ᴅᴀʀᴋ ʀᴏꜱᴇ ❀ reverie. + koura

[reverie.]

The enclave of New Jericho had been built on the ruins of the ancient Boston to harbor the God’s chosen some five hundred years ago. Surrounded by decay and standing proud among the ruins of the world long gone, the nascent settlement had grown to become a bastion of hope and faith. Unlike many of its ilk, the city had survived the collapse of the federation and the wars that had followed, growing in size as the devout flocked to its gates. When the world burned, New Jericho flourished. New Jericho had even managed to maintain a resemblance of order during the disastrous gray plague that had laid waste to vast swathes of northern America. Its well-maintained hospitals and laboratories had been able to produce an effective antiretroviral treatment that had kept its citizens safe even as tens of millions perished in agony. With millions of refugees flocking to the East Coast in hopes of cure and salvation, the ruling council had agreed to fortify the city. This was how New Jericho had gained its current shape, the city militia spending a better part of four years constructing two hundred feet tall walls to protect the city. Strict quarantine protocols had been established. No outsiders were allowed into the prosperous city.​ . N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R​   As a result, a vast slum had grown outside the city, untold millions living in hovels without electricity or running water, living on whatever scraps they could scavenge. Some effort was made to provide the outsiders with humanitarian relief — several charities delivered food and other essential supplies to the wretched masses. Yet discontent and anger festered in the slums, the poor and the suffering having a little hope for a better tomorrow. Occasionally the anger flared, violence erupting in the hovels surrounding the city. While the New Jericho militia was quick to quell any such incidents, the dissidents were not without sympathizers. Many youngsters within the city walls were disillusioned with the ruling council and rejected the strict isolationist policies. Such men and women were outlaws, their ideas considered dangerous for the status quo. Many caught helping the outsiders had been either executed or exiled from the city. This onerous duty fell on the shoulders of the Internal Security that protected New Jericho against threats from within.  written by koura ​ . H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Hazel had been so fucking careful these past few months, and yet there she was, in an interrogation room. She'd warned Mason about it at least a hundred times, that one day they would get caught, and when they were, someone would pay. Right now, it seemed as though she was the safest bet. She was the one they were about to interrogate. They'd told her it was just protocol, that everyone had to answer some questions, but Hazel couldn't care less about the others. She was the one who had something to hide - who had done something illegal. She'd been smuggling all sorts of things through the wall, both in and out, for at least three months now. Clothes, weapons, medicine, and most frequently, people. No one had even looked her way - until now. She had told her boyfriend over and over that they were bound to be discovered at some point, but Mason had assured her that she had nothing to worry about. By the time anyone got suspicious, there would be no proof of any wrongdoings. She would be safe. But she wouldn't be sitting in an interrogation room if they didn't have any proof. She wouldn't be sitting there, if she was safe. No, she was so fucking screwed, she just knew it. If only they would have let her make a call first, she could have asked Mason what to say - what to do. But the agents had kept their eyes on her the entire time as they escorted her from the lobby and up to an empty interrogation room. At least they hadn't put her in chains. . . so, perhaps they didn't have any proof, after all. But still, Hazel was no fool. She knew that if Internal Security was involved, it was serious. Internal Security agents didn't mess around. They were extremely good at their jobs, or at least that was what Mason had told her. He had told her stories about people who had crossed paths with them, and they weren't pretty. But Hazel wasn't about to spill her guts. She was determined to make it out of there in one piece, without anyone suspecting her of anything. So, while she waited for the agents to come back, she spent her time wisely, trying to come up with lies and excuses that could be used should they ask her questions about this or that.​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ Father Quaestor Nathaniel Faulkner stood by a flickering screen, watching a young woman huddle by a table on her lonesome. He knew the young woman — or at least had known her. He could recall how he had a night by her bed when she had caught a bad cold visiting Lily. How he had handed her a bucket so that she could throw up without making a mess. Hazel had been sixteen back then, so very innocent and full of aspirations. Frowning, Nate reached to fiddle his cufflinks, glancing at the heraldic rose that had been carved into the silver. The icon that identified him as an officer of the Internal Security, meant to remind him of his duty to protect the faithful. He could not fathom what had happened to the girl he had once know so well. Girl that had spent hundreds of nights at his house, playing and giggling with his daughter. Lily and Hazel had been nigh inseparable. Nathaniel sighed, picking up the intercom and paged his senior officer. "I'll take care of miss Walker, Father Censor. We…" he swallowed audibly."... have history. Yes, I know I don't need to. I want to." There was a long pause, Nate listening to the other man." Yes. I understand. God walk with you." That so singular phone call sealed Hazel's fate. Glancing at the ceiling, the quaestor murmured short prayer under his breath. He could not allow evil defile the hallowed city. The wicked had to be found and brought to justice. Walking down the corridor, he found himself musing a verse from the Bible that gave him great comfort when he was called to perform his dour duty. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. He wondered when Hazel had lost God's grace. When had the innocent and bright-eyes girl had lost the way? How dire were her sins? Did she seek salvation? Nathaniel would need to find answers to all of these questions. Pressing a button to unlock the door, he stepped into the questioning room, clearing his throat. "Miss Walker?" Nate called out, walking to the table and taking a seat, wondering if she had recognized him. "You've done fucked up Peanut." he looked markedly at the young woman. "How in the name of all that is good and holy you ended here."​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Her head turned the moment she heard the door open, and she had to do a double take to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her. She could only hope he didn't see the shock on her face as she recognized him. What the fuck was he doing there? And why was he wearing an Internal Security uniform? Him, of all people. At first glance, it looked like she was about to pretend she didn't know him, but when he called her by her childhood nickname, she knew that wouldn't work. "Nate," she greeted, trying to disguise her initial shock. "It's uh - it's been a while." That was an understatement. How long had it been? Five years? Six? She'd never expected to see him again, not after his family moved to New Damascus. But up until that point, she'd spent God knew how much time with the Faulkner family. Nate had basically been a second father to her. And his daughter, Lily, had been her best friend for so many years. But now, Hazel had her own life, her own family. Or at least something that represented a family. Her boyfriend Mason and a few close friends. She'd do anything for them - and she had. Which was why she was sitting there in the first place. She watched him as he took a seat in the chair opposite her, trying to take him in without making it too obvious. He hadn't changed much, save for the uniform and more grey hair on the top of his head. He was still attractive, and still devoted to his religion it seemed. She swallowed hard, before arching her brows at him. "What do you mean?" she asked, playing dumb. She did her best to look puzzled as if she had no idea what he was talking about, but she really didn't. No one had told her what this was truly about. And although she knew she had done something illegal, she didn't know what they had discovered - if they had discovered anything. For all she knew, she had just finished another shift at work and this was just standard protocol. But if there was one certain thing, it was that Hazel was not going to give herself up anytime soon. "Do you know why I'm here?" ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "A while indeed." Nathaniel replied, bobbing his head. The soft smile he had offered to her withered, storm brewing in his eyes. Fury Hazel had witnesses only once before. Back when someone had rear-ended the car they had been riding, Nate stepping out to sort out the matter. Despite the sheer anger the girls had been witness to, he had not raised his voice. "This is the last place I expected to bump into you." he murmured, glancing around. The young woman could perhaps feel just how frustrated he was. How Nate would have perhaps wanted to be somewhere else, his expression almost pained. Hazel could her a security camera whirring in the background. Even now, she was being watched. Unsure about the young woman, Nathaniel chose his words carefully. "What do I mean?" He looked at the young woman as if she had offended him. "You are smart girl, Peanuts. I think you know what I mean. But if you want to play a game with an old man..." he smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. Time spent in honor of God for the salvation of souls is never badly spent. He could remember the words of Father Michael that had taken him under his wing when he had first joined the Internal Security. The rotund, godly man had a rather nuanced view of mercy. Nathaniel had seen him crush man's kneecap with a sledgehammer, all in the name of saving his immortal soul. “Peanut." He pulled out a blurry printout from his pocket, the picture showing Hazel handing a large green suitcase to another person. "We know exactly what you did." Huffing, he pulled out another picture, laying it on top of the first one. "And how many times you've done it." Third picture soon joined the first two. "We know why you did it." Another picture appearing, the photograph showing an open crate filled with medical supplies. "And we have the evidence." he tapped the pictures, wanting to make sure he had her attention. "I think there's no denying that, Miss Walker." Nathaniel only ever called her like that when she was in trouble. Like when he had once caught Hazel with a pack cigarettes in her pocket. "What we really want..." Reaching into his pockets, the disgruntles quaestor took out his phone and a stylus, tapping the screen a few times. "...is names. Other people involved in your little wicked games." ​

