It was eerily quiet as Roxanne waited within the car; the parking lot of Rosen Accessories absolutely filled with vehicles of all brands yet not a single one occupied. Every car present either belonged to a gala attendee, or to a nightly worker forced to cater to the whims of the one percent. They didn't want to be here, of course, much rather preferring to spend their night with families, friends, or even alone, were that an option. But they all had little in the ways of arguing against those that paid their bills, and even less in standing up to them. The truth of the matter was that, for an event as grandiose as this, the payout would be well worth the effort of their labor. 

Or… at least it would have been, had Roxanne and company chosen not to take advantage of such a close compaction of those they'd do well to get rid of. People who, if push came to shove, would have likely done the same to them. 

It was unfortunate that so many could get caught in the crossfire as a result, some deserving and many more that were not, but at this stage it was unavoidable. All the pieces were in play and they, as it were, were a part of the board. Their sacrifices would just have to be put to good use. It was the most respectful thing to do for dead men and women walking. 

Roxanne had faith, as much as anyone stuck in a car could have, that her friends would see their shared goals realized. If not completely, then hopefully in some substantial capacity. Enough to where they could freely pick up any fallen pieces, starting their dreams of taking the whole world by storm. 

They were competent enough. Smart. Roxanne knew they'd all play their respective roles well… 

That said, it never hurts to be thorough in the execution of a plan. Especially one as poorly structured as this. Roxanne couldn't help but worry, especially when they were all so close to the end of everything. 

They couldn't afford for anything to go wrong. 

That's why, without Lyza's direct knowledge, the Scientist kept a few of the cameras throughout the building on, despite previously stating otherwise. Both as a form of entertainment, as well as a means of monitoring the building's floors, hallways, and various other rooms. Anything where people might think to hide and in turn needed to be weeded out from. Nothing to incriminate her friends, obviously, but Roxanne felt that it'd do everyone wonders were she to keep tabs on her team's progress. Not from a lack of trust, but making sure they stayed on track wouldn't kill anyone. 

And it wasn't as though Roxanne had anything better to do. 

Swinging one leg over the other as she got comfortable in her seat, the Scientist couldn't help but eye the little addition to her ensemble, now that he was in full view once again. Her little beta toy, with whom she made sure accompanied her tonight. 

Roxanne still had Matthias stuck to his chain; the gilded jewelry having remained fixed around her ankle and proving to pair quite nicely with a purple dress Lyza had provided. They wanted him to watch as everything he had worked towards fell apart around… and the world he craved to be a part of would forever be out of grasp 

In truth, even just looking at Matthias now was enough to make the larger Scientist's blood boil. 

Roxanne had placed so much trust in him, years of working together, their relationship, and all that amounted to for Matthias was the chance of stabbing the one friend he had in the world in the back. 

He should have been killed. Given to Maya as one last treat before she grew back. But instead Roxanne chose to keep him, as a reminder to herself of not losing sight of who her allies were, as well as serving as an example of what happens to traitors who don't remember their place.

Roxanne would keep her little prize, but to toy with the shrunken scientist, to tease and play with Matthias's miniscule body, would be to acknowledge the traitor. And as far as Roxy was concerned he was barely worthy of that. They were a little adornment now. One she'd keep to pair with some clothing or her set of shoes, but only ever just that. Even now, she had been chosen to matching set of black flats she wore just for that one purpose. To parade Matthias around, were that chance to present itself. 

And once Roxanne grew tired of him, watching his body wither away and become useless, she'd dispose of him in a manner most fitting for someone so… pathetic. 

No, they were less than that. They were purposeless. Directionless. With nowhere to go now, and no way to redeem themselves, Matthias had nothing to live for. They wouldn't beg for death, their pride preventing that even now, but at this point it must have seemed like the better alternative to this new life. 

But extinguishing the rat right now would be such a waste. It was a job for the future, and here in the present Roxanne's hands were tied with things far more important than petty revenge. There'd be plenty of that later.

Rather than play at judge, jury, and executioner, Roxanne would much prefer acting as her companions eyes in the sky. She wanted to see how everyone was faring, if they needed aid or if they were fine as they were. 

And to her satisfaction, from what she could tell upon opening Matthias's laptop, using it as a means of surveillance, they were doing rather well. 

From the look of things, Lyza wasted no time blending in with the crowd on the building's top floor, and as one might imagine it was bustling with activity. High profiled individuals, every last one, and more than a few Roxanne found herself remembering. Through said memory, the scientist could tell who would most likely fall in line under Lyza's new rule, and who would stubbornly try to deny her claim and glory. 

Maybe… half?

Yes, more than half of those on that floor would try to oppose Lyza when given the chance. With them, it was never a matter of if. 

The rest, being more of a cowardly sort, would probably be more than fine with having someone else take the reigns of queendom. So long as they had a place in the new world, they'd likely follow anyone; hence why plenty flocked to Lynette and her Lover. They seemed the most probable candidates to take over where Josephine Minerva had failed. 

How… unfortunate it'll be for all those vultures then when they learn that, regardless of whether they're willing or not, they were all going to die in the end anyway. That much had already been decided. 

The slate needed to be wiped clean, and once it had Roxanne and Lyza could find those they could actually trust… to an extent. There will always be people wishing to claim their places, that could not be controlled- not yet. They just needed to make sure they held all the cards before then. Give people a reason why they shouldn't bite the hand that'll soon feed them.

