Chapter One : The Slave: Ritzuko
Ritzuko was half conscious, his body throbbing with his heart beat as he barely felt the blood all over his chest trickle to his stomach. His back was fairing no better as he struggled to hold onto reality. A woman in black stood in front of him, her attire barley covering her body. “My little Ritzuko…..You are so cute! Your little screams of pain; Just adorable!” she said in a cold tone that sent shivers into the spines of those in the room. It was dark, the walls a dirty black and brown, as was common in other such Slave Shops. Ritzuko was chained by his hands and feet, suspended in the center of the cage which he had been assigned. His usually clean, flowing white hair was covered in blood and dust. His eyes, once a dark blue, had become grey and lifeless from his experiences as a slave. “You know Ritzuko, your body is such a wonderful thing, but your eyes……why cant you return to those pretty blue ones you once had? You might have another Master if you didn’t look so gloomy” she said, running her fingers down his chest to his waist “But then again, that means that my favorite toy would be away from me. That would make me so sad” she giggled, smiling as her hand came to his chin, cradling it in her palm and bringing his eyes to view. A tall, muscular man in light armor ducked into the room and bowed “Madame Yumi, there are customers. It is Master Takahashi and his daughter. He requests a young, ‘cute’ slave for his daughter’s birthday.” he said. Yumi smiled and dismissed him and began to select the slaves for the line-up, the selection process of the trade.
She chose the three closest Neko’s in the shop; A young girl named Kisu, an older boy named Tzumi, and her little toy: Ritzuko. The young girl waited patiently behind the glass window in the center of the shop, staring into a room that was used to display selections of the slaves sold there. It was dingy and less than desirable as anything other than a display room. “Father, must we do this? Why do I need a slave too? Isn’t it wrong to deny someone’s freedom by keeping them for your own?” she asked in a whimpering tone, her emerald green eyes focused on her father. He dug his hands into his shirt pocket and produced a large cigar, lighting it as the slaves were heard leaving their cages. “Why? Keira, we are a proud, wealthy family! We are above others and therefore, we shouldn’t bother with such petty tasks as cleaning. With a slave, you can concentrate on your art and studies” he said in a voice that showed his arrogance, which Keira had known since she was young. Her father was a business man, but she had never discovered, in 17 years, what business that was. Her mind began to ponder the thought until the slaves came in. Her father gleamed at her with proud eyes “Ah! Finally! Which one do you like Keira?” he chuckled. With a quick roll of her eyes, she began looking at the first one. It was a young girl, who looked like she was about 14, but the Neko’s had a way of looking much younger than they were. Her ears, which were perched atop her head like the cats that Neko’s were akin to, were sitting up in attention. Her skin was fair and she was able to produce a small but lovely smile as Keira looked at her. She then turned her eyes to center to see a older male slave with fangs barred. She knew that ‘daddy’ wouldn’t approve and glanced at the third slave, who was being brought in in chains. Her heart stopped as she saw the boy.
He looked as if he were a child. His ears were smaller, but his tail was somewhat longer than normal. His eyes were grey and emotionless. Blood was all over him, especially in his flowing white hair. His chest and back were covered in several whip marks as were his legs and backside. He was only covered from her glare by a single towel. He was crying, his whole body shivering in fear. She felt tears begin to fill her eyes as he looked up at her. “Daddy, I want him….please!” she said, looking at his shocked face. “That mangy stray?!” he barked “I think not!”. A voice came from behind the two “He may not look proper, but he is our finest slave around! The body of a child….well….almost his entire body….and a great companion.” It was Yumi, now in a black, jewel covered dress. “He has been my personal……pet…for about three weeks and I can tell you that he is as cute and useful as any slave here.” she said, the last comment ending with a wink. The woman’s eyes met Keira’s and she leaned down close to her and whispered “ You must be Ray’s daughter. Congratulations on getting your first slave. Don’t worry, his body is still that of a man…He can be used to fulfill any needs you have” Keira was taken aback, partly from disgust and partly from what this old hag was suggesting. Even if she was of proper age, Keira hadn’t even thought of such an act. “Thank…you” she said, trying to act as if she hadn’t taken offense. Her father rolled his eyes and grunted “Fine, but he is going to need cleaning.” Yumi stood and looked at his wallet. “500 should cover him.” she said. He produced the money and she motioned a guard towards Ritzuko. He tore the collar Ritzuko had been wearing since his previous stay in the shop and replaced it with another. It was leather, having small spikes around it. He fastened it and placed the chain leash around the device. He jerked Ritzuko out to the girl and placed the leash in her hand. The boy kept his eyes down as he bowed to her “M-m-master…I-I’m R-Ritz-Ritzuko” he said as his voice shivered with the same fear that filled his heart. His eyes maintained their gray as he rose from the gesture. The father grabbed him by his hair. “YOU WILL NOT ADDRESS HER WITHOUT PERMISSION!” he screamed. “Daddy! Stop!” she said, trying to calm him. She stepped in front of the boy and held her arms as if to shield him “You will not lay another hand on him! He is my slave!” she said, cringing slightly as she said the final word. She hated that word, but it was necessary to use it if she was going to calm her father. He withdrew his hand and scoffed at her actions.