 

[reverie.]

❝ This was the last place she'd expected to jump into him as well. How had he even ended up there? He was supposed to be in New Damascus. But that didn't matter. What mattered was why he was there. She kept her gaze on him, keeping her expression neutral. She didn't have much of a poker face when she was younger, but she certainly did now. Perhaps not the best, but she was able to hide her distress pretty well. Her fear. He might have known her back when she was still a teenager, but a lot had changed since then. She might have relied on his help back then, but now, she could fend for herself. But he was right about one thing; she was smart. "I'm not trying to play games," she said, perhaps a bit harsher than she had intended. A part of her was happy to see him, just. . . not under these circumstances. Her face remained neutral as he laid the picture out in front of her, but something flashed in her eyes when she recognized herself. It was a blurry print, but there was no mistake in her identity. Hazel recognized that green suitcase too, her very first mission. She'd been instructed to make sure it ended up in the right hands, and that the medical supplies hidden inside would make it out of the city. She watched as Nate laid out picture after blurry picture of her handing various items to the same bearded man with a cap. Another suitcase just like the first one, a black duffle bag, something that resembled a framed painting, a small briefcase - they must have gone through all the security footage from the last three months to have found all of these. But what she couldn't wrap her head around was how they'd realized the transfers were illegal. But then he laid down a picture of what was going to be the next transfer and she felt her stomach turn. Hazel stared at the photo of that open crate filled with medical supplies, the one she knew Tom was scheduled to pick up the next morning. She knew this day would come, but she hadn't prepared herself for it. And all the lies and excuses she'd spent the last twenty minutes developing wouldn't help her, because they had proof. She couldn't argue with the evidence. She might be screwed, after all, but the others weren't. When she eventually looked up, she hid her emotions well. Thank God, he couldn't feel or hear her rapid pulse or her beating heart. She knew she'd been caught red-handed, and she was sorry that he was the one to confront her about it. But at least what she'd done was for a good cause. The Rebels had been helping the outsiders for years already, Hazel's new job had just made it easier for them to smuggle things in and out. She didn't know their full operation, only what Mason and the others chose to share with her. "No one," she said, her voice as steady as she could manage. "Just me - no one else." She didn't blink. Blinking used to be a dead giveaway that she was lying, but Hazel had mastered a few things these past few years. Or, she'd gotten better at a few things at least. They might have history, but she was not about to give up all of her friends just because they'd caught her smuggling medical supplies. As of right now, they probably thought that was all she had smuggled - that everything she had handed to Tom was, indeed, medical supplies - and she wanted to keep it that way. "I don't regret it," she added, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms under her breasts. She might look calm and unaffected by the situation, but on the inside, she was freaking out. What exactly would happen to her? Would they cast her out? Unchip her? Kill her? No, Nate would never allow that to happen. She hadn't hurt anyone. "There are people out there who need our help, and somebody has to help them." It wasn't a lie. Hazel had always been grateful for being a citizen, but she'd never really liked how they'd turned their back on the outsiders. Until she met Mason, she hadn't dreamed of helping the Rebels, but she was contributing to their cause. She was not a Rebel herself, but close enough.​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "That's what you are telling me." He almost wanted her to try to explain herself so that he could blow apart her filthy lies. Hazel had been caught red-handed. They had more than enough evidence to make her life hell. "You know well what you have done. You are better than this, Peanuts." Hazel could find God's grace only if she confessed to her sins. As long as the young woman insisted she hadn't done anything illegal or immoral her very soul was in danger. Somewhere deep in his heart, Nate still hoped he could save her. "There's more of these." Nathaniel huffed, tapping the pictures. "Another crate full of contraband that had no right leaving the city." That particular shipment contained radio transmitters along with FPV drones batteries. Equipment any outsider groups scheming an uprising would have loved to get their hands on. "Stuff slipping past the customs. Lots of stuff. There's what, three, four pages of transcripts detailing your collusion.” She could tell he was done with her bullshit, his voice ringing with steel. “We got it all on paper.” Not that the evidence strictly mattered. Hazel would know how the Internal Police had the power to cast people out of the city. "I remember how I had to change the sheets when you wet the bed in our house." he glared at the young woman. "So please, try to be honest with me." Nathaniel was curious to see how Hazel would react, figuring that she might have forgotten that particular incident. She had been rather young after all. "Names Peanuts. I need names." “So much for salvation then.” he murmured, shaking his head as Hazel proclaimed that she had no regrets. “Very well then.” Sighing, the man stood up, running his long fingers through his hair. “We’ll give you a few days to contemplate your choices. Perhaps you’ll come to see reason in time.” Walking past the young woman, he reached to brush the spot on her neck where her chip lay embedded. “You don’t get to decide who deserves what, Peanut. That falls on God and God alone. You would do well to remember that.” A short moment later Hazel could hear the door close, the young woman left alone once more. Sometime later a pair of guards would come to take her to her cell, neither of the two burly women bothering to talk with her. She could feel their contempt as they dragged her along the seemingly endless corridors. ​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Of course she knew what she had done. Had she not just confessed to the crimes he accused her of? And even if she'd tried to deny it, the evidence spoke for itself. But that didn't mean what she had done was wrong. Illegal, yes, but was helping other people truly a crime? It couldn't possibly fall under the same category as murder, could it? Her expression hardened as he spoke as if she wasn't aware of her own actions. "I know what I've done, Nate." Her tone was cold. It almost sounded like she was trying to help him understand that he didn't know her anymore. How could he? They hadn't spoken in six years. But her expression changed when he mentioned that time she had wet herself. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered that embarrassing incident. "I am not a little girl anymore," she snapped. If he couldn't see that, then they had an even bigger problem. "You want names, huh? Write my name. You seem to remember it perfectly well. Hazel Walker." She seemed very pleased with herself, as if she had achieved something by keeping the others out of this, but as he stood and brushed her neck on his way past her, she got a feeling that she hadn’t accomplished anything. "Wait, what? No. . . Nate -" She turned in her seat, her gaze following him as he made his way towards the door. She didn't look as confident now. "What do you mean, a few days? I can't -" She couldn't stay there a few days. Not without getting a hold of Mason. But guards came in to drag her to an empty cell despite her complaints. Tomorrow came and went. And the day after tomorrow. On the third day, Hazel was not only frustrated and impatient but fucking pissed. How much longer before someone would give her answers? Before someone would answer her fucking questions? Because she had asked questions to every guard delivering her food. What is going on? How long do I have to stay here? When can I make a phone call? When can I take a shower? Am I allowed visitors? What will happen to me? Why can't you speak to me? They just pushed the tray through a latch in the door and left. The cell wasn't exactly a hotel room either. A simple bed in one corner, a small desk, and a hard chair in the other. And a toilet in the center, facing the door, with a tiny sink right next to it.. Fucking perfect. She couldn't even pee without risking someone observing her from the small window on the door. And the window on her wall was so high up that she could only see whether it was day or night. She had nothing but herself and her three-day-old clothes to keep her company - along with the bible on the desk, but she hadn't bothered to touch that. Hazel was so accustomed to getting food now, that she didn't recognize that it was the door that had opened before she lifted her head off the pillow to look. She had been lying on the bed with her hands on her stomach, looking at the ceiling, and she didn't bother to move when she saw who it was. Hazel simply adjusted her gaze. "So, now you decide to show up," she said coolly, not even trying to hide her foul mood. "Did you come to check if I'd made myself comfortable?" She snorted. "Or did you finally come to your senses and you’re here to let me go?" She paused briefly before continuing, "Because if it isn't the latter, you can get the fuck out." Hazel was in no mood to have him gloat at her. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ For the past three days, Nathaniel had spent most free time in prayer. He sought guidance, his soul torn asunder by ghosts of the past. Try as he might, he could not deny the feelings that simmered somewhere in the back of his mind. He had thought he had managed to redeem himself. That all his wicked thoughts laid all in the past. Seeing Hazel's name on the screen of his phone had been enough to stir the hunger that gnawed at his very being. Hunger he had denied many years ago. He was not certain he could deny himself any longer. Many summers had withered in their pride. She was no longer a child. Nathaniel could also feel his duty weighting on him. He was beholden to the people of New Jericho. God had called him to protect the faithful. God wanted to test him, it seemed. He could not turn his back on Hazel just like he could not abandon his duties. Walking to Hazel's cell, Nathaniel turned his eyes towards the heavens, murmuring a prayer to comfort himself. The familiar verse felt like tar in his mouth, Nathaniel having to force himself to mouth the words. He did not doubt his faith, but whether the God in his almighty wisdom could harbor mercy for his wicked soul. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Old hinged creaked as he pulled open the heavy door, leaning against the door frame. "Morning." he greeted the young woman, his expression cold. Nathaniel never bothered to answer her question. The godly did not need to reason with the heretics. Even if he had been the one to take this particular heretic to the pharmacy when she had first got her period. Nathaniel could still vividly remember just how ashamed she had been. Only because her blood had stained her sheets. "I see." he licked his lips, taking a moment to consider his options. "I see you haven't reconsidered your options." Nathaniel growled, stepping into the cell, the tall man having to duck his head. The building that now housed the Internal Security had once been a bunker built to shelter the devout. "Peanut." Running thin on patience, Nathaniel slammed the door close, a gust of fresh of air washing over the young woman. She was now trapped in a small room with a man she had known since she had been six. A man that she knew as loving father to his only daughter. "You have one more chance." The Quaestor looked markedly at Hazel, crossing his arms. "Names. I want names. Names other than Mason Cantrell." There was no harm letting her know what they knew. She wouldn't be leaving the facility any time soon. ​

 

[reverie.]

