The Curse and the Traveler's

[poohlive]

They worked on him hard. Body, soul, heart and mind. People talked about strategy for the night, they tried to help him with a cover, a mask, some acting job to be able to get his foot in the door.

All he could do was brood, fester with those words Marissa had told him about Serena. Raped, deformed, dead, slave. All those words bounced back and forth in his mind, refusing to accept anything else inside there.

His hair color changed, he didn't care. Small pieces of latex were attached to his face, broadening his nose, and aging him ten or so years, and when he looked in the mirror it was a funny version fo his father, but again, the humor and even the acknowledgement of the situation left him a long time ago.

All he had left was Serena. He had to help her, had to get her back.

"Do you understand me?" He looked up at a man who held a sheet of papers. David eyed him, remembering some of the words he spoke, but nothing registered. When he tried to think of the words the man said, all he could see was her hand, hurt, bloody stump, deformed, unable to do anything.

"Yes!" David gritted under his teeth, before he got off the chair.

"Just forget it ok, let's go." He wouldn't let them touch him anymore, he was ready. All he needed was to get in the door, after that... it would all be over.

 

[only_more_so]

"Lily, before you go. I owe you a huge apology. I'm so sorry if my temper and trying to get back at those bitch sisters caused you any trouble. I wasn't thinking about who might be hurt when I lashed out. If there's anything I can do to help make it right please just let me know."

Lily was startled by what Skye said, since she couldn't figure how Skye had done anything wrong. "Princess, everything is fine, Prince Maximillian gave me all the help I needed." She finished setting down the trays, bowed and left.

Max gestured toward the table and said, "Shall we eat ladies?" He pulled out the chair for his mother and hurried to do the same for Skye. Just as everyone was sitting down, Quint came into the room apologized for being late and pulled up a chair. It took him a moment to realize how the Queen and Skye were dressed and couldn't help gaping.

The queen looked at Quint sternly, but couldn't help laughing as well, "Quint, you really should keep your mouth shut, it makes it difficult to chew with it gaping open. This is how women in Skye's world dress."

"But you're not the princess? Skye is!"

Max laughed, but decided to stay out of that conversation. Instead, he started dishing himself out some food from one of the platters and passed it to Skye. "The sauce in this dish is a specialty of our cooks. It is a bit spicy, but also incredibly sweet."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena was once again naked and once again she was in one of the gowns she’d worn in the Hospital. Her eyes were staring at the empty white walls. There were no cabinets in this room, no window, no doors except the one she came in from. She lay on a bed, it too covered in white. There was so much lack of color Serena thought she’d go blind. The door opened and she kept still though she continued to moan quietly. “Girl,” a voice said the door closing behind it.

Serena’s heart pounded faster as that voice kept talking and kept coming closer. She looked up when Andrew reached her side. He sneered at her. Serena closed her eyes and when she opened them she focused on the big white face of nothingness in front of her. Andrew dropped the chair, he brought in, down in front of her and stared at her. “So your sick are you?” he asked.

She said nothing. “See pretty girl, here’s the problem.” Andrew ran his finger over Serena’s jaw and caressed it slowly. “I’m having a party tonight.” His finger trailed down her neck. His other hand moved the white sheet away, leaving her gown exposed. “You would have been fun to fuck. I still could, but because of not wanting to fuck a defect, I’m selling you instead.” Andrew continued his travels over the young body.

Serena shuddered in fear as the idea of being sold ran through her mind. She saw the images from the books she’d read that David and Max brought her. She knew what it meant to be sold. She had to get away from him. Her mind thought over different ways to escape the place she was in and she knew it would have to be now, when it was only him and her. Serena just had to wait until it was the right time.

Andrew’s hand traveled over her body, cupped her breasts through the gown and when she moved to turn away he stood up. “No, Bitch!” he growled at her. “I may not fuck the merchandise, but I do plan on sampling it.” He straddled her and tore the gown straight down the middle. Her breasts swayed and she felt the cool air hit her sex.

It all happened so fast Serena wasn’t sure how to react. Her eyes grew wide and she fought the scream that would alert anyone that she was fighting him. Her hands came up and she scratched at the wounds on his temples. Andrew yelled at her and slapped her hands away and then hit her jaw with his fist. Serena’s eyes clouded with darkness as blood seeped from her lips. “Damn, you,” Andrew growled he reached in his jacket pocket and pulled a syringe from its depths.

He pushed it into Serena’s arm and watched as she slowed down. “There,” he whispered into her ear as she lay still. “You can see and hear can’t you baby, but you can’t move.” Andrew slid off the bed and disrobed. “You’ll leave a virgin. But you won’t leave clean.”

