Music played over loud speakers as Luke was pushed along inside a dimly lit tunnel to a well lit stage. A day earlier, he has signed up to appear on a new game show. The series had apparently shot a few episodes, and though none had aired, buzz had begun through word of mouth. Luke didn't know almost anything about it, but when he saw the cute girl behind the mall kiosk asking if anyone wanted to be a contestant on "Game Show of Transformation," he decided to give it a try. At worst, he would come out no richer. Of course, there was a decent chance he would win. In that sense, it was a low risk high reward situation, at least in his mind.
Finally, one of the show's crew nearly shoved him on stage, leading him to stand on a red circle behinda podium. As he did so, the screen behind him lit up, showing a set of facts about him alongside his picture.
"Luke, 5' 10", 170 pounds. Bonuses: none. Penalties: none."
He didn't remember being weighed or measured, but he let go of that thought rather quickly when what appeared to be his opponent lumbered out on stage. An incredibly fat brunette girl waddled on stage opposite him, dressed in a blue T-shirt to his red one, and stepped behind the podium assigned to her. A similar display of facts appeared, but they almost made Luke laugh this time.
"Lyanna, 5' 7", 330 pounds. Bonuses: none. Penalties: none."
Lyanna looked at Luke, who in suppressing his laughter, smirked as he saw these facts. Her brow furrowed in a combination of determination and anger.
The lights rose, music played, and the crowd cheered as a somewhat pudgy blonde woman strutted on stage.
"Welcome! Welcome to Game Show of Transformation: the only game that will change YOU!"
More applause followed.
"Today, we have a treat for you guys. In red, give it up for Luke!"
The spotlight fell on Luke and he shot a fist into the air. The crowd cheered some for him, but he expected more.
"And in blue, give it up for Lyanna!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Luke scoffed. Clearly, she was the underdog, and the crowd always loves the underdog. Too bad Luke was going to mop the floor with her.
"The rules are simple," said the host "Our contestants will play a series of games, each worth a number of points. First to 100 points wins. A win may earn you a bonus, while a loss may earn you a penalty. Shall we begin?"
The crowd's emphatic cheer seemed to be a yes, and the host turned her head to see what game they would start with. A screen flashed options, slowing to a halt when it reached...