Chapter 3: On the Way to Despair
Disclaimer: Sorry about the long wait but I don't own the characters only the –plot- of this particular fic and any OCs I decide to throw in.
Warning: This contains graphic material such as whipping and mentions of rape; boyxboy.
Shinn Asuka woke up with a groan. Today was the day that he would go to The Versailles School for Boys in Aprilius One City, the capitol of PLANT (1). He could tell it was early in the morning because of the faint light filtering in from the window of the room. He glanced at the arm around his waist and turned slowly to see that Rey was asleep- or at least appeared to be. The boy sighed and sat up slowly, trying not to make much noise as he put on some clothes and grabbed his sea bag.
He grinned to himself as he finished packing the rest of his things. No one would notice his absence until later, because everything was already packed and ready. He felt so clever as he tiptoed out of the room and into the hall, towards the main foyer and the wide double doors leading to the outside.
He glanced around and saw that no one was up yet. He walked as fast as he dared toward the large doors leading to freedom and glanced back one last time.
He wasn't going to go to a boy's school. He wasn't going to be Durandal's slave and Rey's pet. He was going to find his brother and sail the high seas until he was finally thrown over the side, tied up in his bed sheets while a verse was being read out of the Good Book.
He opened one of the doors with his sea bag thrown over his shoulder and was greeted by two guards; and behind them, the beautiful purple, pink, and golden sunrise in the horizon of the sea.
Cagalli sat in the living room of her father's large mansion, watching the maids and servants run to and fro. Some carried flowers. Some carried chairs or tables. Others carried decorations of all kinds, but all with a basic theme. Wedding preparations were being made. She sat with a blank look, her head filled with the memories of her past and grieving for the hopes of her future.
In just a few days, she would walk down the aisle with her adopted father, step onto an extravagant altar, and stand beside Yuuna Seiran. She would say her vows in a ladylike tone and diction. She would stand straight and look ahead. She would be wearing a beautiful white dress as she stands beside her future husband. She would say "I do" and they would kiss, and he would take her home to be his wife.
Except they didn't love each other. Her heart was and always will be set on one man. A man who was a wanted pirate and was almost hung before her eyes for crimes of piracy. She had sailed with this man. She had laughed and eaten with this man. She had loved this man, and longed to feel his touch, but was too shy and proud to admit it.
Now she wished that she had told him of her feelings, she wished that they had shared just one night together. She wished, with all her heart and soul, that he would be the one standing at the altar, smiling his beautiful smile and waiting to take her hand.
But instead, she would be married off to a wealthy man who had many influential ties to her country, a man whose father succeeded her own in controlling ORB. She would still be the princess she never wished to be, and she would be unhappy as long as she was in his company.
She reached inside her dress when no one was around and pulled out a locket. It was a golden heart that opened to reveal a photo of the man that gave it to her.
Tears filled her eyes once again as she stared down at Athrun Zala's smiling face.
Kira looked out over the ocean, towards the PLANTs where his siblings and true love were waiting to be rescued before their lives took a turn down the path of misery.
He knew that Cagalli would be forced to marry Yuuna, since that was the previous arrangement made by Uzumi Nara Athha and Unato Ema Seiran. He knew that Gilbert Durandal would raise Shinn to become the next leader of PLANTs, making sure to brainwash him to be his puppet. Of Lacus's fate, he didn't dare think upon.
Before they were taken to be hanged, Siegel took Kira aside and told him of the arranged marriage and of Rau's intentions. Siegel had been sympathetic to Caridad and Haruma, and wanted to help Kira since Rau had betrayed him. Kira was outraged, but grateful that Rau wasn't aware of his and Lacus's relationship. Nevertheless, the fact that his family and friends were on the brink of destruction drove him to the deepest pits of sadness and desperation.
He had to save them. He had to stop Rau and Durandal before it was too late. But how?
Rau le Creuset stared at Lacus as she held a butterfly in her hands. She was in his garden, sitting on a stone bench surrounded by flora. While he was angered at Kira's escape, he knew that the boy pirate would soon be dead, and that Lacus would be his bride.
He had a lot to offer her, and she was already an influential person. She sang at local taverns and for private audiences of nobility. She was the daughter of Siegel Clyne, the chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council. Although Siegel has begun to retract the arrangement between them, they both knew that Rau could not be stopped. Lacus would marry him whether Siegel wanted it or not.
The only thing left was to convince Lacus that it would be good for them to marry. He knew that Kira and the crew of the Freedom must have told her how vicious he was, how cruel and destructive he could be. He knew that Kira would have told her many horrible things about him in order for her to hate him like he did. However, he was very charismatic and knew that Lacus wasn't rebellious enough to deny his proposal.