It was hours later before Serena was given the drug to counter the paralysis medication. Then she was cleaned up and dressed. Her breasts were bruised as well as her neck, arms, legs, and ass. Her sex was sore, but he had stopped before every taking her hymen. Her ass was burned. He said no one would know about that, so it wouldn’t lesson her value. Her jaw was swollen as was her lip.

Andrew waited for his guests to arrive. When they did, drinks were given and food passed out. He smiled and greeted everyone and then it was time for the true highlight of the evening to begin. The women were brought out. A long stainless steel chain kept them all locked together. There were twelve of them. Each dressed in virginal white. Each one battered and bruised, but Andrew’s reputation for presenting virgins was well known, so the buyers knew that when the claimed their prizes, their purchases would bleed.

“Come my guests, look and touch. Feel my beauties... and then we will have our auction,” Andrew grinned, lifted his glass and saluted his guests.

 

[caela]

Skye watched Lily leave with a small smile, glad the girl hadn't been hurt by what Skye had said. She turned and offered Max a grin as he led them to the table and had to laugh outright when Quint arrived at last and his jaw dropped at the sight of herself and the Queen. She really wished she had a camera, the look on his face was priceless.

"But you're not the princess? Skye is!"

Again Skye laughed and offered Quint a grin, "Trust me Quint, in my world it's better for her to be a Princess. There's very little royalty and no one would believe a Queen would visit Vegas. Now stop gaping at us like we sprouted a second head please, I happen to think the Queen looks stunning and she won't be out of place at all in my world."

Glancing at Max a small smirk curved her lips and she reached for his mind, So, what do you think of your mother's outfit darling? she teased knowing the clothing had startled him at the very least.

 

[only_more_so]

So, what do you think of your mother's outfit darling?

Max sent the thought back, It isn't polite to talk telepathically around other people. Out loud Max said, "Do you find the fashion from Skye's world comfortable, mother? It seems rather tight, and exposing."

"Max, compared to the corsets and dresses in this world, these pants are positively spacious. Well, at least they don't impede breathing. As for the revealing nature... I have gotten used to the communal baths here, so I don't feel totally exposed, even though this outfit would be obscene in my world," Beatrix said.

Max then sent Skye a mental picture of the current fashions on his mother's world, which for women involved a few rubber straps with some meshing to keep the breasts from bouncing too much, and on the bottom a strip of cloth or plastic was held in place with either stickum, by clamping front to back, or by internal means which was the current favorite. There was also a patch of material to cover the navel, which was for some reason taboo to be shown in her world.

"Mother, did you know that the latest fashion in Skye's world is for women to pierce their navels? They have all sorts of jewelry specially designed for that purpose. Maybe when you are in her world you could get it done?" This time it was the Queen's turn to blush furiously. She even moved her napkin to cover her belly.

 

[caela]

"Mother, did you know that the latest fashion in Skye's world is for women to pierce their navels? They have all sorts of jewelry specially designed for that purpose. Maybe when you are in her world you could get it done?"

"Maximillian!" Skye chided as she watched Beatrix blush and cover her navel. Reaching out she took the napkin from the Queen and placed it back on the table. "Bea, don't listen to a thing he says. It's true piercings are all the rage these days but he's just giving you a hard time."

Tipping her head to look at Max specutively a michievious grin curved her lips, "Of course if you're really interested in piercings Max we could always have your nipples done or perhaps a Prince Albert to suit your station?" She knew the Queen and Quint would have no idea was she was talking about but that Max would and couldn't resist teasing.

Seeing the curious look on Beatrix and Quint's face she chuckled softly and shook her head, "Trust me, neither of you wants to know. I was just teasing Max."

With a grin at Max she couldn't resist speaking to him through their mental link, I really wouldn't want you to pierce a single ince of that delectable flesh love.

 

[only_more_so]

Max looked at Skye and then to his mother and said, "Skye's right mother, that was a bit uncouth of me. It is just that it was the first time that I had something to say that would actually scandalize you, as opposed to the other way around. Like the time you wore nothing but a feathered tail, a mask and a naval guard to the masquerade gala!"

The queen looked at Max with a stern glance, "I did win first prize that year, if you will recall!"

Quint piped in, "I thought you looked really nice that night, Queen Beatrix. You hardly even looked naked."

Beatrix smiled at Quint and said, "I am glad someone appreciated my costume. The boys kept trying to cover me with a sheet, and they made sure no one except the king got to dance with me."

The queen turned more serious for a moment and turned to Max and said, "So is everything ready for travelling? We have our passports, but what about money? And have you figured out how to locate David?"

