Immer: Between this and like one other story I can't even stop and put this down. My fingers hurt but the pain is worth it.

Chapter Three Omega Fever

SHOKUGEKI

Yukihira Soma easily became the most sought out by multiple alphas. Some wanted to crush him, others wanted to claim him as a mate. That is, until they catch a scent of the protected mark. Most alphas scurried away, wondering who marked Yukihira to protect him.

It was obvious it wasn't his close friends and rivals who did it. Soon it became apparent it happened during the Shagiaire. People flocked to him for answers, of which Yukihira was strangely evasive. Questions were then focused on his dormmates. They all had a similar phrase.

"He won't tell us any details. But something about him has changed."

Then it was guessed by one of his challengers in a Shokugeki that someone helped him during his heat. Yukihira didn't deny or agree, and this set the whole school ablaze. Once again the omega was silent, and that was when nearly everyone started poking around what happened during the Stagiaire. First, people flocked to Arato.

She was surprised, but quickly became professional.

"As far as I was aware of, during the first week we worked together he wasn't in heat. He was acting normal and perfectly fine. So if he had gone into heat, it had to be during his second week."

Questions were raised on where he went in the solo week. But Yukihira was once again, silent. Even with his friends. More questions circled around the school, such as who bought the collar. It was obvious Yukihira didn't have the money to pay for an extravagant collar. A couple of times Polar Star was broken into, all rooms searched for the key. After the third attempt that left vandalism in his room, Yukihira finally had something to say.

"The key isn't anywhere on school grounds. It is being held by the high alpha who gave me the Protective Mark. And can everyone stop challenging me in a Shokugeki to become my mate? I know a basic understanding on who I would want as my mate. Only a handful can fulfill those requirments. Also, there are more steps than just defeating me in a Shokugeki."

When pressed on what steps that are required, Yukihira laughed.

"One of them involves challenging the high alpha who currently holds my key and winning in a Shokugeki. The problem is the high alpha is very busy and won't take time off if the contender isn't worthy of a challenge."

He wouldn't inform what the other requirments were. Yukihira said something along the lines that if anyone even got that far, then he would reveal what the other requirments would be to win him over. But he laid down the stakes, and quickly eyes turned to Hayama, Kurokiba and Takumi.

Hayama was the first to beat Yukihira's known winning streak. Kurokiba was intimidating altogether, and was already classified as a high alpha. And Takumi was Yukihira's first known personal rival. All three were questioned if they had any interest.

"Yukihira is interesting. But right now my focus is perfescting my cooking. I don't have time for romance." Hayama was indifferent. He was too busy helping Shiomi most days.

"Tch. I have Miss. I don't have any interest with him. He's just another obstacle to pulverize." Kurokiba was still sore about being placed third in the Autumn Elections.

"I just want the right to earn back the mezzaluna. In order to do so, I must go beyond his level. One day, I will win against him in a Shokugeki, and claim the mezzaluna once more." Takumi was more passionate about his own goals.

When questioned what his preferences were, Yukihira was once again evasive. He said it would all become apparent in due time. In the meantime, he wanted to expand in learning new techniques. The Autumn Elections and the Shagiaire were eye openers for him. Most notably, he started taking a bigger interest in French cuisine.

"What brought your sudden interest to French cuisine, Yukihira-kun?" Megumi asked during dinner one night.

"Hm? Oh, well, my dad taught me French techniques without telling me. And during the Shagiaire I learned more about French cuisine. It was tough to learn, but I earned my spot as part of the team. I want to pursue French cuisine a little more before I start something else." Soma shrugged, as he thought of his promise to himself to broaden his skills to anything and everything.

"You know, some of the recipes you started using remind me of Shinomiya, but the're tweaked a little. Just enough to pass as experiments." Isshiki noted, eyeing the redhead slyly.

"Yeah, I wondered about that, too. Is it because he's the top chef we know in French cuisine?" Yuki grinned, remembering the unofficial Shokugeki he got himself into against Shinomiya.

