A Sore Marriage Counseling

"Attention! Bus for Bracklewhyte is leaving in five minutes! I repeat, bus for Bracklewhyte leaves in five minutes!"

The bus driver's booming voice over the louder speaker woke Kane up abruptly. He was out of it for a moment; taking deep breaths as his mind was a jumbled mess. Admittedly, the man knew that he shouldn't have taken this hit. It was a mere day after his handling of Francis. He could count the hours of sleep he'd gotten on one hand.

Granted, it was the proximity of the hit that made him take it. It was still in Ociseon, though he was no longer in the depressing city of Pantmawr. His hit now took him to the gated community of Bracklewhyte.

Bracklewhyte was a relatively quiet community. Much of the kingdom's wealthy and noblemen lived there. Instead of the filthy, dangerous cities and towns that covered most of Ociseon, Bracklewhyte was safe and clean. It was well taken care of and not many were let in into the protected community unless given permission.

Kane had only been there a couple of times. There weren't many times where a hit was put on someone living in the upper-class community. Usually, it's these communities putting different hits on those below them.

Kane grabbed his duffel and threw it on his back. He had his coffee in hand, taking a sip of it often to keep his energy up. Even if it was only for a short amount of time. He made his way to the bus at a slow pace. His quick walk had gone out the window the more he went on.

As he boarded, he was greeted with a nod from the bus driver. Kane returned the favor, shooting a soft smile to him as well. However, the same gesture wasn't given from others on the bus. Still being in Ociseon, many recognized him and steered away. He usually didn't care either way, but today he was glad people left him alone. His attitude was admittedly more sour than usual. He had just hoped that this wouldn't affect how he performed during his hit.

Kane found two empty seats near the back of the bus. He took his bag off and placed it in the compartment overhead. After securing it, he slid into his section and took a seat near the window. He leaned his head against the window; looking out of it as his mind started to wander. His eyes were heavy, practically hearing sleep call to him.

A few minutes shouldn't hurt too much.

Kane went to shut his eyes, slouching in his chair as he took a deep inhale. As he exhaled, he relaxed his mind and let it wander off into slumber.

"Hey there, neighbor!"

At least, that was his plan. Unfortunately, he opened his eyes to see a delighted man shinning him a bright grin. Kane did not return the gesture. In fact, he scowled, grumbling under his breath as the man placed his things in the overhead compartment. He slid into the seat and plopped himself next to Kane; sticking his hand out with that same grin etched on his face.

"Chad!" he introduced himself against Kane's wishes. The bounty hunter looked down at his hand. He wanted nothing to do with this greeting. Especially since the effect of the man already seemed a bit too jovial. But, he didn't want to be rude. The man had done nothing wrong to him to warrant the impolite gesture.

Kane, while reluctant, stuck his hand out and they shook. "Kane."

The man slouched back in his chair as the bus began to move. The two remained silent as they pulled out of the station. Kane sighed in relief, hoping that it would be the extent of their conversation.

"So, what brings you on this merry ride?" he asked, dashing Kane's hopes once more.

"Business." Kane kept it short, but the man seemed to not get to hint. In fact, the short response by the bounty hunter piqued his interest more.

"Ah, business!" he chirped on, "I'm on my way home from my business. But, I'll be handling some fun business with the missus when I get home if ya catch my drift!"

Kane restrained the urge to roll his eyes. Though he couldn't stand many of the locals and crooks roaming around Ociseon, the nobles were a different story. A much more annoying story, in Kane's opinion.

"So, what's your business? Does it have anything to do with that fancy scar you got?"

It was that question that made Kane's annoyance boil over. He's had many over the years acknowledge his scar. Most danced around the subject or just avoided it all together. Only a few went about as gutsy, or foolish, as Chad had done.

Kane turned to the man; his jaw clenched but his face remained emotionless. He decided since he wanted to know, he'd tell him.

"I was once the most feared hired mercenary in the world. With many around knowing how dangerous I am and not to cross my path. But, now I have changed my profession. I am now a bounty hunter who makes a living off of receiving hits to give out harsh punishments to others. They call me a spanking bounty hunter. And it seems like someone in your area has had to misfortune to have a visit by me."