Until that point though, where the Designer could freely announce herself to the hidden world of puppet masters, it looked like they were content with waiting; sitting at a table, helping themselves to a few drinks and hors d'oeuvres while everyone else present conversed about their lives, their goals, and the future as a whole. From what Roxanne could pick up on sound, it seemed like many were actually eager to see Lynette's and Lewis's plans come into action. 

The promise of Josephine Minerva, their original leader, at long last being fulfilled.

This brought a smile to the equally eager Scientist's lips. 

Oh how little all these people really understood. The world was never meant for them, before or after Josephine's death. She had planned on betraying her allies even during the period in which they had promised their loyalty. 

To rule alone, in a world that belonged to only her. That was always Minerva's goal from the very beginning. Everyone else was just a cog in her machine. 

Now, with the actual headmaster gone, new hands could work at the controls. A promise would be kept, and all those who thought they'd rule the world would still find themselves with a new perspective of life… just on the shorter end of everything.

It seemed fitting that Lyza would be the first face they saw once dominated. Someone they didn't think to look towards in the past; now acting as their introduction to their brief future. 

Were they to have even paid attention to their surroundings, some within the crowd might have been able to find out by now that the Designer they belittled was among their numbers. It wasn't as though Lyza was even making an effort to hide, her white hair and red eyes standing out now more than ever. But the untouchable will always see themselves as such, and so hardly knew of true danger when it actually presented itself.

It's fortunate then that it wasn't Maya up there instead… As from the video feed Roxanne could see, the psychopathic redhead was having more than her fill of fun. 

They were gruesome in their massacre, delighting in the blood red torment they delivered- all judging from the laughter that could be heard over the laptop's radios. Roxanne knew Maya to be eager to return to her old vices, though this… may have been taking things a bit too far too fast. 

They were at least enthusiastic, that much could certainly be said, though it never hurt to tone things down. Especially when they all had something of a time limit to remember. Roxanne didn't want anyone catching wind of what they were doing, and so had half a mind to call the raging psychopath now before she forgot the importance of such a fact. 

Then again… doing so might just lead Maya Roxanne's way, and while the Scientist didn't doubt their friendship, they also understood that the Murderous Woman was at most times volatile by nature. 

And that's putting the term loosely…

It'd… probably be the best then that Roxanne didn't disturb her…

At least Aiden was with Maya. While he may be small, the little Beta has proven capable of bringing his once girlfriend back from the brink; having done so on several occasions. Sure with differing, at times life-threatening results, but he had that experience. At his size, not many could say the same with that devilish woman. 

That was thankfully comforting.

Once more, all Roxanne found herself needing was some faith in her friends. They were competent enough to get things done.

Relax, that's what she had to do for her part. Nothing too difficult. 

Setting her old “companion's” laptop on the passenger seat beside her, Roxanne leaned back into her chair, kicking her legs up onto the dashboard, working off her flats and deciding that, maybe just this once, she'd go without stressing over scheming and plots. 

Nothing would be gained if she did so anyway, and it wasn't as if she were going anywhere any time soon. Roxanne would check back from time to time, but things so far seemed as though they were in the green. 

Getting relaxed, the Scientist pressed her toes against the front window of the car, embracing the cold freshness of the night air on the windshield; cooling her soles and calming her nerves. 

Roxanne also found herself once more wondering… what would it feel like were she to have chosen to accompany Maya and Lyza in clearing out Rosen Accessories? 

To be precise… What might it feel like to toy with those that have shrunk?

It wasn't as though she were unfamiliar with those sorts of sensations- there had been plenty of instances in the early days of the beta epidemic where she partook in them, though usually at the behest of her employers. But it was clear Maya and Lyza's actions and reasons were far different from her own. Carnal, filled with desire… lust and satisfaction. In more then one way, a sense of power. 

Roxanne… felt something similar before, when witnessing how Maya's and Lyza's foreplay went. To use someone smaller than yourself for sexual gratification. 

It's been thought about before… more than a few times now… though never initiated in a way that'd be able to satisfy the Scientist's sudden, purely scientific, curiosity. If anything, the only thing that's ever come close to that would be the foot massages Aiden had given her in the past. Something she… unexpectedly found herself longing for again. 

His small body against her larger, vaster, more powerful soles… it was a tantalizing fantasy to humor.

Biting at her lower lip, as well as curling her toes at the mental image, Roxanne pushed those thoughts out of her mind. That's twice now she's had such… urges intrude upon her. Twice in which Aiden had been the subject of them. Well no more! There'd be plenty of time to test out any 'theories’ in the future, when everything was set in stone. 

And preferably with someone who wasn't a close friend. 

For now though, Roxanne would remain in the car, in silence, patiently waiting for any good news.

And the Scientist did… for all of 10 minutes anyway. All the way up until she found herself growing stressed once more. Fidgety. The thought of things going awry in such a short amount of time spurring her to motion. 

Roxanne couldn't help it. Being on the sidelines like this, when everyone else was risking their skin in getting the job done, it was grating. Nail biting. And most of all, it made Roxanne feel useless. 

