"Mate with me." Alfred was not so far gone as not to know what he was doing. He needed to be sure he could trust this Alpha and a test was just the way to do it. His placement was perfect, or if the Alpha was to agree he could easily sever his jugular vein with his fangs. That would be one of the slowest ways for him to die, to bleed out. It also meant certain death if captured for it in any land to kill an Alpha was punishable by shame and death. It didn't matter to Alfred. He would rather die pure then raise the younglings of a rapist.
William considered it. After waiting so many centuries for this…after so many life times and reincarnations as mortals…He gritted his teeth. Goddess knows he wanted him, to fill him with his seed and claim him once and for all as his own. He wanted nothing more than for them to finally achieve their goal. Yet, this was not his Alfred. No, this was not his love. This boy looked and acted like him, smelled like him even but he was not him. No, not until his memories were back. Going against all his instincts once more, he pulled away trembling as he fought the urges. "N-Nay. Tis not thy time." He quickly ran from the room, leaving the Omega.
Alfred laid back in the bed, shocked beyond all reason. This Alpha…was like none he had ever known. This Alpha was something…he blushed as he curled into a small ball within his nest. "Curious is thy heart to me." He whispered as he allowed sleep to claim him.
~/-*-\~
Matthew walked forward to the statue of the Holy Mother, her grace and beauty forever remaining in youth. Bowing before her, he lit an incent before placing his hand together in prayer. He needed guidance; he needed help now more than before. "Kind is thy heart, heavenly mother of all whom dwell in this realm and thy next…I call upon you for guidance in this time of need."
The candles surrounding the alter flickered before they blew out. From the golden statue the very Goddess appeared before him, hair as dark as the night sky and skin kissed so dearly by the sun only highlighted by the pure white silk gown she wore, her eyes bright blue that the ocean tried in vain to mimic their glory. She smiled down on him with favor. "Why is it that you, of all my beloveds, should bow so lowly to me?" He stood then and she held out her arms wide for him. "It has been far too long, my son."
Matthew smiled brightly though he pulled away from her attempt at a hug. "Mother, I have missed you so!" Though he was her son, he would not allow for her to degrade herself by holding a mortal. She alone was the soul creator of all that was, is and will be, the great creator, mother of all and Holiness to Heaven, Earth, and Hell.
"My dearest, what is wrong? Have you finally decided to join us once more?" She placed a kind hand on his shoulder. "We need you. Has this not gone on long enough?" she asked, concern in her voice. She worried about him greatly. For several centuries she watched him fight and die for one whom resided in darkness. She watched as he gave everything to be what he thought a true Alpha should be, when deep down he just needed to be himself.
Matthew smiled sweetly at her. He truly missed her. It had been so long since he had last sat down to eat with her. "Mother, you know as well as I do that I cannot return." His voice was soft, sadness clearly present. "I love him, I always have. Yet, the laws of your world forbid it. Light cannot wed the Darkness."
She turned away from him, hurt that her son would not return to his rightful place in Heaven. "I have tried everything to change it but…your father refuses such. He will not allow it." She turned to him then, holding him to her bosom protectively. "For far too long I watched you suffer and die for him! I beg of you my son, my greatest treasure, leave him. He will not know, he has forgotten all about you!"
The mortal shook his head and pushed away from her, his radiant violet eyes shining as brightly as the sun. "Forgive me mother, but he needs me now more than ever. Without his memories…" he narrowed his eyes in anger. "He doesn't know how much danger he is truly in."
The room glow with a bright light and shook with a trembling force. "It is his own undoing! Had he done as we commanded you would not be mortal! All has fallen apart because…"
The young male smiled fondly. "Because he loved me." He sat down and held his head in his hands. "I was the one whom broke the laws mother. I pursued him and because of such our love blossomed."
The room grew dark once more and the trembling earth came to a halt. "It matters not. Those of the Light are pure and strong and those of Darkness…Does his very existence not give proof to such?!" Her eyes lowed as she looked to him. "You of all should know why I have made such a law." Her eyes lowered in sadness and sorrow for her son. "Light cannot be with Darkness." She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before smiling sweetly. "Try to live long enough to mate him this time." With that she looked to the sky and was gone I a bright flash of light.
Matthew knew very well that his mother only wanted him back and that she would turn against their own like that just for him to return to his post. She had not been as helpful as she had in the past but he knew she blamed herself for his failures. That each time he had followed her advice he had failed. He also knew the others in that kingdom had roles to play and that they placed wagers on their love. They went as far as to see to it that those whom wish to seek his beloved Bearer out were able to find him. Time and time again he would be left to face down the same enemies and each time he would fail. If it was he whom died first or his beloved, both would pay for his failure, his weakness. Without his full power he was useless, a mere mortal with few gifts. What was he to do? He'd be damned if he let his shining star be claimed by those of Darkness and he'd be a damned fool if he let a mortal have him.
