She said as she approached me. She had me turn around, pushing me how she wanted, to get a better look at the tail. "This tail has some intricate magic infused into it." She said as she pulled on it gently.

The bell jingled lightly, and I felt joy shoot up my spine. I once again moaned involuntarily.

"I like the cute bell and bowtie at the end. It's just precious." Brigitte said in a chuckle.

"Better be careful pulling on that tail of hers. The slut really gets off of it, and you might end up having a new cat following you around." Maddy said with a laugh, Brigitte released my tail, and her attention pulled away from me. "We've been looking for somebody, but haven't had any luck so far. Have you ever heard of the Hornet?" Maddy asked.

"Oh?" Brigitte said, then took another drag, her face growing more serious. "I've heard of the name before, but why would you be looking for the Hornet? Maybe, start from the beginning."

Maddy looked at me, then back to Brigitte. Relief washed over her face as she confided her story to the old lady. How she'd been a part of an adventuring group that was responsible for rescuing so many kidnapped girls. How they'd been ambushed and separated, and how she and Brinn teamed up with our team in hopes of finding and rescuing her teammates. Brigitte took it all in, quietly and thoughtfully.

While Maddy was talking, I excused myself and slipped into a private stall. The ears were a problem, but I needed to find out more about the tail. With the door closed, I still listened to the conversation, but I had the privacy to pull down my panties and get a feel for what I had done to me.

Just what I'd feared, the plug was no more. The tail had fully merged with my tailbone and had become a part of me. A monsoon of emotions whirled through me. Rage at my predicament. Anger and tremendous resentment at Mercy for putting the damn thing on me. Embarrassment at how I must look. Panic at how I'd get this off me if it could come off me.

There was also a small amount of relief too, for now, I didn't have to worry about how I'd have a movement. Being unable to pull a plug from my ass, could have more health issues than I'd like.

"So, you two plan on finding the Hornet?" Brigitte asked, her voice raised so I could better hear her over the stall door.

"That's the plan. Doo you know who he is?" I said loudly in kind.

"How about you girls join me at my table and I can see about helping you both find your friend. I'm really thirsty." Brigitte said loudly.

The restroom door opened, letting the sounds from the bar enter. "I'll with Brigitte at her table. When you're done in there, come join us." Maddy said on her way out.

I finished my business in the stall and left the restroom. It didn't take me long to find them. They sat at a round table near the corner of the main floor bar. I joined them, sitting down close to Maddy.

***

"I hope you don't mind Kelsey, but I can't stand the swill they serve at the bar. I've ordered some refreshments from the special stock." Brigitte told me as I sat down.

As if it was carefully timed out with her words, a slave waitress arrived at our table. This wouldn't have been a surprise except that this looked like the only waitress who did not have her hands bound behind her back. She still had a collar and shackles on her wrists.

"I have got a special treat for you two. I've arranged for the head waitress to be our waitress for the night, along with the rare spirits." Brigitte told us before directing our attention back to the waitress. She had a tray filled with three glass cups and a large dark red bottle.

"Good evening, madams. My name is Tootsie. I'll be serving only your table tonight. Please don't hesitate to call on my services." Tootsie introduced herself. She was tall with dark curly hair. Like all the other slaves in the bar, she was topless and had the slave piercings.

We thanked Tootsie as she handed out empty glasses to each of us. Then with a flourish, she uncorked the bottle. There was a picture of a pink flower on the bottle. Tootsie flushed and looked slightly dazed at the smell of the liquid before composing herself. She poured only a few ounces of liquid into each glass before backing away from the table into the corner, bottle still in hand.

The corner of the bar that we sat in looked to have a bit of a reservation feel to it. Patrons were meandering nearby, but not many approached our table.

"I've never really cared for ale my dears, so I do hope you don't mind this instead. Though, I must warn you, once you've tasted this stuff, it will be hard to drink anything else. It's so delicious, you'd think it was addictive." Brigitte said with a light chuckle.

Honestly, I would prefer ale. I felt such a mood. This morning had so much promise, only to be turned into a nightmare. All I wanted was a tattoo and adventure with my friends. I guess I was getting some sort of adventure. I just never expected to have a tail and cat ears or an unwanted tattoo permanently attached to me.

I lifted the small glass to my nose, smelling the drink. It was a dark rose color that smelled a little like fermented fruit. Well, Brigitte had said it was world-changing, but if it'll get me drunk, who fucking cares. I NEEDED to get drunk. I needed to forget about all this shit with the tail, the tattoo. I just wanted to feel good.

In one quick motion, I slammed the drink back. It went down incredibly smooth. It had a floral scent and tasted sweet like cherries. "Holy fuck, Brigitte, ths drink is incredible."

Both Maddy and Brigitte looked stunned by the way I'd guzzled the drink down.

Brigitte started laughing, "I told you. I thought you'd like it. You should try it too, Maddy."