True, no one would have gotten to this point without her, her intellect being maybe their greatest weapon, but she wanted to be there in the end. See it all for herself, the culmination of so much effort. The fruits of their labor laid bare before her.

All Roxanne had to her name at this moment however was a rat wrapped around her ankle, and a few extra canisters of formula in the back trunk. Beyond that… she felt as though she were sitting with her thumb up her ass. The sidelines, as it turned out, were just not her thing…

Were Roxanne capable of tempting fate, perhaps finding a way of including herself into the mix of tonight's activities, she would have done so already. That being said, even she wouldn't think to fall into such fruitless thinking. 

She was better than that. Sophisticated. Not some wishful woman who'd try to manifest what she wanted.

Ironically though… and by some twisted sense of fate, as well as ill timed cosmic humor, the Scientist did ultimately get her wish. 

It was just… not in a manner she'd have probably hoped for.

Fortune would smile upon Roxanne, only to immediately scowl once she saw the headlights of a late arrival’s car turn into the parking lot. Not close enough that she'd likely be spotted, thankfully, but enough to where she could easily see the vehicle's occupants the second they stepped out. 

And who the Scientist saw sent a chill down her spine…

Dressed in business wear, with pink hair tied back into a ponytail, Roxanne saw Lynette step out of her car- her Lover Lewis in tow, following directly behind her and wearing his own matching suit. 

He trailed five paces behind the bratty CEO, like a dog, obediently waiting for his master to either compliment him for his matching attire or give him an order which he'd doubtlessly follow. Judging by the expression on the Woman's face though, Lynette was in no mood to humor either of those things. 

Were Roxanne to make an educated guess, this late arrival of theirs wasn't exactly planned. In fact, from how they looked towards Lewis with a certain sense of animosity, she'd say Lynette held them responsible for their tardiness. It'd almost be funny… that is, were this not to have been the worst possible scenario that could have happened. 

As they made their way to the building, not a word being spoken by either of them, Roxanne could only pose the question of… why?

Why now, when things were going so well? Why them, the two people who were the most important parts of tonight? But most of all… why directly AFTER Roxanne desired a reason to get involved?! 

Now she felt as though she were to blame!

Whatever, it didn't matter. 

Picking up Matthias's laptop once again, Roxanne checked to see if anyone's positions had changed. If this sudden development threw a wrench in the plan then who knows what else could have gone wrong? 

From the look of things though, everything thankfully seemed fine at the moment. 

Maya, it appeared, had happily made her way to the second floor by way of an elevator. That was good. While it meant she wouldn't be there on the first floor for Lynette and Lewis to see, it also gave Roxanne a reason to shut down the elevators of the building; something which she made sure to immediately do. 

While Matthias may have been a piece of shit, it could not be denied that his personal laptop came in handy in controlling certain technologies. Cameras, radios, anything with a connection and Roxanne was able to connect or severe it. This way the two new arrivals would be forced to take the stairs, hopefully buying the girls the time they'd need. 

But this was only a temporary solution.

Checking in on Lyza, it appeared as though nothing had changed for them. No one had begun to shrink, though there was a clear unease in the atmosphere now. Likely someone realized the tardiness of the two late arrivals, and with that came suspicions. Something clearly went wrong, and as people talked and gossip the paranoia would only worsen. Lyza was probably going to capitalize on this soon, reveal herself to the crowd just as the effects of the gaseous beta formula took over. With the size of Rosen Accessories, it should be reaching them soon. 

This just left Roxanne, and whether or not she should call the Designer right now and warn them of their sudden problem. She stopped herself, though… at the very last second. 

Such a revelation might distract Lyza from their task, and now more than ever they needed to remain focused. This sudden… intrusion couldn't be a risk.

So, against her better judgment, Roxanne made the decision of cutting off communications from within the building; both for herself and her companions, along with all the attendees and employees inside. Anyone who had a form of contact with the outside world would now be wandering in the dark. It was for the best. 

This had to be done. To ensure nobody called for help once their machinations had been laid bare, this radio silence was needed. 

And on top of that, to make sure nobody who could would try to escape… Roxanne sealed off the building's front doors once Lynette and Lewis were inside. 

Now more than ever, everything needed to stay within the building. And as much as she wanted to say otherwise… Roxanne knew she could still do more inside over what she could outside. 

So, when the coast was truly clear this time, Roxanne would do what needed to be done. Keeping an eye on her laptop, the Scientist watched its screen like a hawk, waiting for Lewis and Lynette to give her the opening she needed.

Putting on her flats, the Scientist's eyes never left the screen. 

She watched silently… and waited… eager but terrified to lend her help.

Sitting here again amongst a crowd that wasn't even aware of her presence, Lyza couldn't help but remember why it was she hated events such as this with a special sort of passion.

She saw people talking; conversations between old 'friends’ that always steered towards business. The smiles and the handshakes, both of which were immediately recognized, along with the purpose behind such seemingly harmless formalities. 

It was a charade.

While on the surface, it seemed like nothing more than friendly exchanges between peers, banter and jokes to break the ice, all it took was the observative eyes of one versed in these organizations and how they operated to realize that none of this was genuine. 

Lyza knew these people. 

Hell, she even had dealings with more than a few of them. That's why she recognized and understood the motives of any forms of ‘faux kindness’. It was an old trick… effective too. There was nothing seemingly more trustworthy than a warm smile; something which Lyza often used to her advantage. 

