Dies Irae

by Cyanide Sins

A vengeance for millennia, a hatred carried through the ages. A mother once, yet never again. "Of course, mama." Three words that brought the world to a halt, a covenant made between mortal and immortal, a soul damned and perhaps another redeemed. "Hush, my beautiful child. Mama is here." A bright, bold soul given a gift beyond mortal knowledge.

22. Debilis Invicta

Chapter 22: Debilis Invicta

First chapter of Dies Irae for 2020. Yeah, we're going into the year of EVIL!

---

"What is your evaluation, Absinthe?"

The girl's life was not unimportant. With a touch, she could believe that it had been a temporary thing, aiding an infirm woman. Absinthe Moor was an assassin that left no trace except the poison in her victim's veins.

"Physical strength above average for a young woman of her age, Aura strength higher than most people based on preliminary tests before awakening, her personality that is able to mould itself to the different situations... Quite a specimen. It is lucky that Saphron went exercising with her once, or else she would have slipped through the net."

The old assassin cackled softly, as Salem watched the woman's eyes light up.

"Is she properly trained to serve?"

Absinthe nodded, a serious expression on her face. "Already, empathy for her family runs high. With a few adjustments and tweaks to her memory, she can be as deadly as a viper and as sweet as honey, Mistress. I do doubt that your instructions are-"

Salem's lips pressed tightly together. "Have you gleaned some wisdom I have not, Absinthe? Do you think yourself wiser than me?" The fear in the assassin's eyes was a reminder, as Salem's lips curled into a terrible smile.

"No, Mistress. I simply do not think that it is wi-"

The button was pressed and Absinthe's features paled, as a beeping sounded within the room. A simple thing, really...An explosive within the hand that Absinthe had, powerful enough to make sure that everything within a five-meter radius was thoroughly destroyed.

"Do not presume to think that you are better than me, Absinthe. If I say that you are to train her to be her father's worthless whore, she will be the best whore that her father will ever have."

Salem looked at the woman who had served for decades, yet her expression did not falter.

"Attachments make them weak, Mistress. Having her go home every night is a risk. With your orders, I fear-" Salem knew that it wouldn't be so hard to do for the girl.

'A whore...'

A light smile on her lips, as she recalled that look on Violet Arc's face. It was not the look of a whore, but a look of the daughter that she wished to have.

'No, a daughter, just as talented as you once were, Absinthe...'

"My son will not have a lack of guardians, Absinthe. You know very well that the clock is ticking for you."

A bitter look on the woman's face, as the aged features twisted.

"It is a good thing that she cares for her brother. And, what have you gleaned from her mind?"

A pause, as the assassin seemed to contemplate something, before she bit her lower lip.

"She will need conditioning. I am not certain whether her loyalty can be assured."

Salem did not bother with such trifles, her eyes looking at the weathered assassin with a deadly glint in them.

"Mistress, perhaps another one? A girl that is a little younger?"

The plea was not to be granted. This was Absinthe's final chance. If thirty years had not yielded any sort of success, she would rather ensure that this one would be better. Violet Arc was Absinthe's final chance.

"No. Is she not suitable, Absinthe?"

The aged woman nodded, accepting her words and judgement. Salem smiled, the smile gentle, just as Absinthe would remember it throughout the years. It was easy to manipulate this one, because the woman knew that time was running out.

"Have you not wanted a person to carry out your tasks for me, Absinthe? You know that you've got only a little more left."

Age would catch up on the woman soon. Physical health was something that Absinthe had prized, yet Salem knew the woman's condition well. The body might be in good condition, yet the cancerous growths would kill the woman, a side-effect of the training she had done to become who she was.

'At most a year or three, before the bones give out...'

Thirty years and many Cyan's, all perishing before their time on this world to become the next servant of their Goddess. A tragedy, really...

"Mistress, I... I have seen something in her memories."

Salem looked at her assassin, her eyes turning cold, her fingers making the gesture for the woman to continue. Aged features twisted into something that she knew to mean ill decision.

"Are my suspicions correct about the state of their finances?"

A small nod from the assassin, as Salem's lips quirked into a smile. There was a certain joy in watching the suffering of others. Saphron, the poor dear, had spoken to her about her nightmares...

'And Adelheid Blau...'

A young woman whose ability to make choices in her life varied upon her state of inebriation and the amount of men around her, a leech who did not contribute things when inebriated...

'When you fail me, my dear...'

A contact request came from her Scroll, her program opening the call and seeing the young man there with a smile on his face. He looked like he was just readying himself for the evening meal, his features pale.

"Hello there, Mama."

She smiled, the illusion flickering into place a moment later. Selene Umbra had to look presentable, if there were other listeners for her boy's conversations.

"Hello, my dearest."

She felt her heartbeat quicken a little, as he looked at her with that expression of mischief on his face, a smile that made his teeth look perfect.

"Mama, I... I've got a plan in mind. Someone hurt me and needs to know that I will not be messed with ever again. Her actions have to have consequences. Can you... look at it for a moment?"

She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling with that joy. She could see that hint of malice in his eyes, the file that he sent her opened up on the screen. A plan, for...

'Ooh, Yang Xiao Long... Decent hips, pleasant face, nice bust.'

It was a plan that would work. Some praise was merited. This was beyond what she had expected of her young prince.

"This looks... suitable. Why go this route?"

She couldn't see much wrong with the plan. A few of the factors had to be tweaked to exclude anyone from interfering, but it looked suitable. She was honestly impressed that he would be this ruthless.

"If she cannot handle the fact that people are friends and enjoy each other's presence, she will have to be corrected, Mama."

The pale features and the red eyes were so rage-filled, so angry... So beautiful. She could feel the anger in his soul almost calling out to her, like a shard of him had been lodged inside her, delivering such sweet pains.

"Weiss is my friend. She is important to me, and I will not let some scared blonde make my life hell for the protection of her little sister..."

Salem smiled, looking at her darling son with the smile that made things all worth-while. She could see it in his eyes, that lack of care for the girl, the look that would make this world tremble.

Her fingers seized one of her breasts, the flame stoked inside her, as she moaned softly. He had that flame in his eyes, and she wished to see more of it, to feel that hate and anger within those eyes be stoked into a blazing fire.

"Hmm, my princeling... Does she not look pretty? Why not spare her that agony?"

His eyes turned wrathful, her nipples poking against the fabric of her nightshirt, his eyes looking into her own through the Scroll.

"Because she needs to be taught that her actions have consequences, Mama. Saphron told me about what happened to her."

A minor surprise, she registered, as her fingers touched herself. There was a wave of raw anger in his eyes, a brother who had witnessed his sister be hurt. A protector...

'Oh, Saphron, your brother is simply delightful...'

"And what does that make you feel, Jaune? Her ex-wife, betraying her like that..."

A soft sinuous whisper, as she felt her arousal flow between her legs. Her breasts felt heavier, as she could see that look in his eyes. She was feeling aroused, simply thanks to that passion, that rage and wrath that had been balled up in that gaze.

"Like I want her to suffer."

She could help with that, of course, but first...

'The first little steps... Oh, it is so easy, my dear Jaune...'

"Her partner tried to use his Semblance on me, you know. The boyfriend of Terra Cotta..."

The explosion of anger in those eyes, a shudder going through her lower body. She felt arousal pulse and throb, as she saw that look of hate in those eyes. The veins were starting to show and his breathing was heavy, his face nearly snarling. She added fuel to the fire, to see her man gaze at her with that possessive look.

"Telling me to trust him. To come with him and his girlfriend."

She shivered, as she looked at that look in her young man's eyes, the son that she had now claimed looking like a beacon of burning wrath. It was so delightful, and it was all the truth. She never lied, after all.

"What would you do, if he had succeeded, Jaune?"

The answer was written on the young man's face and it filled her with warmth, her thighs quivering as she reached that peak, a shuddering exhale coming from her lips, as her eyes continued to look into his own. They were her son's eyes, her man's eyes, the one who held such love for her that he had called her Mama.

"Kill him. You're my Mama."

A smile was on her lips, and she supposed that she should stoke his urges a little.

"Did Saphron tell you about her lost baby?"

The surprise on his face was there, as the seeds of wrath were planted. Oh, did her little man make her feel proud, as he felt that ire. A queen's son, a prince who would one day rule this world, driving himself to such wrath that it was like the shadows never held claim...

"Saphron..."

The warmth of his feelings for his sister showed on his face, that care, that warmth that made her own body heat up, that love that he felt for his sister and for her as well.

"Mama, don't fire Adelheid. She's... She's good for Saphron. Even if she's a little loose, she's still a good woman, Mama." She could not deny him that, even though she knew that it would all be for naught once the woman was besotted by alcohol.

Ladies had standards, after all...

'The people my daughters should linger around will need to be of impeccable standing.'

"If you need funds, my dear..."

He gave her a look. That simple gaze was enough to make her shudder, a smile appearing on her lips. Money was of little importance to her as she had more than enough to fund the military budget of Atlas for a year, should it come to such a thing. It was replaceable and utterly useless to one who would hold the world within her hands.

"A hundred thousand should be fine... I'm... I'm not great with economics, Mama. Doctor Watts said that you might be disappointed in me, but-"

She smiled indulgently. Of course she wouldn't be disappointed with him. She simply would have to ensure that he had a decent grasp of the minting of coins with his image and the financial straits of the Empire.

'To come up with such an idea...'

"Doctor Watts is supplying you the information, yes?"

