Dark Academia Ask Game: I Was Born In 1834 To A Seamstress And Barber In A Back-alley Dilapidated Victorian

It was just as well the knocks had come.

Santino had just put down the phone from speaking with his father. And it was just as he expected. Judeth had wasted no time in contacting the Italian Crime Lord of The High Table and making the steaks clear. Lorenzo listened to the White Woman intently and finally, after considering the woman's proposition just and fair, and with his extensive knowledge of his son's unreliable history with women whom he attended to on a romantic level; was satisfied. Lalienna's three month Camorra probationary contract would be written and signed by the following business day. A copy would be forwarded to Julius, owner/manager of The Continental Rome and another dispatched to his franchise colleague Jeremy, owner/manager of The Continental London.  Together the men would acknowledge that Lalienna DeMentriento was still very much an elite independent mercenary contractor whose primary employer was still none other than Judeth Clayton. Hand Maid of The White Tower of London. Separate to Athena. Separate to the Iron Fortuna Syndicate. But still, very much owned and operated by Judeth for the next three months. Lorenzo however made it clear. In the event of catastrophic collateral damage or conflict of interest against the Spanish or the French, Lalienna's execution would be uncontestable. Her body returned to Judeth as a casualty of war. The Camorra would not accept the responsibility for failure but would be the cause of her termination.  Judeth's faith in Lalienna's abilities ran deeply.

She had fostered the girl with the other Tower initiates for five years in total and trained with her for two. Any act of insubordination or insincerity had been very much crushed out of her. Duty, honour, allegiance and servitude had been at the forefront of her education since the day of her arrival. The girls had been made to watch their first human execution at the age of fourteen. Athena herself had taken the head of a wayward infiltrator and presented it in horror to the gasping, feinting young women. Holding it aloft as a spoil of war and speaking out clear and loud:  That she had no need for prisoners. And would not tolerate deviation. She was Death. And Death would come with vengeance. That real power came from the action of those that took the blade in their own hands to complete the execution. Only cowards and bastards would allow the death of a human being to be subsidized by another.  Were they going to grow up as cowards? Were they going to grow up as bastards though many of them were? Or would they be strong? Would they look their victim in the eye and take responsibility for claiming their immortal souls? The choice was there's entirely. Meanwhile, she was Queen. And her actions spoke louder than any words ever would.

The girls were traumatized for years later. But they understood. They comprehended the scope of their work. They understood their Queen. Loved her. Served her. Obeyed her. Because she was Death. She was Destruction. She controlled the four horsemen of the apocalypse. If she would say so, the ground would give way beneath her enemies and suck them all into the abyss.

For this reason the young women were awed. For this reason the young women realized they were not in the presence of a mere aging mortal woman. Athena had ascended from the very depths of the Underworld to reign supreme amongst men. Perhaps she was the Archangel Lucifer in flesh incarnate. And her Thirteen Hand Maids served as the succubus demons of her demonic bidding.

Lalienna knew, none was darker and more tainted of those than perhaps Judeth Clayton. The whispers from the palace were heard. She was known as Judeth The Betrayer. To the rest of the Tower, she was inhuman. A high functioning sociopath, completely and mechanically capable of smashing Athena's enemies in a tidal wave of her wrath and fury. They never saw her coming. She was a shadow in the darkness. A ghost of the imagination. Never directly involved in open combat, death or murder. A manipulator, ravager, saboteur.... They called her 'The Woman'. Her marks never learned her name. Her face was forgotten. She was a master of blending into the crowd. Being anonymous. Because that is how Athena trained them. They needed no narcissism, no titles. They were revered exclusively by their order in The Tower alone.  London knew the tattoos. The coat of arms was a gang symbol that was feared.

They were not as flashy and proud as the Camorra of Italy or the Imperial Dragons of Japan or the Ruska Roma of Russia. No. They were Iron Fortuna. They were English. And the English had a job to do. And they didn't fuck around.

She had proved it to him when he spoke to his father and his father told him, this was going to be the arrangement whether he liked it or not. Because the White Woman of Iron Fortuna were an asset. An ally power. Their sheer numbers and force of prominence in the Underworld bolstered the Italian pride of the Camorra. And he would not let a little shit (he referred to his son in this instance) fuck it up by deciding that Lalienna was incompatible with his sexual preferences. She was power piece. A knight on the chessboard that had come dressed in white. They would foster her, and care for her, and train her as one of their own. And if Santino set so much as a hair out of line with her, she would immediately be taken as a maid of honour by Gianna. And again, Lorenzo reminded his son that he had no say in that. Not after the rape and murder scandal of Marissa Conti. In fact, Lorenzo seconded Judeth's opinion. She had every right to call him a peasant in prince's clothing. Because his attitudes were still extremely immature and his failures outstripped his good deeds ten to one. They were bad odds. And Lorenzo wasn't interested in booking against bad odds.

"Se non vuoi essere trattato come un contadino, non comportarti come tale." (If you don't want to be treated as a peasant then don't act like one.)

These were Lorenzo's final words as he disconnected the call.

Santino D'Antonio was bested. Fucked off. Furious and feeling the pang of impotent rage flood through him. To want to struggle against these family bonds and be shackled by their gold chains harder than he ever had before.

'Fanculo la mia vita!' (Fuck my life!) He thought to himself as he swung open his office door. Hector stood proud, grinning from ear to ear. Eyes twinkling. Cigarette hanging from his lips and laptop in hand.

"Can I show you something, Signore?"

