The Thief and his Willow

The Thief and his Willow

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Chapter Fifteen: Escape! Jalal Dismissed

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Zorc stared ahead, watching the pathetic human grinning at him. The poor excuse of an attendant had entered unexpectedly, that grin never leaving his face. It annoyed Zorc, making the monster grumble disapprovingly. “How dare you enter without permission?”

“I beg forgiveness,” speaks Jalal as he comes into the light. He takes his bow. “Punish me, my Lord, if you wish. But I must speak that I have found some interesting news for you.”

“Interesting news?” Zorc lifts a claw, pointing it straight at Jalal’s chest. “Is the news worth losing your life?”

Jalal’s grin widens, and he chuckles. “Oh, indeed it is, my Lord.”

Taking that claw, Zorc decides to give Jalal a single chance. Shifting in his chair, he leans back, giving a low grunt. “This better be worth my time.”

“Oh, believe me, my Lord, it is.”

--

Ryou lies in bed, never letting his tears to weaken. He no longer cared about any promises he had made to Bakura about not crying. Bakura was not there. Only Ryou, weak and alone. He felt foolish, foolish for ever leaving the bed. Foolish for allowing Jalal to discover his secret. Foolish for falling in love. All he wished for, at the moment, was to escape.

Slowly, he sits up. He wipes at his tears, and he examines the chamber. This is where he’s had hell. Here, nearly three months have passed. He’s cooked, and he’s cleaned. He’s been a servant to Bakura, and a bit more. But honestly, Ryou knew that the thief could, would never love him in return. Ryou’s love for that thief was pointless. And now that Jalal knew he was male, Ryou knew he had to leave. Sitting on the bed’s edge, Ryou quickly places each foot into soft padding, about ready to stand to his feet. The sudden knocks at that door startled him, and his heart, already filled to the brim with fear, began beating triple then what it should.

“Y--yes?” Ryou asks, trying to keep a certain amount of bravery in his voice. Perhaps Bakura has returned, and perhaps he has forgotten his key so he’d ask for Ryou to let him in. Perhaps it was Hana, asking for more help in the kitchens.

But there was no answer.

Ryou knew who it was. He could not answer that door. He just could not, but whoever stood behind that door, they already know he’s in there from his shaky reply to their knocks. Desperately, Ryou looks about the room for any means of escape. No windows. No hidden doors. No nothing.

No escape.

With no other choice, Ryou made his way towards the only entrance. Trickles of sweat lined his skin, pouring down his cheeks and neck. His hand reaches forward, the door seeming further then where it truly stood. His vision grew fuzzy, but Ryou kept moving forward until his fingertips touch at the door handle. Ryou opens the door to find no one standing on the other side. The silent hallway surprised him, for he was sure he had heard knocking. He slowly steps out, and shuts the door behind him.

No one.

A heavy relief lifts from Ryou’s chest. In his heart, he believed he still had a chance to run, to get out. Bakura then entered his thoughts. He knew he’d miss the thief, and he pondered the consequences of Bakura’s punishment if ever Zorc discovered Ryou’s secret. Ryou shook that thought from his mind, not wanting to think of Bakura getting tortured, or worse, killed. But deep in his heart, Ryou felt that the best way to keep Bakura protected was for him to leave.

He tiptoes forward, taking three steps. Ryou never made it any further. A hand wraps around his mouth, blocking him from screaming as a second hand slithers around his waist. With widen eyes, Ryou struggles against Jalal’s strength as the sinister man carries him down the hallway.

--

Ryou is pushed forward. He feels himself fall to the dark floor, its roughness scratches his hands. He winces from the sudden pain, but ignores it. It is not what he was most concerned about. At that time, candles light up all around him, brightening the darkness. With fear racing throughout his body, Ryou slightly rises his shaking body, meeting Lord Zorc’s terrifying gaze.

“Stand,” Zorc orders.

Quickly, Ryou obeys. He pushes on his scratched hands, standing on wobbly legs. He leans forward, bowing.

“Do not lower your eyes,” Zorc growls. “Look up at me.”

