A/N: Graphic chapter. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Kakuriyo bed and breakfast for Spirits. All credit goes to the writer/creators of the show/manga

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Chapter Three

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The next few days were spent alone. Someone would give her food and water, but nothing else. She felt like she might go nuts. How long did he plan to keep her here? What did he plan to do next? Was he going to hurt her? Or would he tell the master that she was here, and then use her as bait? The not knowing was nearly unbearable!

She turned toward the door when two ayakashi entered. They were female and both looked down as they entered. One held a bucket of water while the other held a basket of what looked like a towel, clothes, and soap. "Hello," she said giving them a smile.

"You are instructed to take a bath, and we are to see that you have." The one with electric blue eyes said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aoi looked down at the water. Well, at least she'd be able to bathe. "Can you at least turn away?" Aoi asked. She didn't want to show her body to perfect strangers.

The ayakashi looked at each other as if they were having a privet conversation, then both turned their backs. "Please make it quick. Master Raiju doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Aoi did as asked. She couldn't fit in the tub of water, so she stood in it, using a cup to help with the rinsing. While the water was room temperature and she really would have loved a hot bath, she was happy to at least be able to wash. It made things not seem so horrible. At least for the moment.

She dried off and picked up the provided outfit. It was practically lingerie! "There is no way I am seeing him in this."

"Please, Miss. If you do not comply, he will become very angry." the woman quivered.

With a sick feeling in her belly, she put the thing on. The white fabric was so light she was sure it would be see-through, but when she looked at herself in the mirror they provided, she could see that it wasn't. At least, not completely. She felt like if she looked long enough she could see her nipples through it.

The dress was short, about halfway to the knee, and the front was low cut. She didn't know what kind of fabric it was. It was unlike anything she'd felt before. She felt flushed as she thought of Raiju seeing her in it.

Hugging herself, she followed the woman out of her cell and through the castle. She'd thought about running, but couldn't bring herself to risk it. Not yet anyway. After about three minutes they arrived in front of a tall elegant door that led into a large dining room.

Raiju sat at the large table that looked as if it were made of gold. He too wore white. His suit was well made and had gold trimmings. It reminded her of something a western prince would wear in fairytales. His smile made her uneasy as she was escorted to the seat next to his.

"You look stunning, Aoi."

Aoi sat, saying nothing in return. She was a little speechless. She thanked the server for the water before looking at Raiju again. "Thank you," she replied.

"I hope you like tonight's menu. I took it upon myself to find out what it is you like. I think my source is well informed, though I'm not sure I see the appeal."

"I'm sure I'll like anything you serve." It was true, she wasn't overly picky. Although it wasn't like she would tell him if his source got her favorite food wrong. She wasn't dumb.

Aoi was thrilled that the chef wasted no time to get the food to the table. She wasn't sure what to say to him. She looked down at the curry and rice, surprised. "Who was this source?" This is what Ginji thought her favorite food was.

"I don't expose my sources, dear."

She felt anger build in her chest. "If you hurt Ginji…"

"If I hurt Ginji what?" Raiju interrupted, then laughed. "Such fire you have. Relax dear, your precious Ginji is safe. Far as I know anyway. He isn't someone I keep tabs on. Now, eat."

She did as she was told, and had to admit it was good. A few tweaks could have been made, but otherwise perfect. She ate and drank, feeling full for the first time in days. Not that this eased her any. Why was he dining her? What was his end game?

"So, do you live here alone?"

"Why do you ask? Planning on finding someone to help you?"

She shrugged. "Just trying to have a conversation."

He leaned onto his elbows, smiling. "I live here alone. With the exception of my staff, and you of course."

Damn. No one in his staff was likely to help her. "It's a big castle for such a small amount of people."

"I like my privacy. The castle if my sanctuary." he picked up his sake and sipped.

"Maybe being alone is why you're bored. Ever consider that?"

Raiju chuckled. "You're brave, dear. I wouldn't get too cocky if I were you. I have a bit of a temper."

Yes. She knew that well. She finished her dinner and wished there was a nice way to ask if she could go back to her cell now. "Thank you for the meal."

"You're quite welcome." he stood, holding out his hand for hers. "Come, on to the next thing on the agenda."

She looked at his hand a moment. She didn't want to take it, but fear had her doing so. She couldn't push him. He wouldn't be afraid to push back with twice the force. "Where are we off too?"

"You'll see."

He'd lead her out to the gardens. The night air was cool, and night-blooming jasmine filled the hair with a wonderful fragrance. The garden was gorgeous, just like you'd expect from a grand castle. They walked, silently through them. She could tell that this place was influenced by western culture.

The silence was deafening. She got more and more uneasy as the minutes past. She paused when he did, watching as he pulled out a key and unlocked a door. He ushered her in, closing the door behind him.

