User blog:Akasha1908/Unbound: The Iron Maiden (Episode 1)

CHAPTER 1 

Jestoni stood at the entrance to the shop. The sun had finally set, and the only light in the dark alley came from a lamp post blinking across the street. Leave it to Dora to have a shop in such a shady part of town. The elusive bounty hunter had several shops just like this one throughout the city. Unlike her main barter shop, these dealt in more… lucrative merchandise.

Jestoni knocked again, adjusting his hat so it sat lower on his brow. He was starting to get angry. He’d spent a great deal of money in search of the daemon in question, and considering the amount of gold he was about to hand over to this bounty hunter, you’d think she’d at least have the decency to be on time.

The door opened without a sound, stopping short against a thick chain lock. “What do you want?”   A man asked through the crack.

“I’m a traveler in search of the Merchant of Life.”   He stated the phrase Dora instructed him to give upon arrival.

The man closed the door, the sound of the chain rattling against the metal frame as he unlatched it. Once more the door was pulled open, this time wide enough for Jestoni to pass through. He entered cautiously; prepared for anything and everything.

“Follow me.”   The man grunted, his heavy footsteps echoing through the hall as he led Jestoni further into the darkness.

“Where are you taking me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">When the man said nothing, Jestoni didn’t press him for an answer. He hadn’t gotten a good look at the man, but he was almost positive he wasn’t the kind of guy you wanted to piss off. He decided to keep his mouth shut.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait here.”   The man said, opening a door and motioning for Jestoni to enter.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He stepped into the room, the bright lights blinding him for a minute. “Is this where Dora is going to meet me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni turned back to the door just in time for it to slam shut in his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thanks.”   He muttered. “Nice meeting you, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sorry about that. Broc isn’t very good with people.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni turned to find Dora sitting on one of the chairs in the center of the small, cramped room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Where did you come from?”   He asked, searching for any other entrances. When he found none, he frowned suspiciously at her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Been here the whole time.”   She smiled, but the expression didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Please, have a seat. I’m sure you’re anxious to get down to business.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora crossed her legs, gesturing for him to take the chair across from her. Jestoni was suddenly wary of her and his current situation. He looked back at the door, wondering how fast he could get away.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s no need to worry.”   Dora assured him. “You are in no danger here. In fact, you’ll be happy to know I was able to… acquire the daemon you’ve so desperately been looking for.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“So quickly?”   Jestoni took a seat in the chair, his uncertainty replaced with shock and excitement. “How? It’s been less than a week!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“The how isn’t important.”   Dora replied, the same emotionless smile forming on her lips. “The point is that I have what you want. My only question is, are you ready to pay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course.”   Jestoni replied. “I believe we settled on 60 golden apples.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora sighed dramatically. “See, here’s the thing. I sustained quite a few… losses while hunting your daemon. I’m afraid 60 won’t be enough to cover the cost of her and my incidentals.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni laughed softly. “I should’ve known. Sixty seemed too good to be true. How much?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora smiled, and his time her eyes lit up like the night sky. “I’ll settle for 200 apples. No more, no less.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Two hundred?! You can’t be serious?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m very serious.”   Dora replied, her eyes holding his gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Surely we can…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m afraid not.”   Dora said, clasping her hands together. “You either agree to the requested sum, or I’ll find another buyer.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni was speechless. She’d hustled him. And although he’d expected her to, he could hardly believe the amount she was asking for.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, it was pleasure doing business with you Mr. Jestoni.”   Dora said, standing up. “I’ll have you escorted back to your vehicle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Wait!”   Jestoni exclaimed, standing as well. “I accept your terms. I’ll pay half now and the rest upon delivery.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Delivery?”   Dora said in amusement. “We don’t do deliveries. She is ready for you now. You will pay the full price and take her with you tonight.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There are no buts, Mr. Jestoni. You take her now or I will find another buyer within the hour.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why the hurry?”   Jestoni asked suspiciously. “I told you I’d pay you the gold, surely another day or so won’t…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I will not repeat myself, Mr. Jestoni.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He sighed, running a hand through his dark brown hair. “Fine, I’ll bring my car around.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s no need.”   Dora replied, retrieving a stack of papers from the table in the corner of the room. “One of my men has already placed her in your vehicle. All that’s left is the payment and for you to sign the paperwork.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Paperwork?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Dora said, laying out each document for him to sign. “The first is a non-disclosure letter stating that you will not reveal the details of this purchase to anyone. The second is a receipt for my personal records, and the third is the contract releasing her from my service and into yours.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I understand the first two.”   Jestoni replied. “But this document. Doesn’t she have to form a contract with me of her own accord?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora sighed, looking up at the clock on the wall. “I’m not asking you to understand.”   She said. “I’m asking you to sign.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">This time she didn’t need to speak. The look in her eyes was enough to shut him up. Jestoni signed all three documents without another word.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Take care, Mr. Jestoni.”   Dora said, reaching out to shake his hand. “And good luck. You’re going to need it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She walked to the door, a slight limp in her stride. He was about to ask her what happened when the door opened and the strange man appeared again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Follow me.”   He grunted, staying in the shadows of the hall so Jestoni still couldn’t see his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni followed the man in silence, unable to shake the feeling that he’d just made a terrible mistake.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">*

