Chapter Text
Robin didn’t mind being an omega. In fact, she could care less about the social structure of this universe and why certain individuals were gifted with the strength of alphas. She could care less about the betas; those who avoided the cruelty of fate itself. She didn’t care that omegas were often seen as weak, submissive, and tools for reproduction and sexual satisfaction. If anything, she knew deep down she was privileged more than anything to have a supportive, loving, and overprotective brother who was an alpha. An alpha who held nothing but charisma and the stereotypical traits of what an alpha should be. Robin loved that about Sunday. Sunday was always by her side ensuring her pheromones were under control. Ensuring that no alphas were around her close enough to be engulfed by her scent itself. Though, that same protectiveness would grind her nerves. She wasn’t a damsel in distress–Robin had witnessed time and time again what alphas did to omegas and the way the Bloodhounds would tackle and attack anyone that dared to gaze at her with such salacious, cruel motivations.
She was gifted with the ability of a heavenly singing voice, and such a voice was enough to lull the ruts of alphas and tame the heats of omegas. Her voice had also motivated and inspired the hearts of betas as well. It was that sole ability of hers that made her appreciate the simple pleasures of life and the life of singing on the stage. But, she was a dancer as well. She was an idol more than just a simple singer–that was to be expected as the Family demanded her to satiate the ears and eyes of the spectators. No matter the cost.
Even so, she was not immune to obstacles within her career as an idol. There were days that the ruts of alphas were too overbearing and overpowered her abilities to tame such instincts that she had endangered herself on the stage. It was because of these few instances over her growth overtime that stages had installed cages underneath the flooring to keep her from alphas attempting to force themselves upon her. Plus, because of these instances, it was for the safety of other omega performers as well or even alphas who attempted to jump from their stages onto the audience. Such was the life of living in a structured, rigid society. From Belobog to Luofu Xianzhou to Penacony, it was the same no matter where.
All the rehearsals and fabricated smiles she held to her audiences as well as to others, it was exhausting feeling the suffocation from the Family’s demands. She was not as autonomous as she had believed–a naive belief that the Family and Penacony were places of utmost joyous times and no ill-will ever formed. Robin could always tell that her brother had fallen prey to the claws of their own family–the ones who warped and twisted him into the head of the Oak Family. The prince of Penacony. Even a prince is subjected to grief and burden–this was easy to tell for Robin. She knew her older brother after all. They were raised from the same branch of a tree, even if diverged onto different paths. She could tell those golden eyes of his were shadowed by the burdens of expectation and because of strict duty. He no longer was as warm as she remembered, but she could tell that her presence was what kept him together. He struggled much like she did.
“I’ve always wanted to see you on the stage, Robin.” Sunday’s voice reverberated in her mind, a long distant memory of hers.
“I was told I’d never succeed on the stage. That I don’t have the talent for it.” Robin remembered sighing, the way her wings would droop down instinctively to relay her emotions.
“Nonsense. I set this stage up just for you! I believe in you, Robin. I know one day you’ll be on stage and you’ll bring smiles to everyone across the world!” Sunday clapped his hands together. “But right now, it’s just us.”
It was one of Robin’s fondest memories. The best performances she ever held were for the one-man audience that was her brother. Her brother shared the same blood. The way they had similar wings and similar cool-colored hair colors. Even if their eyes did not match, Robin held onto her brother as he was the only family member she could trust and love without issue. Even when she began traveling country to country, city to city, she would visit her brother and bring him an abundance of snacks. She found that her brother liked anything that had a citrus taste to it. She often brought home orange cakes, lemon-lime candies. She knew he also liked berries, so she would bring similar treats back as well that consisted of strawberry filling, blueberry toppings and even raspberry hard candies.
All were passing memories nearly forgotten by time. When Robin’s name was called upon the stage, the forced smile she held for herself showed. All the bright colored props on stage were items she grew accustomed to. She had learned to dance for her shows to engage further with her audience, including a pole on the stage so she could twirl and climb on it as she sang her finale before the effects on the monitor behind her blasted colorful array of visuals. It was something she learned as an omega and as an idol that satiated alphas visually alongside with the harmonic melodies of her voice.
