Fan Fiction ❯ Own Me ❯ Kissed ( Chapter 4 )

PeachBerry: Alright…super oober long update. Not really, but kinda eh…

Wingy: But at not only is this a super long update (by PB's standards) but also a oober special day!!!

PeachBerry- Is it my birthday?!?!?!?!

Wingy- YES!

PeachBerry- YAY!!! Wait. Today isn't my birthday.

Wingy- It isn't?

PeachBerry- No silly, believe it or not, but this story is the first of my many stories that have gone past the third chapter marker. All my other stories on my Fp.com account are stuck on the third chapter. So, Happy First Fourth Chapter!!!

Wingy- HAPPY FIRST FOURTH CHAPTER PB!!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Kindom Hearts along with the characters. I do own Takumi, but he's not in this chapter cause we left him behind at the docks. Boo-hoo!

Wingy- Hey…Wingy wanted to do the thingy!!!

PeachBerry- Be quiet so people can read the story alright!!!

~*~*~*~

Own Me

By: PeachBerry

Chapter Four- Kissed

I remember this place…dark and damp. Cold and dirty. The drip drip dripping sound of water, and the eerie creaking of the wooden walls echoed in this large place. A dusky smell hung in the air, along with a sense of dread and sadness. Cold metal clutched around my wrists, shackles dug deep into my skin. Old and new blood stained all down my arms as my hands hung from the chain above my head.

But that was nothing compared to the pain in my chest. It hurt. I don't know why, but this pain in my chest, it feels like someone's stabbing me with needles over and over right beneath my heart. Why did it hurt so bad? What had I done to deserve this? What wrong have I commit? My body seemed to never stop trembling. Whispers echoed off the walls. I hear them, they are speaking of me.

"A new one? He's quite young."

"Sad, what happened to everyone on that island."

"Yeah, you could smell the smoke all the way from the ship."

"Too bad he got caught up here, would've been better dead."

"Don't say things like that!"

"But it's true! He's in for a world of pain now."

I heard them, but I don't think I was listening. Their whispers drowned out…and I started to hear screaming. The room melted away. Fire….everything is on fire! The room was completely gone in a vast veil of smoke. Tall trees collapsed before me as an entire landscape of green went up in flames. The sky was painted red from the glow of the fire, and black from the deep smoke. The heat burned my cheeks and my eyes opened wide as I watched everything I ever loved become devoured by fire.

And all I could think of was…why…

~*~*~*~

Sora woke with a start. His body was shaking vigorously and sweat dripped off his face. He never felt colder. Panting, Sora regained his composure and checked his whereabouts. He was in the darkness of the ship's haul, with only a candle flickering in the corner. The boy wrapped his clammy hands around his wrists and found no shackles, no blood.

"I was dreaming," said Sora aloud, his voice echoing off the haul's walls. `More like a nightmare though. I haven't had that dream for years. This ship reminds me of my past. It even has the same dusky smell as that ship I was on so many years ago.' Sora shivered slightly. `Just the thought of that ship haunts me.' Even though it was just a dream, Sora could still sense the heat from the tall flames. Tears threatened to fall, but he rubbed his eyes with his palm. `I hate that dream…'

Sora heard a loud creak and light flooded the room. Sora turned to see a hooded figure appear in the doorway, carrying a small lamp. Short silver strands of hair shown from underneath the hood, revealing that it was just Riku. The older boy beckoned Sora to follow, then began out of the doorway and up a flight of stairs to the lower deck. Sora hesitated.

`What is it that Riku wants? I haven't been allowed to leave this room for over a week.' Sora suddenly realized something. `Perhaps it's Ansem that wishes for something…' Sora wasn't certain, and he really didn't feel like finding out. While Sora pondered his next move, Riku stopped halfway up the stairs, realizing the boy wasn't following. Even though the lamp provided some light, Sora couldn't see all of his face. Only his trembling lips. The boy then noticed that Riku's entire frame was shaking slightly, or shivering.

`First sign of emotion I've seen from him,' thought Sora with a tint of humor. `I shouldn't keep him waiting.' Sora followed the boy up the narrow stairway and through a trap door, which revealed the black night sky. The decks were empty besides two sailors chatting to each other along the rail of the ship. The cold wispy air made Sora shiver slightly and his breath formed into clouds and rose into the nothingness of the night. But the sight of the clear night sky made up for it.

