Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Fate of the Damned ❯ Punishment ( Chapter 7 )

HOLY SCHNIZZLE, IT'S CHAPTER SEVEN, YO!

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh or any of its related characters or concepts.

 

Ch 7

 

Ryou moaned pitifully as the demon guard's arms flexed around his torso, the muscles bulging and straining under the inky-black skin as his hold on the small human tightened. The ache in the boy's chest doubled due to the added pressure, and now the immense pounding in his temple was overwhelmed only by the lightheadedness that had begun to set in the closer they came to their destination.

 

To say Ryou was completely terror stricken was an understatement. His pulse raced, his palms were virtually dripping with sweat (as were the white locks of his hair), and a part of him was worried that he may just wet himself before he even received his punishment. Well, that or pass out. Either way, it didn't make much of a difference - he would embarrass himself no matter what happened.

 

His thoughts jumped from one thing to another, first to earlier tonight when he had been caring for Yukio and was in relative safety, and then to the meeting with Bakura and how the vampire lord had condemned Ryou to punishment without batting an eye. Both situations appeared fuzzy to him now, even though they had only happened a short time ago. Perhaps that's just what the fear of imminent pain and destruction did to the human mind.

 

The demon carrying Ryou against his leather-adorned chest grunted and tossed his head to the side, flipping his shoulder-length silver hair out of his face crudely. The small human recalled wearily how the guard had shed his heavier metal armor and pawned it off on another demon after the first few minutes of their journey, grumbling that it would only impede his performance down in the torture chambers. Ryou sighed miserably at this, thinking that the last thing he needed right now was for his tormentor's job to be made more convenient before their `session,' for it would inevitably lead to a longer and more brutal episode for the fragile human.

 

The larger man's hold on the human tightened once again, forcing Ryou's back closer still to his large torso and causing the boy to whimper in return, squirming desperately in an attempt to get remotely comfortable. When his actions proved to be futile, Ryou sniffled quietly and went slack in the demon's arms, eyes tearing up and hope draining further. How was he going to get out of this?

 

`I'm not.' He thought sadly, lids lowering heavily over glazed eyes. The human could feel his salty tears start to travel down his ashen cheeks, one trail ending in a continuous drip from his sharp jaw line, the other pooling momentarily in the corner of his mouth before it, too, ended near the point of his chin.

 

`No, wait. I shouldn't think like that.' He reasoned. `Not everyone is against me. I still have Malik on my side. As long as he's here, I'll never be completely alone.'

 

However, his next thought sent him deeper into his pit of depression. `But he won't be here much longer, will he?' A silent whimper. `Soon, he'll be forced to leave with that…horrible vampire lord.'

 

Ryou sighed internally, realizing that Malik would probably try with all his might to keep that from happening. `But it will anyway. This is, and has always been, out of Malik's control. As long as we are who we are - what we are - we will never be able to make our own decisions, no matter how hard we fight.'

 

Another batch of tears dribbled down the small human's cheeks, and he sniffled gently. `Yes. When Malik leaves, I'll be all alone under Bakura's rule; no friends, no allies - nothing but demons, that horrible vampire child, and, of course, the vampire lord himself.' Ryou sniffed again and hung his head, opening his eyes to watch the white-washed tiles pass under the demon's black-leathered boots, his vision growing bleary from crying.

 

The boy didn't know if he could handle such a thing. Complete isolation could ruin one's sanity, especially someone like Ryou, who was starting to reach the proverbial edge. `Not a single soul in this castle other than Malik cares for me or my welfare.' A broken smile turned his lips, his tears falling faster. `When he leaves, my hope and happiness go with him.'

 

It was then that Ryou came to a decision. Until it came time for his friend to leave him, he would have to spend as many of the remaining days with the blond as he could - try to memorize everything about him, from the tips of his hair to the contours of his skin. Then, when he was taken away, Ryou would at least be able to remember him as he is now; courageous and unbroken.

 

There were two particular problems facing his plan, however, and their names were Bakura and Marik. Would the vampire lords keep the two humans apart after they were dealt their punishment? Just how far would they go in their cruelty?

 

Ryou flexed his arms tiredly, not surprised when the demon's hold remained strong. `I can't make that judgment yet. All I know is, it's up to Bakura and Marik what happens to us after our punishment has been dealt. At this point, all I can do is gather my hope, and place it all in the choices that are made on my and Malik's behalf.'

 

Tears drying, the pale human glanced up from the demon's path, noticing that his surroundings had changed. Gone were the clean tiles of the main hall and upper floors, and gone was the smooth stone and decorative tapestries of the walls Ryou had grown used to seeing over the past few hours.