“Welcome to my world~♪” Robin sang as she approached the center of the stage, feeling the blinding light pin on her.
The crowd cheered, deafening her sensitive ears. The pastel purple-haired singer could only keep the smile upon her lips, her emerald green eyes shimmering as she welcomed her audience. “Welcome everyone here in Penacony, far and wide! Thank you for coming on this grand night! Tonight, I’ll sing you all a song from the heart~!”
Another loud chorus of cheers and whistling was heard. The music began playing and Robin, who had done this for years began syncing her voice and words to the melodies blasting from the speakers, her arms and legs moving to the beat. It always played out like this. Robin had seen it all during her world-wide tours. Fans of all kinds would visit and follow where she went, cheering and soaking up her songs with utmost joy. Some of her fans were sickly children who felt hope and joy in finding inspiration from her music. Some others were just in love with the themes of her songs. Some found her music therapeutic; the sadder songs of heartbreak and sorrow resonating deep within their hearts. Then, there were the fans that Robin did not like, but accepted all the same. The ones who lusted after her voice, her body. Her scent and her abilities. They were the creeps that were aggressive and hostile–obsessive even. It was why she had a personal bodyguard that was with her and lived with her at all times. To protect her from the gnarly, obsessive stalkers that dared try to lay a finger on her. It was a dangerous job, only the best of the best from the Bloodhounds would be assigned to her. She was the voice of Penacony. The princess that everyone adored.
And Robin despised that image others had painted onto her. That the Family painted for her.
The omega singer did not know how long time had passed when an audible growl amongst the crowd had alerted her, her wings flared out instinctively from the sound. Yet, Robin was not allowed to falter–to interrupt her sequence of events on stage due to the harsh training and doctrine her family reinforced to her. Her emerald irises scanned the environment as she continued to sing and dance, using the opportunity to climb up onto the pole on stage as if to scan further into the crowd. Twirling on the metal rod was never an issue, it always wowed her audiences and often made fans scream and squeal from joy.
When Robin felt her heels click and step onto the ground once more, the slight abnormal movement of someone pouncing onto the stage ignited her instincts to flee from the stage. Yet, she could not. She wasn’t allowed to. Always perform and keep your composure, as you are the voice and face of Penacony. Those words from the Family echoed in her mind, and her voice cracked for a mere moment as she stepped out of the way of the alpha pouncing into the spotlight. Even with her veins and arteries pulsing from the adrenaline in her body, her eyes focused on the alpha on the stage. She was aware that the Bloodhounds within the audience and behind the stage were frantically following protocol to ensure her safety. It was never safe to jump out onto stage and pin the prosecutor, as rolling and falling off stage may harm innocent bystanders or even her.
She was trained by the Bloodhounds and even her brother helped teach her to ensure her safety. Self-defense was necessary, but she lacked the physical strength to lay hits that were disabling and effective. So, she was taught to “flee.” To dance away and become untouchable. Alphas in their uncontrollable ruts were never able to truly focus. Robin learned this from observation. The same alpha pounced forward again, crashing onto the floor as Robin twirled and quickly maneuvered herself out of the way. Her voice she knew was struggling to keep up, from the arduous movement and the adrenaline coursing through her body. Yet, she could tell that the other alphas in the audience were on edge, but her ability to force sedation and ease onto her spectators were in her favor for her own well-being.
The metallic bars of the cage appeared from the flooring, snapping shut above her when she centered herself onto it, noting the alpha hitting themself from crashing against the metal. The song had ended and Robin cleared her throat. “My, my. An uninvited guest on the stage?” Her words were light-hearted by force to maintain that delusional “harmony” in the atmosphere.
A growl came from the alpha and hands attempted to claw past the metal bars to reach her. Fear. Robin had experienced fear each and every time when alphas in their ruts would prey upon omegas. She would hide behind her brother when she was of a younger age, until she grew her own wings to soar and power over them with her voice and movements. Yet, it was that berserk look that made her instincts flare. Run! Get away! Her inner voice would constantly scream at her for.