That being said, for all the tricks she knew how to use, after all that Lyza's learned over these past months, it still surprised her that so many people she knew held such powerful influence within the world. 

Her own mother and sister for starters, neither ever thinking to tell their own family about how it was the world was really run. They were more sinister than the Designer could ever give them credit for… more cruel. And the same could be similarly said for every other individual present.

They all had their grubby fingers situated somewhere in the globe. From stock prices to political decisions, from within the shadows they pulled at strings that decided the fates of millions… maybe billions. And all the while, on the surface, they wore smiles and grins; using a mask of generosity and kindness to mask their foul misdeeds. 

That's why, when Lyza said everything she saw here wasn't genuine, that there were ulterior motives at play, she believed it wholeheartedly. 

Thankfully, to her knowledge it wasn't anything on the level of overthrowing Lynette and Lewis. None here but the Designer herself were that bold. Instead, the strengths of the otherwise spineless came from longer-term, overly thought out plots that, in time, would cause some to lose their positions of power while others moved past to claim them. 

It was a vicious cycle no different than that of the corporate world. A cruel game similar to chess in that regard, with pawns being discarded, knights defending those that were useful to them, and the king and queen watching it all play out from the safety of their social standings.

Atmospheres such as this were always too… slimy for Lyza's liking. 

Even early on into her coming to terms with her new position as CEO of Vermont's Garments, these sort of events never appealed to her for the sole reason that nobody could ever be trusted. Supposed friends turned on friends when it benefited them, or the business of a rival was ruined in its entirety through ill dealings. If anything, Lyza was guilty of more than a few crimes herself; using Maya to get rid of anybody who thought to poke their nose in places they didn't belong. Or… to weed out the aspiring competition.

Were it not for that, something so unfortunately common that it was practically a way of life, then the Designer could very well see herself enjoying these types of festivities. She'd certainly love to share it with her loved ones in the future, a date with Maya perhaps, but as things stood now… that wasn't a risk she'd be willing to take. Not until there was no longer a target on her back. 

Regardless of her thoughts though, Lyza supposed it didn't matter in the end. Enjoy it or no, there was only one way this gala would conclude. 

Her way. 

Looking at her cellphone, the time being but a few minutes away from midnight, Lyza assumed she'd stepped away from the rest of her group long enough for the beta gas to finally reach the top of the building. “Good,” she whispered to herself with a smile. Finishing off the last bit of wine she had left, having chosen to just munch on a few snacks as well as drink to pass the time, the Designer mused over how best she might reveal herself. 

Lyza could be loud and bold, show off her excess of confidence for all to see, or present herself as someone both proper and refined. Like her mother… as much as she'd hate to picture it. 

Ultimately, such a decision was determined by how she wished to be remembered this night as well as every night after, when so many would be forced to bow their heads to her.

She'd go with the flow. Act accordingly to how her audience would react to her surprise. 

Standing from her seat with a fork and glass in hand, the Designer brought the two together, the resulting ring drawing all eyes in the room directly on her. 

There was confusion at first, followed shortly after by the annoyance of those who were interrupted in the middle of important dealings. Trying to get a leg up over their supposed allies, now that the chance presented itself. Both groups however were quickly met with surprise the moment people began to piece together who it was specifically that had gained their attention.

Some, admittedly, needed more time then others to recognize Lyza. She had changed a fair deal after all, her betazation having left its mark on her. Changes for the better, the Designer had come to like them. But regardless of if they remembered her or not, Lyza surprisingly found herself reveling in the attention they gave her. 

It was a pleasant change of pace after spending so long hiding away in some dusty old factory. While not always the biggest fan of having an audience, only really bowing out to such things for the unveiling of a new clothing line, Lyza would admit that it was an invigorating sensation to have so many fixated on herself… all the while they were entirely unaware of what was going to happen. 

That’s what made all this so much sweeter. 

That being said, she wasn't here to put on a show. Rather, Lyza was the introduction to the night's real fun.

Raising a hand, the Designer further drew in the eyes of those within the crowd; making sure everyone remained focused only on her. She didn't want anyone making any calls, or taking any pictures that could be shared, or anything of that sort. Lyza wanted their complete, undivided attention. And once she had that, and they all remembered who it was they were gawking at, the so widely sought after woman placed her utensil and glass back on their respective table. 

“Friends and Families, comrades and co-conspirators. What a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance this wonderful night.” The Designer began with a courteous bow. To the surprise of many, especially those that knew her, Lyza appeared… polite. Considering the circumstances and what they knew of Lynette’s plans, that was the last thing anyone might have expected. Even more so considering how soft spoken she was, as though the danger Lyza was presently in hardly weighed on her mind. She continued, uncaring of the potential risk the people here posed; to both herself and her loved ones. “There's so many familiar faces I'm seeing here, plenty of which I haven't actually talked to in a good number of years. For that, I must apologize. For that… as well as what's to come…”

Lyza began to walk directly into the crowd, watching as they parted from her path; making room for the Designer to move about freely. Their curiosity and confusion guided most of their actions, keeping them from the rational thought of apprehending the target of Lynette's dreams while they had the chance. Instead, and in no small part thanks to the Elder Vermont's calm demeanor, did everyone present find themselves transfixed on the Designer. It was a tactic deployed, when the attention of a room needed to be gained. It was especially useful for business meetings and clothing events. Lyza knew how to walk and what to say to get the reactions she wanted. 