A rather tall man who looked as if he were a butler walked to Keira. “Rollin, help me get him to the car” she said. He smiled and picked the boy in his arms as if he were a child. He carried him to the awaiting limousine, a large, white painted vehicle that Ritzuko had never seen before. Rollin set him in the back seat with Keira, wrapping him in a towel so the still bleeding wounds would not drip blood onto the cars interior. Keira sat down close to him as her father entered the vehicle in the seat across from them, which faced the back of the car. He looked down at a newspaper as the car sped down the road past the towns market district. Once past the shops and markets, houses began to appear, many of which were more mansions than homes. Rollin slowed the limo as it pulled into a large, winding driveway past a giant wrought iron gateway. Ritzuko brought his head up to were he could barely see out the window. Ahead he could see a large white mansion that was some 3 stories tall with an enormous garden all around. There were roses everywhere, even sunflowers. He looked back to his hands as they came to a stop at the door. A young female in a skirt and long sleeve shirt opened the door and help Keira out “Good afternoon, Miss Keira!” she said in an angelic voice. “Niania, please help that boy to the bath area please. He is hurt so please be careful.” she explained. Niania nodded and picked him up in her arms as Rollin had. She turned and waved as Rollin left with her father. He was barley ever home, a true business man in many eyes, being that he loved his job above almost everything. His one true love had passed on long ago to a horrible virus that had claimed one other in the town. She remembered that day, but quickly pushed it from her mind as she chased after Niania.
Ritzuko was on the edge of the water in the room. It was an enormous room with a pool, a shower room and three heated baths that were the size of a small pool. Niania took care in removing his clothes as she winced at the bruises and cuts that ravaged his body. She even caught her self choking as she saw the bruises where his pants had been. She slid him into the water as he began to whimper from the pain of the water touching the cuts. The water filled with blood from his skin, only to disappear as the water was filtered in an instant by some automatic system he didn’t understand. Niania stood and bowed as Keira walked in in a one piece bathing suit. She smiled at Ritzuko and stepped in near him. Her smile disappeared as her eyes saw the wounds. She stepped to his side and looked at him with panicked eyes. “Ritzuko, you’re hurt bad…Let me wash those.” she said, setting him back on the edge of the water again, grabbing a rag and a bar of soap. She ran it across his chest and arms until the blood was washed from his torso. “I’m sorry about my father. He is a good man, but he is quick tempered.” she sighed as she began to scrub his back gently. “I want you to feel safe here Ritzuko. You don’t need to be afraid around me. I want you to be happy.” she said as she finished his back. Her face turned bright red as she realized what she would have to wash next. Ritzuko looked toward her face and whispered in a timid voice “M-master….Is…embarrassed by R-Ritzuko’s body?” She looked up and saw his eyes were filled with tears. She looked back at his waist, studying Yumi’s work. There were a few dozen bruises, in addition to several cuts all around his thighs and legs. She looked back to him with a kind smile “Of course not Ritzuko, I just…never saw a male’s…..” she stopped, blushing wildly. As she turned back to him, he slumped forward into the water, the cuts on his body seeming to burst open and cover him in crimson. He passed out as he hit the water, which was now filling with blood at a rate that the filter couldn’t keep up with. Keira froze with panic. “NIANIA!” she screamed as loud as her body could manage. The girl ran in with a look of puzzlement and worry. “What is it Miss Keira?!” she panted. She saw the boy and the water and rushed to them, pulling him from the water. She ran to an intercom that was wired throughout the house and waited. A voice rang out through the room “Ren here” it said. “Mister Ren, it’s Niania. There’s an emergency in the bath wing. Please hurry with your supplies“. Keira looked