Wow people. Last chapter was REALLY polarizing. I have a lot to say about it. First thing I'll say is I LOVE IT. You guys are really invested in the story and are very opinionated. What I find interesting is the polarization comes from two different groups of people. Let me explain.

Some of you know that I'm uploading this story to two different websites. Fanfiction(.net) and Archive(ofourOwn). I receive comments and reviews from both sites. The opinions are very polarized. I'm going to address most of those concerns at the end of this chapter. I know some people are still deciding whether they want to read further and I'll say read this chapter and then read my comments at the end to see if it's still going to be a story for you.

Side note: I might take a little bit of a hiatus in writing after this chapter. My next chapter won't be an update on the story. It will be responding to my audience's reviews. So you guys can again talk to me directly and I'll dedicate the entire next chapter to responding and updating on when I'll continue the story.

For now, on with the story!

Caitlyn

Laura wasn't there when I woke up. I can't remember the last time that happened. I was more upset than I thought I'd be. I was near panic before remembering the events of last night. She'd gone to see him.

I got up and went to the bathroom. I was fidgeting. Not having Laura by my side while I brushed my teeth was nerve wracking. It wasn't just that she was gone. It was where she went that was making me so nervous. I had to see her. I had to know she was ok. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to her. If he hurt her...no I couldn't think that way. I just had to see her.

I rushed out of our room and headed for the stairs. Mei was cooking breakfast in the kitchen. I barely noticed her waving to me.

"Good morning." Mei's voice rang out.

I stopped in my tracks, casting a desperate gaze towards her.

"Have you seen Laura?"

I knew the answer but maybe there was a chance Laura was...somewhere else. Mei confirmed my fears.

"Last time I seen her she was in His Majesty's room."

I nodded and continued on my way towards the stairs. I'd grown used to Mei always referring to Brandon as "His Majesty." It annoyed me for the longest time. I tried to get her to stop but even locked in his room Mei respected his authority. That's probably the wisest decision of someone in her position. Of anyone really. Looking back, it was kind of selfish of me to put Mei in a potentially compromising position by trying to convince her to show Brandon less respect. What if he had one of his outbursts and hurt her? That would be on me. I'm glad Mei didn't listen to me.

I reached the bottom of the stairs quicker than I wanted. I grabbed the rail but something stopped me from taking another step. It had been so long since I'd been up there. Looking up caused me a powerful sense of dread. I had to move, for her.

I braved me way through the first step. I could do this. Thankfully I didn't have to take another. A very familiar voice hummed its way towards me.

Laura walked from around the corner from the top of the stairs humming a familiar toon. She had this big, contented smile on her face. She carried her dress and a few other clothes of hers in one arm and her glass slippers in her other hand. Barefoot, Laura walked down the stairs to meet me.

"Good morning Caitlyn." Laura's voice rang out in a musical fashion while walking past me.

She began to hum again. I recognized the tune. She was humming "Something There" from the movie Beauty and the Beast. Her favorite movie.

"Oh...good morning Laura." I was a bit thrown off.

Laura stopped and looked back to me in a chipper manner.

"Time to get ready for the day?" She questioned.

I gave her a dumbfounded nod.

"Yea...sure."

She smiled brightly, showing off her braces before turning on her heels and continuing on her way humming that same happy tune. I glanced up the stairs, expecting to see him. Thankfully I didn't. Hearing Laura's footsteps getting further and further away made me hurry along to catch up to her. As I joined Laura's side I swear I felt eyes staring at my back. I didn't dare turn around.

The marks around Laura's neck were obvious even despite the choker that she wore. I wanted so badly to bring it up but...I just didn't know how.

I didn't bring up Laura's overnight stay in Brandon's room at all. We brushed our teeth like usual. She spent a bit longer fixing up her hair. I noticed that her blonde locks were especially frizzy and messy this morning. I wanted to broach the subject but then again I kind of didn't want to know.

Our day was normal. Ms. Plum was amazing as usual. Her patience was a godsend. It took me a long time to get certain concepts. Especially Algebra. Oh I hate algebra. Somehow Ms. Plum made it fun.

She was younger than I expected her to be when I first met her. Only 28 years old. She had two masters degrees. She would have gone for her doctorate but Mei convinced her to come on as our private tutors instead. I'm guessing Mei offered her a lot of money.

She taught us a wide range of subjects. We were even enrolled in a few recreational activities. There was a small swim club that we attended during the summer. She also acted as our P.E teacher. We'd jog daily, do yoga and even meditate. She kept us in shape.

Ms. Plum lived about 1 mile away in her own mansion. Apparently Mei paid for that as well. I don't know what she did at night. Though sometimes I saw a man drop her off here. She wasn't married and didn't have kids. Still I never asked who the man was. Maybe I should take more interest in her life. I'll have to think about it more.

