Poor Red Bear. He’s apparently never met Becky before.

Strange how the more I read your style of writing, the more I start to develop an odd appreciation for it. The short chapters are a nice change of pace.

I agree with KazumaR1 and Nostory. As much as I'd like to read the alternate version, I have a feeling we'll get some of the darkness through Jenna, though hopefully not too much. How long have you been writing by the way? Your writing is so good.

You mentioned you were curious as to my idea of what is coming. Well there are two threads that need to be closed. First, the 'final lesson' alluded too earlier in the story:

***

"I guess because you're an Omega, and I'm not," she answered flatly. Claire's smile vanished, her eyes softening for a moment before narrowing.

"Ashley," Melody stated softly "that's not-"

"Don't bother, Melody," Jenna interjected sternly.

"If that's what she wants to think, let her. It's just one more lesson to teach before the day is done."

***

I mean, we have to have something that speaks toward it. And, secondly, this thread:

***

Once this was over, and assuming that Melody was even willing to return to their former pretenses of equality, that feeling would still linger, stronger than ever. That feeling of absolute inferiority in the face of her truly god-like sibling, one she could never hope to compare to.

***

Surely the three girls realize how their relationship as friends with Ashley has changed. Claire mentioned in the last chapter to remember they still loved her. But surely they understand the inferiority complex such treatment could impart. I have no idea how they'll address that, they certainly won't be able to 'cure' it. Howerver perhaps the girls will think of a way to make Ashley feel a bit more like an equal in SOME respects. I hope so at least.

Loved this chapter.

However you said:

[Jenna] also made it clear that they're putting every effort they can into not even harming her.

I don’t believe that is true. Jenna said these words:

'Our lesson is one in hurt, and not the emotional kind. Not the mental kind. The physical kind.'

So yes, Jenna mentioned they carefully avoided harming her thus far. But those words that I quoted were psychologically comparable to holding a partially loaded revolver to someone’s head or seating someone in an electric chair with hand on dial.

Jenna foreshadowed pain. Ashley anticipated pain — anticipation is often worse than the pain itself.

Now, that being said, this chapter was brilliant in its execution. You had the reader believing what Ashley anticipated. Gentle giantess lovers like myself rejoiced when no true physical pain actually occurred. Plus we got insight into Jenna’s mind -- she clearly isn’t as sadistic as she COULD be (thankfully).

As for the topic of equality, Ashley already mentioned Melody was 10 and she was a 9, so she’s not completely 'deluded'.

Furthermore, what happens when a pop star becomes famous, do her friends feel less equal? Or a man becomes Mr. Olympia, do his friends feel less equal because he can snap them in half? No relationship is truly equal. Sure the disparity in ‘power’ here is far greater than my examples, but still.

Dunno, I’m just spewing thoughts for the heck of it. Your chapters are inspiring, that’s for sure. Ultimately I’m proud of Jenna — way to go girl! She’s not out of the doghouse yet (from a gentle giantess reader perspective), but she’s definitely not Trell. Woot!

@Xkcd0088:Very well-spoken argument! I actually agree with most of it, except I’m not entirely sure about your interpretation of Marion. Here was the author’s response to me in a comment where I asked about her behavior:

“One of my favorite little quotes is that sometimes, an asshole is just an asshole. Sociopaths and serial killers are nothing new, and I feel like I'd be trying to needlessly "grey" Marion if I tried to make her look better against my concept for her.”

I’m not sure that I agree with the ‘asshole is an asshole’ quote. Sounds like perhaps you don't either.

However, I will say that the reason I read this series is because of lines like this one:

"He had been sitting on the the tip of Claire's nose for that one, a goofy grin on her face as her eyes crossed to keep an eye on her big brother."

That one line melted my heart. Vivid imagery. I cannot get the picture out of my head. It symbolizes something that can be difficult to express. So probably no matter how violent things get, I’ll keep reading the story because of that one line. I’ll probably keep reading all of Ackbar’s other stories (should he write something not in Omegas universe) because of that line.

You really have a way of showing personality complexity. Even though I know Ashley deserves what’s coming to her, I still feel bad for her — perhaps because the story is told from her perspective. I want them to forgive her even though I know we have to wait until she acknowledges her actions.

So wait, what is the big difference with Claire’s actions? I assume Claire means that Sean was being disciplined? Or maybe that Claire has a greater sense of Sean’s discomfort and can avoid harming him? Or both? Another thing, if this is Ashley’s first offense, surely the girls can sense some of the regret in her voice? Obviously she broke the law but I hope Melody is around to keep an eye on Jenna — I could see how the latter girl might invoke a punishment that exceeds the crime.

This sentence:

"I’m not going to be able to pick you up for much longer"

Likely means that Clare will grow at some point (though perhaps not quite as large as her mother).

I like this story. I’m a fan of magic, its exclusivity to women, and the gender-based social tensions that result.

As for the inspiration, I have to thank you for that as well. Melody and Ashley’s relationship in particular inspired Splinter’s Edge: Wrestling Match. Not sure if that is the 'alternate world' you were referring to (I suppose it would be ironic if it was), but I think it's cool when authors can derive inspiration from each other.

"When did you become such an awful person?"

I echo Howard’s question. I’m deeply curious as to the exact moment in time when Elena changed.

It probably wasn’t instantaneous but the child is an infant. So did she want to abandon her son during her pregnancy? Why did she even spend an entire year attempting to reproduce?

I’d like to see her thought process — the inner workings of someone’s mind when a change like this occurs. When love is replaced with indifference. Show me that. If it is a gradual process over many months, show me the highlights.

She started her life alone — a wallflower. Sadly, she’ll end it the same way. Omega’s will enforce reform. Elena mentions ‘not with how I am now’. That implies she’ll change again. She’ll beg Howard and her son for forgiveness. She’ll likely suffer more than either of them for her actions. All because of her selfishness, her cowardice, her frozen heart.

Show me when it froze.

Ouch, ouch, ouch! How can there only be 2 chapters left? That's not long enough for Bridget and Lexi to heal. They'll need time. If they don't get time, that means the story will end with them on bad terms.

Oh, and Lexi had better not die. If she does, I quit the Omega series.

Actually, I'd prefer if Lexi did not become permanently injured either.

What I'm asking for is please, please no sad ending to this story. Ugh, that would kill me. And no bittersweet ending either. There are plenty of super sad chapters in this story so make the last one a happy one. I'll give you a better review if you do. :)