Later that day, you hear Bansha collar Morro right outside your door. You can't help listening to their exchange. The area isn't soundproof, for heaven's sake, and you're desperate to learn more about where you're being held captive. Not to mention the fact that you're more than a little curious about what Morro might say about you. Though you hate to admit it to yourself, you find him utterly attractive, and you worry that your emotions will eventually betray you. Or worse, Morro might figure out that you like him. He's the bad guy. There's no doubt that he'd play around with my feelings if he knew. He'd use me in an even worse way than he's already planned. Then, after I've done what he wants, he'll just dump me, and I'll be scarred forever. I know all this, so why can't I stop thinking about him? Why am I catching myself wishing that he was still holding me? I should know better! And yet... he's been rather gentle with me, as if there's still good left in him somewhere. It's almost as if he cares. Not necessarily a love kind of care, but perhaps as someone valuing the importance of another persons' life. Then again, deception is a powerful tool of the ninja. Morro could well be building up my trust, and then he'd bring it crashing down with devastating force. I'd be in pieces, and easy to manipulate. Your thoughts are then interrupted by Morro and Banshas' heated debate.

"What do you want?" He asks her.

"Master, I do not think it.. wise, for you to be around her so frequently. Perhaps it would be better if I were to check on her from now on."

"Are you doubting my ability to go through with the plan? There is no reason why I shouldn't look in on her occasionally."

You are too gentle with her! She should fear you, not dance with you! I beg you, master, let me guard her. I will make her fear us!" She says, sounding increasingly insistent.

"NO!" Morro says firmly. "You nearly killed her once already. Are you forgetting that I need her alive? I don't trust you will keep her in a fit condition for my purposes. Fear doesn't always make people more malleable. I sense that she is strong, and people like that do not bend easily. She would only become more desperate to escape, and that would be unnecessary trouble for us."

"But"...

"Enough! I will hear no more of this!" Morro shouts, closing the discussion. Then your door opens, revealing a growling Morro. He walks into your room with deliberate steps, as if challenging Bansha. Behind Morros' back, you can clearly see the death glare the sorceress is directing at you. You stare levelly back at her, trying to seem unafraid. A battle of wills ensues, neither one of you wanting to be the first to look away. Eventually, Bansha is forced to avert her eyes and leaves in a huff.

"Hello, Morro." Is the only thing you can think to say. You wonder if you should dare to mention your lack of comfortable accommodations. I have nothing to lose. "I have a request, if it's alright to ask."

"Of course." The frown lines on his face soften ever so slightly.

"Could I create a bed?"

"Yes, you may."

"And", you ask, growing bolder, "may I also make some writing equipment, and food?"

"You want a lot, don't you? Won't you just send a message to the ninja?" He asks, his eyes narrowing.

"I'm not stupid, nor am I immune to hunger, boredom, or back pain. I just happen to enjoy writing and doodling. Since I'll probably be stuck here for a while, I'd rather have something to do."

"I suppose you'll be less bothersome." He relents and takes off your cuffs. You do your thing, and he slips them back on again. Then he walks out, turning to take a last long look at you from the doorway. You can't read his eyes. Then he vanishes.