"Certo." (Of course.) Santino replied. Stepping aside and allowing his Guard Commander to enter his office. The door was shut behind them.

The laptop was set on the glass coffee table next to Santino's half-consumed cappuccino. The guard settled into the sofa and gestured for his boss to take residence beside him.

It was done.

"Look at this dog, Tino... Tell me what you think?!" Santino put on his reading glasses and assessed the screen. Indeed, it was a beautifully proportioned Rottweiler puppy. By his cursory glance of the photograph on screen, he made the informed decision that the animal was likely purebred, expensive and ridiculously cute. He'd make a good guard dog to someone very special.

"I think you're showing me a photo of a dog that will become the love of someone's life."

"Lalienna's life." Hector pronounced. He didn't even think about it, he just blurted the words out.

"Scusami?" (Excuse me?)  Santino returned, a raise of his brow as he pulled off his glasses. That was the second time that day he had to repeat himself. He was starting to lose his patience with people telling him what do to in his own house. Hector took his employer's tone to heart and backpedaled immediately with a contextual back-story.

"Boss, listen... Lalienna. She's not well, you know? She hasn't been well for a very long time. When we found her, she was messed up, kicked out of her syndicate. She got caught up with you-"

"Think carefully about what you're saying, Hector."

"Let me finish, Tino, fuck... No disrespect boss, but come on. See it from the girl's viewpoint. She's into you less than a month, she has a passing indiscretion with some girl, you ignore her ass, drive her insane and cut her up... Jesus man, she's barely twenty-one. An assassin? Really? That's no life for some pretty girl like that."

He wanted to say more. To mention the pregnancy. The abortion she was going through right now. He'd assumed she wasn't well by the sickly look on her face when they touched down in Rome. He wasn't surprised to learn that Santino had not had his way with her. Nor was he surprised when the girls did not present themselves at table to eat. None of the guards were. Lalienna's secret would stay with him to his final breath. He would not betray her confidence. He was serious in his proposal. That if Santino would not accept her children, he would. He would step in on the role of father and husband. He'd beg Santino's pardon, perform whatever task was desired of him, but he too would find a way to escape the table if it meant he would rear Lalienna's bastard children. He was ostracized in his youth for coming from a broken home with another father. He would not let a child in his knowledge, on his watch suffer the same fate. His honour depended on it.  But not at this hour it seemed. Lalienna had stepped up to the plate that most women would dread to witness. She had gone through with the abortion. And it was imperative he save her sanity. He didn't care about the cost.

He had watched her deteriorate under Airoldi's manipulation. She did not falterer on the field, she came back strong and unblemished. But she was dying on the inside. Dying because Santino would not love her. And he couldn't stand by and let that go uncontested.

"So you're telling me you want to give her a dog?" Tino asked after a moment's pause.

'Thank God!' Hector thought to himself.  That could have gone much worse. Tino's temper when corrected was explosive. Like a hand grenade with the pin pulled loose. It only took seconds for him to set off and pull down everything within his reach. But this was dangerous too. The calm before the storm. For he knew that Santino was also keeping himself pure. He's commitment to Lalienna had been true and honest and he'd not been whoring in Austria, though he could have done if he wanted to. His blind fury, the violence against the young dancer served as a testament to his fidelity. Santino was loyal when in a relationship if nothing else. Hector was hoping to use guilt against him if it meant the Prince of Rome would consent to the purchase of the puppy for Lalienna.

"She's a child still, boss, c'mon. She needs focus. Something to inject her love into that isn't just honour, family and duty."

"And I'm not enough?" Tino began to bristle.

"You're always enough Signore, c'mon. Don't even talk like that. You see her, the way she looks at you. Pines for you. You're her Papi. You don't know what you put her through whilst you were in Vienna. You didn't see the damage, the tears, the tantrums, the way she stopped eating after you fucked her up. You pushed her away in your fury and gave her to me. So we picked up the fucking pieces and I'm telling you there were thousands. Ares didn't sleep for days and nights drying that girls' tears. They flowed like rivers and they flowed because of you. Christov missed work, stayed back from field just to make sure she wouldn't do something stupid like slit her own wrists in shame... If that's not love, amigo, I don't know what fucking is."

That seemed to have the effect he wanted. Santino leaned forward on the sofa, raking his fingers through his hair and resting his elbows on his knees before returning his watery eyes to the screen. He took no pleasure from his employer's private suffering. He didn't mean to sink that blade so deep. But it was absolutely necessary. He twisted it because he was sadistic. And sadism was a card that he knew Santino responded too extremely well. The Prince of Rome had a gentle heart. And it bled when you used the right words. It bled even worse when you used the word 'love'.

"It's a nice looking dog..." Santino consented at last. "Big paws though... big head. He'll be huge. It's a pity they cut off its tail. They shouldn't mutilate the animals like that."

"They do it because it makes them look tougher. A lot of these dogs earn a lot of money in show and in dogfighting pits." Hector replied, heartened that this was going somewhere positive. He pulled a cigarette case out of his coat pocket and lit up, offering the smoke to Santino who, without ceremony, took it directly out of his lips, placed it against his own and dragged down deep.

The intimacy of the action stirred something in Hector he couldn't explain. Santino had a ferocious allure to him. And it worked just as well on men as it did on women. He pulled a second cigarette from his case and lit up again, taking this one for himself.

