The Thief and his Willow

The Thief and his Willow

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Chapter Twelve: Protector

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The kitchens were extra hazardous that afternoon. Many women have grown ill with a terrible stomach bug, and Ryou found himself doing extra chores, including stirring soups for the ill and washing incoming dirty dishes. He was thankful that he did not catch the flu. He’d already missed the day before after his and Bakura’s evening of remembrance. And he had promised to work hard after missing a day. However, he never expected he’d have to work this hard.

Wiping his brow, Ryou added a bit more salt to one of the soups as he stirred. The creaminess lifted into his nostrils, but he strived to ignore the sweet smells. The soup was not for him.

Mallie worked hard, too. She busied along cutting vegetables, from broccoli to onions to carrots, for placing in the soups and other dishes for the slaves. Venus was one of the many ill, Ryou discovered. She was lying in her dorm, one she shared with three other women. Those other two, luckily, were not ill and they were working hard in the kitchens.

Still, with Hana ordering and the women following, the kitchens were a complete disaster.

“Where’s Niada?” Hana shouts, trying to be louder than the rattling of pots and pans. “Where is Niada?”

“She’s ill,” Mallie answers.

“Damn it,” Hana looks around, trying to find a woman not too busy with work. She spots Ryou sitting drying his hands. “You! Rye! New girl!”

Ryou looks up. “Huh?”

“I need you to deliver something to Lord Zorc!” Hana holds up a letter. “It’s urgent! Hurry, hurry! Up on your feet!”

Standing, Ryou steps back as the flier is pushed into his greasy hands. “B--but, but Sir Bakura said I wasn’t to leave the kitchens.”

“Not if he don’t find out,” Hana sighs. “And if he does, put all blame on me. Now go! Deliver that immediately! When he asks for ya to read it, do so! Understand?”

And quickly, Ryou is urged out of the kitchens and into the dark hallway. Suddenly, Ryou found himself sweating with nerves. He has not seen Lord Zorc since first meeting when Bakura declared Ryou would be his. Finding himself shivering, Ryou quickly marched down the halls, knowing fully well where the Lord’s throne room was. But at that moment, Ryou wished he had forgotten.

He finds the doors. Placing his hand against the large door handle, Ryou suddenly felt more nauseous than nervous. ‘A--am I suppose to knock first? Do I just go in? Oh why me?’

Ryou decides he better knock first. So he does.

“Enter!”

Gulping, Ryou finds himself pulling the large door open. He quietly enters, making sure to keep his head bowed as the door closes behind him. He holds the letter out, walking forward just a few steps before bowing very, very low.

“Yes?” Ryou hears Zorc ask.

Knowing he had to speak, Ryou takes a deep breathing before saying, “L--Lord Zorc, I--I was asked to deliver y--you the message o--on this letter b--by Hana.”

Silence. Ryou waited. Was he supposed to just start reading it? Was Zorc to tell him so? Shortly, Ryou is awarded with a annoyed grumble.

“Go on,” Zorc answers.

Rather fidgety, Ryou nods as he opens the letter. He begins to read:

‘Lord Zorc,

The kitchens have requested a n--new shipment of pots and pans. The ones we a--are now using have b--begun to rot, and are becoming h--harder and h--harder to clean.

Y--your servant,

Hana.’

Finishing reading, Ryou folds the letter and stays bowed. He hears a bizarre scratching noise, and through his white bangs he saw that Zorc was scratching at an itch. It was then that Ryou took note that he and Zorc were the only two in the room. This made Ryou even more nervous, and he suddenly began to feel panicky and frighten.

But to Ryou’s surprise, Zorc began to laugh. “Hah! That Hana has always been able to crawl her way through my skin, has she not?”

Was Ryou supposed to answer? He kept his posture, tried keeping his calm.

“Very well then,” Zorc chuckles. “Tell Hana that she may have her new pots and pans.”

Bowing lower, Ryou turns and begins to leave.

“Wait just a moment!”

Ryou freezes over. ‘Oh no. Did I do something wrong? Oh God. Bakura -- help…’ But Bakura was busy with work. Ryou slowly turns to face Zorc again, keeping best not to faint. He stays bowed, but he could feel a drip of sweat drop from the tip of his nose.