❝ As soon as Hazel realized he was not there to let her out, she moved her attention back to the ceiling again. She had absolutely no interest in talking to him, or even looking at him. If this situation had been anything else, she'd love to catch up - she might even ask about Lily - but as long as he was wearing that uniform, as long as he was working against her, she wanted nothing to do with him. She couldn't help him. She refused. There was simply no way she was giving up her friends - her family. And at one point, she had considered him her family. Well, not anymore. "I already told you, Nathaniel," she began, using his full name like she'd done so many times before when she was angry. Or perhaps it was to emphasize that they were no longer acquainted. Certainly, they didn't know each other very well anymore. "I worked alone. It was just me." But even she knew, deep down, that whatever she had pulled off was not a one-man job. In fact, she hadn't really pulled off shit. Hazel had just followed orders. She was not the mastermind behind this scheme. She wasn't even a Rebel. At least not officially. But Mason. . . Mason was. So when he said Mason's name, fear flickered in her eyes. She sat up, bending her knees as she did so while trying her best to disguise the panic growing inside of her. "Mason has nothing to do with this," she lied, her voice firm but perhaps not very convincing. She shook her head a little, looking over at him while a faint, disappointed smile spread across her lips. "Do you really think I'd drag the man I love into this mess?" More lies. She had not dragged Mason into anything, it was the other way around entirely. "How stupid do you think I am?" she asked him, her tone dry and challenging. But as soon as those words left her mouth, she realized she didn't want to know the answer. Because, even if she had managed to pull this off all by herself, what she had done was still pretty fucking stupid. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ Nathaniel's shoulders slumped, the old man closing his eyes for a moment. He had hoped that Hazel would come to her senses. That she would confess to the sins she had committed. Instead the young woman remained defiant, spewing filthy lies. Righteous anger flared in his chest. "May Lord have mercy on your soul, Hazel." the old man murmured, slowly raising his gaze, his dark eyes seeking out hers. Mercy belonged to the repentant. Hazel had condemned herself with with her words. Her soul cried for salvation, her mortal flesh tainted by sin. "For I have none." Stepping close, he grabbed her hair, yanking hard as he pushed her against the concrete. "You have no idea." Letting go of her hair, Nate reached for his taser and pressed it against her belly. Allowing the young woman no warning, he pressed the trigger. Two metal darts sank into Hazel's skin, electricity running through her body, her legs suddenly too weak to support her frame even as her tortured muscles contracted and retracted without rhyme or reason. Stepping back, he allowed Hazel to fall on the floor, Nathaniel's eyes full of righteous fury. "Repent." he demanded, stomping down on her, the heavy heel of his boot connecting with her belly. Nathaniel smiled as Hazel cried out. He would perform the rite of mortification for her. He would cleanse her soul so that she could see the light once more. So that he could have the answers he needed. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us." the incensed Quaestor began to recite a verse, pausing to deliver another brutal kick to her side. "But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing." Dropping the taser, Nathaniel wrapped his fingers around her curls, he pulled the small woman up. "If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us." His voice remained soft and mellow even as he his fist pummeled into her belly. "Peanut." Pulling her up, Nathaniel pressed his face to hers, his nose brushing against hers. "I want names." he told her, is tone still calm and composed. "And you will give them to me. All of them." Huffing, he pushed her away, the young woman stumbling against the toilet seat even as he sought to regain her footing. Nathaniel was far from done with his prisoner. ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Hazel didn't have time to decode his words before she was yanked up by the hair and shoved into the concrete wall. A startled cry escaped her lips, and she tried to push herself back to regain some control of the situation. But before she managed to do anything, a high-pitched scream filled her cell. "Aaaah!" Her body shook violently for a moment before it hit the ground with a thud. She writhed in pain, whimpering loudly. Had he just tased her? Her body was still recovering when he stomped down on her stomach, and she cried out, "Aaahngh, stop!" Weak, shaky hands wrapped around his ankle and she tried to push his foot off at the same time as she tried to pull herself up - it didn't work. She was literally stuck on the floor. She looked up at him with watery eyes, fear and betrayal written all over her face. "What are you doing?" she asked in disbelief. How could he do this to her? Since when did he hurt people? "Nngh." She continued to try to get up, to push and pull at his foot in an attempt to get it off her stomach, but it only resulted in more painful noises escaping her. And now he wanted her to repent. "For what!?" she yelled. What did he want her to ask forgiveness for? Helping those in need? No, she wouldn't do that. And then he started citing some religious bullshit. "Please, cut the - aaaaahh!" Another painful cry filled the small cell when he kicked her unattended side, and she tried to curl into a ball. His foot prevented her from turning into foster position, but at least she managed to pull her legs up a little. Her hands let go of his ankle and calf and she clutched her aching side instead. Her eyes were filled with tears when she looked up at him. It wasn't only her body that hurt. How could he do this. . . to her? She wobbled on her feet when he pulled her up by the hair. "Aaah!" She gasped in pain, gasping for air as she clutched her stomach. It hurt, it really fucking hurt. Her vision clouded as tears welled up in them. Hazel hadn't even seen it coming. Her focus had not been on his words, nor on him. No, she was still trying to cope with the pain in her side and the fact that he had betrayed her in so many ways. And the fact that he still called her Peanut only made it so much worse. She blinked at him, her vision slowly clearing. Still gasping for air against his lips, she tried to shake her head. "I can't," she sobbed. She refused to give up her family and friends, and the others? She didn't even know their names. So, even if she had wanted to give them to him, she couldn't. When he pushed her away, she stumbled against the toilet seat, almost knocking herself over in the progress. Her legs were weak - her whole body was weak, actually. Since she clutched her stomach and side with both arms, she didn't exactly have the best balance either. Hazel slouched against the seat, sitting down on it despite having no plans of using it. She leaned forward, hands still clutching her stomach as if she had the worst stomachache in the world, and she looked up at him. Her teary eyes were filled with hatred as she spoke in a quiet, yet malicious voice. "Fuck you, Nate. Fuck. You." She drew in a sharp breath and tried to disguise her pain. "You think you can beat me into submission?" She scoffed, both in disbelief and amusement, only to grimace at the pain it caused. "Tell me, Nathaniel . . . what will you do when that doesn't work? Kill me?" It was hard to tell if she was mocking him or challenging him. Either way, she knew she was walking on thin ice, but she was so fucking hurt by his betrayal and in so much pain that it was hard to think straight. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "I remember taking you to the church. Listening as you sang with Lily." he snarled, her complaints falling on deaf ears. Nathaniel had made his choice, his duties weighting heavy on his shoulders. He needed her confession. Hazel was their best lead. She was the key that could unravel the conspiracy that gnawed New Jericho like a cancer. "How beautiful was your voice." there was a sense of lament in his voice, almost as if he had lost something precious. "Peanuts. You sweet little girl. You have no idea what I can do." he grunted, frowning as she looked up at him. "You do not know me." There had been days when Nathaniel had made sure that Lily and Hazel bathed before bedtime, only to spend the night waterboarding a terrorist. Coming home from work, he had often prepared a breakfast for the two, the anguished screams of the heretics still ringing in his ears. Nathaniel burned with righteous fury, his expression terrible to behold. Lying to himself that he took no pleasure in hurting the young woman, he grabbed her arm and pulled her up. "Peanuts. Looks what you made me do." his voice was strained, his sadness flickering in his eyes. He had loved her as he had loved his own daughter, watching the small girl grow and blossom. Now something dark and malevolent held her soul in its grasp. Huffing, he took hold of Hazel's neck, slowly pushing the young woman against the wall. "Peanuts. Don't you fucking dare to move." She could see the anger in his eyes, the tall man shaking his head as if to make sense of the situation. "I am talking to you and you are going to listen." "I remember..." he murmured, his fingers slowly pressing into the soft skin of her neck, leaving the poor girl gasping for air. "I remember you giggling upstairs with Lily. She passed out in the hot tub. You dragged her out and dashed to call me in. Butt naked." Nathaniel huffed, easing his hold on her. "You were such a good girl. What went wrong with you?" he demanded, sounding disappointed and disgusted both. ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Hazel remembered all the times she had sung with Lily in church, how much fun they'd had. But that was a decade ago and a lot had changed since then. She didn't go to church because she believed - she went to church because he took her. And back then, she enjoyed singing. Now she only sang in the shower sometimes. She snorted again at his words, wincing. "Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea, thanks," she sneered back at him, narrowing her gaze. "And what - you think you know me? It's been six years, Nathaniel." She was not his Peanut anymore, and yet he kept calling her that as if it still meant something. As if that justified his actions- it didn't. She was still recovering, still in pain when he grabbed her arm and pulled her up from the toilet seat. "Mmgh," she whimpered when he grabbed her throat and pushed her against the wall again. Her hands were about to try to push him away, but the second her hands touched his chest - the moment he said don't move - she froze. With her hands still on his chest, just without adding any pressure, she looked up at him. She was terrified. Her lips parted, but only to let air flow into her lungs. She didn't dare say a word. She did exactly as he said, she just listened. But as he tightened the hold on her neck, she started gasping for air. Panic kicked in once more, and it took everything in her not to move. She desperately wanted to claw at his hand and beg him to loosen his grip, but she remained silent and still. Instead, her eyes widened as she listened to his words while trying to breathe air into her lungs. She remembered the incident he was telling her about as if it was yesterday. Lily had been all right. Hazel had loved Lily like a sister, but now, she hadn't seen her in six years. She thought she'd never see any of the Faulkners again, but here he was - proving himself to be one of the monsters he used to warn her about. When he eased his grip around her throat, allowing air to fill her lungs again, it took her a few gasps before she was able to answer him. She seized the opportunity to lower her hands, indicating that she did not want to touch him unless she needed to. "What went wrong with me?" She spat the words back at him with utter disbelief and resentment. Did he really want to discuss what went wrong with her when he was the one who had just choked her? Tased her. . . kicked her, and punched her? No, he didn't get to do that. "With me? I'm not the one beating an innocent girl," she hissed. She wasn't truly innocent though, but innocent enough.​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "I knew you once, Peanut. You were such a good girl." She could perhaps hear the sorrow in his voice, his expression pained. Nathaniel was conflicted, the old man torn apart by his emotions. He knew what he had to do, yet he could feel the old need burning in his belly. Need he had denied for so many years. Now he had in her in his hands and none would care if he forced himself on her. He knew others of his rank took suck liberties with their prisoners. "I bet you hung out with wrong sort of folks." Nathaniel shook his head, almost convinced that others had tainted the sweet young girl he had once known. "You were always too curious for your own good, kid. Like that one time with that damned swing." He could remember her trying to see how high the swing would reach, only to fall down on her rump. The bruises had been impressive, Hazel luckily suffering no long term harm. Watching her struggle to draw breath, he eased his hold on her. Nathaniel wanted her conscious enough to confess and repent. Nathaniel had hurt her enough for one day. The doctrine emphasized fear. The sinner should learn to cower in the presence of the devout. He needed to let Hazel's imagination undo her, to allow her no hope. He needed her to beg for mercy and salvation so that he could perform the rites of absolution. Only through confession could Hazel redeem herself. But she needed truly believe her words for God to harken to her call. "There is no such thing as innocence, Peanut. Not here." he glanced around as if to make sure she's understand what he meant. "Only degrees of guilt." Nathaniel murmured, conviction ringing in his voice. He knew Hazel would not have been brought in if she hadn't been caught red-handed. If there wasn't a mountain of evidence against her. Internal Security only ever dealt with worst of criminals and heretics. The poor girl had truly and utterly fucked up. "You saw the pictures, girl. You know we know." Nathaniel leaned closer, Hazel able to feel his breath on her skin. "You are just playing games, aren't you?" he asked her, trying to fight back the urge to slam her head into the wall. "Best case, you spend the next ten to fifteen years here." Nathaniel lied without remorse. Traitors deserved nothing better. "Worst case..." he glanced at the window, figuring she'd understand what he meant. The world beyond would surely swallow a girl like Hazel. There were sins that could never be made good. Betraying the city was one such sin. Whether Hazel had truly betrayed her city on her own volition or whether she had been led astray by others. "You know what I want, don't you?" Nathaniel murmured, pushing his hand under her chin so that she could not escape his gaze. "Names, Peanut. Can you give them to me? So that you can redeem yourself?" he hoped ardently that she could bring herself to care for her immortal soul. ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ She had been a good girl once - still was. But back when she'd lived with the Faulkners she hadn't known any better. No one had spoken of the people outside the walls or their bad living conditions. Hazel hadn't even thought twice about it until Mason had shown her pictures and told her stories about it. And then she'd met Xenia whose brother had been banished from New Jericho because his blood had been found at a crime scene near his workplace. A crime he had not been involved with, and yet no one had believed him. Now, Xadrian was their outside man. He was the one who made sure the supplies ended up where they were supposed to. He was the one who made sure those who needed their help the most, got it. Xenia was the one who provided them with medical supplies from the hospital. And then you had Tom who was Mason's childhood friend. Then there was Jade who worked at the Inner Sanctum; she often provided them with inside information. And lastly, Luca, who was the one who provided them with weapons. That was their little family. But there were more rebels than that; Hazel just didn't know them all. Perhaps she should start considering herself one too, now that she was helping them. Until a few months ago, she'd only been watching and listening from the sidelines. Now, she was an accomplice - she just hadn't admitted it to herself yet. When Nate mentioned the swing, a flash of phantom pain shot through her ass. Falling off that swing had hurt like hell. She remembered how she hadn't been able to sit for days. But Nate had been there to help her every step of the way towards her recovery. The Nate she knew and the man standing in front of her now was two different people. The Nate she knew would have never laid a hand on her. He would not have hurt her - not like this. Still, she said nothing. She just kept focusing on her breathing. On him. On the bullshit that came out of his mouth. There was no way he would let her rot in a place like this for ten to fifteen years. He couldn't possibly have changed that much. And if they banished her, surely the Rebels would help her. . . right? But the thought of having her chip removed sent shivers down her spine. She'd no longer be a citizen; she'd no longer be safe. And Mason, God knew if she'd ever see him again. What would they do to her family when they found them? She couldn't help but wonder if they'd already caught Mason. But without evidence. . . He was probably still safe. She looked into his eyes, her own still glistening with tears. "Nathaniel," she said calmly, her voice soft but raspy. "I know what I've done. I'd do it again. So, I'm sorry -" She did look sorry, but not for the reasons he might think. She was sorry that she couldn't truly help him. That he no longer was the man she thought he was. She felt sorry for him. "There's nothing you can say or do that will make me change my mind." Hazel would not give him any names besides her own. Not today, not tomorrow. If he wanted to beat the shit out of her, he'd have to live with it. And man, did she hope it would haunt him till the day he dies. She drew in a shaky breath, steeling herself for his reaction to what she was about to say. "What if I were Lily?" she whispered, still holding his gaze as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Would you have done this to her?" She knew she couldn't compare herself to his daughter. Unlike Lily, Hazel wasn't related to him by blood. But that didn't make this betrayal less painful. She had a feeling that he would never hurt Lily like this. If it was Lily in this cell, he would have tried to help her, she was sure of it. But Hazel was not his daughter, and it had been six years since they last saw each other. Surely, whatever bond they'd once had was long gone. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "God have mercy..." Nathaniel murmured in shock as Hazel confessed her sins without an ounce of remorse. He had expected the young woman to crack and yield. Hazel had been a lousy liar as a child. Not that Lily hadn't been much better, Nathaniel able to remember how the girls had been blushing and stammering whenever he asked about their unfinished homework. The girl he had once known was no more, Peanut burn away by the realities of life. He was now convinced that her soul was beyond salvation, only her earthly body remaining. Body he desired so badly it gnawed his insides. "You would be willing to sacrifice to yourself to protect your boyfriend and his friends?" he asked, sounding dumbfounded, almost as if he didn't believe what she told him. She could see sorrow and anger in his eyes. "You know Mason only fucked you because you work at the customs." He wasn't actually certain of that, even if the Internal Security had an amount of data on the man. Mason Cantrell was a careful man, rarely discussing his personal life with the other members of his clique. However the way referred to Hazel as 'the girl' made him believe Mason didn't truly care for the young woman. "And that you are never going to see him again." Hazel didn't need to know they didn't have Mason yet. Nate knew that the young woman might start second guessing herself given enough time. Perhaps she would convince herself to believe that her lover had betrayed her. "I really wouldn't want to hurt you." It was ridiculous thing to say, considering how he had just punched the woman. "But if you leave me no options." Nathaniel shrugged, shaking his head. "Let's see if a day or two will help change your mind." he sighed, allowing his hand drop. "Next time, you either talk or scream, Peanut." The old man kept using the nickname he had given to the young girl, almost if speaking the word would bring the girl he had known back. "Trust me." Seconds later, Nathaniel walked out, slamming the door behind his back. His blood boiled in his veins. The last time he had told Hazel to 'trust him' was when he had promised to pick her up after gymnastics class, seven years ago. - - - - - - - - The following morning the two women that had taken Hazel to her cell returned carrying wicked batons in their hands. They would insist the young woman to undress, telling her that they would bring her fresh clothes once they had her civilian clothes. That she wouldn't be allowed to keep her underwear. The two jested how she reeked of filth, almost as if they didn't know how she had been denied the chance to clean herself. The taller of the two women fiddled her baton in a manner that made it rather evident she was itching to use it on Hazel, seeking every excuse to strike her. Much to Hazel's chagrin, they would leave her naked and bound with a heavy metal collar, a chain running between the collar and the wall. The promised clothes never materialized, the young woman finding herself left to her devices. Much to her dismay, she would soon notice that the chain that bound her to the wall did not quite allow her to reach the toilet seat. Her defiance had come with a tangible cost. ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Hazel didn't exactly want to sacrifice herself, but if she gave up those names, there would be no one left to run the Rebels and the helpless people outside the wall wouldn't get any help at all. Not that they got a lot of help now, but with no one on the inside, the whole operation would crumble. But Nate's words still stung. She hadn't really thought about it before, but Mason had approached her shortly after she got a job at customs and when a new, better position opened, he'd been so encouraging. But Mason wouldn't use her like that. . . He'd bought her flowers on their anniversary, the necklace around her throat. He was one of the good guys. "Don't say that," she said, but there was sorrow in her voice. She didn't have high expectations of being saved, but she hoped her friends were trying to find a way to keep her alive at least. But with her gone, she had no idea how they would smuggle things in and out. She didn't know how they'd done it before she came into the picture, but they probably had a way; they just had to be more careful. She resisted the urge to scoff at his words. He didn't want to hurt her and yet he had done nothing but hurt her since the moment he stepped into her room. Perhaps they were both good liars. But she could feel the fear grow inside of her when he threatened her. "Nothing will change," she said sharply. But then he said those two words and it felt like he had punched her again. Pure terror reflected in her eyes as he turned her back on her. She knew what those two words meant. He had never broken a promise and she doubted he would start now. So, when he said she would either talk or scream - she believed him. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~​ Hazel barely slept that night, and it had nothing to do with the fact that the bed was awful. Her mind was constantly making up all sorts of worst-case scenarios of how Nate would make her scream. She convinced herself that whatever it was, she could take it. If he wanted to punch her, kick her, choke her - she could handle it. He could hurt her all he wanted and she would still not break. He'd have to kill her before she gave him any names. That was what she told herself at least. The breakfast was right on time that morning, and she was starving. They'd even been so generous and filled her glass all the way up today, compared to the other days where it had barely been half-full. Smiling to herself she drank half of the juice before she even started on the dry bread - at least the scrambled eggs helped a little. After finishing breakfast and emptying that large glass of juice, Hazel got back on the bed, her back leaning against the wall and staring at the door, waiting for someone to collect her tray. But before someone did, two guards came barging into her cell, demanding her to strip - threatening to use their batons if she didn't. After being struck once, Hazel did everything they told her to. She stripped out of her filthy clothes, and she held her hair up while they placed a metal collar around her neck. She even stood still watching as they fastened a chain to her collar and secured it to the wall. At least she could still move around. After they left, she was quick to raise her hands to her neck, taking in the collar that pressed into her skin. It didn't choke her, but it was tight. She should have realized it sooner, but she hadn't really thought about it. After the guards had left, she had cuddled up on the bed again, just with her head on the other end of it because the chain wouldn't allow her to lean against the wall. No one came back with clothes, at least not yet. She didn't like the collar or the leash, but it wasn't until she got to her feet to pee, that panic struck her. Because no matter how hard she tried, she could not reach the toilet seat. Or, she could, but her butt did not reach the seat. No, no, no, nooo, this couldn't be happening. Why had she poured down all that juice... "Guards!" she shouted, walking over to the door to bang on it, because the chain allowed her to do that. She was still naked and cold, but right now that was the least of her worries. "Hello!? I need help!" Fuck. She shouldn't have waited until her bladder was almost about to burst. "Now, please!" ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ If there was a guard stationed outside Hazel's cell, her pleas fell on deaf ears. She could hear only the echo of her own voice, the basement of the facility cold and devoid of human presence. The Internal Security allowed its prisoners few comforts. Each and everyone brought in was a heretic — someone that had betrayed New Jericho's sacred principles. Principles that were drilled into every child from the day of their birth. Hazel could likely remember the countless propaganda lessons she had been forced to take part to. How her teachers had instilled them with the idea that New Jericho was a bastion of hope in a land torn apart by strife and disease. How everyone born within the vaunted walls privy to God's grace. How each and everyone was expected to do their utmost to protect the city that allowed them safe and comfortable life. The guards that had undressed the young woman seemed to believe everything they had been told to. Or perhaps they knew better, but were willing agents of tyranny. Those who worked for Internal Security were always well compensated for their efforts. Lily's family had lived in a three floor house, a luxury Hazel's family would have never been able to afford. As children, Hazel and Lily had been utterly blind to the tyranny that ensured them their safe and comfortable childhoods. While the two girls played in the glass domed parks of New Jericho, outside the walls the children of their age choked on their own phlegm as they perished to the genetic plague that still ran rampant centuries after is conception. It would take almost half an hour before anyone showed up, Hazel hearing heavy footsteps in the distance. Few moments later, someone pulled the latch on her door open. "What is it, kid? Why all the ruckus?" a familiar voice called out to her. Nathaniel. "You changed your mind?" She could tell that he well understood she hadn't called for the guards to confess. "Enjoying your little abode? Looks pretty cosy to me." The old man sounded almost amused, his voice dripping with irony. "Is the food to your liking? I recall you liked juice, so I had them give you some extra this morning." he told her with a smug smile on his lips, his tone almost jovial. Nathaniel knew what he had done to her. He had set everything up, the guards merely carrying out his orders. The women had been horrified when he had removed twenty odd links from the chain for Hazel, both of them figuring what the Father Quaestor intended. Still they had obeyed. Nathaniel had quite the reputation among the lower ranks. The women and men serving under the old man feared him. "So..." closing the hatch, he opened the door, leaning against the doorway. "Are you willing to talk?" His eyes devoured the naked young woman. She had matured, he could tell. She had been sixteen the first time he had seen her naked, the security camera he had installed in the guest room catching Hazel changing her clothes. He still had that particular file on his phone. "Or did you need something?" ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ Hazel banged on that door for what felt like half an eternity, shouting for guards that didn't show. She would have banged even longer too, had it not been for the fact that she'd started leaking. So, when someone eventually showed up, she sat on the edge of the bed with one leg crossed over the other, squeezing them together as hard as she could. When she heard Nate's familiar voice, she quickly covered her breasts with her arms. "Took you fucking long enough," she gritted out. Of course, it had to be him. And the more shit that spewed out of that mouth of his, the more annoyed she became - and it showed. She hadn't changed her mind at all. And her cell was everything but cozy. But she could hear the tone in his voice, hear the amusement. And when he mentioned the juice she puzzled the pieces together. She drew in a sharp breath, realizing that this was no coincidence. The extra juice, the short chain, the new clothes never arriving - it was all his doing. "You fucking piece of shit," she spat at him. But as she raised her voice, she could feel more pee leaking onto the mattress. She pressed her legs tighter together, adjusting her seating a little, her eyes still on his smug face. She had not called for aid because she wanted to talk and he knew it. "What I need, Nathaniel, is for you to unchain me so I can pee. . . Do you have any idea how long I've been holding it in? My bladder is about to burst," she admitted, her cheeks turning pink. She was way past the point where it hurt, and if he didn't unchain her within the next few minutes, she wouldn't be able to hold it in for much longer. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "Tsk." Nathaniel scoffed. "You should be happy I showed up at all." Having heard the ruckus, he had made himself a cup of coffee, taking his time with his drink, idly leafing through the pages of the yesterday's newspaper. Hearing Hazel's desperation in the way she banged her door left him feeling a little warm inside. Knowing that she was suffering made him feel good. Having finished his coffee, he had walked upstairs to use the bathroom, idly noting how he was already getting hard. Nathaniel knew he would get his hands on the young woman sooner or later. The thought left him rather giddy, his lips curling into a wicked smile. He would turn the cocky girl into his little bitch. "Mhmhm. Watch your mouth, young woman." he scolded her, sounding exactly how Hazel remembered him. Caring as Nathaniel was, he had always been strict with the girls. Even after she had turned sixteen, Lily had known better than to argue about her bed time."I can take my leave if I am bothering you." the old man added with a smirk, taking half a step back. "If I were you, I'd mind my manners." Nathaniel looked markedly at the young woman, half expecting her to try to punch him. "You're in no position to be making demands, kid." he pointed out, sounding rather amused. "You are the prisoner. In case that slipped your mind." She could likely tell he was messing with her, the old man seemingly happy to play games. "Needing to pee is your problem, isn't it?" Reaching into his pocket, Nathaniel pulled out a small key. "You can always give me a name." ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ The panic in her eyes only grew when he took a step back. If he left, she would wet herself. She wondered if he was stalling - knowing how badly she had to pee and how much her stomach hurt - or if he just loved listening to his own voice. It had been useless arguing with him when she was younger, and she had a feeling it would be no different now. Hazel knew very well that she was the prisoner; she was the one chained to the wall, after all. The one wearing a thick, metal collar around her neck that she was reminded of every time she took a breath and every time she swallowed. She wanted it off, but right now it was the chain that frightened her the most. Or rather, what would happen if it didn't come off. She glared at him, desperation and terror written all over her delicate features. He had cleaned up her mess once before, she was not about to let him do it again. And back then it had been an accident. This time, it wouldn't be. But at least it would be his fault and not hers. Not that that made it any better. "Nathaniel," she said, her voice desperate and pleading. "I really really need to pee -" As if on cue, she felt more pee leak out of her. No, no, no, please. "Mmmnghh." Her face turned into a grimace, and she squeezed her legs even harder, trying her best to prevent more pee from leaking out. He couldn't see the wet spot underneath her, but she knew he would be able to tell how much she was struggling. Not only was it getting harder and harder to hold it in, but the pain of doing so was getting unbearable. When she met his gaze again, her eyes were glistening as tears were threatening to surface. She was already naked and chained, there was no way she was going to wet herself in front of him too. But Hazel had no names to give him, only a plea. "Please, unchain me." ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ "You need to pee. I need names. What a coincidence." the old man mused, wiggling the key in his fingers with a smug grin on his lips. "If there only was a solution to this little conundrum we have." he added, tapping the key to his chin. "If only we could think of something." She could see Nathaniel shake his head, the man that had been like a second father to her grinning like some foul beast. "A terrible dilemma we have indeed." His voice was dripping with mockery, Nathaniel playing with Hazel. Having broken her oaths, the young woman deserved her fate. "If only you could convince me to unchain you. What might that take?" he wanted to test her conviction and to make her suffer for the choice she had made. Besides, he wasn't really hurting her anyway. In the worse case she'd merely pee herself. Perhaps make a mess of the sheets she had been given. No long term harm would follow from her humiliation. "Key for a name." Nathaniel huffed, making his demands known once more. "Sounds like a fair deal, don't you think?" Not that he actually had the real key with him. Wanting to make sure that the young woman could not run, he had picked up a spare key he had found in the office. Just to fuck with Hazel. "If you need to pee so bad, your bed is right there. Wouldn't be the first time, would it?" he taunted Hazel, reminding her of the mishap that she had had some fifteen years ago. "Don't be shy on my behalf. If you need to go, just go." the old man chuckled, quite enjoying her desperation. She left him so very hard in his pants, front of his jeans bulging visibly. ​

