The sissy games

Part 77; hill and heel

Alex was just about to step into a safe corner when he noticed a moving shadow. If it was a person, it could be a trap, but if he got hit by one of the giant beauty blenders bouncing across the runway, he'd be knocked down and lose precious time. Hesitating, he dropped flat against the floor, gripping the wall of the small corner and hoping for the best.

A massive, bouncing beauty blender came his way, leaving a glittery trail of blue sparkles across the path. It slammed into him, almost tearing him from his grip. For a moment, Alex thought he'd be thrown off, but he clung on tightly, his entire backside now coated in shimmering powder. At least he hadn't been trapped or knocked back. Shaking off the glitter, he scrambled to his feet and pushed forward.

He ran as quickly as he dared, careful not to slip. One wrong step could mean starting from the very beginning. The finish line was in sight, and so were the three contestants ahead of him. They were already closing in, but Alex knew it wouldn't be so simple. Another wave was coming.

A flood of foaming cream rolled down the path, threatening to sweep everyone away. Alex knew too well how dangerous it was; one hit could send him straight back to the start. He had seconds to decide... left or right? He chose left, diving into the safe corner.

But it wasn't safe.

Hands pulled him backward into a chair, and before he could fight back, straps locked him in place. A woman appeared, calm and deliberate, and began massaging the beauty cream into his skin as though he were in a salon instead of a game. Alex struggled, but the straps held tight. He could only sit there as she carefully spread the cream across him, rinsed it away, and then took her time rubbing shimmering body oil onto his arms and chest. It felt endless.

By the time she finally released him, Alex saw Erik already sprinting past. He dashed forward, heart racing, unsure if he had any chance left with four others ahead of him. The finish line loomed closer.

Another wave struck. Alex dove into a safe corner again, just as a stream of glittery pink shower gel came rushing down. Two of the boys hid together in the same spot, while Erik darted into another. Alex glanced just in time to see one of them push the other straight into the wave. The unlucky boy was swept away down the runway. When Alex saw his face, he realized it was Steve.

Danny must have been the one who pushed him, but Alex didn't mind. Steve had betrayed him before. This felt like karma.

When the wave passed, Alex pulled himself up and pushed onward, slipping into fourth place thanks to Steve's fall.

"And with Alex there, we have our four contestants for the semi-finals!" boomed the announcer's voice.

The match was over. The remaining players were ranked fifth through eighth depending on where they'd been caught.

Before Alex was escorted away, he turned and muttered, "Thanks, Danny." Danny only smiled and gave him a small gesture in return.

Alex was taken to the bathroom to wait for the next round. He didn't need a bath, but that was the only place to stay. The first thing he saw when he stepped inside made him freeze... Ember, lounging in the foam in nothing but her underwear.

"Oh—hello?!" Alex blurted.

"Don't look at me like that," Ember teased with a grin.

"Why are you half-naked in here?"

"I made the bath. And if you didn't need it, I wasn't about to waste it," she said, leaning back in the water.

For once, their roles were reversed: Alex sat on the edge of the bath while Ember soaked in the bubbly foam. They chatted about the game, excitement buzzing between them.

"This is it again," Ember said eagerly. "If we win here, we're in the finals!"

"Then let's get there," Alex replied with a determined nod.

When the light turned green, Alex rose and entered the arena for the second stage.

"Welcome back, everyone, to the semi-finals!" the voice boomed. "These washed-up girlies are about to fight for their place in the grand finale! Are you ready?"

The crowd roared.

Alex looked across the platform. Four narrow paths wound their way to the opposite side, twisting with sharp corners, a balancing course.

"The girls had their fun in the bath," the voice continued, "but now it's time for the real challenge. Only a real girl can walk in heels!"

Before each of them, a pair of glossy high heels appeared.

"Strap them on and make it to the end. Fall once, and it's over. Three... two... one... go!"

Alex rushed to his heels. They were thin and shiny, straps wrapping around his ankles. He tightened them, took a steadying breath, and stepped forward. He realized something, if he waited, the others might fall on their own. But if they made it across, he'd be left behind. It was a gamble.

He decided to wait just a moment. Ahead, Danny and Erik were wobbling dangerously, arms flailing for balance, while Chris struggled just the same. But none of them fell. Alex had no choice but to move.

Step by step, he advanced, his balance shaky but quicker than Chris. Still, Danny and Erik stayed ahead. Then Danny slipped with a shout and tumbled off the path, eliminated.

Now Alex was in third place. If he stayed calm, he could reach second. He slowed down, careful, step after step. Erik made it to the end, while Alex and Chris fought neck-and-neck. Chris picked up speed, refusing to lose. Alex tried to match him, but one hurried step went wrong. His ankle twisted, and he crashed down.

He was out.

"And with Alex's fall, we have our two finalists!" the announcer declared.

Disappointed, Alex returned to Ember. They went back to their room, awaiting the punishments. Yet even defeated, Alex wasn't feeling bad. Being this close again only left him more motivated.