She swallowed as fear bubbled up into her throat. The location was beautiful. The night sky above was filled with stars, and there were all kinds of flowers arranged beautifully around the gazebo. It was the bed in the middle of it all that had her sick. She'd feared this from the moment she saw this dress.

"You're fear is so intoxicating," he whispered in her ear. His hand stroked her arm as he spoke.

She licked her lips as she mustard of the courage to speak. "This place is beautiful, and the dinner was really nice, but I would like to go back to my cell now."

Raiju chuckled. "My dear Aoi, you forgot to thank me for allowing you to walk through my garden."

"Yes, that was nice as well, thank you." Her heart pounded so hard in her chest it hurt.

Raiju pulled her back to his chest and used her hair to pull her head to the side, exposing her neck. He ran his tongue up the length of it and nibbled her ear. "Mmm. So sweet. I'm hard with anticipation, Aoi." He grabbed at her breast, freeing one from the dress with little effort.

Fear had her unmoving as he tugged at her nipple. His breath was hot in her ear, and she could smell the strawberry's he'd had with his sake. She wanted to cry out, but who would hear her? "Please," she begged as his hand pulled at the waistline of her panties. "I don't…"

She cried out as his fingers pushed into her. She struggled now, not wanting this. "Don't please!"

Raiju laughed, rubbing himself against her butt. "Yes, scream, struggle." He sucked at her neck painfully as he lifted her off the ground and walked her to the bed.

It was no use. Her struggling was like trying to move a wall. She couldn't move him. Couldn't stop his hands and mouth from touch, tugging, sucking. She fought every step of the way. Begging him to stop, fighting his hands off her, but in the end, her struggles were pointless.

Later that night she lay in the bed, crying silent tears. His hand was still cupping her between her legs, but at least he was sleeping. Any time she tried to move he'd slip a finger inside, so she lay still, praying that when morning came he would let her be.

She tried not to think past that. Past living through this event. How many more times would this happen? How long would he keep her here? She closed her eyes, wishing she could just shut herself off completely. How would she survive if he did this again? The pain, the stretching and burning he cause because she was unready for him to enter. The sensation of his hands touching her.

She thought of master. His image popping into her mind unexpectedly. She'd spent so much time trying not to think of him, that it was odd to cling on to his image. She thought about the sound of his voice and how he always touched her gently. She thought of his smile and the way his eyes softened when he looked at her.

She was angry at him. So angry that he discarded her. So confused because she didn't know if he cared for her at all. If there was anything to the tender moments and sweet words shared. She was confused, but she used his image to soothe her anyway. She pretended that he reached for her and held her close. Assuring her that everything was going to be okay.

The sun woke her the next morning, and mercifully, she was alone. She closed her eyes, settling her already racing heart. She was alone. She was okay for the moment. All too clearly the memories of the night before ran through her mind. She felt sick with them.

Aoi sat up, bringing the blanket with her because she was still naked. The aching between her thighs made her want to cry. Not because it hurt, although it did, but because it was a physical reminder of what happened. She fought to keep from being sick.

Once she calmed some, she stood, going over to where her dress was. She put it on quickly, only finding a little comfort in the thin fabric.

The garden around her was truly beautiful. So colorful and full of life. It was a shame that it would forever remind her of the heinous act. She covered her face as she felt anxiety creep in.

She was okay. She was okay.

She turned when the door to this garden opened and one of the ayakashi who brought her to Raiju the night before walked in.

"I thought I heard you moving around, Miss. I can accompany you back to your room if you're ready."

Yes! God yes she was ready. She nodded, moving to follow her. Outside stood a male yokai, who followed behind them as they passed. She wanted to ask what he was doing, but she couldn't seem to find her voice.

"This is Mako." the woman said once they were outside her room. "He is your guard."

And by guard, she meant that he was the one who would stop her from getting away. Given the size of him, she had no doubt in his ability to do so. "Yes. I'm sure you're here to guard me."

She walked into her "room" being thrilled to see these stone walls. Maybe it was because while where nothing bad has happened to her. Not yet anyway. She went to the hole in the wall, looking down at the waves below. Even at this time in the morning, they crashed against the cliff.

The wind blew gently, making Aoi close her eyes and breathe. What happened the night before was awful, but she wasn't going to let it break her. She didn't know how or when she would escape this hell. She didn't know what other horrors might await her, but she did know she would survive. She did know that she would fight to get away and when she was free, she was going to go back to Tenjin-Ya and demand answers.

One month later

She always told herself next time she'd be strong. Next time she would let him have his way with her without fuss, but each time he came for her, she ended up fighting him. To make things worse? She was almost sure he liked it when she fought.