And it helped that her appearance only added to this curious allure. Many saw her hair and eyes, speaking in soft whispers of when that change must have occurred. 

They'd no doubt seen photos of Lyza's new appearance, or heard rumors over how she had changed online. But what plagued their minds, were the white-haired woman to take a guess, was how someone who was supposedly an Alpha had been stricken with the beta plague. An impossibility in their eyes, especially after going years without incident, and a lie that had been fabricated ever since the epidemic took the world by storm. 

Now though, that little white lie was gone. 

While the truth hadn't been exposed completely, to the unwitting many who saw her now, Lyza's condition here was a fearful, frightening omen of the potential that even those who were once thought 'immune’ to shrinking now ran that risk of reduction. 

The Designer couldn't help but snicker at the irony of the situation. So many here were closer to the mark then they realized, seeing as how Roxanne's improved version of the beta virus did just that. 

Stopping in the center of the room, Lyza slowly spun on her heel, taking in the surroundings as well as the number of those present. Her sister spared no expense tonight, and so it seemed… that the list of attendees was all but full. The whole floor was practically bursting with people wanting to lay a claim on the world.  

Lovely. This just meant Lyza would have little to worry about in the way of loose-ends.  

She didn't want to beat around the bush in what had to be said. Nobody here deserved the luxury of that kindness. “Before this night is through, all of you are going to die.” Lyza revealed plainly. “Slowly or painlessly, that's ultimately up to you. But one way or another, none of you here are going to live to see tomorrow.” 

There was silence, at first. Disbelief over having heard such a bold, if not threatening, claim. It wasn't long though until that silence began to gradually break, leading into an uproar of loud, boisterous laughter. Guffaw and cackles that bounced off of the walls of the immaculate first floor, spurring more and more to join in on this outrageous development. Such words and actions, when delivered to so many, were nothing more than baseless, powerless threats. 

Lyza’s expression however, her continued calm demeanor coupled with a knowing gaze, made at least some believe in her words. Or at least they understood she meant what she said, thinking the Designer was crazy enough to attempt something such as an assassination. 

That said, while some knew to keep their mouths shut out of both fear and respect, the greater majority thought it only fitting to laugh in the face of the one who believed they'd soon hold all their lives in her hands. And why wouldn't they, when all they saw was an white-haired, red-eyed, young and foolish woman? A beta that, while as large as a regular person, was regarded as lesser all the same. To think, they thought Lynette was the ridiculous one of the Vermont household, and yet even she wouldn't act so stupid as to do something as reckless as putting herself in the open quite like this; explaining her intentions for all to hear. 

That was an act beyond idiotic, and yet despite the absurdity of such a claim… Lyza didn't even look the least bit worried. Even as the insults and threats were hurled her way, they did little to dissuade the confident woman. 

“You've got quite the mouth on you, don't ya Lyza?!” One older individual asked in between laughs. Half bald and with barely any facial hair to cover their face, the Designer recognized this man to be an old friend of her Mothers… for whatever reason may have possessed them. The owner of a prestigious chain of computer hardware, though she never recalled him knowing anything of the devices he advertised and sold. When she thought about it, Lyza imagined this man, Harlow McKlain, used his products as a means of spying on their usual consumers. A certainly beneficial ally to have… were he not known to be a massive prick. 

McClain howled louder, his laughter easily distinguishable from the rest of the crowd. “And here we thought your little sister was the slow one! Turns out though that your mother was right about you all along! You ARE the odd one out! HAH!”

His overly explosive behavior was something Lyza had seen plenty of, both when her mother was alive and well after. Harlow's been in the business for the vast majority of his life and thought himself unbeatable, hence his boisterous tone. Even when with his own family, were certain rumors to be believed, his behavior never changed; at times even leading into more explicit, controversial territory. 

That said… he did have a much more relaxed son. Younger than Lyza, in his early twenties, but far more familiar with emerging technologies. They'd be able to take over their father's company, were he to just… disappear. Of course after some simple coercion. 

The same couldn't be said of the one who joined in on McClain's taunts though. 

A middle aged woman with dull blond hair; a designer like Lyza, though one whose brand of clothing was far less popular by comparison… and admittedly overpriced for their quality as well. A struggler in the industry, and lacking in any family unlike Harlow. Though from that position in life it was clear that they used their single lifestyle to their advantage, and had other forms of influence. What they were, Lyza couldn’t say for certain. But she had a mind to find out when everything was said and done. “What more could be expected from someone even their own mother didn't trust?” the woman, Nadia Laroue, questioned, though not towards anyone in particular. “The black sheep of the family then and now. How she even managed to take over Vermont Garments is beyond me.”

The insults and belittlement, Lyza took it all in stride. She knew more than just Harlow and Nadia; nearly everyone present, and as time went on it was clear that they all had something to say about her. 

“You shouldn't even be here, who invited you?”

“Your sister was always your mother's favorite for a reason.”

“Why'd you even think you belonged anywhere other than the gutter?” 

Lyza listened to it all with a sense of satisfaction… and smiled. 

