Forbidden Love

This chapter takes place several years after the first.

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He had trained his body to wake up before the sun. This gave him the cover of darkness to steal his breakfast. The first bread merchant in the market place had a bad habit of putting out his bread alone and allowing the bread to sit unattended thinking that no one was up that early. The man was getting on in years and didn’t notice the missing loafs. Seto liked to pretend that the man wanted him to have the bread. It made him feel better about stealing because he knew his mother wouldn’t like it. Lunch was more difficult. He had to be sneaky and wait until the merchants were distracted in order to steal fruit. If he was caught he then had to out run and out maneuver anyone who happened to chase him.

Right now that was the least of his problems. As he stood up from his mat he looked over to where his mother lay sleeping. She wasn’t moving under the blankets that covered her but that didn’t surprise him. A weeks worth of moldy bread and rotten fruit lie by her side. It had been a while since she had moved and even longer since he had been able to eat anything. The smell of the rotten food was bad enough to make his eyes water but he ignored it; it was better than the other smell.

Pulling the blanket down slightly he brushed a kiss over her forehead. Her skin was still cold, her eyes still seeing nothing, and she lie still.

“I’ll be back with food.” He wanted to kiss her again but the smell was driving him away and he hated himself for being weak. He was the man and was suppose to care for her in his father’s stead. There was little he could do when she fell ill. She instructed him on how to sell the baskets, mats, and clay pottery she had made but now his goods were gone and so was the money. It was this situation that had driven him to turn in to a common street thief.

Before leaving he recovered his mother with her blankets and some stray to hide the smell then headed towards the door. Just outside the sun was peaking over the horizon and the first customer of the day was heading into the building across the way. Seto paused momentarily for the man to open, enter, and close the door behind him before he ventured outdoors. Without looking back he stayed in the shadows of the buildings and slowly made his way to the midtown market.

The sun cast throughout the city making the shadows of the building crawl across the ground. Light and dark covered the ground giving Seto the perfect route to the market place. Seto stayed in the shadows making his way to the village market in one of the many paths he had memorized. It took him through alleys behind homes and away from patrolled areas. Nobody saw him, that was his skill and it wasn’t just because he was a thief. His mother always told him to stay hidden and never talk to people. The village was dangerous and full of people who would hurt him if given the chance.

As he turned a corner he spied a man exiting his home after saying goodbye to his family. Some how the sight made his chest hurt. He thought about his own mother lying at home covered with two straw mats and several unwoven baskets to hide he smell. She was always soft and kind as she peddled her wares at the market. Seto crouched down against the side of the wall waiting for the man to leave so he could continue unseen. He didn’t like thinking about his mother because he couldn’t help but cry. He was supposed to be a man but all he wanted was his mother.

Finally the man was out of sight and his family was back inside. Slowly Seto crept out and ran through the back alley. Looking up he assessed the sun’s position and cursed under his breath. He had gotten up late and the man had slowed his journey. At this rate when he got to market it would be bustling with people. He would risk it anyway because he needed the food. He was small and quick and could outrun and out maneuver anyone. Most merchants wouldn’t chase after a thief because that would leave their wares unguarded for other thieves and competition to vandalize, which worked in his favor.

His steps picked up as he turned to one of his short cuts. If he didn’t make it to the market soon guards would be patrolling and then getting food would be impossible. Suddenly his bare feet slid to a stop on the sand just as the market came into view and now it was time to work out his strategy. Out this early was the baker and a fish monger. The baker was easy to steal from as he turned his back on some wares to straiten up others but the other merchant made things difficult. He eyed his goods and the street for customers and his competition. Seto was sure the man wouldn’t care if some thief stole another merchant’s good but he couldn’t take that chance.

Seto watched the man and his fish closely. First he straitened the fish on display then looked down the street for potential buyers. The baker checked one display to his right, then left, then in front before starting again. When the fishmonger looked down the road away from him Seto surged forward rushing to the baker’s stand and dropping to the ground out of sight. His heart was pounding and his hands were shaking.

He was lucky in this position. The shade hid him but he could see the fishmonger and could hear the baker above him. Holding his breath he waited for his moment to strike. Suddenly the moment came. There was a loud rustling above him, a fainter rustling, and then the fish merchant looked away so he made his move. Quickly he reached up and grabbed a loaf of bread then pushed the others together to fill the space before ducking back out of sight. He held the still hot loaf in his arm; it burned his chest through his shirt. There was a rustle above him again. His heart pounded almost deafening in his ears. When there was no reaction he exhaled silently. He had gotten away with it. When the opening presented itself he ran off holding his stolen meal as if it were gold.

