(Author's Note: Hey, I'm not dead! Sorry, I wasn't able to send letters to everyone to say my old computer broke on me, believe me, I would have posted this a lot sooner. I just wasn't expecting so much good feedback from so many people! Thanks, guys. ;) Anyway, here it is: Chapter Two, continuing by popular demand!)

Warning:

Heavy language in this part

Chapter 2

Bird + the Worm

On the fifth day of bed-rest, as Tamaki tells me, I finally have the strength to lift myself off the white mattress. I struggle to find my balance when I plant my bare feet on the freezing cold surface of the tile floor, but I somehow manage to correct my footing and find my way to the bathroom without any assistance from the nurse in my room.

There is one thing I'd like to do. I've been fighting it all my waking hours in the bed, immobilized.

Practically slamming my hands on the sink for support, I take an uneasy breath then gently slide a hand down to the end of my white robe, hanging loosely around my thighs. I get the cloth in hand but hesitate for a moment, a sudden fear bubbling up inside of me, telling me I should be afraid.

I shake the thought off before I can change my mind and yank my robe up swiftly.

I hadn't felt it before but I find a large, thick band wrapped around waist and lower back. Just above my left hip lies a huge blot of crimson. The sight knocks me back, almost making me fall over. And I know from the large, appalling stain that my wound must be really bad.

Remembering the events in the arena, I turn around, making sure not to topple over, to get a look at the damage on the opposite side where Crow's blade had come through. Sure enough, another wide blood stains, oozing through the fabric of the bandage. I'm tempted to lift it, but just the thought of what might happen if I do, I only go as far enough to trace my fingers along the bandage's rough, moist surface. Tears begin to well in my eyes and stream silently down my hollow cheeks, and before I know it, I've fallen flat on my knees. The sharp pain from my wound is what causes me to sob. I try my best to keep quiet, as much anguish as I'm in. Holding the edge of the sink for support, I slowly compose my breathing and tears.

"Crow," I gasp all of a sudden, gently drawing my free hand to my bandage. I mean to say more. To curse his name, but only more sobs break through my lips. It seems I'm too weak to be angry, but I'll get him. I will not forgive Crow- or whatever his name is.

He'll feel my pain.

The last thing I hear is the bathroom door creaking open, but I black out before I hear anything else, a sly smirk pulled across my face.

On the third day in bed rest, I was given the "candy" antidote via injection, considering I was out cold and helpless, not being able to get my own, which seemed unfair in Tamaki's view. Tonight, after my session in the Punishment Game, will be the strike of my third and final day without candy. I haven't been able to earn any cast points, let alone have enough to purchase my own antidote.

No matter what happens, I will surely die tonight.

"It is what it is, I'm afraid." Tamaki tells me as the nurse helps slips on my leather jacket. He leans against the plain white wall next to a lamp desk, eyeing me from behind those glasses, "I ensure a Punishment Game to the loser of the Carnival Corpse, candy or no candy, as long as you can live to attend it."

This was why he didn't let me die out there in the arena, just so I could participate in the Punishment Game…

"We are not charity, Akira-san. We can't just give you candy because we feel like it. That sort of thing is earned… and you have earned nothing." Tamaki lifts his head slightly, giving me a tender grin, "Do you understand?"

I look at him for a moment, absorbing the meaning of his words. I'm here because I simply can be, because the audience demands to see me suffer. Like a sold out show for watching an animal getting slaughtered. That's all this is, isn't it? Just a show.

And I plan to give them one.

Giving Tamaki a small nod, I adjust my jacket and take a long, shaky breath. He smiles, holding out his hand kindly, helping me walk across the room and to the front door. Giving me one last glance, Tamaki leads me outside into the hall.

The hallway, the dull shade of grey, rocky concrete all around us, seems to stretch out before my eyes as I limp my way along, trying to keep up with Tamaki's pace. I realize we are approaching the Punishment area when we begin to pass by dorms, deadmen like me standing outside their doors. Staring at me with sharp, rough eyes, quietly whispering things to their neighbors. I keep my gaze straight ahead, trying my best to ignore everyone's gaze on the back of my head.

We finally reach the double doors, which, unlike the Carnival Corpse, have only dull white letters across the wood, only a single smile drawn in the corner in what looks to be blood. By this time, my body is lightly shaking, as the doors open before us, I feel my entire body grow ten times heavier.

Tamaki says something I can't understand and pats me on the shoulder. I take this as a signal to move on, and drag my heavy feet across the ground, staring blankly at the empty space in front of me.

Figures and objects pass and nudge me, all blurred in the silent bubble around me. I keep walking straight, until I can't feel my legs moving at all.

It's a single light that catches my attention, suddenly beaming on me like a spotlight. I stop, gazing vacantly at the quiet light, casting its bright gaze over me. Dark figures emerge from the shadows, coming towards me then gently pushing me backwards against something cold.