This… is what she wanted to hear. Their thoughts and feelings now that she no longer dealt with them as one business woman to another. Now that she had nothing valuable to offer, they gladly turned their backs on her. Lyza always knew they were snakes, she had that feeling, noticing hints of their untrustworthiness, but to see it all laid out for her now… it was wonderful. 

It truly made her feel as though getting rid of them all was the best course of action. 

So… when the first set of people screamed and fell to their knees, a sudden heat permeating their bodies as that all too familiar sensation spread throughout the party attendees, not even a single ounce of guilt was felt.

All they saw… the last thing they'd ever want to see… was Lyza growing before them, her smile stretching ever wider as they slowly realized her previous threat… was very, VERY possible.

“I am so very glad you all think that way,” the Designer admitted as she watched over the expanding collection of loose clothing. Suits and dresses, falling as their wearer's shrunk. To one of Lyza's profession, it was equal parts disheartening… and humorous. “Because that makes this next part easier for me, wouldn't you say?” 

Crouching down, Lyza took notice of how the increasing screams of those who were shrinking continued to rise up… before eventually falling silent until either the screamer themselves had fallen unconscious as a result of Roxanne's formula, or they had become too small to hear without proper concentration. 

In either case, they were only secondary in Lyza's goals. There was one particular individual whose screams she was intent on hearing the most. 

Crawling down on all fours, the towering woman didn't care for any dirt on the floor as she began to search through the clothing of the gala's attendees, taking extra care so as not to crush any of them too soon. She still wished to have her fun once they'd woken up, but not before having her special prize in hand.

There was one here, only one, who Lyza wished to plunge into the deepest pits of despair.

Her dear, darling Baby Sister…

“They're not… squirming as much as I'd like,” Maya complained as she sat on the floor, her legs stretched forward. Her heels removed, the monstrous woman dangled the limp body of one of the more recently shrunken souls within the building between her toes. A frown stretched across her lips as, much to the redhead's disappointment… she wasn't having as much fun as she'd have thought. “Why… aren't they… fighting back?”

In her haste to feed her more devilish urges, Maya had unintentionally worked faster than she'd originally planned, making meals and stains of one victim after another. Already, those who she collected on the first floor were pulp in her hand, and working through the second was proving just as efficient. Too efficient as it were, and far quicker than Maya could find joy in truthfully. A fact which her little passenger could clearly see, even from his spot in-between her breasts. 

“Maybe it's because you keep killing them while they're unconscious…” Aiden said, throwing in his more than likely correct answer to Maya's growing plight. “There'd be no fun for you when your victim's not even awake.”

Maya was silent, contemplating Aiden's reasoning, her fractured mind needing time to put such simple pieces together. When the dots did connect though, the blood-starved killer smiled. “Oh… Is… that so?”

Laying backwards, Maya rested her back against the floor. At the same time, Aiden's tight quarters grew relaxed, pulling apart slightly as gravity oh so gently parted his companion’s gargantuan chest. Not enough to where he could move freely, but just to where he was able to properly breathe. Though Maya wasn't a woman who had the largest breasts around, it was still an ordeal for someone his size to endure.

That said, when looking upwards towards the eyes of his larger than life ex… it did seem the preferable option when compared to whatever was going on in Her head…

“Then how about… we play instead, Aiden?” Maya questioned, her newly purpled eyes revealing her intentions without anything having to be said. If anything, they unveiled more than the old shade of blue, shining brighter in response to the psychopathic killer's deeper desires. They were easier to point out as a result, though whether that was an intention Roxanne planned for the newer formula was a mystery. 

What wasn't a mystery though was, in Aiden's silence, Maya taking it all as an excuse to steadily bring her breasts together. Slowly the pressure began to mount, but already that was enough to force the beta between them to act. 

“M-Maya!” He shouted, desperate to get her attention before things got out of hand. “Easy! Remember, play too rough and I'd break! We wouldn't want that right!?”

The unstable woman's breathing quickened, the thought of popping her favorite beta between her tits an all too enticing fantasy. Her right eye twitched at the image, and the saliva within her mouth pooled. “That sounds… delicious…” Maya admitted. Her fingers traced the curvature of her breasts, rubbing across increasingly erect mounds; a shudder snaking its way up her spine. “I want to, Aiden… I really… really want to…”  

Aiden hung his head, disappointed in himself. Not at the notion that he had chosen to place trust in Maya to do the right thing, but in the fact that he wouldn't even survive the whole night. He knew the kind of person his ex was, even accepted that she was, is, and always will be a devil on this earth. What rubbed the Beta the wrong way though was the fact that he wouldn't even see all his trials and tribulations to its end. The fruits of his labors and journeys, wasted because he was in the wrong spot at the wrong time. That… is what upset him.

“I want to… like… I really REALLY want to… but I won't…” Just as he was caught wallowing though, the pressure which threatened to turn the beta into paste retreated. In its place, the cool air of the virus laced air. 

Aiden looked up, watching and waiting for any changes in Maya's expression. He observed carefully, checking to see if she had managed to pull herself free from the brink of madness again. Time after time, continuing to ward off her own insanity, it'd be an impressive feat. To the Beta's surprise though, he saw… nothing. 

Maya's eyes still shined brightly and twitched, a haze washing over them as sanity became a luxury she could no longer afford. No changes visible, and yet the smile she showed seemed… softer. Gentler. Safer as far as Aiden could tell. 

