Chapter 10: Watch
2005 Words
::Ryanna's POV::
This man pushed his hands against my neck, threatening to kill me if I screamed.
His other hand ventured further south and continued to settle my struggling thighs. How could I have been so stupid?
Just like how Dom warned me something about being cautious, because even if he was ruler of the south, there are still some men who would prey on an opportunity. This man happened to grab his tonight.
I was starting to regret leaving the palace because this man was tall and incredibly strong!
But, I had to do something!
I swung my knees and aimed for the place where it hurts. With his free hand, he blocked my attack and then slapped me across the face.
"Do you really think that would work? I've done this many times, sweetheart."
So did he do this to other women in the past? And no one cared to help?
I began imagining the tears and cries of his victims. The struggle between their strengths and the pain of being raped by this strange man. A part of me was convinced that the food stall owner had been a part of it, or knew about his routine.
"Let me go, or you'll be sorry!" I growled.
"Oh?" he showed no care, "Then let me show you how sorry I can be!"
He picked me up with a single hand and both my wrists hung from his grasp. He turned me around, and slammed me once again into the wall. My cheeks rubbed against the hard stone and I realized how vulnerable I'd become. I began to panic and tried to remember my training.
But, it was futile... I tried everything, from struggling, to making non-pattern attempts. But, he held me in place and coiled his legs between mine. He shifted his leg and mine followed! He shifted the other and now both our legs were spread apart!
Fuck!
I felt him begin to harden against my behind and alerts ran through my mind. He leaned in and our bodies were touching dangerously close.
"Don't worry," he assured, "I'll make sure you enjoy it."
I clenched my eyes shut, there was no way I was getting out of this!
Dom!
Then, I heard a loud pang! I heard a grunt of confusion and then his grip loosened on me. His legs freed themselves from restraining me, and before I could turn I heard him yell.
Someone had hit him!
I could barely see it, but he was fumbling and being dragged into the pitch black parts of the alley. I saw a small figure sweeping along his neck. With a quick squeeze and twist, the tall man fell like a fallen tree.
There was a short silence as I tried to adjust my vision to see who saved me. Was it the stall vendor, or a passerby, a vigilante? Who?
Out from the shadows, a pair of boots appeared. A long, feminine pair of legs followed. My eyes widened as my jaw dropped. As she stepped forward, I recognized her physique and a great pair of bosoms like no other! She smiled at me and had cat-like eyes. Her red hair cascaded flawlessly, and she held out her hand to me.
"Freya!" I exclaimed.
"It's been a while, Ryanna," she pulled me into her arms.
I cried so damn hard! I sobbed out of fear, I was about to be raped by someone. I was for sure doomed from protecting my purity. And here she was, saving me from my own mistakes.
"It's okay you cry baby," she patted my head, but continued hugging me back, "You didn't know, it's not your fault."
Those words came out more comforting than I imagined. This was coming from someone I met once, someone Dom had met twice. Someone who he despised for unknown reason. But, she was protecting me, she was here!
"I can't believe it's you! I can't believe you're here!" I wiped my tears away, "Thank you!"
"Now that's something I don't hear everyday," she took a step back, "Haven't been thanked in a long time."
"I don't know what is going on around here, but I was lured into that man's scheme," I sheepishly admitted.
"Well, I'm guessing you didn't know that Nihon is different at night, huh?"
"What do you mean? This place is beautiful, and it is so lively at night," I was bewildered.
She chuckled and tilted her head adoring my innocence, "This is Nihon's capital district. This place is also known as the pleasure district."
Pleasure district?
"Wait," I began puzzling the pieces together, "You mean to tell me it was normal to experience what I was about to?"
"I know you can't read Japanese," she sighed, "But most of the buildings around these parts are w***e houses called Ukiyos. Most of the women you see that are arm in arm with a man are here on business. They are to lure men into the establishment, pleasure them, and get paid for it."
W-what?!
Freya continued, "Some of them are a bit dirtier. They will attempt to gain customers outside the establishments so they didn't have to pay a commission fee. Hence, why your poor, innocent soul was dragged here."
"I didn't know," I admitted.
"Exactly," she confirmed.
"But," I lit up like the night sky, "I am glad you're here!"
"Don't let anyone know that I am," she hushed me.
"Why not?" I stupidly asked.
"Well," she hesitated, "Let's just say that I am not exactly welcomed here."
I couldn't help the first thought that came into my mind, "You were a prostitute here?"
She held back her laugh. She tried so hard not to burst through the cracks of her fingers.
"Well, sorta," she giggled.
"Well," I turned to the entrance of the alley, "What are we waiting for let's get out of here."
