 Beyond the Wall

In the shroud of darkness, Chihiro and Ako struggle to pull Yoichi's sled through the blizzard as they follow the Child. Heavy snow blows around them as they struggle to make their way through the darkness of the night.

Chihiro looks at Yoichi, the omega still in the warg state with his eyes whited out.

"I'm so sorry." The beta tells him, still distraught over the loss of Estle.

Yoichi continues to have visions as he combs through history while in his warg state.

"Where are we going?" Ako asks the Child.

"Just follow me. I'll explain when Yoichi returns from the warg state." The Child tells them.

Chihiro glances back at Yoichi with watery eyes as the omega continues to see visions of history.

In his mind, Yoichi sees an entire chunk of history. Some recent and others dating back to when The Night Queen was created.

Two men and the Master of War prepare casks filled with wildfire and store them under Shibuya, specifically the Sept and the surrounding areas. This is done by the Mad King's orders, this was before the rebellion broke out.

A large dragon's shadow makes its way to cover a large section of Shibuya in darkness.

The Night Queen raises her hands as the red of her eyes become more pronounced. She meets the eyes of the alpha as the legions of dead stand behind her.

An omega woman with her skin and body intact, looking recently dead has her eyes reddened out. She looks like a recent part of the Army of the Dead, not yet a bloodsucker.

Yoichi sees himself fall from the tower again after Lord Kureto pushed him off it.

An alpha man's throat is slit at the Red Wedding, it must be Seishirou Hiiragi. He looks exactly as he did in the past.

A large red and black dragon flies in the stormy sky.

A young and beautiful omega man, around Yuu's age stands naked as people bow to him. Three dragons hang off his ash-covered body as a small red and black one perches off his shoulder.

A baby is carried by a pale bloodsucker in a white cloak somewhere beyond the wall.

The Night Queen makes her way to the child and stares into its eyes. She touches his cheek as his eyes turn a red color.

King Nikolai sits on the Seraphin Throne with a murderous glare in his eyes.

A man has his head sliced off in Shibuya from the blind killing.

Night slowly turns to day.

Crows fly in the snow-covered forest at night.

The Master of War pours wildfire into more casks.

"BURN THEM ALL!" King Nikolai shouts.

The wildfire explodes under the city of Shibuya as a green fire consumes the bottom level.

Guren stabs The Mad King in the back.

"Yuuichirou like the great wolf King." The whore tells Guren.

A bloody hand on a bed falls still.

The Child stabs the young omegan girl with the pink-hair.

Guren sits on the throne as he waits.

The Night Queen lowers her hands as the dead rise around her.

Yuu swings his sword in the snowy blizzard.

Yoichi is grabbed on the wrist by the Night Queen as he screams out in pain.

Yoichi's pupils finally return as take in the weight of all he just saw. It was a fast run through, but he'll go back in and learn more.

Yoichi looks around as Chihiro, Ako, and the Child perk up around him as they have made camp for the night.

"Yoichi." Ako says.

Yoichi realizes Estle is not there as the weight of the sweet alpha's death hits him in his heart. He can feel the pain there at never seeing the gentle giant again.

"Estle." Yoichi says with watery eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"We know." Chihiro tells him with a pitiful look on her face before moving to embrace the omega. "But, he sacrificed himself for you. Make sure it wasn't in vain."

Chihiro rubs his hair to soothe him which barely does anything to calm him. The tears continue to pour as Ako watches them.

"He's awake now." Ako says to the Child. "What next?"

Yoichi turns to face the Child as she turns to him.

"Yoichi Saotome must complete his transformation and fully become the Three-Eyed Raven." The Child tells them. "He can only do that by gaining the knowledge from a Heart Tree. That is where I am taking you."

Yoichi nods sadly.

"The Three-Eyed Raven still lives within you. Your friend, Estle, he also lives within you. His entire life and what he has done will be at your discretion. Everyone's will." The Child tells him. "You will be the new Three-Eyed Raven."

"What happens after that?" Yoichi probes.

"You will know what you have to do after you have the past, present, and future in your head." The Child tells him. "It will be up to you after that."

"What is your name?" Yoichi asks her. "I never asked you it."

The green Child studies the omega with a weird look on her face, "Bud."

"Bud." Yoichi says, "Thank you."

The Child only nods her head.

Yoichi, Ako, and Chihiro continue to mourn their losses for the rest of the night.

Harajuku

Mitsuba pulls the gray rag from the basin of water before squeezing it once. The alpha is clad in the knee-length black dress and white sandals.

The alpha girl silently rinses the body of an old man. A cloth covers his manhood as the omega runs the washcloth over his pale limbs and torso.

When she finishes she takes the pincers and clips his finger and toe nails. Then, she rubs a balm on their skin to preserve their bodies. She covers his body with a rag.

Mitsu knocks on the door at the front of the room when she finishes with the man.

Two men in black robes enter with the gurney, Mitsu taps her fingers as they load the corpse onto the stretcher. The other door at the end of the room is opened by another man and when they walk through it is immediately closed. It's been like this since she was brought here by the Waif. But, today is different.

The door is only almost closed today, the door remains open just a smidge.

Mitsu stands there, contemplating whether or not she should take the risk.

She looks at the open door at the front of the room before deciding to take her chances. She slowly and quietly makes her way towards the door.

When she is almost there a pale hand shuts the door and quickly moves to lock it.

Mitsu turns to see that the hand belongs to the Waif who glares at her.

"What are they doing with the bodies?" Mitsu asks.

"Get back to work." The Waif admonishes as she turns to leave the room through the front.

Mitsu follows after her, "No! I’ve been here for weeks. I’m not scrubbing one more corpse until you tell me why I’m doing it."

"You will know why." The Waif says.

"When?" Mitsu asks.

"When it’s time. Not before. Get back to work." The Waif tells her.

"When do I get to play the game?" Mitsu asks.

"Game?"

"The game. The game of faces." Mitsu says.

"You tried already. You failed." The Waif smugly tells her.

"I didn’t even know I was playing." Mitsu says.

"Who are you?" The Waif asks.

Mitsu hesitates before saying, "No one."

"Get back to work." The Waif's blonde bob turns away from Mitsu.

"Well who are you? What are you doing here? How’d you get here?" Mitsu argues.

"I’m from Westeria. Just like you. Daughter of a Lord. Just like you. Except I was an only child. Heir to his fortune. My mother died. My father remarried and his new wife gave birth to a girl. My stepmother didn’t want any rivals for his precious daughter so he tried to kill me with poison. I found out, sought help from the Faceless Men and my father was widowed again. I’ve been serving them ever since." The Waif tells her carefully with a small smile.

Mitsu smiles at the other alpha.

The Waif's face falls as she steps closer to Mitsu, "Was that true or a lie?"

Mitsu's smile falls from her face. "What?"

"Did you believe every word I said?" The Waif asks her.

Mitsu stumbles and her face remains uncertain despite not saying a word.

The Waif turns away and throws back a, "Get back to work."

Two more men carry another corpse on a gurney as they enter.

Mitsu lies in her bunk at night, remaining cautiously asleep. She is in the white nightgown of the House.

Mitsu turns on her side to find Nix in his white-gray robe and carrying a lantern.

"Who are you?" Nix asks.

Mitsu sits up out of the covers and at the edge of her bunk. "Mitsuba."

"And where did you come from?" Nix asks her.

Mitsu stands in front of the alpha.

"Westeria. My family home is Snowstorm. I’m the younger daughter of a great lord. But, the man that I saw as my true father was Guren Ichinose. He died in battle." Mitsu says trying to lie.

Nix hits her swiftly with the large stick causing Mitsu to gasp a breath at the sharp pain in her arm.

"A lie." Nix says.

"After he was executed I fled the capital. Had to kill a stable boy. Drove my sword through his back." Mitsu lies again.

Nix hits her with the stick again. "A lie."

Mitsu pauses for a moment before continuing, "I stabbed him in the gut. I tried to find my brothers. I never did. They were murdered and betrayed. An outlaw kidnapped me. A man called Pollick."

Nix hits her again. "A lie."

"A woman called the Hound. My sister Aoi Sanguu. She was wounded in a fight. She begged me to kill her but I wouldn’t. I left her in the mountains to die. I wanted her to suffer, I hated her." Mitsu says.

Nix hits her again.

Mitsu is taken aback, not catching her lie before she repeats, "I hate her."

Nix hits her again.

"I hated her!" Mitsu shouts in frustration at Nix.

Nix hits her again.

"That is not a lie!" Mitsu shouts again.

"The girl lies. To me. To the Many Faced God. To herself. Does she truly want to be no one?" Nix asks her.

"Yes." Mitsu says after a moment passes.

Nix hits her with the stick, this time in the face. Mitsu falls to the ground and looks up at the alpha, blood falls from her lip.

"I’m not playing this stupid game anymore!" Mitsu shouts at Nix.

"We never stop playing." Nix tells her as walks past her and out of the room.

In the grand room of the House of Black and White, Mitsu scrubs the stone floors in the dark room. Torches give the room a night blue hue with orange in small areas where fires are lit.

An omega man carries a young omegan girl in. Mitsu watches as he walks towards a pool and sets her down near the edge. She leans on the stone border as the man looks around before his eyes find Mitsu.

He makes his way towards her, "Valar morghulis."

Mitsu looks up, "Valar dohaeris."

"I have nowhere else to go. I’ve taken her to every healer in Harajuku. I’ve spent every penny I had. She suffers every day of her life. I just want it to end." The omega tells her.

Mitsu looks the man in the eye before looking at the girl who leans on the fountain ledge.

Mitsu looks around to see if anyone is around before sitting right next to the girl's head on the fountain edge. She squeezes the girl's arm gently.

"It hurts." The girl tells her weakly.

"I know. Don’t be afraid. I used to be like you." Mitsu says before her eyes dilate when she recalls what Nix told her last night. What this truly is, it's all part of the Game of Faces and they never stop playing. She goes along with it and finally understands before she begins to play the game. "I was sick. I was dying. But my father never gave up on me. He loved me. More than anything in the world, just like your father loves you."

The girl looks down as Mitsu continues.

"So he brought me here. My father prayed to the many faced god. And I drank the water from this fountain. It healed me." Mitsu tells the girl as she turns to the water.

The alpha girl takes one of the small bowls and fills it with the water before offering it to the omega girl with kind eyes, "I’ve devoted my life to him now. You don’t want to hurt anymore. Drink."

Mitsu brings the cup to the girl's mouth before she accepts and begins to sip it. The alpha watches carefully as the girl gulps down to water. She knows now what they do and where the bodies she washes comes from as the girl drinks the water.

All three in the room remain unaware of Nix's eyes watching Mitsu from behind the pillar.

Mitsu fixes the hair of the same dead omegan girl as she lies on the table, now a corpse.

Mitsu looks up towards the open door at the end that she was trying to get into before when she sees a dark shadow appear in the corner of her eye. She turns to find Nix in his gray robe, staring at her from the doorway.

The man remains silent before turning away, quietly beckoning for Mitsu to follow after him with the look he gave her.

