The Bondsman (a King Dice x Reader story)

Chapter Eight: Thorns, Gunpowder, and A Request

Song: Floral Fury by Kristofer Maddigan

     Cagney Carnation had always immensely disliked you. Over the past two years, you had only journeyed to Isle One a few times. Out of those few times, Cagney took up at least half of your visits. You had never needed to gather a soul contract from him, thankfully. The two of you had only ever gotten into a real tussle once, after he refused to pay the Devil back a large supply of coins he had borrowed. With a bit of convincing, and a whole lot of threats and bargaining, you had set him straight.

     Still, he had always been a stubborn thorn in your side: pun intended.

     You hadn't seen the weed since then, come to think of it. What a lovely time to reintroduce yourself.

     The clearing that Cagney resided in was always beautifully lit, the sun peeking through the gaps of the trees overhead like a playful child as it cast spotlights of warmth onto the muddy forest floor below. The storm had already passed this area of the Isles, leaving the scent of fresh rain and dirt lingering in the air. You had to admit, though you were a city dweller, you could see the appeal in living in a place like this (aside from its signature resident, of course).

     Pushing aside a few branches, the carnation finally came into view. He was doubled over on the ground, eyes slammed tightly closed. He looked as if he were sleeping, or at least lazing about for the day. That didn't really seem right, though. It had just rained; he should feel great...

     "Cagney?"

     A few leaves and petals shifted at your voice, but aside from that there was no other reply.

     Your heart rate increased as you drew closer, now noticing the multiple broken tree roots and trenches dug into the dirt, as well as the bits and pieces of snapped vines and discarded thorns.

     There had been a fight here...and a bad one at that.

     You were only a few feet away from the monstrous flower now. He appeared wilted and torn, his breath ragged and crackling as it barely escaped his throat. A cool breeze rustled through the woods as everything else seemed to go silent; anticipating.

     You stuffed your briefcase into your coat as you dropped down to peer at his face. It was beaten and sad; nothing like you had ever seen on him before. Cagney had always been a proud and bullheaded character. Seeing him like this...

     His breath hitched as he began to cough, eyelids fluttering with every heaving breath afterwards.

     He looked terrible.

     "Geez, Cagney. What happened to you?"

     His head perked up a little bit, a wince escaping him as he sat upward.

     "Who-who is...are-," he struggled to piece his words together as he fought his way back into full consciousness.

     "Straightway," you answered, standing to brush the dirt from your hands and knees. Cagney's bruised face twisted into a snarl.

     "Straightway," he seethed, "now you turn your happy tail right around and tell that boss of yours that there ain't nothin' I can give him! You hear me?! I just lost my soul to the guy...what more could that no-good grifter possibly want?"

     You cracked a smile at his insults. You had always taken solace in knowing that most of the Devil's debtors hated him just as much as you did, if not a little more. After all, when they didn't keep up their end of a deal, he sent you after them, which was never a very pleasant experience. Not only that, but they rarely had the chance of escaping his hold once he had them.