He stood and walked over to her as she surveyed his estate.
"Does it remind you of your father's house? I'm sure your garden is grander, but I've been meaning to add a few more things to make mine more beautiful and pleasing to the eye." He told her as he approached. Being properly educated, he spoke with diction and high intelligence, especially when in the presence of a proper lady and during military procedures; unlike the common peasant talk all around.
"Oh my, it's wonderful! It's just as grand as my own. But I haven't been to my home in a while." She replied. Lacus too was educated and reverted back to the language she was made to master.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. Those pirates kept you away from your family and friends for a long time, you must be wishing to see them again." He said smoothly.
She hesitated and smiled slightly at him. "Yes, I was living in ORB when…when I was captured. Father granted me a small estate there since I planned on singing at the various entertainment houses. Plus, Uzumi liked for me to perform every once in a while at his estate or at balls." She told him.
"Yes, a very long way from home. I hope that you feel comfortable here; if you need anything my servants would be happy to oblige you. They are quite excited to have you here, actually." He said.
"Oh? Well thank you. It does remind me of home. When do you think I should return? Will father return soon?" she asked, looking up at him.
"I'm not sure what your father has planned. No doubt he must be involved in Council meetings at Aprilius One." Rau replied. However, he sensed that Siegel would no longer be involved with the council.
Lacus had a solemn look on her face as she turned back to the garden. It was not the sweet smile she showed the world. Her eyes were downcast and held unbidden tears, her lips were turned down in the corners and a forlorn appearance betook her.
"You look sad, my dear." He commented.
"I…I'm sorry. Ye see- excuse me- you see, the recent proceedings, with the hanging and…it troubles me greatly." She said, unable to hold her composure for long.
He rested a hand gently on her shoulder. "Poor girl, do not be worried, we shall catch those tyrants and kill them for all good next time. They will no longer harm you." He said.
She held back a reply. 'That's not why it upset me, ye cod! I love Kira, and before mine eyes was he nearly murdered. I do not know how much longer I can pretend…I just wish to…to…t' slap the bastard!' she thought angrily, and then chided herself for such language. She allowed a small smile as she thought of Cagalli, who probably would have slapped Rau for those statements.
'No, I must stay strong and play along. If I break now then I'll be next on his hangman's list. He already wants me hand, may he not wont for me head.' She thought and realized she was diverting back to the language of the pirates.
"You are smiling, see, all is better." Rau replied, unaware of her thoughts.
At least, that's what Lacus mused as she beheld his smiling and oblivious face. But deep inside, Rau knew she was hiding something. That outburst on the ship when first the pirates were captured was no accident or coincidence. He knew the young girl had been tainted in mind, if not only in spirit and body. He refused to believe that she was in love with any member of that crew, least of all Kira Yamato, but he resolved that her soft heart was damaged and thus the reason she cried as the vagabonds were almost hung.
She turned and smiled back at him, knowing that she could never slip if she ever hoped to see Kira again.
"Sir, we stopped him as he tried t' leave the mansion. He put up a fight against us." One of the soldiers told Gilbert Durandal as Shinn as brought before him.
Shinn was bloodied a bit and held his head as he stood between the two soldiers. He was so close, he could taste the salt air and feel the cool breeze in his raven locks. He could smell freedom as he raced passed the two soldiers. They ended up catching him, but he fought, thinking he could escape, thinking he could knock one or both of them out and run for the sea and hide somewhere. But alas, they easily wrestled him into submission, and so subdued, he was taken before his father to decide punishment.
Rey was there; he sighed and shook his head. Shinn could see no hope in his eyes.
"Well then. It seems you still have yet to learn. Fine, I was trying to be nice, my son, but you have forced my hand. The transportation has already been delayed a day because of your disobedience. Therefore you will be publicly whipped for your actions and then depart tomorrow. You shall be guarded at all times from the moment your punishment is served and henceforth until you step into the Versailles School for Boys on Aprilius One, understood?" Durandal commanded.
Shinn gasped and moved back, but the restraining arms of the soldiers allowed him no room. He opened his mouth to speak but looks form both his father and Rey silenced him. There was no arguing. He knew it would only make things worse.
For the first time in his life, Shinn Asuka would be beaten.
He feared his sentence as he was taken to the public square where the punishment was to take place. He had seen whippings and heard of them and shuddered at the mere thought. He remembered blood and screaming, and had vowed never to do anything that would warrant such an atrocity to befall him. As such, his palms grew sweaty and his face grew pale. His stomach churned and threatened to regurgitate last night's dinner. His eyes were wide and fearful.