Things went as normal for the next couple weeks. Laura and I still spent virtually all of our time together. The only difference was her sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night to go visit Brandon. I don't know if I'd call it sneaking actually. She just did it without trying to disturb me. It's not like she was trying to hide what she was doing.

I kept meaning to talk to her about whatever was going on between them. Every night I was on the verge of stopping her but I just couldn't muster up the courage. Sometimes I could be a coward. I didn't like that about myself.

One night I finally decided that I had to do something about this. I know that Laura is smarter than a 13 year old girl should be. In many ways she takes care of me. I owed it to her to save her from that monster. At least I had to try.

She snuck out wearing her Bell dress. I was this close to calling out to her but the words wouldn't leave my throat. I still didn't know what to say. I'd gone over the conversation a hundred times. I wanted to be as convincing as possible. I felt like I'd only get one shot. If I didn't convince her to stop seeing him in one conversation than I doubt It would happen in future conversations. I'd just end up nagging her and potentially pushing her away. That's the last thing I wanted.

When she closed our room door I crawled out of bed. I don't know what my plan was. I just had to do anything but stay in bed. I moved as quietly as I could, creeping towards the door and opening it up to peek through the crack. I could see her golden silhouette moving further away. I started to follow.

I'd just grab her, pull her aside and plead to her to stop seeing him. I know what Brandon is capable of. Once she saw my passion, once she looked me in the eyes I know I could convince her. I hope.

Doubts clouded my mind. By the time I'd refocused on my goal Laura was already halfway up the stairs. I had to move. I tiptoed as fast as I could until I got to the bottom of the stairs. Laura was already at the top. I'm sure if it wasn't so dark she would have spotted me. I wanted to stop her without alerting Brandon. If I could help it I didn't want him to know that I was the one who convinced Laura to stop seeing him. Who knows what he would do. I can't imagine it would be good. Of course it wouldn't. Good and Brandon didn't belong in the same sentence.

I was running out of time. She was getting closer and closer to his door. I didn't hesitate to climb the stairs this night. Laura needed me even if she didn't know it. I was determined. More determined than I can ever remember being. I'd save her. When I got to the top of the stairs my confidence immediately faded.

Brandon was staring at me. Laura was with him. He had her in his arms. They were in his room, the door open. This was the first time I'd seen his face in three years. I was frozen in terror.

He was older and bigger. He still wore his old clothes. They were too small on him, making him appear that much larger. Laura being so short didn't help my perception. He dwarfed her.

He had a hand on her butt. I saw him give her a squeeze. She rose up on her tippy toes and let out this delighted giggle that was happier than anything I'd heard from her. He did this all while keeping his gaze on me.

I couldn't read him. His expression wasn't quite cold but it was...apathetic. It was like I didn't mean anything to him. He wasn't angry, or sad, or happy, or nervous, or anything that I thought he might feel upon seeing me again. There was just..nothing. At least until his gaze shifted down to Laura. That was an entirely different story.

He smiled. A smile brighter than I'd ever seen from him. Teeth and all. I don't know how he managed to keep his teeth so white when he never left his room. Maybe he just didn't get dirty like regular people. His smile was...well he always had a nice smile when he wanted. That was nothing new, but then again it was because I'd never seen 15 year old Brandon smile.

His hair was much longer than I remember. I didn't see how far it went but it flowed past his shoulders. He kind of had this grungy look. If someone pointed at Brandon and said he was the lead singer of a rock band I wouldn't be surprised. I never thought Brandon was ugly. Even monsters can have good looks.

Brandon leaned his head down closer to Laura's face. I thought they were going to kiss but they didn't. Instead Brandon whispered something into Laura's ear. She turned her head just enough to glance at me out the corner of her eye. She didn't seem surprised that I had followed her. I can't remember the last time she was surprised about anything.

Laura turned around completely to close Brandon's door. She gave me a little smile and a wiggle of her fingers. Right before they fell out of sight I saw Brandon embrace her from behind. He gave the side of her neck a small kiss. I expected him to look my way but he didn't. He was fixated on her. I could hear Laura release a sweet sigh as the door shut.

I was stunned, standing in that same spot for who knows how long. I didn't know how to feel. The terror I'd felt when first seeing Brandon was completely gone. I know he is still the same monster that ruined my life. He'll always be that. Still...I should just stop thinking.

I made my way back to my room and crept into bed. My mind raced. It took me a hell of a long time to fall asleep that night. I did not sleep well.

Morning came too quickly. When the sun shone through my bedroom window I covered my head with my blanket. I almost didn't sleep at all. What little sleep I got was restless. I closed my eyes and just laid there under the sheets, still just thinking.

A noise interrupted my thoughts. Laura had returned. She was humming that same tune but when she saw me in bed she quieted down. She's always so considerate of others. I couldn't take it anymore. She walked over to her mirror and set her clothes and slippers atop the dresser. Only a pair of panties and a silky white blouse covered her body.