She was, after all, a caged bird unable to truly fly from her predators.
When the Bloodhounds arrived safely to force the berserk predator off the stage and out of the stadium, Robin let out a muted sigh of relief as the bars caging her unraveled and disappeared among the flooring. “Apologies my dear fans!~ Let’s continue, shall we?” Robin would always apologize and reignite the positive mood whenever these incidents occurred.
An hour and a half of performance was often enough to drain her in general. Especially after an incident with alpha fans trying to lay their hands on her. Once within her own closure backstage, Robin dropped the bubbly personality she displayed to the public. An elongated sigh escaped her lips and her body trembled slightly, processing the event. No matter how many times she endured the travesty of being an omega, her heart would always ache at the cost of her own happiness.
She loved singing. That was just a fact. She loved the way her admirers far and wide would come to watch her on stage, and the way their eyes lit up when she signed their autographs or casually indulged in a few idle banters was enough to replace the agony of being prey to alphas. Yet that joy was not enough to remove the asphyxiation of being tied down to her Family’s demands. It wasn’t enough despite all her efforts to free herself or her brother. In truth, she wanted liberation for herself. To live life without the barking of authority and expectation in her ears constantly. To live for herself authentically while inspiring others at the same time.
Knocking at the door alarmed Robin and she sat upright before hearing the door open. The scent of an alpha flared her instincts, but she soon settled down after recognizing that it was Sunday’s scent and not some obsessive fan attempting to break in without notice. Robin turned around in her seat to face her brother.
“Robin, are you okay?” Sunday’s concern was prominent in his voice, and Robin couldn’t help but smile and laugh weakly.
“I’m fine, Brother.” She answered in turn.
Sunday narrowed his eyes, his golden irises pinned on her. “I know you well enough, Robin. You’re shaken up, but you’re attempting to hide that.”
Robin sighed, but she kept her weak smile. “You’re right, Sunday. As an alpha, you will unfortunately never understand what it’s like. Nor have the control to stop these events from happening.”
The way Sunday grimaced slightly about the lack of control he’d have made Robin feel guilty by nature. She knew how the gray-haired man behaved. The way he’d endure verbal cruelty from their adoptive father and the way he was forced to shove aside his emotions and his own well-being just for the sake of family name, face and reputation. Their warm bond had issues growing up. Especially in their teenage years where they would argue and bicker often due to changes in their perspectives. As adults, Robin kept a lot of her deep-rooted thoughts and feelings to herself while keeping herself close to Sunday at the same time. She didn’t want to burden him further than she already had. She didn’t want to make him endure further toxicity from the family they shared.
The singer couldn’t exactly complain or deny that she lived a better life than most other individuals. She had luxury, privilege and other things that many would eye at her with raw envy. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I know you don’t like being told about not having control of the situation.” an apology was all she could give out at the time while attempting to soothe her emotions.
“It’s okay,” Sunday answered in turn, quietly. “I cannot fault you for saying it. You have endured a lot.”
“Same goes for you.” Robin glanced back at him with her emerald eyes. “But I’m not sure what’s worse. Being the “prince” of Penacony in general or being me where I have to try to force my voice out to the masses and soothe their disturbances. As well as satiate whatever the alphas want to see or hear from me.”
“You have it worse by far.” Sunday’s discomfort appeared and Robin could tell from the tone of his voice. “That's why I always check on you. It’s why you have your personal bodyguard.”
“Mmm.” Robin hummed to herself. “Where is Cadence anyway? Normally she’s here by now after dealing with disturbances.”
“About that…” Sunday sighed, the wings behind his ears twitching and flapping a few times. “She’s hospitalized currently from severe fractures and wounds from apprehending the alpha. It is likely she’ll need strict rest and plenty of rehabilitation. I believe she may be unable to be your personal bodyguard from now on. I have received a report from the paramedics that it is one of the more grievous injuries.”