~/-*-\~
Yao walked down the halls of the Jade Palace with his head held high. All whom saw him immediately stepped aside lowing their unworthy heads to greet their future Emperor. He was young, handsome, strong and pure of heart. There none among the unwed maidens, save his sisters, who would not try to woo and flirt with him for the title of Royalty. Yao would always accept their gifts with a kind smile, yet deep down he knew what they were truly after and it made him sick. Even worse yet, if he rejected their advances they attempted to woo and flirt with his young brother. He wouldn't mind as much if Kiku was like him but he was so shy around the villagers acting as if his very existence was a bother to them. And this greatly upset the young Prince. He would rule over all of Chūhon and his brother would be left to Govern.
A warm gale blew the silk robes he wore back and playfully tugged at his long ebony hair. The red of the silk resembling that of the joy and happiness he wished for his Empire. The yellow trimming was that of his Royal status and his birth right. Yao was highly traditional following all customs of his land as strictly as one could, which meant that he was to wed an Omega and strengthen his chances that his first born would be an Alpha son.
Having no Omegas within their Empire, he was forced to wait until one was to be born. It was quite disturbing to him to wait for the gods to allow one of his subjects to bare and birth an Omega for him to wed but his father had done it. Emperor Mao Lung had been much older than his wife whom had just turned of marriage age. In Chūhon, the marriage age was 14. The young Empress Omega by the name Mei Lung, named partly for the Emperor he was to marry, had taken to his fate well. He was known for being cheerful and kind, filling the halls with much laughter more so after his first Alpha son was born. It was he whom named his son Yao, for the reflection of his father. It was not long after he had given birth to his second Alpha son, a rarity, whom he called Kiku. Their sisters were born a few years later but something was wrong during the birth of the last child and the beloved Empress, mother and wife had passed while giving life to his daughter.
Yao was fearful for that. Omegas were known for passing during birth if not done properly. It was sad to say the reasoning behind the Empress's death was a poor harvest which had killed the midwife of the Palace and her Daughter was nowhere near ready for the birth. She was not punished for the Empress's death, for before he died he made the Emperor swear to spare her for she had done her best.
There was giggling behind him and he turned around. A young girl no older than five winter cycles ran into Kiku with an Equinox flower in hand. The bright red odd shaped petals challenged that of Yao's red silk. Yet, it was forbidden to approach Royalty without permission and thus guards made their way much to the fear of the child and her mother. Kiku paid them no mind and raised his hand to halt them. Bending down to her level he gave her a kind smile.
"Have what you there?" he asked her in a calming voice.
The child hesitated a moment, unsure if she should speak to him or not. "Equinox." She spoke lowly.
"Hai, lovely the flower is. Though…" he placed his hand on hers causing a blush to dust her cheeks. He took the flower and placed it gently in her hair, smiling kindly at her once more. "Far is it prettier within hair of lovely maiden such." He stood then and motioned to the mother to approach and collect her child. She bowed lowly to him, thanking him for his kindness before turning to her daughter with a displeased look.
The younger Prince turned to his brother and smiled. Yao shook his head but smiled as well. He would have to change that when he was Emperor. Fear was not a way to rule, it only caused trouble for all involved. Kiku himself had told him that.
Once they arrived at the throne room Yao and Kiku bowed lowly to their father, respecting his age, wisdom and birth right. All others, even guards had left for such a meeting was traditionally done between the father and his sons. Emperor Mao Lung looked down on his sons with pride and joy. Two healthy strong youths that have done all he could to raise them well after their mother's tragic death. Yet, he knew he had not much longer to live and that his eldest will ascend the throne. "Long not I have my sons, death close at hand."
Both sons looked up with worried eyes but neither let their truest emotions show on their face. It would dishonor their father to show weakness. "Eldest son, Yao take the throne you shall. Govern Second son Kiku will. Together care for Empire as one." Both bowed their heads, showing they understood his decision and authority. "The gods favor us, an Omega was gifted to the Empire." Once more his sons looked up, this time curiously. Had an Omega been born the entire Empire would rejoice the birth. Yet, neither Prince had heard of such being done.
"Emperor Father Mao Lung, wise and great ruler of the Empire of Chūgoku No Nihon, defender of the East not have I heard such to be done. Not a whisper hear I of a birth." Yao said respectfully, keeping his voice stern and mimicking his father's persona. If such were to be true then this would affect the entire Empire.
Kiku simply smiled, happy that his brother would finally marry and keep the blood line strong. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of wife his brother would have, surly one like their own mother would be quite suitable to Yao's taste.