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora stood in the dark alley, watching as the black Mercedes disappeared into the darkness. She breathed a sigh of relief once it was finally out of sight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you sure this was a good idea?”   Broc asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She looked up at his disfigured face, unable to stop the guilt from blossoming in her chest. The Iron Maiden had managed to subdue the 6’7” Broc, and proceed to slice off his ear before flaying the skin from the entire right side of his face. The truly terrifying part was that she’d been giggling mercilessly while she was doing it. It took six of Dora’s men to stop the daemon; two of them left dead once it was all said and done.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I had no choice.”   Dora replied. “It was either this, or turn her over to the Council. I don’t know about you, but I’m not interested in explaining to them how the most dangerous Bell in the world ended up in my possession.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Can’t argue with that.”   He replied. “But I can’t help but think we should have put her down while we had the chance. I mean, there has to be some reason why she was locked away.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It doesn’t matter now.”   Dora said. “She’s not our problem anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 2 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni gently laid the Iron Maiden on the bed in his private chambers. Normally, new daemons were taken to their assigned rooms, but this was a special case.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dora must have given the Anima Bell some sort of drug to induce sleep, so although she was breathing, she remained perfectly still. She looked so delicate, Jestoni was afraid the smallest touch would shatter her. He adjusted the skirts around her legs, then set about removing the shoes from her tiny feet. As his hand wrapped around her slender ankle, he sensed movement behind him. He turned to find the Maiden sitting up; her blood red gaze leisurely inspecting him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you alright?”   He asked, slipping the first shoe off. “Would you like something to eat? I imagine you’re hungry.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden’s eyes widened; her full lips parting as if to speak. Jestoni managed to take the second shoe off just before she snatched him by the collar of his shirt, and slammed him into the mattress.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Did I upset you?”   Jestoni asked, his hands flying up in surrender. “If I scared you anyway, I apologize.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden climbed atop of him, straddling his waist. She searched his face, her small hand reaching out to gingerly touch his lips. Jestoni wasn’t sure what she was doing, or what she wanted, so he simply watched her. Under any other circumstances, he would know exactly what to do with a beautiful woman sitting on top of him. But these weren’t normal circumstances, and his gut was telling him to keep his hands, and every other part of his body, to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden leaned forward, staring intently at his lips. Jestoni was sure she was going to kiss him. Imagine his surprise when she put her ear to his lips instead. She stayed there for several moments; waiting...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni shifted uncomfortably beneath her, trying to purge his mind of the all ungentlemanly thoughts racing through it. He needed to get her off before he did something they’d both regret. When he opened his mouth to speak, she shot up; staring down at his face with what could only be anticipation. Of course, it was difficult to tell since her face didn’t seem capable of showing much emotion.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden’s brow furrowed slightly as if she was trying to frown. Jestoni thought the expression was cute until she slammed her fist into his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Jesus, woman!”   He shouted, tossing her off him. “What’d you do that for?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She scrambled to her hands and knees, staring up at him like a cat ready to strike. If she lunged, he had no doubt she’d tear out his throat with those pretty little nails of hers…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to throw you like that, but you shouldn’t have hit me. I’m you’re Master now, and I will not accept that kind of behavior.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden cocked her head to the side, her eyes once again locked on his lips. It finally hit him. She’d been trying to get him to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you want me to keep talking?”   He asked, easing towards her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She too leaned in, her gaze moving from his mouth, to his eyes, then back again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you like the sound of my voice?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She nodded again, crawling into his lap like attention-starved kitten. He chuckled softly, the action startling the Maiden. She pressed her ear to his chest, snuggling closer as he chuckled again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, you’re not much of a talker.”   He said with a sigh. “So a conversation is probably out. How about I read to you instead? Would you like that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She said nothing as she tried to settle more comfortably in his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Here,” Jestoni said, gently extracting himself from her vice-like grip. “Let me go get a book. I’ll be right back, ok?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He climbed off the bed and made his way to the bookcase in his adjourning office. He ran his fingers across the leather bindings of the books, searching for something he thought she’d like. He smiled when he found his first edition of The Secret Garden. Although he didn’t know her tastes, he was positive she would enjoy the story.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni pulled the book down, turning to go back to the bedroom. A startled curse flew from his lips when he realized the Maiden was standing silently behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You scared me! I thought I told you to stay in the bed.”   He sighed, taking her small hand in his. “Never mind. Come, let’s find a place we can read.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She followed him willing, clinging to his arm so tightly he was beginning to lose feeling in his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Let’s read here.”   He said, taking a seat on the large chaise in his sitting room. “I think there’s enough room for both of us.”   He switched on the lamp beside him, then helped her settle in at his side. “Comfy?”   He asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni didn’t know why he kept asking questions he knew she wouldn’t answer, but he felt like he needed to keep her engaged and interactive.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“This is a story I used to read to my niece and nephew when they were children. It was one of their favorites.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni opened the book to chapter one and began reading….

