The Last Higanbana

Chapter 6: Slaves (II)

Sorry for the late update! I was procrastinating and didn't know what to write about because I'm not too sure of how to structure this story 😩
I'm sure this story is very confusing but I'll make sure to explain as I introduce our new character from the modern world(aka earth) in the future!

Thank you for reading my story!! 😁

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"Every day, we receive education for various aspects of becoming a slave, including labour and...... how to please our masters." Riku gritted his teeth in shame. The two boys walked side by side, one with an extremely handsome demeanour as his golden hair swayed at every step and the other with bruises all over his face, his pure skin stained with the colours of blue and purple.

The two of them looked to be the complete opposites, yet their interactions showed as if they were each other's other halves. They stood at the very back of the long line where children were lead to several enclosed rooms for their lectures. Rihito was unaware of the gazes he received from the children around him, not knowing how popular Riku was in this small community underground.

"Listen, Rihito, I'll tell you the ways to survive in this filthy place:
Don't resist any orders they give you,
Always complete what you're told to do,
Don't talk back,
Don't anger anyone,
Be completely obedient,
And....
Keep a low profile." Riku's golden eyes seemed to reflect the seriousness of the situation, making Rihito remember the incident last night. It was as if he was being told to be constantly alert of their surroundings, to not show his weaknesses openly and to constantly analyse his circumstances. Determined, Rihito nodded and closed his eyes, only to slowly open them, his eyelashes fluttering. His human like self carrying hints of emotions had been destroyed, returning to that empty, emotionless like state again. But this time, those eyes held a bit of light.

Even having been in this underground for many years, Riku was awed by the performance Rihito showed when he reverted to that emotionless stature. When Riku first glanced at Rihito, he immediately caught his eyes. He had never seen such a lifeless person, as if he had already given up on life......... because everyone, no matter who, always has a part of themselves that desperately wishes to live...... and eventually repay the pain they felt to the one who caused it with extra interest. It was.... just unusually weird. Although he looked to be like a doll, the pinnacle of what this orphanage expects from us children, the aura he emitted was filled with overwhelming sadness, misery, self blaming and despair...... just like..... what he had experienced.

Rihito's first day ended quite smoothly, except for the new lashes on his back. The slight mistakes when doing his work made him realise the heaviness of Riku's words. For some reason, other children in his group made it hard for him to successfully complete the tasks he was given.......sometimes the equipment he had to use were a little broken, and at times he would be pushed and tripped over when carrying his load of work.......

Gazing blankly at his fingers slightly tinted with red, he paused and then looked around him to see all of the other children inwardly expressing their amusement to his punishments.

Ah....
No matter,
It's....... just a few lashes, that's all.

Rihito continued to walk off, upholding his silence.

Keeping his calmness and maturity only made those children flare up with more anger, but they couldn't continue their tricks because the day was over. Returning to his cage, Rihito couldn't help but feel relaxed again. He let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding.

"Welcome back." He was greeted with that soothing voice and expression. With a slight nod, Rihito returned to sit on the cold floor and lay against the hard concrete walls. Hiding his pain, he expressionlessly sat under the light, the shadows casting over his face.

"How was your first day?" Stroking the hair of an almost four year old child, Riku asked without looking back. His mind was filled with the complex thoughts of why Rihito's hair was much more nicer to feel than the one he was currently patting.

"Those lessons..... they only told us that this was normal and this was what everyone does when they're adults." Rihito flatly stated. Hearing nothing from his companion, he sighed and then leaned over to Riku's shoulders. Resting his head on those small but mysteriously reliable shoulders, Rihito drowsily whispered.

"How...... do you know we're being raised as slaves?" Riku flinched, surprised by the warm breath tickling his ears ever so slightly.

In attempt to say something, Riku opened his mouth, only to close them after a few seconds, hesitating to say anything. After a moment, as if realising something funny, Riku sharpened his eyes and lifted the corners of his mouth in attempt to smile handsomely.

"I'm... special." Flicking some of his hair off of his face, Riku answered smugly. Sparkles surrounded his face, with bright, shining stars bouncing towards Rihito.

Rihito who had lifted his head to hear the response: "................"

Riku after flicking his hair who didn't receive any reaction: "......"

Apparently jokes didn't apply to the boy he was with, making the few seconds of silence pass in awkwardness.

Sighing, Riku was thinking to change the topic of the conversation when he heard a faint, light chuckle from beside him that could be easily missed if one didn't concentrate enough.

"You........." Riku, who only heard but didn't see the expression of his new friend was a little disappointed as Rihito's expression was the usual stone face he saw throughout the day.

But to his surprise, the child next to him had somehow fallen asleep with his head swaying to land onto his shoulder once again.

"Geez. Without even giving any warning? At least lie down properly on the rags........!" While trying to move Rihito towards the scarcely spread out rags that were placed thinly across the grey floor, Riku saw the diagonal strips of bloodstains that were spread across the back of his companion.

Biting his lip, Riku let out an annoyed sigh as he let the other boy lay his head on his lap.

I guess I have to trade for some medicine or bandages next time.......

The golden haired boy placed a hand on the soft black hair while slowly stroking it as they both dozed off to sleep in their current positions.