Zorc chuckles lightly by the slave’s nervousness. Never has Zorc seen this slave before. Who was this beauty? “Raise your head. I want to see your face.” And Ryou obeys, his panic-line filling to the brim. He stares into Zorc’s red, beady eyes. The Lord was visible by the candlelight, and since it was daylight, some light shined in through cracks. “I do not recall being introduced to you. Have you -- been with us long?”

“Y--yes Lord Zorc,” Rye stutters. “I--I am Sir B--Bakura’s slave.”

“Ah!” Zorc cackles. “Yes! Yes, I knew you looked familiar! Mm…” Zorc looks Ryou over. “You wore that same ugly piece of cloth.”

Ryou felt insulted. He wanted to hug his mother’s robe tighter, but he kept bowed before the Lord, knowing if he did anything wrong, anything, then it could result in something extremely terrible.

“But such an ugly thing rests against the skin of such a beautiful creature,” Zorc whispers. His words seemed sweet, but the hackle in his voice made his compliment seem grotesque. “Bakura definitely made a delicate choice, did he not? Hmm…” Zorc leans forward, reaching a claw out. “Tell me, why is it that you delivered that letter?”

“W--well,” Ryou gulps. “M--many of the women have g--grown ill, and the kitchen is a mess. S--so Hana asked me…”

“And Bakura is making you work in that filthy place?” Zorc asks, seeming shocked. “Why?”

“I--I…” What was Ryou to do? What should he say? He was terrible at sounding truthful, and he sucked at telling lies. “H--he had me work there w--when he discovered that I--I was meant to be a w--working slave.”

“I see,” Zorc leans back. “You are so beautiful. It is rather a shame. However, is it not true that Bakura has already taken you into his bed?” And with that mentioned, Ryou blushes poppy red, not able to hide it from Zorc’s view. Zorc gives off another loud chuckle, being rather, as Ryou would put it, obnoxious. But Ryou understood that the Lord’s were able to act however they wished. “There is no need of acting ashamed, young one. Everyone needs great desire, even my slaves. That is why I give it to them.”

He knew he was thankful that he did not receive pleasure from Zorc. And from the large, living appendage in between the monster’s legs, Ryou was sure he did not even want to know how Lord Zorc gave human women ‘desire.’

“I am afraid I have forgotten your name,” Zorc said. He leans forward again. “Would you please remind me?”

“R--Rye,” Ryou answers.

“Rye,” Zorc sighs. “And what a lovely name it is. Rye…” Zorc knew he was making the darling slave uncomfortable. ‘She’s not used to me.’ Smirking, Zorc lets out a low growl. “Well, Rye, I do hope that I get more deliveries from you often. You may go.”

Bowing, Ryou turns and walks out. As soon as he had disembarked the scariness of Lord Zorc, he found himself running at high speed back to the kitchens. He had been terrified, mainly by how Zorc had eyed him. That Lord, full of lust and hunger. Ryou wipes his chest, trying to get the picture out from his mind. He found the thought even scarier as to think what would happen if Zorc discovered that he was a man instead of a woman.

‘Nothing will happen, Ryou! You will never have to see him again! You belong to Bakura. He knows this! He won’t try anything… Will he?’

Will he?

--

Bakura walks a line of beautiful women, but this time, he was not alone. Jalal stood right behind him, keeping that insanely hideous grin on his smooth lips. His eyes kept on Bakura’s back, watching as Bakura eyes a lovely young woman with light blue hair. About to ask her name, Bakura is briefly interrupted by Jalal moving forward, hissing, “Not her…”

“Excuse me?” Bakura grumbles.

“Not her,” Jalal says again. “She’s too pale, too fat, and she has that annoying pimple on her left cheek.”

The slave woman gives out a small gasp. She lowers her head, suddenly wishing she could turn invisible. And Bakura, he was just as shocked as she. Never has he insulted women, especially the slaves he examines. Sure, he’s made comments, but those comments kept safely within his head. Bakura turns to the woman. She was lovely! Sure, she wasn’t skinny as a stick, and she did have a little black pimple on her cheek, but Bakura found it attractive.

“She’s fine,” Bakura grabs the woman, pulling her forward.

“No, she’s not,” Jalal argues. “Most of these women are unsuitable for Lord Zorc.” Jalal sticks his finger out, pointing at nearly every slave standing in line. He had a problem for each. “Too young, too old, too wrinkly, too ugly…”

The slave trader, who had been standing back to allow Bakura to work his magic, has heard every word. He moves forward. “Hey! These women are in perfect condition! And they didn’t come cheap! Who do you think you are, anyway?”