"Everything should be ready. I took most of the supplies to the transit hut already. I brought the usual survival gear that we take whenever we travel, plus some particulars for Skye's world. In this case that means credit cards, some cash, and some easily sold jewelry. I am also bringing David's ID papers and his credit cards." Turning to Skye, Max added, "The credits cards are corporate, so once I make a phone call to authorize you and mother as purchasers, there should be no problem. But they only have a credit limit of five hundred thousand dollars, and they are when we make purchases for our return, so don't over do it."

"Skye, did you get a driver's license made as well as the passports? If you want to drive, there might still be time after dinner to have it drawn up."

"As for finding David... I am hoping that he left a clue. I will contact our agents in Skye's world and see if he has checked in with any of them. We don't have one in Vegas though, so it might be a long shot."

 

[caela]

"The credits cards are corporate, so once I make a phone call to authorize you and mother as purchasers, there should be no problem. But they only have a credit limit of five hundred thousand dollars, and they are when we make purchases for our return, so don't over do it."

"Skye, did you get a driver's license made as well as the passports? If you want to drive, there might still be time after dinner to have it drawn up."

Skye blinked and stared at Max liked he'd sprouted a second head. Had he just said they were going to hand her a credit card with a 500,000$ limit???!!! He couldn't be serious. She'd never had that much money on hand at once in her entire life! She could barely fathom it. She felt like she had to kickstart her brain to get it funtioning once again.

"Ummmm, no I didn't have a license made. I won't need one in Vegas, we shouldn't have a problem getting a cab when we need one.

Did you actually say the limit on the credit card you're going to give me is 500,000$ Max? And you're going to have to define over-doing it. I don't think I could spend that much money if I wanted to!"

 

[only_more_so]

"Did you actually say the limit on the credit card you're going to give me is 500,000$ Max? And you're going to have to define over-doing it. I don't think I could spend that much money if I wanted to!"

The queen turned to Skye and said, "Is that a lot? The boys always make it sound like they need more money."

Max looked a little chagrinned and said, "It is considered a lot of money in Skye's world, for an individual. But for a company it really isn't so much, especially when you consider the large capital expenses we need to make when we visit. So don't spend more than a hundred thousand, preferably less than fifty actually. Towards the end of our trip, I will make several very large purchases for transportation back here. Most of the purchase we make in your world are processed and mass produced goods. To pay for those goods we bring raw materials from other worlds. For instance, on my mother's worlds, spices such as saffron are incredibly cheap. Whereas in your world, those same spices we can sell for almost five hundred dollars a pound. Since our time on each world is very limited, we have to hire agents to operate our company, and see to the dispersal of goods."

The queen looked at Max askance, "You sell saffron to her people for that much money? I suppose you are going to say you sell truffles for that much as well!"

Max said with a bit of a grin, "Actually, they sell for twice as much. Remember the bars of aluminum we brought back last time? We bought those for less than one pound of truffles."

Max grin grew, "Mother, you will be amazed by the things they have in Skye's world. The food might be a little disappointing to you though."

 

[caela]

Max grin grew, "Mother, you will be amazed by the things they have in Skye's world. The food might be a little disappointing to you though."

Skye's head was spinning from what she was hearing. He was right for a corporate credit card she supposed that the limit wasn't all that out there but he'd also just given her permission to spen up to fifty grand on herself. That was more money than a lot of people made in a whole year on her world!

"Hey! Why would she be disappointed in our food? With that credit card she could go to all the high end retaurants she wants and get the best food in Vegas. I'd really suggest finding a little family run mexican restaurant food. If I miss anything here it's that. I ought to pick up a few recipes for your cooks while I'm there," she said with a grin.

"So um, when exactly do we go and just how is this done properly anyway?" she asked changing the subject. "My experience with traveling is a little off as you both know, any pointers?"

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Marissa

Marissa sat across from David in the limo and studied him for several minutes before speaking.

“David, after this point, I won’t say much more to you. It will all be up to you. We won’t talk, unless you address me. I’m not here to bring him down tonight. I’m here to just help you get Serena back. We need more on Andrew. So once you purchase her then you and I will leave. You will be allowed to touch her and speak to her.”

The limo arrived and she handed the leash to David. “It’s all up to you now. I won’t speak unless spoken to and even then my answers will be short and quick. I’m your pet, your slave. You may not understand what that means, but you have to learn and learn quick. I’m nothing. I’m lower then dirt.”

She pulled a dagger from her boot and handed it to David. “Use this only if you need it.”

The door opened and the driver waited for David to emerge. Once inside they enjoyed a meal and then the announcement to inspect the merchandise was made. Marissa stayed on the floor by her Master’s feet, her eyes watching as best they could at the angle she was at.