Still staring at the light, I feel the kind touch of metal rub against my wrists, then clamping down on them tightly. It's the realization of my immobility that knocks me back to reality. I look and see I'm strapped to a metal chair, my hands and legs pulled down by metal clasps. I make a small whimpering noise, my throat dry as sand, as I try to squirm out of the tight bars, beginning to panic as I realize I can't escape.

"Welcome," A voice comes out of nowhere, making me jump in my seat, "to the Punishment Game!" More lights shine, cascading the stage in blinding light. My eyes enlarge and my breath catches in my throat as I look over to my far left. A familiar lady, possibly a worker I've seen, stands against something looking much like a slot machine.

Remembering the videos, I know it's nothing like that.

And this is when I begin to weep.

Senji's POV-

"Look at the bitch cry." I stand from across the small room, yet I can clearly hear the two tall, older men laughing as they watch the television on the other side of the wall. They both smirk hungrily at the sight of the girl on screen starting to sob, tears falling from her eyes.

Just like any other Punishment Game, the TV room is filled by interested inmates from different shapes and sizes, all wanting a look on the loser's- often- gory penalty. The sofas and chairs are filled with on looking deadmen, snickering and chatting among the others, all focused on the helpless victum on screen.

I give the large TV screen a short glance, only to turn away, folding my arms crossed over my bare chest, unimpressed.

The girl is simply pathetic. From the very beginning, I had seen how truly plastic and fake Cardinal is. The way she smiled and presented herself to the audience in the arena had made me sick. All the pain and fear I could see in her eyes and all she thought to do was impress the viewers. It was only in that moment, when I had faked unconsciousness after my fall, that she showed her true colors.

Desperate and afraid.

And now here she is, crying in fear. Where's your damn courage, now? The girl's escalating cries echo the room, everyone leaning in curiously as the Punishment Game begins.

I don't see why I came here in the first place, given I don't care what happens to Cardinal either way. Still, it would have been boring if he hadn't. I would have just been sitting in my dull, quiet room for the evening, like usual. Might as well get a laugh out of Cardinal getting dismembered…

One of the two men from across me laughs… but not in the entertained way. The way he chuckles, his voice deep and grating, as he stares up at the image of Cardinal is almost disturbing to hear. He turns to his friend, a shrewd smirk across his lips. "Don't her cries just turn you on?" I hear him say.

I glare at him for a moment, disgusted, and then turn my gaze to the floor. I try to drown out their conversation and listen to someone else's but it's almost like they just get louder and louder the harder I try. They continue to make sick, perverted comments on Cardinal. I'm just about to say something out of annoyance when they call me out. "Hey Senji," The taller one calls me, the room calming to look at me, "You were there with Cardinal in the arena, you got… close to her. C'mon, what did it feel like?" He snickers, knowing how indifferent I am to her and just wanting to humiliate me.

Everyone, the guys especially, turn to look at me. I take a moment to think, not used to attention. "Fucking awesome," I lie, giving a small smile, "I'm gonna fuck the bitch tonight, now that you mention it."

All the guys' in the room chuckle, turning to the older man who just glares at me, confusion filling his dark eyes. "Shut the fuck up, Senji. We know you don't like her." He says between clenched teeth.

I smile, enjoying this. "Not after we hooked up yesterday." I scratch my chin thoughtfully, "I thought I'd check on her since I felt pretty bad. She was alone in the room when I went to see her. And… well, let's just say she got more than my apology." I can't help but grin at my cleverness.

The man's face goes red, shaking his head at my story. "You're a fucking liar." Frustration begins to bubble up in his eyes.

"Afraid not, I'll tell Cardinal you like her tonight. Don't think she's into old, ugly pedophiles like you, though."

At my words, everyone breaks into a laugh, glancing over at the man who glares at me maliciously. He suddenly picks up his feet and walks over to me, his face twisted into a scowl. "You better shut your fucking mouth, Senji." He growls, poking me in the chest. He takes another moment to say something, staring me dead in the eyes, before he shoves me to the side. "I'm not going to waste my time on you." The guy says over his shoulder as he leaves the room, his friend following behind him.

"Yeah, leave you asshole!" I call as the doors slam behind them. When I turn back around, everyone is back to watching the TV screen, something apparently having happened.

And then I see the close-up on the slot machine: Right Hand.

Cardinal goes deathly silent, eyes wide open, while I only sneer.

Now this will be interesting.

(Just a heads up, there is going to be some HEAVY gore in the next chapter. So sorry to me more sensitive readers, but... Well, what do you expect? This is Deadman Wonderland, after all. :) Reviews are much appreciated! Oh, and once again, sorry for the long wait. I love you guys!)

Love,

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