Schizoid

Chapter 4

The Imperial city has very strict rules, once one has committed a crime, they must struggle greatly to escape the jaws of justice. Or, at least that's what the paper says. Many men can trade things to gain freedom, and many sick men choose to give up their daughter's liver, hair, virginity, etc.

Suzika's father is not favored in the community, he is a tall, thin, sickly man, with yellow teeth, skin, and eyes. He works on the tobacco field, and is known for pocketing produce. Apparently he was caught. This does not concern me.

What does concern me, is the sweet, quiet, Nord girl, who refuses to speak. Methaldra, who loves to speak, even when it is the worst decision, decides to enlighten me.

"You do know the Imperial Guards' belief, that if one crime is committed, two values should be paid for freedom." She gestures to Suzika's mouth, "Her voice, and..."

She comes closer to me to whisper in my ear, "Her purity."

I gasp, no one can know of this. Many girls are shunned for loss of purity, virginity, at a young age, even if forced. I ease my gaze to Suzika, wanting to hug her, though that would solve nothing. She has always been a shy girl, quiet, reserved, but sweet all the same. She is caring and motherly, and had a beautiful singing voice.

I feel my stomach drop, and tears well in my eyes. I will never hear her voice again. This could have been me. I have never known my father, only stories from my mother. But for all I know, he could have been a criminal. Could BE a criminal. I could arrive one day, silenced and defiled, like my dear friend.

I find myself reaching for the constant presence at my side. Once I have grabbed his toned, warm arm. I hold onto it. Methaldra notices this action, and holds Suzika, who has been releasing soft sobs. Misone nudges Richo, who has always been dense, and leans into him. If they were older, they would be scolded for such behavior. Homosexuality is a crime. But they are young, and upset, and Maidy Bryfar will turn a blind eye.

In the end, we are all silent, in our corner of the schoolhouse, huddled together, scared of our home. This is not rare, nor common. We have all gone through hardships, Richo's dog's death. Methaldra failing a test. An old friend, Kyo, sailing on a trading ship with his father.

So while we sit, I see a bar at the top of my vision, Counting down, I'm confused, but for some reason I do not panic. I just stare as it lands on zero, and I am pulled through an intricate, blue blur.