Mitsu looks at the other open door at the front before hesitantly walking through the door at the end.

Mitsu follows the alpha down a dark staircase, lit with plates of lit coals to provide a guiding pathway. They pass multiple entry halls where she sees more men with gurneys and bodies being carried by them.

Mitsu finally reaches the bottom of the steps and follows Nix to two enormous doors.

Mitsu's eyes widen in shock when she steps inside, Nix moves aside to let her walk further into the dimly-lit grand hall.

The alpha girl looks around in awe as she looks at the numerous stone pillars which contain thousands of faces belonging to dead people on them. Alpha, beta, and omega. Men, women, and children. Old and young. All kinds of faces are in rows that go around the circumference of each of the stone pillars. All of the eyes on the faces are closed shut. Small lamps light the bottom of the pillars.

Mitsu ascends the steps in awe as she looks around. She makes her way towards one pillar and studies the faces.

Nix appears beside her, "Is the girl ready to give up her ears, her nose, her tongue, her hopes and dreams, her loves and hates, all that makes a girl who she is, forever?"

Mitsu steps closer as her eyes falls on an old lady's face. She touches the skin gently with her index finger and strokes down to feel the leathery skin, almost like a mask. She can't remove her eyes from the face.

"No." Nix says.

That catches Mitsu's attention and causes her to pull away.

"The girl is not ready to become no one. But she is ready to become someone else." Nix tells her.

Mitsu's hand falls as she watches the face in front of her in shock, awe, and intrigue.

 Riverlands - The Borders of Nagoya

In the afternoon a good distance further from the church, Aoi and the followers of Brother Ritsuo form a circle around the alpha Septon. Brother Ritsuo stands in the center of the circle as the followers sit and stand around him, their attention entirely on him as he speaks to them.

Aoi stands at the border of the circle, behind the entire flock of them. The wooden church framing stands on a hill behind them where they remain in a trimmed grass clearing.

"I was a soldier once. All my superiors thought I was brave. I wasn’t. I mean, I never ran from a fight. Only because I was afraid my friends would see I was afraid. That’s all I was, a coward. We followed orders no matter the orders." Brother Ritsuo tells them, "Burn that village. Fine, I’m your arsonist. Steal that farmer’s crops. Good, I’m your thief. Kill those young lads so they won’t take up arms against us. I’m your murderer. I remember once a woman screaming at us, calling us animals as we dragged her son from their hut. But we weren’t animals. Animals are true to their nature and we had betrayed ours. I cut that young boy’s throat myself as his mother screamed and my friends held her back."

Ritsuo sits on a stump near one of the men and rests his hand on his shoulder.

"That night...I felt such shame. Shame was so heavy on me, I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t sleep." Ritsuo tells them as Aoi lowers her eyes in shame from having similar experiences where she was the inflicting party, "All I could do was stare into that dark sky and listen to that mother screaming her son’s name. I’ll hear her screaming the rest of my life."

Ritsuo stands and makes his way back to the center of the circle as all the followers look at him with rapt attention.

"Now, I know I can never bring that lad back. All I can do with time I’ve got left is bring a little goodness into the world. That’s all any of us can do, isn’t it? Never too late to stop robbing people, to stop killing people. Start helping people." Ritsuo says as Aoi really listens to his words. "It’s never too late to come back."

Aoi looks up to find his eyes already on her face. The sound of neighing in the distance catches her attention as she looks to see three men ride towards them on horseback. Aoi's eyes widen as her tension increases.

The faint scents of one alpha and two betas come into her nostrils as they get closer. Aoi walks closer into the circle of villagers, both to blend in and to distinguish herself for intimidation amongst the followers as she looks up at the riders.

Brother Ritsuo watches as the men ride towards them. "And it’s not about waiting for the gods to answer your prayers. It’s not even about the gods. It’s about you. Learning you have to answer your prayers yourself."

The three men reach the group and stop at a short distance away as Ritsuo moves out of the circle to meet them. All of the followers stand as they take in their appearances. The alpha has horrendous black bangs, one beta has blonde hair a darker yellow than Aoi, and the other has pink hair.

"Seven save you, friends. How can we help you?" Brother Ritsuo asks them.

"What are you doing here?" The black banged one asks.

"Well, we’re talking about life. You?" Ritsuo asks.

"Protecting the people."

"Well, we thank you for your protection. Who are you protecting us from?" Ritsuo says.

The man looks around the area before asking, "Do you have any horses?"

"No horses. No gold. No steel." Brother Ritsuo says.

"Food, then. Protecting the people is hungry work." The black-banged alpha says.

"I’m sure it is. You’re welcome to stay for supper, but we have hungry mouths here." Brother Ritsuo says as Aoi readies herself to fight.

The alpha's face hardens before his voice drops into a cold octave. "Stay safe. The night is dark and full of terrors."

Brother Ritsuo nods as the three men simply turn their backs and leave the grassy clearing.

Worry and relief both fill Aoi as she watches them leave.

Aoi splits wood on the chopping block with the large axe in a secluded part of the forest, away from everyone in the camp. She sees Brother Ritsuo approaching her out of the corner of her eye, but continues to chop.

"“Seven save you, friends.”" Aoi mockingly repeats Ritsuo's words as he approaches.

"I’m a fucking septon. What was I supposed to say?" Brother Ritsuo retorts.

"They don’t believe in your Seven. They’re from the Brotherhood. They follow the Red God." Aoi tells him.

"Aye, well, all are welcome here. Anyway, we got nothing for them." Brother Ritsuo shrugs simply.

Aoi stops chopping wood and glares at the man, "Sure, you do. You’ve got food, you’ve got steel even if you say you don’t. And you’ve got women and omegas."

"What do you want to do? Fight them? Kill them?" Brother Ritsuo challenges.

Aoi only shrugs and sighs.

"It’d be you against all of them. I mean, these people don’t know how to fight."

"You do." Aoi retorts.

"I’m done with fighting." Brother Ritsuo says.

"Even if it’s to protect yourself?" Aoi challenges.

"Violence is a disease. You don’t cure a disease by spreading it to more people." Brother Ritsuo says.

"You don’t cure it by dying, either." Aoi says before turning back with her axe to continue chopping.

"You’ve done enough work for one day. Come on up for some supper." Brother Ritsuo says after a moment before turning back on the path.

"It’s gonna be a cold night. We’ll need firewood." Aoi huffs defensively and dismissively.

"I’ll save you a bowl of stew. Might even have some ale hidden away." Brother Ritsuo says with a small smile.

A ghost of a smile appears on Aoi's face before she continues her task after Brother Ritsuo is gone.

The sun is setting as Aoi, chops some wood from the fallen branches of the tree. She slices the leaves off with a machete before bringing out her water-skin. The alpha woman takes large gulps of water after tossing the machete down. She sighs and heaves breath after working so hard all day.

Suddenly she freezes as the faint and distant sounds of screams fill her ears. She turns towards the direction which is the direction she came from. It's where Brother Ritsuo's camp is.

The alpha's eyes widen as her feet move before she can even think.

Aoi rushes through the woods, not even picking up the machete.

By the time, Aoi finally escapes the forest to find the bodies of all of the villagers littering the grass and the three perpetrators gone already.

Blood pools with the brown and green grass. Arrows, sword, and knife wounds pierce the skin of every villager in Brother Ritsuo's camp.

Aoi passes a young omegan girl on the ground with an arrow in her back her alpha mother and beta father not far from her. There are no survivors in Aoi's sight as she watches in distraught horror and carefully makes her way through the camp.

Bowls and tables littler the ground, clearly showing how the entire camp was ransacked and destroyed.

Aoi's feet lead her closer towards the wooden framing for the church as the alpha is unknowingly guided towards it.

Her face falls when she sees what hangs inside of the church frame at the center.

Aoi walks closer towards the hung corpse of Brother Ritsuo that is hung at the top of the church like some chandelier. The man has bloody wounds littering his face as Aoi looks at him. The man's skin is pale and his eyes are wide.

The anger and fury has been slowly climbing within her to overtake her horror as she made her way through the now destroyed camp. Now, it is at its peak as she looks at the other alpha's corpse.

Aoi steels herself and turns back before her eyes find the chopping block. She takes heavy stomps towards it and picks back up the axe before heading back into the forest.

The three men sit around a campfire with two other younger men, they look to be small teenagers that are lanky and have not yet grown into themselves yet. One of them even an omega boy, the other a beta.

"I was a famous kisser. You lads know how to kiss proper?" The black-banged alpha asks.

The two young men look at each other as the other two older betas smirk to themselves.

"Course we do." The young beta says.

"This is for masters, this technique. You’re not ready." The black-banged alpha says.

"I’m ready." The omega stands.

"He says he’s ready." The pink-haired beta says.

"All right." The black-banged alpha says before standing up and making his way towards the young omega.

"Now, pay attention. You put your left hand on the back of the omega’s head." The alpha says as he puts his hand on the back of the omega's head before moving his other hand to his lower back. "Your right hand holds the small of the lady’s back like so."

"Very romantic. Take your middle finger, yeah, and you jam it right up their bunghole." The alpha says before shoving his hand down the omega's pants causing the omega to scream and push the man away. The betas burst out laughing as the alpha disgustingly smells his finger.

"So fucking close!"

"Ah, it smells like cunt to me." The alpha says.

"Look at him. You get hard, boy?" The beta shames the omega.

"Fuck you! Disgusting old twats." The omega says before taking his seat.

The blonde beta's eyes dial in on Aoi's approaching body with an axe.

The two other betas and the omega finally dial in on the alpha girl as the alpha man turns around when he sees them all fall silent.

Aoi only growls and swiftly decapitates the alpha's head off his shoulders. His neck spurts blood before falling to the ground. The hand bounces onto the ground.

Aoi turns and drives her axe into the chest of the pink-haired beta. The axe becomes stuck in the man's chest as she tries to pull it out allowing for the blonde beta to unsheathe his dagger and stab her in the side.

Aoi winces in pain as that was one of the areas that were still healing from when she was thrown off the mountain. She turns and strikes the beta hard across the face before pulling out the dagger. The blonde beta staggers and by the time he regains his senses Aoi has lodged her knife deep in his skull.

Aoi turns to the young omega seated and swears another man was there. The omega trembles in fear as he looks up at Aoi.

The young beta tries to stab Aoi from behind with his sword but another blade pierces clean through him.

Aoi turns as his body falls to the ground she looks up to see a cloaked figure holding the sword. She's ready for another fight before he pulls down his hood.

A wave of familiarity overtakes her as she inhales this beta's scent.

Aoi turns back to the omega, "You better fucking run."

The omega scurries away from the alpha and the beta.

"You look fucking familiar." Aoi says. "Who are you?"

"Lady Sanguu, you don't remember me?" The beta boy asks.

The dark hair, submissive and accommodating eyes, and beta scent and figure all look familiar to Aoi for some reason. This beta should be unremarkable, but he remains familiar to her.

"I wouldn't fucking ask if I did remember you." Aoi says.

"I'm Junji. Junji of House Haiyama. I was squire to Lord Shinya Hiiragi. We fought in the Battle of Bluewater together." Junji tells her.