The last time she'd gotten away, and he chased her down. It was a sick game of cat and mouse and in the end not only did he have his way with her anyway, but she'd also received extra abuse for trying to flee. Bastard! She loathed him. Hated that he used her for nothing but entertainment. Hated that he would show her moments of kindness, almost like a lover might.

She wasn't sure what his game was when he insisted on wining and dining her. Or when he would send her flowers or small trinkets. She hated them, and they always made their way into the sea. Why would she keep gifts from that monster? Yes. She hated his niceness just as much as she hated his cruelness.

"This looks bad," her guard Mako said as he held a cloth of ice to her swollen cheek. She'd gotten cocky with Raiju just a few minutes before and he hit her before sending her away.

"I've had worse." She looked up into Mako's concerned eyes.

He was a fierce-looking Yokai. Someone you might be intimidated by if you only judged him on his looks. At first, she'd been afraid of him. She hated that he was outside her door at all times, and could look in and see her whenever he wanted. However, he was kind. He always tended to her when she was hurt, and at night he would hum a soft melody when she was upset. He even warned her when Raiju was coming by giving a quick knock on the door.

"Must you fight him so much?"

She laughed and winced. "You think he'd be easier on me if I didn't fight? Mako, he likes it. He would find a reason to hit me regardless. Might as well get my frustrations out."

Mako sighed. "I wish I could help you. Get you out of here."

She put her hand on his cheek. "You're kind. Don't fret over me. I understand your hands are tied." He'd told her the story once before how Raiju threatened his little brothers and mother if he didn't work for him.

"Your kindness knows no limits," Mako replied as he took the hand she had on his cheek. He placed a kiss on her palm, before letting it go.

She blushed. She couldn't help it. He'd been her only source of comfort, and he wasn't bad to look at. "Thank you."

He nodded his head and stood. "I should get back to my post."

She nodded as he stepped out of her room. A bird's call caught her attention. She went over to the hole and looked up at the blue sky. Birds flew freely, and she wondered what it would be like to fly. She would fly away from here, that was for sure.

Glancing down, she studied the waved that clashed against the cliff. The sea was never gentle. She would never survive that. With a sigh, she stepped back and swore she heard Mako let out a sigh of relief. She supposed her was afraid she would jump on of these days. Would he try to stop her?

"I hate when you sit like that," Mako said as he joined her on the ledge of the room. She often found herself sitting, her legs dangling over the edge as she watched the ocean below. It had started to become a comfort.

"I will be careful, I promise," She replied giving him a smile.

"You've been happy this past week."

"Raiju has been away from the castle, and while I've been locked up here, I haven't had to worry about him visiting or requiring me to visit, so, yeah. I've been happy."

Mako took her hand. He wanted to help her, but if he was found out Raiju would kill his whole family. He looked over at her, her purple eyes wide with surprise. "I will let go if you wish."

"No." She wasn't upset just surprised. "It doesn't mean anything, but you can hold my hand if you want." How could she deny herself this kindness? Even if it was a different hand she craved.

A throat clearing cleared had them both looking back. One of the maids stood in her doorway, looking flustered. "Master Raiju has returned and requests your presence."

Heart in her stomach, Aoi shifted and scooted away from the edge and stood. She was surprised she could move with how numb she felt.

Mako stood too and took her hand once more. "I'll be here."

Aoi smiled at him. It was his way of saying she wouldn't be alone tonight when she returned. Mako was truly a good Yokai. "Thank you."

"My Aoi," Raiju said as she stood in front of him. He was sitting leisurely on his throne looking quite smug. "How is my little pet?"

Ew. "I'm well, thank you." She bowed, though she hated to do so.

Raiju shifted, sitting up straighter. "I want you to join me tonight for dessert. The maids will provide you with the proper attire." he stood, gliding over to her and caressing her cheeks. "I've missed you, pet."

She said nothing in return, just stood there trying not to flinch away.

He laughed. "I will see you later, dear. Do try to be in a better mood."

Unsurprisingly, she wasn't in a better mood when she joined him later that night. Dessert was fine, though she would have enjoyed it better had it not been for the impending doom that made the air thick with unease. This was almost worse than the rape itself, waiting. Knowing at some point it would happen, but unsure exactly when. Praying, that something would derail the plans and she'd be free another night.

However nothing came up, so she found him on her, ravishing her. She started out fighting. Trying to keep his lips from her skin. Trying to push away prying hands. Fingers that held her too tight. Teeth that bit into her flesh. Then she stilled. Finally, at least for the moment, she was able to convince herself to just be still. Let him have his way and be done with her for the night.

She closed her eyes, blocking out everything her eyes could tell her. She could still hear him. Still feel his breath on her skin. His fingers still dug into her uncomfortably. She let out a small yelp when he grabbed at her nipples too rough, but she still didn't fight him.

