Under the clear blue sky, a boy named Ry Ford was playing near the riverbed. His older brother, Zen Ford, had been looking for his brother for quite a while now, and when he saw his younger brother enjoying alone, perhaps he had something evil on his mind; hence, he seized the opportunity to prank him, shoving Ry while being both strong and playful into the river.
Ry's clothes became drenched and soiled, and he was caught having fun when it was time for them to go to work. He confronted Zen with an accusing tone, lamenting the state of his attire. Zen chuckled mischievously because it was his intention all along. But Ry was not happy with his big brother's actions and was going to revolt.
Zen later defended his actions, "You should be working instead of playing, leaving me to sort the scrap on my own," Zen retorted, his laughter filling the air.
Ry scowled, his anger brewing, "Uncle told us not to do that anymore."
"We met him for the first time a week ago, and then 2 days later he's gone, I think he has already left us to rot here. Our supplies can only last for a week," said Zen.
The brothers, aged six and ten, bore the burdens of being held on the fringes of the galaxy, destined to inherit their parents' plight as slaves. The absence of their parents only made their little lives difficult to live, leaving them adrift in a harsh existence.
Zen sighed, aware of Ry's innocence regarding their circumstances. He knew it was time for Ry to comprehend their place in the world. With a heavy heart, he spoke, striving to impart the harsh realities they faced.
"Ry, we were born as slaves, and on a planet like Dhas, that makes us the lowest of the low," Zen explained. "Life isn't fair, and it's why we struggle, while our neighbour Paul feasts on meat, we scrape by on stale bread."
A guard suddenly materialised, his presence interrupting the brothers' conversation. Pushing Zen into the river, the guard callously marred his clothes as well. Zen questioned the guard's actions, his anger simmering.
"Why did you push me into the river?" Zen demanded.
The guard sneered. "Because you slaves should know your goddamn place."
Ry, unable to contain his indignation, lashed out at the guard. "You're an idiot!"
In response, the guard struck Ry with a powerful blow. Zen shielded his younger brother in a split second, taking the punch meant for Ry, his cheek stinging with pain. He quickly defused the situation, offering an apology on Ry's behalf.
"My brother is young and doesn't know right from wrong," Zen pleaded. "Please overlook his words."
The guard spat a final insult before departing, leaving the brothers alone in the aftermath. Seeing Zen's bruised face, Ry was overcome with guilt, blaming himself for his brother's pain.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," Ry expressed, his voice filled with regret.
Zen placed a comforting hand on Ry's head, his voice tender. "Why do you feel responsible? I should thank you for your bravery."
Ry's face brightened at his brother's words, a sense of relief washing over him. He couldn't resist boasting, his confidence restored.
"Hmph! You can thank me by letting me play more, okay?"
Zen grinned, amused by Ry's spirited response. He playfully dragged Ry towards the scrapyard, teasing him about the additional workload that awaited him.
"You think you're so brave and powerful, huh? Let's see if you can handle more work."
Meanwhile, a man with peculiar spots on his hands observed the pair from a distance. Intrigued, he approached the brothers, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"What happened? Why are you both so dirty and wet? And Zen, why are you dragging Ry like that?" the man inquired.
"Hello, Uncle Spot," Zen greeted, offering a half-hearted explanation. "Ry didn't want to work, so I had to drag him to the scrapyard."
Ry protested, eager to set the record straight. "Uncle Spot, he's lying! He pushed me into the river."
Uncle Spot attempted to calm the escalating tension. "Alright, stop fighting now. I have something important to tell you."
The gravity of Uncle Spot's words hung heavy in the air. He glanced at Zen's bruised face, his concern deepening.
"What happened to your face, Zen? Who did this to you?" Uncle Spot asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Zen hesitated, contemplating whether to fabricate a story. However, Ry, unable to keep the truth at bay, interjected.
"It was a guard who did it," Ry admitted, his voice quivering.
Uncle Spot's anger flared, demanding to know the identity of the guard responsible, and he asked, " There should only be one guard living near our house, and he and his family should have left yesterday".
He continued with a question, "Was it him? Or someone else?"
Though Zen was uncertain, Ry possessed an unwavering determination to get revenge.