Her son nodded and a surge of amusement came through her. She could easily request that the good doctor do some of the work for the young man that had captured her heart with his tenderness... But that would not forge a king who would be in control of what they would create.

"And how will you make sure that it happens? I do imagine that the girl would put up a fight."

Jaune smiled, looking into her eyes with his features half-twisted in those similar to her own. He was truly someone who would inherit all that she had. She would make sure that they would have what their due was.

'Perhaps getting Saphron her etiquette lessons might make her blossom a little further...'

"Eh, I've got a little help on the inside."

This would be amusing. Her boy was showing a talent in the art of manipulation...

'I'll have to present him with something of a gift...'

Of course, his plans would have to be looked over a little more by her experienced eyes... A good mother always made sure to sweep through all opposition for her son. That was what she could do.

'Maybe a tame mongrel or something... I am sure that we can find something...'

---

Adelheid smiled nervously. She felt a little jittery, knowing that she was going to be making contact with the mother who'd put her best friend onto the world. Saphron was smiling, her eyes warm and comforting. She felt a little awkward.

"It's going to be fine. Mom will love you."

Saphron looked nervous too. Adelheid felt for the girl, even as they sat at the café, waiting for the mother of the Arc family.

"But what if?"

She felt even worse now. Here she was, dressed to impress. Fresh blouse, nice jacket, laundered pants and underwear that had been wonderful. Last night's dreams of being fucked into the mattress like a bad girl should be by the woman's son.

'God... Waking up and humping Saphron wasn't my best moment... I'm so lucky she was still sleeping.'

"She'll love you."

Saphron didn't have her problem. She was going stir-crazy, antsy with that ache, but Miss Umbra was watching her like a hawk. One small slip and she was going to be out on her ass.

"Mom!"

The smile on Saphron's face was lighter, as an older woman came, an older man accompanying her. Pepper and salt hair seemed to be well-groomed as the man's features looked reasonable, scruff around the cheeks showing that the man hadn't shaved in a while.

'Not quite my type, but I'm not complaining...'

"Harmon, my daughter Saphron. You two haven't made your acquaintance yet, I believe."

Adelheid could see the look on Saphron's face show some curiosity. The man smiled kindly at her, a charming smile that was definitely more sociable than some she'd seen.

'Not the dad.'

Good. No raping scum near her big sis. That wasn't going to be allowed. The man smiled, holding out the seat for the mother. A wedding ring glistened on the man's finger, and he sat himself down.

"I'm a friend of your mother's. My wife goes to the same bridge club. I help with her finances, because, well..." A chuckle, easy and warm, came from the man's lips.

Saphron gave a mild smile, as she did her best to keep together. Adelheid saw the nervousness on Saphron's face, her mother looking at her.

"And you're the one that Saphron has been telling us about?"

She nodded, smiling professionally. Time to wow the mom of the beefcake and the bestie!

"Adelheid Blau, of Argus. I'm a friend of your daughter's. Things just ended up carrying me along..."

She put on that winning smile that her mother said was her best feature. Personally, she thought her best feature was her lack of a gag reflex, but alas...

'Now, to lay on the charm.'

"And we're occasionally sharing a bed."

Saphron gave a scandalized look, and Adelheid winked at her. "Now, don't you dare deny it, you sleepy little bugger! I woke up in the morning to your ugly face."Saphron was more at ease now with her lighter voice. She was going to make sure that Saphron wouldn't feel bad.

"What are you employed as? I mean, I have heard about Saphron's ex-wife and the divorce from Carmella, and-"

The man inquired, and her best friend's mother was looking a little worried as Saphron smiled sadly. She laid a hand on her friend's, giving it a soft little rub. Saphron smiled at her, and Adelheid could see that the mother was looking with some disapproval.

'Well, fuck you too, lady. I'm not going to give up on my friend.'

"I'm a Huntsman publisher. Jaune is my sole charge. I'm going to make him the best Huntsman-in-training that I can."

She smiled as warmly as she could, and the mother gave another sound, worried. The man looked intrigued, as he patted the mother's shoulder. The woman looked grateful for the touch.

"I'd better get going. Betty is going to go nuts in the clothing store if left unattended. If you ever need a ride again, give me a call, Carmella."

The mother looked happy, as the man got out of his seat and left, humming a faint tune.

"Such a nice man."

The mother said, her attention going to her again, the smile a little bit less friendly, if Adelheid pegged it right.

"So, Miss Blau... I've been hearing something about being adopted into my little brood of misfits."

There was an amused tone to the woman's voice, Adelheid feeling a little hint of Saphron's warmth in the woman's nature, though the faint feeling of desire didn't really stop.

"Oh, we get on great. It's like she's been a little sister to me for ages. Of course, she's not, but when we first met in the hospital..."

Saphron's voice sounded pained and Adelheid tried her best to give her friend a warm smile. Saphron looked like she needed it, and she wasn't going to stop helping her big sis out.

"Thank you for visiting her, dear."

Adelheid nodded, as she pulled her Scroll out, opening the gallery and scrolling through a few of the pictures that she'd taken. She held up the picture that she'd taken with Saphron at the hospital.

"See? Saph and Adel, ready to gel. When your son was introduced to me by Miss Umbra, I figured 'Adelheid, it's time that you go and meet with that poor ol' sister of his. It's the least you can do for the guy who's going to make you rich'. With a bit of makeup and some good ol' moxie, I got in. Adelheid Arc, at yer service."

She gave a wink. Outwardly, she didn't resemble Saphron much aside from being a blonde and having paler eyes than Saphron, but it had been enough.

"My, that sounds like an adventure. What are your intentions towards my daughter?"

There was a questioning tone to the woman's voice, as humour entered the woman's voice. She thought it was humour though, but there was just something in the woman's eyes that made her see that there was little of it in the woman.

"Are you the rebound girl?"

'Nahhh. I'm just about to go and fuck your son if he keeps on being a hunk like that. Oof. Oneesan LIKES!'

Saphron nudged her. "Don't go and get thoughts about me, blondie." Adelheid could see that the mother was already getting herself in an uncomfortable position, her smile a little more wooden. Saphron had said that her father hadn't much liked the fact that she was gay, so seeing her daughter with another woman was undoubtedly...

'Yeah, I'd not be too peachy with that too... Ah well.'

"Nothing but benign! Saph's a darn peach and she's been such a good girl." A thinning of Saphron's lips as she poked her side. "Hey! Lil' sis is allowed to poke fun at her big sis!"

"You're lucky that you're cute, Adel." Adelheid kept the grin up. She wasn't going to bail on her bestie.

"You're just lucky that I'm straight, Sapphy! I'd gobble you up like a chicken nugget!"

The mother looked a little amused at their antics, the woman smiling a touch more warmly. There was some casualness to the woman, but still... Adelheid didn't really like the woman that much.

"It's like having your twin sisters here, Saphron. Just without the commentary and the cusswords."

Adelheid didn't know those yet, but she undoubtedly would given some time. "So, Adelheid, do you think that you've got something to work with, as far as my son goes? I have some doubts about Miss Umbra, knowing her age and her interest in Jaune..."

Adelheid glanced at Saphron. Her friend had just about said that Selene Umbra was like a second mother, but it wasn't like it should be spoken about openly. The mother of the Arc sisters and single son...

'Did you know your son was being raped by your husband?'

The woman must've. She didn't seem the type to worry too much about other things except her children. A warm, maternal figure, but not someone who would go against her husband. She'd seen her mother have an argument with her father, but it never got physical.

"Strictly platonic for both of us, Mrs Arc. Miss Umbra told me that if she ever finds out I touched your little slice of man-hunk heaven, I'd be out on my ass and skidding my way down to Vacuo."

The woman probably would phrase it slightly more elegantly, but she cared for the young man. Selene Umbra would probably put her down for the hell treatment in the coldest, most inhospitable place she could find.

"Is my son in danger of being touched by you, Miss Blau?"

Adelheid gave it a moment of thought. The safe answer was no and the unsafe answer was also no.

"Nope!"

Saphron, at the same time, spoke up.

"Yep!"

They both stared at each other. Saphron's challenging grin was broad, as she gave a wicked look.

"Hey!"

She grinned and Saphron grinned back at her.

"You were the one went 'Oh god, he's hot!' in the bathroom, Adel! Don't think I didn't hear you going all goo-goo about him. You're not quiet when you get busy."

Adelheid's face showed her displeasure with the thoughts that were popping up. "Well, I can't help it! Umbra will fillet me and feed me to the fishes! That woman is lethal for my bank account! Don't you know how many clauses are in that contract if I get triple-penetrated by some big-dicked guys again? I'm lucky that she didn't put a mandatory weekly drug test in it!"

Saphron smirked smugly, as she laughed at that.

"Something about a chastity belt comes to mind, lil' sis."

The cough from the mother drew their attention to the woman again, Mrs Arc looking decidedly ill-pleased with the words that had been shared.

"Cute. So you want to sleep with my son."

Adelheid noticed the lack of emotion in that voice, as Saphron wrapped an arm around her. This was not helping the first impression in Momma Arc's eyes, undoubtedly.

"Well, I want to. Doesn't mean I'm going to do it."

The woman's stern mom face could definitely go for Mom-Class Lethal Daughter Destroyer weapon, Adelheid thought.

"I've got standards! There are toys for that too!"

The ill-humoured look turned frostier. Saphron sighed deeply.