Survive it. She had to survive it so that she could go home. To her family. To the master. She wanted him. Needed to be near him so she could feel safe once more. Even if he no longer wanted her, just being at Tenjin-ya and knowing he was close would be enough for her.

Master would never hurt her. His touch would be welcomed. Her thoughts took on a mind of their own. Instead of Raiju's hands on her, she imagined it was the masters. He would be gentle with her. She was sure of that. His touch would make her want more. Make her body hot with desire. She would want his lips on her, kissing her, sucking her skin. She would want his roaming hands and probing fingers. She would cry out his name as she orgasmed...

She was sharply brought back to reality when she realized what she had done. How could she pretend that Raiju was the master? What was wrong with her? Master would never hurt her the way Raiju did. No, she was horrible for imaging it. Master had no place in this stupid room.

Feeling extra panicked, she fought. She couldn't do this anymore. She didn't want to. She was angry and sick. Mad that this was happening at all. Raiju laughed as she fought, clearly enjoying her struggle. She moved around as she fought until she got a good kick to the balls in, rendering him motionless.

She took the temporary pause to flee. Last time she was trying to get back to her room. This time she intended to escape the castle, and she now knew where one of the exits was. She ran hard, her lungs burning with the effort. She could feel her muscles protesting as they had not been used in so long, but she pushed on.

Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw the exit, and the feeling of freedom made her lightheaded as she opened it and stepped outside. She took no time to appreciate the night sky. She was not in the clear yet. She might not feel safe until she was home.

She ran for the forest. The front gates were guarded. Mako had let that slip once. The forest didn't guarantee her survival, but she had a better chance of getting away through there. She would try to find the ocean. She could hear it even now as she darted for the forest. Once there, she could follow the coast and surely she would find a town. From there she could ask for help.

She screamed when someone grabbed her around the waist. "Yes, I would scream in I were you!" Raiju snapped. "How dare you try to escape me, foul human!"

She fought, but it was all in vain. She was dragged back to her room, kicking and screaming. Mako's anxious eyes met hers for just a moment. She was put to her feet in the same moment she received a hard slap to the cheek. It stung like a bitch.

She stood there, not daring to look up. She could feel his furious eyes on her to the point where she wondered if he could burn her with the look. She did look up when they were joined by more ayakashi. The ayakashi looked terrifying. Why were they here?

"Remove your top," Raiju instructed.

Horrified, she reddened. "What?"

He grabbed her by the neck, restricting airflow. "Did I stutter?"

She swallowed hard and started to fumble with the buttons that had yet to be undone.

"Hold her still, facing away."

The others grabbed her arms, turning her away. Her heart panicked in her chest. What was he going to do? She looked up, realizing that she could see Mako, and he looked pale. Oh god, what was he going to do?

The first strike was unlike anything she felt before. It hit her back, sticking and burning. She couldn't help the cry that escaped her lips. The second one only seemed worse, and she understood. She was being whipped. The third came before the sting of the second one even had time to reach its peak. The fourth one made her legs weak as it hit her bottom and wrapped around her side. The fifth did the same but higher up. She was starting to see black now as the pain told her brain it was time to shut off.

She tried to fight it. She didn't want to pass out. She didn't want to be unaware of what was happening to her body. She felt sickness rise in her throat but swallowed it back. A seventh lashing had her no longer standing. The only support was the ayakashi who heled her up by her arms.

She tried to focus as Mako spoke, but she couldn't. Her eyes were blurring and she couldn't seem to understand what anyone was saying. There was the sound of a whip, but she felt nothing on her skin. Maybe she was too far gone to know it now. With that thought, she was out.

She woke, to the sound of water. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the bucket and someone squeezing water out of cloth. She hissed when that cloth was laid over her back. Holy shit that hurt.

"Sorry, Aoi," Mako said, sounding so sad it almost hurt.

Her eyes traveled up his body to his face, and she gasped in shock. The was a gash across his face. She then remembered hearing Mako's voice, and the sound of a whip. "Oh Mako," she said trying to sit up, but she had no energy.

"No, stay still," he said, taking her hand. "You don't need to fret over me. I'll heal quickly enough." His eyes drifted down to her back. She one the other hand was going to scar. "Aoi…"

"I'll heal too," she said, though she sounded weak saying it. "How many times did he hit me? I lost couldn't after six I believe."

"Ten." Mako went back to the task at hand and squeezed the water out of another cloth. "I have cleaned your wounds, and now I'm putting healing water on them. It won't heal them actually. It's just a special medicine that will help them not get infected."

That would explain why it burns. She wouldn't tell him that though. He looked pained enough. She closed her eyes, too tired to talk anymore. She was foolish to think she'd get away. Raiju was the one calling all the shots. If he didn't kill her first, she wouldn't be allowed to returned to master until he was done playing with her.

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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D