 

[only_more_so]

"Hey! Why would she be disappointed in our food? With that credit card she could go to all the high end retaurants she wants and get the best food in Vegas. I'd really suggest finding a little family run mexican restaurant food. If I miss anything here it's that. I ought to pick up a few recipes for your cooks while I'm there," she said with a grin.

Max shoke his head slowly, "Skye, in a world where saffron, and truffles are as commonplace, they have trully taken the culinary arts to a new level. My mother has been complaining about the food here for ages, and it is at least as good as the food in your world, if not as great a variety."

"So um, when exactly do we go and just how is this done properly anyway?" she asked changing the subject. "My experience with traveling is a little off as you both know, any pointers?"

Max got a little more serious with this question, "We leave at exactly midnight. That is when the magic of the travelling is at its best, it is also when time will be suspended in this world, so we will have roughly five days to travel and we will return moments after we leave here. Aside from that, all you have to worry about is maintaining your balance, it can be a bit disorienting as I'm sure you know. The castle mages and my father will provide the magic for the travelling, and I will guide the magic to take us there."

"So you have some time from when we are done, to finish packing and relax a little. I'm afraid I am going to be pretty busy making sure everything is arranged however, so I am going to rely on Quint to make sure you get to the travelling hut half and hour before midnight."

 

[poohlive]

There was a simplicity to this relationship, an honest and brutal look at the roles men and woman play. She gave him all her power, and allowed him to take over every paret of her life. All she needed to do was obey him, and make him happy. The concept was not far fetched from his own culture.

The only difference is that for them it was an every day concept that everyone used. Here it is a sexual fetish, nothing more. What a weird thing to discover. David didn't think he could ever understand how human lives could get so corrupted.

He would wait though, as much as possible.

When someone asked about his slave he yanked the leash, as hard as he dared, and showed Marissa off to the awaiting group of people that had surrounded. They were impressed by her. He let them see her every part of her. He made her bend over his lap, slip her panties to the side so everyone could get a good look.

"A shame she isn't for sale."

David gave a fake smile as the group moved on, passing from people to people, slaves to pets, seeing what they would do, how far they would go, and so on. One man had a woman knelt down, sucking anyone off that her master allowed. Another had small pools of hot wax cooling on her already reddened skin.

He heard a passing rumor about others in the bathroom that there were girls in there that would do even more, but he didn't want to know.

"When does it start," He whispered to her, taking only a passing glance at the food on the table, not very hungry, his stomach tied in knots.

 

[caela]

"So you have some time from when we are done, to finish packing and relax a little. I'm afraid I am going to be pretty busy making sure everything is arranged however, so I am going to rely on Quint to make sure you get to the travelling hut half and hour before midnight."

She sort of understood the explanation he'd given her and she supposed it would make even more sense once she'd seen it in action. She didn't like the part about him being busy the rest of the night however. The Queen had been right, the need to be with him was growing stronger and she'd hoped they'd have a little time alone after dinner. She could feel her body yearning for his and it amazed her how much she wanted him.

Still unless she wanted to act like a petulant child there was nothing she could really do. She nodded her head slowly but she held his eyes and let him see the desire glowing in the violet depths. She could feel the jewel at her throat pulsing with warmth and knew he'd be able to feel her need for him as well. She tried to hold it back, she didn't want to invade his mind and emotions that way but she couldn't keep it back entirely.

"I'm sure Quint will do an admirable job of making sure I am there when I need to be. I have faith in my Squire," was all she said out loud and was gratified to see Quint beaming with pride at her show of faith in him. "I'll pack and then likely try to take a nap. Quint if you would come wake me when it's time to go I would greatly appreciate it."

"Of course Skye!" the boy said quickly and he almost glowed at her show of trust in him. She was struck by just how much he reminded her of Max now that she knew they were brothers.

Rising with the Queen she offered Max a sultry smile and her mind reached for his, If you have time come to me Love...if not I will see you tonight.

Leaving his rooms she returned to her own to pack and then did indeed curl up on her bed to try and nap but it felt cold and empty without Max beside her. One night and she already wanted him spooned around her just so she could sleep.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Marrisa and Serena

Marissa snuggled closer to her Master David and looked up at him. She answered him quietly, but quickly. "He's already made an annoucement to “fondle” the women. You still can if you wish. You're allowed to check and see if their hymens are still attached, but this isn't a 'You break you buy deal.' You break it and you pay for it, but don't get it. Matter of fact if our sources are right. . . You'll make it so the slave has to stay with Wellington. I don't know how much you and your girl mean to each other, but obviously he's checked her out enough to either put her with the virgin slaves or put her with the used ones.“

Just as Marissa finished speaking a man rose to the podieum and called for everyone's attention. “Damn, you'll have to bid for her without her knowing its you, looks like their getting started now.“

The man spoke, quickly making a few jokes and then he announced Wellington. The Prince came up to begin the auction. The women were paraded one by one and the bids began to grow.