"Mom, she's not going to do that to Jaune. I'd be more worried about Rouge getting hitched than Jaune getting Adel on his lap without her clothes on. She's my best friend. Right, Addie?"

She gave a little salute. This was awkward, but it wasn't too bad. The look turned to Momcon level Two. Yep, she'd blown it worse than three bottles of John Maniels and six or so guys.

'Not making a great impression here, Adelheid... Ah well, if she's going to be closed-minded, I'd better make sure to keep Saphron happy.'

"Yep. Best friend, that's me. Occasional bedmate of your daughter too, adopted sister... yeah, that'll do. Adelheid Blau, guaranteed to wow."

The woman's eyes looked a little sterner, as the gaze looked her over. She smiled. Saphron tried to smile too, but Adelheid could see something dark in her eyes.

"Saphron said many good things about you, so... Welcome to the family."

'Gee, that sounds like she's just telling me to roll over for the arsenic to start working...'

This wasn't a good start. "I'll have to head to the restroom for a bit. Eh... yeah, it's on me. I got my salary, and-"

A few ten Lien chips were put on the table. Meagre savings, but she'd rather make sure that they got what they needed whilst she absconded to the bathroom.

'I really should stop drinking that much coffee...'

She could do with a few bottles of wine, a long hard shaft between her legs and three to four hours of just coming to that high in the bedroom...

---

Saphron noticed her mother's gloomy look immediately when Adelheid started to walk off towards the bathroom, noticing that her mother hadn't been hugely charmed by Adelheid. It was probably Adelheid's brash nature that made her disliked.

"She's really not that bad, mom. Sure, she's honest and blunt about stuff, but-"

Her mother's eyes met hers and that look of distaste hardened in them. A suspicious feeling slid through her, as her mother looked at her.

"So this is the new girlfriend, isn't it?"

'It most certainly is NOT!'

She hated this. Terra had been okay with some parts of the family, but her mother and father had never forgiven her for being a lesbian. She wasn't someone who did things hastily. She was not her father.

'Oh, you never really cared much, did you? No wonder daddy could do those things to Jaune.'

"No, mom. She's just a friend. She's a little... Well, she's Atlesian."

Argus was too Atlesian in nature to be anything but. She wondered whether people from Atlas were always so progressive, or whether Adelheid was just an outlier. She didn't really care for it that much.

"She's your friend, so she's your responsibility. I care for you, Saphron. Your father would want me to make sure that Jaune is kept safe too."

She didn't respond. She looked down. Her father had raped a woman that she saw as a second mother. It was something wrong. Her own body had been used by her ex-wife and her partner.

"Jaune is doing what he wants, mom. Don't take that from him."

Her mother's stubbornness, something that some of her daughters and son had inherited, was something that she could see leaping to the fore again.

"Why is that woman funding his acceptance at Beacon? Wouldn't it be good enough to just have him become a farmer? Your father said that he'd have a few connections..."

'Just like you said that I could just settle down with a nice boy, eh mother?'

Violet had been supportive. Rouge had been accepting. The Twins didn't give a damn and Azora was just happy. Beryl was like she always was, getting into fights, threatening Terra with a few bruises if she ever hurt her big sister...

'Mama is more of a mother than you are. What do you do when you go home? Watch TV, talk with your stupid friends about useless things. Daddy would have free reign over the house...'

"Mom, you can't just get pulled out of Beacon. He's got a girlfriend now..."

She hoped that he had. That girl seemed to have caused a stir... It wouldn't be too bad to meet the girlfriend, right?

"And what have you been doing? Why aren't you moving back home?"

'Because I don't want to look at dad!'

She smiled, looking at her mother. She'd said earlier that she didn't want to be in the same room where she'd made love to Terra in, but her mother seemed to have forgotten that. She wondered whether this was just some jealousy from her mother. She was fine where she was! Mister Callows was a nice man who always seemed to be ready to drive wherever she needed to go. He offered nice little delicacies, cooking something for them whenever they had the need to and he was around.

"Because I want to be free again, mom. I want to see what's out there, maybe find something to do."

If she moved back in, money would be even tighter. She'd heard from Rouge that there was already a shortage of some of the essentials in the household. Mom knew what to do, but the money was finite.

"Your father isn't comfortable with you living under that woman's roof."

'I wonder why, mother. He raped her! Why should he let her tell me about what happened?'

She felt sick, but she masked it by looking down at the table. Her father didn't feel comfortable with her living under Selene Umbra's control, so that meant that he was going to take care of his obligations.

'And he'll pull some strings or something and get Jaune right back home...'

"Dad is not someone who'd enjoy his daughters moving out."

She said, watching Adelheid come back from the toilet. The light hit her friend's face differently, as the skin was a little flushed, the smile on her lips a little warmer.

'Well... time to see whether I can seed that little garden...'

Adelheid was a good friend. Her mother might not quite like her, but that didn't mean that her sisters couldn't like Adelheid. If mom had been complicit during daddy's rape spree through the family...

'No, I'm not going to let you ruin my little brother too, mom. Pull him out of Beacon... He's more confident now and he can PROTECT me.'

Selene Umbra had been speaking the truth. She'd spoken the truth and Saphron could see it. Her mother being 'concerned'. How long would it be when daddy came home and Saphron gave birth to her first baby? It'd be such a surprise too, the lesbian getting pregnant from a one-night stand. It looked just like his grandfather too, oh what a surprise.

'No, I don't think I'll move back in.'

She'd rather die than let her father touch her. She was a big sister and she loved her sisters. If she had to do what she had to...

"He wants what is best for you, Saphron. We've talked about this. Harmon might need a secretary for a year or two. It's good work, you'd get a nice wage. Things have been a little tight with the budget. Violet has been helping an old lady who is dying of cancer whilst taking a break from her job as a secretary, so..."

'It'd be tight with the budget, alright... Violet's working as hard as she can.'

She should meet with Violet one of these days, have a good talk. She'd like to help the family. Violet was the best one with money. Her little sister was a whore, but she was good. She loved the family.

'Maybe, if she's willing to take a bit of money...'

"I don't know... I'm just, mom, no offence."

Her mother didn't get it. She didn't get what it meant to have your partner use you as a toy, as some sort of servant. She had loved Terra. Adelheid was a good friend, but that didn't mean that she loved Adelheid in that way.

"Don't worry, Mrs Saphron's mom! I'll be keeping Saph safe, until she finds her footing again."

Saphron smiled at her friend, feeling the warmth inside her grow some more. Adelheid was a good friend who cared, without even thinking that she was going to be preyed upon by her.

'I'd never do something like Terra did.'

It didn't stop her from having weird ideas though. It was not the easiest thing to stay in the same bed as someone who was very physical and kept on moaning during the night. She had to stop herself from the dreams too. It was...

'You're not going to do anything...'

It had been just a dream, after all. It had been just a dream and it had just been some sleep-deprived fancy. Adelheid had been hugging her, moaning in her ear and it'd been so easy to just sneak a finger into her sex, listening to her best friend moan. Hearing her groan and want more.

'You're a sick and twisted person, Saphron...'

She was a sick and twisted person, but it had felt good thinking about it. She'd given Adelheid a soft peck to the lips, the eyes opening wide after the tongue just pushed in as Adelheid forced a kiss. Adelheid had spoken her apologies, saying something about dreams but it'd...

'You'd be a good fit for Jaune, Adelheid.'

He was safe. He would keep her safe. He was a man and he protected his family, more than his father ever had. She didn't even want to think about the man in the way that she'd thought of him before, knowing what he'd done to another woman, maybe to her sisters.

'But if she's straying... well, Mama might be upset...'

She was tuning out the conversation, leaning her elbow onto the table and giving some thought to how she'd plan things. Adelheid had a pretty strict schedule, even if it was girl-talk from ten until eleven or something. It was amazing to know what kinds of thing a publisher such as Adelheid had to do.

"No, not at all! Saphron has these moods from time to time, right sis?"

She snapped to attention to find her mother looking at her worriedly. She flashed a pained smile, as she looked at her mother. She needed an excuse, so she went with the easy thing.

"Sorry, I was just... I was just thinking about Adrian."

The sympathy from her mother was genuine, but the feeling inside her, behind the mask of carefully sculpted expression, was something that she could not hide. It was not something that she should feel, but she felt it anyways. Anger. Dislike. Not quite hate, but it was close.

Her mother had given birth to her, but her father, a monster wearing human skin, also had given his material to make her. Her sisters, pretty and beautiful in their own way, were more important. Rouge was the Mom because she always made sure that they were well-groomed even if money was tight. She'd been the one to force Beryl into bathing when she'd made a mess, or when Jaune was just too lazy to go to the bath when he'd been young. The twins obeyed as well, but they had been finicky for years.

"Losing a child is sad, yes. I'm sorry, Saphron."

Her mother smiled and there was something in those eyes that Saphron felt annoyed her. She looked at the woman, looked closely for once. The way that her mother dressed wasn't something that showed much of her style, but there was something in the woman's eyes that seemed to be more distant.

'Gee, too much of a bother to talk to your wrong daughter, huh?'

Mama she could call and talk to whenever she wished. She didn't really want to bother her too much, but it was nice. Talking about some of her dreams with Mama had been wonderful. That her biological mother just doubted everything about her, simply because she preferred women over men...

'And you don't even know that they made me abort my own baby...'

"It was painless, apparently. Half of the street was broken. It was luck that our door was hardwood and not something else, or I'd have been dead." She felt glad for that in one way. She would have been...