“My name is Jalal, and I am the best slave trader in all of Kumal.”

“Was…” Bakura mumbles.

“I’ve heard of ya,” the slave trader said as he rubs at his bald head. “What are you doing working for Zorc? And how did ya even get the job?”

“Lord Zorc saw my good qualities,” Jalal answers.

That makes Bakura roll his eyes. The only quality Jalal had was sneaking in and being a bastard! And Bakura kept that comment, as well, to his self.

--

It took hours, but finally Bakura and Jalal settled differences on slave-picking. They both chose who they thought Zorc would appreciate more, and now they stand, bowed before their master as he looks over the fine females.

“Mm, you two have made some nice choices,” Zorc cackles. He eyes the blue-haired lady Bakura had chosen, already liking her shine and pimple. “A fine selection, indeed.”

“Thank you master,” Bakura says. He turns to glare at Jalal, ordering the man to follow what he had just said.

Smirking, Jalal says, “Thank you, Lord Zorc,” not even bothering calling Zorc ‘master.’ Bakura was sure Jalal would be demanded to do so, but Zorc only cackles louder. Angered and confused, Bakura keeps his head bowed, and his eyes away from Jalal.

“Having two is fine, is it not?” Zorc scratches at his stomach. “Doing so, I’ll obtain more and more beauties every day! Hah!” Zorc keeps his attention on Bakura. The slaves that Jalal had chosen seemed beyond perfect, but Bakura had chosen many women with flaws. He does so every time. Zorc knows. Why, he loves having different types of women! That’s what makes them intriguing, exciting, and pleasurable. On occasion, Zorc did love sparkling, enchanting women. “You know how I mean, Bakura.”

“Sir?”

“Is it not fine having your own beautiful woman?” Zorc laughs, watching as Bakura turns crimson. Jalal was growing interested with this conversation. “She is growing quite nice, yes. It was, interesting, having her as a guest in my quarters this afternoon.”

Suddenly leaving his bowed posture, Bakura straightens. His eyes, wide and wild. “Rye was here?”

“Hah! Indeed, she was here. She came delivering a message from Hana. The poor thing was scared stiff of me.” Zorc chuckles. “It was quite entertaining, watching her struggling to keep her self from passing out.”

Bakura did not find that humorous. He clenches his teeth. ‘Note to self, hit Hana where it hurts!’

“She really is beautiful,” Zorc sighs. “Is she not? You made an excellent choice, Bakura.”

Noticing Bakura stiffening, Zorc knew he was making his number one attendant furious. And Bakura was questioning the thoughts running through his master’s mind. “Do not worry, Bakura. I did nothing to her. She belongs to you, does she not?”

Nodding, Bakura re-bows, knowing very well that Lord Zorc would not harm Ryou. The Lord was daringly wicked, but he never went back on his word. Zorc, also, was not the one Bakura was cautioning. Slightly raising his eyes, Bakura takes a glimpse at Jalal, the man having heard the entire conversation. He Bakura feared. Not Zorc.

--

Racing into the kitchens, Bakura immediately walked towards Hana. She was busy sweeping the floor after a hard days work. “Hana!”

“Bakura,” Hana smiles. “You’re back early.”

“Did you send Rye to Zorc’s throne room?”

Setting down her broom, Hana stands tall in front of Bakura. She pushes out her belly, and gives her best glare. “Now don’t you start with me, Bakura. We had fewer hands than yesterday, and she was the only one available to deliver my letter. She made it back, safe and sound.”

“Ugh,” Bakura crosses his arms. He needed to remember that Hana was still a woman. Never hit a woman -- never hit a woman. “Fine! Where’s Rye?”

“She left…”

Nearly falling over, Bakura begins to panic. “What!”

“She wasn’t feeling very well, so I told her to head back to your room. However, she told me you always locked it, so I sent her to another bunk just above here. It’s being occupied with many women who have grown ill. This week has been complete hell.” Re-grabbing her broom, Hana continues to sweep. “You’ll find her there.”

Mumbling, Bakura keeps his fists closed, and away from Hana, as he leaves the kitchen.

--

Upon opening the door, Bakura could hear groans, coughs, and sneezes. He really did not need to catch ill, and he prayed that Ryou wasn’t feeling too terrible. He walks in, noticing five resting women. Three were awake, one sitting up and holding her stomach. The others were lying, asleep. Bakura searched for Ryou, noticing him sitting on a bed, talking with a girl Bakura did not recognize. The girl was Venus, a wild woman that had befriended Ryou and Mallie.

