The Iron Hostage (An Iron Fey Fanfiction)

Chapter Five: Holding On

Bonecrusher found Titania standing on a high balcony watching over her land. "You called for me."

"Yes," She answered, not looking at him, "Oberon is coming home soon. So I need you to be constantly on her, yet away for a time. Let her think she is winning at some points. Make her put up a fight."

"Of course. I love a challenge." He walked up next to her and watched out at Arcadia. It was a beautiful place to live, but he was more happy with his work.

"Now, she should be fine to play with." Titania said as she watched Deliah walk away from the dungeon with the tray of food, only the fruit still there, which some red caps stole as they ran past her.

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't."

He walked down to the dungeon and found Kenzie sitting against the back wall, picking at bread. With his glamour he lifted her off the ground, hearing her breath of fear, and then let her drop. Unfortunately, he didn't drop her high enough to break anything. He walked in, or more like through the bars of vine.

"Hello, friend. Why are you on the ground?"

She looked up at him, "Why are you an ass?"

"Oh, you shouldn't say things like that." He brought his foot down on her arm. The sound of her bones breaking brought an evil laugh to the back of his throat.

***

Kenzie could hear Deliah's words in the back of her mind. Little did she know that Kenzie never really stood back and took it. She was made to fight those who hurt her. She looked at Bonecrusher with such hate. She wouldn't give in to what Titania was trying to do to her. She would fight it until she was either saved or worse...died.

Bonecrusher really did a number on her this time. All bones below the waist and one arm. Kenzie laid on the ground as Bonecrusher walked around her. She hadn't noticed there was a cover on her window until she watched him pass it. She wondered how long she'd been down there. Was Ethan looking for her? Sending the whole iron army our for her? She hoped so.

The rest of her memory was that. Bonecrusher would leave for a long time. Deliah or Deeter would come and feed her. Kenzie's bones healed quickly each time; and broke easily every time Bonecrusher came back to her.

Some of the times Bonecrusher came, Titania followed. She would just stand there too, watching. Laughing when Kenzie's screams were really pain filled. Other times she would encourage Bonecrusher more by going, "Is that all you have?" or even "I know you can do better than that."

Each time Bonecrusher came back, it was worse than the last time. Deliah came when she could. Kenzie tried to hold onto her, but her bones hurts so much that she couldn't even eat. Deeter had to go and get a tool to inject the juice into her. Deliah stayed with her until she heard Bonecrusher's boots come down the hall. They knew it was his, they made the sound of cracking bones on every step.

"I hope you're ready for round twelve." He called as Deliah turned the corner and ran from the dungeon. He stood by the doors of Kenzie's cell. Deliah had sat her against the wall, and even though she was able to stand, she didn't want to. "Stand." He ordered. Kenzie wanted to make her body move, but it denied her. Bonecrusher looked at her with a sly grin.

"Why are we ignoring me?" He walked over to her, grabbed her by the neck, and lifted her into the air.

Kenzie grabbed at his hand as her feet swung in the air. Bonecrusher let her go and she landed on her feet. Falling slightly she caught herself with her hand.

"Now," Bonecrusher said, "Let's get this started." He brought his foot down on her hand. The scream that came from her made him smile a hideous smile.

"Please," Kenzie pleaded, "Please stop." The hysteria in her voice from being tortured for so long was getting to her.

"Politeness is not in my nature. Just obeying orders." He walked back over to the cell door. He grabbed a piece of wood, a branch. Some of her blood was still stained on there from the last time he used it. Bonecrusher turned on his heel and the branch smacked into Kenzie's side, sending her flying into the wall. Next he wacked the back of her knee, making her fall down to them. As she knelt there crying, Bonecrusher sent one final blow; straight to her face.

Kenzie could feel her skull crack. She laid on the ground, writhing in pain. Tears mixed with blood streamed down her face. Bonecrusher laughed and knelt down to her. He grabbed a chunk of her hair and lifted her head up, meanwhile she was screaming.

"Are we now going to listen to our Queen?"

"Never." Kenzie mustered to say, then spit in his face.

"Fine." He threw her head down and kicked her in the gut before leaving. As he walked out the door, he slammed the door shut and locked it. Taking the key that hung on the door. "Titania told me that you are no longer allowed to eat until you agree to her terms, and pledge your alliance." He smiled at her. "Have fun."

He walked away from her cell. Kenzie was only able to stare out into the hall. Blood had filled her swollen eye, so her vision was blurry. However, she did see when Deeter came by with Deliah. They searched for the key, until a guard came over and told them of Titania's ruling. Deeter laughed at Kenzie's expense. He tried to take Deliah with him as he left, but she wouldn't move. Instead, she sat on the floor.

"If I could make it through these bars I would help you." She whispered.

No one was around, and Deliah reached further into the cell. She could just reach Kenzie's face. Deliah grabbed the poker and pressed it into Kenzie's forehead. The juice ran through and Kenzie could feel her bones fixing themselves.

"Thank you." Kenzie whispered.

"You're welcome. I have to go now." Deliah stood and raced out.