 

Here, the walls to either side of him were lumpy and dirty and lined with small, metallic candle holders, their wicks aflame and supply of wax already decreased to a dangerous level. `They must always be burning,' The boy surmised, `Or else the body of the candle wouldn't be so low.' Either that, or Bakura punished his servants on a regular basis. That conclusion seemed as plausible to Ryou as the first.

 

Though there were several candles, they offered little light to their visitors, as they were spaced far from one another, leaving the hall in almost complete darkness. Ryou figured this would make their usefulness moot, but considering he was in the home of a creature he hadn't known existed until just recently (and therefore didn't completely understand its actions) he couldn't be sure if offering sufficient light had been their true purpose from the start.

 

His transport's boots stomped oddly over mismatched and decrepit rock, the guard almost losing his footing once or twice when his toe became lodged between the poorly laid flooring. He gave a soft hiss and whispered a curse, jostling Ryou angrily and hastening forward, murky-brown eyes now concentrated on his feet. The pale boy in his hold peered up at his face, studying his slitted pupils curiously, only to look away when the demon returned the stare.

 

Quivering, the small human took in his surroundings, realizing they must be nearing the room where his punishment was to be held. It should be no surprise to him that the environment leading to such a place would be one of grime, darkness, and heart-stopping silence. He gulped, gripping his captor's arms tightly until he heard the crinkling of the leather arm guard under his thin, pale fingers. `I have to stay calm.' He told himself, his breathing becoming harsh. `I can't let the fear get to me. I have to try and be brave, like Malik.'

 

Gradually, solid metal doors began appearing on either side of the two males, the sight of large deadbolts securing each handle leaving a sick feeling to settle in the pit of Ryou's stomach. `Stay calm!' He repeated, taking a deep breath to try to steady his nerves. `Don't worry, it won't be so bad. Maybe this demon was teasing me earlier. Maybe he isn't as malicious as the others.' The young human gave the guard a fleeting look, studying his amused expression with concern. `Or maybe not.'

 

Ryou lowered his eyes to the stone beneath the creature's boots, a pitiful sob threatening to spill from his parted lips. This wasn't fair! He was being punished for something that was out of his control! Bakura wanted his servants to follow his orders, but he also wanted them to treat his son, his heir, as the young master of the house. So what was Ryou supposed to say to Yukio when the boy all but demanded that he be allowed to leave his bedroom? Was the servant supposed to tell the master “No?”

 

The human boy `hmphed' delicately. He knew the reality of the situation, and thus realized that, either way, he would have been punished. Saying “No” to Yukio would be like saying “No” to Bakura, at least in the vampire lord's point of view. “I can't win.” Ryou whispered, hanging his head to rest his chin on one of his hands. “No matter what I do or say, I'll always be the slave, and Bakura will always be the master.”

 

“That's right.” The guard said, his thick, gravelly voice slicing through the depressing atmosphere and making his captive jump in his arms. “Glad to see you figured that out so early in your career.” He offered Ryou a toothy grin, adding airily, “Though, this means I won't get very many chances to dole out punishments to you on the Lord's behalf.”

 

“Career?” Ryou repeated, aghast, tilting his head to stare into the demon's face. He had never thought forced labor to be a career, and certainly wasn't going to start believing it anytime soon.

 

“Yes, career.” His captor answered, grin fading to a mere smirk. “I know you don't want to hear this, human, but your life-long job is to be Lord Bakura's servant. You will live out the rest of your mortal days here and you will die here, under his rule. I suggest you get used to the idea and follow your orders like a good slave, or you'll be frequenting these punishment chambers far more often than you wish, I'm sure.”

 

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Ryou nodded, slumping back into the demon's hold dismally. The guard chuckled at the boy's submission, amazed at how easy it was to break him. Of course, he was only human, and humans were the weakest of all creatures in these lands. So, it shouldn't come as too big of a surprise that this one, who was especially small and frail, would give in quickly under the pressure of a slave's life.

 

“Hm, I do believe I'm going to enjoy myself.” The larger male said, throwing Ryou haphazardly over his shoulder as though he were nothing more than a bag of grain. At the human's frightened gasp, he smiled wide, deciding he'd have a little more fun at the servant's expense. “What do you say, boy? Since you seem to understand your place and are willing to try harder to stay in Lord Bakura's good graces, wouldn't you agree that this means it's less likely that I should see you again in the coming weeks?”

