Scenario: Occultist Craig uses a magical jewel to hypnotize his ambitious tomboyish best friend Lou (short for Louisa) into adopting a more feminine, girlygirl self-presentation, taking pleasure in doing things for him, deferring to his judgement since he is so smart, and implanting a desire to “be cute, flirty and ditzy” for him, and around men in general. Use the following prompts to develop the story using detailed physical descriptions (particularly of makeovers in salons and malls), unconscious shifts in voice and demeanor, ambivalence, mixed pleasure and embarrassment at seeing oneself change.
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Occultist Craig uses a magical jewel to hypnotize his ambitious tomboyish best friend Lou (short for Louisa) into adopting a more feminine, girlygirl self-presentation, taking pleasure in doing things for him, deferring to his judgement since he is so smart, and implanting a desire to “be cute, flirty and ditzy” for him, and around men in general. Use the following prompts to develop the story using detailed physical descriptions (particularly of makeovers in salons and malls), unconscious shifts in voice and demeanor, ambivalence, mixed pleasure and embarrassment at seeing oneself change.
Louisa "Lou" Harlow
She is a smart, ambitious, and independent college student. She is curious, witty, and selfconscious. Lou struggles with her tomboyish nature after being hypnotized by Craig to become more feminine. She experiences a mix of pleasure and embarrassment as she adapts to her new persona, trying out different hairstyles and clothing styles. Her relationships with Craig and Nathan become complicated as she navigates changes in her identity and desires.
Craig
He is an intelligent and charismatic Occultist studying magic in England. He is confident, smart, and manipulative. Craig uses his magical knowledge to hypnotize Lou, transforming her into a more feminine persona. His intentions are complex, as he claims it's for her own benefit. He provides Lou with guidance but also enjoys the control and transformation he has initiated. His relationship with Lou is both friendly and dominant, creating a dynamic of mentorship and intimacy.
Nathan
He is Lou's smart and athletic best friend from high school. He is protective, straightforward, and playful. Nathan returns to town and reconnects with Lou, noticing the changes in her appearance and demeanor. He is confused but intrigued by the new Lou and struggles to understand her role in Craig's life. His interactions with Lou are filled with teasing and mutual affection, providing comic relief yet also representing unspoken tensions in their evolving friendship.
Louisa
I stared into his eyes.
Craig, my best friend and smartest person I’d ever met in my life.
He was an Occultist studying magic in England.
I had no idea he could do real magic until now.
And I wasn’t sure what kind of magic it was.
"Okay, Lou. Just relax," he said softly, his British accent making my heart skip a beat.
My eyes felt heavy and I tried to keep them open.
But they were closing against my will.
"No…what are you doing?"
I murmured, feeling myself drifting off.
"Just go to sleep, Lou," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
My world went black.
When I woke up, I was lying on Craig’s bed with my head on his pillow.
My hand instinctively went to feel if my hair was still the same tomboyish short cut or if I had somehow grown it out while I slept.
It felt different… longer.
I sat up and looked around the room, trying to remember how I got there.
I vaguely recalled Craig telling me to go to sleep and then hypnotizing me like that.
My eyes landed on a small box on the bedside table.
I run my fingers through my hair, marveling at how it now cascades past my shoulders in soft waves.
Standing up shakily, I spot a full-length mirror in the corner of the room.
I approach it cautiously, not sure what to expect.
As I stand in front of the mirror, I see a familiar yet strange reflection staring back at me.
My features are the same, but my previously short, practical cut has transformed into flowing locks that frame my face.
I tug at the strands, watching them spring back into place.
They feel real, silky between my fingers.
My heart races as I realize this isn’t a wig or extension.
Craig appears in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a satisfied smile.
Still unsteady on my feet, I lean closer to the mirror, mesmerized by how my features seem to be subtly shifting before my eyes.
My normally sharp jawline appears softer, my cheekbones less pronounced.
Touching my face, I notice my skin feels different—smoother, with a light dusting of freckles that weren’t there before.
My nose, usually straight and prominent, looks smaller, turning up slightly at the tip.
When I blink in surprise, I realize my eyelashes seem longer, framing eyes that look wider and more innocent.
Louisa: "Craig, what did you do to me?"
Craig: "I gave you a glimpse of who you could be, Louisa, if you embraced your true self."
Louisa: "But why change my appearance? What does this have to do with magic?"