"Laura we need to talk." I said as seriously as I could while sitting up and leaning my back against the nightstand of our bed.

She glanced over to me, pausing just before taking a comb to her messy hair.

"Ok." Her voice rang out sweetly.

How could she be so happy having just came from that monster's room? I didn't want to admit how much it frustrated me. Laura climbed onto the bed. I lowered my blanket thinking she'd just share it with me. She sat her pantie-club rump atop my lap instead. Goddammit this was no time for her to be so adorable. Even for her age Laura was a short girl so she fit perfectly. She stared at me silently, waiting for me to begin. She didn't need to ask what this was about. I'm sure she knew. She always knew.

"I'm sorry it's taken me so long to bring this up. I didn't know how to have this conversation. Laura I know how smart you are. I know you have the Sight. I know you understand more than I ever can. Still I have to try to save you from what I know is horrible for you. If I don't...I fear the worst."

I couldn't help a few tears rolling down my cheek as I ended my speech.

Laura reached up to caress my face and wipe my tears away. She nodded in understanding.

"Ok Laura. I'm listening. Please continue." She spoke calmly.

I shook my head frantically.

"No you aren't listening! I can tell. You hear me but...I know you won't take my advice no matter what I say. You probably knew we'd have this conversation. If you thought that what you were doing was bad you would have stopped without me even needing to say anything. No matter what I say you're not going to change your mind. Because you already know what I'm going to say!"

I was so upset. Her Sight was what made this conversation so hard. Deep down I hoped that she'd tell me I was wrong. Wishful thinking.

"You're right Cailtyn. I've already seen this conversation." She spoke truthfully.

She never lied to me. I pounded my fists on the bed in frustration. What could I say to her?

"I'm sorry for upsetting you Cailtyn. I don't mean to." She whispered to me while looking at me with those big blue eyes of hers.

I shook my head and gave a small sniffle.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I just want what's best for you. Laura, please hear me. Brandon is a monster. He's evil. If you stay with him nothing good can come of it."

I held her face in my hands now, staring her in the eyes. She gave me this sympathetic look. I can tell I wasn't convincing her of anything.

"I understand…"

"I know you understand! You know everything! You've seen everything. I know. It doesn't mean you're right." I snapped.

I was yelling at her, right in her face. I felt horrible. She didn't even flinch. She looked concerned for me.

"Laura it's ok to scream. Don't feel guilty. Thanks for showing me how much you care. Keep screaming if you want. It's ok."

She knew how guilty I felt and her number one priority was assuring me that it was ok. She was an angel. A fucking angel. Yet Brandon gets to have her. I was so angry.

"He doesn't deserve you. Nothing he can do will ever make him worthy of you. He isn't good for you no matter what future you see with him. You deserve better, far better. Look at what he did!"

I pointed to the bruise marks around her neck. Frantically I reached down and began to lift her blouse. She raised her arms for me without protest. I took it off and tossed it to the side.

Her little body had several bruises, hickies and bite marks. They were faint but definitely there. They'd all heal. He didn't leave any scars or other permanent damage. But he was rough with her. I was livid.

"See!" I shouted hysterically.

Laura didn't seem bothered in the least. Not by her bruises and not by my shouting. She giggled. Oh god why was she giggling? How could she be so calm!?

"You're right. He is a bit rough with me. Though I don't mind. That's just how he likes to express his affection when we have fun. I can take it. I'm tougher than I look."

I wasn't thinking when I struck her. It would be one of my biggest regrets. My hand collided clean with the side of her face. A solid slap. She recoiled. There was silence for a while after that.

Laura kept her head turned away. Her blonde hair fell over her face and obscured her expression. I almost wanted to throw up from how terrible I felt yet I think this was the moment where I could talk some sense into her.

"Laura what he has done to you isn't ok. This is abuse. He won't stop. He'll keep hurting you. intentional or not it doesn't make it any less horrible. What he has done to your body is not something a lover would do. You are an amazing girl. Loving, kind, charitable, intelligent. You will be able to have any man you desire as you age. Billionaires, celebrities, even royalty, most men would kill to have a girl like you in their life. You could have ANYONE. Those other men will treat you like the goddess that you are. They will respect you, cherish you. They won't abuse you when you upset them. They won't bruise you or scar you. They won't threaten to hurt those you love. Laura please stop seeing him. I can't stand to see you like this."

I took a deep breath after my rant was done. She still had her face turned away from me. I hoped I'd gotten through to her.

After a long silence Laura showed me her face. There was a large red mark across her cheek right where I hit her. I gasped in horror. She bruised very easily.

She didn't speak. She just stared at me. The first thing I saw was forgiveness. She didn't have to say it. I knew that my slapping her wasn't even something she registered as a thing I did wrong. Her forgiveness was immediately. Hell, my feeling bad about slapping her was something which she'd try to console. I knew I was forgiven.