Aoi takes a moment before her mind pieces together who this is. This was the little beta that followed Shinya around when he was Hand of the King three years ago. Aoi now recognizes him.

"You're hurt." Junji says softly as he sees her bloody hip.

"Aye." Aoi shrugs.

"I can heal you." Junji says.

"You're not fucking taking me back to Shibuya." Aoi says heatedly. "You saw what I can do with just this axe and three men, imagine how much I can slowly kill you when I give you my full attention."

Junji steps back with his hands raised in defense and his face slightly fearful, "I am not going back there either. Lord Shinya sent me away before his trial so that I would be safe from his family."

"Shinya's trial?" Aoi asks.

Junji nods. "I can tell you everything after you let me heal you."

Aoi remains hesitant as she studies the beta before she deems him unthreatening. "Fuck fine. But, spare no detail on everything."

Junji nods complacently as Aoi sits while the beta moves to heal her wound.

Shibuya

Lord Kagiyama walks through the familiar streets of Shibuya with two guards following behind him as he heads to the Royal Keep.

Kagiyama passes men clad in black robes with shaved heads and seven-pointed stars carved onto their foreheads.

"Lord Kagiyama." A deep voice causes the sly beta to stop.

"Yes?" Kagiyama says before turning to see Hozumi Iwasaki with a larger party of faith militant, "Hozumi Iwasaki."

"Brother Hozumi. We abandoned our family names." Hozumi tells the man as he moves to stand in front of him.

"Well you never really had your House's name, did you?" Kagiyama tells him.

"The city has changed since you were here last. We flooded the gutters with wine, smashed the false idols, and sent the godless on the run." Hozumi tells Kagiyama.

"Well done." Kagiyama says before taking a step forward.

Hozumi puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him as Kagiyama's men's hands fall to their sword handles.

"I’m here on urgent business for the Queen Mother. Should I send word that I’ll be delayed?" Kagiyama tells the petulant child.

Hozumi's hand falls as he warns the beta, "Step carefully, Lord Kagiyama. You’ll find that there’s little tolerance for flesh peddlers in the new Shibuya."

"We both peddle fantasies, Brother Hozumi. Mine just happen to be entertaining." Kagiyama tells the beta as he brushes past him.

Kagiyama sits across from Mahiru in her royal chambers as the omega studies the beta man over her goblet of wine.

"Do you think it’s wise, Your Grace, arresting the heir to Akino?" Kagiyama asks.

"The Faith arrested the heir to Akino." Mahiru says dismissively.

"Of course. And the Faith were armed on your orders." Kagiyama retorts.

"The King’s orders." Mahiru enunciates, "Is the King to blame for Ser Reo’s infidelity?"

"House Inoue won’t tolerate these insults."

"House Inoue won’t tolerate it?" Mahiru gasps in faux exasperation, "I’m the insulted party, Lord Kagiyama. Ser Reo was married to my sister, instead he chose the company of others who were not his wife."

"One’s choice of companion is a curious thing." Kagiyama tells her in a knowing undertone.

Mahiru remains silent for a moment as she ponders the implication of Kagiyama's words on her relationship with Kureto.

"Most curious. Fumie Hyakuya for instance. A sorely repellent woman. Forgive me. I know you’re still in mourning." Mahiru says.

"Fumie was a good omega. A kind omega." Kagiyama says.

"She was neither of those things, we both know it. Still, I pity her son. How fortunate that the young Lord of the Vale has a new father to counsel him." Mahiru tells him with a sickly sweet smile.

"I know how hard it can be to lose both of your parents at such a young age." Kagiyama says.

"If war comes to Westeria will the Knights of Ebina fight for their King?" Mahiru asks after a beat passes.

"Young Lord Ryuki heeds my advice. And I have always counseled loyalty to the throne." Kagiyama says.

"Good." Mahiru nods before getting up to refill her goblet, "If there's nothing else-"

"There is another matter, your Grace. Something so urgent I couldn’t trust the words to a raven. You once charged me with finding Mitsuba Sanguu. To my shame I failed you. But I have found Shinoa Hiiragi. Alive, and well, and home again. In Snowstorm." Kagiyama tells her.

Mahiru looks up as she retakes her seat and shakes her head, "That’s not possible."

"My sources are well placed." Kagiyama says, "They tell me Shoya Hanayori plans to marry her to his son, Ky, a bastard recently legitimized by King Tyuri."

"Shoya Hanayori is Warden of the North by the grace of my uncle." Mahiru seethes. "We were fools to trust a turncoat."

"Marrying his son to the last of Guren's children, let alone a Hiiragi gives him more legitimacy in Nagoya than an alliance with a hated southern house." Kagiyama tells her.

 "I will skin him and his bastard like that wretch on that bloody sigil." Mahiru says vengefully.

 "I would counsel patience, Your Grace." Kagiyama says.

 "Patience? Shinoa helped murder my son, Shoya Hanayori is a traitor." Mahiru says.

 "Guren's bastard, Yuuichirou Amane still lives, but at Ikebukuro. If that boy has any of his father's sense or honor than he will go to war eventually for Snowstorm to get his home back. Let the Amane boy and the Hanayori's battle, let the enemies of the throne slaughter each other and when they’re done seize Snowstorm from whichever thief survives." Kagiyama tells her.

 "Nagoya is 1,000 miles away from here. The weather has already begun to turn." Mahiru says.

 "That is why it is critical to strike when the victor still licks his wounds. Surely your family could muster a force." Kagiyama says. "Ser Kureto?"

 "Kureto is away on a sensitive diplomatic mission. I’ve no idea when he’ll be back." Mahiru says.

 "Perhaps I can help. The Knights of Ebina are some of the best fighters in Westeria, trained to battle in the ice and the snow." Kagiyama says.

 "Forgive me Lord Kagiyama, you have a reputation as a money lender and brothel keeper, not a military man." Mahiru says.

 "You wouldn’t risk a single Hiiragi soldier or a single coin from the Royal Treasury. What do you have to lose, a brothel keeper?" Kagiyama entices her.

 "And if you succeed?" Mahiru asks in interest.

 "Name me Warden of the North." Kagiyama says.

 "I’ll speak to the King this evening. Have him issue a royal decree." Mahiru says after a moment of contemplation.

 "I’ll not rest until the lion flies over Snowstorm." Kagiyama says.

 "And I’ll l know you’re a man of your word when I see that cunt Shinoa’s head on a spike." Mahiru says.

 "As I said. I live to serve." Kagiyama says with a ghost of a smile.

A carriage rides to Shibuya outside of the city and on the muddy Kingsroad.

"HALT!" A rider shouts as the green and gold carriage stops.

The window opens from inside as Lady Kimiko Inoue recoils at the smell.

"Oh! You can smell the shit from five miles away." Lady Kimiko complains before shrugging and raising her voice, "Well, why are we stopped, go on."

In the gardens of Shibuya, the newly arrived Lady Kimiko and Queen Rika stroll through and discuss the state of their house.

"Rumors and gossip, that’s all they got. It’s theater, nothing more. If they arrested all the adulterers in Shibuya there’d be no room left in the dungeons for anyone else." Lady Kimiko says.

"Everyone knew about his leniency." Rika says.

"No one cared when Tenri Hiiragi did it. No one cared when Mahiru Hiiragi did it. No one cared when Kureto Hiiragi did it. But, they still knew." Lady Kimiko says before shaking her head. "No, no, no, no, this is unacceptable."

"Mahiru is behind this." Rika says with a miffed look overtaking her face.

"Of course she is. She wants to drag our names through the dirt. Put us in our place." Lady Kimiko says before turning to Rika, "Get some rest, dear, you look appalling. Let me deal with Mahiru Hiiragi."

In Mahiru's chambers, the Queen Mother writes at her desk without even acknowledging the old lady in front of her.

"Your Grace, I have travelled a long way." Lady Kimiko finally says after having enough.

"You must be exhausted." Mahiru remarks as she continues her action.

"Put the pen down, dear, we all know you aren’t writing anything." Lady Kimiko calls out Mahiru's bullshit.

"Ah, yes, the famously tart-tongued Queen of Thorns." Mahiru puts down her pen to give the old omega her attention.

"And the famous tart Queen Mahiru." Lady Kimiko bites back.

"Beg your pardon." Mahiru's face falls.

"I know you’re behind this absurd incarceration of my grandson." Lady Kimiko says.

"If you apologize for that comment perhaps-" Mahiru starts.

"You’ll get your apology when I get Reo." Lady Kimiko says.

"I was as shocked as anyone when The Faith arrested Ser Reo. I have no love for these fanatics. But what can the Queen Mother do?" Mahiru says with a sigh.

"Has the crown suddenly stopped needing the troops, gold, and wheat my house supplies?" Lady Kimiko asks.

"I assure you our alliance with House Inoue remains-" Mahiru starts.

"Do you expect the alliance to continue after you’ve thrown our future into prison?" Lady Kimiko interrupts.

"As I said, I didn’t imprison anyone. As for your veiled threats-" Mahiru starts.

"What veil?" Lady Kimiko retorts.

"The Hiiragi-Inoue alliance brought peace to a war-torn country. Do you really want to see the Six Kingdoms slide back into warfare?" Mahiru asks.

"I didn’t trust your father or you uncle. I didn’t particularly like them. But I respected them. They were not fools. They understood that sometimes we must work with our rivals rather than destroy them." Lady Kimiko says.

"House Hiiragi has no rival. The High Septon has called for an inquest, not a trial. Just a small hearing to determine whether the charges against Reo have merit, which I’m sure they don’t. Reo will be freed, our happy alliance will continue, and we’ll forget this unfortunate conversation ever happened. Good day, Lady Kimiko." Mahiru says as she turns back to her fake writing.

Lady Kimiko knows she will not get anywhere and sighs before getting up and exiting Mahiru's chambers.

As soon as she's gone Mahiru puts down the quill and paper before looking up with a ghost of a content smile.

In the chambers of the High Sparrow, the barefooted man paces on the stone floor in front of a seated Ser Reo. Lady Kimiko, Rika, King Tyuri, and Mahiru sit in front of the beta man. The man's clothes are dirtied as is his blonde hair. He has a blonde beard growing from being so unkempt. An empty chair is placed beside Lady Kimiko.

"You are aware of the rumors concerning you and the omegas and alphas you bed." The High Sparrow says.

"I don’t pay attention to rumors." Ser Reo says.

"Some died and you were spoken of as being despondent and inconsolable. You waited by their bedsides as they passed." The High Sparrow says. "Do you deny all of the charges against you? Fornication, infidelity, blasphemy."

"Of course I deny them." Ser Reo says.

"You never lay with any omega outside of marriage." The High Sparrow says.

"Never." Reo says definitively.

"Nor any other beta nor alpha."

"Never." Reo reiterates.

"That will be all Ser Reo." The High Sparrow says.

Reo rises and retakes his seat.

"Well I think that’s quite enough of that." Lady Kimiko says before moving to stand.

The High Sparrow moves to stand before them before saying, "Faith calls Queen Rika forward."

Rika's eyes dilate, "You call me forward?"