'Oh, it would've been so nice to have Jeremy offer to give me a baby too, huh? Little Saphron the dyke, getting knocked up by the man who's been raping her on and off, just a 'happy family'. Terra would say that he'd be kind enough to, and I'd not remember a single thing of when we went to get it done... Au natural, with no memory for dear ol' Saphron.'

"Not that I don't feel bad for you, because I do, but..."

Another excuse, undoubtedly about how it had been merely some fancy. When father said something, mother always followed after it. Gods, she hated that. Her sisters and brother were okay with her liking girls, or at the very least, did not comment on it.

"Please, can you help out a little?"

Another plea. Another request. She'd just meet a 'very nice' boy by accident, yes. Totally not the cousin of one of mom's friends, just down on his luck. It'd be nice to have a boy around the house, she should totally invite him over once for dinner. Wouldn't it be nice to take the guy out on a date? Perhaps try a boy sometimes, yes.

She'd rather take a dildo and get off if that was the quality of man she could pull. Always interested in 'two girls making out' or 'kissing a dyke'. Mom didn't understand. Mama understood, a little. Saphron smiled, because that was the only thing she could.

"I'll see what I can do, mom. Mister... Eh, Harmon, right?"

Her mother smiled softly. "His wife Betty is one of my friends. He's from White, Black and Blue Finances, a big office."

'Wait, which one is he?'

"Which one is he? White, Black or Blue?" She just had to ask.

"White, of course. He's one of the senior members of staff. He's the one who drove your sisters and me to the airport to meet you."

Her mother and her friends. She didn't like that one bit. The only time she'd been around her mother's friends had just confirmed to her that they were just like her mother. Married, their husbands always off and about, and only a few of them having a personality that was against the grain.

'No lesbians, nope... Couldn't have that in your friends' circle, right mom?'

"I'll see whether I'll take Mister Harmon's offer then."

She could leave it open. Mama had said that she didn't have to work if she didn't want to. It would be nice to do something, but at the end of things...

"How about I give him a call and we'll make an appointment for you? He'd been helping around the house. It'll be nice to see your brother again too, when he comes home."

Saphron smiled, and the conversation turned lighter. Topics like herself returning home and Jaune returning back to their home weren't touched upon, and the new dress that she wore was perfect. She let her eyes rove around the women in the café, checking them out. It wasn't bad to look around, window shop a little as it were...

'Hmm...'

"Carmella!"

An older woman sounded happy, Saphron noticing the man who'd been called Harmon, the older woman striding up to them, smiling at her mother, who looked happy to hear her name being called.

"Betty!"

Adelheid and Saphron stared as the woman hugged Saphron's mother, Carmella Arc's face not changing from the cheerful smile on her lips.

"And you're little Saphron! You've grown so big! And this is... Violet, right?"

Saphron shot a look at Adelheid and winked. She'd have a bit of fun, even though Adelheid looked a little mystified.

"Nope, this is my younger sister Adelheid! She's the third member of the twin brigade!"

She'd roll with it, her mother giving her a dangerous look. She didn't give a damn right now, willing to make a bit of fun.

"But twins are just- They must have been triplets, oh dearie me!"

Saphron shook her head. Blondes were sadly, overly common in the family. She'd heard about the bad dye job that Azora had once done for a school project, but that'd been when she'd been off in Argus.

"She's my best friend and sort-of adopted sister. She's sweet on my little brother, Jaune."

The older woman gave a look, smiling warmly and indulgently whilst Adelheid looked like she would rather be elsewhere.

"Now, there's no problem with that! Carmella always tells me how much of a dear you all are. It's so nice to meet you!"

The woman sat down, her husband remaining standing. Carmella Arc gave an apologetic smile, as the man shook his head and got himself a chair.

"So, what kind of work do you do, Adelaide?"

The mangling of Adelheid's name was something that the young woman bore with grace.

"I'm a publisher! I am making sure that Jaune Arc is the next best thing since Neptune Vasilias won the 'Upcoming Talent Award'. He's a cutie though. Those eyes, oof. I have to remind myself that he's just seventeen from time to time. A really handsome fellow, he is."

The woman seemed interested in hearing more, Saphron watching the older lady as she asked a few questions.

Most of mom's friends were like this. Surface-level conversation, surface-level interest, without anything else. Her mother was asking something to mister White, making a few subtle gestures, giving her a look and indicating something about her. The man smiled at her and nodded once.

"But you'll have to get a job with my husband's company! He's in need of a secretary, and you look like just the girl for him! He's always working so late, the poor dear. A bit of help would work out just fine for him."

There was nothing to be done about it, Saphron would have to toe that line of politeness and denial.

"We'll see, Miss White. I'm still getting settled in."

Her eyes caught a glimpse of disapproval on her mother's face, but she wasn't going to commit to anything right now, the least of all a job that she was not prepared for.

"Ah yes, your mother told me about the loss of your baby. Is your partner alright? He must be devastated." She put on a sad smile. It would be best to act a little bit.

"Oh, we broke up."

There was a softness of her voice, as she tried to infuse it with as much sorrow as she could.

"We decided to part ways."

'Oh, so she didn't know that your daughter was a lesbian, did she? Gee, thanks.'

She nudged Adelheid twice in the side. She needed to get out of here, needed to get her thoughts together. Adelheid had that polite smile on her lips as she got up.

"We're going to have to go though. Her brother's taking me to the hospital to... eh, get checked. I've not been a good girl. Few too many beers and a set of guys that were... Heh. So, sorry to cut things short. Saphron's put me in charge of the schedule today."

Saphron knew that her friend had a problem, but she accepted her anyways. Adelheid was a good woman, even with her flaws. Her mother looked at her with a look. It'd mean that they'd have another chat over the Scroll for another hour or so tonight.

'So much for quiet...'

As she and Adelheid walked, Saphron having downed her mug of tea in a single gulp, Saphron could feel the morose feeling settle in. She didn't like the thought of being shoved into a box, to be treated as just...

"Hey, Saph?"

Adelheid's voice was light, an arm wrapped around her.

"Your mom's pretty much like your dad, isn't she? My mom would've wanted me to settle down too, but... Yeah."

That was true. Mom always was away, just like dad. Mom didn't work like dad did, she just did her social things. They'd had to provide for things themselves by getting part-time jobs, and she'd not minded it too much whilst growing up.

"I guess you better find the siblings you'd want, rather than the ones you'd have."

She mumbled, as she looked into the displays of the window, walking with her best friend. Adelheid gave her a half-hug, pulling her close.

"Now don't be a gloomy doomey, big sis! You should have fun, get some hot girls and enjoy life!"

She didn't think that she could, not right now. She was still hurting from Terra, she was...

'The dream...'

It'd been nice. It had been pleasant. Adelheid had been there. She looked at her bestie and she gave a tiny smile. "But what if I want to make my little sister get all naughty with me, huh?" A flirting tease, Adelheid's smile increasing slightly.

"We should do something like that, yeah. Go around, teasing a few guys, some girls... Be the Blau-Arc dream team."

She laughed, her fingers dancing up and down Adelheid's spine. Adelheid gave a shudder, the jacket she wore being a little wrinkled thanks to the touch.

"Hmm... Perhaps if you're a good girl, I'll let you get some Arc."

She did buy the strap-on. Would be a shame to let it go to waste in the box it came in, of course. Adelheid's face didn't seem so happy about that comment, and Saphron reminded herself that Adelheid was straight.

'Yeah, turning out to be like your dad there, Saph.'

It would've been fun. She wondered what sort of faces Adelheid would make when she had sex.

'Something for the fantasies late at night, Saphron...'

Some vanilla might not be too bad after having had chocolate.

---

Jaune looked surprised to see them, Adelheid thought. He was dressed in casual clothes that fit him well, his look giving him that distinguished manner and that 'Adelheid needs to stay in her lane or she'd make a car crash happen' manner of roguishness. The smile that blossomed on his face was something that made her heart seriously feel weak, as Saphron just nudged her.

"See? He's going to perform a colonoscopy on you, Adel."

She gave her friend a warning look, Jaune looking still as innocent as he always did. She didn't mind letting her gaze go over him a few more times.

'Yep, just as sinfully delicious as before...'

Gods, her dreams had been hotter than a Mistralian summer. It had been him and Saphron, each taking a good hard turn with her. She wasn't too into girls, but the thought of...

'Oh yes, I'll treat you good, Daddy...'

She'd just taken care of the urges, though she really was getting the ache for some liquor. It'd been nearly two weeks? Maybe three?

'I want sex...Saphron's starting to look attractive and I'm not into girls.'

"Are you okay, Adelheid?"

She smiled softly, licking her tongue. Yeah, a good hour or two, a nice bottle drained into her stomach and that euphoria hitting her hard.

"Oh, I'm getting better."

She was. She'd seen him in a shirt and had seen the work that was being done on that body. A little skinny, but the face wasn't too bad. Caring, just that light little touch...

'Hmm... I want to fuck you, big boy...'

"That's good. Saphron said that you were getting a little itchy in the house, so..."

She had an itch she couldn't scratch. She had such an itch that just looking at him made her pulse race. Saphron's smile was too damn cheeky as she looked at him.

"I'm fine. You're fine too, damn, you're starting to get some muscles."

He did a little flex, and she just let her eyes drop. Yes, she was totally eyeing that package. Just inspecting the goods.

'Hmm...'