"Caitlyn, what do you want?" She questioned, taking me by surprise.

"What?" I didn't know how to answer her question, it seemingly came out of nowhere.

"For me. What do you want for me?"

I think I understood.

"I want you to be happy. I want you to be safe. I want you to live your life with people who will understand just how precious you are, how lucky they are to have you. I want you to live without having to be abused by the person who claims to care about you. All I want is for you to get everything you deserve."

She nodded and wrapped her arms around herself. It made me nervous. I rarely saw her look this vulnerable.

"Does it matter what I want?" She questioned, stunning me.

"Of course it does but…"

I didn't know what else to say. Her getting what she wanted shouldn't have anything to do with Brandon. I just didn't know how to say it.

"...What do you want?" I finally asked.

She smiled at me and gave me this look. Like I was her child and she was the one getting through to me. Ugh.

"I want to live in a gentler world."

I was taken aback.

"What do you mean?"

She leaned forward and laid her head along my shoulder. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her little body and held her close.

"There is so much wrong with the world right now and it's only going to get worse. War, genocide, mass starvation, a shadow slave trade of girls just like us who are sold into prostitution and sex slavery. This world is hurting so much. This world and so many people in it. Brandon will break the world. One way or another. That's not going to change. The only thing that will change is how he does it. He can become a malevolent dictator that simply takes everything he wants with no regards for others. Where he kills for pleasure or simply because he can. Or he can still be a ruler but in doing so create a gentler world."

I didn't know where she was going with this. I couldn't imagine Brandon creating anything gentle.

"Brandon will have the power to end all wars. Now and forever. To end a lot of crime. To feed people, provide for people. They may be his subjects but he can do it. He has the ability to bring all the nations of the world together under one rule. Even if he does it just for himself, the power will give him the ability to solve many of today's problems." Laura smiled.

"I can't believe Brandon would do all that."

"Only with the right person at his side." She said while gazing at me.

I was nervous now. The more she spoke the dumber I felt. Like I was out of my league. She continued.

"The reason that I'm so obsessed with Brandon, that I adore him so much, that I endure what you would call abuse is because I see the power of our love. How beautiful it can be."

"How can what you have with Brandon be anything but terrible?"

I tried to be as blunt as possible. I couldn't hide my thoughts and feelings if I were going to have any chance of changing her mind. She gained this far off look. The best way I can describe that look was like you see in the movies. A look of true love. She was thinking about Brandon. I had no doubt in my mind that she loved him. It was sickening yet...heartwarming. The fact that Laura was in love with anyone was heartwarming. I just hated that it was Brandon.

"Don't you see? The world that I envision, the gentler world. That is only possible with me guiding Brandon. Whispering into his ear. Warming his bed. Massaging his scalp. He loves it when I do that. He says it reminds me of his mother."

I wanted to throw up. I was disgusted and fascinated at the same time. I noticed a thought in the back of my mind. I was imagining Brandon and Laura together. I didn't want to admit how...I'll just say it. How hot it was. The thought that I was in any way fantasizing about that was what made me sick. Why did Brandon have to be so good looking!? Ugh. Stop it!

Laura noticed my distress. She let out her patented Laura giggle. I'm certain she knew what I was thinking. I felt disgusting. I'll just chalk it up to my hormones. It's not like I'd ever act on those feelings anyway. Laura saved me from my own thoughts by leaning in closer and wrapping her arms around my neck. Now all I could see was her face. She began to twirl her fingers through the hair on the back of my head. She smelled like she usually does but there was a foreign scent there as well. She also smelled of Brandon. I stared at her in uncertainty, fidgeting with the bottom of my blouse.

Laura had this presence about her. It was...entrancing. She got what she wanted. My full attention.

"You see it right? It's so obvious to me. The beauty of our love is that my being with him will have earth shattering impact. My love for him will change him, and in doing so change the world. My love is literally the most powerful thing that the world has ever seen. I can see it's effects. Only I can do it. No one else can. You had the chance but you couldn't. And you shouldn't. I understand how you see him. You would have never given him the love he so strongly desires.

"He is an abuser. He is a monster. He is evil. Who could love someone like that? Who could love him the way he wants to be loved? Unflinching, unconditional, obsessive, appreciative, grateful, happy. A love that is borderline insane. Let me make it easy for you. No one. No one but me. I can because my Sight gives me the ability to see the consequences of my actions as well as his. I see the life we could lead together. Yes, he'll hurt me. He'll bruise me. Eventually he'll even strike me in rage. Yes, he is everything you say he is. In all that he'll love me. He'll cherish me, he'll look to me like his princess, like his queen, like a goddess. He'll grow, become better, become gentler. He'll get me gifts, write and sing me songs. He'll provide for me whatever I desire. He'll change for me. Not enough to forgive the abuse in your eyes I know, but he will change for the better. I'm not even saying that eventually he'll stop being abusive. He won't. I'm saying that within that life there is happiness. A lot of it. We will share ups and downs together. I just see that there will be far more ups than downs."