"Yes. We have some questions for you." The High Sparrow says.

"I am the queen." Rika tells him almost offended.

"You are. And according to Law of the Seven, neither Kings nor Queens are exempt from testimony at a holy inquest." The High Sparrow says as Rika glares down the line to find Mahiru's smug eyes on her.

Rika releases her breath before standing and moving towards the backless seat where Reo was before sitting down.

"How do you respond to these charges against your brother?" The High Sparrow asks.

"They are lies." Rika says bluntly.

"All of them?" The High Sparrow says.

"All of them." Rika agrees.

"Queen Rika, in the presence of the gods, do you swear that your brother is innocent of these charges against him, to the best of your knowledge?" The High Sparrow asks the omega.

"Yes, I swear it." Rika says.

"Thank you, Your Grace." The High Sparrow says as Rika rises and retakes her seat.

A door is opened and Olyviae is escorted in by the members of the Faith Militant. Reo's heart stops and Rika tenses slightly as the omega takes a seat. A thin smile appears on Mahiru's face.

"Do you know this man?" The High Sparrow asks the omega.

"Yes, very well. He is Ser Reo Inoue, heir to Akino." Olyviae nods.

"How did you come to meet?" The High Sparrow asks.

"I used to walk by the training grounds with the other omegas. He took a liking to me and summoned me to his chamber the first day we met." Olyviae recounts.

"And what occurred in his chamber?" The High Sparrow asks.

"We engaged in intimate relations." Olyviae says.

"You laid with him?" The High Sparrow asks.

"That night and many others." Olyviae nods.

"Liar! He’s a liar!" Reo shouts angrily.

"Is there anyone else who can support your claim?" The High Sparrow asks.

"Yes, yes, Queen Rika." Olyviae says as Rika feels Tyuri's eyes turn to her lowered face. "She walked in on us once not long ago. She didn’t seem surprised."

"This testimony is an insult to a great house. Why should The Faith or anyone else take the word of a squire over the heir to Akino?" Mahiru talks for show to appear innocent.

"He has a birthmark, Your Grace. Quite high on his thigh, wine-colored, and roughly the shape of Harajuku." Olyviae says.

A ghost of a smile overtakes Mahiru's face when Reo lunges towards the omega, but being pulled back by the Faith Militant before he can lay a hand on him.

"Liar! Liar! Liar!" Reo shouts.

Rika and Lady Kimiko stand and moves towards the door to leave when Reo is taken out of the door, but the Faith Militant block their exit.

"What are you doing? Let us pass." Lady Kimiko says.

"The Faith is satisfied that there is enough evidence to bring a formal trial for Ser Reo..." The High Sparrow tells them, "And Queen Rika."

Rika's eyes widen and the omega stiffens.

Fury is etched in Lady Kimiko's voice as she shouts, "WHAT?"

"Bearing false witness before the gods is as grave a sin as any." The High Sparrow says before addressing the two men. "Take her."

Rika's arms are grabbed by the dark-robed alphas as they force her out of the room. Tyuri turns to his Kingsguard who move before being stopped by the Faith Militant.

"No, Tyuri! Tyuri!" Rika shouts as she is dragged away.

Tyuri looks around the room, unsure of what to do. He raises a hand.

"You can’t do this, I am the queen! Tyuri, Tyuri! I am your queen, how dare you!" Rika shouts at the High Sparrow on the way out the doors.

Lady Kimiko glares at Mahiru as the purple-haired omega smiles smugly at her.

 Shinjuku - The Countryside Outside of Valyria

Near the sea, Ser Lacus looks at the greyscale patch on his wrist before covering it with his yellow shirt sleeve.

Shinya returns from relieving himself, "So, those villages we were supposed to find. We can’t live on berries and roots."

"I can." Ser Lacus says.

"You’re not hungry?" Shinya asks.

"Of course I’m hungry." Ser Lacus says.

"You’re an awful travelling companion, do you know that? Possibly the least charming man I have ever met. And this is including alphas who are just unpleasant for an omega to deal with." Shinya says.

"I am not your travelling companion."

"We are travelling together. In each other’s company. Therefore..." Shinya trails off.

"Do you ever shut up?" Lacus asks.

"I sailed from Shibuya to Kyrna in a crate. Without ever saying a word." Shinya says.

Lacus moves to sit closer to where Shinya is at.

"Why?" Lacus asks.

"Never occurred to you to ask why until now? You never wondered why Shinya Hiiragi decided to visit a brothel in Asshain." Shinya says.

Lacus raises a brow that tells him to continue.

Shinya sighs before speaking, "I killed my uncle. He wanted to execute me for a crime I didn’t commit."

Ser Lacus stands.

"As miserable as you are, Welt, at least your father was a good alpha." Shinya says.

"What do you know about my father?" Lacus asks.

"I visited him when I was much younger, sometime after the rebellion." Shinya says. "How do they say it in the North? “We shall never see his like again.”"

Ser Lacus looks at Shinya with a stunned look.

Shinya's eyes widen as a realization overtakes him, "You didn’t know. I’m sorry. I am."

"How?" Ser Lacus asks with glassy eyes.

"I only know what I heard." Shinya says.

"How?" Ser Lacus asks insistently.

"He was leading an expedition. There was a mutiny. He was murdered by his own men." Shinya says.

Lacus nods before standing, "We better get moving."

Ser Lacus walks away before Shinya soon follows after him.

Shinya and Lacus make their way through an open green valley.

Shinya's curiosity takes over when a thought enters his mind, "Why Mikaela? Why is he worth all this? As I recall, the Welt's fought against the Shindo's during Hiiragi’s Rebellion."

"Do you believe in anything?" Ser Lacus asks after a moment passes.

"I believe in many things." Shinya says.

"In something greater than ourselves, I mean. The Gods. Destiny. Do you believe there's a plan for this world?" Ser Lacus asks.

"Not really, no." Shinya says.

"Neither did I. I was a cynic, just like you. Then I saw an omega boy step into a great fire with three stone eggs. When the fire burned out I thought I’d find his blackened bones. Instead I found him. Mikaela. Alive and unhurt, arguably more powerful than I've ever seen him. Holding his baby dragons. Have you ever heard baby dragons singing?" Ser Lacus asks.

"No."

"It's hard to be a cynic after that." Ser Lacus says.

"Doesn’t mean she’s going to be a great queen." Shinya argues.

"No. it doesn’t." Ser Lacus says.

"The Shindo's are famously insane. What if he conquers the world? Then what? 1,000 years of peace and prosperity?" Shinya asks.

"First we have to conquer the world." Ser Lacus says.

"We? Alright, let’s assume your dreams come true. He’s ecstatic when you bring him this enemy omega. He hacks off my head and restores your position. You command his army, sail to Westeria, defeat all your enemies, then watch as he climbs those steps and sits on the Seraphin Throne. Hurrah, long live the Queen. Then what?" Shinya challenges.

"Then he rules." Ser Lacus says.

"So an omegan man who has not spent a single day of his adult life in Westeria becomes the ruler of Westeria? That’s justice?" Shinya asks.

"He is the rightful heir." Ser Lacus says.

"Why, because his father who burned living men for amusement was the King?" Shinya asks.

"You know, you are awfully cynical for an omega who crossed the Blood Sea just to meet this omega. Why were you doing that again? Because your family tried to kill you for a crime you didn't commit?" Ser Lacus raises his voice defensively, "You're saying your family is doing a better job of running that kingdom because that's why you're here to see Mikaela? In fact, look no better place of this omega's mercy than in your case of your beloved Guren."

Shinya stiffens.

"That omega had every right and opportunity to kill your alpha. But, he saved his life and gave him purpose despite knowing what his true motives always were. If he were really his father, your alpha would be nothing more than ashes blown away in the wind. But, he still lives because Mika let him. He serves Mika now, willingly and completely. It's why I'm here now!" Lacus tells Shinya.

Shinya looks down in silence before stalking off.

Ser Lacus follows after as they head closer to the sea. Shinya is caught in his own thoughts until Ser Lacus roughly pushes him down to hide behind a rock.

"What?" Shinya shouts.

"Shh! It’s a slave ship." Ser Lacus says, peeking over to see the large brown ship.

"Why is it anchored?" Shinya asks as he now looks over.

"They probably came ashore for-" Ser Lacus starts.

"Water." A voice behind them finishes.

Shinya and Ser Lacus turn to find themselves surrounded by alpha and beta men with swords pointed at them.

A large and bald alabaster-skinned man smirks down at them. Most likely their leader.

Shinya and Lacus' hands are bound as they are made to kneel near the slavers' small rowboats by the shore.

Ser Lacus is punched by the leader.

"Got a lot of fight in you, huh?" The leader says as Ser Lacus rises before punching the beta down again.

"Salt mines." Another slaver says as the leader moves to stand beside him.

"That or a galley slave. He looks strong enough." The leader says.

"What about the omega?" The slaver says.

"Whorehouse, until then we can use him." Another slaver says.

Shinya stiffens as fear overtakes him.

"Whorehouses will give more money for untouched omegas, and they'll smell us on him. No one touches him until we get him to one." The leader says, "The pretty ones like this slut fetch larger prices too."

"Queen Mikaela has outlawed slavery." Ser Lacus says.

"We’re bound to Asshain, not the Bay of Slaves. Besides, he reopened the fighting pits. I never heard of free men fighting in the pits." The leader tells Ser Lacus.

"The fighting puts in Meeridan! You’re in luck then, you’re about to be rich. You are looking at one of the great warriors in the Six Kingdoms." Shinya says desperately.

The leader laughs at Shinya.

"Him." Shinya gestures to Lacus.

"Him? He's not even an alpha." The leader says.

"Sure, we can all see that. But he is a veteran of 100 battles. They wrote songs about him!" Shinya says.

The leader gestures for the men to bring Ser Lacus closer to them.

"Is that true?" The leader asks Ser Lacus.

Lacus only nods.

"He won the tournament at Hiiragsport, unseating Ser Kureto Hiiragi himself." Shinya says.

The leader laughs, "Jousting. You’re talking about jousting. A fancy game for fancy lads. The men who fight at Meeridan will swallow him whole."

"I killed a Dothraki blood rider in single combat." Ser Lacus says truthfully.

The leader comes to attention in shock and gets close to Lacus' face before sneering, "Liar."

"It’s no lie. His name was Quatho. He was bloodrider to Khal Makoto. Take me to the Bay of Slaves, put a sword in my hand, and I’ll prove my worth." Ser Lacus says with a fierce determination.

The leader only nods as a slow smile crosses his face.

In Asshain at the Slaver's auction, the slaves are led onto the stage.

Shinya and Ser Lacus have cuffs placed around their wrists and necks that are bound to large and heavy chains.

Shinya is whipped by one of the men and grunts in pain as he is led to the stage with Lacus.

Slaves are sold before Ser Lacus is brought onto the stage.