The man stared with his mouth agape. He hadn't known how to respond, nor did he know if he should respond.

"Oh." Kane remembered, "And my scar has nothing to do with my business nor is it any of yours."

"Um..." the man tried to respond, but he was at a loss. His once calm, elated expression now changing to fright. He chose his words carefully, afraid of what would happen if he spoke out of turn.

"Uh, I work at a tech company." He stated, his voice shaky. He slowly began to rise up from his seat in a nervous laughter. "I'm just going to..."

He didn't finish his sentence before he found another seat. Working out for both him and Kane. He returned to what he was doing, leaning his head on the window. The vibration of the bus moving calmed him down, though it was too much movement to put him to sleep now. Especially with what he had to deal with. So, he thought he might as well take another look at his hit. Seeing that this one was a lot more unique than the others.

Mirvel Danin, 35-years-old woman living as a housewife in Bracklewhyte. She is the wife of Glel Danin, a 38-year-old man working a high-end law firm in Iriemore, another prominent city in Ociseon. The hit started off simple, a woman who cheated on her husband and now he wanted to teach her a lesson. Kane had done many hits similar to this. However, there were a few details that made this hit particularly odd.

One of the first things he noticed was the lack of reasoning. Usually, with hits like these, there is a brief history of their love life. Possibly a strained marriage or an argument that turned into a regrettable night. But, there was nothing. The only thing listed was that he was currently in a "happy marriage." But, having to put a hit out because of your wife's affair didn't sound so happy to the bounty hunter.

But, the more damming reason was the requests by the husband. Glel made it apparent on the hit details for it to only be at their shared home, and for him to watch in on her punishment. Never has he heard of someone wanting to watch in on a punishment. For those who put hits out, they usually like to stay at minimum partially anonymous. Some more than others, but never had one wanted to be present.

This did worry Kane. His job wasn't to put on a show. At least, this job wasn't. His job was to give out a punishment and make sure that Mirvel learns a very thorough lesson from this mistake. He didn't need an audience there for that. An audience that could undermine the very lesson he was tasked to give.

Now, granted, Kane knew that this was coming from a cynical view. A view he often carried everywhere he went. For all he knew, Glel could just want to sit there and observe. Maybe as a form of closure for him. After all, his wife stepping out on him wasn't something easily dealt with. He just hoped that closure was the only justification for this odd request.

About two hours later, his bus ride had come to an end. The bus had parked right in front of the gates of Bracklewhyte. Kane exhaled, getting up and stretching his limbs to wake them up. Noticing Chad, who once wanted Kane's attention, was now grabbing his things, and darting off the bus as fast as he could.

Kane didn't think much of it. He looked overhead and grabbed his duffel. He placed it on his back securely and proceeded to head off of the bus.

As he stepped off the bus, he was greeted with a whiff of fresh air. Smelling completely different from the polluted city of Pantmawr. And, speaking of a difference, Kane took a quick look around the area. Looking through the gates to see the spotless sidewalk. A road without potholes or cracks. The houses were all similar. Appearing that they cost a fortune, but it's not like money is an issue for any who live here.

Soon, the bus rode off, to which Kane approached the gate. He saw a middle-aged man sitting in a booth. The man saw Kane approaching. Double taking to get a good look at the stoic bounty hunter.

"Hello, sir! How can I help you?" the man asked oozing charisma.

"I'm here to visit a Glel Danin." Kane mentioned. In order to get into the gated community, he needed permission from one of the members. Which, he hoped Glel had mentioned to the man in the booth. He grabbed his book with names in them and drag his finger down in search for Kane's name.

"Aha!" the man exclaimed, "Have ya right here, Kong Draco!"

The bounty hunter's eyebrow rose, "It's Kane."

The man scrunched his face, checking his book again. "Nope. Definitely says Kong here."

Kane went to correct him again, but he saw no reason. As long as he was let into the community, he didn't care what he was called.

In a few seconds, the gates began to open slowly as he was let in. "Enjoy your stay, sir!"

Kane nodded before the gates opened wide. He then began to take his walk through the community. The sun was beginning to set, and many were in their houses settled in for the night. Which was good for Kane as it allowed him to walk in peace. And gave him some time to plan out what he would be doing.