*******


Serena stood at the edge of the stage, watching women become other people's possessions. Her heart pounded in her chest and fear gripped at her loins. Her chains that had kept her tethered to the girl before her and the girl after her were removed. She now was only cuffed by her wrist and a linking chain that ran from ankle to ankle then up to her wrists. Her hair had been brushed down and her skin, though bruised had been been oiled. A soft scent of lavender wafted up to her nose, it would be a scent she would forever find disgusting.

It became her turn and she was led up to the front of the stage. Her body trembled as she stood there, nothing more than a broken woman, wanting to return home to the mist and allow the creatures of the curse to consume her. Serena forcused on nothing as numbers swarmed over her head. Her eyes locked on a statue in the room. One of ice that was sculpted in the shape of a fairy. . . at least it looked to be a fairy to Serena, though here in this world it was an angel and it was in the theros of passion with her mate. But to Serena it was a Fairy and it was home.

 

[only_more_so]

If you have time come to me Love...if not I will see you tonight.

Max wished that he had time, but there always seemed to be something that hadn't been done. The Queen lingered after Skye and Quint had left. She appeared a bit nervous which was something that Max was unaccustomed to seeing.

"Max, is this clothing really what people in Skye's world wear? You were right, I do feel terribly exposed. I know it is a silly taboo considering how wild the rest of my world's culture is compared to here, or anywhere you have described."

"Mother, you don't have to wear a shirt that exposes your naval, although I do think that it suits you admirably. Which is an awkward thing for a son to say to his mother. But the most important thing about travelling is that you feel comfortable in the clothes you wear, since you don't want to stand out. Why not wear one of your covers? I was serious about the jewelry they wear, so maybe they will think it is a new style. Oh, and if anyone asks where you're from, in case your mannerism stand out, say that you are from a small town in the Swiss Alps. The country is Switzerland and the people are called the Swiss, or just Swiss. Or you can always look to Skye for help. Remember the plan is for you and Skye to act as a team for searching, I have to handle some business, but will be help in the search as well."

The Queen seemed to like the idea of being able to wear a cover, and that seemed to relax her a bit. But not entirely. Max finally said, "Is there something else?"

Beatrix said, "Max, when we find David... He still believes he is engaged to Skye. He has loved her half his life. Actually, not love. We have a word for it in my language but it never quite comes out correctly in this language. It means the love from a distance, like all those silly girls who only see you and David at the galas. They tell all their friends they are in love with you, but they don't really know you well enough to really be in love. Well, some of them are in... again a word that never comes out right, but it means to love the concept of someone. The love of famous people or rich people. Again not loving a person, but something a person is. Anyway, David has all of that, and he never really talked to her until a few days ago. Now, I am rambling on, but do try to remember his situation."

The queen was nearly in tears by the end. She knew one or both of her sons were going to be terribly hurt in the coming days. If they ever even found David, which was something she wouldn't admit aloud. Max knelt by his mother's chair and hugged her tightly. "Mother, didn't you always say, don't let the sorrows of tomorrow rain on your todays? That thought alone has given me greater peace than you can know. Besides, there is always the chance that David fell in love with a showgirl in Vegas. I hear they are famous for them there. Now, I am sure father would love to see your outfit, and you should probably... take a nap, once you are done packing."

Now the queen was smiling, and Max knew there wouldn't be much napping. When the queen left Max headed to his room to finish packing his bag. He took it out to the hut and went over everything twice. After sorting out a number of problems with the shipment, Max realized it was quickly getting close to time to head out.

 

[caela]

Reaching her rooms Skye opened her closet and found a suitcase. She packed it lightly with the clothes that her closet had given her including a couple more of the silk dresses that she had come to like so much and that she knew Max liked as well.

Once she was packed she found herself at loose ends. She didn't know what to do with herself now. The last few days had been so busy with one thing or another and now she had nothing to do for the first time since coming here. Nothing to do but worry. And she was worried. She had the worst feeling that there was something terribly wrong with Serena or David and she didn't know why.

"You're overthinking things Skye, it's just as likely that they're in some hotel having a wonderful time as it is that there's anything wrong."

Curling up in her bed she tried to get some rest but she was grateful when Quint showed up to lead her to the traveling hut.

 

[only_more_so]

Max had just sat down for a few minutes of relaxation when the servants started showing up to take the supplies to the travelling ring. Max was suddenly glad that the Fairy Princess, if that was indeed who it was, had made him leave the dream world. Especially since they could very well arrive in the early morning in Vegas, and have to spend an extra day awake.