“Ah…” Robin felt her blood run cold and her heartbeat pounded in her ears. “I…I see. I hope she’ll be okay with minimal issues.”
The silence in the room shortly after unnerved the pastel purple-haired omega. Her gloved fingers dug into the palm of her hands, the stress into her own flesh distracting her from her guilt and grief. Robin felt her wings droop downwards, her emotions creating unsettling turbulence in the pit of her stomach. Sunday’s hand grasped her shoulder and she peered at him once more.
“Don’t blame yourself for what occurred, Robin.” Sunday was attempting to ground her. “She has been with you since we were young. I know it’s hard.”
“I know.” Robin placed her hand on top of Sunday’s. “It’s hard. Ever since…the first time this has happened, I’m always being hard on myself. Hard on myself that I couldn’t be a beta. Or an alpha. That I had to be an omega and put others in harm’s way just to keep me safe.”
“You know that was never your fault.”
“I have to be perfect, Sunday. I have to be. If I’m not perfect…then…”
“Robin. It will be okay. Since the concert is coming to an end, how about we go back home? I know you have your own place, but because Cadence is hospitalized, I believe it’s best for you to stay back at my place until your new bodyguard is here and adjusted to everything here.”
Robin couldn’t deny Sunday’s logic in the matter. Granted, there were minimal casualties around her home when she lived by herself, but it certainly was unnerving knowing that the other Bloodhounds weren’t as skilled as Cadence or like Gallagher. Gallagher was the one managing the rest of the Bloodhounds. He was a busy man with a hobby of cocktail making as well. He was also always with Sunday, ensuring things ran smoothly and Penacony was safe from harm. Plus, Robin didn’t want to be the victim of a hungry alpha breaking in and doing unspeakable things to her solely due to who she was as a person.
“Okay.” Robin nodded, “just for a little while…”
It was unnerving stepping back into the family mansion. The very mansion she grew up in with the other family members. It gave Robin some pleasant nostalgia despite how antsy she was. Much didn’t change from the looks of it. The servants had greeted her as if she had never left, and others were elated to see her return after so long. Several new paintings were on the walls and excusing herself from her brother’s presence, she made her way up to her childhood bedroom.
Everything remained untouched besides the obvious sign of cleanliness. The plushies she had were sitting on her bed alongside the family photos she had with her brother when they were children on the night table. Her story books were on her shelves and her desk was tidy and neat. Emerald eyes scanned at everything and Robin opened the closet to see much had been unchanged as well. The clothes she used mostly on her day-to-day basis were back at her house while everything she didn’t need was left back here. She threw off her jacket and laid in bed, feeling the comfort envelope her much like a warm embrace. Her room was very pink. It was clear her tastes in colors had changed over time as back at her old place the walls were white and in this room there were pink-colored decorations all over the place. The fatigue devoured her whole and she couldn’t help but close her eyes and drift off. She deserved some quiet respite after all.
When she was more rested, Robin had asked her brother to come back to her place with Gallagher to help move some of her important belongings back to her family home. It would take some time before the new recruit would be hired and trained. The best she could do was pack up her microphone, headset, laptop, computer and other belongings to keep herself busy while she waited to meet the new hire. It was a busy day, however, she immediately settled back into her room. The servants around helped a bit. Thankfully her housekeeper will keep everything organized and taken care of while she stayed at the mansion in the meantime.
Sunday kept her updated with the hiring process and it took three weeks before someone was hired. This piqued Robin’s interest to say the least. She had been informed that the new hire was a woman much like her previous bodyguard. Though, the detail that made her tilt her head to the side slightly and her brow raised was that the new bodyguard was perceived as frail, and sickly. It was almost an oxymoron in itself to hire someone who was fragile to the role of security that required endurance, stamina and strength.
“That’s…almost ironic, isn’t it, Sunday?” Robin voiced her confusion, “why would you hire someone who is perceived as sickly and frail when we both know what is required as a bodyguard for the Family?”