Saphron jabbed her in the side and her eyes went up, a feeling of shock going through her. This wasn't behaviour of someone who was supposed to help a guy out. She'd help him out and get something in.

And her eyes went down again as he changed his pose. She bit her lower lip, just imagining...

'Oh yes... Oneesan wants some of that...'

"Stop looking at him as if he's meat and you just spent a day at a vegetarian's place, Adel."

Saphron whispered and Adelheid just looked up. Nope, her thoughts were totally not going to the direction of doing horrible sexy things with her young charge, nope. Totally not thinking about just wearing some of the new lingerie below her work outfit and then closing the door and letting him just...

A young charge who would be four years under contract, who'd grab her by the hair and growl in her ear that she'd be part of the family his way and with no escape.

'Oof... OOF. DOWN! Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!'

She was wet. She was dripping. She looked at his face, the concern in his eyes, the faint crimson sheen in his eyes as he said something but she wasn't quite paying attention. Already, she was just seeing it. It'd been too long, she'd always gotten a drink and someone for the night, but she'd just been with toys lately.

"We should get you checked out now... You look flushed."

She'd be flushed alright, yep... Just after she'd pushed him into an alley and given him a good hard stiff fucking, and let him just-

"Ah, I'm... eh..."

She was breathing heavily, Saphron's eyes looking at her. If this kept up, she was going to just ruin her life. Why did he have to be hot? This made her job worse!

"I'm okay, Mister Arc."

He smiled at her. It was like a mortal blow to her pussy's ability to keep itself dry. That guile-less smile that was warm and manly. Her mouth felt dry and her lower body tingled, her nipples poking against the fabric of her bra. This was bad.

"Just call me Jaune. I don't believe in too much formality, unless it deals with Mama. She's a lady of good standing, don't you know?"

She just looked at him. She blinked once and then made a sound that sounded like a 'waah-shure' that left her mouth, just looking at him. This wasn't fair.

"Why don't you go to the car, Jaune? Girl talk, okay?"

The young man smiled that lady-killer smile again and Adelheid leaned against Saphron for support. The lesbian woman gave her a smile, looking at her with that smug feeling.

"Soooo... Want to make kissy faces at my little brother?"

She wanted to do much worse with her mouth. Much worse and all of it illegal to do under the terms of her contract. She should find herself a dude with a dick that she'd feel hit her womb. A big bastard who'd make the thoughts of Jaune 'I am some sort of raw untamed potential' Arc fade from her mind.

"Saphron..."

She leaked still. The thought of being between brother and sister, feeling Saphron's arms wrapped around her as her brother drove himself into her...

'Oh yes...'

"Hey, you were the one that kissed me."

She felt embarrassment shoot through her. That'd been a nice dream, but she'd woken to the feeling of Saphron's mouth being explored by her own tongue. That had been terribly embarrassing, but it had been okay with Saphron.

"It's wrong for him to be that attractive. I need... I need a guy."

She would let her eyes roam a little. Perhaps a quick hook-up at the hospital... Some attractive guy that just needed to pump a load into an easy girl like her...

"Hey, he's the only guy for you, Addie. Lil' sis should always be watching her brother."

She gave her friend a look that attempted to atomize her through sheer potency. Her nipples were hard, damnit! She wanted to just show Jaune Arc what it meant to fuck with a Blau. She'd like that much more than getting someone else's cold hands shoved into her cooch!

"And you were checking him out. I know a 'fuck-me' stare when I see it, Adel. You were looking at his cock. You're lucky that he doesn't notice that much."

She shivered. She really shouldn't. The client was the client, after all. Miss Umbra would kick her out on her ass if she did something with him. She didn't even know if he'd want her, but he was a very good-looking fellow, even if he was a bit young.

"Hey... It's eh... research."

Research with the biggest tool of female pleasuring that she could find when she got home. It was not a guilty pleasure, because this was just pure lust. A good-looking guy who made her feel like she was a princess, there to be in his care?

'Where do you get a guy who's dedicated to you and just comes out like a knight in armour and stuff?'

She had liked that. Him being protective of her and making sure that she was alright had been... nice. Nice enough that she'd probably have given him a free blow or something, if the boss hadn't been warning her. Another warning and she'd probably be fired.

'You shouldn't think about things like that...'

"He is a cutie, don't you think?"

She gave an affirmative sound with her throat, watching carefully how he walked there before the two of them. She would get a few more style changes worked out for him. Maybe glasses... Sunglasses would make him look suave. Just tilt them down and go 'Hey there blondie... How about you and me, tonight?'

"It is forbidden to talk about that, Saphron. I'm serious!"

She'd have to squash that horrible feeling inside her. Saphron wouldn't let it go, but Adelheid didn't really think-

A glance at her best friend for a moment and the cheeky smile on her friend's lips was enough to confirm that she was being teased. She growled and started to tickle, trying to force a laugh from the older woman. It wasn't fair that she was being teased with something that might just be a sex-deprived attraction. She'd probably start lusting after Mister Tyrian if he hadn't been, well... gay.

'Hmm, scars... Though I can't really say I like the look in his eyes. Makes me be reminded of someone who'd better be locked up...'

That brought thoughts. A nice cop uniform, her client behind bars... Just the type of bad boy whose cock was just the right shape for her lock, and she'd just have to unlock, right?

"So, on a scale of one to ten?"

She shook her head, half-way into that prisoner abuse thought she had. Saphron had been talking, but she'd not been paying attention. The thought of some hot pent-up prisoner just ripping her out of the hallway and into his cell. All that pent up lust and frustration, all...

'Oof...'

This was a dangerous prospect. Tiny little Adelheid Blau, new warden of the Arc prison... Oh yes...

'Down... Down! Evil thoughts, begone.'

"Hot?"

Adelheid gave Saphron a look and she exhaled through her nose. Fuck, that was hot.

"I'd say he's a nine out of ten..."

That one little point was because he wasn't available. God, she would commit a war crime against chastity and common decency. He was just the right guy, kind, warm, attentive to her...

Saphron could see it too, hurt as she was. Saphron and Jaune got along really well, and Adelheid was happy for her friend to have such a great brother... But she was feeling serious tingles for the guy. One of the first rules of being a friend was that brothers, no matter older or younger, tended to be off the table.

"The tenth point is probably because Mama would kick you out if you did something, right?"

Adelheid nodded. She hadn't really dated, as her lifestyle was mostly about the partying and having fun, but now that she had her first job, it really started to come together. She was living in a very nice house, had food and company that she liked, and was someone who didn't really think much about anything except for her own pleasure but...

'It'd be nice if...'

It would be very nice to wake up next to someone, like she'd been doing with Saphron. The flames of desire inside her died down and suddenly, she pulled Saphron into a hug.

"Let's go out tonight, okay?"

It was a thought she had, but one that she couldn't quite get rid of. She wanted something real, not some sort of wishful fancy. She could get someone else.

And then the guy just turned around and smiled at them and she felt that desire ignite like a Dust fuel engine. Those eyes that looked at her as if she was special, as if she was the focus of his attention and he deserved to be the one who would make her the princess of his house.

'Fuck.'

This was going to be harder than she thought. She'd persevere and… well, if she had some sort of bug, she'd have to be abstinent for a while, right?

'I always clean the toys…'

"Let's have some fun. I heard about a club…"

That might just be what she needed. No alcohol though… She'd have to stay sober, or she'd do something out of bounds again. Her womanhood clenched around nothing, her eyes looking at the little brother to her best friend.

'Yeah, that'd just be the thing… New guy, no distracting thoughts about the client…'

Adelheid was going to be in for an embarrassing afternoon of prodding and poking. Saphron was not letting go of that evaluation of her little brother, which was, to put it mildly, an irksome thing. The constant attention that Saphron's younger brother was giving was more pleasant. Her client was a good young man.

'Just a bit of extra scruff...'

---

Blaring music was like a call to battle as she finished wrapping up the final fist, her eyes looking directly at the fingers that had been properly wrapped to protect them from the blood that'd be staining them. She was in charge, she was ready and not going to be stopped. The big prize was ahead of her, and she knew just what would be at stake. She'd get herself brought to a level where she'd be punching out the big leagues, and not the small fry that only brought in a good two hundred…

'Fifi, you just had to go and get cooking lessons and care for some old biddy, didn't you?'

The two druggies had been keeping quiet in their room, hopefully learning their lesson a little better than she had learned her lesson not to go out fighting. It was only the first step towards greatness, after all.

"Hey there, blondie… How's the foot?"

The red tide came up to her, looking smug and utterly like the tart that she was. Her Aura definitely had been unlocked, the teasing grin on her face enough, as Beryl pulled her fists into the ready stance and gave a few jabs.

"Still working just as fine as it should, Malachite."

She growled back, the humoured smirk on the other young woman's lips like a charm, if it had arrived properly, rather than just giving her the look of someone who'd like to be punched in the back of the head during sex. Beryl hadn't really had sex, given her leaning towards training and keeping herself in shape. Boys? Who liked boys. Of course, she liked men, but she didn't like those who didn't know how to keep their hands to themselves.

"Going to win all your matches, girl? Ready to enter the big leagues?"

There was a teasing tone to one of the twins' voices, her eyes blazing with something that could be called amusement, her tongue sliding over her lips.

"Still not getting my aura awakened, Melly."

The bouncers of the club had of course some say in who got what match-up and Huntsman matches were always a big crowd drawer. It would just be the easy in and easy out.