at Niania with a hint of relief. Uncle Ren was a famous doctor and surgeon who had retired at 30 and was working for her father as the house’s physician. In a few seconds he had descended from the infirmary that was on the third floor and stood at the boy’s side. “Keira….this is a….neko?!” he asked, surprised at seeing one. He had heard rumors of people who had the ears and tail of cats being slaves, but he thought it was just part of some fairy tale. “Yes Uncle Ren, he is a slave. Some woman had…..used him…. at the shop. He’s bleeding bad!” she cried. Ren looked at the boy’s chest and groin and was surprised, a small wave of sickness sweeping over him. He had seen many horrible injuries, but these cuts and bruises on a child, combined with the placement of them, caused him to become enraged. “Was her name Yumi?” he asked. He knew she was a cruel ‘Mistress’ who liked to take younger slaves and help their ‘development’ along with medication so she could use them as toys. “Yes” she peeped. He opened the bag and took a small surgical needle and thread as well as alcohol. He cleaned the cuts and began to stitch them close, taking nearly an hour. His assistant watched and unfolded a small, portable stretcher, laying Ritzuko on it. Ren picked up the other end and lifted him to the infirmary using the elevator in the corner of the wing. Keira wiped her tears and went to the stairs, rushing to meet the three as they headed to the infirmary’s post-operative room. Inside, Ren laid Ritzuko on a clean bed, his torso and legs now wrapped thinly in gauze so that they would heal, but not constrict his movement to a degree, He took a breath and sighed as he went back to his work.
Keira paused at the Infirmary door. The room held many memories for her. She closed her eyes as her hand touched the door handle. She could remember her hand feeling the cold steel years ago, hearing the screams and yells as her Uncle and another surgeon tried desperately to save her mother. She had collapsed and was shaking violently. Her heart had stopped beating, her eyes becoming a lifeless grey, like Ritzuko’s had been. She saw Ren kneeling to her. “I’m sorry Keira….your mother…has gone to…heaven” he said, his voice choking with tears. Her father was weeping over her mothers body. As she slowly opened her eyes, she wiped away the tears that had begun to fill them. She opened the door and saw Ren leaning over his desk. “Uncle Ren….is Ritzuko okay?” she asked, her voice on the edge of crying. He gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. He took her hand and led her to his bed, leaving the two while he left to talk to Rollin. Keira began to feel the tears well up again upon looking at the boy. The bandages wrapped around him like a vine, covering the horrific evidence of his previous life. She touched his chest and laid her hand upon it, laying next to him and placing her head on his shoulder. She felt his heart as it’s rhythmic beat began to lull her to sleep.
Rollin met Ren outside the infirmary after hearing about the incident from Niania. Ren had nearly swore as he stepped out of the room. How any human could do this to a Neko was beyond him. Rollin stepped up to him “Is the boy alright, Ren?” he asked. Ren turned and pushed his glasses back to his eyes with his finger. “Well for now he is ok. But I’m concerned more for his mental condition. This kind of injury is a twin edged blade. It has done considerable physical damage, but that can heal. The images he will keep in his mind will stay with him. They may never leave his memory, haunting him for the rest of his life. What’s worse is that this is what he has been through time and again. He is a slave, and by the look of his body, he’s been one for years.” he said, finishing with a grumble. Rollin hid his own anger as he shook his head. “So he is going to be fine physically, but he may have nightmares and flashbacks, right?” he asked. “Exactly, Rollin. If he is hit or struck, even if someone raises a hand to him, it may cause him to relive the past.” he said with a sigh. Keira’s father approached the two and scowled at Ren “What are you up here making all this racket about, brother?” Ren stepped back and smiled “Just talking about the weather, Ray” he chuckled, lying through his teeth. “Then keep it down.” he said, returning down stairs.