Slowly, Ryou left his bowed position to look up at Zorc. Jalal still stood in the room, hidden in the dark shadows as he awaited the little slave’s punishment. He could not muster what Zorc had in plan for both Ryou and Bakura. He stood, anxiously waiting for what was to come to the fragile, innocent willow.

“Why is it you tremble every time you see me?” Zorc asks. “Am I that ugly?”

“N--no, I--I mean…” Ryou tried speaking, but he could not. He did not want to offend Zorc, even if the monster knew of his secret.

“Do you fear me?” Zorc questions, though he already knew. His dark, terrifying grin widens broader, allowing his razor whites to shine against the candlelight. “Has Bakura told you scary rumors about me? I’m not all as outsiders make to believe. You should not believe everything you here.”

Ryou dare not reply. The dangerous, wicked sight of Zorc’s blood-red eyes encouraged Ryou to keep his mouth shut.

“Truth,” Zorc began, his voice low and slow-paced. “Truth is such an--interesting ability. It’s hardly ever spoken of, and it’s hardly ever used. Why do you suppose humans lies, little one? Do you suppose it is because they do not care? Perhaps they have done something wrong, and do not want to get into trouble. Or…” Zorc pauses, keeping full attention on Ryou’s fear. “Or, perhaps they lie because they are trying to hide something.”

Silence takes over, with the exception of Ryou’s heavy breathing. He knew that Zorc has discovered what he was, and now the monster was torturing him with strong words that struck at Ryou’s heart. He watches Zorc lean back, and a bizarre grumbling noise pasts the monster’s lips.

“I do not understand humans,” Zorc continued. “Us Lords may be sneaky, unfitting, and scary in appearance, but we are proud, tenacious, and loyal. We never lie. When we want something done, or if we’ve done something wrong, we always tell the tale.” Zorc scratches at his chin. “But I suppose we’re an exception compared to you humans. We are powerful, terrifying immortals to your eyes. If we do something wrong, we do not fear the consequences that lie ahead. Tell me Rye, have you ever lied in your lifetime?”

Unsure of how to answer, Ryou keeps from moving his eyes away from the monster. Slowly, his lips part, and he is able to make some speech escape the deepness of his throat. “Y--yes. I’ve l--lied many times.”

“Do share,” Zorc chuckles. “Just by the look in your eyes, I can tell that you’ve lied many of times when you did not want to. Why do you, then, if you do not wish to? Why are humans that weak and pathetic? Why are you so pathetic, Rye?”

“I--I don’t know,” Ryou answers. Tears stung at the edge of his eyes. He held them there, not wanting to cry in front of Zorc.

“Of course you do,” snorts Zorc. He sits straighter in his throne. The appendage between his legs began to eye Ryou, making Ryou even more afraid than before. “All humans know why they lie, and all do so anyways, even if they feel sorry for themselves afterwards. It is, how should I say, their nature.”

Zorc’s cold, stinging words were truthful. He leans forward, extending his claw out towards Ryou. Ryou shivers even more, trying to keep from going unconscious as a sharp, white claw points directly at his throat. “Tell me Rye, what lies have you told? Have you ever lied in my presence? Have you ever lied in Bakura‘s presence?” And Ryou does not answer, making Zorc’s theory one-hundred percent correct. “Look at you. You cannot stop trembling. What lie have you told, I ponder?”

“P--please…”

Zorc froze for a moment, bewildered by the soft word. “I’m sorry?”

“P--please,” Ryou spoke again, quietly. “Please d--don’t…”

“Ah, so you do hide secrets,” Zorc chuckles. His claw inches closer, just stopping at the skin on Ryou’s throat. The massive claw was twice Ryou’s size. “Would you care to share?”

“P--please j--just leave me alone…”

The words were terribly shocking, especially since Ryou was still so shaky. Zorc was unsure if he had heard the slave correct. His appendage slightly squeals in the sudden silence, all while Zorc leans even further. “Forgive me, but did I just hear you order something of me?”

“P--please…” Ryou cries.

“Dare say that again…” Zorc speaks, but a sudden outburst from Ryou causes the Lord’s anger to rise.