“I… made a promise…” Maya explained, her head cocking slightly to the left to rest on top of her shoulder. “And I… wanna keep it…”

Remarkable. Simply remarkable… 

To see that Maya was maintaining cohesion, even on the cusp of wanting to give in to her lustful desires, was no small task. If anything, it was even more impressive than her returning to sanity. 

Maya knew her goal, her promise, recognized it, and kept it at the forefront of all thoughts. That way, even when her bloodlust was at its peak, she'd still have enough control to keep her hands away from the throats of those she loved. 

It was enough to inspire a sense of warmth within Aiden. Even when in the shadow of one who brought him close to death on multiple occasions, this change was enough to inspire a permeating serenity. One strong enough that, even as Maya brought her hand closer to her One and Only's speechless body, no animosity could be sensed. 

The still unstable redhead smiled softly as she used the tip of her index finger to rub Aiden's head, ruffling his disheveled, bleached hair as she did. “S-seeee? I'm not… so bad… I won't… hurt you.” 

The Psychopath’s smile twisted. “That is… unless you want me toooo~,” she snickered at the thought, hoping deep down that her wonderful obsession would indulge this thirst. Understandably, such a request wouldn't be humored, as seen in Aiden slowly, but jokingly, shaking his head.

That was okay. Even as Maya's breath staggered momentarily at the refusal, she still managed to catch herself. 

She was fine with this. She needed to be… for Aiden's sake… and Lyza's… Roxanne's as well. 

Everyone she cared for, Maya would keep a hold of this instability of hers for as long as necessary. 

It'd just… be a bit hard at times, what with how tempting this situation proved to be…

To her thankful relief though, Maya quickly found a distraction for her cravings the moment she heard a muffled scream emanate from between her toes. 

Her eyes darting towards its source, the killer of a woman all but forgot about her sweet little Beta. A strange twist of favor, as it'd probably be in Aiden's best interest if he were the last thing on Maya's mind right now. 

The Redhead shot upright, quickly looking towards her foot, her sights narrowing in on the shrunken beta thrashing against her toes. Maya cooed as she watched the poor shrunken victim, a woman, struggle; their efforts amounting to little more than a tickle that served to spur their tormentor's fixation further.  

“Ohhhh, what do we have heeere~?” Maya sang, her delight evident in seeing this live, recently awakened treat. “Lucky, lucky meeee~!”

With her attention elsewhere however, the psychotic woman hardly realized that, in her haste to play with her latest victim, she had inadvertently launched Aiden off of her chest. Sitting upright so fast, and after having given him some much needed space to breathe, proved to be a recipe for disaster once the beta had been ignored. The perfect scenario to send him catapulting away. 

His landing was rough, the cold floor of the building hardly being something capable of cushioning such a fall. Thankfully, even if his invulnerability was gone, Aiden still proved to be a tough bastard, skidding across the floor a full three times before finally coming to a stop the moment he crashed against a wall.

It hurt like all hell, and he wasn't exactly pleased with the whys behind his sudden expulsion, but thankfully Aiden was fine… for the most part. He had bruises decorating his body, but that was becoming a regular occurrence he was already too familiar with. It was more his ego that was wounded, seeing at how easily he had been misplaced. None of that though was even his real concern.

The real pressing issue here was getting back to Maya. A challenge by itself given the disparity in scale, but that wasn't Aiden's most pressing issue. What was was how the serial killer was currently toying with her latest victim, dangling them from between her toes as they screamed. For Aiden to interrupt that would be to place himself in the spotlight, and while he was glad his confidence in Maya could be reassured… he didn't want to push his luck. 

Too many times has he tempted fate, and at one point or another he felt as though his luck would run dry. So, as humiliating as it was to admit, the smart thing to do here would be to wait for Maya to finish things up. And with how she pulled and pried at the shrunken woman's body with both sets of her toes… it wouldn't necessarily take long before they were split in two. 

A grisly fate for someone who may or may not have deserved it, but Aiden was more troubled with having to see and hear it then he was over the possible death. Turning his back to the display he tried his best to tune out the horrid screams, even as they began to turn watery. 

Maya wasn't wasting any time here, skipping any formalities and moving right into the fun part. She must have been pent up, and any moment now Aiden was certain he'd hear the…

‘Squelch’

“Yep… there it is…”

The sound of someone's upper and lower half being separated before being unceremoniously dropped to the floor. It's not something easily forgotten, though Aiden really wished he could. Still, better them than himself, that's how he's chosen to live. And while it may seem a cruel mindset to ignore the cries of those desperately begging for mercy, it was clear that the world was soon to become all that much crueler. This mentality was a necessary adaptation to survive. 

And survive Aiden would, for many, many years if he had the chance. 

But that was the future, and this was now, and at any rate it seemed as though Maya had her fill here. Judging by the apparent lack of screams, that poor bisected woman was more than likely the last person remaining on this floor.

In truth, there wasn't much here to begin with anyway, so this had gone by far faster than expected. That meant the next floor up might be easier still to deal with, now that more time was on the table. A pleasant result, as it meant this night might not be as long as initially assumed. 