Ritzuko was in complete darkness. He couldn’t feel anything other than a cold shiver that ran down his spine. He heard a lullaby being hummed in a soothing, almost maternal tone. He began to see the faces of his past masters, each image being driven into his mind until he saw Yumi. His body began to shiver as he felt her cold stare upon him. He cringed as the lullaby stopped and he began to hear her voice. “Awww, Ritzuko, my little kitten. You know how mommy misses you!” the voice cooed. It was a cold, unfeeling voice. “You know that girl is nothing more than a silly little fool. She doesn’t care about you.”
Keira felt Ritzuko trembling next to her, sweat pouring from his head. Keira cuddled closer, her eyes watering from the sight. He began to mumble “M-master…..Yumi….please…don’t”. Keira became enraged at his words “That b***h…she did this….all of it. Ritzuko….” she whispered. She heard footsteps and sat up as the door opened. It was her father. He locked eyes on her, then to Ritzuko. He nearly flew across the room as Ritzuko awoke, knocking him out of his bed “HOW DARE YOU! YOU WILL NEVER SIT NEXT TO MY DAUGHTER AND I WILL KILL YOU IF I CATCH YOU LAYING WITH HER, YOU FILTHY ANIMAL!” he roared. She cringed as his fist rammed into Ritzuko’s side again as he continued his assault. “Daddy!” she yelled. He turned to her, pure hate in his eyes “He is leaving…He will not live in this house ever again!” he growled. He picked up his cell phone and went to the houses elevator. When he left earshot, he spoke “Yes…..Yumi?”
Ritzuko sat there in pain. He saw his master leaning over him “Master…did Ritzuko…do something wrong” he asked, his voice devoid of feeling. Keira held his cheek in her hand, smiling through tears “No Ritzuko! Of course not…Daddy is just..” she stopped. She didn’t want to think about him now. She wanted to help Ritzuko. She stood and held her hand to him “Hey, I’ll bet you’re hungry Ritzuko. Lets get some food in the kitchen.” She giggled as he stood, his tail wagging and a slight gleam I his grey eyes. “Really, Master?” he squeaked. She nodded and they took off down the hall together.
Ray walked down the main hall to the door. He was expecting company and wanted to be the one to meet them, lest Niania run and squeal to Keira. A large, black car pulled up to the door, driven by a young man. He opened the back door and out stepped a figure in black and red master garb. “I assume my kitten has been bad, Ray. Is he ready?” she said. “Damn it Yumi, I don’t know. That little piece of trash was laying on his back in the infirmary last I saw” he barked. Yumi stepped past him and produced a whip and leash from a bag. “Good…at least he is in a good position” she giggled. Her driver stepped behind her and followed. Ray walked behind the two, wondering what Keira would say to this, but it had to be done. The brat had to learn his place, and what better way than to scare him into obedience.
Ritzuko followed Keira into the large kitchen at the end of the west wing of the first floor. He was amazed at the beauty of it. It was as large as the slave shop and had every imaginable cooking implement. He looked to the counter and saw a rack of spices that was easily 8 feet tall and ten feet wide. The brick oven, used to bake bread , was being tended by a short, squat man. “Hello Hiro! What are you doing?” she asked. He turned, showing his large beard and mustache. “Hello Miss Keira. I’m making bread for the birds that visit my window. You’re father ordered too many sacks of flour, so I thought to put them to good use.” he explained as his eyes fell on Ritzuko. “Ahhh, this must be Ritzuko! Rollin told me you were here. I’m Hiro, glad to meet you.. If you ever get hungry just come see me! I’m the best cook around!” he said, laughing hardily. Ritzuko smiled, closing his eyes in a cute gesture. “Thank you sir!” Ritzuko squeaked. Keira went to Hiro and leaned to his ear. After a minute, he smiled and took out pans and spices. “No problem Miss Keira.” In minutes, he was making a meal who’s scent drove Ritzuko wild “It smell’s really good Miss Keira!” he said, licking his lips as his tiny fans showed. She giggled at his cute actions and led him back to the hall. “It will take a while to make so lets go out to the garden” She said. When she looked ahead however, she stopped dead in her tracks.