“Leave me alone! A--all I want is Bakura! P--please let me go back to his room!”

The slicing happened so quickly, Ryou could hardly blink. He felt a sudden chill as the large, white claw of Zorc’s scraped down his body, pulling backwards. For a moment, Ryou had thought that the Dark Lord was going to kill him, but he thought wrong. He cries out as it happens, watching as his mother’s fine robes rip from his body, both upper and lower. He soon stands bare, feeling rather embarrassed knowing that both Jalal and Zorc were staring at his nude form, each with their own unknown thoughts.

And Ryou could not help but cry. He falls to his knees, grabbing at the ripped robes that had belonged to his mother. He sat there upon his knees, allowing the tears to fall as he tried to cover himself. He could hear Zorc grumble, and move positions.

“So,” Zorc said. “Jalal spoke truthful.”

Jalal makes his way from the shadows, bowing before Lord Zorc. “It is as I told you, Lord Zorc.”

“Indeed,” Zorc nods. “This is quite tragic, young slave. Why lie about what you really are?”

“I--I’m s--sorry,” whimpers Ryou. He had entered that room, trying hardest to stay calm and be brave. But he no longer could hold in what he truly was. “I--I didn’t w--want this life. I--I didn’t. M--my father forced m--me too. H--he wanted to protect me!”

“Your father?” Zorc grumbles. “How does a father protect his son by forcing that son to be a daughter? Is that not corrupted?”

“T--this is what I am,” Ryou whispers. “I’ve n--never known what it’s like to be a man. Never.”

“Tragic,” Zorc chuckles. He leans forward again, resting his hand on his leg. “That is such a sad story. But you dare enter my domain disguised as a woman. Why?”

“P--please believe me, Lord Zorc, I am not after anything.” Ryou takes a deep breath, wrapping the ripped clothing closer around him. “I thought I’d be protected in here. My father and I were running from our village, and m--my father sold me over t--to Jalal.” Cautiously, Ryou looks up at Zorc. He still had many tears, most staining his reddened cheeks. “P--please Lord Zorc, d-do not punish Bakura f--for my acts. W-when he purchased me, he thought I was a woman. H-he thought I was -- beautiful.”

“Bakura,” Zorc sighs. “Bakura is a fine server. He has never lied, not once, except for now, with you here. Why did Bakura hide your secret from me?”

“H--he was going to tell you,” Ryou said, sounding more brave from only minutes before. “B--but he promised h--he would not if I s--slept with him.”

“Hmm, that poor man suffered such desperation.” Zorc cackles, scratching at his stomach. “He’s too kind.” That is when Zorc grew more serious. His eyes darken. “But he has done such greedy things, as well. Why should I show him mercy for hiding your secret?”

“Because it is my fault!” Ryou shouts. He stands to his feet, his legs were wobbly as ocean waves, but he made sure to force them to be stern. “I came in here! I begged for Bakura not to tell a soul!” Ryou bows forward, the torn robe just covering his front, leaving his behind bare. “I--if anyone should be punished, then that someone should be m--me.”

So brave.

Zorc rubs at his chin, admiring Ryou’s weak signs of power. The slave, though still afraid of Zorc, would willingly sacrifice his life to save Bakura’s? Zorc had to question why. Could the boy possibly? Is it even possible?

“I must ask,” Zorc said. “Why is it that you are so willing to lose your life? Why so desperate to plead for Bakura’s own?” He could hear the little slave muttering. Zorc leans forward, a grin forming over his lips. “I’m sorry, I did not hear you. Could you say that again?”

“Because I love him!”

Ryou had not meant to shout. He covers his mouth as more tears freely flow from his eyes. He did not even want to believe his own words. Watching Zorc’s not-so shocked expression, Ryou lowers his head, trying to keep himself together.

“Love?”

Peering up, Ryou notices a hint of interest in Zorc’s eyes. Though the Lord always seemed interested in whatever any human said, this was the first time that a shiny twinkle glazed in those blood-red eyes. “You -- love Bakura?”

“My Lord,” Jalal steps forward. “You are not going to allow this -- this slave’s lies get to you? Look at what he’s done!”