"Pity, you could be good with a Huntsman's training. You've got that knack for just leaping onto someone and just punching them until they stop moving."

It was the thrill, the burst of energy that she felt. She could feel it throbbing and pulsing inside her as she prepared, shifting her stance a few times and giving an experimental kick. It felt just as great as it had before, and the tension inside her slow unwound. She would do this, she'd make sure that she'd get that money.

'The money'll be good for the pot…'

Mom had been looking worried, and she'd gotten back home from meeting with Saphron and that friend of hers. Saphron's friend apparently was a loose woman, if the impression that mom had given her was right.

'Yeah, I'll take that with a grain of salt, mom… Saph's old and wise enough to go and make her own friends…'

She was just happy that Saphron was back again and safe. Having a friend who was a little more adventurous could bring Saphron back to that level where she'd been the fun older sister. It was a shame that Saphron didn't live with them anymore, but after the accident with Terra's kid…

"The day won't come when I'll need aura to bail me out. I'm not going pro and that's it."

The white twin sister snorted softly, a well-muscled leg raised up and kicking out once, in perfect form. Beryl would comment on how it was just a kick, something that couldn't get a guy down without flashing your groin, but then again… She wasn't one to comment on other people's fighting styles other than that they sucked.

"Real pity, Berry. Real pity… Melanie, we are needed at the front whilst Berry here gets herself ready for the fight… There's a big roller there, linked to the Blood Hound gang…"

Beryl grimaced. There'd been four goons of the Blood Hound Gang who'd gotten iced in the whore quarter, leaving a manhunt for the killer. All that she knew was that there'd been some sort of poison used, and that Junior wasn't too happy about what that meant. The man was a threatening figure, but wasn't too brave, so it made sense.

'Time to get punching, yeah!'

She pulled on her jacket, the tight top that she wore keeping her breasts in perfect shape, a bit of additional padding added to give her more of a cup size than some of the bunnies that bounced around in the club. She could hear the faint hum of the people around, spotting one of the more casual mooks of the club lounging against one of the corners, a lit cigarette in his mouth.

"Much entertainment tonight?"

The man shrugged and she saw the disinterest in his eyes, Beryl's gaze going to the other features. Dark grey tie, big nose, sunglasses… Yeah, looked like a jackass from the first glance.

"Ah well, tell the boss guy that I'm going up soon."

She'd get herself a drink at the bar, and if she was lucky, she'd run into Junior. If not… well, gotta get one up for courage, right? A soda never hurt someone…

Maybe they even had Powerthirst. It had electrolytes!

She entered the mass of people, the jacket and the shorts that she wore giving her little option but to blend in with the people who were already swaying and moving through the crowd. It was a low murmur of people talking, the loud dance music throbbing through her bones. Someone grabbed her ass and she delivered a perfect riposte, the guy no doubt having some problem with his face from how she'd socked him in it, but that didn't matter one bit.

Sliding into a seat, she tapped a few times on the counter. "Gimme a soda, Morry." The guy behind the bar was someone she knew, and the twins were within sight too. The bartender gave her a look, and suddenly, she felt a weight on her shoulders.

"What's one and one plus six, huh?"

Her older sister's voice reached her ears and she grinned. That was Saphron alright with her lame joke about one lesbian, one brother and six girls that had to be the brunt of the joke.

"One lame lesbian who's going to get her ass kicked if she doesn't quit it."

Saphron got off her back, the shoulders shaking a little.

"How're you doing, dearest and gayest of sisters? Mom was in a right mood after you'd beat a hasty retreat."

The blonde girl that was with Saphron looked pretty. Decent looks, but definitely not someone who was at the gym all day. The top she wore was nice and bright-coloured, the jeans looked nice and fashionably-chic. Popular girl type, not like Azora, who was more the plain Jane of the family.

'Nice friend you've got there... I bet you two just get along great.'

"Fine, fine. Hey, this is Adel."

The blonde woman gave a grin, running a hand through her hair and giving her a wink.

"Your new sister."

Amusement gave way and she cackled softly. Terra hadn't been super, but this one? Oh, she was going to tease Saphron about this for months. Miss Choco Fever got herself a blonde!

"Congratulations on marrying her. I hope you're ready to be hearing her cry about her lack of chocolate lady love..."

Saphron looked a little annoyed at her. Beryl guessed that she'd gotten herself a missed guess.

"Just best friends, really. It was a brief meeting but then it just sort of clicked. She's a really great gal, considering all the crap she's been through."

There was a story there that Beryl did not know, one that she would like to know, if her gut feeling was right. There was something about the way that the other woman had said it, as the soda was put down in front of her.

"Morry, give these ladies something on my tab, or whatever. They're friends."

Saphron coughed a little, poking at this 'Adel' girl. The other blonde smiled and winked back at her friend.

'Yeah... Saphron attracts girlfriends like it's no tomorrow...'

"What'll it be, ladies?"

The man was candid enough to know a hint when he got one, Saphron ordering something light on the alcohol content and the other one... just some orange juice. An odd choice as far as drinks go, but...

"So, Adel, right? What's pulled you to my sister and how're you eh... connected?"

She honestly didn't care for the details of that coupling, nope. She just was a nosy bitch at times. Gossiping like this was a rare thing.

"Oh, we're best friends. I am your younger brother's publisher. I manage stuff around public appearances and such."

Her older sister grinned in her typical older-sisterly manner.

"And she totally has a crush on him too. You should just see her when she's around him, Bear. Totally unable to look away."

The flush on the other blonde's face was growing a little more, as Adel seemed to find that not so very funny.

'OOH!'

That was a bit of news that she could tease him about later... well, provided he knew about it. Jaune was kind of dense in that area. Not his fault, because he was a boy and didn't like such things like girlish things...

'I think I set his screensaver to the dress picture...'

"It's not fair. He is hot, Saph."

The pouty look made her grin. Trust Saphron to be someone who'd bring a tease to a bar and make sure that it was left on fire when she was gone.

"You're that girl that Saphron spoke about on the phone! Yeah, I remember now!"

She MIGHT have some memory issues. Getting your skull rattled by a punch that landed wasn't a great way to live, she supposed, but it made money!

"I'm glad that you remember..."

Saphron's voice sounded entirely too amused as she spoke up next.

"She's my bestie. Sort of like Moolanie and eh, that Miltina girl?"

She snorted. That sounded like a good and proper mangling of those names, not that the two chicks would really ever get to hear it. Saphron was allowed to. The twins were gay-phobic to a pretty close degree.

"Melanie and Miltiades, yes. I've got a match in..." She checked the clock. "Ten minutes. Figured I'd get a soda before I'll be popping people's corks."

The interest in the friend of her sister's eyes was there. "Want to watch? I can rustle you two up a seat in the spectator seats, consider it a gift. Morry? Got a set of tickets to spare for my darlin' sisters?"

She raised her fist. That was unofficial code for 'Give me them tickets or I'll punch your lights out'. Since she was due to be up, it wouldn't be a bad thing to get a show going for her big sis and her friend.

Saphron wasn't going to blab to mom about where Beryl got her money from. Two tickets were placed in front of her by the bartender, who smiled at her.

"Good match, Berry. Bring us cash, babe."

She handed a ticket to the friend and one to her dearest sister, Saphron giving her a cheeky smile.

"Any hot girls as cheerleaders, or are you a one-girl show?"

She gave a knuckle-prod to her sister, light enough to only make her sway. "Hey, I'm not into the business! If you want some sort of goody-two-shoes prude, go see Violet. She's the one who's some dull secretary, not me! I like some action! Blood! Sweat! Money!"

"You're up soon, Berry. Stop prattling to the customers and-"

Her sister went in for the kill as soon as the twins appeared. She could see it in Saphron's eyes that she was going to have some fun.

"Oh my gosh, you must be one of my sister's friends. That's amazing, I didn't know she had friends. Well, hot friends."

There was a faint groan from her lips as Melanie merely looked on with faint slack-jawed amazement as Saphron started to rattle on like a bad transmission on a bike, a flood of words that just made little to no sense.

"Ah, eh, yeah. Hi. Melanie, I'm eh... Yeah. Sister of yours, Berry?"

She nodded. She grinned. Time to get Saphron going.

"Hey Saph, she's single and got a twin sister! Go for it, girl! They're Bi!"

The panic in Melanie's eyes was evident as the girl made a quick escape after Saphron had given her one, her sister giving a smile that was broad and amused.

"You're a creep, Saph."

She shook her head, finishing the soda. The fizz was getting to her. She had the fight to prepare for. Saphron smiled at her and tapped her nose.

"You're a creepy lesbian's sister, you dirty ragamuffin. Thanks. Adel has been a little pent up, and we might just hit the club more often if you're up here fighting."

Beryl grinned. Saphron could be counted on to do what was best for her friends and family. She wasn't quite the replacement mom that Rouge was, but it was close.

"Just watch me dance, Saph."

She would dance her ass off, if she had to. She'd punch their lights out too, whilst that dance was going on.

She was going to make a killing.

---

It was perhaps an idle thought that he had, but whilst he sat there on the bed, reading through the assigned reading for the next class that they had in the morning, his mind drifted to the state of things. He hadn't exactly asked Pyrrha yet whether she'd like to be the vanguard that would keep him safe.

Ren had offered to take Yang out, which was kind of him, but it would not suit his goals. He could imagine it would create a stir, but he wasn't going to make it an assassination. He turned the page, looking at the schematics that had been outlined for the crafting of a basic shelter in the wilds. He'd gone camping a few times with his sisters, but that had been the extent of his skills.

