"Mr. Habashira Rui, I'm sorry we're late. The storm slowed our trip."
"Ahhh... them nasty storms." He took a step near her, "Well, why don't I escort you inside then... get you warmer" He said the last word in a dangerous slow tone that made the hair on Mamori's back stand up.
He reached for her shoulder, only to be snapped away by the man he did not see earlier.
"I believe it is unnecessary to touch the lady." said Musashi in a monotone.
Rui looked into the eyes of the man, and saw that menacing killing-intent.
He decided that he best not test the bodyguard for himself. After a few moments he said...
"Tch. He's this way." He jerked his head in the direction of the gate. And motioned for the two of them to follow.
Mamori released a breath of relief. Once again, she reminded herself why she was here.
Rui led them to all the way underground. The smell was so foul Mamori could barely keep her face straight. The only light was the torch being held by Rui. It was a good thing for her too... otherwise she would see the many eyes from either side watch her lecherously. "I don't know what ye want him for. Trouble and danger that man. Won't do well as a slave. Won't listen to a damn thing I say." Rui spat.
Rui came to a stop. "Oi, a lady is here to see ya." barked Rui to the prisoner.
A grunt came from the inside.
"I wish to speak to him in private." Mamori said to Musashi.
"That, I will not agree to." said her bodyguard.
"Ye best be listenin' to yer muscle boy, lady. He's murdered a woman, that man."
"No matter, I will call you when I am in need. I wish to speak to him in private." Her tone was more determined than ever. Soft, but commanding nonetheless.
"Very well." Musashi said after a few moments of deliberation.
Rui opened the barred-frame and allowed the lady to step inside. She heard the door click behind her, the sound of retreating footsteps. She eyed the man before her, slumped on the seat, feet casually propped on the table.
"Well... aren't you just fuckin' brave."
She recoiled slightly at that language. She coughed.
"Mister Hiruma. I came to offer you a proposition."
He snorted.
"I would want that we be married... so that your surname replaces mine. In return I would give you anything you desire. Blankets, food, clothing--"
"A proposition to marry with a hanged man?"
"Yes. Your surname is of value in other parts of the world and my family is fairly wealthy, just send for word and I shall provide you will all the amenities you shall ever want."
"Tell me why..." A grin spread across his lips. "Why would I want to marry you?"
She was shocked at this. He was the first man to ever scorn her. "I see."
She gently took off her cloak, revealing a red strapless long gown that stretched and stopped just beneath her ankles. A heady scent slowly emitted from her too. She had her wiles, and for this time only... she was going to use them.
He grinned.
He stood up and casually walking toward her, around her. Assessing her from every angle possible. Eyes freely roaming around her body pausing ever so lengthily at her more intimate curves. Normally, she would attack any man who did the same. But for now, she allowed him to do so. She needed his name. So she controlled her temper.
"Ah." He turned to face her and stopped right in front of her. He was a bit taller than her. That was the only thing she noticed before he said.
"I take it, your fucking parents want you to marry soon. But then no one is to your liking. So you marry me. Get away with my surname. And then that frees you of the obligation... Because I am to be hanged. Then, if you find 'him', only then will you marry for real. Am I right so far?"
She gazed into his deep eyes, transfixed at how the man was able to asses her in an instant. "Correct." she said, barely a whisper.
"Hmm.. And what will I get in return?" He leaned closer to her face. Their noses almost touching. His breath hot on her mouth.
She backed a step away. "As I've said, I am willing to offer you blankets, food..."
"I have survived fucking well without those. What else?"
"Your family. Certainly you have a family somewhere? I will assure you that they will get the best --"
"I have no fuckin' family. Anything more?" He yawned, as if to say he was bored with the conversation.
Her mouth was agape. She felt she was losing. "Anything you desire." she blurted out without thinking.
"... desire." He said in that slow, sexy voice that made her stop.
His moved his head to face her. "Love, desire is such a strange thing." He paused, just enough for her to savor the words he let out.
She gulped.
"It's been a long time since I've been pleasured... with company. On our wedding night. One night of passion. I am going to face hell. So before that, I'd want a taste of heaven."
She snapped. "SEX?! HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK OF SUCH AN AWFUL BARGAIN."
"Then we have nothing to discuss." He smirked and walked away to his bed.
"Wait." her mind was racing. Time was running out for her. She has searched all the gallows and not one man had a reputable surname. He was her only escape route.
"We have a deal then?" he nearly cackled.
"... yes."
"Well then, I look forward to our wedding." He said, dismissing her, cackling so loudly.
Rui and Musashi were already at the gate. "Anything wrong? Heard you scream."
"No. It's nothing." she stormed out furiously shooting a last menacing stare at the beast.
"Kekekekeke... see you soon, fucking wife." he said to himself as she left him.