“Be silent!” Zorc orders. His claw extends, pointing straight at Jalal. It causes Jalal to stiffen, but the man holds his ground.

And just then, as if on cue, three large knocks echo from the large doors. Ryou and Jalal turn their heads, curious as to who may be standing behind that door. Quickly, Zorc ordered for Jalal to grab Ryou. Obeying orders, Jalal stands with Ryou in darkness as Zorc shouts, “Enter!”

The left door pushes open, and in enters Bakura.

“Bakura…” Zorc licks at his teeth, watching his greatest attendant bow before him. “You’ve returned.”

“I have, my master,” Bakura says. “Have you received the foreign gifts I’ve sent you?”

“Oh, indeed I have. They are quite beautiful,” Zorc chuckles. “Thank you for thinking of me while away, Bakura.”

Nodding his head, Bakura slowly lifts his head just an inch. “Anything for my master. But if you’d please, I am tired and would love to visit with my slave. I am sure she misses me.”

“I’m sure she does,” Zorc chuckles again. He moves in his seat, trying to hold in his excitement. What a joyous day this has been! “But before you go, Bakura, I must ask a question of you. You see, I’ve discovered a rat living on your floor of the dungeon, and I thought that perhaps you may know something of it.” Rising his hand, Zorc makes a motion with his hand, which Jalal follows. Jalal comes out of the dark, holding the teary, naked Ryou in one hand.

Bakura’s entire body intensifies. He stares, seeing his slave, nude, afraid, and in the arms of Jalal. “Ryou?”

“Bakura, I’m sorry!” Ryou cries. “I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!”

Grunting, Jalal pushes Ryou forward, making the scared boy fall to his knees. He cries out, only seconds later to have Bakura rushing towards him. Bakura removes his robe, placing it over Ryou’s bareness before taking the broken willow into his arms.

“Ryou,” Bakura shouts. He holds his willow tight. His teeth begin to clench in rage. “What have you done?” Bakura’s head slowly rises, all of Bakura’s hatred staring straight at Jalal. “What have you done!”

“Relax,” Zorc cuts in. “No harm was done to him. But I am rather disappointed, Bakura. You’ve done a very tragic thing.” Zorc leans in, his grin widening. “You lied to your master.”

“I--I…” Bakura could not answer his Lord. For the very first time, he sat there, speechless. All he wanted to do was keep Ryou in his arms, protected.

“Bakura, I’m sorry,” Ryou whispers. “I tried begging for forgiveness. I begged for Zorc to punish me instead.”

“No!” Bakura holds Ryou tighter, brushing at that lovely, snowy white hair. “No, I will not let him!”

“Why don’t you just give up, Bakura?” Jalal asks, cutting in. “Ryou’s secret is out, and you’ve grown to become a giant disgrace.”

“J--Jalal, you…” Bakura glares over his enemy, his hate for the man increasing rapidly. “You fucking bastard! You’ve always wanted my job, ever since the beginning! You’re nothing more but a pathetic, foolish, jealous man!”

“Jealous?”

“Yes, jealous!” Bakura argues, coming to a stand with Ryou in his arms. “I know that you’ve been wanting my Ryou, ever since you first laid eyes on him!”

“How could you blame me, Bakura?” Jalal asks. He chuckles slightly. “Rye was such a beautiful young lady. I assumed Ryou was female. But yes, I assume I was a bit jealous of you, but not of your little slave, nor your pathetic job serving Zorc. I was jealous of your fortune.”

“My fortune?” Bakura shakes his head. “I understand. I’ve always made much more than you. You want -- power? Is that it?”

Laughter is Jalal’s answer. He shakes his head, and he slaps his knee. “Power has always been what I’ve wanted.” Jalal glares, his image growing more and more sinister. “I’ve always been displeased with my work, and my poor wages. And when I met you -- oh, I just knew you’d be one of those to laugh in my face! And I was right! “

“But I knew that somehow I’d be able to get back at you! I knew that there’d be someway to -- to get this job! Because I deserve this job, much more than you do, thief! I fucking deserve it!”