"Something like that." Soma returned to eating.

"You know, I heard he recently opened a new restaurant here in Tokyo." Ryoko was reminded what she heard on the news a while back.

"Yeah, oddly enough around the same time as the Shagiaire. I bet a lucky student went to his restaurant." Isshiki was eyeing the redheaded omega as he said this.

"That would have been so awesome! I wish I had been able to go!" Yuki shrieked.

"I heard he would be too strict, though." Ryoko remembered how hard he had been on Megumi.

"Isshiki-san, are you implying something?" Marui stared, catching on.

"Yeah, you sound like you have a theory, but won't reveal it firsthand." Ibusaki also stared at the elder blonde. At his words Shoki and Daigo stopped mid argument to listen into what was going on.

"I just have this feeling Yukihira-kun studied underneath Shinomiya." Isshiki wouldn't take his eyes off of the omega, watching for his response.

Soma ignored the stares and continued eating. He was oddly indifferent, avoiding eye contact.

"Did you get to train under Shinomiya?" Megumi asked, more out of awe without realizing what it meant.

"I can't confirm or deny. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for tomorrow's Shokugeki." Soma finished his food before promptly taking his bowl to the sink. He washed it before making his way to his room.

Everyone watched with a heavy heart. Most notably Fumio and Megumi. Even Isshiki had shown concern on his face.

"It was too early to ask him such things. For an omega's first time, they form a bond to the person. Even if Shinomiya was the same age as Yukihira-kun, he wouldn't accept him as a mate. That is not so easy to overcome for an omega, especially if an alpha volunteered to help them during a heat cycle." Fumio stated, and everyone understood.

"I didn't know omegas were that sensitive." Isshiki felt like a jerk now.

"Omegas are sensitive, but they are also resiliant. Even in an alpha dominated society, omegas are just like everyone else. The only difference is they are so easily accepting of the dark desires of human nature, and because of this many are afraid of omegas." Fumio elaborated with a heavy sigh.

"Omegas are said to be extra sensitive to choosing a mate. If they choose wrong, or it is forced upon them, the omega slowly dies. If a healthy relationship is chosen, then an omega becomes the key part of the family working out. But should an alpha help during a heat cycle without the intention of claiming, or does a fake bond, then it is difficult for the omega to move on and choose. It is often a risk the alpha performing a fake mating bond would do more harm than good."

"You think an alpha performed a fake bond to ease the heat cycle?" Marui was surprised the naked blonde had this theory.

"He shows the signs. Before, he was careful when around Takumi or Hayama. But now, he doesn't even glance their way. I think they sense this, and have decided to give him space." Isshiki had noticed this behavior for a while now.

"Then what can we do to help ease his pain?" Megumi frowned, as concern filled the air.

"For now, we show him our support. And ever so slightly find creative ways to bring him closer to any potential mates. I know I shouldn't have asked if it was Shinomiya who he trained under, but I had to get a better understanding of possible qualities he would be looking for in a mate. Of which if it was Shinomiya, then that doesn't leave us much knowledge. That man is secretive of his love life as they come." Isshiki hadn't meant to upset Yukihira.

"Yeah I heard any potential lovers had to sign a contract. And should they break any rules, then Shinomiya had free reign to take everything they own and make them a public menace for tarnishing his image or something like that." Yuki pouted.

"That sounds awful." Ryoko commented.

"Then how do we help Yukihira-kun?" Daigo wasn't the only one upset.

"What if we just focus on Hayama-kun and Takumi-kun? They seemed to be the ones who had the highest chances before the Shagiaire." Megumi suggested.

"You know, that might just be the best plan yet. So, let's see if they're up to par with Yukihira's standards." Isshiki grinned, and everyone cheered.

"Doesn't this mean we're playing matchmakers?" Ryoko turned to Yuki.