"A rare find for the fighting pits, my friends. Not your usual street tough old drunken pirate. This one’s a Westerian knight from an ancient house, trained in sword and lance. He fought beside the Lion King Tenri on the far side of the Blood Sea. He was first from the breach during the siege of Ryke, slaughtering fifty men with his flaming sword. He killed the great Khal Makoto in single combat. Betrayed by his omega, he sold himself into slavery to repay his debts. Bidding begins at twelve gold honors." The leader announces to the crowd of slave owners.

A hand goes up.

"13. Do I have 14?" The leader asks.

Another hand goes up.

"15? 15 gold honors. Do I have 16?" The leader asks.

An alpha in the front wearing a dark brown robe, pants, and boots raises his hand. "20."

"Sold!" The leader shouts.

Ser Lacus is taken away by the man as Shinya's eyes widen in fear.

"Wait! You have to buy me as well." Shinya shouts to the brown-clad alpha.

"Why?" The alpha asks.

"We’re a team. I’m a great fighter, too." Shinya says.

The crowd laughs all around as the man looks at the slave leader.

"He’s funny. You have to give him that." The leader says.

The rage in Shinya grows as the alpha holding his chain laughs at him. Shinya pulls the chain causing the alpha to fall to the ground before continuously beating him down with the heavy chains. The crowd roars as Shinya's eyes meet the ones of the brown-clad alpha.

"Alright. He’s funny." The alpha says, "If he can't perform, I'm sure I'll find other uses for such a pretty omega."

Shinya cringes internally above all of the underlying relief flowing in him. The alpha hands the leader the coins.

"Thank you my Lord. Thank you." Shinya says to the man who turns his back on him.

"Yes." The alpha says as he tries to move away past the two.

Shinya walks with him to where Ser Lacus is at.

Ser Lacus nods to him as Shinya and he follow after the party of purchased slaves for the fighting pits.

 Shinjuku - Meeridan

At the docks of Shinjuku, Mikaela Shindo and Guren Ichinose stand with a sizeable guard of Untainted with the two. A medium-sized ship stands behind the alpha, the passengers on the ship are limited to a minimal amount of crew and merchants to make it look conspicuous. The sun is currently setting at the harbor.

Mika is clad in a white dress that's over his dark riding slacks and boots. His hair is down in more braids for mobility, in case something happens. Guren turns back from the ship and directs his gaze at Mika who has his hands clasped as he walks toward the alpha. The alpha is in his normal slacks, doublet, riding boots, and black cloak.

"Well, Lord Guren, I have never been known for giving good farewells." Mika tells him with a smirk.

Guren huffs a chuckle, "You're doing just fine, Your Grace."

"Flatterer." Mika chuckles and lets a beat pass before continuing. "Three years ago, it was one of the first things I noticed about you."

"It has gotten me far." Guren says.

"I agree. I hope you don't see yourself as the Kingslayer anymore, Lord Guren. You are no longer that in my eyes and you haven't been for a long time." Mika now looks at the ship.

"Of course, Your Grace." Guren says gratefully.

"It should be a relatively safe trip to the harbors of Westeria." Mika remarks has he studies the impressive ship.

"Where will it stop?"

"I believe it's the Riverlands, a harbor near Ebina." Mika says. "Figured it would be safer than sending you to Shibuya."

Guren nods.

"Are you ready?" Mika asks.

"No."

"Scared."

Guren looks at the omega's probing sapphire eyes. "Do you want me to be honest?"

"You should never not be honest when talking to me." Mika says.

"I am. I have a small curdling in my gut that's telling me to stay. But, it's a small part." Guren tells Mika.

"And the rest?"

"The rest has to know what happened to Yuu, Shinya, and the others." Guren says.

"Lord Guren, I do know this is something of a delicate situation." Mika faces the alpha. "I want to let you know that your focus should be on ensuring your family is safe. I will be fine over here. But, you need to take care of yourself first over there. You're an alpha who is supposed to be dead, many would want to see your head on a spike. You have to be careful."

"I know."

"You have to stay safe because when I go over there, I want you to be the one that shows me the North." Mika tells him.

Guren's eyes widen.

"I want to see you ruling your home when I get there, so that when I arrive you will be the one who shows it to me." Mika says. "I know your allegiance is to me, but I know that your heart will always belong to Nagoya."

"Your Grace-"

Mika raises a hand to stop him, "I'm not saying you won't serve me. I'm telling you that your priority needs to be finding your family and getting the North back from the Hiiragi's. You don't need to spread my name around, I'll be doing that plenty when I arrive. When I go back home, I want to see you in Nagoya with whatever remains of your family. When I come to the North, you will be the one who shows me the beauty of it."

"Your Grace." Guren can only say as he's overwhelmed with emotion. The alpha doesn't know what to say so he just bows his head to the omega.

Mika smiles before moving to hug the alpha. Guren freezes and stiffens before returning the embrace.

Mika leans up to whisper in his ear, "Win back your home and find your family, Lord Guren. I'll be there shortly."

Mika pulls away.

"Take care, Your Grace." Guren says, "You're not your father and I know you never will be. You're something different and better than both of your parents. You are exactly what this shitty world needs. I'll support you anywhere I go. You are the rightful heir to the Seraphin Throne."

Mika's smile widens and he nods.

The ship's bell start ringing announcing that all should get on board.

"You should get going." Mika tells him. "Be careful and don't forget, I'll be waiting to see the beauty of Nagoya."

Guren bows, "Of course, Your Grace. There is no place more beautiful."

Mika nods as Guren rises and moves to climb the wooden plank onto the ship.

Mika looks at the alpha as he safely gets on and turns to look at the omega.

Both keep their eyes locked as the ship's anchor is pulled up and it begins to slowly sail away.

"Don't take too fucking long!" Guren shouts back at Mika in his alpha voice. The alpha has glassy eyes.

Mika laughs, "I'll try not to!"

Mika's eyes water a little as he watches the alpha's ship leave. The omega turns back and realizes that he's finding the amount of advisors he has in his retinue slowly dwindling.

 Nagoya - Snowstorm

At night in her chambers, Shinoa sits at her vanity and looks at herself in a mirror. She's not exercising vanity, but merely observing how much years have passed and how she's actually matured since the last time she really looked at herself. The omega's dark hair is down and she is in a grey dress robe.

Suddenly a knock on her wooden door catches her attention. Shinoa rises after the second knock to open it.

There stands Sayuri Hanayori in a dark green gown.

"What do you want?" Shinoa asks her.

"My Lord Father sent me to draw your bath, My Lady. You want to be clean and fresh for your new husband don’t you?" Sayuri asks.

"They usually have servants for that." Shinoa says.

"It's what Father and Ky want." Sayuri says.

Shinoa hesitates before opening her door wider and letting the omega in.

In the large circular bucket, Shinoa lies in the tub with her head leaning out as she looks up at the ceiling. She tries to ignore the other omega as she is forced to let her rinse the black dye from her hair.

"Your natural purple hair is so beautiful and unique." Sayuri remarks as she rinses the black into a basin of water beside the tub.

"Thank you." Shinoa says politely.

"You’re so beautiful. But you need to keep him happy. Ky gets bored easily. You don't want to end up like... Well, like the others." Sayuri tells her.

"What others?" Shinoa turns her head slightly to her.

"I shouldn’t gossip. It’s good to see the purple again. No point in hiding anymore." Sayuri falsely tries to change the topic.

"What others?" Shinoa asks more insistently.

"Let’s see. There was Kieron. The blacksmith’s son, an omega. He was short. Like you. Lovely figure. But he talked and talked and talked and… Ky got tired of that. Then there was Violet. She had gorgeous blond hair. But she got pregnant and, well, that was boring." Sayuri tells Shinoa with a dangerous undertone as Shinoa pulls away and sits up in the tub. Sayuri begins to scrub her back. "Then Tamsin. Such a sweet omega. Of course sweet girls get a bit dull after a while, don’t they? Ky let me come with him on that hunt."

"Hunt?" Shinoa asks tersely as she gets an idea of the kind of alpha she is dealing with.

"Mm. Have you ever seen a body after the dogs have been at it? Not so pretty. But it’s your wedding day, why am I talking about such things?" Sayuri tells her with a sickly sweet smile.

"Sayuri." Shinoa says.

"Yes?" Sayuri asks.

"How long have you loved him?" Shinoa says before turning to the omega whose gaze turns to a glare and her posture stiffens as she freezes. "Did you imagine that he would be with you forever, is that it? Then I came along and ruined it."

Shinoa's glare darkens as she looks at the frozen Sayuri.

"I am Shinoa Hiiragi of Snowstorm. This is my home and you can’t frighten me." Shinoa declares to Sayuri.

A moment passes before a small shameful smile crosses Sayuri's lips as she lowers her gaze.

"Are you done with your bath, Lady Shinoa?" Sayuri asks.

"Go. I can finish on my own." Shinoa nods her head to the door.

Sayuri's face falls before she rises and exits without any fanfare as Shinoa watches her leave.

Shinoa stands in her chambers in her white wedding dress. She hasn't even noticed that the snow has begun falling outside her window. The white dress is long-sleeved with a white fur shawl that covers her shoulders, yet leaves the front and back of the dress entirely visible. The white dress has lilac zig-zags embroidered on the gown. Every inch of her skin is covered with the thick white fabric, except for her hands. It's almost like an armor she wears. The gown has an ivory underdress. The sleeves have a rolled up cloth as the end of each one, almost like it was folded up, yet looking natural. Her purple hair is braided and wrapped around her skull in a bun of Northern braids. She looks beautiful by every standard in something she would have dreamed of wearing as a child, this makes her unease grows as she knows that she's marrying Ky Hanayori.

Another knock at her door catches her attention.

Shinoa turns, "Yes?"

The door opens and Kimizuki enters. He's clearly bathed for this moment. His pink hair now visible after all the dirt and grime has been washed away. He is clad in a dark black feathered cloak over his black doublet, slacks, and boots. His face is clean, yet it still has that ashamed and terrified look on it as he refuses to meet Shinoa's eyes. He still looks pitiful in Shinoa's eyes while Kimizuki makes the connection of her beauty in that dress.

"I’ve come to escort you to the Godswood, My Lady. If you please, My Lady, will you take my arm?" Kimizuki weakly stutters out as he barely holds his hand out.

"No." Shinoa strongly declines.

"Lord Ky, he said I am supposed to take your arm." Kimizuki tells her.

"I’m not touching you." Shinoa reiterates in disgust.

"Please. He’ll punish me." Kimizuki begs, but remains impassive because underneath it all he understands why she wouldn't do it.

"Do you think I care what he does to you?" Shinoa sneers at her former brother.

Shinoa makes her way past Kimizuki as the heels of her white boots click. Kimizuki looks at her back when she passes as the shame overtakes him.

Shinoa follows behind Kimizuki on the familiar path to the Godswood where torches illuminate along the way. Snow falls from the sky as they make their way.

The party near the white tree with red leaves and a face carved on it soon becomes clearer as they get closer. Shinoa's unease and tense feelings mount and climb with every step she takes. She's not ready for this, but she has to be. She knows what she has to do tonight, but it does not make the situation any better.

Hanayori men, Wakiru, and Sayuri stand along the side and form the aisle that Shinoa walks down. At the end of a tree stands, Ky and Lord Hanayori. Both are clad in black with Ky being clad in a dark cloth cloak and wears a doublet with a long neck. The outfit is a higher class version of Kimizuki's.