Laura spoke with a passion that I don't think I've ever heard from her. It was frightening. Talking about it was just so...cathartic for her. It's as if the dams burst and she went on and on. Like she was waiting a long time to talk about her feelings. Her obsession was clear. She loved him and there was nothing I could say or do to stop it.

"I think your Sight may be a curse. It's caused you to accept a relationship you know is abusive."

I spoke in a solemn tone. I just couldn't see things the way she did. She nodded to me.

"It could be. I see it as a gift. It's changed my perspective. Anyone in my position should run away as fast as they can. I wouldn't expect anyone to stay in this type of relationship. It's unhealthy. It's toxic. If it were anyone but me I'd be saying the exact same thing as you. But it is me. I can see what he will become, what we will become together. Only with my love, only with my unflinching faith in him will he be able to find any semblance of peace and happiness. Peace and happiness he'll share with the world in his own special way. But more importantly...he'll share it with me. Given that, in the face of abuse, bruises, death threats, even scars, it's a price I gladly pay. I pay it with a smile."

And she was smiling. Brighter than I'd ever seen. I was no longer convinced that what she was doing was wrong. I feared this. Hoped I could convince her. Turns out she convinced me.

More than her words it was her passion, the look in her eyes. Honestly, I hope one day I feel even half of what I can see that she feels towards Brandon.

"Ok." I finally spoke out.

She gave a sigh of relief.

"Thank you for caring so much. I adore you and that'll never change."

I nodded and engulfed her in a hug. This was a bittersweet moment. I still didn't like that she was going to stay with Brandon but I was beginning to accept it.

"I'm sorry I smacked you." I whispered.

She giggled softly into my ear.

"I forgive you Caitlyn."

"I know."

We laid back back down in bed together, the side of her face resting atop my bosom. Even though it was morning I was still so tired. This conversation was exhausting, We slept almost until the next day. At least I did. Laura visited Brandon again that night. She gave me a kiss on the cheek before she left.

I still had some nagging doubts about their relationship. How could I not? Laura was confident at least, her conviction unflinching. She knew everything would turn out ok. I hoped she was right.

End of chapter 8

Hope you guys enjoyed. This is actually one of my favorite chapters, if not my most favorite. Let me explain why while addressing some of your concerns.

First, I think people are afraid I'm going to be pushing Caitlyn to the sidelines. That I've made her too traumatized to ever really think about being with Brandon. I'll tell you right now that that's not the case.

Spoiler alert. I'm actually going to get into some heavy spoilers going forward. Since I'm going on hiatus I'm just going to explain the ideas I have in mind for the story and what to expect going forward so those on the fence can decide whether they are still interested. If you just want to be along for the ride then I'd suggest not reading this next section.

Alright…

Is everyone gone?

Ok spoilers.

If anything Laura is actually going to be more on the sidelines story-wise as things move forward. She isn't going anywhere though. She is always going to be at Brandon's side, pleasing Brandon, fulfilling his every desire. But her story is going to be, from a literary perspective, less interesting than Caitlyn's or Apollyon's. Let me explain.

I've heard that Laura and Brandon's current romance is unearned. They feel like Caitlyn is getting pushed to the side and Laura is swooping in with her white dresses, taking Brandon for herself.

It's that way by design but let me assure you that Caitlyn is still going to be a very important character. Caitlyn and Brandon will end up together. Brandon is going to have a harem.

Laura's character is designed to be a physical embodiment of Brandon's childhood fantasies of what a relationship between a king and queen looks like. Or more specifically, a princess and a prince. It's what he wants with Caitlyn. It's immature because Brandon's fantasies don't take into consideration that relationships are actually very difficult. It's stressful. It's hard work. Especially long term. You could spend 10 years getting to know someone, learning their soul, fall head over heels in love. But you're still going to argue, to piss each other off. And you might even still, despite all that love, break up. Grow to resent each other, hate each other.

Some of the people with the strongest hate for each other were once lovers.

As Brandon ages he will take more and more of what he wants. No one will be able to deny him. He can get anything money can buy. He'll have respect and fear like a mob boss would. If he tells someone to do something they'll do it. One of the few things stopping Brandon from having everything he desires is Caitlyn. Because of Brandon's imprinting he wants desperately to be loved by her. Genuine love. Not the Stockholm syndrome Love. He already rejected that from her after destroying Washington. I'm talking about real love. Where she has a viable choice not to love him, where she could leave, she could choose someone else but she chooses to stay and love him instead.

That's what he wants but he also doesn't want the drama that comes with a relationship. Brandon wants to maintain power in ALL THINGS. That means absolute power in a relationship where someone genuinely loves him, genuinely appreciates him, genuinely is happy being in that type of relationship. And probably most importantly, he wants to be with a person who is loyal and who's love is unconditional.