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As he walked home through alleys and behind homes he picked pieces off of the loaf of bread and ate them. His run down shack came into view and he sighed in sadness. Usually it was his mother coming home to him with food. Then she would weave baskets while singing or telling him stories. He loved the sound of her voice. It was high and smooth and never failed to lull him to sleep even when he was hungry or scared.

The road before him began to blur as tears filled his eyes. Giving himself up to the tears he collapsed against a wall. He tucked his knees under his chin and wrapped his arms around them. The remainder of the loaf of bread lay forgotten next to him. Fat tears ran down his bright red cheeks. His blood shot, tear filled eyes wouldn’t allow him to see clearly. He rubbed at his eyes with the backs of his hand.

“There’s no need to cry little one.” The sound of a rough female voice came from above him. “Did you get separated from your mommy?” His head jerked up to look at the woman leaning over him. Her clothing told him she was a whore. His mother had pointed out women and others like her telling him that they were the worst kind of thieves. Usually they worked at night but when money is needed something like the sun isn’t going to declare the workday. He stood sliding his back up the stonewall. “Aren’t you a cute little thing.”

Her hand came out to touch him but he ducked and grabbed the loaf of bread. He pushed it into her hand and took off running. His bare feet slipped several times on the loose sand but he didn’t fall. He was sure the woman wasn’t following him but he wanted to get home before he ran into anyone else. Just as his place was insight a man and a girl exited a door to his right. At the last minute he jumped into the space between two buildings and listened to them argue with another man standing in a door way.

The girl was only twelve or thirteen years old, a few years older than him. The man with her held tightly onto her upper arm. Seto could see the white grip marks for where he was holding. “What do you mean five at least give me ten for her.”

“She’s not worth ten,” said the man in the doorway. “I’ll give you five and nothing more.”

He pulled the girl roughly by the arm and threw her down in front of the other man. “Fine, I’ll take five.”

The other man grabbed the girl pushing her back into the building then he tossed him a small piece of folded cloth. Judging from the jangle as he caught it, it was full of coins. “I only pay what the merchandise is worth. Next time bring me less damaged goods and I’ll think of a higher price.” With that he slammed the wooden door.

“Yeah well fuck you too asshole.” He sighed at the money but tucked it away. Seto slowly left the safety of his hiding place while the man was still cursing at the closed door. Hugging the wall with his back he crept past the man. When he thought he was far enough away he turned ready to run but a hand hell on his shoulder. “Hey kid you shouldn’t be running around alone. You don’t know what kind of bad people you’ll run into.”

The tone of his voice and the strengthening grip on his shoulder told him he had to get away. Jerking to the side he tried to get away but a strong hand grabbed his upper arm. He didn’t bother screaming no one would help anyway. Instead he fought. His own hands came up and scratched at the hands holding him. “Aw you little shit.” The man gripped both arms tightly and gave him a hard shake. Spots formed behind his eyelids as his head snapped back and forth. His body went limp dangling from the man’s hands before he was dropped back to the ground. “Come on kid, you’re going to make me some money.”

He dragged Seto with him over to the door he had just exited. Without knocking he pushed the door open and walked in. Inside yet another man was arguing with the man from before. A young girl was standing behind the two looking from one then to the other. Suddenly her eyes settled on him. The blank look in her eyes scared him more then the man pulling on his arm. She had to be his age give or take a year and yet her eyes made her look years older. The clothes she wore were small and tight and her eyes were rimmed in dark black that was running down her cheeks. She had seen and done things that no child should be witness to and her eyes told the story of her experience.

“I’m sorry if you’re disappointed but we don’t have what you want. She’s the closest we have.” The man appeared to be the owner of what Seto was starting to realize was a whorehouse.

The customer seemed to be upset with his purchase. “This is not what I wanted so I’m not paying.” He pushed the girl forward heading towards the door. Someone appeared and grabbed the girl dragging her into the back.

“Fine, whatever, just get out.”

“Wait,” the man holding Seto stepped forward. “I have something you might like.” With a jerk he threw Seto forward who was caught but the owner before he could fall. “What would you give me for him. Young, a boy, and untouched should get me at least twenty.”

“We’ll see.” He stood Seto upright and knelt down. Without warming he stuck his hand up the wrap around Seto’s legs. He grabbed him in a place no one had ever toughed before. Seto’s eyes flew open in shock and fear as a finger probed at his behind trying to get inside of him. This prompted the fight in him. His small body was no match as he flailed and scratched and snapped at the questing hinds. The man finally pulled away to stand. “You’re right.” He threw another coin filled cloth bag at the other man. “Here’s twenty, now leave.”