Sunday chuckled. “At first I questioned it myself when Gallagher did some scouting…however, this person is from the Stellaron Hunters. I’m sure you know of them?”
Stellaron Hunters. Robin parted her lips slightly, lost in thought before she replied. “I have heard of them, yes. They don’t specialize in one specialty. Yet they seemed to have members that are exceptionally skilled at what they do. One of them is an expert businesswomen…another is a blacksmith. There’s also someone who does well with hacking and IT concerns.”
“One of them is exceptional at fighting. She is known for her fighting capabilities and her quick observation skills. However, if you do have concerns with her, you are free to let me or Gallagher know. We’ll sort out the concerns accordingly.”
“I see. When will she be arriving?”
“Sometime today. I’ll come and grab you when she’s here.”
Robin felt butterflies flutter in her stomach. Exciting as it was meeting new people, she also was uncertain how the introduction would go. When she had met Cadence years ago, she was a shy young girl still learning the world around her. Now, she was a grown woman capable of doing things herself. Though, Cadence is a beta. Thankfully her heats when they did come monthly did not trigger any ruts or heats in her previous bodyguard. She was uncertain what her new one was, though she hoped she was a beta as well.
Several hours had passed and Sunday had come to acquire her for the introductions. Emerald eyes gazed at the vanilla blonde-haired woman neatly dressed in greens and browns. Her skirt was neat, and the ribbon and headband kept her hair neat and tidy. Though, the most prominent feature from her were her eyes that reminded her the colors of sunrise. The blues and pinks in her eyes captivated her immediately and it took effort for Robin to quietly clear her throat and smile, reaching her hand forward.
“Hello~ I’m Robin, but I’m sure you know that.” The idol chuckled softly when she noticed hesitation.
“I-It’s an honor to meet you close in person, Miss Robin. I’m Firefly.” Firefly replied and took Robin’s hand with hers, giving a gentle handshake.
“I will leave you two to know one another. Robin, if you need me, you can inform me at my office room for anything.” Sunday nodded to Firefly and Robin.
“Of course.” Robin replied, watching Sunday leave the room. “Anyways…make yourself at home Firefly. You’ll be staying here for a little while as you do your training and adjust to everything. I’ll show you the guest room you’ll be staying in.”
They weren’t wrong in saying she looks frail and sickly…but she has this aura to her. The monologue in Robin’s head was invasive, but she kept her mouth shut as she observed Firefly look around her surroundings. She gently took her hand in her own hand before guiding her to where the bedrooms were. “I hope you don’t mind there’s a lot of stairs here.”
“I don’t mind at all.” Firefly answered, following the idol up the stairs to the location of the guest room.
The guest rooms were often plain and barren besides housing the necessary furniture for rest, comfort and productivity. In contrast to her own room, Robin found that the guest rooms were lifeless and stressful to remain in. Though, she’d imagine Firefly overtime would have some decorations and other items in the room eventually.
“I know these rooms look barren and lifeless, but feel free to put anything up for your own comfort. None of us mind.” A smile towards her guest, her new bodyguard.
“Thank you.” Firefly placed her suitcase aside once she stepped into the room. “I’ll let you know if I need anything else. I won’t waste your time.”
The scent that wafted towards Robin made her widen her eyes. She nodded and left Firefly’s room. She recognized that sort of scent from anywhere. No amount of scent blockers would hide the most subtle of scents from her sharp sense of smell. Years of working in the field as an idol made her learn very quickly that many individuals masked their scents in hopes to get closer to her. To get her to lower her guard down. Yet, there was something so sweet and alluring about Firefly’s scent that she could not help but put a finger on.
My new bodyguard is an alpha. Robin let out a deep breath once she entered her own room, closing the door behind her. Memories of the alpha attempting to grab her while she remained in a cage played in her mind. The wings behind her ears twitching slightly, uncomfortable with the memory she previously slotted away. While she was a kind woman who did not judge at first, deep down her instincts of being an omega overpowered her sense of logic.
She had hoped deep down that Firefly herself would not turn out to be a monster in disguise.