 

He took Ryou's silence to be his fearful answer of `Yes,' so he continued gleefully. “Well then, I guess I'll have to take advantage of tonight, then, won't I?” He felt the child's hand's twist into the material of his tunic near his waist, those thin, claw-like fingers digging into the skin of the his lower back. Hissing quietly, he jostled his cargo, and quickened his pace, eyeing the nearly black expanse of hallway ahead of him. They would be arriving soon, he realized excitedly, pupils dilating both out of necessity for light and anticipation for what was to come.

 

The tapping of boots slowed soon after Ryou's sudden transfer to the guard's shoulder, and with a heavy heart, he peered over the demon's head and caught a glimpse of an upcoming door, its exterior as dusty and dank as the others they had passed. However, upon closer inspection, he saw there was one exception - this door had no lock. Anxiety rising, he prayed to any deity listening that this was not their stop, but his last bit of hope was dashed and his fears realized when the demon stopped in front of the door.

 

One of the guard's arms held Ryou's legs securely to his torso, while the other reached out to push the heavy steel door inward and open them a path to the room beyond. This was it, the pale human realized, fresh tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. It was time to receive his punishment.

 

Ryou gripped the other man's tunic desperately, a crazed idea flashing through his panic muddled mind - something about refusing to let go of his captor or be removed from his perch on the larger male's shoulder. As quickly as it came, the boy dismissed the thought as insane. He could fight all he wished, but it wouldn't change the fact that he'd eventually be extracted from the guard's body, and his punishment would probably be increased tenfold for his insolence.

 

The two entered the dark room, the demon moving to set his captive on the stone floor, and Ryou reluctantly allowing himself to be lowered onto his shaky legs. The human flinched as the door creaked shut and slammed with a resounding clang. Nervously, the white-haired young man swiveled around to glance at his new surroundings, mouth going dry when his vision adjusted to the low light offered by the few candelabra along the walls.

 

There was metal everywhere - chains hanging from the ceiling or attached to the floor, thin stone slabs encased in webs of iron and balanced against the walls, and racks upon racks of axes, swords, whips, and knives, all assembled neatly in their metallic holders which had been welded to the wall to the right of the entrance.

 

Ryou sobbed, his hands immediately flying to cover his mouth in horror at what he saw. The mere presence of so many tools of torture was making him quiver, and he couldn't bring himself to imagine what was going to befall him within the next few hours.

 

The guard grabbed hold of the human's shoulder, turning the boy around to face him as he grinned devilishly into that deathly pale face. “Ready for your punishment, boy?” the male demon asked, his nails digging into the black tunic beneath his fingers. Without waiting for a reply, he roughly separated his captive from his garments and hauled Ryou to a pair of chains hanging from the ceiling. He then proceeded to clamp the shackles around his prisoner's frail wrists, making sure the boy was secured and facing away from the demon and the room's only exit.

 

Chuckling nastily, the larger male sauntered over to the weapon wall, making a show of choosing one of the many whips secured against the stone. Finding one that met his tastes, he pulled it from its place next to its brethren and returned to Ryou's side, snapping the weapon noisily.

 

“Don't worry, you don't need to answer. Believe me, nothing you say will make a difference, anyway.”

 

Crying softly from humiliation and fear, the servant boy slumped in his chains and succumbed to his fate.

 

Far away, on the other side of the castle, a certain blond haired human was also suffering the same fate, though his was decidedly more brutal. The deafening silence of the hallway outside the single occupied chamber was only disturbed by the sounds of pained cries, throaty laughter, and the smack of leather on flesh emanating from within the four stone walls.

 

The hours ticked by slowly for one of the chamber's occupants - the one human among the trio - whose consciousness had long been lost to the blinding pain of his punishment. The demon guard and Lord Marik, however, had been far from growing bored with their cruel form of entertainment.

 

Time had been an issue for neither, and they would have happily continued the session had the boy not given into his pain. Once the slave had grown silent and his legs gave way under his weight, his eyes now veiled in the darkness of oblivion, there was little incentive to inflict more damage. What was the point of torture if you couldn't enjoy the fruits of your labor?

 

Thus, Malik was released from his chains, his body falling lifelessly to the floor near his discarded tunic and creating a dull and sickening smack as it impacted with the stone below. The demon guard smiled smugly to himself after watching his captive crumple, proud of his work, and looked to the blond vampire lord to his left, quietly awaiting his next order.

 

Marik ignored the yellow-skinned creature for the time being and cocked his head to the side, studying his doppelganger's bloodied back and shoulders. He would never admit it to another living soul, but he had been impressed with the slave's tolerance for torture. The boy had bitten his tongue mercilessly to hold in his screams, his back bowing so splendidly with each blow from the whip as he tried in vain to keep his dignity.