Max checked his hidden weapons and tools, moved his bag to the door and waited for Skye and his mother to arrive. His mother arrived with a large grin on her face, she was positively glowing. Max also noted that she had a silver fish-scale cover on, which disappeared into the front of her jeans and up into her shirt, but left her sides completely bare. Following along behind the queen, looking exhausted was the king. He might look exhausted, but he was smiling, and his eyes were glued to the queen's denim clad posterior.

As they came to stand in front of Max, by the cottage, Max could see Skye and Quint coming down the path. Quint was carrying Skye suitcase on his head, holding it in place with both hands.

When Skye and Quint joined the group, Max grabbed his bag and said, "Well, now that we are all together, why don't we head to the circle." There was a lot of nervous energy in the group and no one seemed anxious to talk. The King and Queen lead the way, with their arms around each other. Max followed and held Skye's hand. Quint carried up the rear.

THey arrived at the circle which was defined by a double row of small white rocks. There were a few stacks of small crates, a couple of larger crates, and the Queen's bag. Max placed his bag next to the Queen's and motioned Quint to place Skye's next to his.

The castle mage approached Max and handed Max the travelling seeds that would be needed for the return trip. Max took two and handed them to Skye, and two more and gave them to the Queen. He showed them how they fit inside the charm bracelet in a hidden compartment. They should only need one to return, but it never hurt to have spares.

Finally it was time to go. The three travellers stood in a small circle in the middle of the rings. Max grasped his mother's hand and Skye's hand, and indicated they should close the ring. He then said, "There is nothing to be frightened of. You will have a moment of disorientation and then we will be in Vegas. Just let your minds relax, and let me do all the work."

While Max spoke, he gave both hands reassuring squeezes. He could hear his father and the mage mumbling to themselves and could feel the magic rising like the energy before a thunder storm. He could feel the moon high overhead and he suddenly felt the moment of disconnection when the travelling began. It felt as if the ground suddenly disappeared and Max was waiting to start falling. He felt a tightening on his hands and then he brought his concentration to bear on arriving in Las Vegas.

A bead of sweat broke out on Max's forehead as he contentrated. He never broke out in a sweat before. That was when he realized they had already arrived, and that it was very very hot, and very bright.

Opening his eyes he saw they in the middle of an alley. There bags were in place and the crates had no arrived yet. They should get there in about twelve hours, enough time to find a rental van or truck arranged.

"Well Skye, does this look like Vegas? Mother, welcome to Skye's world. Skye, since you know more about this place than either of us, we'll follow your lead. Hopefully you'll lead us to a hotel." With that Max picked up the three bags and waited for Skye to lead the way.

 

[poohlive]

When he saw her, for the first time anger swelled through him once more. His grip tightened on the leash he held, the leather rubbing and grinding up against him. For a moment the world turned red, blooming colors sparked out and his vision blurred.

He called out prices, loud and clear. Each time someone tried to bet he would add onto it. There was fun and laughter at first, they could tell this was going to be his slave, but the laughter stopped when he did not respond. He was a man obsessed, and could not control himself anymore.

It cost him thirty thousand, three times as much as any other slave costs. No one could understand it. She even looked like used goods, with the black eye and shameful look. He had her though, and she was his once more.

"Now what," He whispered to Marissa, watching the stage as they brought his new pet to him.

 

[caela]

"Well Skye, does this look like Vegas? Mother, welcome to Skye's world. Skye, since you know more about this place than either of us, we'll follow your lead. Hopefully you'll lead us to a hotel."

"Yeah this looks like Vegas. Come on," grabbing her bag so that Max wouldn't have to carry everything she stepped out of the alley and was glad to find they were on the main thoroughfare. Flagging down a cab she motioned for Max to place their bags in the trunk and climbed into the car. Once they were all in she offered the cabbie a smile and asked that he take them to the Bellagio Hotel.

If David and Serena were here and flashing money it seemed as good a place to start as any. They couldn't really talk in the car with the cabbie around or when they entered the hotel, there were just too many people that could overhear them and Skye didn't want to end up in a straightjacket. Getting them rooms she left her credit card number with the desk and smiled to both Max and Beatrix as a bellboy led them up to their rooms.

She'd only gotten two figuring that she and Max could share one or that she and Bea could share one if Max thought they shouldn't sleep together again. Her heart thumped at the idea of his pushing her away and she prayed he wouldn't but she knew he had a lot on his mind at the same time and wouldn't have blamed him for wanting to be alone.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Marissa/Serena/Marissa

Marissa’s eyes grew wide as she watched the auctioning of human flesh. She would have loved taking Wellington down right here and right now, but she couldn’t. She had to sit there on her ass at another’s feet while women were paraded out in front of others. She felt her anger boiling and her rage building. When David started bidding she focused on the woman that had gained the young man’s attention. “Serena” he’d called her. She studied the young girl. She looked ragged and worn. She obviously had been abused, if her body was still virginal Marissa would have been shocked. She looked used, throughly even.

