The lowest of Us caged in Paradise

“Get out of here! We don't serve the likes of you in this fine establishment. What are you, like rank 2? 

I looked down at my feet, ashamed to look him in the eyes. Rank 2? I wish. 

“By the looks of that, you might not even be that. Scram you rat!”

I could feel a tight knot creep into my throat, making it hard to swallow. My watery eyes couldn’t hide the shame I was feeling. My face reddened and I felt this hot sensation burning inside of me. The snickering and laughing of people were echoing in my ears, deafening me. I could feel a strong presence from the manager, squeezing my lungs making it hard from me to even stand straight. He must be a rank 6. My feet felt like stone jammed into the ground. I couldn’t bring myself to move. 

The shove got me off guard. I didn’t have time to react and catch myself. I was thrown off balance as my body flew with full force. I slammed onto the ground, my face covered with the nasty crumbs that were collected on the floor. I quickly picked myself up and ran out the restaurant, tears running down my cheeks, promising to never come back again. 

“Did you bring the food Ariko? We’ve been waiting for you for hours” mum called from the cracks of the old wooden shed. I could always hear the wood creaking as if it was on life support, ready to drop at any second. From the strange rotten mold growing on our walls, to the wallpaper thinning and shedding. I felt the cold raindrops land on my cheek, blending with my tears. I look up. Another hole formed in our roof widening by each water droplet. My magic wasn’t strong enough to fix that. Pathetic! I was the lowest of the whole rank system in our whole country. I can’t do anything. My magic is so weak that I could barely use any form of my air magic. I struggle to even pick up a broom using it. It would be better if I didn’t have any magic at all seeing as what I have right is just as useless. I’ve always hated this country. Paradise? Yea more like hell.

“No ummm.. the shop had closed before I had the chance to enter. Sorry” I muttered with my head down. 

“But I'm so hungry! I think I could starve to death right here!” Kushi whined from the corner of the bathroom. Crap! I could handle not eating for a day but I dont think Kushi could. She’s still a little kid.  

“I’m so so sorry Kushi, I don’t have anything for you to eat today but don’t worry, tomorrow we are going to have a humongous feast. Just you wait.” I forced a smile, reassuring her to show there was no problem and everything would be ok, but inside the fear and tension was already eating  me up. How was I going to keep that promise?  

I wake up cold, shivering in my thin clothes. The moon was still shining bright as the darkness had completely covered the sky. It must be midnight. I tried to go back to sleep, twisting and turning softly making sure Kushi didn't wake up. My mind was crowded with all the problems awaiting me for the day. I needed to get food but how? I couldn't do any jobs as my rank is so low that no one even wants to stand close to me, let alone hire me. I was like a walking parasite. Unwanted, useless and untouched. I needed to provide for my family. Mum couldn’t do much as she was on bed rest. Her magic is so weak that she doesn’t even have enough to live for. Everyday I could see her growing thinner by the minute. Her cheeks, once that were soft and full, had now looked like sharp, empty holes. The outline of her bones were visible through her paper-like skin and her eyes had hopelessly wandered through the day, losing any faith in herself to make it through the next day. It pains me to see my mum like that. I wish I could just provide enough food so she would regain some magic energy and keep going. My sister, just 7 years old, was stuck with the huge responsibilities of trying to take care of our mum, keeping the house intact and even begging on the cold, harsh roads only to scrape up a couple of coins, barely enough for a piece of bread. I’d forced her to stop but I could tell she still did it secretly behind my back. She’d try to disguise the money as something she just found lying on the floor but I wasn’t that dumb. All these thoughts were running around my head, piercing my brain, not letting me get any rest. I didn’t want to think, so I closed my eyes, and let myself seep into the darkness, embracing its peace and quiet. I felt my losing consciousness as I drifted away into a short slumber.

“Ariko…Ariko wake up! I’m so excited for the feast. When are you going to get it? I can already feel my mouth watering just by thinking of the soft bread with the tasty apple jam spread and the little cakes surrounding it. I can’t wait. WAKE UP ARIKO!” screaming Kushi, grinning and jumping around. 

I forcefully wake up and as I open my eyes, I’m blinded by the sunlight, beaming through the large hole in the roof. I have to get that fixed somehow. I could feel my eardrums in pain as Kushi yelled excitedly in my ear. Crap, the feast! What was I going to do? 

“Alright Kushi, calm down. If you keep thinking about it, then it will feel like time is going slower. Just relax and wait patiently, my little princess.” 

I pick her up and swing her around as all of my worries go away when I hear her cute, little laugh. I carefully put her down and started heading for their door when Ma was calling for me. 

“Ariko, sweety, could you please bring me my medicine,” she said weakly. I placed my hand onto hers and squeezed it tightly. 