Stars twinkled off and on, as if showing off for they're few onlookers. The moon, though only half full tonight, brightened the dock's floor and shimmered off of the top of the water. The open sea was calm, and the reflection of the moon and the stars off the water made it seem like there was no end to the sky or beginning to the horizon. Sora wished he could just stay and watch the beautiful night forever.

But the gaze from Riku brought him back to reality as he followed the boy up a ladder and to the upper deck. `The night sky wouldn't have lasted forever anyways.' A light shown from inside of a window and Sora could hear two men talking inside.

"Sora," whispered Riku. The Sora looked at the older boy and saw the seriousness on his face. `Not that I haven't seen anything but his serious look,' thought Sora.

"Remember what I said." Then he opened the door to reveal a spectacular sight. The room was lit with a gold chandelier hanging from the ceiling, small paintings of ships battling terrible seas hung upon the smooth walls. Candles created small shadows along the floor as if leading them towards a long rectangular oak table covered with a white lace cloth and heaps of food. Sora's eyes lit up.

"Holy sh…"

Sora had never seen so much food on one table before. There was roasted chicken, boar, duck, fresh vegetables and fruits, a tureen of what seemed to be crème of potatoes and broccoli, freshly baked dinner rolls and croissants; all smelling so delicious it made Sora's mouth water. He wanted to just rush to the table and feast upon the delectable delights until his stomach exploded, but then he caught the eye of his new master.

"Young Sora, how good of you to join us," were the words that slipped from Ansem's mouth. Sora also noticed another rugged man that he assumed was the captain of the ship. The man didn't acknowledge Sora's presence, but he did nod to Riku who looked away to stare at empty space. "Please Sora, join us." Ansem patted an embroider chair next to him. Sora hesitated, and looked to Riku, but he was too busy staring at the wall to notice the gesture. Sora didn't want to anger Ansem, so he took the seat offered to him. He stared at the food, not sure if it was being offered as easily as his seat. Sora couldn't help himself from licking his lips. Ansem just smiled.

"Hungry? Why you should be. All you've had is the disgusting gruel that they serve the lowlifes of this ship." The man smiled wickedly. "But I know you deserve better because you belong to me and everything that is mine, deserves the best. Don't you agree?" Sora wasn't sure if the question was directed at himself for Ansem wasn't looking at him, but over at Riku. There seemed to be an unspoken connection happening between the two. But Riku bowed his head slightly, remaining silent. Sora began to feel uneasy underneath the captain's gaze, who finally noticed him.

"Oh don't mind Riku, he's shy around people he's not familiar with. But I just know you two will become great friends after you get acquainted!" Ansem's cheery smile and dark complexion mix very well, causing Sora's nerves to heighten. They were on full alert which made Sora jump when Ansem began piling food onto a plate for the boy to eat.

Although Sora wanted to just indulge himself in the wide range of delectables, he chose not to eat any of the meats. You never know what could be poisoned. Even though Ansem probably wouldn't spend a bundle of munny on Sora then poison him a couple days later, Sora hadn't quite figured out Ansem's mind yet and didn't fully trust him. `Fully trust him? I get these horrible vibes just sitting next to him. He keeps staring at me.'

Ansem looked fascinated with every little thing that Sora did. When he chewed his food, when he sipped on water, when he finally set his fork down and just sat there quietly, Ansem was still staring at Sora. Like a child staring at candy through a glass window. An awkward silence filled the room. Sora didn't know what to do after he was done eating, so he just tried to sit as still as possible. Riku hadn't eaten anything during the entire time. He just stood silently behind Ansem's chair, eyes seemingly dead to the room around him. Sora's throat began to grow dry to he drank some of his water.

"You're very beautiful Sora." The boy choked, nearly spitting out his drink. As Sora tried to clear his throat, Ansem's smile grew into a wild sneer. "You ok?" The boy nodded his head as he contemplated what Ansem had said. `Did he just say I was beautiful?'

"How old are you? Twelve? Thirteen?" asked Ansem curiously.

"I…I'm fourteen."

"Really? You don't look it. Not that that's a bad thing. You just seem so young. Just like a child."

"I'm not." Sora's cheeks flushed from being called a child. `What is this guy up to?' thought Sora to himself.

"Hmmm…you shouldn't talk back to me Sora. After all, I own you. You're mine, and I can call you what I want. If I think you're a dirty little whore, then you're a dirty little whore. Got that?" Ansem's smile faded into a thin line that showed agitation. The look on his face made Sora shrink back into his chair. He suddenly felt very alone. Ansem leaned back in his chair and imitated a yawn.

