Rose Filling Cups 16

Title: Rose Filling Cups
Author: Elle Doki
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Finally, drifting at sea for three weeks paid off, and Kazuko's small skiff washed up against a shoreline Kazuko recognized. Baleen Beach, often restricted to the public, a home where the humpback whales swim in for a break on their migratory path each year. Kazuko smiled, getting out of the skiff at late in the day. He took a few minutes to pull it up to the shore more and then started up the beach to the dunes. Then he went up the grass path and soon was up on the hill, a few miles from Ashtakline.

Kazuko sighed relief, "Yay~ Now I just have to get up and to the palace. That shouldn't be too hard."

He smiled and made his way into the farthest outlying district, the residency. He made a quick stop at his house to take a shower and changed his clothes into some very good shoes, black pants and dress coat- his normal attire. He fixed his hair up and then proceeded to leave. After wandering through the area and up to the arches leading to the bazaar district, he slipped in and acted like he was browsing the whole way.

It's been long enough that the barriers have been removed and there was now free access to the chapel and the areas closest to the palace. Kazuko went over to a guard standing at the gates.

"Sorry, no civilians are allowed in," he said sternly.

Kazuko rolled his eyes, "I'm here to visit someone in the dungeons."

The man raised a brow, "Who?"

"Satomi Chiharu."

The man closed his eyes, "I have strict instructions that only a pirate named Emba may come forth to--"

"I come on Emba's behalf. Please."

The guard instructed Kazuko to wait while he went off to see if they would allow him in. A few minutes later Kazuko was escorted into the elegant innards of the city to the bridge and up into the palace. From entering the palace, he was then escorted to the right down a path and then to a door.

"Watch your step," the guard said. "It's steep stairs."

"Yes, thank you." Kazuko nodded and opened the door.

"The watchman will guide you from here." He nodded and walked away after Kazuko was through and closed the door.

Kazuko could hear his breathing in the dark musty place, looking up to see drips of water coming down from the cobble ceiling. He frowned a bit and continued down to an area of light. He stopped when he came into a lighted area with a man dressed in soldier's clothes and a mallet at his side. There was a small wooden table near the center of the small circular room with a black lab sleeping underneath.

"Sir?" Kazuko asked softly.

The man turned his head to Kazuko, a helmet hiding his face. "Who are you to see?"

"Satomi Chiharu. I come on Emba's behalf with a message," Kazuko explained, lying very well.

The man nodded as he stood up, "This way." He took a torch from the wall, lit it from the main fire, and started down the hall. The brunette followed quietly, looking around as they went through the dark halls. He shivered when they passed a torture chamber.

Kazuko blinked when he was taken to an open cell with several men dressed in the same attire of the first. "Yo, where's the Satomi kid?"

One of the men looked to him and sneered, "Executed."

Kazuko's eyes went wide. "Th-thanks. I'll be leaving then." The soldier next to him grabbed his arm, Kazuko looking to him in fear.

"Hold a minute. We wouldn't want you to leave with a sour taste in your mouth of here." He chuckled, the other men joining in.

Against Kazuko's strugging he was pushed into the cell and though there was laughter all around, it was mocking Kazuko. Several punches and a few kicks to make him obey, and then all of the men- five total- violently raped Kazuko-- some two at a time.

When they had finished they carelessly dressed him and tossed him up at the door leading to the prison for someone else to find him.