“Of course Ma. Don’t worry about anything. As long as I’m here, everything is going to be ok.” I try to comfort her, but as I look up, she’s already quietly sleeping. I softly get up from the bed and walk out the front door. 

I make my way to the market where everything is known to be a bit cheaper. I had a few coins left over from the time I sold my watch, but I only have enough for the medicine. I’ll have to think of another way to pay for the feast. I walked up to the Pharmacist and paid for my medicine quickly to get on my way. These roads weren’t the safe kind of people like me. As I started walking towards the other food stall, I accidentally bumped into a large, muscular man standing in the middle of the road. As I stumbled onto the ground, the medicine bottle fell from my hands and rolled towards the man. I look up and see his furious, dark red eyes. He picked up the bottle and played with it, throwing it from one hand to the other. As he came closer to me, I could smell the heavy scent of beer clung onto his body, polluting the air. The stench was so strong it made my stomach queasy. 

“Watch where you're going, you little piece of shit.” the drunk man yelled. I kept my head down making sure I didn’t make eye contact. 

“Sorry sir, please give me my medicine back and I’ll be on my way.” I calmly said. I went to reach for my bottle, but before I could grab it, he spat on my face. I backed away.

“Hold up little boy, what’s the rush? Let’s play a bit. What are you, rank 1?” he bellowed loudly with his friends. I stayed quiet, not wanting to make anymore of a fuss. I could already see a small group of people around the market, forming a crowd to see what was happening. 

“Please sir, I need that medicine. I need it for my Ma. Please sir, give it back.” I pleaded.

 That bottle was all I could afford for Ma’s health care. They started throwing the bottle among themselves, playing catch with it like it was some football. I stood there helpless. There was nothing I could do. I knew if I tried to interfere, I would not make it back home. 

“Alright, alright boys. Let’s stop driving the poor little guy crazy.” the drunk one smirked. “Fine, kid, I’ll give you your drink back- but first, get down on your knees and beg. Like a good dog.” 

I stared at the man in shock. My chest tightened as their laughter echoed through my ears. My hands clenched into fists by my side, but my legs refused to move. I looked out into the crowd, hoping someone would step in, but they all just watched, waiting quietly. 

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get down!” he screamed. Before I could react, he kicked my knees hard, dropping me down to the ground, face-level with the dirt and hands and feet pressed hard against the cold ground. I could feel my tears screaming to get out, but I refused. Not in front of him or anyone else. 

“Please… just give it back.” I managed to croak. 

“HAHAHAHA, that's more like, you dog. Now, go fetch.” He threw the medicine in the trash and walked away, laughing. The rest of the crowd scattered away. Of course they would, there’s no more drama to see-just a boy who deserved what he got. I dragged my feet towards the bin, the foul smell was haunting me by each step I took. I stared deep into the trash. Beneath all the rotten food, moldy peels and a mess of other gooey, indescribable remains of waste, I could see my Ma’s medicine. I could feel people’s eyes staring putting me into a spiral of shame. I swallowed what little pride I could have left and reached inside the bin to grab the bottle. 

I wanted to do nothing more than just leave this terrible market. The snickering and laughing as I walked across the shops, one by one. It felt like it would never end. I kept my head down, eyes glued to the ground. I hate this. Why should I have to go through all this just because I’m a low rank? I can’t control that. The higher ranked people have always… always got their way. If they’d steal, hit or even rape it doesn’t matter. Why? Oh, because he’s a rank 10. What he does is always correct no matter how wrong it is. I hate this shitty country. My fists clenched in anger, but there was nothing I could do. I had to stay in the market because there was no way I was going to let Kushi down. I don’t ever want her to see how cruel this country is. 

I didn’t have any money left. How was I going to buy the food? My mind raced, but was disturbed my focus was snatched by those pastries. The creamy frosting, softened onto the cake and smeared slightly onto the edges with a dollop of jam, sticky and still shining beneath the lights. I could feel my stomach start to rumble as the air carried the rich scent of the lemony flavour, mixed with  the smallest hint of vanilla. My mouth was watering just by the thought of holding one of those buns and biting into the sugar sticking to my lips and dusting the powder from my hands. How on earth was I supposed to get one of those? 

As I entered the store, a gush of these beautiful scents, consisting of all types of flavours like the sweet apple, warm cinnamon, hint of rich vanilla and a tangy zest of lemon, hit me. It felt like I was in heaven. Never have I seen, let alone be close to,  this many beautiful cakes. I needed to get one for Kushi. I roamed around the shop, carefully looking at the baker who was handing out the pastries. Luckily, there was only one person working today. I slowly started to raise my hand up to the counter, where all the fresh buns were laid to be taken. My attention was divided. At the same time, I had to be cautious of the man, and for the quick and easy escape of the door. I could feel my sweat dripping down my shirt, and my palms growing hotter and stickier with each passing second. My eyes dash to the door. No one was coming and no one was leaving. As fast as I could, I grabbed two cakes and ran for the love of my life. Out the door and through the market, not looking back. I could hear people screaming behind me, “Catch him. He’s a thief!” 