I happily took a step forward, only to be pulled back.
"Not yet."
I turned to her in disbelief, "What do you mean 'not yet'? We need to get out of here. I need to get back to Dom!"
"I know," she whispered, "But, we can't right now."
"How come?" I felt the happiness fade from me.
"Because we are being watched," Freya's voice was subtle.
Were we being watched? By who?
"I got to go," I heard her say in a hurry.
"W-wait!" I looked at her, "Take me with you!"
"Ryanna," she sighed, "Be patient. They can't see me right now, but they can see you."
Freya stepped back to where the dead man was, as I tried to follow her she shot me a glance gesturing for me not to move.
"Survive a little longer little sparrow," she was looking past me.
This sent me chills, she was not joking around. We were being watched, and I could feel so many pairs of eyes on me.
"I'll come back for you," she promised, "But for now, return to Kenji."
"Wait!" I interrupted, "How did you know I was here?"
"Let's just say that a little birdie told me," she then turned, "And by the way... Dom needs you, so don't go dying or getting into trouble."
And just like at the beach back on the southern border, she dashed off into the darkness. I could not hear her making a sound and it was like she vanished into thin air!
But then, now it was just me, and a lifeless body on the ground.
Oh dear!
There was a dead person on the ground!
I decided to heed Freya's words. If anything, she sounded like she knew what she was doing. I just had to place my trust in her. I am going to return to the palace and carry on like nothing happened.
But everything was still not explained to me. How did she find me? Why wasn't she here sooner? Who informed her? Was she working with a rebellion group like Emiko once was? How did she manage to take down such a large man?
There were too many questions stemming out and I had to shake the thoughts away. I walked away from the body and into the lights once more. I was unharmed and made my way back.
No one looked my way, nor attempted to talk to me. I looked up at the kanji writing and sunk to my stomach knowing that Freya said they were brothels.
Wait, Freya can understand Japanese writing?
Well, she did say she was a prostitute from here. Maybe she didn't know how to translate, but just established meaning from experience.
While I was forming more questions and theories in my head, I found myself at the stairs to the entrance of the palace.
I hate stairs!
I chugged on and cursed at myself every step of the way. It was always easier to walk down the steps, but going up was another beast of its own. When I made it to the top I turned around.
The city of Nihon was still lit with beautiful colors. I could hear happiness and smut auras bursting from the city. I shrugged at the thought of the man, but I was also thankful for Freya.
Okay, so now that I know she is here, we can possibly come up with a plan to return to the Isles. All I need to do is wait for her cue or for her to rescue me.
Because I knew that when Empror Kenji returned, we were going to visit a nearby ally town. It was something that I refused to go, but there might be some reason. Now that Freya is here, I don't feel alone nor scared.
I made my way into my room and plopped onto my futon. I couldn't be any more appreciative of my bed. My feet are going to hurt like hell tomorrow.
I looked at my ankle that somehow always got injured before it could heal.
Having bruises or scars is discrimination to Nihon's culture. The men and women here take real good care of their bodies and skin care. Emperor Kenji saw me fully naked, but I wasn't sure if he saw my bruises on my ankle.
Not that it mattered how he thought.
But, Freya mentioned that Dom needed me. He was still looking to get to me or to get me back. This solidified my feelings for him. Just imagining his rough image, but soft heart made my heart whirl. I smiled and hugged my pillow so tight.
God I miss you!
::Unknown's POV::
"So, Dravon's daughter has made it to Nihon," a man chuckled.
His servant placed a wine glass carefully and began to pour the finest and most expensive drink he could find.
"I believe so," an unknown man answered.
"How very intriguing," the man tipped his wine glass and lowered it to his lips, "Very interesting."
The servant bowed and asked, "What would you like us to do now sir?"
With a flick of his wrist he set the wine down and crossed his folded fingers across his lips, "Nothing right now, but soon we will."
"As you wish," the servant bowed once more and left the room.
The man sat sloppily on his furred throne. He threw the glass of wine, and it splattered along a nearby wall. He caressed his beard with inquisitiveness. He smirked and began laughing menacingly at himself. He pulled a mutton and began to eat. The succulent aroma and taste was ever so delicious tonight. The man clapped his hand and the server came back in,
"Yes sir," he bowed.
"On second thought," the man contemplated, "Let's stir the pot a little, we outta keep things interesting."
"Would you like me to gather the Elites?" the servant offered.
"Not necessarily," he dismissed, "Just ready the ships, we are going to head to the northern borders soon.
"The capital has been overrun by Lord Dom," he reminded.
"I'm aware," he smirked, "A little birdie told me so."
- Writer
