Disclaimer:I do not own the Kamen Rider Kabuto TV show, or franchise, nor am I profiting from these materials in any way. This story was written solely for my own pleasure.
Chapter Notes: 3 years before canon.
The Butler and the Worm
By fieryrondo
3. Devil's Smile
Jiiya could not decide which infuriated him more—the fact that the Worm dared sit in Bocchama's favorite armchair with such nonchalance or the fact that the Worm dared to do so while casually pouring itself a glass of the champagne Jiiya had purchased for Christmas dinner.
He finally settled on being equally angry at both actions and worked furiously to undo the ropes that bound him to the coffee table.
Why did Bocchama insist on getting such a heavy coffee table? Sweat ran down Jiiya's brow as he struggled with his restraints. So focused on the task of freeing himself Jiiya scarcely flinched as the Worm dropped the wineglass onto the floor, littering the fine carpet with glass shards and wine.
"Why do humans drink this slop—it's disgusting." A cruel smirk—never Bocchama's—curled on the Worm's face. Jiiya squirmed as the Worm rose regally from the chair and—with inhuman speed—was now in front of him.
It really looks exactly like Bocchama. Jiiya grunted as the Worm—still wearing Kamishiro Tsurugi's face—pulled him up, a fist curled underneath his throat.
"You're his little servant, aren't you, Jiiya." His teeth flashed and Jiiya despaired at the Worm as it bared its perfectly human, pearly white teeth in a laugh.
"Demon! You d—dare besmirch the Discabil family by wearing Bocchama's face." Jiiya gagged as the Worm tightened its grip, strangling him with his collar. Despite the pain, Jiiya mustered all the strength he could and raised his hand.
Sorry, Bocchama. An inward reflex, but resolutely, the butler struck.
It was more effective than Jiiya had hoped. The Worm dropped the butler like a burning coal, screeching in anger. It shrank from Jiiya, glaring venomously, a hand to a reddening cheek.
An ironically human gesture.
"You slapped me?"
"I'll do much worse if you touch me again, Worm!" Jiiya raised his fists.
"You—I'll tear you apart!"
To Jiiya's relief, the Worm abandoned Tsurugi's form, stabbing towards him with pointed claws. Jiiya braced for the impact and twisted just in time for a claw to slice through the ropes binding him.
With a cry, Jiiya sprang to his feet and leapt toward the fireplace to snatch the poker from its stand. Brandishing the poker like a rapier, Jiiya parried the Scorpio Worm, forcing it backwards. The Worm snarled, baring its pincers, overwhelmed by Jiiya's sudden burst of strength.
Back…back…now!
The Worm roared when a chandelier—knocked down by a well-aimed poker throw—crashed down onto it.
Jiiya knew he had only a precious few seconds. The limousine keys already pocketed, the butler sprang for the door, hurriedly lifting the latch and wrenching the door open.
"Jiiya…"
Jiiya's heart almost stopped. His instincts screamed to run but before he knew it, Jiiya's treacherous neck turned round to see his young master bleeding on the floor, the chandelier frame digging into his torso.
"Help me, Jiiya…"
Like a man possessed, Jiiya lurched toward his fallen young master.
"Bocchama…"
A great pain pierced Jiiya's chest. What part was sorrow? What part was frustration? Jiiya had no time to think, only to gaze dumbly down at the long claw embedded in him.
So fast...
Scorpio Worm, now wearing his bocchama's face once more, grinned. A ghastly smile that revealed his bloodstained teeth.
"How could you do such a cruel thing to me, Jiiya?"
Still smiling, Scorpio Worm twisted his claw deeper into the butler's body.
Overcome by pain, Jiiya fainted, welcoming the blackness of unconsciousness.
Next Time: Scorpion's Manservant