 

Yet when it came time for the sharper instruments, the slave's body and self-control had had enough. With the first slice of a blade over his sweat-drenched calves and arms, the human's cries had begun to pour from his throat, filling the room with the most exquisite sounds of suffering Marik had ever had the pleasure of hearing.

 

The vampire grinned crazily at the memory, knowing he would be craving to observe this boy's pain for many years to come. `I shall have to remember to thank Bakura for giving me such a thoughtful gift.' The tanned vampire lord chuckled listlessly. `But I'll have to be sly about it. Wouldn't want to inflate my dear brother's ego any further, now would I?'

 

Turning to the guard, Marik nodded once then jerked his head in the direction of the door, wordlessly ordering the demon out of his sight. The creature bowed low, his armor clinking noisily (he had not shed it in favor of his leather under-armor, like his comrade) as he made his way past the heavy steel door and into the hallway beyond, leaving the two blonds alone in the punishment chamber.

 

Remaining still, the vampire waited until the guard's footsteps were mere patters to his sharp ears before turning his sights back to the human on the floor. When he was sure he and his new servant were alone, he maneuvered himself around the smaller male's motionless body (being mindful of the boy's hair and blood splattered appendages splayed out over the cool stone) and found a level patch of rock near the slave's hip, where he dropped gracefully into a squat and reached out to tap the naked flesh of the young man's arm.

 

“Come on, human, don't be such a child. I assure you, it could have been worse.” The vampire watched the slave's upper back rise and fall with each of the humans' shallow breaths, the boy's continued silence beginning to wear on the lord's nerves.

 

“Alright, that's enough.” he growled, moving closer. “Searing pain is no excuse to lie unconscious when I wish to speak to you. Now, get up.” Marik waved a clawed hand past the other's face, forehead wrinkling with annoyance when he was not immediately met with an identical pair of violet eyes.

 

“I'm serious, servant. Get up.” A sharp claw slid lazily along Malik's cheek and jaw line, the point slicing gradually into the soft flesh and drawing rivulets of hot blood to the surface. Marik eyed them with longing, forcing himself to swallow his hunger for the time being. `I can eat something later.' he assured himself, wiping the blood from his nail onto the child's silver tunic. `I'm sure I can do much better than the blood of a slave.'

 

Deciding it wasn't worth waiting around for the other blond to awaken, the vampire stood and made to leave, taking a graceful step to the side before the sound of a low groan halted his feet. Raising an eyebrow delicately, he turned to see the young boy blink blearily and shift his position on the floor with a pained wince. Surprise flashed along the elder's features momentarily, only to leave soon after as he caught himself and shifted his expression into one of passivity.

 

“Awake, eh? And here I thought you weren't going to answer my calls.”

 

Blood-caked lips parted gently as Malik pivoted his head, trying his best to glance at his future master. His throat worked feverishly as he fought to speak, a groan being heard in lieu of proper words.

 

“I'm sorry,” Marik said nastily, raising a hand to his ear, “but I didn't quite catch that. What was it you said?”

 

The smaller blond gave him the dirtiest look he could muster, opening his mouth once more in an attempt to speak. “C-” A whimper. Swallowing, Malik tried again. “C…calls?” He asked, voice hoarse.

 

“Yes, calls.” The vampire lord answered, smirking as he made his way back to the boy's side. “Have you really forgotten that we vampires have mental powers far superior to yours, little human?” He followed his question with a condescending snicker, bending to run his fingers down Malik's torn back whimsically.

 

The young male hissed, his back arching away from the touch instinctively. “S-stop!” he demanded, though the usual bite in his voice was muddled by the agony tearing through his body. He moaned softly, hating himself for being weak.

 

“Now, now. Malik, was it?” Marik paused, waiting with mock politeness for his servant to answer. He grinned when all he received was a glare, and proceeded. “Malik, there's no need to hate yourself for being weak. It's simply something you must accept as a part of humanity. Besides,” the master shrugged matter-of-factly, “no one expects any more from you.”

 

Malik fumed, angry tears forming in the corners of his eyes. “Shut up!” He demanded feebly, moving sluggishly along the stone floor in an attempt to put some distance between himself and the vampire. He gasped when he felt a hand grip his wrist possessively, the other man's fingers vice-like over the thin flesh.

 

“I'd be careful with my words, slave.” The elder said, voice low and oozing with disdain. “I'm sure you've heard how we vampires deal with those we deem useless.” Marik narrowed his eyes, releasing the boy's wrist and crawling closer to the mortal in a predatory fashion. “If you don't learn to hold your tongue, you and your little friend may end up like all the other vermin who lost their appeal.”