I ran and ran till my legs couldn’t take another step. I found a dark alleyway and sat there, catching my breath. My heart was pounding hard and my hands were shaking. I can’t believe I stole. I stare down at the buns, the frosting a little messed up but hopefully that's ok. All that matters is the taste. I can’t wait to see the smile on Kushi’s face when I give these to her. And maybe Ma will also get more excited. 

I started walking down the road when all of a sudden, a cold, fierce hand grabbed my arm and pulled me aside. My back hit the wall hard but I didn’t let go of the cakes.  

“Wow, looky here, I’ve caught myself a thief here haven't I” the man. I stared deep into the man’s eyes, fear washes over me. His presence was overwhelming. I felt as if there was a heavy weight pressed hard on top of me, making it hard to even stand up straight. My chest tightened and a knot twisted deep in my stomach. This man was dangerous. I had no clue what I had gotten myself into. How could I have been so careless? 

“Please sir, I have my family to feed. I had to steal, it was my only option. Please don’t hand me over sir. I’ll do anything. Just let me give these treats to my family,” I begged. I could tell the man was considering this. He still  hadn’t let go of me, keeping a firm grip on my hands, cutting off any chance I had of escaping.  

“Hmm, how’d you like a job working for me.” he asked. Though he had phrased it like a question, it felt more of a command - like I had no choice at all. This sounded like good news, but I had this strange feeling telling me that he’s setting me up. That something bad was going to happen. I wasn’t too sure about this job idea.

“Umm- so the job…”

“Listen you street rat, I’m giving you the chance of a lifetime. If you actually thought I was asking you, you must be dumber than I imagined. Now here’s your choice, either I hand you over to the police and they can do whatever they want with you, or you come with me.” he smirked. 

I hated my situation. How could I have let this happen? Ending up with the police would be the end of me but going with this man felt dangerous - if not worse. I barely had a choice though. If I end up with the police, I’ll never see Kushi or Ma again, and they need me. If I went with this man, I had a chance of escaping. The choice seemed clear but both opinions were so bad my mouth refused to utter the words. 

“I don’t have all day with the likes of you. Tell me your answer or I’ll throw you away to those hungry looking dogs I saw a few blocks back. It's their snack time anyways.” he sniggered. I couldn’t tell if this man was benign serious but I didn’t want to wait to find out. My legs felt weak, a sharp pain throbbed in my head. Oh how I’d wished I could just disappear from all of this. My mouth was dry, as if all my salaviva had vanished away along with my strength. 

“I’ll come with you sir. Thank you so much for giving me this chance.” I mumbled, keeping my eyes on him. Deep down, I knew this would lead me to trouble, but I had no other choice. I just needed to survive for a few days - then I’d find a way to escape. 

“Good choice. Now a few things you need to know.” his voice cold and fierce, “First, you must address me as ‘master’. Any sign of disobedience and there will be consequences - one’s that you might not even survive. Second, only talk when spoken too and only do something when commanded to. Third, you must ask me permission for everything and anything you do. If I catch you stepping out of line…” He leaned in, his gaze, dark and strong, “You may never see your family again.” 

I stood speechless in front of him. My eyes dropped to the ground, focusing onto the hard stoned rocks. Suddenly an idea struck. What if I hit him and run? It would be a swift movement and I’d have to run far and long. The risk was too big but I’d eat myself if I knew I never tried. I carefully put the pastries on the ground and picked the biggest rock I could find. His back was turned. This was my chance. Just as I leaned in to hit him, a large, powerful force struck my hands, forcing me to drop the rock. Pain spread though quick as my arm twisted. The agony was intense. I felt like screaming, as though the pain would rip me apart. I cried in pain, begging for it to stop. Then all of a sudden, the pain stopped. I collapsed onto the floor, grabbing my arm tightly. It was throbbing hard and uncontrollably. The man crouched onto the ground, his glare piercing a hole into my brain, as if he could kill me in an instant. He lifted up my head with a finger, his touch was strong and voice was low and terrifying,

“Out of all the rules, never forget. Don’t ever try to run away. I will always find you no matter where you go and who you're with. And when I do find you,” He gave an eerie smile, sending a chill down my spine, “I’ll kill you with no hesitation” 

He shoved my head hard on the ground causing my nose to bleed out. The eyes blurred out as the harsh reality sunk in. Was this going to be my life? Would I ever see Kushi and Ma again? Will I make it out alive from this man? The thought buzzed inside my head, growing stronger and stronger as each minute passed by. Will I live to tell the tale or will my story end before it ever truly started?