In the Name of Chaos

Chapter 9: The pictures on the wall

The stranger's attack fails, because the guards are able to keep him in place. I don't think he would've been able to hurt me even if he escaped the guards' grip on him, because Saint stands in front of me, seemingly ready to take any action to ensure my safety.

"I'll kill you," the stranger repeats, now singing these words as if the thought of harming me amuses him.

He then smiles, and I can't help but focus on his rotting teeth. His arms have cuts and bruises all over them, and I know notice an odor that suggests he hasn't been in a shower for weeks. One of the man's eyes are also swollen, and I can't tell if he has had a rough life or has just come from a life-threatening fight.

My heartbeat races as I feel a hand grab me, but I calm down when I realize it's just Saint.

"I'll kill everyone on that wall," the stranger continues singing his threats.

"Let's go." Saint nods to the guards, but I know his words are directed at me.

This time, Saint doesn't turn his back towards the stranger and rather walks backwards, pulling me along with him.

"Orland or Bare?"

I almost ignore the man's words, unsure of whether he is referring to my surname.

"Willow Bare?" He asks. "It's Bare, isn't it? You're one of them. That's why you're in the pictures."

The stranger's words confirm my fear, but I try to hide the panic I feel. He shouldn't know my name.

Saint tries to speak up, but I shake my head when I notice this. I want to know what else this man has to say. I need to know why he knows who I am and his reasons for wanting to hurt me.

The stranger laughs, and the sound is not a pleasant one. He sounds as if he is in pain, and when I notice him wince, I conclude my theory is true. Something really bad must have happened to him, but for this moment, my only concern is myself.

"Did you know you're on her wall?" He cries as he speaks.

"Who?"

The man looks down at his arms, as if requesting I do the same. I scan his body and notice some of the bruises seem new.

Deciding he is just in need of help, clearly physical and likely mental, I decide to back down. I shouldn't waste time talking to him when he's clearly suffering. If there is anything I should worry about regarding this stranger, Saint can find out for me later.

I turn away from the stranger, this time pulling Saint to walk with me.

"Th-the," he stutters, "the crazy doctor! You're all on her wall!"

I ignore the stranger's words, but he continues shouting as Saint and I move further away from him. I almost want to shout at the guards, who are likely curious to find out what this man means, for not dragging this man away.

"She told me about all of you! Sh-she thought I would die, but here I am! Now, I'll kill everyone on her wall!"

His voice grows louder, but when I look back, I see the guards are pulling him away. It's strange that he's here in the first place. He clearly isn't a guest, and he even if he is Gifted, his bruised body surely can't sell for much.