Lord Hanayori steps forward, "Who comes before the Old Gods this night?"

"Shinoa of the House Hiiragi comes here to be wed. An omegan woman grown, trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessings of the gods. Who comes to claim her?" Kimizuki recites with his head lowered.

A moment passes before Ky steps forward. "Ky of House Hanayori. Heir to the Frightfort and Snowstorm. Who gives her?"

Sayuri looks down as tears come into her eyes.

"Shihou of House Kimizuki. Who was… who was her adopted brother." Kimizuki says.

Shinoa closes her eyes before opening them again, not like it was a lie. They all grew to become true siblings from a terrible situation that got worse.

"Lady Shinoa, will you take this man as your alpha?" Lord Hanayori asks the omega.

Shinoa's eyes drift to him before landing on Ky. The omega remains silent for a long pause as Ky gives her an expectant, almost impatient look. Sayuri's nails dig into her palms as she feels the growing fury and jealousy within her.

Shinoa finally steps forward after a long moment's contemplation, knowing that she has no other option.

"I take this man for my alpha." Shinoa says as the tense atmosphere dissipates at her words.

A smile slowly crosses Ky's face that looks more sinister than joyful.

Kimizuki meekly opens the door to Ky's chambers.

Shinoa enters as Ky follows behind her. She looks at the bed covered with a large amount of furs. Shinoa turns to face the alpha.

"Are you pleased, My Lady?" Ky asks Shinoa with a smile.

Shinoa nods tersely.

"Good. I want you to be happy. My father said you’re still a virgin." Ky tells her.

"Yes." Shinoa says as she looks back at Kimizuki who still remains with his head lowered.

"Why? Why are you still a virgin? Afraid of knights?" Ky asks her in a creepy tone.

"Ser Reo was kind, he was gentle. He never touched me." Shinoa says.

"You’re not lying to me?" Ky asks.

"No, My Lord." Shinoa says.

"Lying to your husband on his wedding night. That would be a very bad way to start a marriage. We are man and wife, alpha and omega now, we should be honest with each other, don’t you think?" Ky asks.

"Yes." Shinoa says.

Ky's hand comes up to cup her cheek. It's cold, almost like he's dead. He leans in and kisses her. Shinoa stumbles before reciprocating in disgust. Kimizuki keeps his eyes downcast.

Shinoa turns it into a more falsely passionate affair as Ky pulls away from her.

"You kiss very well for a virgin." Ky says. "Are you sure you're not lying to me?"

"Yes, My Lord. I swear." Shinoa says before looking down in false shyness, "I'm just excited to be with my husband on our first night."

A smirk appears over Ky's face at the sight of the blushing omega. "Good. Now take off your clothes."

Shinoa's eyes dilate, but she keeps her small smile in place until she can turn her back to the alpha. Kimizuki turns to leave as Ky turns to him now.

"Oh, no, no, no. You stay here Reek. You watch." Ky says with an evil smirk.

Shinoa stiffens, but finally removes her fur shawl, leaving her in just a gown. Kimizuki returns to the open door, but still keeps his eyes lowered.

"Reek? I told you to watch." Ky tells him as Shinoa begins to unbutton her dress by removing the clasped wolf and lion pins.

Kimizuki finally looks up with tears in his eyes.

"You’ve known Shinoa since she was a young omega girl. Now watch her become a woman." Ky says before turning back to Shinoa.

Shinoa huffs a breath, "Ky, can you-"

Shinoa huffs another breath when she feels the back bodice of her dress being ripped open. She's had enough of this. She is not going to be some alpha's pawn. She is not going to be anyone's pawn ever again. She will not be a victim. She can't do anything about Kimizuki watching, despite how uncomfortable it is, but she can do something about making sure she has some semblance of power on her wedding night. No matter how disgusting this is and how much she doesn't want to do this she has to. There was no way to avoid this, so she has to take charge to make sure she does not ever become a victim again. She knows what's coming and she has to make the best of it.

Shinoa immediately turns back as Ky runs a hand down her naked back, the alpha opens his mouth to order her to turn back. Before he can to that the omega crashes her lips into her new husband's. Ky immediately begins to reciprocate, not expecting this from the omega.

Ky pulls away and caresses her cheek, "You're not like the others, are you?"

Shinoa smirks as she shoves down her disgust before leaning in, "I'm making sure my alpha doesn't get bored with me."

"I can't imagine I will." Ky tells her.

The alpha leans in and Shinoa unwillingly meets him halfway with as much false passion she can curdle.

Kimizuki watches in complete discomfort. He can tell what Shinoa is doing and knows the omega is doing what she has to survive. If only he was strong enough to do anything. Tears pour down his face as he watches what Shinoa is reduced to doing.

Shinoa pulls away and removes the large top later of her dress leaving her in the underdress, "Take off your clothes, I want my alpha to have the best experience."

Ky smirks at her in intrigue before taking off his top coat and doublet. Shinoa's eyes meet Kimizuki's watery ones before they return to her new husband.

Once Ky has his shirt and boots off, Shinoa immediately returns to kiss him as he lifts her off the ground. Shinoa's legs wrap around his waist as she is carried to the bed.

Shinoa is grateful that this angle will not give Kimizuki much of any view of her. Shinoa feels her slick producing as her omega instincts take over.

"Alpha." Shinoa falsely calls out.

Ky growls thinking that Shinoa means it before he unlaces his breeches to free his cock.

The alpha immediately moves to thrust into the omega's wet and slick heat.

Shinoa feels tears come to her eyes at what she has been reduced to doing, but she powers through it. She fakes all of her moans and groans of pleasure despite some of it feeling unwillingly good because of her omega's satisfaction.

Shinoa suddenly feels the pain in her neck when Ky bites down on her neck and marks her as his omega. The bite on her neck draws blood and she feels only pain as he licks it away.

Ky finishes inside of her not long after and collapses beside the omega.

Kimizuki looks at the omega's daze and can only find the need to cry harder at the sight of Shinoa's state.

Shinoa's face remains frozen and she feels like she's in a wide-eyed daze as she looks up at the ceiling. She feels Ky's bite stop bleeding and take form, marking her as his omega. She knew it was coming, but she could not help feeling this way. Shinoa was now bound to an alpha who would have raped her if she did not take charge of the situation. She's bound to a torturous, murderous, and dangerous alpha who has broken Kimizuki who was one of the strongest alpha's she knew. As she looks up at the ceiling she knows she did the best she could, but the situation she is in is still terrible. She only wanted to be mated to one alpha her entire life and that was Mitsu. Now she was bonded against her wishes to an alpha that she let do this to her. All Shinoa knows is she cannot stay here anymore, she is not safe or protected in the one place she always used to feel that. She has to get out of Snowstorm before her heat comes and Ky puts a child in her, otherwise then the bond will have taken and will be almost irreversible.


“Well?” the shortest in the group pressed.

Danny hesitated. It wasn't like he didn't want to talk to the League, or probably just Batman from the sound of it, especially since he had been invited and they went through the trouble of finding him. But… he really didn’t want to leave Amity. Especially not for the League. Okay, so maybe he didn't want to talk to the League, but it was their fault.

“Fine,” Danny grumbled when he couldn't find an excuse to stay. The team of younger heroes had already managed to sink everything he'd tried. “Just, give me a second to get things a little more… organized.”

Danny drifted up and away from the other teens before activating his Fenton Phone and waiting for his friends to answer. It barely took a minute, and both of them answered at almost the same time, groggily talking over each other.

“Easy guys,” Danny cut them off in Esperanto, an unspoken signal to be careful passing between them. “There’s no fire. Some big names just want to talk to me, so I need to leave town for a while. Possibly the whole night.”

“And by ‘big names’ you mean…” Tucker trailed off.

“Probably the League, techno-geek,” Sam answered promptly. “Exactly how paranoid are you being right now, Danny?”

Danny's eyes flicked down to his company, “Batman’s name came up more than a few times, and one of the messengers is wearing Big Blue’s symbol. I'd rather not take any chances.”

There was silence on the other lines. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Tucker began.

“Yeah, Danny, with everything that's happened you can't possibly want to do this.”

“You're right, it's a very bad idea that could cost me my identity. But these guys came prepared for an argument, and I might be able to get some answers anyway.”

Once again silence was the only response. Both of Danny’s long-time friends were wide awake by now. “We’re comi-”

“No, you're not,” Danny said, cutting off Sam. “I called because I need you on patrol while I'm gone. And the less they have to tie us together the better.”

“Come on, Goth Girl,” Tucker practically begged, “I know you want to keep Danny safe and finally get to meet tall, dark, and brooding, but the best thing for us to do is stay here and hold down the fort.”

“You can't possibly be okay with this!”

“Oh, I'm not. I think Danny should run and never look back. It's not like they have anything to catch him with. But we can't make Danny do anything, if not because we're his friends, then because we have no idea where he his and can't get to him.”

Danny had to stop himself from laughing out loud at his friend’s very pointed comment. “What the geek said. And anyway, running would make me look like a criminal and sooner or later they would get their hands on the family’s tech. Which would probably lead to the realization that I use it.”

“Fine,” Sam said, a rustling could be heard as she pulled herself out of bed. “Just get going before I change my mind and come find you.”

Danny grinned and said his goodbyes before hanging up and turning to the seven protégés on the rooftop. “So, where to now?”

Turned out, they were going to take him to their base via their Bioship, or, in Danny’s words, an honest to God Martian spaceship. Danny spent most of the ride trying not to freak out over the fact that he was sitting in a spaceship with two aliens, and, as a result of his struggle to keep his excitement from showing, he missed the fairly obvious telepathic conversation going on around him.

The team may have been having a debate about ghosts and whether or not they should really be trusting Phantom, but at least they were keeping it to themselves and only throwing a few wary glances and the rather energetic teen. Some of them were wondering how he went from mostly subdued and more than a little cautious to grinning while his gaze kept wandering, trying to take everything in and bouncing in his seat like a young kid on their first plane ride.

Things went downhill after Danny met Batman.

“I’m inviting you to join this team,” Batman said, wrapping up his speech.

“Wait, what!?” Kid Flash cried out, with Artemis echoing him.

“But, he’s a criminal!” Artemis yelled.

“Yeah! And we don't even know what he is! All we've ever gotten are vague piles of crap with no scientific backing!” Kid Flash continued.

“Enough,” Batman growled. Both of the young heroes looked like they were just beginning to build up steam but fell silent and shrunk under the glares being sent by Batman and Danny.

Zatanna opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by the very pissed off ghost teen, “First of all, Kid Flash, check your sources. There is science for what I am. It might be a work in progress and come from some biased individuals, but what is there in terms of biology is mostly accurate. Second of all, um, Archer?”

“Artemis,” she grumbled.

“Right, Artemis, you know nothing about those events and everything I've had to deal with because of it, so don't pretend you know what's going on.” Danny turned his attention to the Bat, floating a little higher to bring himself closer to eye level as he glared.