"It's not like we don't have room. Dogs are good for people. Lower the blood pressure. Keep you focused. Teach you loyalty, responsibility, humility. They stop being animals and start becoming family. Lalienna has no family man. Dead mother, dad that don't want her. She's displaced. Got nothing, got us, sure. But I think she needs something that's purely her own. Someone to care for that understands the world without the bullshit of business we're in."

The two men smoked in silence. The weight of Hector's words sinking deep between them. And Hector couldn't help but think to himself,

'I wonder how long he can go without a fuck?' That was... unexpected. Out of no-where. It's just that the moment Tino had touched back down in London from Austria and finally gave his apology, the couple were afforded no time to bond together. They wouldn't let him near her. Because of the pregnancy, yes. And what's more. Because he didn't deserve to get off with such a helpless and beautiful girl.  Ares had confirmed that the couple may well have slept together last night, but sex had been entirely off the cards. That meant, by his reckoning, that Santino had not had any form of sexual release inside a woman for well over a month. Masturbation didn't count. Guys jacked off to manage mood more than because release felt good. It was a byproduct of the overall effect. Unless they were gunning for a partner, they worked better on an empty tank. Otherwise, testosterone took over and the majority of their decisions were governed exclusively by the hardness of their cocks. That's why they fought so brilliantly when they were unloaded. They were clear. They knew where they stood. But pent up... aching...It was easy to cloud judgment with unrequited desires.

Hector was a dominant sadist. A man of command because he had so many hidden blades that he used when he wanted to twist people to their knees.

Sex was one of them. And he wasn't afraid to use it.

So he did.

He closed the space between them on the sofa and slid his hand against Santino's upper thigh. Enjoying the feel of the expensive fabric that made up his gray pinstriped trousers. It wasn't anything. It was just a friendly gesture of intimate brotherhood. It wasn't romantic. It wasn't erotic. But the light changed in Santino's eyes. To the Prince of Rome... the touch was purely sensual. Hector purred.

"I think... you should surprise her. Buy her the puppy. Watch her thrive. Watch her bloom. You'll forever be basking in the light of her unfettered adoration because you presented her with a living breathing gift of a lifetime. Unique and pure as the stars. Tino... Lalienna needs this dog." He squeezed his fingers against the younger man's thigh and watched. Watched as Santino's lips opened just a fraction of a millimeter more than was prudent. His fingers tremored as he held the cigarette partway to his lips. It was inaudible, but he heard it all the same. The way Santino held back a sigh. Ravenous... hungry.

His eyes darkened in lust... he looked back to the laptop monitor. The adorable little black pup with its soulful eyes and precious floppy ears sat like a beacon of purity. He liked dogs. He liked Lalienna more. He wanted to make her happy. His home was certainly big enough. This was a good idea. A puppy... A baby... Girls like babies... they liked puppies more...

"Call the breeder. Tell them not to sell that pup. I want him. No matter what the cost. Tell him we'll be there tomorrow morning." His eyes flashed, he rose from the sofa and handed Hector his phone.

The Camorra Commander grinned the grin of the victorious. He'd won this game. He took the phone and made the call with a heart bursting with pride. The breeder screened Hector vigorously before talking business. He was not interested in releasing a pup of this quality to anyone that wasn't already experienced in raising and looking after dogs. Hector was more than ample in pacifying the man. For he had lived with and trained dogs for security firms since he was sixteen. He knew exactly what to do with a little buddle of fur. He gushed over the phone about the baby dog. His voice becoming an octave higher as was the way when he spoke adoringly to animals or children. The owner was satisfied and named a price. Two thousand Euro, no negotiations. The animal was a pure breed and the mother and father were show stud and bitch that had won multiple awards.

Tino nodded his approval. Two thousand Euro was nothing compared to Lalienna's perpetual happiness. He'd already blown well over two million Euro on her house, car, paperwork, bribes, clothes, jewels, perfume, cosmetics and shoes. That was before even paying her a salary. He didn't give a fuck about money. He'd never run out. Not in his lifetime. Not if he could help it. He hadn't attended four years at Rome's premier university to study business management, leadership, and international commerce for no reason.  Plus... his father bankrolled him pretty well. It was a sound arrangement.

 After the call, Hector and Santino began scheming. Planning. Giggling amongst themselves like schoolboys. This was incredible! They were going to present the puppy in a little carrier cage, wrapped in a bright blue satin ribbon with a massive bow. They'd sneak into her room, get one of the others to pull her away and distract her. Then they would set a tiny little puppy bed with a tray for food and water at the foot of her room. They would get leads and collars and baby blankets that were woolen and soft. Lots of chew toys because puppies teethed and it was a good habit to get them to chew toys rather than their owner's shoes and clothes.

Toilet training would be easy enough. Rottweiler's were easy to train with scented hormone drops and puppy pads. There would be accidents, but if they isolated the pup to a smaller portion of the house until he grew accustomed to walking downstairs and requesting to be let out to relieve himself in the garden, they could control the scope of the mistake. None of the crew were squeamish or disgusted when it came to something as innocent as puppy poop or wee. Gods, they had killed grown men and watched the corpse flush its bowels in the aftermath of death because that was what happened to a human being once they passed. Anything a puppy could deliver would be angelic by comparison.

They doubted very much Lalienna would revolt either. Though Santino reminded Hector that Lalienna was terribly OCD about cleanliness, neatness and order. Hector confirmed this knowledge. For once Lalienna, disorientated by her grief, had entered his rooms at the hotel in London and cleaned them for him from top to bottom. Clearly putting the maids out of work.

He thought it was charming but entirely unnecessary. He tried very hard to dissuade the girl, but she barked at him and sent him scuttling out of the rooms like a displaced crab.