“At this rate, we might even be able to catch up with Lyza before she clears out the top.” Aiden mused, wondering how fast he and his crazed companion could really move. “Hey Maya. How fast do you think you could-” 

But that was as far as Aiden got, shouting his inquiry before a shadow fell over him. 

The Beta felt the wind mount against his back, increasing in pressure just enough for him to realize what was coming. Jumping out of the way just as the world came inches from crashing down on him, Aiden only just now realized how far he had been forgotten. 

Maya had nearly stepped on him… plain and simple. A moment too late in noticing this and Aiden might very well have ended up far more broken then he already was, plastered to the bottom of his Ex’s sole and suffered to face the rising pressure of her footfalls again and again until… he was pulverized. 

And to make matters worse, in her declining mental state, Maya probably didn't even realize this. If anything, she likely assumed her dear One and Only was still nestled safely between her tits, joining her as she made her way to the third floor to continue her slaughter fest. 

“Shit…” Aiden took off running after the shambling titan, hoping that by some divine grace Maya would notice he was missing from her person. Unfortunately he was quickly outpaced, twenty of his steps being simply outmatched by a single one of hers. Even as the Redhead took the time to put back on her heels, Aiden couldn't even consider himself halfway to reaching her. “Shiiit!”

His chance to regain Maya's attention waning, the Beta could only watch as the Titaness stride on ahead, attempting to use the building's elevators. To her surprise, they didn't work. Her delight didn't fade though, as this was only a momentary setback. With a shrug Maya opted instead to just use the stairs, thinking this to be the best way she could get the most out of any fear filled discovery she might make. 

And all that, her setback and decision making, occurred in a span of time Aiden couldn't hope to catch up with or even match. He wouldn't have even been able to make it to her ankle before the giantess eventually walked away, her goal taking precedence as she slowly moved further and further ahead of her Obsession's view… disappearing altogether.

“FUCK!”

Fantastic… simply wonderful…

Beset, Aiden would say that at this moment he was more annoyed than anything else. It would make sense to be angry over such actions, but considering the state Maya was in, that could be overlooked. She'd get an ear full once this was all said and done though, that much was certain. 

Until then, as much as he hated to admit it, Aiden was stuck. It wasn't as though he could follow in pursuit of his murderous companion, and even if the Beta tried he knew the only way up to the other floors were the stairs. There was no feasible way in which those could be accessed by someone so small. 

So… Aiden would wait. Eventually someone would have to come looking for him. That was a given considering his relationship with the girls now. They'd be worried, Roxanne most of all were he to wager a guess, and though it might take some time for Maya's sanity to return to her, eventually she'd remember where it was she had last seen him.

Waiting… Why did it feel like that's all Aiden did these days? 

Time ticked on by, the seconds turning into minutes as the Beta chose to lay on the floor. May as well get comfortable while he could, the odds were he'd be here for a while.

…or maybe not as long as he thought, as not even ten minutes into his waiting did Aiden hear the approaching sound of heels.

“That's odd…” sitting upright, the Beta listened carefully for where the clacking of high heels could be heard. The direction of the stairwell, same as where Maya had left. Though that couldn't be right… that is, unless she had already made sense of her mistake. 

His curiosity piqued, Aiden stood up; making his way towards the approaching footfalls in an effort to see who it was. Lyza or Maya, those were his two guesses, as to his knowledge they were currently meant to be the only people still at large in the building. 

But oh how wrong he was… and as the steps grew louder and louder only then did Aiden realize this. He listened patiently, cautiously, coming to a halt as he noticed the pacing of the clicks and clacks increasing. To the point that, in no time at all, he'd be caught in the shadow of this unseen person.

…and there he saw her. Fast approaching, an extra bounce in her step as they no doubt had to quickly deal with any lingering preparations before heading up top, was Lynette Vermont. 

Aiden fell backwards, the sudden appearance catching him off guard. Enough to where, much to his chagrin, he was caught right in the middle of the towering Goddess’s path. Thankfully, it was dead center rather than slightly off to the side, so the beta did not fall under threat of succumbing to an unaware step. Still, both heels came to a stop on both sides of Aiden's shaking body, the misfortune of suddenly seeing the target of Lyza's and Roxanne's ambitions here of all places making itself known. 

The pink-haired CEO came to a halt, an expression of confusion etched across her face as she looked across the floor. Empty, just like the first, with traces of miniscule blood stains here and there. A worrying development for her, yet something that offered a moment of salvation for Aiden as he took this chance to stand back up in the hopes of fleeing to safety. 

A mistake, as the moment the beta rose did Lynette's eyes fall upon the bisected body of the woman whom Maya had left behind. For a brief second she felt the world grow hazy, and as a result her legs felt weak. In this momentary weakness, the god-like Woman's feet shifted; not enough to where it'd threatened Aiden's life, but to where the shockwave of such a simple motion was able to knock him down onto his ass… with an all too perceivable yelp. 

Faintly hearing the panicked scream, Lynette's eyes moved from the still fresh corpse, working its way down the trail of blood left behind, and towards the cowering, but steadily recovering, beta. 

Aiden looked back, seeing that Lynette had noticed him… and swallowed… 

Her expression, once one of confusion, then of undeniable terror, soon turned sour… Foul. 

Frustration and anger boiled in the woman's stomach as she laid eyes on the single, damnable beta so many people coveted.