"Captain, please take our dirty little whore back down to his lodgings. I'm growing tired." The other man looked up from his fourth plate of food, clearly annoyed that his meal was disturbed. "Now." Said Ansem more urgently, danger flashing in his eyes.

"Yes my Lord," replied the captain, and he got up from his chair motioning Sora to follow him. Before Sora could step out of his seat, Ansem grabbed him by his arm and pulled the boy's face close to his where both their lips met. Surprised, Sora tried to pull away, but Ansem grabbed some of Sora'a hair with his free hand, deepening the kiss.

`I can't…breathe…' Sora struggled against Ansem until the man finally released his hold on Sora's head and stared at him face to face. Breathing hard, Sora looked straight into Ansem's dark eyes. Such a sinister look, it made Sora's body shake from an unknown feeling. Nervousness? Fear? Or perhaps…lust? Sora was so surprised he almost didn't catch Ansem's parting words.

"Until tomorrow night then?" The man sat back in his chair with Riku standing behind him, as the captain took Sora by his arm and tugged him over to the door. Riku watched silently as the young boy was led out of the room. The expression on Riku's face was entirely blank.

Sora was still bewildered by what had just happened. `Did he just…kiss me?' It all felt so wrong. Sora's mind was buzzing with so much confusion that he didn't notice when they reach his quarters.

~*~*~*~

Sora shivered. The candle had gone out, and the room was pitch black. Sora didn't feel like sleeping the rest of the night. His mind was preoccupied with other thoughts. Every recent event has added up and is hitting him back harder than ever. Since the beginning, when he was brought to the slaveholders house, when he was separated from his only friend's, and now he stuck in a empty room, feeling sorry for himself.

`There's nothing I can do. I just have to see what happens and go with it. Here, I have no power, no say in anything. Ansem sure demonstrated that tonight.' Sora stifled a sob, trying desperately not to cry. `Crying is not going to get me anywhere. Not that anything else I do will help my situation. I can only hope for the best. As long as I have hope.' Sora shut his eyes, trying to clear his mind. Yet the old timely question that he's asked himself many times before was echoing in his mind.

`Why…does all this happen? Why can't I just be left alone….' Not only was Sora too awake to fall asleep, but also he feared the nightmare that might ensnare him again. It used to haunt his sleep when he first came to the slaveholder's house, but last night it seemed even more real than he remembered.

`I'm sick of being so weak…'

~*~*~*~

"What's the matter Sora? You seem out of it today."

Sora didn't reply, but simply sat in his chair nibbling on a dinner roll. It had been three days since his last night of sleep. Each day, Sora was required to dine with Ansem and the captain, which were even more tiring since Sora never relaxed next to Ansem. When Sora was ready to leave, Ansem would deliver a peck on the boy's lips and smile like nothing had happen, like nothing was out of place. But in Sora's heart, he never felt more wrong. He'd never felt more like his life was slipping out of reach, and falling right into Ansem's hands.

Riku didn't seem to eat anything at all, but merely stood behind his Lord, awaiting an order. Ansem explained to the Sora that Riku had already eaten before his arrival. Being the fourth night of dinning with Ansem, Sora didn't feel very hungry. His appetite diminished while watching the adjourning captain shovel countless amounts of food into his own mouth.

"Nothing is wrong. I'm just not as hungry," said Sora. Ansem raised an eyebrow, but still smiled his immaculate grin and sipped from his glass of wine. He swirled the red liquid around, then set the glass down on the table.

"Do you know how you can tell the difference between good wine and bad wine?" asked Ansem. The young boy avoided eye contact, but shook his head. `What does that have to do with anything?' thought Sora.

The man chuckled, shaking his head slightly as if the queston he asked was as simple as one plus one. And for a brief second, Sora almost thought the man looked older, more tired, like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. But the moment passed as Ansem began to speak again.

"You see Sora, taste is of course a major part of distinguishing between the good and bad, but there are other elements as well. There's the color, scent, and texture. A red wine should be fairly dark colored and have a strong smell, but all wines should be smooth. Not to thin, and not to thick. Picking a good wine does not only solely rely on the wine alone, what you're eating also brings out the potential of the wine. If you're eating heavy foods, such as meats, red wine is the best. Yet if you're eating light foods, such as pasta or soup, it's best to drink a white wine. Of course, there are also specific wines for special events. For example, if you are only serving deserts or perhaps pastries, then you would serve a much lighter, sweeter version of a white wine. Therefore the two compliment each other. Understand?"