“What?” Bakura questions, noticing Jalal’s insanity rising. “All you want is my job?”

In the background, Zorc sat in silence, enjoying watching the two humans argue. It was a wondrous show, and it even further intrigued Zorc knowing that the puny, desperate Jalal wanted to work for him so damn badly. It makes Zorc laugh, and he only wished he had something to feed on as the show progressed.

“I deserve it!” Jalal yells, stepping forward. “I’ve been working in this business far longer than you. And you, you’re nothing but a rotting, terrible thief! How could Zorc of chosen you? All you had to do was sneak into this dump hole, which I even was capable of doing, and yet you are the most talked about man in all of Kumal! All of the Lords know you, and all because you work for Zorc!”

“But when you took in Ryou, I was hoping for the worse to happen. And even when it does, Zorc still admires you!”

At this, Bakura’s ears perk. He takes in all of Jalal’s words, all of what the jealous-driven man was getting at. And it wasn’t until that final sentence, not until Jalal broke in about Ryou, did Bakura grow furious. “You knew…”

Jalal rises a brow, giving his lips a lick. “What?”

“You knew,” Bakura went on. “When you purchased Ryou, when you brought him here, when you made sure he looked his best. You wanted me to take him in. You wanted me to bring him to that party. You wanted Zorc to discover his secret because you -- you already knew that he was a man.” Bakura shakes his head. “You’ve known since the start!”

Suddenly nervous, knowing that all eyes were on him, Jalal tries to think of something to say. “I…”

“You’ve known since the start!” Bakura shouts. “You made a deal with Ryou’s father. He had told you about Ryou’s secret, and paid you double to keep it secret.”

“Yes, you are correct,” Jalal sneers. “I knew! I fucking knew! And yes, I made that deal with Ryou’s father! I promised to make sure that you chose Ryou because he looked so awfully gorgeous and beautiful. The moment your eyes met his, I knew you wanted him! What I had said, however, about him being off limits was true. How lucky was I for you to discover his secret?“

“I wanted to lead you on, but you did so for me! You fell for every one of my moves! And soon, Bakura, you’ll be bowing before me!”

Bakura eyed Zorc through the corner of his eye. He could sense that his master was strongly angering, and yet Lord Zorc seemed so calm, sitting there listening on as Jalal shouted all he had planned to do to make sure Bakura was out of the picture. “You’re mad…”

“I no longer care,” Jalal chuckles. “How do you feel now, Bakura? How do you feel knowing that I’ve finally beaten you! And now that I have, I am going to kill you! I am going to kill you, and I am going to kill your precious, little bed toy!”

Jalal steps forward, his eyes wildly driven with insanity. “So, what are you going to do?”

“Me?” Bakura smirks, his eyes turning towards his master. “I’m not going to do a thing.”

And as Jalal steps forward, he gasps in shock as a large blackness wraps over him. He struggles within Zorc’s hand. Full of madness, he turns to Zorc, ordering the high Lord to release him. Zorc could only cackle manically, bringing Jalal close to his face. “You dare challenge me, pathetic human?”

“I am not the pathetic one!” Jalal continues to try forcing his way from Zorc’s hand, pushing and smacking at the roughness as he eyes Bakura. “You! All I want is you! I want you dead!”

Bakura begins to step backwards. Ryou, shivering, keeps snug against Bakura’s chest, watching with terror as Jalal is hovers just above Zorc’s wide-open mouth.

“Goodbye Jalal,” Zorc grins. “You’re dismissed.”

“No!” Jalal cries out, his eyes widening just enough before he falls into Zorc’s awaiting mouth.

Chewing, the Dark Lord swallows, feeling the blood ooze down his throw. When he finishes swallowing, he turns to face Bakura, but the thief was gone. “Run! Run and flee, Bakura! But you will come back!”

Alone in his throne room, Zorc slowly chuckles, it increasing into a large cackle. His laughter echoes throughout the dungeon walls as from outdoors, the thief and his willow quickly ride off on the back of a dark chestnut mare.

-End Chapter 15-

Two more chapters to go. Please stay tuned for the rest!