19 Before

"I knew you would end up coming sport, don't want to miss out on family time right, eh?" He elbowed me in the side. I gave him a look and elbowed him back, "Fuck off damnit."

We both laughed, "Well anyways Checkpoint three is just up these stairs, supposedly the best part." my father said as he drank from a canteen.

Veronica brushed past me, "This is why I proposed the idea, we need to relax as a family, it will help us get to know each other."

Autumn, Arid, Fey, and Olivia walked behind us, the four chattering and occasionally giggling. Jane and Amelia were behind them, Jane most likely giving the scoop on everything that has happened.

My mind wondered back to Sam. He knew my secret. That the four girls behind me were my sisters, hell, we even all had the same blue eyes. Just a lucky coincidence that I would have to explain to him.

I hate everything, why does my life get harder and harder. I have to take lewd picks of my sister, keep my secret away from Jane, make sure Sam is aware of what's going on, and I had to win an election.

I had to give a speech more specifically, not one of my strong suits. What could I possibly tell the rich and privileged that they do not already hear? I'm sure most of them had thousands of dollars in pocket change. I had five dollars left over after paying to get in.

At the moment though, my parents think Jane was just a friend of Arid's, not questioning any further. I glanced down at Autumn, her blonde hair bouncing as she smiled at Olivia.

Arid was looking at the city below us, and Fey was staring right at me.

She quickly looked away as our eyes met.

Then for a second, I wondered back. To when she had handcuffed me. I passed out from shock, but what exactly happened.

Did she do something?

I blinked the thought away as we came to the top of the stone steps.

Checkpoint three came into view.

My mouth opened with awe.

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Welcome to Jade HotSprings

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I waited as the rest took the last step onto the plateau which housed a long Chinese style building.

You have to be fucking kidding me, right now was no time for a hot springs episode, those come way later. I melted into a puddle, Jane stepping over me with a crazed look in her eyes.

"Oh my, how things have gotten interesting." She laughed under her breath as she winked at me. Was she actually on my side?

Arid poked me, "Hey get up, we don't have all day."

I looked at Arid, "What do you mean all day?"

Arid smiled, "To get those pictures dummy."

Arid stuck her tongue out and winked, "Jane told me, how are you not gonna tell me something so spicy? Also..." she swayed her skirt.

Purple...

"Exhibition is my thing ya know, can't wait."

I reformed back to my normal self, Olivia cocking her head at me, "What did she say to make you have a nose bleed?" She crossed her arms.

I noticed the liquid coming from my nose.

This is an actual thing!

I wiped it away and shook my head, "Just the dry weather."

Amelia tugged on Olivia's arm, "I wanna jump in already," she whispered through small lips. Olivia patted her on the head, "Alright let us go."

I watched my family approach the door, "This is it..."

The Chinese building exploded into white light, a small mountain peak taking shape.

The summit.

I started taking my first step when someone grabbed my shoulder, it was Sam.

"What's with the smile?"

I quickly made it fade away, "Oh no reason, you ready?"

Sam sighed, "This is because you are my friend, if it was my say, I would just drug them."

I karate chopped him on the head, "You are so misleading sometimes, I swear."

Sam chuckled, "That's just who I am."

I handed him the camera and he put the fedora on, "Hopefully this goes over smoothly , I would hate for this to blow up in our faces."

I laughed nervously, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves now..."

I turned to walk in, a small old lady motioning for me to hurry.

"Hey Warren."

I glanced over my shoulder, "Your secrets safe with me, it was a shock at first but, it's best if Jane doesn't know."

I nodded, "Yeah, if she does it might get interesting."

I awkwardly waved at him and approached the double doors,

It's time bitches.

I swung them open and walked in. I was greeted by a neatly kept living room with a round desk situated on one side. Nice polished wood floors and bamboo painted walls. Nice Chinese lanterns lit the entry, stairs going up and a hallway leading to the back. My group gathered around the counter, Veronica handing the lady behind the desk a black debit card. I watched as the lady nodded and gave it back to her, not even swiping it.

Hm?

No one else seemed to notice either. I scratched my chin and headed toward them, then I noticed something else.

Fey was looking at me again. I didn't stare back, noticing it barley in the corner of my vision. What was she looking at, or for?

I gulped down the unsettling thoughts that stained my mind and grabbed Jane by the shoulder.

"Having fun?"

Jane wrapped her hands around me and pecked me on the cheek, "Of course, I love hot springs, it's really nice for the skin."

I tried pushing her away as her boobs started pressing against my arm.

Tooooo clooose...

Jane smiled, "Did you hear?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Hear what?"

She leaned in, her lips touching my ear, "There is a mixed bath, we could always play the part a little bit better."

I almost turned to stone. Her hazel eyes staring me down and her purple hair smelling of strawberry. I got shivers as she put something inside my back pocket.

She finally pulled away, all four of the sisters watching us closely.