“Speaking of what's going on, Batman. You opened with the wrong question and it is way too late now.”

The team shifted uncomfortably. They'd never seen anyone address Batman like that. They didn't like their odds if they had to fight him, even with Batman there.

“You're attempt to recruit me has made it clear that you know exactly what has been going on in Amity Park,” Danny began slowly. “Which would mean that the League knows about a few events where they definitely should have gotten involved but hasn't even asked a single question about what the hell is happening! Amity Park gets overrun by ghosts turning even the most hardened skeptics in town into firm believers? Nothing. The town disappears for at least twelve hours and returns with stories of invasion, siege, and another dimension!? We definitely don't need to look into that. A global weather anomaly seems to be originating from Amity where they have a mayor that claimed to have a device to control the weather and had a horrible storm literally right before the entire rest of the world got hit by a clearly unnatural storm and then get perfectly clear skies? That's not suspicious at all. A plant ghost takes over the minds of the citizens and has them tearing their own city to pieces and the local hero is nowhere to be found for four hours after the initial confrontation where he was forced to retreat? There's no need to get involved. For the love of God, where were you!?”

By the time Phantom had finished his rant, eyes blazing a brighter green than usual. The team was silent and wide eyed. This was not what they had expected.

“We didn't-” Batman began calmly, looking unphased by Phantom’s verbal attack.

“Don't you dare say you didn't know,” Phantom hissed. “If you know enough to want me on your team, you know about that. If you had only learned recently, either I would have heard about you asking around, you would have already asked me yourself, or it would still be at the top of your to-do list in regard to me. Your first question was ‘want to join our covert ops team of teenage superheroes?’ not ‘okay, so, how did this happen and how did you stop it?’”

Batman was silent and seemed to be raising an eyebrow. Danny’s brow furrowed. “Wait, then… who have you been…” He blinked, then put his head in his hand, his other arm still crossed over his chest. “Please tell me it wasn't Vlad.”

“Who is Vlad?” Aqualad questioned.

“A manipulative jerk,” Danny spat. “And he's the only one that would've kept his mouth shut about talking to you, so I wouldn't hear about it.” Danny frowned again, “Well, I suppose, uh, Red Huntress would've as well. I haven't exactly heard from her in a while.”

It was Batman’s turn to be confused, “Red Huntress?”

“So, Vlad it is,” Danny grumbled. “Alright, what did he tell you?”

“Tell us who Red Huntress is first,” Robin said, having gotten his wits back. This was a new player on the board, or, more accurately, a player they hadn't been aware of.

Danny frowned down at him, “She's a ghost hunter. She tends to think along the standard lines of ‘ghost equals evil,’ but I think she’s starting to get past that… a little.”

Batman gave a subtle nod of approval to his protege before launching into a summary of everything the mayor of Amity Park and the owner of the only large company with a research department dedicated to ghosts and ectoplasm-based technology had told him. When he finished Phantom blinked and was silent for a moment. “That was actually pretty accurate,” he said slowly.

“Mind telling us what we got wrong?” Miss Martian asked a bit hesitantly.

“Obsessions, for one thing,” Danny started. “They're not always easily defined, and some ghost actually have multiple, and though they're usually related, they don't have to be. The core he theorized about isn't much like a heart, but that is the best analogy in living biology. It produces energy and allows it to be directed. But only a specific type of energy which varies by ghost, the rest is either absorbed from the environment or produced by the ectoplasm that makes up the ghost’s body.” Danny thought for a moment. “Vlad missed a few things about how ghosts govern themselves in the Ghost Zone, but that's not surprising seeing as he’s not a ghost.” More accurately, he is a ghost, but he hasn't gotten involved in that part of their politics yet. “Everything else seems fine to me.”

“You're not going to tell us how things actually work in the Ghost Zone?” Kid Flash accused, still a little uncomfortable with the idea of ghosts.

“It's not really relevant,” Phantom shrugged. “Those rules only really apply in the Ghost Zone, and even then, the big points he missed wouldn't affect you due to a bunch of non-interference rules. Unless there's a ghost that's actually going to wipe out life on earth, they don't step in.”

“I take it you don't like them very much,” Zatanna observed, “whoever they are.”

“Not really, no. But I have bigger things to worry about. Anyway, I should be going.”

“Wait,” Robin said, “what about the offer?”

Danny hesitated, “I might not be as mad as I was earlier, but I'm still not happy with the League. And anyway, I've already got my hands full with Amity.”

Batman nodded before anyone could say anything else. “Here,” he said as he handed a small box to Danny, “it’s a communicator. Call us if you need anything, and we’ll do the same. But we’ll try to leave you alone.”

Danny gave the communicator a quick once over before giving Batman a quiet thanks and following a couple team members back to the Bioship and heading home to his no doubt exhausted friends.

“Wait,” Artemis started after the group left, “we never found out what actually happened with the whole criminal thing.”


*****

Real estate viewing proved to be costly.

My wife Kathy and I have been looking for a new house for months; we scanned the Sunday real estate section every week for our dream house. Nothing peaked our interest; most new houses are large enough but built so close together that you could shake hands with your neighbor out of the kitchen window.

We found a listing for a new housing development that featured large lots up in hill country. This place built around a canyon and a lake, sounded like what we were looking for in a neighborhood.

We drove up one Sunday to check it out. We meet Chad, the sales guy at the main office and looked over floor plans, lots, etc. Chad looked the part of a real estate developer, chino slacks, pink polo shirt and sock-less in loafers.

The sample house / office was a huge single story four-bedroom house loaded with every feature that the builder offered. The rear patio even had a pool and Jacuzzi, with a fantastic view of the canyon lake.

The lot sizes bumped up the price to almost unaffordable for us. Chad sensing our sticker shock said, "I'll let you go up to the sample homes and they will sell you, just with the view. When you are done, stop back and I can answer any of your questions."

I liked Chad's laid back sales style, not too pushy or slick.

He gave us directions and handed us the keys. It was short drive up to the sample house through the forest surrounding the lake. There are only a few houses already built but they are almost not visible from the street.

As we pull up to the front of the sample, I loved it; they had an all-stone courtyard in the front that separates the front entrance from the street.

Opening the door you went into a large foyer you could see the large stone fireplace directly ahead in the living room with cathedral ceilings. The house was huge, over four thousand square feet, two story with three-car garage and four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. This was a lot of house for us, maybe too much space.

The house is fully decorated to highlight every room; each has the appropriate furniture and lighting. We quickly inspected each room downstairs and started up to see the second floor.

We went into the master bedroom upstairs and wow, what a view! I would love to see this every morning, the sun was reflecting over the lake and the canyon all around it looked more like a picture than reality. We stepped out on the balcony and the view was more panoramic. We held hands and hugged each other while gazing at the lake view.

Once back in the bedroom Kathy laid down on the bed and said," I could see us living here." motioning me to join her on the bed.

As we, both laid on the bed a very sexual feeling came over me. I started kissing Kathy and soon we were undressing each other. We were going to christen our 'new house'. Kathy got up and walked to the balcony totally nude, she felt comfortable and relaxed.

As she stood on the balcony, she suddenly said, "What if someone comes?"

"Not to worry we are all alone."

She beckoned me out to the balcony, it must be the fresh mountain air, but we were as horny as teenagers being left alone at home. There was a patio lounge on the balcony; we sat there caressing each other until we started feeling like dogs in heat.

All that pent up passion let loose and we started fucking. Kathy was on her hands and knees and we were going at it doggie style since the lounge was too short to use like a bed.

Kathy screamed out as she was about to orgasm, "Fuck me, fuck me ... harder , Oh."

The sound seemed to echo through the canyon, I hoped it hadn't.

After a few jerks and spasms, she was spent. Something about this house turned her on, she wanted to check out every room again, totally naked. I don't know if it was the strange house, the setting or the thought that someone could come in and see her naked. She is recharged by the time we get to the kitchen; she wanted to be fucked again but now on the huge dining room table. It was set up as people were coming to dinner, nice china, silverware, and white napkins all carefully placed.

I can't say we have ever fucked on a dining room table, but we did now. It isn't the most comfortable place to fuck, but I must say it was different.

Kathy said she wanted to look at the courtyard again, as she opened the front door and went out into the courtyard.

"See, I can be naked in the courtyard and you can't see me from the street."

Then the fascination left and she went back inside. For some reason she like prancing around making her tits bounce up and down, she skipped like a kid all the way back to the bedroom.

As we put our clothes back on she said, "There is an energy about this place, I feel so sexy."

"I know, I feel it too."

I said, "Let's get back to the main office, before they send a search party for us."

Part 2

As we entered the main office, Chad was there to greet us.

Smiling, Chad said, "I can see you liked the place. How was that view?"

Before we could answer, Chad said, "I see that you two like showing off."

I am sure I had a puzzled look on my face, when Chad said, "We do have cameras all over the place, you know."

I am thinking 'Oh, shit', I didn't see any cameras.

Kathy just looks at me and sheepishly asks Chad, "You mean you saw us on camera the whole time?"

Chad replied, "Yes and I especially like the balcony scene."

"Well Chad, we didn't think anyone would mind if we got a little busy in the place ... we didn't hurt anything, we were careful."

"No problem, did you two enjoy yourselves at our expense?"

"I didn't think it would harm, we just got carried away ... you know ... with the view and all."

Chad replies, "You do know it was all recorded ... you know for insurance purposes."

Kathy's face gave away her panic, "You have it all recorded ... everything was on camera .. I'm so embarrassed."

"You guys aren't the only ones that have been turned on by the 'view'; I have recorded a few more just in the last few weeks.

"Chad what are you going to do with the recordings? .. we would hate for anyone to see ... our ... well our ... "

Chad interrupts Kathy, "What I do with them is all up to you two."

I can see where this is going; we are going to be blackmailed into buying this house. Oh shit, I can't really afford this place.

"Don't worry Bob and Kathy; I am not going to force you guys into buying this house. I would have liked you to buy it. But I know it's a lot of money for you guys."

"I am going to make you the same offer I did to the other couples, take it and the video goes to you. Refuse and I'm not sure what will happen to it."

"What's the offer?" we say in unison.

"I am having a cocktail party next weekend and I need help to serve and attend to the guests."

I am thinking what does attend to the guests mean. I hope it's not fucking them or something. Kathy is almost ready to cry, she doesn't like the sound of this offer.

Chad anticipating our caution says, "It's nothing, really. Just bring around drinks and Hor d'oeuvres to the guests. Everything is being catered all you will have to do is keep the guests filled with food and drink."

"If you agree, be here next Saturday at 6:00, uniforms will be provided for you. Afterwards I'll give you a DVD with your video to do with as you wish."

We are really put on the spot; Chad is looking at us for an answer. I look at Kathy and she is agitated but is keeping her anger under control.

"That's all we have to do is serve drinks and food for one night and we get our video?"

"That's it, I am really in a bind and I need the help for the party, so Yes, that's it."

"We are going to wear uniforms and you are providing them, right."

"Yes, everything will be provided for you."

"Ok, we will be there at 6:00 Saturday."