The boys went on a tangent from there as Santino explained,

"I can't tell you how many times we're caught up in the heat of passion, stripping off each other's clothes in a frantic bid to get into bed... when she stops part way and folds her clothes... and mine.. neatly..."

Hector cackled, doubled over in laughter, tears in his eyes as he held his stomach.

"And here I am with this massive fucking hard on.... handing her the coat hangers...." Tino continued.

"Oh!!! Oh fuck, boss! That's too funny... ow ow ow.... Oh...my sides... You're killing me!"

"I'm killing you?!" Santino shouted, gesturing wildly with his hands. "Have you ever tried to fold some pants with an erection so large it could invade Greece?"

Then men were in tears, fits of laughter that shook their chests and burned their sides. God it felt good to just laugh and laugh and laugh. The commotion drew attention for Ares and Tony appeared at the office door with a quick knock before letting themselves in.

"Hey there!" Tony began brightly, looking dashing in his half-buttoned dress shirt that showed off his bare, muscled and bronzed chest. "What's the commotion about?"

'We could hear you laughing from upstairs. What's so funny?'

"Tino's dick." Hector choked out... falling back against the sofa.

'What? He pulled it out and showed you? Don't tell me he's got one of those micropenis things...' Ares signed, extremely amused by the comment.

Crude, in his laughter, Santino made the classic Italian grab for his groin rubbing it over his pants. The gesture was both an insult and sexual innuendo that made Ares flip her boss off. Tony chuckled and put his arm around the young woman.

"Not even close babe. I've had the pleasure of pissing next to him in the men's room and I can assure you, he's studding easy six thick Italian inches. Flaccid."

Ares eyes widened in disbelief. She had suspected that Santino was well endowed because that was the genetic standard for most European males of the region. Then again, as she was quite small in her frame, anything over five inches on a man intimidated her a little more than she felt comfortable admitting. Mostly to herself. Hence her preference of making love to women. They were a little gentler in the bedroom. And it didn't hurt so much with a well-lubed strap on... or those sensuous lips... She was suddenly blushing and embarrassed. As though she had walked in on something that was very personal. She'd.... keep that information in her mind stored for later. Lalienna was a brave girl if she could take being pounded by all of that.

"Guys! Listen up!" Santino began. "Come tomorrow morning, we're getting Lalienna a puppy dog of her own. The D'Antonio Estate will welcome a furry companion amongst its ranks. "

"Oh my goodness! Really?! A puppy?!" Tony gushed, striding forward to see the pictures Hector showed him on the laptop. Ares was immediately distracted from her dirty thoughts and began to jump up and down excitedly.

'Oh my god! I'm going to tell her right now!' She gestured happily.

"No! Ares, no! It's a secret. A surprise. Don't tell her anything. Just take her into town tomorrow. Show her the sights. Take her for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, keep her busy and distracted. Keep her as sober and straight as possible and bring her back to the house before sunset. Don't let on that you know anything about it. Don't say a fuckin' word or we'll kill you and feed you to the birds, feelin' me?" Hector demanded.

"Can we let the others in on the surprise though?" Tony asked, his eyes twinkling in mirth. Completely swept away in the excitement.

"Of course, but make sure they don't let anything slip either. Ensure Panchelli and the maids know too. The whole house can know what's going on except Lalienna. " Santino sang happily. The crew hugged and kissed each other in joy then took a moment to compose themselves before leaving Santino's office and forcing the spring out of their step. They wouldn't let the secret slip. They each separated to different parts of the mansion and passed on the news in the style of Chinese whispers.

Panchelli was overjoyed by the idea for he too was raised with greyhound racing pups as a young boy and considered the affections of a dog to be remarkably good for a young lady's health.

Likewise, he convened the maids in the servant's common room and filled them in. That a new puppy would take residence in the D'Antonio Estate. The girls were beside themselves. They squeaked and bounced about and clapped excitedly in joy. Oh, they were so happy with this news! They swore on their hearts, mothers, and lives they would keep the knowledge absolutely secret and vowed to kill each other if they found the promise would be broken. But they were all fine, friendly girls that were nothing if not discreet and dutiful.  Keeping a secret was a maid's number one professional calling. Panchelli rested assured. All would be well. Extremely well.

|||

Later that evening, after dinner had been consumed and the crew had moved to the drawing-room to smoke, play music, gamble and drink coffee; Ares had sought to bring her best friend downstairs to join them.

Poor Lalienna, still somewhat stoned off too many of Mama Frita's pills and still refusing to eat anything despite Ares very persuasive coaxing, complained that she didn't feel up to being surrounded by so many men that weren't her Papi. She was in turmoil and had cried many more times that evening after Christov had delivered her gently back to her rooms. Ares took over to cheer the girl with kisses and caresses that were mostly unwelcomed. Ares was at a loss to satisfy the girl. She held her lovingly instead, stopped being playful and cheeky and made sure she wasn't bleeding through her clothes. She wasn't, thankfully. Lalienna had asked for a tampon to staunch the flow of her bleeding but Ares corrected her angrily and thrust a pad between her friend's legs instead.

'You shouldn't have anything in your body right now blocking the flow. You want to get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can move on with your life, babe. Really. Just trust me... Use a pad. Alright?' She wrote into her phone, making sure the dancer read it, then kissed Lalienna's forehead. Together the two ladies shared a moment of intimacy that was reserved exclusively for women.  Inside, Ares' heart was singing. Because she knew the secret joy that they were going to bestow on her friend would be only hours away. And she prayed that Lali would respond well to holding a baby dog in her arms.