I began to speak, "Wha-"

They all turned away in unison, Autumn crossing her arms. Amelia stood dumbfounded by what was going on.

I shrugged at her and she smiled weakly, "Well we should head to the changing room to get ready, my legs are tired."

Olivia nodded, "Good idea Amy."

Hmmmmm.

They all awkwardly waddled away.

"Hey wanna peep before your sisters get in, now is the ti-"

I swatted my dad's hand as he reached for my shoulder, "Why do you always act like you are still young, wait aren't you married?!"

My father put his hand up, "I just work here kiddo."

I sighed, it was him just trying to connect with me. Veronica was still talking to the lady at the counter so he got away this time.

I looked at my dad, "Hey, that girl you texted me about, your coworker's daughter." I tapped my chest, "What's her name?"

My dad grinned ear to ear, "Hayley Ponds, why?"

I looked at Jane's ass going up the stairs, " I'll give her a shot."

"I knew my son was a lion waiting to come out, I'll give her contact after this."

I watched as everyone left, me being the only one standing in the waiting room.

What the hell was I doing?

I have twenty eight days to write a spicy short story that will sell. The final day to vote for president is in two weeks. Will I have time to do both?

Anyhow, I knew one thing, I needed that kiss as soon a a possible. I can't be a virgin because my dream of being an author will not allow it.

I bit my lip.

Hayley Ponds eh, let's hope she is normal.

Then, in the corner of my eye, I saw a girl swiftly move around a corner. I blinked, unsure if she was actually there.

Hm.

I walked up the wooden stairs and took a left when I got to the top, a sign indicating the boys changing room.

After putting all my stuff in a basket and labeling it with my name, I wrapped a towel around my waist. I looked down, the abs I had less visible.

Damn I was getting a little chunky.

SLAP!

I fell to my knees, my father standing over me with his hand raised, "You ready sport?"

He held his laughter in. I glared back at him, a red hand mark forming on my back. You cunt!

"You got a lot of nerve old man..."

I smiled.

He left in haste while laughing, as the door shut, it opened. Sam walked in with determined eyes.

...

I dipped my entire body in the water, a smooth warmth washing over me as I leaned back against the corner of the walls. It was a small circle clearing outside of the hut with rocks lining a small pool shaped in an infinity sign. Tall wood logs surrounded it, blocking out the forest just outside the Hot springs. The sun was still high in the sky, a few grey clouds at the horizon.

Was it going to storm again?

"What the hell are you doing?!"

I jolted from the deep voice, but somehow it was familiar. I looked around till I saw him.

It was the guy from earlier, the one who sold me my ticket and gave me the advice about checkpoint three.

He sat across from me, a towel wrapped around his head. He had a amazingly handsome face with a long nose and pale skin.

"Why are you here?!" I said, my father too far away to hear us. A bunch of grown men were next to him, a few drinking alcohol.

"I came to see my pupil!"

I put my hands up, water splashing in my face, "Quiet down, no one needs to hear us."

He nodded, "Anyways, I came to see if you would actually follow through, I was mistaken."

He shed a tear.

I narrowed my eyes in annoyance, "You sound like my dad, stop it please."

The kid sighed, "Well maybe another time..."

I rolled my eyes, "I am a two man operation."

We both got serious, "Wonderful, I knew I found a fellow photographer when I saw you."

He leaned in closer, ripples in the water coming toward me.

"So when will you strike?!" He asked, licking his lips.

I tapped my head.

"Now."

If I'm not mistaken my man is just outside the women's bath, waiting for any hint of me giving him a go. We talked about it extensively.

"How are you going to do that?"

I smirked, "Well you see, because of extensive hours of harem animes and light novels, I know the ins and outs of this whole thing. How things can go horribly wrong, or how things can go horribly right. I have literally been born for this moment. I don't need nude picks, so the changing room is our area."

The man nodded, "Not bad kid, just how do you suspect to get them in there? waiting is bad in this moment, if you wait, the possibility of getting caught rises. It is best to get them in the bath."

I shook my head, "Wrong my friend, all I need is a distraction, and that's why you showed up perfectly."

He raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?!"

I kept my devilish smile, "I know who you are."

He held his breath.

"You are Cameron Tanner no? the third student of the big three. Excels in all sports, has a herd of girls waiting for him, and works at Mt. Pyre. I study my enemies very well."

Cameron removed the towel, his blonde hair falling over his eyes, "Seems like you have a good memory."

I scoffed, "You were the one who sent Shi after me, of course I would remember you. Also once I heard you were on of the big three, I had time to look you up as such."

I pointed at him, "Tell me, how many possible pictures could you have taken working here?"

He gritted his teeth, I continued, "And what would happen if people found out? Your father owns a military based company, there is no need for you to work here..."

He glared at me, "Black male, smart move. What do you want commoner?"

There it was, the word he has been itching to say since he saw me.

"Well this Commoner wants you to be his distraction."

He looked at me in confusion.