Cadet 1111 was in a chair. He was copiously restrained. A fetter was firmly fastened around his neck, and from its rear, a chain extended and connected to the manacles that secured his hands against the back of the chair. Separate constraints shackled his legs together. The boy’s head had drooped down in his unconscious state.
“My god, what kind of drug did you use on him?” asked a disgruntled man whose eyebrow twitched in irritation.
“I’ll wake him immediately!” Worriedly replied Instructor Huffman, in hopes of satisfying the man he proceeded to create fires underneath the prisoner’s feet causing a visceral and audible reaction. Cadet 1111 had awoken, his head shot up and shrieked in a primal fit. For his feet were being licked and scorched by the vile fire.
“STOP! You, you imbecile do you wish to impair the goods even more.” Berated the regal man. “Get out! Now.” He commanded, obediently Instructor Huffman exited the small room.
While the man had been rebuking Huffman, Cadet 1111 regained himself. The fire may have halted its assault but the pangs of it were resilient. Cadet 1111 lowered his head to meet the gaze of this unknown man. His appearance screamed that he was an outsider. He was dressed in an elegant suit and he wore his long blond hair in a ponytail. ‘He is probably a higher-up.’ The two were in a small room with no furniture besides the chair he was bound to. “I apologise for my disgruntled appearance and for how inhospitable the situation is.” He spoke feeling incredibly embarrassed.
“To think the brat would be more well-mannered than the adults.” The man snickered to himself. “I’ll speak bluntly, do you know why you’re in this state?” He inquired.
The question struck deeply into Cadet 1111, he had suspicions as to why but he determined it best not to raise them. He shook his head and the chains echoed his confusion. “I am not aware of the reason.” He replied.
“How cruel you must this be, punished for something you’re not aware of. Let me enlighten you, yesterday it seems that your fellow trainee stole something from you. Since that event, it appears that his magical ability has dwindled. Huffman deems it to be your fault, in order to save his own skin I presume. He fully knew that he should have intervened but he didn’t, the sick and deplorable bastard. That however matters not. For your ability isn’t potent.” He finished
Anger writhed within him but he tried to stifle it. ‘My chances of survival will only decrease if I choose to voice my complaints.’ He took and breath and asked frankly, “…so what will become of me?”
The man rubbed his chin in thought as if considering it himself. “You will first meet with Cadet 556 and assure him that you enjoyed the bout. Make him fully believe the lie and if you manage that we’ll speak on your fate.” He directed
‘…I’m to thank him for that. I have to convince him that it was enjoyable…what a load of bullshit!.’ Cadet 1111’s rage threatened to implode but he couldn’t allow that. He forced himself to retain civility. “…As you wish but will I have to do that in these restraints?”
“Of course not, it’ll hardly be believable if you were after all.” His voice turned cold “However, you are not to leave this room, I will have your little friend come here with your breakfast.” He said before leaving Cadet 1111 alone, still chained.
‘…I’d rather be tortured than have breakfast with that oaf.’ He thought to himself.
After what felt like hours the compound servants entered the room accompanied by Huffman. They brought a white table and a chair which they placed in front of him. After which they undid his restraints, which revealed the harsh red that was now his skin. Cadet 1111 turned to Huffman “Is he supposed to see me with these?” He asked. To which all he got was an annoyed stare.
Once again they left him alone in the room. He paced the room in an attempt to get rid of the stiffness, it stung immensely due to his burnt feet but he continued anyway. He then sat down and thought of a plan of action. ‘My life may just end up depending on the execution of this plan.’
Even after which he had to wait an hour or so before his guest walked in with his morning meal. He seemed meeker than the day before, even greeting Cadet 1111 when he walked in. He placed the food down on the table and only sat on his seat once Cadet 1111 told him to do so. However, he did attempt to play it off. “I only brought this up because the Instructors told me to. He had said.
There was an awkwardness about the room and the silence was unnerving so rather than focusing on breakfast Cadet 1111 decided to take charge. “Let’s address the elephant in the room, yesterday-“
“-I did what I wanted and that’s that, if you’re trying to get an apology forget it. I don’t regret it.” Cadet 556 cut in but his voice betrayed him. ‘Maybe you don’t regret it but you do feel guilty about it. Even still I will forever hate you for it.’
“Who said I wanted your forgiveness rather,” Cadet 1111 pulled him closer by the collar and kissed him while taking care to conceal the red blisters. ‘Gah, It’s for your life, so you have to bear it’ He internally told himself. Cadet 556 pushed him back and looked perplexed. “Rather, I quite enjoyed it. So don’t feel bad about it.” He finished his act feeling repulsed.
“You sicko!” He yelled as he knocked the bowl of porridge off the table. ‘I couldn’t have eaten anyway, I feel like throwing up.’ Cadet 556 then ran out the door flustered.
‘I should have killed him, I could have. His control over magic was weakened. I had the upper hand.’ Cadet 1111 turned to the most northern wall of the room and beat his fist against it, till it turned bloody. Leaving fist shaped bloody marks on the neat white wall. After he felt fatigued he rested his back against the wall and slid down into a sitting posture.