"I've been watching Kelsey slam back drinks all night. That whore probably will enjoy anything." Maddy said jokingly, smiling at me as she said it.

Maddy lifted her drink, smelled it, and then took a sip. She looked incredibly pleased with the taste and began to quaff it down as well. Like me, she didn't sip it, but instead drank it in one gulp. Maddy placed her glass down and in moments Tootsie was there, pouring more for us.

We spent some time just drinking and talking. There was a lot of cheering happening in the upstairs gambling area. There was little doubt in my mind that Ren had dragged Alice up there. I bet Ren could hardly wait for a chance to go up there.

I downed yet another cup. This drink was so good and smooth. I was definitely feeling it hit me just right. Maddy seemed to be trying to keep up with me. She didn't look like much of a drinker, but you could tell that this was now her drink of choice.

"So, you girls were saying that you're looking to find the Hornet?" Brigitte asked.

"Thass ride. Wee wanna fine the horned. Wee thing iff wee c'n fine himm, wee c'n ged himm t' lead us t' where the fire thorns brin' therre new slaves" I said. God's, it was hard to think right now. I was feeling a bit lightheaded. I wonder if it was from mixing beer before liquor or something.

Holy fuck was I feeling horny right now too. More than once I thought about maybe going back to the restroom and trying to relieve some of this desire.

"The fire thorns arr bad peeple whoo took my frienns. Wee haffta helb rescue 'em brigidde. Iss impor'nt thad wee fine 'em soon, before iss too lade." Maddy said passionately, though a bit incoherently. Listening to her drunk talk was funny. I couldn't help but smile.

"Hmm, I've heard the name Hornet before. Tootsie, the Hornet used to be one of the best slavers the Fire Thorns ever had, correct?" Brigitte asked Tootsie.

"Yes, Ma'am. I believe that eventually, the Fire Thorns rewarded the Hornet with this very establishment." Tootsie responded while she poured us yet another cup.

"Sssang yoo sooo mush tootsie, pleeeze keep 'em comin'. By the way, whad is thiss zzrink called?" I asked Tootsie. I couldn't help but stare at her beautiful large tits. My tail was resting in my lap, and the slave gem that dangled from the bell seemed to glitter and glow slightly.

"It's called Blossom, but in some circles, it's also called Mindmelter Ma'am. It's a rare stock, reserved for special guests. It will get you pretty messed up." Tootsie said.

There was an odd look in Tootsie's expression as she talked but damned if I could figure it out. Probably she was envious of Maddy's and my freedom. Once we rescued Grace and Hana, then we could maybe try and rescue Tootsie and all these other ladies.

"So." Brigitte said, bringing me back into the conversation, "This bar is owned by the Hornet." Brigitte made a show of looking around the bar. "I don't see the Hornet anywhere. In fact, I don't even know what the Hornet looks like, or how we'd even be able to figure out who the Hornet is." Now she looked to be thinking, with a finger tapping on her chin.

"Shit. Yoo arr ride. Wee need yer helb brigidde. How c'n wee fine the horned" I said.

"I've got it!" Brigitte said. "We will dress you two up like new slaves. Fresh slaves ready to meet the owner."

"Slaves? Kelsey's prolly a nashural. Shese alrenny dzressed upp liyke a slut. Slaves nod stoo far off is it?" Maddy said. I looked back over to her and was taken aback slightly. Her left hand was kneading her left tit through her shirt, and her right hand was below the table. I didn't know if she even realized it. She must have been just as horny as me right then.

Brigitte didn't look like she even noticed the display of exhibitionism coming from Maddy. She simply continued, "Tootsie is the head slave waitress here. I'm sure she can rummage in the back and find some discarded slave attire. We will have her go get it, then once you two look the part, we will have Tootsie bring you to the Hornet."

"Why canned wee juzz havve tootsie juzz show us whoo the horned is? wooden thad be easier?" I asked. It made sense to me. By the sounds of it, Tootsie was the only person at this table who knew who the Hornet was. Why not cut out this charade?

*Click*

I looked down to see that the thin silver chain holding my skimpy vest together was now open. Brigitte had reached over and unclipped it, exposing my tits to the table.

"Whad arr yoo doing? why dizz you unclip my vess?" I asked. I felt sudden exhilaration at being exposed like this. All these people, mingled around, not noticing me performing such a taboo act. Maddy was staring at my tits now, further adding to my excitement for some reason.

"Nonsense, Kelsey. Are you trying to get Tootsie in trouble? If they found out that she brought you to the Hornet, she would be punished severely." Brigitte said. Tootsie blanched at the word 'punished'. I saw her visibly gulp.

"On the other hand, It's Tootsie's job to bring new slaves to the boss for training. How could they punish her if she was being deceived?" Brigitte plucked and pulled on my left nipple, pulling a gasp and moan from me. Without releasing my nipple, she pulled me closer to her, closer to the edge of my seat.