​

 

[reverie.]

❝ If her annoyance hadn't been visible before, it sure as hell was now. She watched him taunt her with the key through narrowed eyes. After a few controlled breaths, she snapped at him, "Will you cut the bullshit already." Couldn't he see that she was in no mood - no state - to play games? Her bladder was about to burst, her thighs were tired from the squeezing and her face was turning pink with embarrassment. If she peed herself in front of him. . . Hazel winced at the thought, or maybe it was because of the pain. "Just use the goddamn key!" she yelled at him, arms still covering her breasts. She didn't know how many times she had to tell him that she didn't have any names to give him. But she was starting to wonder if keeping her mouth shut was worth it. God, she really didn't want to pee herself. At least not in front of him. Her cheeks burned with shame when he mentioned that incident from years ago. There was no way she was wetting her bed ever again, at least not on purpose. And not while he was watching her. If she hadn't been unable to move, she would have tried to punch him in the face right about now - the chain was long enough for it. But Hazel was stuck on the edge of the bed. If she moved, she would pee, and she would rather make it to the toilet when she did. "Nathaniel," she pleaded again, grimacing as she did. "Mmmghh, please." But when she felt a warm stream starting to flow between her legs, she decided to give him what he wanted. "Okay, fine - you win!" she shouted, squeezing her core as hard as she could to stop the stream. "Paul Sheppard!" It wasn't a name associated with the Rebels, at least not that she knew of, but it was a name belonging to one of her colleagues. Nate wanted a name, and she had given him one. She'd face the consequences of giving him a useless one later. "Now, please!" She was running out of time, and it was showing. ​

. H A Z E L W  A  L  K  E  R ​

 

[Koura]

. N A T H A N I E L F  A  U  L  K  N  E  R ​

❝ The sadistic quaestor watched Hazel squirm with a wicked smile on his lips. As far as he was concerned, she was a remorseless traitor and deserved to suffer for her sins. "Peanuts." he looked at her, sounding both amused and frustrated. "You think you can make demands? Really now?" Nathaniel nodded at the wall she was bound to, shaking his head. He would break her eventually. All flesh yielded to pain. "You are a criminal. You lost any rights you might have had the moment you broke your oaths. You know that." Whether she'd accept it was a different story altogether. Hazel had always been stubborn. "You give me a name. Then I give you a key." Nathaniel repeated himself, demanding an answer from her. "Or I can leave you here." he shrugged, the wry smile never leaving his lips. "Not like you'll die if you pee your bed. And there's always the floor." he figured it would be rather easy to force the young woman to clean up any mess she might make. She was the one that had to live in her cell after all. "Please what?" he asked, dangling the key in his fingers, taunting Hazel. To make her realize how hopeless her situation was. "A nice big cup of juice perhaps?" Nathaniel chuckled, amused as he was. Hazel's growing desperation and misery left him feeling warm inside. He had always loved breaking the will of the sinners. To make them see the err of their ways. His dedication to the sacred cause was a God's gift, he had been told. "I suppose that's a name. But should I really believe you?" he asked her, tapping the key to his chin. "Maybe you are lying. Maybe not." Sighing, he looked at the key on his palm, pretending to be weighing his options for a few moments. "I'll believe you. This time. But if your name leads nowhere." she could see him licking his lips. "I'll personally make you regret the day you let Mason Cantrell in your pants. A girl like you should have known better." Nathaniel chided her, tossing the key on the floor between Hazel and the toilet seat. She would need to stand up if she wanted to free herself. "Those locks are bit tricky. Might take a few tries." he lied, eager to see Hazel realize he had played her. ​

​