David won her. He won what others saw as a joke. The crowd watched Serena being led toward her new Master and David’s words reached Marissa’s ears. “If she fights you, you’ll need to punish her. She looks broken and defeated, but I don’t know if she is. You know her. But David, if she fights she’ll need hurt and she’ll need to feel it. . . everyone will expect it.”

“Once you have her we can leave. Or you can. I’m staying here. This is my first time in this place and I’m not leaving, but you and your girl are,” she stated flatly. Serena was there then and Marissa slunk back against her Master’s legs as the lead chain was passed from the “trainer” to the Master of the newly purchased toy.

*****

Bile rose up and threatened to expel itself from Serena’s small frame. She wasn’t sure what she would throw up on the man that was facing her, but she wanted to. She wanted nothing more then to spew all over him and the woman at his feet. The purchase of her had been quick and relatively painless. It was over in a flash.

As she was lead down from the stage and taken through the throngs of buyers and their tables she focused on the man who’d purchased her. She dropped her eyes to the center of his chest and stood in front of him. The “trainer” pushed her to the ground, his grip tight, another bruise added to her tender flesh. Serena said nothing. She was hurting inside. She’d seen so much, that finally her mind began to shut down.

This was it. It was done. David was dead. She was in some weird country away from Vegas and her world. She was now nothing. She had no name, no identity, no money. She trembled in fear as she watched the change in ownership take place. For a brief second there was a space between the “trainer’s” hand and that of the stranger that owned her, and for that brief moment, Serena found herself.

She snarled and grabbed the rope, she ran. She didn’t get far. Her body collided with that of another. A large man. He was taller and thicker than any on her world and when her body slammed into his she was jarred. His brought his fist up and swung at her. The sound of his fist connecting with her jaw ricochet around the room.

Serena spun around and fell into the arms of the “trainer.” Her eyes rolled back and she dropped into the welcoming abyss of darkness that consumed her very soul.

*****
Marissa watched in shock as the little frail creature gave one last flight or fight attempt. She watched as the giant of a man lifted his fist and she cringed, gasped and felt the sting of anger rip through her when the once beautiful creature spun in the air and fell into unconsciousness.

“David,” she hissed. “He’s touched your property, you can’t kill him, but you can demand restitution. You need to act though, quickly.”

 

[only_more_so]

Max and Beatrix followed Skye's lead through the cab and checking into the hotel. Max stared out the window during the cab ride, as did his mother. He had seen cities with more neon and more billboards, but this one definately had the oddest buildings. A pyramid, a roman looking building, a castle! Max was sure that David would have gone to the castle, but Skye chose one that look much more dignified.

Inside was palatial, all gleaming marble and airy spaces. Max didn't object when Skye went ahead ordered two rooms. He okayed the charge since he hadn't been able to call in the card yet. They were soon all gathered in the first of their two rooms which were adjoining with a door between them.

Max sat in one of the rooms chairs and watched the Queen testing the firmness of the two mattresses in the room. She looked like an experienced traveller, although Max guessed it was a cover to wait until the bellboy left. Max was glad he remembered to keep money from his last trip as he gave the man a five.

When he left Max said, "So Mother, how are you holding up? Is it what you expected?"

Beatrix said, "Well, I haven't seen very much, but it definately looks interesting, definately more mechanized than my world, but nothing too shocking so far. I really liked the elevator, it sure beats walking up so many stairs... Are we going to start looking for David now?"

Max looked at Skye and said, "We can start whenver you and Skye are ready. I have to make a few phone calls, to add you and Skye to the account. Actually speaking of phones, we should probably get a couple of those portable ones, so we can keep in touch as we search. Let me take care of my calls and then we can go do that. Sound good?"

 

[caela]

Max looked at Skye and said, "We can start whenver you and Skye are ready. I have to make a few phone calls, to add you and Skye to the account. Actually speaking of phones, we should probably get a couple of those portable ones, so we can keep in touch as we search. Let me take care of my calls and then we can go do that. Sound good?"

Skye nodded and motioned toward the phone for Max to make his calls, "Getting cell phones is a good idea so we can all keep in touch. I think we should start looking soon though, I've had this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach all day and it's only gotten worse since we arrived here."

Skye didn't want to say more than that but she had the sneaking suspicion that they wouldn't find David and Serena in Vegas. Something just felt...off. She couldn't explain what or why it was just a feeling she had that she didn't like. She much prefered being able to use magic in Max's world. That seeing trick she seemed to have there would be handy in finding David and Serena here but all she had here in her own world was gut instinct...and her gut wasn't happy.