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen." ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden sighed in contentment as he continued. He made it all the way to Chapter 6 before he realized she was fast asleep. Jestoni closed the book and set it on the table next to him. He let his head fall back against the cushion, too tired to move to the bed. He was on the cusp of sleep when he heard the door of his chamber open.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Master? Are you awake?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, Omatsu. What is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I thought you might like some tea.”   She entered the room, a tray in her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He laughed softly. “You just came to see the new daemon, didn’t you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Guilty.”   She replied sheepishly. “But I did bring tea.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, try and be quiet. She’s asleep.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course.”   Omatsu replied, placing the tray down. “Oh wow, Master! She’s so pretty! Like a porcelain doll.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“She is lovely.”   He replied, brushing a strand of pale hair from her face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Will she be staying here, or should I prepare a room for her?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, she’ll stay with me. I don’t think she’s quite ready to be on her own.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“As you wish, Master. I’ll just…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It happened so fast, Jestoni had no time to react. The Iron Maiden lunged for Omatsu, tackling her to the ground. Omatsu was tough, but not tough enough to fend off the unexpected attack. The Maiden’s fist slammed over and over into the Anima’s face. By the time Jestoni was able to pull her off, there was blood everywhere; the left side of Omatsu’s face completely smashed in.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden struggled in his arms. He flipped her around, pinning her against his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why did you do that?!”   He shouted. “Have you lost your mind?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The rage in her eyes vanished almost immediately. She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Suddenly, the door of Jestoni’s room burst open. The Divina Hadrian stood in the entryway. “Master, I thought I heard…   Jesus, Mary and Joseph! What happened?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s no time to explain! Get help!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Ok, but…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, Hadrian!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Divina flew from the room, his footsteps fading down the hall. Jestoni looked down at the blood-spattered face of the Bell in his arms. All he wanted to do was help Omatsu who was convulsing helplessly on the floor, but he was afraid of what the Maiden might do if he let her go…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">