What he wants is virtually impossible.

Apollyon is going to show up soon. I plan for her to introduce herself claiming to act on behalf of Brightburn's will. Her and her society of witches will declare war upon the world to bring them to heel in preparation for Brightburn's return. Apollyon isn't quite as strong as Brandon. Meaning, she can't cause the mass devastation by herself that he can but Brandon cannot defeat her in combat. So eventually she will be one of very few people who Brandon can't or won't be bossing around.

She'll use her position as his global military/police force to grow closer and seduce him. She'll convince him about how useful her and her witches will be. Her witches are legion. They can manage the day to day operations of ruling the world. They will become their own body of Justice and government. That way Brandon doesn't need to sit on a throne and be bored out of his mind by having to pass judgement on sheep. Apollyon and her witches will do that for him. Making his life easier.

Apollyon will eventually convince Brandon to marry her. Though a marriage to Brandon isn't like a regular marriage. Apollyon will be Brandon's wife but he'll still have relationships with others. Like Laura and Caitlyn. Apollyon's attraction to Brandon is conditional. She's attracted to Brandon's power and authority. To his persona as a ruler. They will argue and bump heads because Brandon will want to be lazy and take vacations, sit on the beach, enjoy his power and just relax. All while Laura is at his side pampering him. But Apollyon will want him to be more kingly and more actively rule over his subjects. She'll refuse to have sex with him when he disappoints her. If he's not ruling then he's basically a deadbeat in her mind. Because of pressure from her he'll be a more active ruler but never up to the standards that Apollyon is satisfied with so she'll never stop pushing him to be better.

Apollyon's affection and love will be under that condition, the condition that Brandon continues to be an active and dominant ruler. Caitlyn will eventually, over the long haul, grow more affection for Brandon. She'll probably even try to have other relationships which will fail. She'll realize that relationships are hard. People have to deal with her trauma. But the real catalyst for Caitlyn's growing affection towards Brandon will be Laura.

That's one reason Laura is so important. Laura will show both Caitlyn and Apollyon how happy things can be. Brandon will always have Laura at his side. Laura never argues, Laura never challenges him. She just makes him happy and his happiness makes her happy. His relationship with Laura is very easy. It makes him complacent and content. It gets to a point where he even considers giving up being a ruler all together because he is so happy with Laura. Him and Laura will go on private vacations together, they'll do lots of cliche lovey dovey stuff. He'll buy her gifts and spoil her, sing her songs, etc etc.

Their relationship is basically the "happily ever after" from the classic Disney movies. Their happiness will make Caitlyn bitter and jealous, even if she doesn't want to admit it. She'll start doubting herself. Doubting her desire to have an equal relationship. She'll date others and try her best to be in relationships with mutual respect, equality, understanding, all the things that we think a "healthy" relationship would look like. But she'll have near endless drama in those relationships, making her even more miserable. Then she'll look at the relationship of Brandon and Laura and think to herself that maybe Laura's way is the best way to happiness. Pure subservience. Absolute obedience. Unconditional love.

Now of course Caitlyn, being a normal person, can't be that way. Laura can because of her Sight. The Sight which was given to her by the Greek Goddess Athena. That owl that landed on Laura's shoulder was the same owl that is so commonly seen and associated with Athena. The owl of Wisdom.

In my story the Greek gods exist, just like they do in the DC universe. Laura, unbenounced to her, has been chosen as Athena's prophet. Let me explain.

The Greek gods have been absent from the world for a long time. With the onset of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and other contending religions, their worshipers have dwindled in number. Thus severely diminishing their power and influence on the world. In my story, much of the power of a Greek god comes from the energy of worship. Most of the Greek gods have abandoned humanity in some shape or form. Athena, the goddess of Wisdom, among other things, has foreseen an opportunity to bring her worship back to the planet.

That is through Brandon. Brandon in my story is a member of an advanced and extremely powerful alien race which conquerors galaxies. Brandon is sent to subdue Earth to prepare it for invasion. Brandon is a special soldier/prince. He is royalty. He is uniquely strong among the species. Though so are his family members.

What is supposed to happen or what would happen without Athena's influence is that Brandon would show up on the world. Grow up, conquer it, then the invasion would happen. Then Earth and all it's humans would be harvested in grotesque ways. Earth would become a gigantic farm. Humans would be born into slavery. People would be treated like how humans treat cows, chickens, pigs and, use guessed it, sheep. Women would be bred and constantly give birth and their children would be taken away for nefarious purposes. Etc, etc. Total nightmare scenario.

In a timeline without Athena. When the invasion happens Brandon is jaded to the world from his relationships there. A failed marriage to Apollyon and the constant memory of his failure to get Caitlyn, his imprint, to love him. He joins forces with his people and aids them in the invasion. He takes his place as a crowned prince and integrates into their society. He rules his own portion of the galaxy.