"We should start with all the big hotels, if they needed money at all they'd probably have hit them to increase the odds of their winning a decent amount. If they won they'll have more than enough cash to make them easy to find...if not it'll be harder to find them."

That was all she was going to say for now.

 

[poohlive]

It was opportunity that made David move, and nothing else. Serena had provided the perfect chance for his plan to come forward. He could feel his own teeth beginning to grind themselves to nothing as he ran up to her limp lifeless form.

The leash carried Marissa with him, but it was only a formality.

"Quick, pick her up. I don't want her damaged. Is there a private room we can go?"

The large man, nodded, bending down to scoop up Serena's body into his meaty arms. He told them there were more than enough private rooms in here, most of them empty because everyone was at the auction.

David nodded, only half hearing the words. The blade of the knife sharp and thick in his pocket. He played with it, his mind already wheeling from what needed to be done.

"Shut up, you fucking cunt," He snapped at Marissa when she hissed at him. He did not need her interfering with him, not now. Of course people gave him odd looks as they left the auction, wondering why there was no punishment, no restitution.

Oh, David had to work to hide his own sneer laughter. There would be punishment, yes. There would be restitution.

The room was large, brightly painted and reeked of sex and shit. The room was dwarfed by the massive bed in the center, dark lavender sheets looked sleek and alive. The large man went over to it, laying Serena on the bed.

As she did, David slowly closed the door, and even more slowly locked it.

He took out the knife, and came up behind the large man, still looking at Serena.

"I think she's..." And that's as far as he got. The blade sliced into his neck, blood came out in thick gushes. He made a sound as if trying to scream, it came out like dry air, something not catching, something refusing to work in his throat. He went to his knees, eyes wild and lost before they faded into a glossy stare.

He was dead before he hit the floor.

"Now's the time," He cut the leash free from Serena, looking down at the large man. He had an arsenal on him, three guns in all, two small firearms, colts if he knew the word correctly, and one sub-machine gun. An uzi with a lap belt over it so he could put it under his jacket unnoticed.

He gave Marissa the two handguns, keeping the uzi for himself.

"I want Andrews. You can take out whoever else you want, but that fucking asshole is mine."

David finally felt so calm, so serene. For the first time he had a plan and could follow through with it. There was no superb anger or frustration anymore, no more pain that flowed through him. He could just do what needed to be done for Serena.

He bent over her now, taking off the makeup, wiping it away. He smiled, as he gently shook her awake.

"It's me, Serena. It's David. Wake up... wake up. I'm here to protect you."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Marissa/Serena/Marissa

Marissa looked at David and saw someone she didn’t recognize, not that she knew him well. The weapons were in her hand and the trainer dead. “David, stop.” She told him. “I told you, we aren’t ready to take him down. This was to get your girl out, nothing more. I told you... get your girl and go. Now I have to leave with you. We aren’t going out of this room, with guns blazing.”

She stood in front of the doors and refused to move. “David, there’s a patio deck. Open the door and carry your girl out and don’t look back. I’m right here. I’ll follow you out. I won’t charge you for killing this guy, but you are not going to go out and shoot people. Wellington will be brought down for his crimes, but in our time. . . not yours.”

She had her gun out and it was aimed at the young man. “Please David. I can’t let you do this. Please let us just go.”

Her eyes moved over the woman that David had rescued. She looked exhausted and in shock. She hadn’t spoken yet. Her face was swelling as they spoke and she looked as if she were on the edge of collapsing. “David, she needs a doctor. She can’t go through a gun fight. Do you think we’ll be the only ones shooting. She’ll be caught in the cross-fire. Take her and go home.”

*****

Serena heard a voice, it was David’s. Her mind was thick with pain. She hurt everywhere. The voice was there again and then there was another one, another voice. A woman. David. A woman. She hurt so much. Where was she? Someone was shaking her? He hit her. That man bought her. She was a slave. Her eyes opened and Serena screamed.

Her hands came up and she raked her fingers across the man’s face that was hovering over her, shaking her. She kicked at him. She clawed and thrashed as he tried to calm her. The woman was there. She was blocking the door, calling him David.

She blinked. “David?” she stilled. Her eyes took in the familiar face. The chiseled features. She grabbed him then, her arms wrapped around his neck and she held him. She didn’t cry. She didn’t say another word. She just refused to let him go. If she let him go they would come for her. They would hurt her again. They would kill her. She wouldn’t let them take her away from him. She shook in horror.

*****

Marissa watched the woman cling to David and she waited for the young man to decide. Try to battle all the weapons behind the door, or put the fragile woman through a gunfight?