Auction whump :D
Whumpee sits on their knees at the front of the stage, the auctioneer calling to the crowd from beside them. His words sounds slurred in their ears, their brain trying to distract them from what is happening, eyes darting from the wooden floor to the giddy crowd.
Their head hangs down, a few silent tears dripping onto the stage. How did they get here, how did they get here, how did they get here. They just wanted help. Whumper promised to help them, and now they are being sold like an exotic animal.
They try to look at the crowd from underneath. Many figures in fancy clothes and animal masks sit in a sort of auditorium, raising paddles in tune with the auctioneers words. But there is one that Whumpee can't get their eyes away from.
A person sitting in the center of the room. They take up two seats, lounging carelessly in the plush red chairs, immaculate attire covered with a velvety cape. They've dawned a bunny mask. Next to them stands a guard, tall and foreboding, a sword held between their feet. Even though the metal helmet would have sufficed to conceal their identity, they are wearing a bear mask.
Despite not being able to see their faces, Whumpee can feel the other participants' view linger on the stranger. They almost seem bored, as they raise the paddle offer after offer, every time they are outbid barely an inconvenience. Whumpee shudders, as their eyes meet the dark holes of the mask. Their gaze returns to the floor, trying to suppress the shaking underneath their thick shackles.
There are only two bidders left. The price for Whumpee goes up. And up. And up. But the stranger doesn't budge.
If Whumpee didn't fear the violent hand of the auctioneer, they might have screamed. The stranger barely bat an eye at the steadily rising cost. They wanted Whumpee.
"SOLD!" Whumpee jumps in their meek position, their forehead immediately pressed to the floorboards. "For two million dollars, to the dashing bunny in red!"
The crowd erupts into roaring applause, covering the sound of Whumpee's whimpering. They are not worth that much money. They know that much. So what does this stranger know that they don't?
Suddenly, Whumpee is yanked up by the chain around their neck. "I said stand!", the auctioneer shouts, dragging Whumpee behind stage. They can see the crowd disperse, the stranger in the bunny mask talking to a member of staff. Their eyes behind the mask obviously stealing glances towards Whumpee.
It's not long before the hand off. Whumpee's chains have been replaced by course ropes, binding their hands to their neck. The stranger isn't there, when the auctioneer and the guard discuss the final details. They have lost the mask, instead wearing the metal visor of the helmet over their face. Their grip is iron on the end of the rope, as the two of them head out the door, Whumpee shivering in the cold afternoon wind.
"Do not hesitate to contact us, if there is a problem with it.", the auctioneer waves them off with a final goodbye, closing the door into the auction house.
The guard says not a word to Whumpee, before they start being pulled into a closed off parking lot. It's been while since Whumpee has been outside, they didn't know just how far from civilization they had been. They walk towards a large, black limousine, with tinted windows. It looks barely used.
Whumpee doesn't pull, as they are ushered into the back of the car, the guard dropping the ropes and promptly making their way to the driver's seat. In front of Whumpee sits the stranger. They still bear the mask, perhaps a parting gift for the successful purchase. Perhaps a safety measure, should someone see them enter the car. Though Whumpee doubts anyone would find them out here.
It doesn't take long until the car springs to life, and they start moving. Immediately, the stranger starts reaching for the strings that hold their mask in place. Whumpee doesn't dare speak, trying to quiet the whimpers leaking from their mouth. They recoil, when the stranger stands up and moves towards them, crouching beneath the low ceiling, Whumpee squeezing their eyes shut.
"please, please, please don't hurt me i'll be good i'll be good i promise-" Whumpee flinches away from the sudden hand on their face. Until they notice that the pain never comes. That gentle, warm fingers are brushing away tears on their cold cheeks. "Hey, hey, shhhh.", they coo. "Everything is going to be okay, Whumpee. I've got you."
That voice? Whumpee opens their eyes, their breath hitching with small sobs.
In front of them, kneels Caretaker, gently sushing away their cries for mercy. "It's me, I've got you now. We're going back home."
Suddenly, Whumpee can't stop the tears anymore. Doesn't want to try anymore. They fall into Caretaker, who catches their thin frame. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…", Whumpee cries into their shoulder. "Hey, none of this is your fault. You didn't do anything wrong, you didn't deserve this. It's okay now."
Caretaker rubs gentle circles onto Whumpee's back, hoping not to aggravate any bruises. "I'm taking you back to my place."
"How did you find me?", Whumpee manages to catch their breath a little. "This town has…a reputation. Knowing your situation and your sudden disappearance, I could put two and two together."
They pause. "…so the money-" "It's nothing. There is no price I wouldn't have paid to know you safe."
Whumpee slumps against Caretaker's shoulder, putting their wrists over their head, while Caretaker gently slings their arms around them. Only now does Whumpee recognize Caretaker's outfit from the very back of their bedroom closet. Too bold for their tastes, Caretaker had said.
They always knew they would look good in that.