"Omega not of our blood. Strong and protective of his nest is he. Instincts runs high within, careful must you be, already attacked our youngest sister Mei." The Emperor had not been too surprised to hear of such. Mei was often getting too close to Omega's nests and had been warned of such. The wound was small but would cause a small scar none the less. Being the Princess she would marry off easily still.
"Okay she is?!" Kiku asked out of turn, earning a concerned look from Yao who had told him never to do such. The second son was not to speak unless specifically spoke to. This meeting was mainly between the Emperor and Yao and custom dictates he be present since he is to Govern upon his father's passing. Such acts were greatly frowned upon and held punishment.
The Emperor knew well that his son had spoken out of turn but he did not fail to note that is was out of concern for his younger sister. Being attacked by an Omega who was nesting was hard to come from with little damage. All knew better then to enter unless invited in. So his worry was well justified, thus the old Emperor decided to ignore such a foolish tradition as punishment for speaking out of turn and answer his son. "Fine she is, small scratch and little blood."
The elder son sighed in relief at the blind eye his father had turned. Yet, the question still remained. Was this Omega the reason his father had called them there in the first place?
"Yao, eldest son you are thus Omega for a bride you shall have." He snapped his fingers and the grand doors opened. Almost immediately the scent of a heating Omega filled the room. The scent was slightly sweet mixed with a musky smell meaning it was close to the last day of the Omega's heat.
The Princes looked on as a slightly tired looking Omega was brought in. His golden-wheat blonde hair was slightly in his eyes as a stubborn hair refused to go down, his blue eyes as radiant as that of a rare blue moon, soft pink lips complimented by tanned skin, a lovely toned body with perfectly shaped birthing hips leading down to legs that seemed to go on forever. Almost immediately Kiku felt his heart jump in his throat. "Lovely was the maiden fair…" he whispered though pain was clearly in his voice.
Yao watched as the Omega was brought before them and forced to bow. He could not help but think the Omega would make a fine wife. Their younglings would be strong and happy as they grew up within the confines of the palace. The faint scent of sweetness filled his thoughts with the appealing knowledge that he was pure. He was pleased with the bride his father had arranged for him. That's when he heard what his brother said and the harsh realization was within his grasp. This was the Omega his brother was willing to go against their father for. The Omega his heart had taken a liking to. Yet, what was he to do? Omegas are far too rare to let go, rarest if a virgin, and the right to him belonged solely to Yao, but he didn't want to hurt his brother by taking the one he fancied away forever. What was he to do?
Alfred had been cruelly ripped from his nest and dragged across the village to the large palace, which was indeed larger than that of the King he had once known. Struggling against the guards as they brought him to a large set of double doors he was viciously ordered by an Alpha to remain silent. Instinctively he lowered his head and obeyed the superior Nature. He was frightened yes, but just by the ignorance of being brought to the palace under unknown reasoning, but soon ruled it as being because he had harmed an Alpha female when she had gotten too close to his nest. It unnerved him to be in a room where so many high ranking Alphas sat. The scent alone was driving him mad. Yet, one seemed oddly familiar to him.
"Pray tell, why you have called upon thy wicked guard to collect me?" he demanded more then asked, knowing fully well he was going against instinct when he had been ordered to remain silent.
The old Emperor stood then, forcing all to stand around him as well. Moving like death himself, poised and proud he made his way to the Omega before gently placing his hand on his head. An innocent motion right, that is if they were not of their Natures. The fact the Emperor placed his hand on Alfred's head is a direct sign of dominance over the blonde, a sign saying that he was a mere Omega and the Emperor was a powerful Alpha. Arthur had done it to him several times in which he would always back away and let out a snarl. This time was no different. Alfred backed away and snarled though since he now had fangs it was a sign of disrespect and aggression.
"Fine is he not? A challenge my son he will be. Tame him well after marriage." Emperor Mao Lung turned to his son Yao and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Bare many a son he will." With that he made his way to the end of the room.
Alfred grew enraged. Who was that man to give him away?! He was not his property nor anyone else's! Emperor or not he would never go along with what was planned for him. He would forever be his own master. "Though you try…" he whispered as he turned to the one named Yao he was supposedly to marry. "I shall never give into your will. Pure is how I shall remain until my goal in complete. If you doth wish to take me I vow to fight until my last breath be drawn."
Yao grew interested in the Omega who would dare to threaten him so openly. Though, what interested him more was the goal the other mentioned. "What goal of do you speak?"
"To find my kinsman, my twin brother." Alfred turned now to the other Prince whose eyes never left him, eyes a lovely shade of dark brown, Eyes like that of an assassin.