"Well, it's to help Yukihira-kun find happiness, right? Then what's the harm?" The shorter girl shrugged.

"When you put it that way, it helps me feel better. But still, I hope we're actually helping him." Megumi was still worried.

"Then we'll tread as lightly as possible about the subject. For now I think it would be best if we all act as supportive friends." Marui suggested, and everyone agreed.

"Yo, we'll be heading to Marui's room for another game of cards!" Shoki announced as he and Daigo finished their dinner.

"Why is it always my room!?" The alpha complained.

Everyone at the table laughed. But in the back of their minds, they were all worried over Yukihira. Each of them silently hoped he would come around again.

SHOKUGEKI

"C'mon! You lost in a Shokugeki! Why can't I challenge the alpha that currently holds your key?"

"Because he wouldn't find you worthy. Plus, my dish wasn't my best anyway. So that wasn't really a true match." Soma inwardly groaned.

"What, just trying to protect the alpha's reputation so you two have a chance?" The alpha sneered.

In an instant Yukihira glared, eyes burning. Even his friends around him froze from the intensity of the change from the usually unfazed omega. The alpha who was fortunate enough to win in a Shokugeki only because Yukihira wasn't at his full potential, flinched.

What is this? It's like being in the presence of a high alpha...!

"There is no need to protect a high alpha of his calibur from a filthy, greedy alpha such as you. Now get lost, before I get real pissed." Soma snarled, and in an instant Nikumi and Kurokiba were cracking their knuckles with heated glares of their own.

Beside him Alice was slyly smirking, silently enjoying the show. Megumi shrinked away, almost visibly shrinking smaller and smaller. The alpha in question took a few steps back.

"This isn't even intimidating at all! How would you know exactly what you like or don't like for a mate? Huh?" The alpha challenged.

"Oh I know exactly what I want. And you don't even come close. I believe I already made that apparent when I intentionally used a disgusting experiment of a dish in the Shokugeki." Soma smirked, and that was when the alpha turned and ran. Something in the omega's eyes frightened him, an alpha.

Amazing. An omega can intimidate an alpha?

Alice stored away the newfound informatiom for later to study on. She even shared a look with Kurokiba, who was just as curious as she was. Glancing around, even the other two were in awe.

They continued onward until they reached Polar Star.

Upon entering, Soma headed straight for the kitchen. He pulled out a notebook and began skimming through the notes. Alice followed, peeking at the pages.

"What do you want, Alice?" Soma glanced up.

"You feeling like another heat is starting up soon?" She saw some of the recipes and put two and two together.

"No...this isn't a real heat. But it's a fever that I've been fighting on and off for the last few days. And each time it comes back even worse." He admitted just as Megumi and Fumio entered the kitchen.

"Sounds like your body is craving the act. So, an alpha did help you through your heat. But did he warn you that if the body was tricked into a fake bonding, it will crave for more to the point it will trigger another heat cycle, worse than before?" Fumio frowned as she crossed her arms.

"Uh...no? I don't think he even knew there was a drawback." Soma became nervous.

"Think he can help you again? If not, then you'll have to find a substitute. Someone you can trust." Fumio suggested, and softened at the blush on his cheeks. "It might be awkward at first, but it might help you figure out who to choose as your mate. It's only naturual to experiment with possible interests in between the sheets before making a decision."

"But then how can I look at them in the eye during a Shokugeki? Or ever after...after that? I could barely look at...the alpha who helped me in the eye afterwards." Soma almost slipped the name but caught himself.

"You know, it is said that when an omega can look into the eye of their future mate after having sex with them. Something along the lines of standing on equal ground, with an equal amount of trust." The elder woman stated.

"Really? Huh..." Strange, Soma had been thinking of finding a mate that was of equal ground with him.

But I'm not gonna just sleep around. An alpha has to earn the right first.