"Jaune?"

A soft voice came from the side, Pyrrha looking at him with her green eyes warm, as if she hadn't thrashed Yang in the ring earlier today.

"Do you need a hug?"

It had become a group activity by this point, the Aura within him flickering at a low level, the dark ocean still reaching into the flame and drawing the heat out. It was less when he'd been intimate with Weiss, when the warmth she had touched him.

"Please."

He said, and she settled herself against him, wrapping an arm around her. He'd gone pale and the dark veins had started to spread again. He could feel the power wrapping around him, the darkness inside him swelling like a live flame. Pyrrha was close.

His head turned, looking into her deep green eyes, a swallow that was heavily audible, a soft groan coming from his lips as he did so, staring into those eyes for a moment. There was a hunger inside her eyes, something he could understand.

"Hmm…"

She had her hair down and was ready for bed. His other arm put the book down, wrapping around her. He felt so cold, but also warmer than he had before. Pyrrha shivered a little as he did, his eyes never quite leaving hers as they were nose to nose.

"You know, that time in the warehouse?"

His voice asked, as he saw the look in her eyes change, a question in those eyes about whether he would need her help again. There was a concern in those eyes, his mouth opening for an instant, only to feel something inside his stomach welling up, the burning pain coming with that nausea, his whole internal system feeling the flash of heat shoot through the system that kept his body going.

"Yes?"

He was looking right at her. It was such a pretty thing too, her eyes caring and concerned. Pain shot through his system as he felt the liquid sliding up through his throat, feeling it about to emerge and make a mess of Pyrrha, yet he swallowed. He kept it down, before he'd make her a mess.

"Would you do the same for me again?"

His voice was a soft hiss, as he felt the darkness inside him swirl, the ocean turning into a gigantic whirlpool. He could feel her here, a warm flame near the cold abyss that he was. The power swirled inside him, his body feeling lighter as he felt the might within burn and pulse like a living flame.

"If you need me…"

A soft shake of the head, as he placed a finger against her lips. He could see it in her eyes. A craving to be of use, something more than just the champion. A way in, a way that would make her less than the paragon that she was.

"A vanguard… A shield-maiden, one who keeps me safe."

A weakness to show, for her protective instincts to show. A way that would claim her. "Just making Yang suffer won't be enough, Pyrrha."

There was a hush, as her green eyes looked into his own, her silence speaking volumes, her attentiveness and intelligent eyes keeping with him.

He had a vision. He had a view on things, and he needed her to guard him. "What do you have in mind, Jaune?" She asked, tenderly inquiring, his eyes catching sight of that decision in her features, the one that she'd reached.

'You're mine…'

A soft smile, a careful smile that cared, showing how he appreciated her. She needed that, as she needed the guidance that he could give as a leader. "A few little things…" A hand wrapped around her waist, as he pulled her closer.

"I want you to guard me, in case Yang decides to take… permanent action. She's a brash girl, not thinking calmly when it comes to what she cares for."

There was a softness to his voice, a worry that she felt too. He saw concern in her eyes, a worry that he could stoke. With a few more words, she would grow protective, more protective than before.

"Do you…"

Her voice was light, concerned and understanding, her green eyes warm and caring. She was now going to offer something, he could feel it.

"Do you think she would?"

He hesitated. Did he think Yang would be doing something like that? The answer was Yes, because he thought she would. Yang Xiao-Long was someone who did things in the heat of the moment, without forethought of the consequences.

"Yes. She's protective of her little sister. I'm…"

He looked away from her. "I'm weak. I'll probably never have the Aura that you guys have. My power…"

He could feel it searing inside him, a hand raised. Flames licked along his fingertips, the echoes of that power muted with an expression of his will, the burning inside him slowly starting to fade, as everything seemed to grow a little less strained.

"It burns through me. It is something that is strength, control…"

His eyes met hers. "I need you. Not just you, but Nora and Ren too, because…" He could see that she had already accepted the offer, before she even started. It was that weakness in her, the desire to care. It was a little similar to Weiss.

"I'm your partner."

Pyrrha said before she smiled at him with that smile that brought joy and a feeling of care to his heart.

"If you need me…"

His hand caressed her cheek and he kissed her. Her eyes went wide as his tongue invaded her mouth. Heat filled him, his other hand tangling within her loose red hair. Pyrrha's hands rested against his chest, as she slowly let it trail down. He felt the warmth, the comfort, the heat blazing that fire within him as the ocean receded.

"A-HA! I TOLD YOU THAT SHE WOULD GET HIM FIRST!"

Nora's voice jerked him out of his thoughts. Pyrrha's face was flushed and his hand was currently on her breast below her shirt, groping it, her hands already down at his groin, touching him, feeling his aroused manhood, tucked right into his pants. She turned beet red, trying to push him off, embarrassed sounds coming from her mouth.

He got off her, feeling a flash of embarrassment. Ren looked at him with what seemed to pass for a look of amusement on his face, as the stoic-looking young man's cheeks were a little hot. Jaune looked at himself to find that he was already aroused, time seemingly having passed.

"Ehh, ah… eh…"

Pyrrha was stammering, her eyes going everywhere but at him, her cheeks flushed and red as Nora did a little dance.

"Stealing a march on our glorious leader, whose penis will conquer ALL the women of this noble institution! I HAVE SEEN YOUR EVIL PLOT, YOU RED-HEADED SUCCUBUS!"

He could see Ren shake his head, sighing softly. Nora wasn't done yet, as she pointed a finger at him.

"I HAVE TRAINED FOR THIS MOMENT FOR SO LONG, GLORIOUS LEADER, AND YOU DARE TO CHEAT ON YOUR NORA VALKYRIE WITH A RED-HAIRED HARRIDAN?!"

He looked at her for a moment and gave Pyrrha a look, wrapping an arm around her. His eyes met Nora's blue ones, the challenge within bold.

"I'm not the one who had Pyrrha pull something out, Nora… My, comforting poor innocent Pyrrha for whatever happened was just natural, right?"

He winked at Pyrrha, whose face was growing even redder, Nora's mouth falling open.

"My butt is tight, Jaune! When you conquer me like some sort of Mistrali maiden, I will be as tight as I can be!"

He doubted that. Ren looked at him for a moment and gave a little mouthed 'I'm sorry'. The sympathy for the guy for putting up with Nora's eccentricity as well as being around such an open girl. He wondered briefly how Ren and Nora made sure that their relationship worked, with Nora being so bold.

'This sort of feels like my sisters…'

Nora was just taking him for a ride, making sport of embarrassing him. He smiled at her and then turned his gaze to Pyrrha, who had gone very silent. She was flushed, as his hand was stroking over her shoulder.

"Should I test that out, Pyrrha? Do you want to conquer Nora's butt with me?"

Pyrrha smiled her friendly smile, looking at Nora with a glint in those eyes. There was an interest, a thought that seemed to echo from those eyes. She smiled, seemingly forgetting the embarrassment that she suffered earlier.

"Well, they do call me the Invincible Girl that can take on any challenge. I'm sure something can be arranged, right Nora?"

Nora's eyes widened a little, as the smile increased in volume.

"YES! Rennie, let's get Pyrrha ready too! Matching outfits! Mistralian Nights!"

He saw Ren shaking his head, Pyrrha's smile dropping a little, her expression changing slightly to one that looked disapproving.

"Nora, please."

He just had to dampen her a little. She was a good young woman, but not someone who knew the meaning of restraint. She would go on to hurt Ren if she kept this up. Nora looked at him and then pointed a finger at him.

"Your days are numbered, Arc! We'll tag team you yet! Valkyrie always gets what she wants! Well, unless Rennie wants to do something. Do you want to be hugged and held by Jaune whilst he lovingly explores your mouth with his mouth love-tentacle?"

Ren gave him a look, more apologetic than anything else. Jaune got the feeling that the young man had much more to deal with about Nora than Nora had to deal with about Ren. Ren sighed deeply, shaking his head slowly.

'I feel you there, dude…'

"I don't think that it would be a good idea, Nora…"

He had to make sure that there would be no issue between his teammates. Nora couldn't be upset with Pyrrha, but she was together with Ren so he didn't want to interrupt in their relationship. It would be a bad idea to interfere with what had been going so well for the two of them.

"It'll be perfect. Now… You go and be with Pyrrha. My butt needs to heal up first."

Pyrrha looked worried, her eyes going to Nora's bed. Nora winced a little, giving a soft sigh.

"Yes, yes… You're too worried, Pyrrha. Now that you're with our glorious leader, you must keep pace! Train that ass!"

Pyrrha looked a little sheepish and he didn't want to press it any further, his hand holding hers. She was a great friend and she'd protect him.

'A good friend, just like Weiss.'

He needed all the friends that he could get.

---

Beryl watched as the final challenger fell to the ground, body laying there as she'd knocked him out. The prize money was going to be hers, and she was going to bring home the money to make sure that things were okay with the home finances.

"The Striking Berry wins the match and with that, tonight's entertainment is concluded!"

She grinned boldly, running a hand through her hair, sweat sticking to her skin. She was going to make sure that she'd have enough to last for a few weeks, taking a bit of a break from the matches. Saphron had been here with a friend and she could see the look on the people's faces alight with that thirst for the blood of more challengers. Her muscles were sore from the punching, yet the pain was something that she couldn't even think of anymore.

