~ All standard disclaimers apply
~ Warning: See ToB- Ninmu
~ Tears of Blood: Batsu ~
"What were you thinking?" Whiplash, pained whimpering.
"I gave you an order." Another whiplash, more whimpering.
"I expect complete obedience," A crack, gasping.
"Without question." Another crack, thin wailing.
"Even though you knew the rules you disobeyed me." A dull thud, sounds of gasping.
"You know the punishment for disobeying a direct order." Hesitant affirmation. Pause.
"It would be a pity to dispose of my most experienced servant." Gasping quiets.
"I'll give you one more chance. Mess this up and you join Solo, understood?" Frantic nodding, attempts at thanks.
"Good. Finish your mission."
Understanding the dismissal, the boy scrambled to his feet. With a deep bow and jumbled thanks to the master, the slave left. He hurried through the long corridors, passing other souls without a second glance. The others barely took notice of the bleeding violet-eyed boy covered only by a tattered loincloth.
The soul formerly known as Duo Maxwell finally stopped before two huge doors. Ignoring the carvings in the wood he placed his right hand atop the dark brown handprint that served as a lock. He was rewarded with the doors swinging away from him. He hurried into the room and headed for the far wall.
When he reached his destination the boy inwardly smirked. Hanging from pegs were numerous pristine white robes. Of all the colors for the master to choose from, he chose white. Black seemed to be a more logical choice, considering the ones wearing these robes were sent out to kill living mortals.
After donning a robe the boy reached for the cloth-wrapped parcel previously hidden by the robe. Gingerly he picked it up, almost loathe to touch it. As if the robe weren't bad enough. Carrying one of these was like shouting out 'Hey, I'm on probation! If I mess this up I join Solo in eternal torture!'
Gripping his parcel the slave stepped out of the room. He door swung shut behind him without a noise. He padded barefoot down the corridor, cheeks pink with embarrassment as he noted the stares. Lowering his head to hide his eyes the slave hurried on his way.
He banged into someone rounding a corner. Wide violet eyes looked up to see another slave, this one in a dark green robe. Horror and embarrassment filled his eyes, cheeks darkening to red. Without looking the boy knew the other slaves, dressed in brown loincloths, had stopped in their tracks and stood, mutely staring at their two robed colleagues.
The green robed soul narrowed his eyes. He, too, carried a cloth-wrapped bundle, but this was not a slave facing the same discomfort as the braided one. The green of his robe stated that this slave had done something to please the master and, although his body had died, still continued serving the master out of his own free will. Therefore, he was higher, much, much higher in status than Duo.
Duo was in for another beating.
~ Tsuzuku