Christov came to their rooms then, knocking quietly on the door and begging entrance. Two knocks. Which was code for: 'It's not urgent, but can I come in?'

Ares returned the two knocks on her coffee table. Code for: 'The room's clear, you can enter'

The imposing and devilishly handsome tattooed man, dressed in tight torn black jeans, Gucci loafers and an equally tight 'v' neck t-shirt that was cut low and revealed the octopus at his throat and chest, swaggered into the room with a whiskey glass in hand and a playboy smile. Ares loved him when he dressed casually. He wore a black and white paisley printed bandanna and looked every bit the rock star bad boy of every girl's masturbatory wet dreams.

"So ladies..." He began by way of introduction. "The boys and I are downstairs, chillin', hangin' out. And we were wondering... if you girls would like to come downstairs and blow off a little steam with us? No pressure, if you ain't up for it. But... It's been a rough week. So... now that we're home.. and done with dinner... we thought maybe a little music... a little booze... Marcus is racking up a couple of prime lines from Colombia..." He raised his brow, flashing his most devilishly disarming smile. And god it was good. He was a rock god... Those tattoos made him dirty delicious. He was beaming. He knew a secret and caught the look in Lali's eyes. So he strutted forward into the room. Ran his fingers under Ares' chin, making the girl look up and purr darkly. She reached beside her and squeezed Lali's hand for comfort and support.

Chris drew his attention to the dancer and squatted down low before her.

"Babe... I've got some new ink from the U.S downstairs... and my machine... Umm... " He licked his lower lip suggestively stripping her of her clothes with his eyes. Yes, she'd lost a child but still, she was human, female, alive... pulsing with beauty. And he'd comforted her in the past month or more. It was further and deeper than they cared to admit. But their reasoning was sound. Santino didn't have to know. Chris was the keeper of two precious secrets. He slipped his hands over the dancer's knees and squeezed gently, massaging her flesh.

"I think you should come down... It's about time you feel the kiss of an Italian needle." His smile darkened. He was predatory. Tattooing his family was... erotic. Ritualistic. He was lusting. Hard. He wanted the dancer's skin under his hands. He wanted to mark her forever. But not like Santino did, not with at blade against her throat. That was barbaric and monstrous. He was an attack dog... not a savage.

"C'mon girls... Come downstairs. We want you to party with us. Lali... babygirl... Papi's waiting for you. Don't worry, he's in a good mood. We might have gotten him a little high already." He smirked, winking that bad boy wink of his. He rose then and swaggered back toward the door.

"C'mon baby... Daddy wants to make you feel good."

Tears formed in her jade eyes, lip quivering slightly. She held back a sob, taking a breath.

“You…you never wanted me?” It felt as though her heart was breaking. Literally. The strings of her cardiac muscles were snapping, leaving her in the worst pain she’s ever felt… and she’s felt a lot of shit. She’s been through the worst, through hell. But this…this was worse. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her lungs wouldn’t produce the oxygen needed to stay alive. God, make it stop. Stop it! She couldn’t handle it. She clutched her heart, squeezing the fabric of her shirt in her fists. Her eyes broke. They relayed how she felt. So so so so ruined. So torn. So…worthless. Thrown away.

————

@f0rtis-fortuna-adiuvat // here is your angst. Do with it what you will. ;) have fun, my angel of sadness.

Saiyuki: Shambala Ch. 3 Out Now

Join Priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions, Son Goku, Sha Gojyo and Cho Hakkai in a brand new chapter as they travel ever westward on a holy mission to quell the demon up-rising that plagues Shangri-La.

To celebrate Saiyuki’s 20 Year Anniversary, Small Fortunes Independent Publishing proudly presents an all new Fan Novella set after the events of Saiyuki Reload. Join the boys on a powerful, original new story arc after 12 months on the road, that sees them crossing the Himalayas as they enter the magnificent land of Nepal en route to the far West.

‘There is something dark and foreboding hidden in the recesses of the valley. Its omnipresent insidious aura travels through the land twisting and infecting all in its path. When the Sanzo party find a dying woman on the road, they make a choice to save a life amidst the threat of suffering and violence.

Nothing could prepare them for what’s coming.

This one act of mercy could be their final.’

|| Saiyuki: Shambala is intended to be read by adults 18+ It contains: Strong Graphic Violence, Course Language, Strong Sexual References & Sex Scenes ||

Click Here to Read Chapter Three Now!

Dishonored

Keanu Reeves as Corvo Attano - Riccardo Scamarcio as The Outsider 

Judeth Clayton: Blood & Gold

Thirteen Beside the Queen.

And now she’s a broken mask in the Halls of Hell.

The Gods themselves will hold you down.

One last shot, two souls to sell.

Betrayed the cause for Love.

Rose to take the Throne.

Burned them all in revolution.

Fallen back to stone.

{[ @f0rtis-fortuna-adiuvat - @lalienna-dementriento - Proudly Introducing Judeth Clayton of John Wick || Blood & Gold ]}

ExPOSE THE NERvE

"All you ever needed was a key."

GOTHAM REVISITED

JOHN WICK (2014) dir. Chad Stahelski

THE MAN. THE MYTH. THE LEGEND. JOHN WICK. YOU’RE NOT VERY GOOD AT RETIRING.

Pain changes people.

Chronic pain does more than debilitate the body.

It slowly eats away at the mind. It's many jewel-like facets.