For once, he didn't have a plan. Mainly because he couldn't predict what sort of situation he was walking into. There were a lot more elements to plan out than on his usual hits. Plus, his brain was being stretched thin. Working much harder than usual to keep his body afloat. He walked his monotonous pace, getting increasingly more annoyed as it felt like it was taking much longer to reach his destination than what it should have.

However, Kane recognized he needed to calm himself. Going into a hit already not in the best mood is what leads to disaster. Something he had to learn the hard way in the past. So, he took a deep inhale. Taking in the cool air that tickled his lungs a bit before blowing it back out softly. He repeatedly did this, letting his mind wander off as he soon made it to his destination. And thankfully, in a much better attitude than he was a few minutes ago.

He walked up to the house, examining the house as he approached it. It was a two-story house, an above-average driveway that could fit at least two cars in them. But, it was surprisingly empty. They had a small garden with different sorts of plants decorating the window and each side of the door. With the screen door having its own unique design on it. Those who had never been here before may see it as a sign of royalty though it was merely eccentrics.

As he reached the door, he rang the doorbell two times. Instead of the regular ding-dong, he was met with a tune. He couldn't help but chuckle at the chime. Seconds went by, but no answer. So, Kane rang again, listening to the delightful tune once more. But, there wasn't an answer. The bounty hunter scrunched his face. He knew he was at the correct address, but where were they?

"Looking for the Danin's?" a voice came from Kane's left. He turned to see a man standing across the next-door yard cut off by the white fence. He was an older man, rocking in his chair back and forth.

"Yes, I was invited here." Kane lied, walking over to the fence. The old man chuckled, coughing a bit during so. He slowly pulled himself up from his chair and walked towards the elevated porch. He leaned on the rail and laughed once more, "Is that what they're calling it nowadays?"

Kane tilted his head. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, come now, son. I live next to them. It doesn't take a genius to realize why you are here!" the man boasted on loudly. Would Glel really tell his neighbor about the hit? Kane knew it was a possibility, but a rare one. Not many spoke of hits like these because of the negative stigma with them. Touting it as weird or in combat with the social norms. At least, the norms in Ociseon.

"I just didn't know that marriage counselors came to houses now. Back in my day, you had to go to them, and they would charge a whole heap of credits for it!"

Kane then realized what he meant. He snickered at the notion of him being a marriage counselor. Though, he assumed one could make the argument that he would be a counselor of some sort. He wouldn't, but others would.

"Yes, it's one of the new services we're trying out at my clinic. We're hoping it goes over well with clients." Kane lied wittingly, playing into the old man's assumption easily.

"I imagine it would! The new generation is a bunch of clock watchers! Too caught in some newfangled technology than actually being productive in their lives!" the old man ranted on, to which Kane could do nothing but laugh inward. He always did get satisfaction in talking with the elderly. The stories they told, their experience, it was very interesting to the bounty hunter. Also, very helpful when it comes to navigating the world as a whole.

And, when it came to information, he knew this old man could give him some. "So, what have you been noticing about them? The Danin's?"

"Oh, boy! Such a young couple. They were so happy when they first moved in a few years ago." The old man reminisced, shaking his head as he went to sit down in his chair again.

"But, young love only lasts a second in this lifetime. Soon, they were at each other's throats like rabid dogs! You know they're getting bad when an old coop like me hears them!" He pointed out as he turned around and slowly guided himself down in his chair once more. "Then, the missus stepped out on him, which just made them a helluva lot worst!"

Kane contemplated what he was hearing. It sounded like standard marriage issues. However, he kept getting a certain poke in the back of his head. A poking pointing out how he may be disciplining the wrong person. Glel, most likely deliberately, failed to mention any of his faults in this matter. It was unlikely that this affair came out of nowhere. To Kane, it had to have been provoked by something.

However, was there any excuse that could get the woman out of her spanking? There weren't many things a person could say to justify cheating. And, for all Kane knew, Glel could be the absolute victim in this situation. But, he wasn't one to bet against his intuitions.

"You seem like you've been around the block a few times, son." The old man mentioned, pulling Kane out of his deep thought. "Let's hope some of that experience will help ya! Cause you sure do have your hands full."

