Now that Rhonda really thought about it, what would be the harm in staying in this form for a bit longer? After going through dogs, mermaids (it happened in the middle of the mall), bras and many more she had finally found a transformation she actually enjoyed being in. Not to mention some other perks, she felt a bit stronger, she was still recognizable, the tail could be useful and she'd need to test if she can fly. And of course she loved the feeling of her scales, though they sadly only covered her limbs and new parts, she was more a human with dragon features than an actual anthro. She imagined for a moment how it would have felt if the scales had also covered her chest and crotch. Then she was glad it didn't happen. In front of the class this would’ve been mortifying.
And what would be the cons? Probably some ridicule for being transformed on her first day, but she had already gotten used to similar in middle school. Being already transformed could also discourage others from transforming her even more and only few people knew she could reverse it whenever she wanted.
The more she thought about it, the more she enjoyed it. And asking doesn't cost anything. “Miss Wandler, is it okay if I stay in this form a bit longer?”
“Of course, Miss Martinez, I’m always glad to help students with their self-realization,” Miss Wandler replied with a big smile.
“Well, to be honest, less self-realization and more just joy about having a cool body for once. Don't be surprised if I come back in a few days or weeks, when the high lets up, and beg you to turn me back.” Rhonda said as she scratched the side of her head. Only then did she notice she had gotten pointy dragon ears and some additional scales framing her face. Now she really wanted to see herself in the next mirror.
“Oh yeah, I know that feeling. You’d be surprised how much trial-and-error is involved in majoring transformation magic. Even worse with a condition like mine.” She gave a laugh. “Still, I admire your bravery, going through with this on your first day.”
Rhonda forced her own laugh. “As I mentioned, I’ve already got lots of experience getting transformed, most of it not so good. I’m used to being made fun of for how I look.” Though more important was that she already knew that the person who mattered the most loved it. And Sofia would surely grow to like it, as well.
“In that case, I’ll give you the same advice I gave Miss Fuchs in that it’ll become easier once more students end up transformed. If last year was anything to go by, then everyone in this class will be transformed in some way by Halloween. Speaking of Miss Fuchs, could you do me a favor and help her a bit adjusting to her changes. I think she's taking it pretty hard and someone like you could really help her.”
Rhonda was a bit surprised by this request from her teacher, but still she answered, “Okay, sure, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it, too.” Miss Wandler shook her hand vigorously. For a moment the multi-limbed teacher thought she saw something in Rhonda's eyes up close, but quickly dismissed it as just a weird reflection from her own glasses. “Oh, and please don't tell the other teachers what I’m doing here. Giving out safe transformations kinda ruins the whole purpose of the school curse.”
“Then wouldn't it have been better to tell that to the whole class.”
For the second time this day did Rhonda see Miss Wandler completely freeze up. “...Oh…”
Rhonda said her goodbye to Miss Wandler and made her way to her next class. Nothing noteworthy happened in the following lessons and she only shared each with one or two of her friends at best. Her altered appearance did earn her some surprised stares and the occasional gasp from the other students and even a teacher. And if Rhonda was honest with herself, by the third lesson she started to enjoy everyone’s reactions. It somehow felt different to all the times she was transformed against her will. When she shared another class with Amelia she noticed said girl sitting behind her again.
Soon enough it was time for her lunch break. She managed to nab a table in the cafeteria and waited as one-by-one her friends filed in, she wasn't hard to miss. She wondered if she scared some students away. Finally she also waved Amelia over to them, when she noticed the girl walking around alone.
“I still can't believe you did this,” a clearly disgruntled Sofia said. “What were you thinking?”
“Well, I thought if I showed them I liked getting transformed it’d discourage them from actually doing it. You know, reverse psychology and such.”
“I hate this actually makes sense,” Sofia grumbled. “On that note, why are you still part-dragon? Didn't Miss Wandler want to turn you back? Don't tell me she messed up and you're now trapped in this body.” Sofia couldn't keep a bit of schadenfreude out of her voice.
“Nope, I can still turn back whenever I want.” Rhonda gave her a grin, showing off her now sharper teeth. “I’ve decided to stay this way for the year, or until I’m getting tired of being a badass dragon-morph.”
Sofia nearly choked on her drink. Most of the other reactions at the table were the same wide-eyed stares Rhonda had already gotten used to. She did note a blush on May’s face though.
Once she had gotten her coughing under control Sofia spoke up. “A whole day you kept complaining to me about how you don't want to spend the whole year transformed and then you literally jump at the first chance to have yourself turned.” She shook her head. “I think you're going crazy. What do you guys think?”
“She looks awesome,” Lichi nearly shouted.
“I think… she looks great,” Usami squeaked.
“I admire her decision,” Amelia admitted.
“It certainly is stunning,” May said with a small blush. “Did I ever mention I like dragons?”
Sofia slumped into her chair. “Okay, okay, I give up. I can clearly see when I’m outvoted. Just don't come to me when you're starting to lay eggs.”
With that topic finished it didn't take long for another to come up, as May spoke up, “Hey Amelia, how did you get your tail?”
Amelia flinched at that question. She stopped eating and held her head low, though Rhonda noticed her stealing glances at another table. On said table were two people Rhonda recognized. One was, ugh, Abigail, that was never a good sign. The other was the girl, who gave Amelia her foxtail. She couldn't make out the additional breasts she had gotten, so she must have either bound them or circumvented the curse with another transformation.
“I don't think she wants to talk about it.” To Rhonda's surprise it was Lichi, who came to Amelia’s rescue.
“Oh, sore topic? I’m sorry,” May apologized.
Thankfully the awkward silence did not last long and they went back to uneventful small talk quickly. During lunch Rhonda bit her tongue with her sharpened teeth only twice. Soon the bell rang to end the lunch break and start the second half of the day. Rhonda found herself oddly looking forward to it. So far everything had gone somewhat good for her. She had found a group of nice friends (including one she might go further with) and through sheer luck got the probably only transformation she enjoyed. She really hoped this joy would last throughout the rest of the year.