The facility staff returned and they removed all the furniture leaving the room looking barren. They also constrained Cadet 1111 once again, They left his legs alone but the hand and neck fetters had returned.
After which the fancily dressed man, entered the room applauding. “Wonderful, you were simply marvellous. I hadn’t expected the kiss but it was genius.” He seemed to be beaming with satisfaction.
His happiness irked Cadet 1111 but he hid the fact, “I just dealt with it like I would an assignment that required deceit. My ability may be lacklustre but I am well trained. Now can you please tell me what will become of me?” He inquired without meeting his eyes or getting up.
“You were originally going to be sold a slave at the gauche and grimy underground market…however, your obedience and tact impressed me. So I’ve convinced them to hand your ownership over to me.” He declared proudly.
’I was going to be sold a slave…they did sell me a slave, to this man.’ He tried to swallow the bitter taste of the thought and spoke “Thank you, Master, you’re generosity will be forever remembered.” He tried to think positively ‘Perhaps he’ll allow me to serve the empire if I demonstrate my usefulness.’
“Very well, follow me, boy.” The fanciful master said walking towards the exit. Outside Cadet 1111’s cell was a hallway that he had never seen before. It was narrow with a low ceiling. The hall lead them to a room filled with security.
“Reverend Zafeer, will you care to accompany me home? Perhaps you could repair my new servant as well.” Asked the fanciful master. A scrawny man in strange but simple clothing nodded. “Also get him ready for departure, Valena.” He commanded.
A strong and well built woman wrapped a cloth around Cadet 1111’s eyes after another guard stuffed his ears with plugs. He heard a voice “The Ra Regiment would rather you remain oblivious as to where they reside. I hope you unders-“ The process had finished before the speaker had finished and Cadet 1111 couldn’t hear.
From that point on Cadet 1111 was dependent on whoever guided him by his chains. After walking for a good while he experienced something alien. His feet which were still bare touched a strange grainy surface that had little soft strands sprouting from it. It was a bizarre feeling, sometimes the ground would surprise him with an unexpected little rod that was made errantly. Some of the rods had pieces jutting out while others were of higher quality. Along with this anomalous experience came a scent, one that insinuated dampness. There was also a current of air that passed by him. This textured ground continued until he felt something even more strange. They had stopped on a surface that was comprised of multiple sharp and jagged pieces. It was painful. However luckily, Cadet 1111 didn’t have to stand on it long for he was lifted up and placed in a tiny room with seats. ‘This must be an automobile’ he concluded.
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He had been awkwardly placed across the seat, which was both unideal and uncomfortable due to the chains digging into him. However, the pairs of hands that touched him in an attempt to reposition him caused him great anxiety. It reminded him of the previous evening's events too vividly, hence he started flailing with resistance. Despite this with great difficulty they managed to get him in a sitting position.
He hadn’t snapped out of it when the vehicle had started moving. He continued to breathe heavily and irregularly. Someone had attempted to comfort him by running a hand along his back, though this had only worsened his state thus he was left alone for the rest of the journey. His panic attack resolved itself after he was left alone for enough time. ‘Stupid, what happened to being calm?’ He berated himself.
By the time they had finally come to a stop, Cadet 1111 had fallen asleep sitting. He only woke up after he heard the rattling of chains. ‘I suppose we’re here.’ The weight on his body lightened, they had removed his handcuffs. He felt a hand around his head, this time he was ready and prepared for their assistance but he was surprised to find that they were undoing the cloth that was concealing the upper portion of his face. The vehicle was much brighter than he was expecting, it was considerably large, long and tall, with parallel red seats outstretched from end to end. His bafflement was interrupted by a hand being offered. It belonged to the kind lady who had wrapped and unwrapped his blindfold. She had hazel brown hair and she wore a silk-like shirt, decorated with metal plating on a shoulder.
He took her hand and stood up, he was knowledgeable of courtesies and manners. The Ra regiment’s etiquette classes had drilled them into him. “Are you okay? You kind of freaked out earlier, so the minister thought it was best to release you.” She stated proud of their master.
‘So he’s a minister, I can help the empire if I assist him.’ He thought beaming. “Yes, I am all right.” He said in a pleasant tone. He was determined to leave a positive impression in spite of his initial gaffe. “Do you have any instructions for me? Pardon my ignorance for I am rather new to this.” Valena was visibly withholding her amusement and her fellow guardsman was cracking up. Cadet 1111 was annoyed “I apologise if my request was improper.”
“It wasn’t improper but How am I supposed to know why you’re here? For now, we’ll take you to your digs.” She offered. ‘What is a digs? Does she take me for a fool?’
Undeterred by the thought “Of course” he replied, not wanting to seem benighted. They led him outside the truck, taking care to ensure they remained behind him. The sight blinded him, the sun’s harsh rays as well as the overwhelming amount of colour. The designer had gone mad with its use, the walls of the enormous mansion splashed with the colour of sand, the slate of the roof a rich brown, with grass that radiated green in the forefront and wall fences that emulated the grisly house. He cleverly decided it was best not to voice such opinions to his new master.