In another timeline Brandon tries to fight the invasion alone but loses to it. Then the rest of Earth's defenses fall. Apollyon in that timeline tries to beat the invasion with just her witch army. She and Brandon don't work together because of their failed marriage/relationship. They lose. Everyone loses. Nightmare scenario.

Now with Athena's influence the scenario changes. Ultimately Laura's presence is HUGE. For one she calms Brandon. She is like a living pacifier. She pleases him and "chills him out." So now he pushes less people out of his life. Eventually the Brightburn universe's Cyborg tries to kill him. Instead of killing Cyborg like he would in other timelines, Brandon turns him into an ally. He does the same for Evil Martian manhunter, Flash, Aquaman, Batman, etc. They form an evil Justice League. Maybe it's called "The Syndicate" just like that one DC movie and comic book storyline I can't remember off the top of my head. Each of Brandon's generals would rule over a certain segment of earth. Doing as they see fit. They answer to Queen Apollyon, who is a strict but fair ruler in Brandon's stead. Brandon spends half his time ruling and half his time being lazy. Brandon and Apollyon still butt heads but the presence of Laura humbles Apollyon.

You see, with Laura being there Apollyon recognizes that her influence on Brandon is weak. If she annoys him too much then he'll just run to Laura. So Apollyon can't pressure him as hard as she could in other timelines. In the failed timelines, Laura doesn't exist. So Apollyon constantly pressures Brandon. So much so that Brandon just leaves. In Athena's timeline Laura's presence makes Apollyon back off a bit. She thinks more. She becomes more subtle in her manipulation. She pushes him just enough to get him to be a more active ruler but also backs off just before she annoys him too much.

Laura also makes Caitlyn realize the potential life she could have with Brandon. While Apollyon is ruling, Caitlyn starts to open up more to Brandon.

Laura is actually going to become a little bit of a background character just because there is going to be virtually no drama between her and Brandon. Just to reiterate, she isn't going away. I might dedicate entire chapters to her and Brandon's Disney-like romance. I like their relationship a lot. It's fun to write and I find the fantasy of their lovey dovey happiness cathartic. It's fascinating to describe the perfect lover and how that lover would interact with someone as monstrous as Brandon. But the real compelling drama in the story comes from Caitlyn's inner conflict with how she views Brandon and her growing affection for him, since she sees how happy he is making Laura. The other point of perspective will come from Apollyon as she shapes the world. Apollyon will be the de facto ruler of the world. Brandon will rule just enough to gain respect but he'll also take time to ENJOY his ultimate power. All Apollyon wants to do is rule so she'll spend far more time doing it.

Anyways, when the invasion happens the invading fleet is met with a united earth. The Justice League and all it's armies, combined with Brandon's power, defeat the invading fleet. The world rejoices and all truly accept Brandon's Justice League and its rule. The Evil Justice League.

After this or maybe before this, Athena, who has been in the background all along, reveals herself to both Laura and Apollyon. Apollyon will have grown resentment towards Laura, causing a good deal of conflict and drama between them. But when Athena herself reveals Laura to be a direct instrument of her divine will Apollyon and Laura become close allies and friends.

Laura will become a prophet of Athena and begin worshiping her while also continuing to satisfy Brandon. Apollyon's faith in Athena will only grow stronger. Apollyon and Laura will spread the worship of Athena wide and most of the world will convert to the religion of Athena, forgetting about their modern religion with time. I could even see Apollyon going so far as to ban all other worship on penalty of death so over time Athena is really the only deity worshiped on Earth except for secret fringe groups that practice other religions in secret.

Caitlyn and Brandon will have a strained and dark relationship but make no mistake, in the end they WILL be together. Caitlyn is important in that she represents normality for Brandon. She represents the human condition. For better or for worse. In other timelines it was mostly for the worse. Caitlyn couldn't be with Brandon because of all he'd done. She could never grow to love him. With Laura thrown into the picture Caitlyn comes to see the beauty that Laura sees and they end up together. So Brandon in the end has a harem. Apollyon as his queen. Laura as his mistress and Caitlyn as his imprint and "true" love. Brandon will love all three differently. The love he has for Laura will be the "easiest and happiest love." Because it's without risk and without hassle. But the love he has for Caitlyn will be the most "complete" love because it will come with pain, heartache, loss, understanding, compromise and work. The effort Brandon will have to put in will make the good parts of the relationship all the more profound. He'll sometimes need to take a break from Caitlyn's love to indulge more in Laura's love. But it's all still love. Just different forms.

He'll love Apollyon as an equal, a love born of mutual respect.

So for any shippers that might be disappointed I hope that clears things up. Brandon will have all three women eventually. Athena will be Earth's goddess who all worship, and Brightburn will become Earth's defender. Ruling over it with an iron fist. Taking whatever he wants, killing whoever he wants, but being lazy half the time as well. The people will grow to love him. Or at least greatly respect him and accept him as their Overlord.