Sora nodded, even though he didn't understand why Ansem had told him all of that. Sora tried to read Ansem's face, but the man had picked up his wine glass again and sipped it, a small smile on his face.

"But taste, is the summary of whether or not the wine is good…or bad," added Ansem as he leaned in closer to Sora, his smile now a malicious smirk. Sora tried to scoot back, tried to put as much distance between himself and Ansem, but the back of the chair was the limit, and Ansem's smirk kept growing. Sora's heart was beating faster as Ansem inched closer. The man's eyes glowed more dangerously than before, and Sora wished he was anywhere but there. Ansem was almost an inch away from his face, his lips…

"Lord Ansem,"

"Not right now Riku." Sora could feel Ansem's hot breath upon his lips.

"My Lord, someone's knocking on the door." Ansem looked up and gave Riku an annoyed look, then the sound of knocking filled their ears.

"Hmmm…what do you know. What are you doing just standing there? Go answer it Riku," said Ansem in a haughty tone. Riku obeyed and went to go open the door. Ansem sat back in his chair and Sora let out a silent sigh of relief. One of the sailors appeared from behind the door, the look on his face told that he didn't hold good news.

"I'm terribly sorry for disturbing your super my Lord, but something important has come up," said the man, his voice a little shakey.

"And that would be?" answered Ansem nonchalantly, taking a sip from his wine glass.

"I think it best if I show you my Lord." The man bowed a few times to express his sympathy, but neither the captain or Ansem looked as if they cared. With an irritated expression on his face, Ansem stood and motioned the captain to follow. Slamming the door shut, he left Riku and Sora in the room, alone.

Silence seemed to echo off the walls and not a look or a glance was passed between the two. As the quiet stretched on, Sora felt more and more compelled to break the icy silence. `I need to talk to someone. Riku should know how I feel. But then again, he's like a lapdog. But he did sort of save me from that little event back there. I should thank him. And get an explanation of all of his warnings.'

"Hey Riku," Sora looked towards the elder boy to see if he was listening. Riku kinda nodded his head. `I guess that's what you call paying attention,' thought Sora. "I just wanted to say….thanks. For stopping Ansem." Sora's cheeks blushed slightly at the thought of being kissed again. Even if Ansem wasn't really hurting Sora, it was still very awkward for the boy.

"I was merely informing Lord Ansem of company. Besides, you should get used to it." Sora was surprised. He didn't expect to have Riku actually answer him. "And you shouldn't address Lord Ansem without his title," added Riku.

"Oh, sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just remember." Riku's words hit Sora hard. `Of course. Riku is just another person who devoted his life to serving another and in the process, starts to lose his soul. His being. Everything that makes him human. Now he's nothing but a slave. Bending over backwards to please.'

"But I am sorry."

"I said-"

"I feel sorry for you. You lost something important Riku. I can see it. The look in your eyes tells me that you have no purpose." Riku seemed taken aback. He stared at Sora, puzzled by his words.

"I have a purpose."

"Oh, and what is that? To do as you're told? To follow every instruction, obey every whim? To serve an ungrateful master till your dying day? If you ask me Riku, that is not a purpose." Anger seethed through Sora. He didn't know why he felt so mad that Riku would just let Ansem walk all over him. Even though Sora looked on the verge to strangle Riku for being such an idiot, the elder boy stayed calm.

"What do you know Sora? If you think you're so right, what are you doing to change your fate? You're in the same position as me. You haven't stopped Lord Ansem from treating you like a worthless dog. You don't resist when he grabs at you. You let him treat you like shit because you are afraid." Sora flinched. His words stung at Sora. The reason they hurt so much, was because Sora knew he was right. Sora had feared Ansem the first time he set eyes on the man.

"Of course I'm afraid," replied Sora, "I'm scared because I don't know what to expect. I don't know what will happen to me. Everyone has their fears."

"I'm not afraid of anything. I'm not scared of Lord Ansem. You don't understand anything Sora. You don't know anything about me so don't try and pretend you know something I don't. Don't feel sorry for me. If anything, I pity you." Riku turned away, showing Sora that he was done talking to him.

