Ch. 23
This chapter contains graphic descriptions of the aftermath of torture, and vague, non-graphic references to rape, which, although extremely diluted, may be disturbing to some. Despite all this, I would strongly advise NOT skipping this chappie, no matter how squeamish you are, because this contains MAJOR plot development, which you can definitely not afford to miss if you want the story to make since. There is also no way in hell that I will outline all the important bits for you in the next chapter, 'cause there's just to freaking much. That being said, proceed, but with caution.
Disclaimer: …I must admit, that A) I could find no witty quotes pertaining to this chapter's content, and B) Writing this chapter has made me uncharacteristically serious and solemn, and I don't fell like being funny right now. So nyah.
Zhang He was three quarters of the way to the conference hall when a servant he recognized as Sima Yi's came running up to him. "Lord Zhang He, something urgent has come up regarding your prisoner. Lord Sima Yi requires your presence in the dungeon." Zhang He had a moment to feel his blood run cold before he found himself flying down the corridors at top speed.
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He came to a skidding halt in the doorway of the dimly lit torture chamber, breathing hard and overcome with panic. The sight that met his eyes was siphoned directly from his worst nightmares. An unconscious Gan Ning sagged against the cruel, heavy chains that held him up, chest crimson with fresh blood that ran in rivulets from the re-opened slash wounds Zhang He had inflicted less than three weeks ago. He smelled burned flesh and knew without looking that the soles of Gan Ning's feet would be blistered and charred, blackened layers of skin peeling away to reveal the rawness underneath. His hands were the worst. The fingernails of his first, middle, and ring fingers on each hand had been completely ripped away, the empty nail beds looking like chopped meat. His left ear had swelled horribly and was trickling blood, and the left temple showed the beginnings of what would be a horrible bruise that would eventually cover the side of his face. Zhang He felt a horrified, strangled sob drag itself from his throat, and he stumbled blindly forward, tears blurring his vision as he desperately made his way towards his mangled—but thankfully still breathing—beloved.
"General Zhang He, how good of you to come join me. I take it you received my message?" Zhang He froze as Sima Yi's footsteps advanced behind him. He swallowed hard and struggled to put on an impassive face. Showing his feelings for Gan Ning was a surefire way to get the man killed. He jerked as a hand that was slicked with something cold and wet rested on his shoulder, and Sima Yi spoke into his ear. "I suppose you're curious as to why he's down here. My men caught him trying to escape. He killed a few of them in the process of capture, too. Naturally, they brought him to me, and seeing as how you have yet to report any progress, I decided to work on him myself. You were right, general, he is quite stubborn. You're just in time to see me bring him back to consciousness by pressing hot metal into his wounds." Zhang He jerked again, mind desperately working to come up with something, anything to save Gan Ning. The strategist continued, bloody hand still planted firmly on Zhang He's trembling shoulder, "Such a shame, really. To have to see your lover this way, I mean. He means a lot to you, doesn't he?" A shudder went down Zhang He's spine. He knew. Sima Yi knew. "Oh Gods," Zhang He whispered. "Please, let him go. I'll do anything you want, just let him go."
Sima Yi gave a low chuckle. "Anything? That's rather intriguing. Anything." Zhang He shut his eyes tight and tried not to scream as the hand that was covered with Gan Ning's blood stroked the side of his face, leaving a trail of cool, wet, gore on his tear-streaked cheek. "Anything." Sima Yi said again, tongue flicking against the shell of the taller man's ear. "You're a very attractive man, general. I've been aware of this for quite some time, now." Now he felt another hand lightly fondling his buttocks, and this time, he was not able to suppress a horrified whimper.
"I'll make a trade with you, general. I'll let him go… if you'll take his place. Just so we're clear, that means you'll be my prisoner, to do with as I please, for the rest of your life. What do you say, general? Are you game?" Zhang he felt slightly nauseous as he closed his eyes, and in a shaky voice, whispered, "Yes." Sima Yi let go of him. "Wonderful!" He exclaimed, and within seconds, he had crossed over to Gan Ning and released him from the shackles. The still unconscious pirate collapsed like a rag-doll, hitting the floor with a sickening thud. Zhang He whimpered again as Sima Yi roughly kicked Gan Ning to the side, foot connecting sharply with his ribs and digging into one of his wounds. Zhang He silently thanked the gods for Gan Ning's merciful lack of awareness. The strategist waved over one of his personal guards and instructed him to smuggle Gan Ning to the outskirts of Wu territory using his personal carriage, which would not be stopped. He also told the guard that if Gan Ning regained consciousness on the journey, to make sure he lost it again. As Zhang He watched the guard drag his lover's body away, Sima Yi turned to him and motioned impatiently towards the now empty shackles. Somehow, the Butterfly General managed to lurch into place, raising his arms above his head as the deafening clink of the cuffs being closed around his wrists echoed in his ears.
"Now, a few words before we get started. As my prisoner, you will be unquestioningly obedient. No one else needs to know about our little arrangement, and in fact, I forbid it. You may tell not a living soul. You will always come to me when I send for you, and you will leave only when I bid you to do so. While you are in my presence, you will speak only when spoken to, or ordered to, and will say what I tell you to say unless otherwise instructed. Basically, you're mine now. I own your life. Are we clear?" Zhang He nodded mutely, numbness overtaking his body and brain. Gan Ning was gone. Whatever happened now wasn't really that important. He barely noticed as Sima Yi stripped of his clothing. He registered the faintest spark of pain as he was raped, but found that he didn't actually care. He was mildly surprised; he had always thought that rape was something of a big deal, yet here he was, more or less ignoring it. It just didn't matter.
I should prolly say something funny to lighten the mood, but I just don't have it in me. Crazy Insanity, I hope I have made Sima sufficiently evil, for I tried me best. Shout out to my newest reviewer, Vina, for taking the time and interest to drop me a line. I always appreciate reviews from you people, and I'd like to once again thank all of you kind souls who supply me with feedback. You guys are what keep this fic going; without your reviews, I would not have the will to type, and that would be very sad indeed. You should all feel very special! With that out of the way, I bet you're all real eager for the next chapter, huh? Ling Yi's POV will be most enlightening, and much will be explained. I would suggest re-reading chapter nine before chapter 24 comes out, as there will be numerous reference's to Ling's conversation with Sima Yi, and the little details will need to be remembered, since they become major events. Good news for Wu fans; Ch. 25 is Gan Ning's return home! Expect to see Shang Xiang, Ling Tong, Lu Xun, and the return of humor, as well as even MORE plot. And no, the fic isn't almost over. In fact, we're only about halfway through, maybe a little more. Anyway, that's all I have to say, so I guess I'll sign off. Ta-ta!
