"Resignation and Routine"

Suzuya's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with the familiar sight of the dingy ceiling above him. It was a new day, and with it, a new routine would begin. Eleven years had passed since his tenth birthday, the day that had marked the beginning of his descent into a living hell. Big Madam's cruelty had only intensified with time, and Suzuya had long since lost count of the number of times he had been beaten, stabbed with needles, or forced to endure her twisted desires. As he lay there, Suzuya's mind wandered to the events of the previous day. Big Madam had been in a particularly good mood, and he had been subjected to her "favorite" activity. The pain had long since numbed, replaced by a dull ache that had become all too familiar. He had learned to dissociate himself from the experience, to smile and tell her that it felt good, even when it didn't. It was a coping mechanism, one that had allowed him to survive this long. Suzuya's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Big Madam's voice was distant, but he could make out the murmur of conversation. He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and that's when he saw it - a small suitcase sitting by the door, packed with his belongings. Big Madam's face appeared in the doorway, a mixture of frustration and resignation etched on her features. "Today, you're going to leave with me," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "You're going to CCG academy." Suzuya's eyes widened in confusion. CCG academy? What was that? He had never heard of it before. As Big Madam led him out of the room, Suzuya caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He looked the same as he had when he was nine years old - small, fragile, and androgynous. The castration had stunted his growth, and he had remained frozen in time, while Big Madam had aged into a 40-year-old woman. The walk to the academy was short, but Suzuya's anxiety grew with each step. What would this place be like? Would it be better than his life with Big Madam? As they approached the entrance, Suzuya saw a group of people in uniform, their faces stern and unyielding. Big Madam handed him over to them, her expression a mixture of reluctance and obligation. "It's time for you to start your new life, Suzuya," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Suzuya's eyes met hers, and for a moment, he felt a pang of sadness. He had grown accustomed to her cruelty, and despite everything, he had developed a twisted sense of loyalty towards her. The rope snapped again, and Suzuya's attention was drawn to the sound of a zipper closing behind him. He turned to see Big Madam walking away, her back to him. The door closed, and Suzuya was left standing alone, surrounded by strangers. A gentle tug on his arm pulled him forward, and Suzuya found himself being led into a new world, one that was full of uncertainty and unknowns.