Having gotten what he wanted the man ran off with his money. Seto cowered back as the two remaining men closed in on him. The look in their eyes was the same look he got when he looked at the hot bread loaves every morning. “How much do you want for him?” Seto’s body trembled knowing what they were negotiating. Living on the streets had exposed him to some of the darkness in the world but this was the first time he had been involved.

“Five.” He smirked and held out his hand with five silver bronze coins nestled in his palm. “No, you misunderstand. That will be five silvers. It is a crime to let such a prize go for anything less.” Sighing he pulled out the right amount and paid up. With the money exchange completed Seto and the man were led to a room in the back. The door shut behind them sucking all the hope Seto had left with it.

“Come here kid.” The man reached out to grab him. Seto stumbled back but tripped over a clump of straw falling onto his butt. “Now don’t be scared, I’m not going to hurt you.” He kept approaching him prompting Seto to crab walk back until he hit the opposite wall. The man knelt in front of him and stood him up. They were at eye level.

Seto did the only thing he could think of and that was bare his teeth and growl. Every muscle in his body went ridged ready to fight this man who was trying to hurt him. He knew he was no match for the stronger man but he had to try anyway. Standing idly by and allowing this to happen was not in his nature; it was not what his mother would have wanted.

Not at all discouraged by his actions and behavior the man covered his shoulders with his hands. “Well you really are quite a prize aren’t you? Now just be quiet and this won’t hurt too much.” Clammy hands ran down him arms then moved to his waist. They moved across the cloth to rest on his bare stomach. The cool skin against his own made him jump and lash out. Flailing his arms he swiped his fingernails across the man’s forearm leaving three red groves in their path. “You little shit.” The man stood swiftly towering over him. “I paid good money for you so you had better start cooperating. This is your life now. Get used to obediently spreading your legs because I have a feeling you’re going to be doing it a lot, pretty little thing like you.” He placed a hand on his chin tilting his face up. “With that snarling face and blue eyes you look like a little demon.”

Seto flinched a little inside at the comparison. It wasn’t something new. He heard it all the time when he tried to help his mother sell her baskets in the market place. Hearing it often didn’t change how much it hurt. Tears ran down his cheeks as the man started to remove his own clothing. “Lets put that mouth to some use shall we?” Seto cringed back at the sight of the man’s exposed manhood. There was no way that man was putting anything of his inside of him. Unluckily for him Seto had sharp teeth and knew how to use them.

Before he had a chance to defend himself the door to the room burst open. “Get away from the kid.” Two men dressed in palace guard uniforms approached the man immediately throwing him to the ground. The man, fully aware of the punishment for buying a child for the purpose of sex, struggled and fought screaming about Seto being his son. The guards weren’t buying it as they held him down and chained his arms behind his back. When he was fully subdued one guard advanced on him.

“It’s okay kid, that man will never hurt you again.” The idea of safety didn’t penetrate his mind. All he knew was yet another man was approaching him in a room with no escape. “You’re safe now.” He wasn’t hearing the sound of his voice over the sound of the sandals hitting the stone floor that was bringing the man closer and closer.

A hand dropped onto his shoulder shocking him into action. The fight in him was already revved up from his potential rapist. He lunged forward crashing his shoulder into the man’s stomach before dropping to his knees to get out of range of his arms. The man stumbled forward holding his stomach. Thinking he was home free Seto ran out the door and into something solid and unforgiving. The impact sent Seto sprawled on his ass looking up at the huge guard he ran into.

“Watch it kid.” Behind the wall of a man several people were being tied up for transport to the palace for judgment. Others guard were taking information from the women who were being held prisoner. “What’s your name kid? Tell us and we’ll take you home.” A hand reached out for him but didn’t make it to his shoulder. Seto turned his head and latched onto the hand with his teeth biting down as hard as possible. “Shit!” What the hell is wrong with you?” The man screamed yanking his hand back dragging Seto forward as well. “Let go you little monster.”

He clamped his teeth harder digging deeper into the man’s arm. Blood spilled into his mouth chocking him. Finally then man stopped puling him along and started pushing him away with a hand on his chest. He let go and fell back on his butt. Quickly he spat out the blood while performing the move that usually got him out of must of the trouble he got into. Staying low to the ground he ran around the man’s legs and took off sprinting but didn’t make it far again. “Stop that brat.” Seto could hear the pain in the man’s voice but didn’t let it distract him. Another guard jumped in his path ready to grab him. He bared his teeth in preparation but was unready for the two hands landing on his shoulders from behind; he didn’t even hear anyone following him. The man in front of him smirked down at him before drawing back a fist and sinking it into his stomach. A hard breath of air rushed out of his lungs before his world fell into darkness.

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Next chapter Atemu appears when Seto is brought to the Palace.

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