She'd won. She was the best. She grinned, making her way towards the exit, leaving the poor sap to be dealt with by the people who took care of the losers. She'd been at that spot once, but she wasn't going to let defeat take her down to the place of losers.

In the locker room she stripped down, feeling the pain in her sides where a few kicks had landed, looking at herself in the mirror. The prize money was hers, and she'd make sure that they were in a better place. She wasn't going to give up on her family, even if Violet wasn't working anymore.

Her younger sister was caring for some woman who had cancer, which was fine and dandy if you needed to have some project to worry about, but it was still someone who was going to pass away. People died and they might leave you a little something out of gratitude. She hoped that the old biddy would leave Violet with something that they'd be able to use.

"Good job there, Ber."

The pasty-faced white-dressed twin said, as Beryl stripped the clothing off and jumped under the shower, leaning against the wall and looking at her as she did the essentials for a quick rinse. Shame wasn't something that you had when you were busy guarding the boss, she knew.

"Yeah, the final match was a good shot for me. The guy was good though… Really enjoyed myself."

The guy had been a weak-mouthed asshole who couldn't back his gaff up with the way that he'd moved. Strength in spades, but weak on the twist and turn. A quick few strikes and then the finisher, downing the guy for the few hours that went into it.

"Right, right… You're still going to keep insisting that you won't go pro?"

The twin asked, Beryl rubbing the sponge over her body. The fresh set of clothes that was in her bag was already there to be worn, the sweaty set already in her bag.

'Nah.'

She made a dismissive sound. The twins knew that being a Huntress-prospect wasn't in the cards for her, but they kept insisting.

"Nope, I think it's good that I get this bit of excitement, but professional Huntsmen… Yeah, I'm not going to go up against those."

She wasn't going to complain about the money though, but it was all for the family. A spot of fun, a bit more food on the table… She liked to beat up people. The twin didn't comment on anything further, a dismissive sound echoing in the shower, as Beryl's towel came flying at her.

"Boss will want to see you, Berry. That sister of yours and her friend's gone back to the club part already."

Beryl grinned. Saphron wasn't a huge fan of hurting others, just as she shouldn't. Saphron had been the gentle one, the one who cared, almost as much as Violet did from time to time. She just liked to beat people up, to some extent.

The short top that she picked up for casual wearing was something that she'd prepped for the after-match victory gig, her jacket half-unzipped, a deep red colour. Blood-red berry babe with the blonde hair and the 'I am going to punch your lights out' look, as was proper.

She entered the boss man's office, the man seated behind the desk, looking at her with a look that was positive at the least, a stacked pile of Lien chips in front of him already.

"Good, you're punctual, as always."

She smirked as she sat herself down, opening the gym bag that she'd got for most of her stuff. She'd just have to get back home on the bike, making sure that she got everything home. This was going to take care of Saphron's bills at least, if mom hadn't had some more expenses… and well, if the twins didn't fuck up something big.

"Thanks for the save with the doc, Junior."

She hadn't gotten time to thank the man, but it was something that she had thought of a few times whilst practicing. The guy had been engaged with the Mistralian section of the crime lords or something, not that she'd been paying much attention to that, but the twins had been talking about their mom a few times, some fat chick who looked like she'd be some bad drunk aunt or something.

'You'd think that she'd be hot, birthing twin one and twin two, but nope. Fat chick. Ugh. I hate women who are out of shape.'

She'd admit to herself that there was most certainly a trend for being fit in the family. Jaune, the only guy, still looked like he'd be able to slay pussy with his looks… and probably did, given that the twins had just said that he'd banged some smoking hot white chick. She didn't really put much stock in it.

She'd seen the cereal chick with Jaune and there was that definite hint of 'damn, this girl's wanting his milk to go with her cereal' in those eyes. She could ship it, if some girl with that set of abs was interested in her little brother, more the power to her.

'Not to say that he's exactly a bad looker…'

Yeah, she might've just poked fun at him a few times and had been present when he'd been 'made pretty' by Rouge, but it hadn't been a bad look for him. She preferred the rough look that he'd had in his eyes when he'd finally pushed Rouge away when she'd gotten out the eyeshadow, that look of 'I'm going to deck you for bullying me'. Not a bad look in the eye of a guy, as long as he didn't get too physical with her.

"Gotta keep the Berry happy. Here's the money, you did good here. The house won, as usual. Now, are you planning on going pro?"

She shook her head, knowing that it was going to go down like this, shoving the Lien chips into the used towel. It was clean, so she'd just bear with it. Lien didn't need much when you were cleaning stuff off after having it in your bag for half an hour. This'd top off her losses from the Doc well.

"Nope, I'm still in our regular bracket, Junior."

She smiled, giving a wink, the man's sigh enough.

"Sure, I can live with that. The big boss isn't super happy that you're wasting your talent, but you know best…"

The man was someone who was a big softie on stuff, even though the big boss was someone who didn't seem to be too concerned with stuff of the day-to-day operations of the club.

She unlocked her bike and was about to get back home when she heard the tapping of heels on the stones behind her. Her head turned, spotting the red tide and her bitchier sister standing there. The door to the club was shut and the two looked at her with a look that seemed almost amused.

"What do the two of you want? I'm not like my sister, I don't do threesomes with you both."

The wince was there, and she knew that she'd hit the right snare. The red tide shrank back a little, as her sister fixed her with a look.

"You really should've accepted our offer, Berry."

She ducked underneath the leg that shot at her, the sharpened leg-weapon flashing through the air, as the claw-like weapon aimed at her body. Their reflexes were faster than hers, but she had experience with this type of stuff, feeling the pain go through her as she watched the two of them, a long gash on her ribs from the claw bouncing off, a sharpening stab of pain sliding through her body.

Beryl Arc righted herself, looking at the two of them, mentally assessing the two of them. Red was at the right, slowly strolling around her in a circle whilst White was getting herself ready for another flurry of attacks, not even giving her a break.

"Mom said that we're to get rid of you. She's not very happy for your refusal, y'know."

A punch with the gauntlets, Beryl feeling the cut on her cheek drip immediately, as the other twin came in for another kick.

'Right, and dodge now because she's a slow cow and-'

She felt the blade slide into her stomach, the pain inside her turning into a delicate sensational blend of agony, as she hit the ground. She curled up, holding her stomach, shivering with the pain.

"Poor you. You should've taken the offer, girl…"

Her body hurt, feeling the blood come from the point where she'd been stabbed, her eyes going up to the girls. She didn't have Aura to defend against the strike, so she'd been caught off her guard.

"Do we finish her off?"

The question came from the red tide, as the blade-curved feet shifted a little. A dismissive sound, as the twins seemed to get to a conclusion.

"Take the Lien at least. No use getting money wasted. Let's get some of the guys to carry her body to the harbor, make it look like a robbery gone wrong. She'll bleed out with that gut would soon."

She felt the pain in her gut, as she saw the twins getting her bag and rifling through it, the chips already put into one of the bitches' pockets. They departed, the door slamming shut.

It was a slow gut pain as she tried to get herself up, the blinding pain making her unable to move. The smell of blood filled everything, even as she felt someone's hand grab a hold of her.

"Now now now… That won't do, my dear… No, this one won't let you die. Nope, nope, NOPE!"

A voice that sounded manic, cruel and with that hint of reckless abandon and thirst for blood through it was loud, the feeling of the hand making her snap.

Golden eyes that looked at her with a glint in their depths that was insane burned through her, as the man started to speak words that she'd heard about faintly, the feeling of something flowing into her, the long coat that he wore showing his abdomen, the scars that he had there somehow intriguing to her, her whole body feeling light as something entered her.

"For eternity into a world of blood and chaos, by this fusion of spirit and of will, to dance with the devils and the Grimm to feel that bloodthirsty thrill…"

A soft cough came from her lips, as she felt that power slip into her. Her body ached with a pain that was hard to believe.

"Now and forever, you're bound to my thrill… Oh yes, yes… And eternally, to feel the need to kill!"

She felt better already, as the man lifted her up. A long braid hung in her face, the mania in his eyes visible as he lifted her up. She looked at her bike, feeling the strength starting to go through her system, even with her blacking out.

"You will feel revenge, my dear little new apprentice! This will be one fight that we shall win, yes! The Blackout will now have to contend with my little student! Now, now… We must get you to your new home! Soon, soon! The Goddess will wish to speak to you! Oh, and some stitches. We cannot have exsanguinations, no! You will become a star! A bright shimmering star for the Goddess! She will forgive me for my interference in your life, yes, yes! She will teach you, yes! Worship, worship, worship!"

She didn't know about a goddess or anything, but things were feeling better than when the twins had spilled her guts. If this guy was going to help her get even with Pasty and Red Tide, she'd consider it a debt well-repaid.

'Fucking bitches…'

Beryl Arc wasn't going to get herself in a stitch that she couldn't get out of, no. She'd take her pound of flesh, or else her name wasn't Beryl 'The bitch-beater' Arc.

'If this guy can help me get square…'

She was always paying her debts back with interest…

---

We have Tyrian and we have Absinthe in an unofficial competition now! The mad scorpion versus the Blackout. You get to see Violet pop up once more in the next chapter! Things are moving along, and people can complain all that they want about this not featuring Jaune enough… But stuff with his family involves him too, at least peripherally. He cares for Saphron and his other sisters, as well as their friends and his own. They're the family he's got and he's not going to drop them.

Leave a review if you'd like. I like to hear people's thoughts on the events happening in my story!