Not only was pain going to be inflicted upon him, but publicly. The town would see and hear his whipping. He was embarrassed already, knowing he may not be able to hold up. Tears were already welling in his eyes as he thought of the pain and shame he would bear. Rey was sitting beside him in the carriage, and he dared not look to his friend, even though he asked to see Shinn's face.
An image of his brother flashed before his eyes. When Kira had the noose around his throat he had stared ahead, strong and defiant. He held his head high and rebuked his friends for their statements, even though they were true. He kept his dignity as he faced death, glaring it down. Shinn swore to emulate him. He would be strong like his older brother; he would not dare disappoint him by acting like a child. He would take it like a man.
There was a crowd gathered already around the shipping post. Shinn stepped out of the carriage, willing his knees not to wobble. He stared ahead like his brother and clenched his teeth as he was lead to the post. Rey and his father stood back at the head of the crowd.
"He resembles Kira, ye see that look? It be the look of Caridad, for many a time was she nearly swung about the tree, or shot near the heart. Bless the boy, he must be scared." An elderly woman whispered in the crowd.
"Serves him right, runnin' around wit' the likes o' Caridad's crew. And what's more, I heard he was caught ruttin' around wit' whores! He ain't deserve to be treated so kindly by the Lord Durandal, says me." Another elderly woman replied sternly, with a hard look in her eyes.
"The boy should be hanged. They all should be hanged. What's a small whipping? They ought to do more, says I." a man added.
There were a few nods, and a few worried looks cast around. The crowd seemed to be divided.
Shinn's shirt was stripped off and he was strapped to the whipping board. He sucked in a breath and tried to focus on his brother, on the look he had before.
"Twenty lashings. Begin."
Whip!
As the first sting was felt, Shinn cringed and bit his lip from trying not to scream. It was no Cat o' Nine, or anything extraordinary as far as whips go. It was merely the leather that was laid across his back.
But still, it hurt like nothing he had ever felt before.
Whip!
He shut his eyes tightly and clenched his teeth harder, feeling a headache coming on. He was already pleading for the pain to stop, and he had eighteen more to bear through.
Whip!
He let out a grunt, soft but audible nonetheless. 'Focus on Kira. He was strong. He was facin' death itself, this is nothin'. Do not shame Kira, be strong. Do not cry. Do not scream, do not-,' he thought until they were caught off by another lashing.
'YEOW! No, do not utter a single word. If I let 'em see me cry, they win. I can't let 'em break me, or I'll be done for. Less than twenty now, getting closer to the end, and I'll be done.' He thought to himself.
Whip!
Each time he felt the sting it seemed to intensify, as if it carried the former stings with it each time, gaining in number and in pain level. He snapped his eyes opened and his vision blurred. His stomach clenched and he could feel himself getting weak.
Whip!
Whip!
Whip!
Whip!
Whip!
He thought he has halfway through, but had lost track after the first couple of lashings. It seemed to go on forever and felt like it would never end. He kept himself from making any noise, but he knew he was about to burst. After a few more, he didn't know if he could hold in the screams any longer.
Whip!
He let out a gasp. This felt different than the rest. He tried turning his head to see the one delivering the punishment, and then his face lost all color as the blood drained from his face.
Not only was blood pouring from his skin, but the reason the latest whipping felt different was because the whip had been changed.
It was a Cat o' Nine.
He had heard of this, often during whippings the weapon and/or administrator would change, increasing in pain instead of lessoning. It often changed either halfway or a quarter of the way through, depending on how many lashings was due.
He would have to suffer nine more lashings from the Cat, and he could barely withstand the first.
Whip!
"AHHHH!" the sound escaped his lips despite his best efforts of holding it in. The one holding the whip was strong and had no mercy. He was also aware of an icy liquid that he doubted was his blood.
Some of the people in the crowd left, others hid their faces, but still some stood firm and glowered at him, untouched by the barbaric practice.
This time he heard the whip being dipped into the water and braced himself, tears starting to spill. He sucked in a breath.
Whip!
He screamed again, unable to hold it in. He tears splatter onto the ground as they dripped from his cheeks.
Whip!
He groaned and his legs gave out, but since his arms were tied to the top of the board he sagged, putting pressure on his arms. He tried to pull himself back up but-,
Whip!
He sank back down, but this time no noise came. His throat was closed up and he began feeling dizzy. A few more people left from the crowd.
Whip!
Time was no longer present in his mind. He was no longer aware of how many whippings he had received, or how many more would come. He could barely stay conscious anymore.
