#no whumptober stuff that fits so we're just doin it lol

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Hand in Hand (part ten)

cw: aftermath of torture, gun mention, blood

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~ ~ ~

Despite the pair of soldiers Jin brought along to search the cell, the hallway is eerily quiet.

He's already sent a small team to collect Melchior, warning them of the broken leg and reminding them to keep their guard up. This second prisoner may be in a similar state, but none of them really know what to expect.

There are a few doors lining the hall, none of which look particularly cell-like, and, upon trying them, none of which lead to a person. It isn't until they reach the very end that they're met with a reinforced, locked door. Jin nods to his teammates, who turn away, shielding their ears and eyes as he levels his pistol at the lock.

BANG!

He gives the door a kick, and it swings open.

The interior is dark and chilled, closer to a cave than a room. Jin clicks on his flashlight and starts a visual sweep from the doorway. There's no question what this room's purpose is. The wall closest to the door bears empty chains, and there's dried blood speckled on the floor around them. Across from that... Ah.

His light falls on the shivering form of a man. No clothes but a ragged pair of shorts, so thin it's like his ribcage is trying to break free of his pale skin. Jin steps into the cell, motioning for his teammates to follow. One of them, Kit, lets out a sharp exhale when she sees the prisoner.

"Hello?" Jin tries, moving closer, getting no response. He wishes he didn't need the light. It reveals too much. Flesh that's bruised and torn, covered in grime and dried blood. Whip marks scattered across his back like the scribbles of a child. And when he reaches the prisoner, casts the light on the other side, he's met with poorly-healed burns and jagged cuts that ooze with infection.

Who did this? Did the Riot Kings take a hostage? No, he must one of their own. Jin can see color in his blood-matted hair, cherry red being pushed away by an inch or so of dull brown roots.

He shoves away his disgust at the scene---how could they do this to their own ally?---and kneels beside the prisoner, giving him a gentle shake.

"Hey," he tries, and again gets no response. Unconscious, then. It's probably easier that way, they just need to be prepared in case he wakes up in transit. There's only one manacle keeping the man in place, locked around his ankle, but the damaged skin circling his wrists tell Jin that wasn't always the case.

He stands. "Alright. Kit, start filing the chain. Roberts, give Doc a call. Let her know what to expect."

"Should I grab a litter?" Roberts asks as they reach the door, and Jin shakes his head.

"I'll carry him." Shouldn't take a lot of effort, given his state. He watches the door while Kit works, one hand on his weapon.

Seeing this prisoner's injuries further inclines him to believe that Melchior didn't plan this. They're both victims here, but victims of who? Is this only the doing of the Riot Kings, or is there another player? Questions for later. He certainly hopes the pair are willing to provide him with some answers.

"Done," Kit says, tucking away her tool and getting to her feet.

"Hold security while I move him. I won't be able to reach my gun," Jin says, dropping to one knee, sliding an arm beneath the prisoner's thin frame and pulling him up. His body is completely limp. If it weren't for the shallow rise and fall of his chest, Jin would think he's lifting a corpse.

"Ready," he says, once the man is secure in his arms. His shirt is already sticky with blood, but like most of the things he's encountered today, that's a problem for later. "Let's move."

~ ~ ~

@kira-the-whump-enthusiast @kixngiggles @shywhumpauthor @whumpsday @whumpacabra

#another shorty #riotkingsau #no whumptober stuff that fits so we're just doin it lol #rescue #reluctant caretaker #whump #blood #aftermath of torture #gun mention