TW: Ableism with use of derogatory slang | Adultry | Attempted assault | Incestious feeling towards step-sibling | Death of parent's
This world was merely an echo of what it used to be almost a century ago, and perhaps this is what happens when the arrogance of man tries to play God. Like how the rich prey on the weak, and while religion didn't rule at the foundation of this society, the military was a governmental force that bound those around it. It was a double-edged sword where one wished to abolish their hold while needing them to stay protected.
One of the perfect examples is Gerald Somnus's pharmaceutical company. They cater to the rich and at times give "donations" to those outside the citadel as a sign of humanity. A facade with an interior motive.
Announcing these resources draws the attention of some of the problematic factions which they would try to track and exterminate them. Even taking the drugs that have expired and slapping on a new label to pass them off to those that were desperate. If it didn't work then not their problem. An easy cover-up.
Maybe that is why his mother couldn't stand being with her husband. From what she hatefully told Remiel was that to survive in Stronghold was about bartering one's life. Her family was made up of a combination of researchers and scientists. They looked in and out of Stronghold to create vaccines, at least they would try anyways. To go through data from the old world to see what can be recreated with the supplies they possess and extend out expeditions to collect materials they did not have. Depending on where the group went, Remiel was able to join them as a young boy, getting to see the mysterious world outside the wall.
Speaking of his father. As a father, some would think he held a strong parental love for his child, hardly. He had a great distaste and ever-growing hatred, disillusioned by the birth of his own offspring. For someone like Gerald, who cared about the way he looked, to have a son who wasn't ideal was a blemish to the name. Somnus. He took steps to get Remiel hearing aids. The boy voiced how it didn't work for him and made him uncomfortable, Gerald forced the issue even coercing Remiel to undergo surgery for an implant. His mother put an end to that quickly. Stating that their son was perfect the way he was and can thrive just like any other child.
As a compromise, Remiel was given speech lessons. The unknown of his voice always made him feel unbearably anxious, and painful, especially the way his throat would vibrate to make words or sounds. Usually catching himself cringing whenever he was pressed to speak. Knowing full well that he doesn't sound right and that no amount of lessons was going to remove, he quotes, "a retarded sounding son."
Eventually, the animosity between the two grew and ultimately, they had to move. Deciding it would be best to separate her son from his father. It was a smaller home, but it suited their needs better. Remiel's parents did try to reconcile with each other to show that they could work it out. Try was the keyword in their meager efforts. All his mother had to do was ignore the multiple affairs and undergo plastic surgery. Sadly, they botched the surgeries. The disfiguration to the breasts and lower abdomen was too much for his father to handle, so he reverted to all the affairs. Putting his mother in a terrible mental state.
Gerald did threaten to cut the two of them off financially at one point. She refused to sign a document and she was more than happy to announce that her family's company was thriving. Even throwing back the money for Remiel's school back at her husband to pay for it herself. To show that she had what it takes to raise Remiel alone and that he wasn't needed. The only other person who assisted in raising Remiel was his mother's brother who was a Combatives Training Instructor for the military. It was a good life for them for a while but nothing can remain like this, right?
The day his mother died was on his 13th birthday and he was the first to find her when he came home from school. Her body was found at the bottom of the stairs, her neck broken, and her eyes were wide open. She was dressed like she was ready to start the day and many believed that she just slipped on her way down the stairs. Birthdays were never the same after that.
At first, Remiel believed he was going to live with his Uncle or grandparents at the time. So imagine his surprise when his father brought him back home. It was a move to make him look like a father figure in his life while holding him hostage at the same time. That he will be provided for as long as the Valor family continued to do what he said. Simple.
A month later, his father remarried, gaining himself in addition a new son. She was a widow and inherited her husband's company which dealt with transportation. They were small but efficient so naturally, Gerald saw another great asset to add to the business.
The woman named Mary wasn't too bad. She sympathized with Remiel and hoped that her son, Trevor, would become great friends with him. Were they destined to be great friends? Perhaps. If they were raised in a household that cared for them. If they didn't have to try and prove their worth. If only they didn't have to deal with this stupid sibling rivalry...
How this twisted into something else on the other's side will always be a mystery to Remiel. Perhaps this strange fixation started with his failure at the Military Academy. That he dared to break free from his father's control and was able to thrive while the other was stuck where they were at. It didn't matter that Trevor got whatever he wanted, with conditions, but the lack of disregard from Remiel and no longer being the focus of their attention annoyed him.
Then tragedy struck the Somnus household once more. It was after one of the inner citadel's gala's when Remiel was contacted by his step-brother that an accident has occurred and he didn't wish to be alone. That Remiel was the only immediate family he had left and wished to grieve in their presence.
Of course, Remiel complied with such a request.
Trevor spoke to him like he used to before the pressure of them having to combat each other over everything took precedence. They drank. They cried. They watched movies that they both enjoyed.
Over the next few months, Remiel was convinced to move home. While he may not have been the heir, Trevor seemed to ask for his opinions about policies and safety measures. It was like Trevor was a completely different person, and Remiel liked his version compared to the other. He even asked why the new leaf and got, "I'm not being oppressed anymore."
The end of the year soon arrived with one of the largest parties of the year. It was natural Remiel felt out of place at the Christmas party, but he was there as Trevor's supporter. Doing his best to be friendly with some of the people there and dancing to the best of his abilities.
Trevor and Remiel eventually returned home. The two of them had too much to drink but it seemed Trevor was worse for wear. Once inside, Remiel started to help him get out of the stuffy clothes, not hearing a word that they were rambling about when he was suddenly pushed down.
Lips soon met his, desperate hands ripping open his shirt, and hips ground against him. They struggled. Fists flew. Despite coming out on top, he felt like he lost something. A sense of trust that was between them that was now bastardized.
By morning Trevor apologized. Remiel apologized too but he began to withdraw. Perhaps that is why he started to notice the gazes and touches more. The way Trevor acted around him.
It wasn't until Remiel discussed moving out of the home. For him to have his own space which Trevor reacted negatively to. Once more, Trevor tried to force himself on him. Like before, they struggled, and Remiel was able to win.
It was then that he was given an ultimatum. Be his and live in luxury. To have a voice and say on how to run the companies or... Or be removed. To be stripped of everything and tossed outside like trash.
Like the trash he was always told he was.