"Go get some slave uniforms for these two," Brigitte said with a dismissive wave to Tootsie. She locked eyes with me, staring at me. I began to feel small to this older lady. I felt intimidated and excited. Her hand was still pinching my nipple.

I felt a hand begin to rub me. When I looked down, I was surprised to see it was my own. It felt so good. I felt so good. This all felt so surreal, this fuzziness. This Blossom drink had me feeling so horny that I couldn't help myself, and I thirsted for so much more of it.

"If we are going to make this work, you need to play along. No. Matter. What." Brigitte said to me, staring deep into my eyes. There was a hardness in her eyes that reminded me of Mercy. My hand picked up the pace at the thought of Mercy.

I nodded to her.

"Good. Now, let us take off this vest and the rest of your clothes. Remember, you're a slave now, so act like one." Brigitte said. She released her firm grip on my nipple, causing me to wince and shudder as sensation overwhelmed me. In one quick motion, she pulled my tiny vest off, truly revealing me.

"Oh my. You've already been marked." Brigitte said, noticing my tattoo for the first time. The vest had hidden it, but now I sat completely topless. "I wonder whose mark this is. No matter. We will find out eventually." Brigitte said.

My vest was tossed over Brigitte's shoulder, hitting someone in a conversation circle. He looked over irritated, then saw me, and his interest was piqued. I tried to cover myself but found it hard to pull my hand away from its rubbing task. This seemed to only pull in more onlookers.

"To make this all more believable, how about we all pretend that I'm the Hornet. It should really put you two in the right state of mind for when you meet the real Hornet." Brigitte said to Maddy and me. "Now, let's begin."

With two hard hits, she slapped my modest chest, "Slaves must be completely naked." Brigitte punctuated her words with two more slaps. Each hit caused me to gasp and squirm. It hurt, but I kind of liked it. Chuckling came from the crowd... It also came from Maddy, who was sitting behind me.

"Welll, gow on slave. 'stime fer yoo t' ged nakers. A slut liyke yoo has prolly been uncomfortable alll night havin' t' show modessy." Maddy said with more chuckling, the drink really affecting her attitude. Her left hand continued to knead her breast while she talked.

"I really like the way Maddy is calling you out," Brigitte said, before slapping my tits once more. I yelped, with each strike.

I stood up and began to unbuckle my belt and skirt to the sounds of whistling from the strangers. While I was bending down to take my legs out of my panties, someone batted at my tail, making the little bell ring. The jolt shot through me, down to my toes. My legs shook and I fell to my knees. Laughter erupted from the crowd. I felt embarrassed and tried to rise.

"Someone grabbed yer tail 'gain, Kelsey. Why doanshu sucker punsh himm liyke yoo did wizza lazz won." Maddy said while showing animated punching. I tried to get up, but Brigitte put a hand on my shoulder, halting me.

"No, I like you down there. Stay kneeling for now, slave." She told me, looking down at me imperiously. "Did this slave strike one of my patrons?" Brigitte asked Maddy. Brigitte was really acting in her role as the Hornet. For a moment, I actually thought maybe she was the Hornet.

Tootsie and a few other slave waitresses broke through the mob of onlookers. Tootsie carried two bottles of Blossom, and she presented Brigitte with an array of rope, dildoes, paddles, and collars. All set on the suspended platforms resting on the coterie of slaves with her. I felt my mouth go dry.

"Just in time, Tootsie," Brigitte said, plucking a bottle of Blossom. She popped the cork and poured Maddy another glass.

"Tell me, Maddy. If a strange girl came into your establishment and punched one of your customers... what would you do?" asked Brigitte, before sliding the cup back to Maddy.

"It wuzzin juzz anyone whoo punshed won uhf yer cussomers. It wuz thad whorish cat girl. I wooud havve herr punished in fronna everyone. Spank herr ann havve herr apologize. Thass whad i'd doo iff it were me." Maddy said before pulling her hand from her tit to grab the drink.

"Did you hear that? A spanking and an apology." Brigitte announced to an uproar of applause. "The thing is..." Brigitte continued, "I'm too old to dole out a proper punishment. Tootsie, you're head waitress here. I want you to show this cat girl slave proper humility."

"Yes, Boss," Tootsie said, placing down the second bottle of MindMelter on the table. One of the slave waitresses approached Tootsie, displaying the array of toys and rope to her. Tootsie picked up a bundle of red cords before she looked down at me.

It was a blur for me. I was hoisted up to a stand, while Tootsie expertly ran the rope around my chest. Under my arms and over my shoulders the rope traveled, between my breasts and back around. Any time I tried to resist, I was swiftly stopped by either Tootsie or a member of the crowd. When it was all done, Tootsie pulled hard and tied the rope together.