 

Malik's courage wavered at the threat, his shoulders slumping to the side as he drew his arms closer to his sides. “You and B-…Master Bakura wouldn't hurt Ryou, would you?”

 

Marik sneered and leaned his upper body over the small blond's back, laughing cruelly when Malik turned his head away sharply, disgusted when he felt the vampire's breath travel along the exposed curve of his neck. Face stopping mere inches from the child's locks of sun-kissed hair, the immortal pulled back his lips, bearing his fangs as he whispered into the other's ear.

 

“Personally, I have no interest in your pale friend. My brother, however, I'm not so sure about. It is his decision as to whether or not he disposes of this `Ryou,' and I must warn you, Bakura can be highly unpredictable.” Hot breath seared past Malik's ear, making him squirm as Marik continued. “I suggest your companion do as he's told and not make a fuss. If he refuses, I don't doubt the likelihood of him suffering the same fate as Kali.”

 

Worried as to the answer, Malik asked hesitantly, “Who is Kali?”

 

“You mean who `was' Kali.” The blond vampire corrected, grinning impishly. “Why, she was someone very close to my dear brother. Well, a certain part of him, anyway.” He snickered. “She's the one who gave me my sweet little nephew.”

 

The tanned youth jerked in surprise, catching himself in time to stop his head from swiveling around to stare at the larger man. Instead, he opted to gaze at the rocky floor, lost in thought. “She…she gave you…?” he whispered, mind churning with confusion. This `Kali' person was Yukio's mother? `But, I haven't seen anyone other than servants taking care of the brat.'

 

“Ah, that's because Kali is no longer with us.” Marik said, catching his captive off guard. He could hear the younger male's breath quickening, and smiled wistfully. “As I've said, she met the same fate that befalls everyone who becomes a burden to my brother and I. After having Yukio, and thus furthering our bloodline, her usefulness became moot, leaving no other alternative but for Bakura to see to it that she be disposed of immediately.”

 

Malik couldn't believe what he was hearing. He blinked slowly, pressing his cheek against the cool skin of his shoulder in thought. `Bakura killed the mother of his own child? Why? It wasn't as though the woman would be much of a problem, right?'

 

“Wrong, human.” Marik interrupted, nosing against the mortal's ear. “With her around, my brother would have to deal with competition as to who controlled Yukio. You see, an heir can be a good bargaining tool if you are of the higher class.” He inhaled the other's intoxicating scent of blood and sweat, exhaling loudly through his nose. “Bakura was merely watching out for the future of his land.”

 

“Does Yukio know?” Malik inquired softly, lids getting heavy with fatigue. He shook his head harshly and bit his lip, trying to keep himself conscious. The last thing he wanted was to fall under the curtain of sleep with his new vampire master so close.

 

“Of course he does. He also doesn't care, seeing as how he's better off without her.” Marik shifted, raising himself into a crouch. “Now then, I must be getting back to my welcoming party.” The tall man stood and wiped the dirt from his pants, snorting as he finished. He then turned to address the blond on the floor. “I will call for a servant to retrieve you in a few minutes. Remain where you are, alright?”

 

With a malicious laugh, Marik strode to the door, his cape flapping against his thighs gently with each step. Before leaving, he paused to look over his shoulder, expression serious. “Listen to me, slave,” He said, tone filled with warning. “I suggest you and your friend take my words to heart, and do as you're told. If you don't, I can't promise you your safety.”

 

Malik closed his eyes, breathing as deeply as his bruised chest would allow and listened to the vampire's footsteps as he walked down the hallway, heading in the direction of the stairs leading to the upper floors. Sore, bloody, and on the edge of consciousness, the young man whimpered delicately and laid his head flat on the cold stone beneath him, sighing shallowly.

 

As he counted the passing minutes in the empty chamber, Malik curled his arms under his chest and waited for his transport to arrive, mind filled with feverish worry for the only other person in the castle who could understand the severity of their situation.

 

TBC

 

Holy hookers, Batman! This took me F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to update. D: I'm really, really sorry, you guys. I have no idea why it took me so long to get my ass in gear and get this thing typed up.

 

Hopefully, it met everyone's requirements for a decent update. ^^;

 

If there are major problems with this chapter (and I'm sure there's bound to be one or two, since it's 2:42 in the A.M.) I promise I'll fix them soon.

 

I think next I'll finish Support Part 2 and get that out of the way, then I can try to crank out ch 8 of Fate. Look forward to it. :3

 

Reviews for the ita? -grabby hands-