Whip!
He let out a whine and sank deeper, only feeling the pain searing from his back. Then all went black.
Whip!
Whip!
Whip!
Shinn awoke when he felt a touch upon his back. It was neither the sting of the whip nor the warmth of a hand, but a gooey substance. He jolted and let out an agonized scream as he cringed, hunching over and arching his back when he realized he was lying on his stomach.
"Relax, it's over now. This will help heal the wounds." Rey told him and firmly pushed him back down.
Shinn groaned but had no strength to fight. "Wh-What happened?" he asked shakily. His throat was soar and he could barely whisper.
"After the seventeenth whip you passed out. You're back at the mansion. Father told me to tell ye that 'twas for yer own good, but that not t' tell any of your classmates tomorrow of what happened. The school is dignified an' rarely allows troublemakers, so ye must not let yer scars be seen." Rey answered as he continued to apply the salve.
Tears escaped his eyes but he wiped them away. When he moved his arms he could feel the sting again as if he were just whipped anew and arched, letting out a low moan.
"Quit moving, ye fool! It will take a while for this to heal, so the less ye move, the better." Rey commanded.
Even breathing hurt, but he tried to move as little as possible. Thinking of trying to get up, let alone walk and ride in a bumpy couch for hours, made him want to vomit.
"You're all pale again. Ye should eat, ain't nothin' passed through yer stomach since ye woke up, I would guess." Rey told him and then offered him a biscuit.
Shinn went to sit up on his elbows and take the biscuit but the pain was too intense and he fell back down with a sob.
Rey sighed. "Maybe later then, just relax."
It took him a while to apply all of the healing substance, and during that time not a word was spoken. Shinn lay with a sorrowful look, his eyes almost dead. Rey glanced at him from time to time and tried to start a conversation, but the boy barely answered.
When all the wounds were covered he laid a sheet on the side and gently rolled Shinn onto it. The boy hissed and clenched his eyes shut but then began to relax.
"Would you like to try to eat?" Rey asked.
Shinn tried sitting up on his elbows again but they gave out and he shook his head.
"Here, let me help you." The other boy replied and sat down beside him, lifting him forward so he was sitting up straight, half leaning into him.
Shinn made a sound of discomfort but Rey ignored it and put the biscuit to his lips. Shinn took the food in his own hands and nibbled, then tore into it, trying not to aggravate his back.
Rey continued to give him food until he was full, all the while holding him close.
"Now you should rest." He said and laid Shinn down again on his back.
"Um, thanks." Shinn replied and got into a comfortable position without provoking the pain of his back further.
He closed his eyes and started to drift off, but snapped quickly open when he realized Rey had laid down beside him.
"Rey, what are you-," he began but was cut off with Rey's lips.
His eyes grew wide and he didn't move, then Rey lifted his head and smiled. "I'm going to stay with you. Despite the guards at your door, Gilbert wanted me to stay with you at all times." He said.
Shinn felt a growing fear rise as Rey's smile twisted into a smirk.
"He also suggested I inflict some punishment of my own. I've been nice, but no longer will you get away with turning the other cheek, Shinn."
Shinn gasped and was captured in another kiss, he tried to push Rey away as he began to mount him but his back began to hurt. He made a noise and then felt his arms being lifted above his head and pinned down.
He yelled but was cut off by Rey's hand being slapped across his mouth. "Don't scream, the servants will hear. It's bad enough that the guards can hear." Rey leered.
Shinn could feel the red hot liquid staining his cheeks as he blushed, feeling even more ashamed. People knew, people would know. Everything was starting to become public. He had no privacy. He felt naked before a crowd.
"Rey…my back…please…" he pleaded.
"Shhhh, if you don't move too much, it won't hurt." Rey whispered.
Screams were heard throughout the mansion as the night wore on.
And the next day, Shinn was stuffed into a carriage as he was brought closer to the Boy's School and farther away from his brother. His last hope of being rescued vanished as he watched the town fade away.
Now Kira would never be able to find him.
Author's Note: Really long time between updates, so I figured I'd give you a long one. I'm changing the rating to M (should have done that a while ago, eh heh). Also, be prepared for a time skip somewhere in the future. I think there may be a plot forming in my head, but I could be wrong (lol). Please review and tell me what you think! Questions, comments, etc. are welcome, and since it is winter (although not very cold right now) flames are also welcome. Feel free to yell at me for my long waiting periods (sweatdrop), I need to dedicate more time to this site, so sorry!
1) So yeah, Aprilius One is where the council meetings are held and such so is said to be the capitol of PLANT.
Peace out!