Reason, tolerance, patience, prudence, humility.

It is something else entirely, when you are immobilized by unrelenting agony, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, four weeks to the month, twelve months to the year. On and on and on.

So as you become nothing more than a screaming, crying, wretched mess, trapped in your own skin. Conscious, breathing, suffering without relent.

No longer human.

Just pain.

It is quite a feat; to experience visceral pain so agonizingly profound; that all your fears, past, present and future terrors become entirely inconsequential in the wake of these horrific moments.

The moment when you hear yourself beg for oblivion as a merciful, rational release from this endless suffering.

Where once you took freedom of movement for granted, now, in the bloom of youth, you are sedated, managed yet dysfunctional.

Unable to eat, sleep, walk, sit, stand or bathe without, searing, mindless agony.

One looses many things when in pain.

Fear, primarily.

One could lose the will to live in these moments.

Or.

One could live through it.

Come out the other side.

Invincible.

Art © Alexander Fedosov

Words / Small Fortunes / (Exert) A Treatise on Chronic Pain

I was put on this world to bring laughter and happiness.

Santino rose early the following morning. Before the alarm which was a struggle, for baby Cerberus woke at five and began pawing over his chest whining in his adorable little way.

"Che bambino? Sono sveglio, devi andare?" (What baby? I'm up, you need to go?)

The puppy responded by licking at his nose and cheeks, making him laugh as he captured the little dog and hugged him to his chest. Beside him, Lalienna rolled over muttering something indiscernible in Spanish in her sleep.

"Shh, quiet bambino, you'll wake Mami. She'll be cross at us, no?" Gently as he dared, he took the little pup in his arms, kissing his sweet floppy ears and made to slide out of the bed as quietly as he dared. Mindful to not make a sound as he opened and closed the bedroom door behind him and then padded on naked feet down the stairs. Cerberus thought this early morning adventure to be very entertaining indeed. It was usually the quiet lady and big brother Christov that helped him go outside of a morning. Going with daddy was new indeed and the pup thought it all very interesting. In his little head, Cerberus had already given each of the members of the household a definitive designation complete with rank and pack order. As far as he was concerned, Mami was the lady alpha followed by daddy whom the humans named 'Santino'. He liked this man, Mami liked him a great deal too, even though he wasn't pleased about being made to sleep at her back when he wanted to be at her chest. Regardless, daddy Santino spoke kindly to him and was always gentle. As it was now, Santino deposited the little pup with a compliment about his weight and let him out the patio door to run off and attend his business in the garden. The security lights flashed on when they sensed the pup's movement, preventing the little dog from having to go in the dark. The sound of morning birdsong could be heard in the air whilst the sky was still an inky shade of darkness.

Around him the household was just beginning to rise. Whilst Panchelli, Chef and the rest of the estate's domestic staff were permitted Sunday's off duty, this particular Sunday was a special occasion with the pending arrival of the Lady Gianna and Lord Lorenzo coming to visit for dinner early that evening. Santino had promised the staff the following Monday and Tuesday off duty for their troubles and afforded they all receive double pay if they agreed to once more take to their uniforms and attend the household as a complete compliment. Panchelli ran this request by each of the maids and Chef whom all agreed happily. Two days off duty during the week was a luxury that none of the other domestic servants received and few in Rome were permitted to live in a wing of their master's manner, let alone be afforded double pay for a day. They would each sacrifice meeting their friends and family at Rome's famous churches just this once and attend a make up mass on Monday evening instead. It was an agreeable condition.

As such, the maids in their pristine blue and white uniforms, complete with frilled caps and soft house slippers padded down the stairs in double-file on their way to the kitchens where Chef was already busy preparing the morning breakfast for the servants. They paused however to bow and greet their master, some averting their eyes and blushing furiously for Santino was naked from the waist up. His disheveled curls and tattooed back with the laurel that housed the Camorra crown was a sinful revelation that had many of the young maids lusting and giggling to each other.

Santino's warm smile and gentle greeting to the girls made many swoon and curtsey lower than perhaps was necessary in a bid to hide their naughty thoughts and flushed cheeks. They didn't expect the master to be present so early. He usually did not rise until after seven in the morning and began his day with coffee that they all noted had not been prepared. The senior house maid, Marie, was first to break formation from the line and ask her master if he wished to be attended and if the young lady Miss Lalienna had also risen and wished for assistance showering or dressing?

"No, grazie Marie, Lalienna sta ancora dormendo e potrei unirmi di nuovo a lei per un'ora prima di alzarmi." (No, thank you Marie, Lalienna is still sleeping and I might go join her again for an hour before I get up.)

Just as he completed this statement, Cerberus came bounding back up the garden with a tennis ball in his mouth that he'd been looking for all of yesterday and could not remember where he had left it. His clumsy little run, coupled with the flapping of his floppy ears at each step made the girls swoon entirely. Almost all of them with except for Marie who thought it best to remain dignified, came down on their knees and called to the puppy who ran up to each of the girls happily. In his little mind, this pack of females were of far lower station than him, but classified as a heard of happy sisters, for they each patted his little head and rubbed his belly when he flopped over onto his back and teased them into giving him a scratch. One of the girls tried to pry his ball from his mouth, he let her have it reluctantly, much to the girl's joy, but he quickly followed her hands and their quick movements, with an arf of delight. Would they throw it please? He liked playing fetch.

"Please, Signore Santino, can we play with the puppy at breakfast? We promise to look after him?" Begged little Lucile in her brown curls and cherub lips.

