Not surprisingly, very few people were willing to suggest anything after seeing what had happened to other participants. However, there were still a few brave (or foolhardy) souls in the audience. A man stood up and yelled "Make him a horse!"
Madame Illusia looked at the volunteer. "And why do you suggest that?"
"He could be a wild pony in the mountains of Wyoming. That way he gets the view and the companionship of a herd. Make him a foal, and he'll have a mare for family."
"An excellent idea." The witch waved her hand. "You seem to have truly thought of his happiness. Come up here and help me grant this wish."
The man walked up to the stage, but it was obvious he was not controlling his own movements. Eyes wide with fear he stepped up to the stage next to Illusia.
"Now, my fine friend. What is your name?"
"Mark Rogers."
Madame Illusia smiled. "I am pleased to meet you Mark. Now, let's take care of Mr. Rooste. I believe you suggested a foal?" She turned to Kevin, who was still staring blankly. "A wild pony foal. A pinto paint? An unweaned pinto paint colt, destined to grow up as a handsome stallion. That is what you are now, Kevin, in your mind."
The large man's eyes widened, and he fell forward suddenly onto his hands and gave a shrill whinny of fear. After a moment, however, it became obvious that more than just his thoughts were changing. His clothing crumbled away to reveal a brown and white pinto paint hide spreading over his body. His arms and legs dwindled, becoming thin sticks supporting the barreled body of a two week-old colt. Fully transformed now, the young animal was still frightened, and whinnied pitifully for its mother.
Illusia looked down at the new foal. "Ah, he does not seem happy! Somthing is missing."
The colt sniffed the air, and approached Mark curiously. Its lips pulled at his shirt, and the colt's tongue dampened the fabric. The he felt the tongue on his skin! Looking down, Mark saw that the fabric was crumbling away as if the colt's spit was acid.
Then a strange pulling sensation started up and the foal tried to nurse from the spot on mark;s belly were mare's teats would have been. It actually felt rather good, but as Mark watched, the pink skin on his belly turned black and swollen.
"Hey! That looks like..." His voice suddenly broke in a whicker.
"Mare's teats? Very good, Mark!" Illusia smiled. "You see, your plan for Kevin left out one very important part - where was I to get a mother for this new foal? But since it was your idea, I was sure you would be happy to help out."
Mark gave a loud whinney, but found that he could not move as the colt nursed happily from his udder. Brown and white hair spread out from the teats, and his clothing crumbled away to reveal a body rapidly gaining mass and changing shape.
Mark swayed and fell forward onto hooves, and shook herself as she completed the change to pinto pony mare. Her eyes, white-rimmed in fear, slowly dimmed and relaxed. Finally, the new mare turned and nuzzled her foal, her human past a fading memory.
Illusia looked at the mother and foal, and then looked out to the audience again. "All we need now is a father! Who among you wishes to be a proud stallion?"