Before Kane could continue the conversation, he heard a loud boom of an exhaust tank. As they turned to see the noise, they saw a car beginning to pull up and into the driveway. It was a slick black car, appearing to cost more than most houses in the area. The old man scoffed, "Speak of the devil."

He parked his car and immediately got out with a duffle bag in hand. The man had a goatee, wrinkles etched into his forehead, and a build belonging to a man in his middle age. He was stocky, not very tall and his stomach was noticeably round. His head was bald on the top, with hair growing from the sides and back of it; it was short, barely going down to his neck.

"Hello! Sorry about the wait! Turns out, it takes a long time to get this stuff!" Glel mentioned as he jogged over to Kane and the old man. As he did, he could hear some commotion within the bag. Whatever was rummaging together inside, it sounded familiar. But, that was something he'd focus on when they got inside.

Kane stuck his hand out, to which Glel shook with much energy. "I'm so excited to meet you! Come in, we have a lot to discuss before my wife gets home!" the man announced, to which he eagerly strutted up to his home. Kane, however, was hesitant. He looked back at the old man who just shook his head. His face showed pity as he could only imagine what Kane was about to walk into. The bounty hunter sighed, soon following behind Glel. He just hoped this wasn't as difficult as it seemed like it would be.

Glel went up to his home and opened the door to walk in, Kane following him inside. As he closed the door behind him, he examined the living room. It was larger than normal living rooms. The walls were covered in a smooth coat of navy-blue paint with pictures littering it. The pictures were of various things, but they usually always centered back to him and his wife.

The living room was taken up by a grey, fog patterned corner sectional couch. A fog pattern that blended well into the foggy patterned oak hardwood. The couches back faced them as it was facing the mounted television. A mounted television directly above a fireplace that doesn't seem to have gotten any use recently.

Glel kicked his shoes off near the staircase before tossing his bag onto the couch. His movements were erratic, almost as if he was in a rush. He turned back to face the bounty hunter with a winsome smile. Like a child trying to convince their parents for ice cream before dinner.

"So, where would you like to do it? I have the master bedroom and guest one! Here, obviously. Oh! If you want to get creative, I have a shed out back that would be perfect!" Glel pitched ideas enthusiastically. Kane could tell he had been going over various different ways this could go. Maybe a bit too much for Kane's liking.

"Here is fine, thank you." Kane told him blankly as he went over to the couch. He took his duffle off and gently placed it down on the couch.

"Got it! We should hurry! Mirvel is likely to be home soon!" he mentioned in a haste before going over to his own bag. He unzipped and dumped out an assortment of different implements. He had various different paddles and canes. But, he also had the more obscure items such as a rug beater. "If you want, there's a lovely willow tree in the back that'll be good for switching!"

The bounty hunter went over and examined many of the items. He picked them up one at a time, feeling out they weigh and their texture. Even giving some a test by smacking his hand or thigh with them.

"I'm...glad you felt the need to go out of your way to get these. But, these won't be necessary. I have my own." Kane stated before pulling his bag over. He opened his up and pulled out a leather strap. It was long enough to cover his forearm. Coated with black on one side and red on the other.

"Wait, that's it?!"

"Yes."

"But, I thought your services were, you know, harsh! Shouldn't you be using more?"

"Are you doubting my abilities?" Kane glared at the man, his patience waning fast.

"No! No, no, no, no! Of course not! You're the pro here! We follow your lead!"

It was that. That word that Kane knew this was going to be more difficult than it should be: we. This wasn't a tag team. He didn't need a sidekick for what he was going to do. And, more importantly, he didn't need someone conducting a spanking that he couldn't fully trust to be mindful.

For Kane, there was more that went into spanking than just hitting a butt repeatedly. Everything he did, whether small or big, went into the mindset he wanted the poor soul over his knee to get out of this. Everything he said to them, whether it was a tease or scold, was used to amplify the point of his lesson. But, above all else, he made sure to stay aware of how much to push. Of when you check-in and make sure that the person was okay. To be mindful of the feelings of all parties. And, a short moment with Glel told him all he needed to know when it came to that department.