"Certo, if he'll go with you, he's yours for a few hours." Santino acquiesced. He earned the delighted squeals of the maids that warmed his heart. He pet the little pup's head once more and cautioned him to be good and not cause the ladies any trouble. Cerberus wagged his little tail in acknowledgement, but was too excited by the girl holding his tennis ball to really understand what daddy was talking about. He was always good. And never caused any trouble. Except that time when he was in the quiet lady's room and he jumped off the bed, his paws got tangled in her cables and he's accidently knocked her laptop down to the ground with a loud thud. He'd dropped very low then and rolled immediately over onto his belly, expecting to be scolded. The quiet lady huffed and stamped about the room in some frustration righting the expensive equipment and detangling his paws. He did not earn the reprimand he thought he'd get though. Instead she merely picked him up and scuffed his ears. He was very sorry. Those loud noises that human things made were scary!

All the same, the many ladies gathered him up in their arms and took him to the kitchens were all the delicious smells came from. He'd be fed something yummy if he waited patiently and was extremely cute.

Santino shut the patio door behind him and made his way back up the winding grand staircase yawning and meaning to return to Lalienna's side. On the second story he was waylaid by Hector who had just finished working out and was now headed downstairs to swim some laps of the pool.

"Buongiorno Signore!" (Good morning sir!) "You're up early. What happened? The bed on fire?"

That earned a laugh from Santino that dismounted the staircase to  the landing and came forward to give his commander an embrace. The two men exchanged a kiss and tight hug before Santino came away and rejoined,

"I hadn't thought about it, but I suppose I could go try." A chuckle from each of them as they smiled at each other knowingly. Hector was assured that his little sister Lalienna was being well treated, but he was not about to let it go to chance considering her fragile condition. He was still haunted by the questions and implications of his employer with regards to miscarriage and child birthing that Santino had alluded to earlier in the week. He was not about to allow their tenuous relationship suffer for an oversight on his part. Therefore, he bounded ahead directly.

"Actually, Signore, there's something important I've been meaning to talk to you about, man to man. Would you mind coming to my room to chat for a bit? I can make you a coffee if you want?"

"Hector, it's not even six yet, can't this wait until a little later? I was hoping to lay down a few more hours before I have to greet today. Gianna is coming later." Santino complained.

"I know, Santino, honest. It won't take very long. I just need to run a few things past you, then I'll deliver you back into Lalienna's arms. Promise."

Santino scanned Hector's face and when he saw the sincarity across his features, he raked his hand though his head and gestured the commander lead the way. He followed along until both men found their way to Hector's private rooms on the second floor. Within, Hector's apartments were furnished in modern contempory classic style with pale grey toned walls and accented cornices. Much the ex military man, Hector kept his rooms respectable at all times. The large bed that dominated the room's centre was neatly made. The writing desk, though busy was tidy and the general air of the environment was one of well kept masculine elegance. Santino made his way around the coffee table to sit upon the plush upholstered pale fabric sofa and was joined shortly thereafter by Hector who paused at his sideboard to prepare a post workout drink. He offered the mixture to Santino who wrinkled his nose at the glass and waved it away.

"You're getting soft, amgio." Hector warned.

"Quasi." (Hardly.) Santino replied, with a crude gesture at his groin that made the commander laugh.

"So, what's on your mind that you won't let me go back to bed to my woman?" Santino inquired at last.

"Your woman." Hector replied, earning a characteristic brow raise from his employer that made him laugh.

"You can't have her. I saw her first." Santino returned matter-of-factly.

"Two things," Hector began sitting closer to his employer. He'd long since learned that the best way to disarm Santino if not by sheer force of will, was to use basic sensuality do the talking for him. As Santino seemed to reciprocate male attentions, he thought it might be a good card to play.

"The first is, I found a discreet clinic in town through the Soretti's. Their daughter works in the laser skin correction office and has agreed to remove Lalienna's... eh... scaring without asking any personal questions."

Santino considered this a moment. Noting Hector's proximity and bristling under the heat of the other man's eyes. He watched him take a drink of that vulgar post workout potion and nodded his ascent.

"So make the calls. Book her the first available appointment." Hector thanked his boss and promised he would.

"And the other thing?" Santino prompted.

"Well, Signore. The other thing, is intimate."

"I'm not selling, so don't ask." Santino replied, earning a flushing laugh from Hector that couldn't help feel slightly uncomfortable when his employer made vague references to propositioning. He was already aware that at least Christov viewed Santino with warmer eyes than most. He however could not play that card to direct completion. He drank down the remainder of his glass to regain his composure and went on all the same.

"No, Signore, really. It's more than that. Only... Ares."

"Fuckin' Ares."

"Yeah, Santino, it's a big house, but nothing keeps a secret for long. Look, obviously you and Lalienna are tight and that causes a bit of contention in terms of the family. Y'know?"

"I know, I know. I shouldn't be dating a woman hired as a guard. If it makes you feel better, we were sleeping together before she accepted the job."

"That's not what I heard."

"You're going to take my word for it anyway, and get to the point, Hector. Jesus."

"No boss, Hector will do. I'm not up to the walking on water bit yet." His attempt to diffuse the heat between them obviously worked. He earned his boss' laughter and that was a good start. With a deep breath, he carried on. For Lalienna's sake.