I have this image in my mind of the final scene. Brandon is sitting upon his throne with Caitlyn and Apollyon at his side, seated on their own thrones. Laura is sitting sideways atop Brandon's lap and doting upon him. Apollyon's witches stand at attention acting as royal guard. They are overseeing some type of gathering of world leaders. One of the few gatherings that Brandon bothers to attend. A group of his generals are kneeling in front of the throne. Including his best friend Ben who turns out to be a version of Shazam. Towering above them all is a gigantic golden statue of Athena.

It probably wouldn't end exactly like that but having a vision in my head helps me write.

Maybe, in a sequel, the heroes of the "regular" Justice League from another universe will encounter Brandon's Justice League and they'll fight. But I get ahead of myself.

So that's everything I've thought of. That's where this story is going. This full story will probably change in some ways as time goes on but that's the structure. It's not going to be fulfilled for years even if I do release regular chapters. Hope you enjoyed that synopsis. I'm still open to ideas. I can change things here and there as long as I enjoy writing the changes.

One final note to more thoroughly address two specific concerns. First, Some people didn't like the 3 year time jump of Brandon locking himself away in his room. I did that purely because I wanted Brandon, Laura and Caitlyn to be hormonal. It's much more believable that a 13 year old going through puberty would try to seduce Brandon than an 11 year old. I could have had Brandon exploring the world and meeting people as part of his hiatus from being Brightburn. It could be like the ending of the movie Chronicle. I thought of doing that and it probably would have been better for the story but honestly, I just didn't want to write it. It didn't keep my interest. What keeps my interest in the story is the romance and internal conflicts of the characters I like. Maybe I could have Laura whispering to Brandon every night while he is half way across the world studying among Tibetan monks. Hell he could meet a "Ben" character during his travels and bring Ben to the mansion as his best friend. Maybe. I can think of rewriting the chapter but the major plot points stay the same. Brandon leaves until Laura convinces him to come back. She does so by seducing him and constantly talking to him. Showing him she still cares.

Secondly, some people complained that Laura should have been training or preparing to be useful to Brandon. I actually see it another way. Laura just living her life and having fun, while studying under her tutor is one of the best ways Laura can fulfill her role as Brandon's pacifier. Laura is what ever Brandon desires. Brandon wants a princess. Eventually Laura will also be an adviser. She doesn't need to train. She was bestowed with near endless Wisdom. As she ages her Wisdom becomes more advanced. She doesn't need to go full "Dr. Strange" and lock herself up in a library to gain knowledge. She already has it.

Athena wanted to make Laura's life as easy as possible so virtually all her time could be spent pleasing Brandon. She is a living pacifier like I mentioned. That's why Brandon's relationship with Laura is BY DESIGN the least dramatic, least earned, and probably the least interesting. Laura doesn't need to really work hard to be Brandon's perfect lover. It just comes natural. So their relationship matches the childish notion of romance that Brandon has in his head. If Laura had to take time to constantly try to improve herself she'd eventually have less time for Brandon and might even grow further away from him in her pursuit of self improvement. But this way, with Athena's wisdom giving Laura all the knowledge she needs, Laura's entire life can be dedicated 100% to only Brandon. The perfect pacifier.

Before you guys start, I'll say this. Yes, Laura's love is genuine in my mind. While Laura may be an instrument of Athena's will, her decision to love Brandon is still her own decision. She isn't a robot or without choice/free will. You guys can have a philosophical debate about the nature of choice and divine plans. You are free to disagree with me. Just letting you know that from my perspective despite Laura's actions being part of a divine plan I still see her choices as meaningful and genuine. When Athena reveals herself Laura will be extremely grateful for being given the gift of Sight. For being given the ability to see the long term benefits of being with Brandon. Athena didn't force Laura to love. Athena simply gave Laura knowledge knowing how that knowledge would influence Laura's decisions. If Athena did that to Caitlyn it wouldn't have worked. Caitlyn would have used the knowledge to build a life separate from Brandon. And in doing so become victim to the inevitable invasion.

What Athena did could only work with Laura. Because of who Laura is at her core she focuses on the beauty of what could be instead of the horror of what was. She chooses Brandon over anyone else because she sees how happy she'll make him and how happy he'll make her in return. There is also a bit of a selfish and egotistical aspect to it as well. Laura finds pleasure in the thought that she is the only person in the world who can give Brandon what he truly desires in a woman. Only her. She derives deep satisfaction from it. She realizes just how special she could be in Brandon's life and made the choice to pursue him despite having any number of choices she could have taken instead. Because of the type of person Laura is she makes a choice others wouldn't, even if those other people were given the Sight. That's why her love is genuine, that's why Athena chose her, and that's how I'll write it.

I hope that clears things up. Tell me what you think. Like I mentioned before the next chapter will just be me responding to my readers. Then I'll update you on my hiatus. See ya!