“Look Rye,” Venus snickers. “Here’s your handsome prince now.”

Turning his head, Ryou’s eyes meet Bakura’s. He could tell that Bakura was angry, but mostly Ryou saw concern in the thief’s eyes. Bakura, being spotted, motions for Ryou to follow using a simple swoosh of his head. Ryou briefly nods before turning back to Venus. “I have to go. I hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks Rye,” Venus smiles. “Ya too!”

Standing, Ryou follows Bakura out into the dark halls. Bakura takes Ryou’s right arm, pulling him into a forceful hug.

“Bakura?”

“Damn Hana, making you do that…”

“W--what…?” But Ryou knew. He sets his head on Bakura’s chest, wanting to swipe Zorc’s tedious grin from his mind.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

Bakura pushes Ryou from him, lowering his body so that he and Ryou were eye to eye. Ryou shakes his head, and he tells Bakura all that happened. Sighing, Bakura begins to walk down the hall with Ryou still in his grasp. “Good.” They fell silent as they walked the halls. After a short moment, Bakura softly asks, “You’re not really sick, are you?”

Blushing, Ryou shakes his head. “No. I--I was feeling sick to the stomach, but I--I think it was because of s--seeing Zorc.”

“Fine,” Bakura whispers. “But don’t fake being ill again. I was worried.”

Worried?

Ryou stares ahead, a bit surprised by Bakura’s softness. Was the thief serious?

They continue down the hall, when sudden footsteps catch up from behind. Both Bakura and Ryou are confused to who it could be, but when the all too familiar voice rings through their ears, only one is pissed and one is confused.

“Well, look who we have here,” Jalal smirks as he steps forward. He leans up against the cold, stone wall, admiring Ryou. “Going back to your chamber?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Bakura groans. “Now, if you‘d excuse us...”

“I only wished to stop for a chat,” Jalal snickers. He smiles at Ryou. “Hello Rye. How are you?”

Growling, Bakura hugs Ryou closer. “Don’t answer him.” And Ryou didn’t. He was too frightened to even catch his breath, Jalal’s sight was sudden and bizarre. Ryou looks up at Bakura, his confusion already being sensed.

“Oh, does she not know?” Jalal moves forward. “Like Bakura here, I have eased my way into Zorc’s lair, undetected. And I am now Lord Zorc’s second attendant. Bakura and I are partners. Oh, and I am also staying in my very own room.”

Bakura knew he should of told Ryou sooner. He was careless. But he did not want Ryou to worry. He was hoping his young slave would not have to see Jalal. He should’ve thought his hopes through more thoroughly.

Finding it time to take his departure, Jalal brushes by the two. “I’m looking forward to the passing days. Goodnight.”

He disappears around the corner.

Bakura slowly pushes Ryou from him. He keeps his eyes shadowed, allowing his willow’s stunned silence to strike his heart with guilt. “I didn’t want you to know,” Bakura admits, his voice low. “I knew that you’d be afraid, and I thought if you stayed as far away from him as possible, working in the kitchens, and staying in the bedroom, that you’d never find out.” Bakura turns to face Ryou. “I’m sorry.”

The apology shined truthful, and Ryou knew he had to forgive. His master was only trying to protect him, to keep him from harm. Ryou did fear Jalal. The man always eyed him, and Ryou still remembered the party. He had known Jalal tried getting him drunk, but thankfully Bakura came straight from knocking that woman, Cleo, on her ass, to drag Ryou back down into Zorc’s creepy lair.

Ryou had to thank Bakura, for that. For saving him, and wanting to keep him safe. Shaking his head, Ryou could only think of one thing to do. He leans in, bringing his master into a tight hug. He could feel Bakura tense, befuddled by the hug. And at first, Ryou assumed Bakura would push him away, or order him never to do such a wildly insane, idiotic thing again. But no. Bakura, strong and warm, hugged back.

Smiling, though it half hidden in Bakura’s chest, Ryou moans in delight. Ever so gently, as he feels Bakura’s face resting in his hair, Ryou finds himself whispering two gentle words:

“Thank you.”

And without a care, Bakura roughly replies:

“Its nothing…”

-End Chapter Twelve-