Part 3

We have discussed our situation and both agree that we are screwed, if the video gets out. I could just picture us on YouTube with the whole world seeing us fucking and walking around totally naked. Kathy has been almost on the verge of an anxiety attack for days. Luckily, she has some Valium to take the edge off. I just keeping thinking, what a stupid fucking thing to do, fucking on camera, where someone else controls the video.

On the drive to the party Kathy is shaking visibly, I keep saying, "Calm down, we're almost done and will be over with it soon."

Chad meets us at the door and motions us to come into the living room, where he introduces to another couple, Vivian and Dale. They appear to be in their fifties and somewhat affluent by the way they are dressed. They hardly look like the type to be servants for the evening.

The doorbell rings and Chad leaves to answer it. Kathy whispers to Vivian, "Did you guys get caught on camera too?"

Vivian face goes very red, almost matching her hair; Dale just looks down at his shoes as if we can't see him blush.

"It was only a moment of passion, we were enjoying at the hilltop house. We had no idea we were on camera."

We can hear Chad arguing with whoever is at the door, he finally says, "Ok."

Chad escorts in two lovely long blonde hair young women, maybe in their early twenties. As they get closer, we can see they are twins slightly shorter than Kathy's 5' 3" stature.

"This is Tracy and Lacey; they will be assisting you all, tonight. They have made the same transgressions that you all have made and are here to make amends."

"Traci's boyfriend has let her down and is not coming, but Tracy's sister is filling in for him."

I look at Tracy's body thinking, I would like to see that video, she is hot. We all stand there trying to make small talk until Chad says, "I'll get your uniforms."

Chad returns with handful of strings and cloth, apparently string bikinis, saying, "They are one size fits all, so pick one ladies."

Reaching for another bag, Chad produces some thongs for us guys.

Vivian snorts, "No fucking way am I going to wear this."

"You want your video?" Chad responds back.

Vivian looks at her husband and he just nods yes.

Vivian chose a blue bikini and was about to ask Chad where she could change when Chad said "You can change right here, I have already see you all naked."

Vivian reluctantly takes off her clothes, trying to stay behind Dale. The bikini is just not big enough to contain Vivian's ample body. The suit just barely covers her nipples and the bottoms are barely covering her large trimmed red bush. Her all white body looks like sunshine has never been on her body, not even a hint of a tan.

Dale struggles to fit in the thong, his pot belly hanging over the waist strings.. Dale and Vivian are embarrassed and frustrated at their 'uniforms.' Vivian points her finger at Chad, you can tell she is a woman who's used to getting her way, saying, "I can't wear this it's too small, you have to get me something else."

Sensing a power play Dale chimes in, "I need something else also."

Chad says, "OK, I can see your point take them off and give them back."

Vivian and Dale think they have bested Chad and forcefully throw the suits back at Chad.

Chad says, "Fine, you two are demonstrating the Jacuzzi on the patio."

"Where are our suits?"

Chad responds, "What suits, you gave them up." as he escorts them to the Jacuzzi on the patio.

He explains the controls and tells Dale, you have to turn the timer on every 15 minutes to keep the Jacuzzi running.

You could hear Dale tell Vivian, "I told you to keep quiet."

So there is Vivian completely naked, totally white skin and huge red bush trying to ease into the Jacuzzi, while Dale fumbles with the timer. Not exactly a Kodak moment.

Tracy and Lacy took the hint and put on their bikinis without a word of protest. They both have totally tanned buff bodies; you could tell they sunned themselves quite often. They both had tits with to die for with long nipples that longed to be sucked and shaved pussies fashioned in a vertical stripe.

You can hear them arguing in low voices, "We would not be here ... your pussy boyfriend ... keep his dick in his pants. This is the last time ... you out."

But back to us, Kathy put on the skimpy bikini and like the others it barely covered her medium size tits, her large nipples are pressing at the fabric. She wasn't planning for a bikini showing, she is more embarrassed at not having a trimmed bush, than being in a skimpy bikini. I mentally make a note to remind her to shave her pussy, maybe a vertical strip like the twins.

I can't say that wearing a thong in public would have been my choice of attire but it was somewhat comfortable. It's nothing more than strings holding a black pouch for my cock and balls.

Chad explains our duties, Tracy and Lacey are to pass around Hor d'oeuvres, Kathy is serving champagne, and I am tending bar and keeping Kathy's champagne glasses filled.

"Just mingle, serve the guests and stay quiet. You are not here as guests, you are wait staff. No playing with cell phones, texting or anything else, you are here to work."

Part 4

About 7 pm, guests start arriving and milling around the living room. I watch the twins, with each step their tits look like they are going to fall out of their tops. Every time I focus on the twins, Kathy shot me a look. I look away and attempt to see Vivian and Dale on the patio; I can see people standing around the Jacuzzi looking down at Vivian and Dale. The Jacuzzi stops and now there is no bubbles camouflaging their naked bodies.

Reluctantly Dale got out, cock swinging and ass cheeks jiggling as he walks to the wall to twist the time for another 15 minutes of bubbles. You could see a few women trying not to look at Dale, but they were compelled to watch his long cock swing as he returned to the Jacuzzi. Vivian kept her arms crossed to cover up her ample pale white tits.

People are trying to interact with Dale and Vivian, but they just act as if they are manikins in the Jacuzzi.

The twins are getting the most attention, I see one guest try to feel Tracy's ass or is it Lacey's as she offers the tray of hor d'oeuvres. They look almost the same, I'm sure there must be a way to tell who is who.

Kathy is passing out drinks and every time she returns for more glasses, I can see her nipples are hard. I think she likes showing off her body. I am going to feel her pussy next time to see if it's getting wet.

With more champagne, the crowd gets friendlier with the twins and Kathy; they are getting their asses caressed by both men and women. I can see one woman put her hand on Kathy's tit, sliding her fingers inside the top and running it up and down as if to inspect the fabric. Kathy just stands there holding her tray of drinks, until the woman starts rubbing her nipple. A few minutes of this and Kathy excuses herself to serve other guests. I can see Kathy is getting uncomfortable and wants to stay away from this woman's roving hands.

The twins come over to the bar and I ask, "Who is who?"

Tracy replied, "Orange for Tracy and green for Lacey. Can we get a drink, we need something stiff."

I am thinking I have something stiff, but just hand them each a shot of tequila, "How's this, it's the strongest thing behind the bar?"

"What, no lime?" Tracy says jokingly as she downs the shot quickly. Lacey does the same.

Lacey says, "How long is this going on, I can't keep the women from feeling my ass."

I want to feel her ass myself, but decided that Kathy would kill me if she saw. Up close the twins are awesome, I can feel Lacey's hard nipple press on my arm as she leans over and whispers, "I love your package, is it growing for me?" She is pointing at my cock bulging at the thong's fabric.

"Yes, it's all because of you."

Lacey slides her hand down to feel my cock, I am about ready to pull it out and let her play with it now.

Tracy says, "Come along Lacey, we better get back to work, Chad is giving us the evil eye."

Part 5

I look out at the Jacuzzi and Chad is telling the crowd, "Feel free to join Dale and Vivian the water is nice and warm."

It suddenly occurs to me, what is the purpose of this party, are these Chad's friends or are they customers. I'll have to ask Chad that question, when I get the chance.

The Jacuzzi stops and everyone is looking at Dale, they know he has to get out and turn the timer again. As Dale gets out, some short older gray haired woman grabs for his cock, Dale is totally flummoxed. The old woman holds onto his cock all the way to the wall and back again to the Jacuzzi.

The crowd is cheering her on. Dale must have liked it and you can see he is getting erect. Dale ties to free cock from the old woman's grip but she keeps hanging on and starts tugging away watching it grow with each stroke.

Vivian stands up and steps out of the Jacuzzi and grabs the older woman and says, "That's my dick, let it go."

The scene of a large white naked Vivian facing down a puny old woman is too much for the crowd. They start chanting "Vivian, Vivian, viva Vivian."

People start stripping and getting into the Jacuzzi with Dale and they help Vivian back in. Vivian is getting her large tits felt by an unidentified hand as she is helped back into the Jacuzzi.

By now, Kathy is getting tired of serving drinks and being felt up, she is about ready to tell Chad screw it and leave.

She comes over, I give her a tequila shot, and she calms down. "How much longer do we have to do this?"

"I don't know. It shouldn't be much longer, just tough it out."

The twins come over and ask for another shot of tequila. Lacey puts her hand on my cock as I hand her shot, I don't mind but Kathy does. She reaches for Lacey's shoulder and says, "Back off, that's my husband's cock." as she tries to spin Lacey around she grabs her top strap and it comes undone. Lacey is standing there with two gorgeous tits in full view, she doesn't skip a beat and grabs for Kathy's top causing it to break.

Now the two of them are facing each other topless and looking like they are going to duke it out, when Tracy separates them and comments to Kathy, "Those are nice tits."

Kathy looks down at her bare tits and says, "They are not as good as Lacey's."

Tracy says they are, and says put them together and we will see. Tracy just wanted to keep the girls from fighting by providing a distraction.

Lacey stands next to Kathy, they are both holding their tits side by side and waiting for the pronouncement of whose tits are better. They look to Tracy and then to me, by now a crowd is forming around us.

Tracy says to the crowd, "Who has the nicer tits?"

Someone in the crowd yells out they have to feel them to tell.

Tracy says, "Everyone gets one feel of each tit and they have to vote on the best."

Now this has gotten out of hand, Kathy and Lacey are going to have about fifteen people feel their tits, which are out for everyone to view.

One by one, they start feeling Lacey's then Kathy's tits, Tracy had to stop one guy who wanted to suck Lacey's nipple while he felt. Kathy and Lacey were even in votes, which made me proud that my wife's tits were equal to a twenty year old's. What I didn't notice until now, this whole exhibition was being recorded with cell phones and tweeted out for others to watch. Probably someone even recorded video for YouTube or DailyMotion.

Holy shit, the reason we were doing this was to keep from being exposed; now Kathy is being videoed by a group of strangers and broadcast all over the internet. I know it's going to be on YouTube. Fuck. It's not as bad as our fuck video, but the thought of having Kathy's beautiful tits on the internet was somewhat erotic. Hopefully, they have Lacey's also.

The crowd yells out for Chad, he has to cast the final vote, it's a tie.

Chad comes over, Tracy tells him the story, and now he has to make the final decision since it's a tie. Chad carefully feels Lacey's tit, inspects it closely then moves to Kathy.

Chad was about to check out Kathy's when there are screams coming from the patio, Dale slipped and fell while going to the timer. His head is bleeding profusely and now everyone is going to the patio to see what's happened. Tracy, Lacy and Kathy are quickly forgotten as the crowd leaves for the patio.

Someone put a towel on Dale's head to stop the bleeding, while another calls 911. The crowd, hearing that an ambulance is on the way, decides to wrap it up and leave before the authorities show up.

We quickly dress and Chad hands us our DVD. I did want to stay until I could find out how Dale was doing, but Kathy said, "Let's get out of here now."

The twins are right behind us, still in their bikinis, clutching their clothes and heading for their car.

As we started down the road, the ambulance passed us followed by a police car.