SHOKUGEKI

After his last class one day, he couldn't find Megumi or Nikumi. In fact, he couldn't find any of his dormmates. Soma felt the familiar effects of pain of another heat. Fumio had been right, the side effects have of a fake bonding have become worse.

For a few days he had been incredibly horny. And it became worse that it was harder for him to concentrate in class. Soma was passing still, but even with the suppressants his mind was abuzz with acts of sex. The need was near overwhelming again.

Not finding anyone familiar, Soma started heading back to his dorm. However, during the long walk back he collapsed as the heat finally took over. He was reduced to a writhing mess on the ground, leaning against the guard rail. His breathing was erratic and his body felt hot inside and out.

I should have started for the dorm after class.

And then he noticed the scents of a few alphas. Fear gripped at his heart. Soma tried to move and continue walking. But his body didn't want to obey. The scents of the alphas weakened his body even more. There was nothing he could do to get away.

I have to...get away. I have to get to the dorm.

"Well, well. Look here. An omega bitch needs to be bred." A voice chuckled darkly.

"Shall we teach this bitch a lesson about where omegas should be?" Another suggested.

No...no! Please I just want to go to the dorm.

"There's an empty building not too far away from here." A third voice had an idea. "It's secluded enough for us to fill him with our seed and impregnate him."

"I like the sound of that. Ready to take our knots, omega bitch?"

"No...no!" Soma cried out as a hand gripped his hair. He whined as they picked him up and awkwardly carried him. His struggles were in vain, his bag dropped at the side of the road forgotten as they veered off the road and into the trees.

Please! Someone, anyone, help!

Some minutes later Hayama was on his way to Jun's lab. He was irritated the Aldini twins, Alice and Kurokiba followed behind. The close contender of the Elections was still eager to learn more and more from him in the hopes to defeat him. The twins were on their way to visit Yukihira, and the way to his dorm followed the same direction.

"Hey, do you smell that?" Takumi inquired the others.

Suddenly they came across the heavy scent of an omega in heat. Hayma sprinted, and the others were at his heels. Then they stopped when they found Yukihira's bag on the road. Dread filled them, and quickly Alice was on the phone with her grandfather.

There's three alpha scents here. They carried him off. But where?

Hayama closed his eyes to let his nose focus. He found a trail, and without a second thought he followed. Kurokiba was behind him, fists at the ready to punch any alphas that dared to take advantage of Yukihira. Tailing at the end was Takumi, trying not to trip as he followed. His twin stayed behind with Alice, the two betas were secretly afraid to see the result of alphas fighting over Yukihira.

"Kurokiba, you and I fight them. We serve as a distraction. Aldini, take Yukihira and run." Hayama had a plan. He and Kurokiba were fit to fight. Takumi still had some growth left in him, so it would be best to get Yukihira to safety.

Whether or not he could without taking him first is the risk we have to take. An omega shouldn't be caught in a crossfire of alphas fighting.

"Got it!" Takumi acknowledged.

At least the plan should work in theory. Who knows what would happen once they found Yukihira. The three could smell the scent of sex heavy in the air. Their ears picked up the panic sounds of muffled screams and laughter. Anger fueling them, the three alphas charged until they found a clearing.

A small shed meant for storage of one of the buildings in the distance was ahead. The source of the sounds and scents originated there. Kurokiba charged full speed at the door. His alpha strength managed to bulldoze through the door with a crash. He somehow managed to stay on his feet, eyes wild. Hayama and Takumi ran inside. Their hearts were torn at the sight of Yukihira naked from the waist down, his pants were ripped to shreds. His shirt and apron were also torn, and the long fabric on his arm was used to tie his wrists together painfully tight.

Amber yellow eyes opened to see them. Tears flowed down freely as he struggled against his hold. Two alphas stood to fight, but the third continued to thrust into the omega. At the sheer arrogance of the sight the three alphas that came to Yukihira's aid snapped. Together they moved as one to take the disgusting alphas down and teach them a lesson.