Sora jumped out of his chair, furious that Riku pitied him. `The nerve of that guy. Saying he's not afraid of anything. I think I like the quiet, dead looking Riku better than the jerk-off Riku.' Sora was just about to say something, when the door busted open. Ansem stood in the doorway, a smug, infuriated look on his face. He stomped over to Sora, roughly grabbed his arm and practically dragged him out the door, then slammed it behind him. Sora stood silently outside, wondering what had happened that had made Ansem so angry. Right before Sora was ready to leave to his quarters, a loud crash came from inside the dinning room.

`What the…' Sora tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside. Then Sora spotted the window. He peeked through the window, and what he saw made him gasp. All the leftover food from the table was thrown to the ground and Ansem was leaning into Riku, whispering in his ear. Riku's hands gripped the edge of the table, trying to prevent himself from falling over. One of Ansem's arms was rapped around the boy's waist while the other clenched Riku's hair. Ansem went in for a kiss, pressing hard against Riku's lips. He began to gnaw and lightly bite on the boy's already slighty swollen lips, causing a tiny droplet of blood to fall down Riku's chin. Ansem broke free of the kiss and continued to nibble along the boy's neck.

Sora turned away after that and ran towards the ladder to the lower deck. When he reached the bottom, he noticed a group of sailors crowding around on the other side of the deck, but Sora wasn't interested and went down the stairs and through his door to the ship's haul.

As Sora layed on the cold wooden floor, Riku's words echoed through his head.

`You should get used to it. That's what Riku said. Obviously he has gotten used to it.' Sora curled up in a little ball, with only one thin blanket to keep him warm. He tried closing his eyes, but he knew he wouldn't get any sleep that night.

`At least I know now what to expect.'

TBC

PeachBerry- You guys won't believe how hard this chapter was to write. It really was. I had so many writer's block moments. I almost gave up.

Wingy- But thankfully, Wingy is a highly equipped muse and can solve any writer's block!! *insert super hero music*

PeachBerry- What are you talking about? You didn't do squat!

Wingy- That's because PB didn't buy Wingy any chocolate.

PeachBerry- I'm not made of money. I'm just a poor writer trying to get her message out to the world.

Wingy- And that would be…?

PeachBerry: Ok, let's respond to the few reviewers that I have gained…

Wingy: Hey! Don't ignore Wingy!!!

Lavender Youko- Wow…is my story really so good no one cares about the horrid spelling/grammar? YAY! Hehehe…BWAHAHAHA!!! More suspense in this…I think…what is this suspense you speak of? XD Thanks for reviewing! *dashes off*

GirlTheCatGirl- Such a clever email…thanks for reviewing! Be fore warned…curiousity killed the cat. *more evil laughs* Errr…but sometimes…I don't even know what might happen! Heh…that's when there's no update…*glares at Wingy* (Wingy: What? Giving inspiration is a pretty hard job…)

Simi- As soon as I got your review I updated on MM.org. Ha! Thanks for reminding me I actually had an account! *hugs you*

PeachBerry- OMG!!! 3 reviews!!! *does review dance*

Wingy- Uhhh…PB, don't forget to tell them about the thing.

PeachBerry- Oh right. Now people (not you people…other people) have been asking me if I'm gonna put Sephiroth in my story or not. Well, I probably will, but I can't decide if I want to make him a good guy or a bad guy. So here's the deal. You guys can tell me whether you want him to be good or evil. So leave a comment, good or evil. And the most wins and I'll write whatever. To tell you the truth, I've haven't played any FF games so I don't know the extent to Sephiroth's personality. Just have that in mind.

Wingy- Yes yes… and also. Have you peeps ever wondered want Takumi looked like? Pb only described his red hair in the brief time he was in the story. Well look no further cause PB has drawn a beautiful picture of him, in which you can view in her fanart section.

PeachBerry- I must warn you people. I drew that a while ago, so it isn't as good as my recent art. I'm not gonna complain about it here. Also, if you guys are wondering when the hell I'll ever update, check out my livejournal. (located on the Author's homepage button). My livejournal also contains updates on story progress. Sometimes summaries of the next chapter, and blah blah blah. I'm not forcing you guys to go check it out or anything, but I usually estimate when I'm gonna update so then you guys know.

Wingy- Isn't PB nice? Now don't forget to vote on which Sephy should show. Good? Bad? Leave a review! No flames please, they might catch Kairi on fire. Oh wait…she's already burning. Nevermind. ^_^