"Signore, look, I know, it's not my place to tell you how to run your love life, and that's definitely not what I'm trying to do here. But, what I mean to tell you is, Lali's young, man. Real young. And you know that not all girls fall well into the submissive role that takes the whip like some of us guys want them to." Santino tensed beside him at these words. His body language growing defensive. So Hector played the sensuality card a little harder. He rested his hand upon Santino's cotton covered thigh and gave the firm muscle a squeeze that made the younger man tense for another reason entirely. He became passive and listened for Hector did not give him the chance to interrupt.

"Look, we all know, that like some of us, you like to play rough and hard with the girls. You have in your past, you made mistakes and flowers bleed a little more than they should. There's lines, man. Just like us as family, there's lines on what a lover is willing to take before they consider it domestic abuse." He took his warm hand a little higher against Santino's thigh and lowered his voice drawing close so that his employer had to listen intently to what was being said next.

"We're worried for her. That's all I'm saying. She's not the kind of girl that will take a beating laying down, Signore. And you shouldn't make her do it just because it feels right to you. We know you love her. But we need to ask you to be mindful of her consent and not drag her into any of those deep BDSM scenes without her telling you she wants to explore them."

"Non ho bisogno di questa lezione." (I don't need this lecture.) Santino whispered back.

"It's not a lecture, Signore. It's just me asking you to be careful with her. Seriously. Stupid as it sounds, don't take her raw and finish inside her. It's too risky. A baby would only slow her down and pull you out of the game. Lorenzo won't like it, it's too early."

"Hector, please.."

"Shh, Santino, let me finish. Listen to me..." His caress of his employer's thigh relented, now Hector grabbed the other man's chin and held his eyes, drawing in close, millimeters from the other's lips so as Santino could almost taste his breath.

"If you want to keep her, and you want her keep coming back to your bed, abandon your whips and knives. Give her everything another man never has and never will. Give her your caresses, your massages, keep her fed, keep her happy. If you're going to love her, let it be on her terms. Women... women can become incredibly malleable to a man's desires if they're well treated. You know this. You saw her eat last night. She struggled with her plate but she did it for you. And when you praised her, she lit up like the sun. Just like the puppy. Please... Santino, please. I'm begging you. We like her. All of us. You found a diamond that day in London. We should polish and keep her. Imagine what she could do for the Camorra if she's kept satisfied? Imagine what she'd do for you if you only slow it down?"

Santino was only then aware that he had been holding his breath. He nodded, slowly. The heat of his commander's eyes. The proximity between them was becoming overwhelming. He pulled away at last, getting to his feet and wishing he had a cigarette.

"Yeah, yeah I hear you." He admitted at last. "It was a mistake, what I did to her in London. I know. And we're only now making amends for it. I wasn't expecting her to ever return to me willingly after how harshly I treated her, but she did. Of her own accord. And she was hurt last fortnight at the party, when I said no to her and pushed her away. She looked so sick."

"And scared, Santino. And pissed off because of the kiss with Christov. I know you guys were tight once too."

"Not at any more. It was just a phase."

"You should tell Christov that."

Santino stopped at the sideboard and poured himself a glass of water.

"He say something to you?" He inquired.

"Enough.  Marcus has been looking after him last week. Those two have an understanding. And I already had a word to Tony and Curtis to keep it cool in public."

"Those idiots. I don't want any lapses in front of Gianna of our father. Lorenzo's leaving the palace to meet Lalienna especially. I want tonight to be perfect. No fuck ups. I want you in uniforms. All of you."

"Ares will want a tie." Hector hazarded.

"Ares wants a smack on the mouth if she's not in a uniform skirt like Lalienna. Red and black." Santino retorted. He wasn't adverse to Ares' boyish sense of uniform code but in front of his father he wanted the impression to be a great deal more formal.

"Red and black, Signore. We know the drill. Relax. Tonight's going to be fine. Panchelli and the girls have the house gleaming. We've checked over the stocks a hundred times or more. The rest of the gangs are keeping steady and Rome's working the way it should be. It's going to be just fine. You keep stressing like this you're going to start losing hair." Said Hector with a warm smile.

Reassured, Santino thanked Hector for the drink and excused himself back to his bedroom upstairs on the third floor. Hector had given him a lot to think about. No sooner did he hit the landing than Ceberus came running up the stairs with two gigging maids in toe. The ladies explained that he'd been a good boy and was enjoying the attention but was growing restless and wanted to be returned to his rightful owners.

Thanking them for their kindness, Santino lifted the pup in his arms and returned to his bedroom shutting the door quietly behind him and setting the pup down on the bed where the little dog immediately snuggled under his Mami's arms. Tired still, Tino sought to take residence beside the young woman quietly, mindful to not move the mattress. The moment he lay down her arms took his chest with a murmer of the word, "Papi."

He embraced his lover and closed his eyes but in truth he did not sleep another moment. The only thing he could consider was calling the chemist later that morning and making arrangements for his lover to be put on the pill.

THE HORRIFIC INTIMACY OF SURGERY AND DISSECTION.

Wishbone - Richard Siken // Surgery to remove the breast and dress the wound, c.1841, wellcome library // Jan Josef Horemans, Interior with a surgeon and his apprentice attending to a patient, c.1722 // Wishbone //  John Bell, IV Book II, Engravings of the Bones, Muscles, and Joints Illustrating the First Volume of the Anatomy of the Human Body, c.1794 // Andreas Vesalius, man presenting his flayed abdomen, de humani corporis fabrica, c.1543 // Jenny Holzer // Rembrandt, the anatomy lesson of Dr. Deijman,c.1656 // found in: Richard Barnett - Crucial Interventions.