The walk was difficult, the sun had warmed up the pavement that lead to the mansion and due to the continued absence of Cadet 1111’s footwear, it was agonising. ‘Is this infernal heat normal? Surely not right.’ He hoped. The doors to the mansion were large and arched. They were opened by a man who stood there awaiting guests. He had greeted them and Cadet 1111’s cortège halted to exchange pleasantries.
The comforts of within teased him brazenly, he was only a mere stumble away but he could not yet enter nor could he rush his escorts. He would have to adhere to their schedule disregarding his own fancies. If this was for a greater pair than those two Cadet 1111 would not have felt the enmity he did. However, in his mind, they were equal if not inferior in the hierarchy and thus he was allowed such luxury.
They finished not so promptly and took him down a dimly lit flight of stairs that were hidden beneath a trap door. The aesthetic of the walls changed from a sandy yellow to a more rudimentary walling, black stone. Cadet 1111 preferred this the monochromatic theme felt far less alien to him. He was dropped off at a room opposite a corridor, it was rather small but he could manage. ‘So this is a digs.’ The room had no furnishing except for the sink and a lavatory. The guardsman left him alone, with only the single command of not leaving the room unless instructed to. ‘Not that I wished to anyway, the vibrance is scandalising.’. In a corner, he found a folded futon and concluded it would be wise to take a nap and revitalise himself before he was summoned.
Perhaps due to the fatigue of travel or his uncomfortable day, or perhaps days chained. Sleep came easily. It was an experience he was always grateful for. The darkness once again consumed him and the dim lights of the chamber vanished.
He was awoken by a knock at the door, his wakefulness restored the lights. ‘So sleep activates it…I should turn the lights off before I doze off.’ He noted while feeling grateful for the presence of courtesies. He opened the door and was greeted by an elderly woman, who was possibly past her sixties. “The sire has called for you, follow me.” She instructed and he obeyed. She was slow to say the least, especially when climbing the stairs. ‘…Why is everyone hell-bent on testing my patience.’ Eventually, they made their way up to a room on the second floor. The lady knocked on the door and a voice answered “Enter”. It belonged to the master. The hag kept to a side so Cadet 1111 entered and closed the door behind him. ‘I doubt she has any more business here.’
The office was well decorated. The sandy wallpaper was accented by red and gold furnishing. However, juxtaposed with the theme of royalty and elegance was the minister who was sitting behind his extravagant desk. He had a cigar in his mouth and judging from the ashtray on his desk this wasn’t his first. “You don’t have a name do you, boy?” He asked trying to make a small conversation.
He would have preferred if he got to the point but he answered. “I do have a name, My name is Cadet One Thousand, One Hundred and Eleven.” He had decided it was best not to mention his shortened name, Eleven-Eleven.
The minister deeply inhaled accelerating the burning cigar and finally releasing plenty of smoke when he exhaled. “Do you think I care to memorise such a tedious name? I’ll call you El. I presume that is all right with you.” He stated calmly.
‘I suppose that’s my temporary alias.’ He was content with the name, he didn’t hold any attachment to his real name, thus it was easy to accept. “Yes, that shall do.”
The minister blunted his cigar against the ashtray before clapping his hands-free from any residue. “You’ve seen your room, yes?” El nodded “That room is opposite to the corridor that leads to the dungeon. You can continue to use the main entrance but keep in mind that it isn’t the usual entrance for that section of the house. Your task is to interrogate and extract truths from the prisoners. Simple yes?”
This caught El by surprise but he nodded. He understood the filth that was left unsaid. “I shall serve you and the empire well.” He added to aver his true allegiance. ‘I will do this abhorrent work for the empire not you.’ The minister simply nodded before standing up and placing his hands on El’s shoulders.
“I have a feeling you’ll perform your duties well.” He affirmed. He then handed El a few documents which contained personal records of people. “These are your first few cases. I expect you to start by tomorrow. One last thing, your meals shall be brought to you. So don’t leave your section, which entails your room, the corridor and the dungeons unless I ask you to. ” He said seating himself in his chair again.
He excused himself and headed back downstairs. Taking special care in remembering the layout of the mansion. Once he reached his room he sat on the floor and read through the documents. His first victim would be a woman named Adele Tress. Aged 37, a mother of three and a serial robber. Her latest heist ended in a fiasco when she targeted a friend of Director Arte. El was rather impressed with her audacity, ‘The director and his friends are good men how ungrateful of her. When they are the ones bettering the lives of her and her children.’. As for why she was handed to him, the minister wants to learn about the larger organisation she works for.
He spent the rest of the day working out, he’d already missed a day at least, thus it was crucial that he return to schedule. ‘An unfit soldier was worth less than a pig raised in grime and I am no pig.’. His empty little room was less than ideal for his needs, it was far inferior to the Ra Regiment gym but it would suffice. He had been taught to make do with what he had.