Home for the Few - The Awakening of the Silenced Ⅰ

X. Trash.

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   Meena had adapted naturally to life in the Black Block, despite being a newcomer and not having started off on the best terms. Upon waking after the rescue night, she found herself in a bed surrounded by cats, in Zheng Yi Sao's cabin. Zheng reintroduced herself, again promising she only wanted to help. She offered a good breakfast (a black coffee with slices of bread sprinkled with sugar and strawberry jam) and proceeded to explain the truth of the world—why it had been a rescue and not a kidnapping. She sincerely explained what her life would be like if she chose to join the crew, reminding her that she was free to leave if she wished. Finally, she asked her not to make a rash decision, to consider her words, and to recognize the oppression they endured on the mainland.

   "I know," was her response, surprising Zheng Yi Sao, who had seen all sorts of reactions, but never one like the young woman's.

   "Forgive me for being blunt... but how are you still alive?" Zheng Yi Sao asked, raising her eyebrows.

   "I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand the question." Meena had finished her breakfast, now sitting cross-legged on the bed facing Sao, who was looking at her from an old, lopsided sofa with a plump gray cat beside her. As Meena shifted, one of the animals settled on her lap. Outside, the sounds of the crew fishing for lunch could be heard; the young woman smiled at the familiarity of the scene.

   Sao sighed heavily and replied:

   "Over the years, many women, even young girls, were born without the blindfold over their eyes and could see the world's reality from the beginning. When the King discovered the nature of their thoughts, he executed them in town, under the lie that they were part of the Black Block—witches, evil demons who came to eat children and destroy the supposed peace that reigns in Serendipity."

   "Um... things are definitely worse than I imagined," Meena replied in a small voice, her eyes widening at the horrors unfolding in those lands. Clearing her throat, she continued: "The answer is simple: I'm not from Serendipity. I'm not even the age the priest insisted on; I'm actually eighteen. I come from other lands, where the world is very different from here. I was on a trade journey with my family when a storm caught us at sea... A wave swept me overboard... I woke up in Mare Turtur."

   "You're from Aszus..." Sao couldn't help but smile.

   "How do you know? I thought people here didn't know of other lands."

   "My family was from there; they fled when the Great War for power destroyed everything... I can recognize that accent anywhere. Though, I must admit that when I first heard you speak, I thought it was my imagination."

   "Much has changed since then... you would love to see what it's become. Do you know who Makra and Durga are?"

   Sao's eyes filled with tears as she smiled and nodded. Meena went on to describe the differences in her homeland. In Aszus, gender, age, or whom you loved didn't matter; everyone had equal rights and opportunities. They even had a royal family, but the people could vote to replace rulers. They had developed machines—Meena called them—which helped with tasks, using energy from coal and steam. They had thus created transportation more efficient than animal or wind power.

   Sao couldn't contain her happiness, and her thoughts drifted to her endless discussions with Lilith.

   "When did you arrive in Mare Turtur?" Sao asked.

   "Three years ago... A man found me and took me to the temple, where they said I'd been a hostage of the Black Block since childhood and filled with impossible stories. I soon realized it was in my best interest to keep quiet if I wanted to stay alive. The temple cared for me until, to everyone's surprise, Celestino Tábido-Vetusto selected me to travel to Vulpes. He said I was... exotic."