Divide and Conquer (A Higurashi When They Cry FanFic)

Chapter 8: Book of Sorrow, Part Two

Keiichi wanted to wake slowly, but his body screamed at him, crushing that dream. As he woke, he noticed that, like the last fifteen times he had woken, he was still nailed to the wall. His body and his clothes were crusted with blood, making it difficult to move. He felt light headed, and his body felt as if it were on fire.

Takano had been merciless towards him. She made the torture methods the Sonozaki's used seem like child's play. Probably from the sole fact that she seemed to be enjoying it.

Before he passed out last time, she had taken a stance away from him and had thrown knife after knife, each one piercing his flesh over and over. And when she'd run out of knives, she'd walk up and roughly pull each knife from his body, eliciting moans from her captive. She grinned madly, and proceeded to repeat the process all over again.

And, the bad thing was, Takano would actually tend to his wounds. The same blades she used to pierce him she used to cauterize his wounds. She enjoyed hearing his screams when she tortured, and she enjoyed hearing his screams as she healed him.

He looked down at his body, which was so full of cuts and bruises that Keiichi was surprised that he was actually still alive. But, if he had to be honest, if he survived this, he was going to be so scarred that it'd be a miracle if anyone would look at him without being repulsed by him.

He sighed sadly. But, a life like that was better than having no life at all.

He looked over at where Takano lay now, sprawled out asleep on the couch next to him. She seemed so innocent in her sleep, but she was a demon when woken, sadistic and with an unquenchable thirst.

Keiichi leaned his head against the wall behind him, sighing in relief at the opportunity for a momentary reprieve. He wondered where Mion was now, and if she was safe. Knowing her, she would probably be with Shion and one of their friends at least. She, along with Satoko, would be worrying their heads off about him. He closed his eyes. He wondered if what Takano had said earlier was true.

Did Mion really love him? He silently chuckled to himself. What a waste. He'd meant what he'd said earlier. He felt like he had nothing to offer her.

Maybe she only loved him because he was the only one that was available? That'd be just his luck.

Keiichi had fallen in love with her over a period of time. He honestly didn't know when it started. Maybe it was around the time of the tournament at her uncle's toy shop. She'd seemed so amazing that day, and she seemed to be really enjoying herself as she and Keiichi competed for first place. Maybe that's why he'd given the doll to her and not Rena. Because, subconsciously, he knew he was developing feelings for her and was hoping she'd feel the same way.

He wanted for her to be happy. He didn't think she'd be happy with him, going from living the luxurious life she lived in a powerful family to a mediocre, everyday-man's life.

He groaned. It was so confusing. He wanted to be with her, in fact he'd like nothing more. He'd spoil the hell out of her, and would do her best to make her happy.

He could've done so much more, he should've told her when he'd had the chance in the hospital room. They could've been happy, if only for a short time...

An image of her smiling face flashed through his mind, and he suddenly realized what had to happen. He knew what he would do.

He was going to be at her side for as long as she would allow him. Even if she really did feel nothing for him, he was going to make damn sure she was as happy as was humanly possible. The others were depending on him as well. Satoko was probably losing her mind after losing Keiichi.

He had to get out of there.

Keiichi looked over at Takano's sleeping form and made sure she was deep asleep. Then, he braced himself for what he was about to do. He had to be quick, or it would never get done. He closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and yanked his hand away from the wall.