"He wasn't Paul's father, they had already left, but I can recognize him, Uncle Spot. If I see him again, I'll tell you," Ry declared with unwavering conviction.
Pleased by Ry's confidence, Uncle Spot nodded appreciatively. Yet, before delving deeper into the real matter, he insisted on cleaning the boys up and tending to their well-being.
"First, let's get you both cleaned up," Uncle Spot suggested. "Afterward, we can have something to eat."
Eagerly, the boys followed Uncle Spot home. Their modest dwelling, consisting of two rooms and a bathroom, radiated warmth and familiarity. It may not have been grand, but it was a sanctuary they cherished.
"Go take a bath first, and then we'll have a meal," Uncle Spot instructed, guiding them to the bathroom.
Emerging from their refreshing baths, Zen and Ry caught sight of meat on the table. Their eyes widened with astonishment and hunger.
"No way! Is that meat?" Zen exclaimed in disbelief.
Uncle Spot grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Yes, it is."
Curiosity piqued, Zen inquired about the origin of such a precious commodity for them. Uncle Spot revealed that he had purchased it during his trip to the city.
Uncertain of their right to indulge in such luxury, Zen suggested that Uncle Spot sell the meat or keep it for himself. However, Uncle Spot dismissed the idea, determined to share this special treat with the boys.
"I bought this for us to enjoy together. Don't worry about it," Uncle Spot reassured them. "Besides, Ry seems to be drooling just from the aroma."
Unable to resist, Ry's mouth watered at the tantalising scent, prompting Uncle Spot's laughter. He refused to spoil their joy, relishing the sight of the boys savouring their meal.
Laughter and contentment filled the room as the trio relished the rare taste of succulent meat. Yet, amidst their fleeting happiness, Uncle Spot carried a burden—the knowledge he possessed about their parents.
After the meal, Uncle Spot encouraged the boys to play outside while he attended to the cleaning.
However, he couldn't escape the weight of his revelation any longer and called them back to talk. The brother's ran back inside to quickly hear what Spot had to say to them.
"Earlier today, I wanted to talk to you about your parents. I have some information," Uncle Spot admitted, his voice tinged with sadness.
Startled, Ry and Zen froze, their exhaustion from playing momentarily forgotten. Spot's grave expression betrayed the gravity of his words, sending chills down their spines.
"What?" they exclaimed simultaneously, their voices trembling with hope and fear.
Uncle Spot, his heart heavy, embraced the boys tightly, seeking to provide comfort in the face of a shattered reality.
"According to official records, your parents are no longer with us," Uncle Spot revealed, the truth hanging in the air.
Zen's world shattered, tears streaming down his face, while Ry, still struggling to comprehend, sought an explanation.
Spot held them both close, struggling to find the right words. "Ry, your parents went to work on another planet called RE-422. But a group of terrorists attacked the planet, not only seeking to kill its people but to annihilate the entire planet with a black hole bomb. Your parents... they didn't survive."
Ry's eyes welled up with tears, fighting against his own emotions to ask the painful question. "So... our parents won't come back?"
Uncle Spot nodded solemnly, his voice laden with sorrow. "I'm afraid not, my dear. They're gone."
The weight of the truth pressed down on them, a heavy burden too great for their young shoulders. Spot continued to hold them tightly, comforting them through their tears, understanding that no words could truly alleviate their pain.
Gazing upon their innocent faces, Spot clung to a sliver of hope. "But remember, being lost doesn't mean they can't be found. They might still be out there, searching for a way back to you."
As exhaustion finally overcame them, the boys cried themselves to sleep, their dreams coloured by longing and prayers for their parents' safe return. Spot tucked them into bed, a surge of determination coursing through his veins.
"I promise, Ry and Zen, I will protect you both with my life," Spot whispered to himself, his resolve firm. But thinks about not being able to be forgiven by his brother, Zen, and Ry's Father.
"I have wronged you, brother, and I can't be forgiven for the sin I have committed. My only way to atone now is to pull kids out of their slave status and take care of them till my last breath."
With that unspoken vow, the room fell into silence, save for the gentle sound of their breathing, a tender lullaby sung by the cold wind accompanying them into the realm of dreams.