Rollin was standing next to Yumi and her driver. Rollin stepped forward and took her hand “Miss Keira, you are to come with me. It is time for your studies.” he said . Keira tried to resist, but Rollin forced her away “NO! Rollin, you are my friend, my bodyguard! Why?!” Rollin looked down at her, sadness sweeping his face “This is by order of your father. I cannot defy him. You know as well as I that he holds my life in his hand. He was the one who took me in when I had nothing. I cannot betray that loyalty” he explained. Keira hung her head and began to cry. She could do nothing. As they left Ritzuko and reached a corner, Rollin leaned down “Miss Keira, there is a secret passage up ahead that will take you to Ritzuko’s room. I can’t explain, but it maybe the only way”
Ritzuko watched her leave and turned to Yumi, terror in his eyes and a look of helplessness on his face. She giggled and signaled to her driver, who took the leash and connected it to his collar. “Mister Takahashi told me that someone has been a naughty little boy! Now I’m going to help you with that, Ritzuko” As he was led to his room, she began cracking the whip, getting ready for her time with the boy. The driver heaved the door open and held it for Yumi and the boy.. Ritzuko was pushed onto the bed and chained to the headboard by the man as Yumi removed her coat. “Now Ritzuko. Time for you to learn.”
Rollin stopped in front of a large statue of a Lion that had a hollow cross shaped mark on it’s head. He pulled his necklace off and pressed the cross into the mark. The lion swung to the side and revealed a narrow hall. Keira stepped inside as Rollin closed the passage behind her. She followed the path to a small grate and realized it was the old air vent that led into the 3rd guest room. She walked to the grate and looked into the room. Her heart stopped and her jaw hung open.
Ritzuko let out a scream of agony as Yumi let the whip slash into his back. She had removed almost all his clothing and placed a white T-shirt that covered only a few inches of his bottom half. She kept this up for a few minutes, completely undoing Ren’s work, then spun him around slowly and began to kiss his neck. “Ritzuko, my little kitten. Why do you not return with me? You know I can make it better for you” she whispered. She moved from his neck to his chest. She stood and ran her hand down his stomach until his eyes went wide in horror. He felt the cold stab in his body and began crying. The driver began to laugh “What’s wrong boy? Is Miss Yumi being too rough? Looks like she’s going easy on you.” “Oh hush Ryura, I love it when he cries! It’s just the most precious thing ever!” she moaned. Ritzuko began to feel dizzy as he struggled to keep conscious. She squeezed him with her hands and began to laugh wickedly. Ritzuko felt himself slip into darkness as he could only call out for one person. “M-master…Keira….” Ritzuko mumbled as he passed out in the chains
Keira’s eyes stung at the disgusting sight. How could anyone do this to another being, let alone Ritzuko. Keira ran back down the passage to the statue. Rollin opened it and saw her eyes filled with terror and tears. “Rollin! Its horrible! She is beating Ritzuko and she is…..groping him!” she cried, her tears falling to his shoulder. “ We have to do something or he may not make it! He is already hurt from the last time she did this. Please, Rollin!” she pleaded. Rollin thought quickly. He glanced around and dashed to the end of the hall. He grabbed the fire alarm system and found the test button. He pressed it and in seconds red lights and alarms activated throughout the house. Ray and Ren ran down to Rollin and saw him there. Yumi had dashed out in panic, leaving Ritzuko. Rollin and Keira dashed to him and unchained him using a large set of bolt cutters, careful not to touch his wounds. Keira looked around for a way to escape, her eyes resting on the window that led to the woods as Rollin opened it and waved her out. She leapt out, Ritzuko in her arms as if he were a child. The rest of the house was in confusion as they escaped to tree line. Rollin watched as the homes residence continued to huddle in confusion, not seeing the two. “Good luck young miss.” Rollin whispered
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